Re-Defining My Discipline

When asked what my discipline is, I usually answer "printmaking" without hesitation. It is what I studied in college, my concentration, and where my focus has been since 1998. I LOVE being a printmaker and sharing traditional methods with those who are curious. However, I find that as I evolve as an artist, so is my discipline......ringing to the tune of more than one of them.

I enjoy far too many artistic mediums to simply limit myself to one. I look around my little makeshift workshop at home and there are shelves full of potential: printmaking inks, oil paints, book art supplies, jewelry-making loot, paper and fabric for upcycled projects, the list goes on and on. After evaluating this reality, I've been looking closely into redefining myself as an artist....at least on paper.

This is something I've played around with in my head for some time, but it really didn't bubble to the surface until a week ago. I saw a video interview of and interdisciplinary designer. I forgot her name already. She designs home accessories, but also finds time to do poster design as well. She said she didn't like being put in a box and that it was ok to do several mediums. I'd thought this exact thing before, but it was in this moment I had a finalizing revelation: I am no longer JUST a printmaker. I am also a painter, a photographer, and a paper artist....among others. Mentioning this "Aha" moment was not surprising to a few friends, who all just responded with,"Uh, yeah.....you've been multidisciplinary for a while now." I mean, the light bulb has always been on inside my head, but that video just made it shine brighter.

I've been looking for a way to describe myself to others, ESPECIALLY since the Little Universes show. "What medium is it?" people ask. Well, I certainly can't tell them it's printmaking.

I found this little diddy the other day on Daric Gill Studios' blog site. It's broken down well...just in case you are also wondering where you might fit in.

So, it is safe to say that I will be changing my bios and such to reflect myself as a multidisciplinary artist now, instead of Tish Douzart, Printmaker.

Website/Blog Update

I let my subscription on my website host expire so dollhousepress.com does not currently work. I'm trying to figure out something else. I do still own the domain so that is not going anywhere!

So, what the hell has Tish been up to?

I'm still managing CJ Nero Gallery, a cute little gallery and gift shop in the Marigny. It's much less stressful and if there is any stress, it's the good kind. I am much happier here and I believe everyone is happy for me. We've had some great art shows, parties, and art classes since we opened and we have plans for so much more!

I had an art show in August, titled Little Universes. I finally took the leap and experimented with encaustics and mixed media! Everything exceeded my expectations! Granted, I had a few pieces that I struggled with, but who doesn't? So far, five pieces have new homes. I've developed a better sense of appreciation for my craft and look forward to further experimenting on future pieces.....hopefully much larger than before.

Halloween is Monday. I say that to remind myself that the holidays are pretty much here. Sigh. I need a couple of production days soon so I can bump up the inventory a bit. Anticipating it to be a good year! I know I've made some unfulfilled promises to myself over the last 12 months. I need to remember that things happen when the moment is right and some things are not meant to happen. But before I get too deep here...

Gonna leave it to that for right now, but I felt a quick update was in order. Things are moving around and switching over so I'll be back here on Blogger until I can figure it out.

I leave you with a few photos of my new work.

Photos courtesy of Whereyart.net. Photo credit: Josh Brasted

A Slow Time for Prep Work

So let's backtrack a bit with a proper update....

Yes, I was accepted into the Jackalope Arts and Crafts Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. No, I did not accept my acceptance. A new business venture was presented to me a bit earlier than expected so I couldn't say no. All of my time was spent on opening up the new gallery and gift shop so I didn't have any extra time to make anything for Dollhouse Press. That being said, this new role has not been for nothing! I've had an AMAZING time meeting new people, getting closer to friends I haven't spent a lot of time with, and organizing fun and lively events with artists and colleagues who see the bigger picture. Permission was granted to put my marbled notecards and magnets in the shop and I've sold more of my inventory in two months than I've sold in a year's time! I know it was the holidays and all, but damn! I'm not complaining! It gave me a nice little bonus to get some much needed things crossed off of my to do list. Much time has passed between updates, but I am really trying to get better at this.

Since January is typically a slow month in New Orleans for retail, I started prepping more paper for another long run of cards.  I'm also working up some ideas for more paper products. I'd love to get my cards in more local shops around town, two locations at minimum. Working on that as well.

My etching series, Nourish, is not completely off the table. My previous job afforded me the privilege of full access to a print shop. I no longer have this. It is a bit harder to gain access to the proper equipment and supplies needed. Actually, I do have most of the supplies, but doing it at home is a bit tricky. Most of it is toxic and I really do not want to expose myself, my best friend, and our fur babies to improperly ventilated chemicals so I've placed it all on a temporary back burner until I figure something out. I may take the time and bring the images over to the letterpress format, just to get them out there.

I finally got my website up and running! Dollhousepress.com has been live for about 4 months. The infrastructure let me connect my updates on Blogger, but that's it. It does not update itself if I post here. I'm posting in both places until I can work on a solution. The site is pretty basic for the time being, but all the important stuff is there.

Much needs to be done but today, I cut down paper.........and take down these neglected Christmas decorations...geez.