The day I found art in a bookstore

Tonight a couple of friends and I decided to go to local bookstores armed with a camera and list of items to photograph. When we got back to the house and uploaded pictures onto the computer each one of us took turns describing what the photos represented. I loved the three different perspectives we all captured, some pictures were literal while others possessed an artistic flair. We are all competitive so every one brought their "A" game. Even though 100% of my work revolves around paint I felt very comfortable behind the camera, I also learned a couple of things from my photographer friends. The exercise definitely helped me to realize that my life can be art, creativity is often free, happiness comes in abundance when in good company and laughter is medicine for the soul.

Where should our next photography scavenger hunt take place?  What do you think should go on our list to photograph? (Keep it clean please)

Who supports your art career?

For the next couple of weeks I am consciously going out and searching for different sources of inspiration.  Recently I had a painting in an exhibition at the African American Museum in Dallas, unfortunately there were only twenty five people in attendance, half of those in attendance were friends that I had invited.  Although the exhibition didn't garner lots of recognition from the public I felt like an art icon because I had friends that came to support me.  I only had one painting on display.  This week I am choosing the support of friends as my source of inspiration.  Thanks to all of those individuals who continue to show support throughout the years.

More sales next year?

I have been sketching lately as a way of getting back to the basics.  My art is heading in a new direction and I am trying to enjoy the transitioning process as much as possible.  Initially I expect a lot of trial and error but in time something great will come from all of the experimentation.  In the future I am going to try and blog at least once a week preferably a Monday or Tuesday. 

I feel good about what the new year will bring, what are looking forward to doing artistically next year?

Has this ever happened to you?

I love the fact people don't take artists seriously.  When you go to tell people you are an artist they look puzzled and then typically ask what else do you do?  There is some type of implied suggestion within their assuming face that no one can live off of an artist salary, as if there is a starting salary.  I am a homeless person aspiring to eat one day otherwise known as a starving artist would be a better introduction during small talk.  Not only am I an artist but soon becoming a comedian.  I can see it now my next piece will not be a piece at all instead I will create performance art centered around the conversations of an artist. 

person 1: so what do you do?
me the so called artist: I'm an artist (confident or at least the fake it to you make it confidence)
person 2: oooh.....okay
person 1: so what else do you do?
me the so called artist: pause....wtf!...not again (all of this is said in my head of course)
me the so called artist: still on pause....well I am a visual artist
person 2: so you sale artwork?...(puzzled look).....really?
person 1:oooh well good look with that
me the so called artist: mom....why do I have to repeat myself over and over again
me the so called artist: (puzzled look)
person 2: silence...

Art first....what do you think?

The art always comes first.  When you compromise the art everything else is sacrificed.  Personally I make art for me, myself and I and think about others as an afterthought.  If no one buys my work I want to be able to place my piece on the wall and have a sense of pride.  Everyone operates differently so tell me as an artist what comes first for you and why?

M.I.A.

I haven't been on top of my game lately.  At times I feel that my shot just isn't falling so it is time to get on the free throw line and concentrate.  My focus has been on the "100 Campaign", sales and marketing.  This art thing is 80% mental, which is why I have the sports references.  Micheal Jordan's will to win was all mental, not in his ability.  I am on a mission to channel that same energy into the daily activities in creating art.  In basketball some games are determined by one shot, a simple free throw.  We all have a specific style or technique and skill using certain mediums but the real art is in the business of selling and promoting your art.  I recently started a consulting service catered to those artists who are looking for assistance in understanding how you operate as a business entity, for more information go to (http://www.theartplan.org/).  I have taken a step back from the "100 Campaign" to concentrate on other issues surrounding my art.  Thanks for all the support near and far!

