Madness, I Tell You!!!

And just like that, Mardi Gras season is here!

At one point in time, I walked in a couple of parades.  Being a member of a walking krewe is certainly different than participating in the large, world-famous parades that splatter the covers of newspapers and magazines.  A walking krewe is the heart of Mardi Gras, at least to most locals.  Everything is handmade: costumes, float contraptions, and even the throws.  The stress and timing of making sure everything is ready for the big day can be overwhelming, but it is so much fun!  This year is the first in about 4 years, that I've actually missed being a part of all that.  So my friends and I are making it a priority to dress up in some sort of costume when we go to the parades this year.  It is fueling my longing for another walking krewe and to be a part of a parade again.........maybe next year.

It is also fueling my creativity!

Last week, we got together with a good friend of mine to decorate shoes.  She's in one of the "superkrewes" as we like to call them here.  A large krewe with huge floats, lots of fluff, and a treasured throw.  Much like the famous coconut from the Zulu parade, catching a shoe from the Krewe of Muses has become a milestone for some.  I am lucky enough to be on the inside.  I get to see the shoes before anything is done to them, where they come from, which shoes will be good enough, and.....this is the best part.....witness them become fabulous works of art! Being involved in the creation of these original pieces really brings out the creator in me...well...in all of us who sit at that craft table!


Glitter.......everywhere!  It's pretty awesome!       

I have a big idea in mind for a new body of work.  It may take a bit to plan out, execute, and get together, but I think it's going to be good.  I am way overdue for work that acknowledges where I'm from and where I'm at currently, geographically.  I've been studying maps a lot lately.  I mean, I always find maps interesting.  I like to compare old maps to new ones.  The fact that technology allows us to get picture perfect images of the world and its land is just crazy to me. I think about those guys who mapped out the stars that lead to rivers that lead to cities that lead to countries....with astonishing accuracy (in some cases, close enough).  I feel there is a pro and con to modern technology.  The pro being that it is so much more advanced, our accuracy is perfect.  The con however, is that I feel we've lost our sense of direction by relying on modern day advances in cartography. I'm going to stop there.  This could possibly be a starting point for the description of the body of work.  I'm going to sit on it for the weekend and read it later.
 
If you are in New Orleans, you should check out Where Y'art's latest exhibition, titled "Smoke and Mirrors". I am not in it, but I will have my notecards and magnets there.  Carnival themed artwork is always beautiful to look at and celebrate. I've seen some of the work for the show and I must say, WOW!  The opening is Saturday, February 7th from 5pm to 9pm at 835 Julia Street, downtown. Costumes are highly encouraged so bling yourself out, throw on a wig, and get out there!

One last thing, I am gearing up for a flash sale of artwork that needs a home.  Stay tuned for price slashes in order to make room for more art.  I don't do this often, folks, so if you find yourself in a position to do so, take advantage of this!

Until next time.........

2014

A whirlwind of a year.....just flashed by without a damn warning!

Many, many things have happened.  An art collective website launch, art shows, public art exhibits, markets, moving, restructuring the jewelry line, summer camp, work, new prints, etc.  It is really so much to talk about so I may just break it down into a small hand full of posts.  That way I'm not boring anyone silly because most of the time, I can talk A LOT when I get going.

Plus, really, who's actually reading this thing......3 people?

So let's see, here's a list of updates for the next couple weeks:

* What's up with me and 65+ local New Orleans artists with Where Y'art
* Thoughts on possible steps to do larger craft markets around the U.S.
* AxiomNOLA's big restructure announcement
* New work, new "official" business ventures

So on and so forth...

Tonight, Christmas Evening of 2014, I find myself sitting in the living room at my grandmother's house with my mom.  We are watching "Julie & Julia", about Julia Childs.  I've never seen it, she has.  This movie only confirms my love and admiration for cooking......and also reminded me that I need to keep this blog updated.  It is an important aspect of my art and art-making process, allowing me to think some things through (and possibly over-think them), but who's keeping track? (me)  So all of that being said, I have to add the blog to my to-do list of internet-related work, along with social media, website updates on inventory, and correspondence with markets and future colleagues.  I feel I may need to implement a calendar for the upcoming year.

