"Originally A Cat"

"Originally A Cat"

Watercolor, Acrylics, Gesso

I guess I'm trying to figure out who I am as an artist. I keep evolving and changing at a rather rapid pace these days. I long for those days long ago when I consistently cranked out work in my one style. (Thought I had it down pat, but little did I know). Yet, face it, I know I would be bored if I used the same materials, same precise paint strokes, same colors, etc. etc.

So the Cat above is mimicking me, not sure who it is either. A little bit of this or a little bit of that. What fits its mood. A cat face, bird wings and a devil's tail, so to speak. I was in a rather dark emotional mood yesterday. Perhaps that accounts for the devil tail. Also, the paint strokes seem more expressive to me, which is an indication of my feelings erupting in my creative state. The eyes were added using some metallic paint and a little gesso to give them a glassy feel. The gesso on the body allowed for highlights.

I'm painting creatures that are more out of this world these days. Guess that's how I'm feeling, out of this world and into my painting zone......I seem to be tapping into some hidden realms within myself that are begging to be expressed.

Red Fox emerges at Sunday art fair!

"Red Fox"

Watercolor

Just wanted to chat a bit about my day at The Fields Art in the Garden fair yesterday. I decided at the last minute to exhibit and thought "What else am I going to do on a Sunday besides read the paper and loll around? A rather low crowd turnout and lack of publicity seemed to factor in. Thorough marketing of these events really makes a difference. There was an ad in a local paper advertising The Field's 40% off on daylilies but nothing about the art fair. Guess that was up to the art league to promote. I didn't get postcards to pass out as I was a last minute but wondered if it would have made a difference. Art fairs can be an iffy chance one takes, like gambling.

Still, when I got there I was in spot #23, I was the 23rd exhibitor and my birthday is the 23rd so the numerology and universal signs seemed to be falling into place positively. Though I did move to spot #25 due to the more dominant shade opportunities offered. Sometimes, life (weather) throws you these curves.

I painted the fox above while I was sitting at my booth. Jamie Sams from Medicine cards says the fox represents the ability to meld into one's surroundings and be unnoticed. ....Hm! Sitting there painting I tuned out the world and painted my critter. Not so conducive when I "should" be interacting with public. And the tie-dye t-shirt I was wearing did not allow me to meld into my environment, that's for sure. A double-edged sword. Fox symbolism relevant or not, no sales were evoked (while I was in my silent, crabby mood) until I started chatting and being friendlier and more interactive. A fine line though because you don't want to be too pushy! I felt better myself to tell you the truth to socialize, though I was glad I got a finished painting done too.

It's very hard work setting up and taking down a tent. Even with Frank there. The Plainfield Art League people came around and helped us with some of the physical labor. That was very nice. Also, a member offered to give me a break. I really like the members of this art league. They are friendly and seem to work as a team. Even though I don't belong, I'd consider joining if it wasn't so far West. An excuse, maybe?

I met some really interesting people on Sunday and the conversations didn't revolve around art at times. Still, it's all about connecting as human beings in whatever shape or form, in my opinion. Today I'm a bit sore and am laying low and reflecting by writing here. And wondering if I am artist, a healer, a writer or just me. I like me because sometimes labels restrict me too much.

Until we meet again!

Me