99 Problems

Back in Business!  I am back on the grind painting again for the "100 Campaign".  Special shout out goes to fotioszemenides I can't thank you enough for your words of wisdom.  Although the struggle continues so does my hustle and positive attitude towards making sense out of this project.  I feel the campaign is a true reflection of what many people are enduring financially, personally and emotionally.  Last week I was stuck on the road blocks not feeling inspired, instead gradually becoming pessimistic about continuing the campaign.  There I was staring out my depleting paint supply and lent filled pockets thinking it is time to throw in the tile and call it quits.  What happened to the vision, the plan, and the art supplies?  Refusing to abandon my path and staying the course is the only way to go forward at this point.  Initially I had in my mind what materials I would use to paint with and the composition I would produce for each painting.  Due to those same road blocks I am looking to go in a different direction and try new mediums.  If you have recently quit a project take what lessons you learned from your failures and apply them to a new challenge in your life.  This project helps me to stay focused on the bigger picture, affordable art work for those individuals who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford some of my previous paintings, and more importantly a challenge to artists to start their own money making projects. 

Even if I fall short and only produce 99 paintings I will have no regrets.  I might have 99 problems but a painting ain't one.....hit me!  http://www.rosieleeart.com/ and check out the "100 Campain"

Take it to the streets

Today a friend and I setup our paintings on the corner of a busy intersection.  Although people stared and made comments from their cars I never once thought why am I doing this?  We predicted the police would stop our hustle within the first thirty minutes but were pleasantly surprised to see them looking at a distance in admiration.  Everyone who walked up to ask about our art work all had great things to say.  The experience was quite enjoyable especially the idea of taking art to the streets for all to see, public art at its finest if you ask me.  At the end of the day I realized art is simply meant to be shared and why not share what you love with others.  Regardless if I am at a corner near you or in a fancy gallery the passion for making art will remain the same. 

Due to accumulating expenses I have to postpone the "100 Campaign".  I have learned so much from this project and want to personally thank everyone for their support.      

"AT A CORNER NEAR YOU"--Rosie Lee

Fame or Die

I feel destined for fame but what is more important than fame is success.  Sometimes fame can be overrated and overwhelming given the expectations your admirers place upon you as an artist.  Actually if I was a famous artist I often wonder what would happen to the hunger I have to prove others wrong, surpass others expectations and that deep desire to establish ideas from a grassroots level.  Currently I have an edge because I have yet to be discovered by the masses.  I'm sure it is this edge that keeps me up all night fighting sleep to become the artist I expect to be regardless of fame.  If I become a famous artist worldwide or just in my small town what matters most is how successful I am at being a positive influence upon others through art.  To be young, gifted and famous--Rosie Lee

New Chapter in the Book of Life

I am really looking forward to the new changes that are taking place in my life.  One of my favorite quotes is from a college professor whose name I no longer remember but this statement will forever stick to my mind like a permanent post it note, "people don't resist change, people resist being changed".  I find this quote speaks to those individuals who will often complain about how certain things need to change in their life but aren't willing to change themselves in order for the change to come to fruition.  Resistance is futile.  The "100 Campaign" is requiring me to make some necessary changes regarding my work ethic.  Please remember change can be good....change one's perception you change one's reality and at times you are the only one that counts.

Success is often measured in how you overcome adversity--Rosie Lee

$100 Campaign!

Tomorrow is a big day for me...."100 Days/100 Paintings/$100 Each Campaign" officially begins.  This project is a major undertaking but I know the experience will be life changing.  I am embarking on this new journey as a full time artist and setting out on a path to prove the labels placed on artist typically don't apply.  Below is a brief summary of what I will accomplish in the days to follow:
 

Artist Rosie Lee will document the launching of “$100 DAYS:PAINTINGS:EACH” campaign.  The 100 campaign is very simple Rosie Lee will paint a new piece each day for 100 days beginning on September 7, 2011 and all paintings will be priced for $100.  This popular painter, muralist, and blogger’s ultimate goal is to challenge the status quo behind the notion of a starving artist by leaving her full time job the first day of the campaign.  Rosie feels with a simple idea an emerging artist can make money by aiding those who are willing to support a cause with limited access or resources.  The campaign will be documented through photography as well as video and placed upon various social networking sites such as YouTube and Facebook.  Lee plans on blogging to chronicle the lessons learned throughout the process.  Potential customers will be asked to send in their head shots as inspiration giving Lee a vast amount of subject matter to choose from.  Go to http://www.rosieleeart.com/ to take part in this campaign.

Signing out...A STARVING ARTIST EATING PAINT!