I leave you tonight with a photo of the view from where I'm sitting.  The tree used to be larger and has been downsized over the years, but my grandmother never lets a Christmas go by without it.  Looking at it reminds me of family and waves of memories flood my head of past holidays in this house as a kid and an adult. It's nice and it's comforting and for some reason, it gives me a rush of confidence to keep going and doing what I love to do because time doesn't wait for anyone.

I will end this post with that thought.

Best Holiday Wishes!!

Tis the Season

The only reason I remembered to update this was because of a conversation I just had with a friend.

"Oh, that reminds me, I need to update the blog!"

So, here I am.

The jewelry line's schedule has been so ridiculous, it already feels surreal.  We launched the website, Etsy store, opened a Twitter account, and made an appearance on Instagram.  Juggling all of this is the real challenge.  I'm considering a blog strictly for the jewelry line so I can keep it separate from my art.  Don't get me wrong, both have their trials and tribulations.  I still need to think about it.

Website launch for the artist collective is in the next week or so.  Still trying to get it all together for that too.  They are setting me up to exhibit at the W Hotel in December (date is pending).  I know I've already said this, but the girls over at Where Y'art have really impressed me with their passion and drive to make this a successful venture.  I think I found something to light a fire under my ass.  Been sitting with my ideas and thoughts for too long.

Time to execute!

And that's what I'm off to do, folks......execute.  I'll be back after this week (which is VERY hectic) to sit, relax, and think this all through.

Stay tuned...

Mid-September News

Been super busy, folks....

Juggling a jewelry business and my visual art is............time.............consuming.

I had a photoshoot with photographer, Chris Jacobs, a week ago.  He works with Where Y'art Artist Collective (yes, the one I joined).  I just want to say right now that everyone affiliated with this organization is incredible!  From the first hand shake to the most recent email conversation, you will not find one single complaint from me.  I drop off my prints for product photography on Sunday.  I'm excited about that. Actually, I'm VERY excited about that.  It is so hard to get good-quality shots of prints.  I want to capture the small things that make printmaking so interesting to me, such as the indentation left by the plate after I run it through the press.  I hope they can get a detail shot of that.  It makes me giddy!  I'm also waiting for an email regarding a bio and a Q&A (biting nails).  Where Y'art's website launches in November.

Axiom is still hanging in there.  We put a small collection of our jewelry in Green Serene Boutique, on Magazine Street.  I personally love this shop and I end up buying something every time I go in.  They took 11 pieces, mostly statement jewelry, so we'll see where this goes.

Harrison Marketplace was our first big market, which happened last Wednesday.  I have two words: a tent. Those things are a pain to deal with, but we made it work.  Our first big market landed us zero sales though. No worries, we push forward.  After much discussion, we're going to participate in October's market on Harrison and we'll make up our minds about future opportunities there when it's over.  We are currently waiting to see if we are accepted into Freret's October market (since they wait-listed us for September).

In the meantime, our relationship with the Frenchmen Art Market continues to grow.  We are there just about every weekend, although only one or two days instead of all four.  Honestly, there isn't enough money to invest in a solid weekend there...yet, but we love the crowd and vibe is right so we are definitely not going anywhere.

Day job problems: organizing a book signing for Robert Sabuda, an award-winning pop-up book artist, scheduled for this Saturday.  Press releases, website updates, Facebook invites, Twitter Feeds, conversations with editors, etc etc.  It'll be cool to meet this guy for sure.  

Ciao!

August: Don't Judge Me, I'm Getting Better

Yes, I do have to say that I am getting better at the blog thing.  Once a month?  Well, that's certainly better than last year's record.

Hmm, what's been going on?

The RAW Artist Showcase for Axiom was an overwhelming success!  Our fashion show came together nicely and although we were very happy with the results, there are a few things we'd do different next time. But that's to be expected, right?  All of our friends and fans really came through for us, so if you're reading this (which is a bit exciting considering the massive popularity of this blog), THANK YOU so much for everything!  It really means a lot to have the support and encouragement.  As a matter of fact, the support was so great, we decided to up the ante and start doing markets!  No, not every market in town...only a few.  As of today, we've participated in the Frenchmen Art Market a few times.  It's nestled in a small parking lot turned market courtyard (@619 Frenchmen) right next to The Spotted Cat.  It is August, so we aren't expecting this huge turn out to buy our jewelry.  This past Sunday night was for the birds (most of the other vendors agreed).  Thursday and Saturday nights are probably better choices for sales.  I believe we are signing up for this Friday night.  That will officially round out the market nights and from there, we can decide which evenings will work best for us. We also applied for the Freret Market, located uptown, and the Harrison Market over in the Lakeview neighborhood.  Hopefully, something happens for us there.  Our Etsy store should be launching soon too.  We're excited about the Etsy experience.