Rosie Lee "the new face of art"

Tenacity to the Audacity

Tonight while at the car wash trying to exchange paper currency for silver coins a man approaches.  At first I thought he was homeless and going to ask for some change given the opportune time, instead he asked if I had seen the movie "Babershop".  I respond with a yes and politely decline his offer of a bootlegged copy.  Of course most people would stop there but not this man who owned a fairly new E-class Benz.  Yes the sight was quite a contradiction.  Next he tried to sell a porno and tennis racquet, I declined both thinking in the back of my mind what is next.  It gets better because he gave a one time discount especially for me, all the merchandise at the low price of fifteen dollars. Lol!  Trying not to laugh and ask a couple of obvious questions surrounding his car I came to realize his tenacity and hustle was persistent.  After saying I had no interest in playing tennis he suggested I buy the tennis racquet as a gift for a friend or family member who could possibly teach me how to play the sport.  I don't agree with his merchandise but I have to give the man credit for having the balls regardless of his image to hustle for a few dollars.  By the way this was an older gentleman in his late forties or early fifties.  He even suggested I come back in a couple of weeks because he would have more of a variety of things.  One of the lessons I learned from this salesman was to never under estimate the opportunity for a sale and always be prepared to have more than one reason why your product will work best for a client or customer.  As a full time artist I am learning my marketing strategies from the advertising and branding gurus to the petty hustlers at car washes.  Knowledge and wisdon can come from the most unsavory and unlikely characters.

Simple Questions? Simple Answers!

I have come to realize the things we know for sure in life are very simple and direct.  The simple lessons you have learned in life are often times the most difficult to apply.  Simplicity is very pure and expects your best on a consistent basis.  Also the thing you desire to do most is very obvious and apparent.  Why are the simple things in life so easy to ignore, apply and overlook?  If we take a step back and consider less is more within the context of keeping art simple the answer to our problems will be directly in our face.  A solution to most of your art problems no matter how big or small can be typically found within the problem itself, you just have to search for the simplest answer.  What are you looking to accomplish?  What materials will you need to be successful? What are your long term goals?  What kind of artist are you?  What is the meaning in this piece?  All these questions deserve little thought when you keep it simple and very direct, every one of these answers should be less than ten words.  If you go over ten words then go back to the drawing board and pay attention to what your spirit is saying, what your intuition is saying, what your inner wisdom is saying and most importantly what God is saying!  Keep it simple!

Switch it up

Last week while playing a game of basketball at the local recreational center I suffered a minor injury.  As the day progressed so did the pain in my right thumb followed by swelling.  I couldn't believe my thumb was out of commission which basically meant no painting for at least a week.  A miraculous thought came over me; why not use your left hand to awaken different parts of your brain when creating art?  This experiment of art therapy would later open my mind to new levels of consciousness.  I found myself producing rough sketches riddled with wiggly lines and deformed shapes, but they were all natural and unpredictable.  Although we learn through repetition sometimes things become routine and make your daily task mundane.  The simple gesture of sketching with my left hand breathed new life into my art work.  Every day I could see progress being made in the background of a drawing as well as some of the detailing in the faces of my subjects.  After the third day I realized why use one hand when I am blessed with two.  This epiphany made me take a real hard look at what I considered to be resources and what I take for granted.  In addition, I learned you can take a challenge or what seems to be an obstacle and use it to your advantage.  If done properly creativity will be unleashed from a place you least expect.

Hunger Pains!

Hunger pains should be common place to a starving artist, right?  No!  There is no comfort when you’re starving; everything begins to hurt not just your stomach.  When you are starving obviously stomach pains are apparent, but the headaches and irritability happen to surface and there can even in some extreme cases be temporary hallucinations.  Who wants to work with all of these ailments serving as a constant reminder of  shortcomings and failures?  The stress of not appealing to the masses and feeling your success is not happening due to things outside of your control will starve your soul to death.  I would rather have an appetite for success as the next emerging artist than to suffer from hunger pains due to a societal label better known as "the starving artist".  The title you wear is what you advertise to the public, the canvas is your book of life where many chapters will unfold to tell stories of tragedy and triumph.  As an artist I never want to be wasteful, not of my talent or art supplies for that matter.  I’m learning it is best not to take anything you have or own to create art for granted.   The idea is to take all of what you have and creatively utilize your resources to build a foundation of constant progression.  If we shall reap what we sow then we must change with the seasons and prepare ourselves to harvest under the worse conditions, otherwise we might not eat.  If the soil is not fertile then we might have to move to a different space emotionally or physically.  If the fertilizer doesn't enrich the soil to produce edible crops then we must change up our sh!t sort to speak and do what comes naturally.  By this I mean your art should have substance and purpose.  The soil is art ready to be plowed for seeds to grow, and the fertilizer is your mind creatively tilling the field making sh!t happen.  Why take on the mindset of a starving artist if we are suppose to eat to live and live to eat?  What you put in and what you put out is a direct reflection of what you are made of as an artist.  Art should be a religion and a way you live your life, and what you create people should want to eat it up like the crackers at communion.  Going into the art world with a starving artist attitude will produce nothing but struggles that will keep you famine.  If you simply utilize what you have by making necessary changes then your career as an artist will be fruitful no matter the season.  Call me farmer John.