Still getting my print work together for that artist collective.  I am so nervous about it, mainly because my work has never been exposed to a large audience through a collective.  Someone will actually be pushing my work alongside my efforts!  Of course, the organizers are all,"Don't be nervous, you are super talented and amazing!" I should just take that compliment and run with it.

A photoshoot of  my art-making process will be arranged in the near future.


  

I'm Not Available Right Now, Please Leave a Message....

....Beeeeep....

I have been incredibly busy!

Axiom was accepted into the RAW Artists: NOLA showcase "Elevations"!!!  It is on July 11th....THIS Thursday!  We've been working hard to get some new, larger pieces ready specifically for this opportunity.  We are having a small, casual runway show and then we have a table, which will have most of our inventory on it.  Things are really looking up!  I feel good about it!

I'm about to plan a big change in my apartment too.  I'm reclaiming my living space.  My studio, which takes up the first half of my apartment, is going back to a living room.  Yep, I'm doing it.  I've been in this apartment for almost 5 years and I'm sick of looking at the same things.  It's time for a switch up.

Trying to come up with cute ideas for the upcoming Mardi Gras season as well.  These ideas also have to be fast in nature, nothing that takes 5 hours to make.  I've been brainstorming all through my prep time for this week's show so I should be executing these ideas soon.  It may also make me feel good to get back into Mardi Gras, and not as an on-looker.  I did that last year.  Time to get involved again.  I'll post some photos as soon as prototypes are made.  Pinky swear!

Progression

Things just keep looking up!

We obtained our occupational license! Yay!!  It was a lot easier than we thought, for sure.

The art market we participated in was great!  Granted, we only sold a couple things, BUT we did get a better idea of the public's opinion and we handed out quite a few contact cards.  We made our booth fee back, which honestly was the one thing that HAD to happen for us to be happy.  Knowing it was a very small, quaint market, we really didn't expect to have a huge turnaround on our inventory.  The final decision is to do more markets; The ones where we can actually make sales.

First booth EVER!  It is indeed a work in progress.

Axiom applied for a spot at one of the upcoming RAW Artists showcases.  We were invited to join July's group of artists so we'll be there on Thursday, July 11th exhibiting & selling our jewelry.  Things are happening and we are excited for what the rest of the year brings to us.

The artist collective I spoke of in my last post......yeah, I'm joining it.  How can I NOT do something like that?!  I'm currently waiting to meet with them to discuss my work/process/aspirations.  Their interest in me mainly lies around me as a printmaker and I intend on keeping it that way.  It's about time my prints get out there.

Booth shot from the RAW Artists Showcase on May 24th.

I want to do a few mezzotints.  For those of you on the outside looking in, mezzotint is genre of intaglio printmaking (which requires an artist to incise, or etch, an image onto a metal plate).  Mezzotint is a member of this family, but you do not have to use acid to create the image.  Instead, a tool, called a rocker, is "rocked" across a plate, creating thousands of tiny dots.  These tiny dots result in a completely black-toned image when printed.  The magic happens when a burnisher is rubbed across these tiny dots, strategically flattening them. This is how the image appears.  It's like covering a piece of paper with graphite, then creating an image using an eraser, essentially working from dark to light instead of light to dark.  Most printmakers do not have it in them to complete a mezzotint.  It is very time consuming.  Since I'm a process-oriented printmaker, it only seems natural for me to experiment with the art form.  The resulting variants in tonality are the closest thing to achieving photo-realism in printmaking.  Maybe screenprinting can be a close second, but not quite like mezzotint.  Seriously.  Google "Carol Wax" or "Frederick Mershimer".  You will never get over  how beautiful and rich their prints are.

My problem is obtaining the rocker.  Those suckers are $120.00!!  All in due time.