Don't Worry All of You Sellouts!

If you are worrying about selling your art work stop now.  Nothing positive has ever come out of worrying.  Try to worry over everything important in your life for a week and see if anything good, great or miraculous happens.  Anxiety and fear usually accompany weary thoughts which dampen your mood and prevent progress.  The last thing you want to do as an artist is paint with nervous energy.  Confidence should show in your work from the beginning to the end, if not then you start over or try something new the next time around.  There will be many mistakes along the way as an artist from your bio to the next potential masterpiece, but you have to remember there is nothing to worry about when you have prayed for everything that matters.  Every time anxiety creeps in my mind and stress begins to tighten muscles I think back to an old buddhist proverb I learned years ago.  "If you can fix the problem what is the need of worrying, if you can not fix the problem what is the use of worrying".  Art is the problem solver.  Creativity is the equation.  The solution is believe in yourself!  SOLD

AS AN ARTIST WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?

I typically don't share personal passages from the pages of my journals but I came across this last night and felt renewed after reading these words:

For the past two years I have vehemently been working to master three principles: faith, patience and humility. My faith was tested at every turn as we prepared for this show from a spiritual as well as financial standpoint. I have never been so broke in my life and at times broke down. In order for God to work his magic I had to wait for the right person to appear.  Despite all obstacles I would encounter the only way I was to receive a blessing was first I had to work on my faith in him.  I am learning as you wait on God keep believing and doing God’s work in the interim to allow doors to open. If you stop short and give up all of your work will go in vain and the discouragement you feel will turn your passion into doubt and fear. Patience will make you become resourceful and realize you must exhaust all possibilities before giving up. The key to unlocking patience is finding humility within yourself to ask for help. I’ve come to realize when we approach problems whether it be in the art world or real world typically we are wanting results based on the things we want.  We desire these things before we have discussed with God what we are willing to do for him.  How can God work with us when we aren’t willing to work for God? One thing I know for sure is that people are willing to buy into what you are selling if it is apart of doing God’s work.

After today God will be my CEO and number one art critic!- Rosie Lee

Originality is underpriced!

I recently learned if you are not making a connection to your art "authenticity" is missing.  Once a piece is finished there should be a connection between artist and viewer where interpretation has no bounds.  An element of truth in your work is based upon the authenticity of your voice as an artist.  Art made with substance takes on a meaningful relationship in the mind of the viewer.  The canvas is a platform in which you have the attention of the world, chose your words carefully.  If you don't love your art people in general will not like your art.  The connection initially should be so strong you are hesitant to give your work away!  As an artist what are you really trying to say compared to what you think people want to hear.   

Who Are You...Ooooh An Artist?

Every artist must first define what it means to be an artist?  Your definition will change as your life begins to change, which means you must have a strong foundation of who you are in the beginning, middle and at the end of your career.  It is imperative to understand who you are in order to shape who you want to become.  We can replace the word shape in the previous sentence with "define", it is imperative to understand who you are in order to better define the person you desire to be.  Some may take on the title of "starving artist" while others will accept "emerging artist", no matter which title you claim the important aspect is understanding what it means to be an artist by your standards.  In life living up to your expectations is always easier than living up to the expectations of others because after all you know yourself best.  Others can control who you will become when you lack the ability to take ownership in who you are, your destiny is no longer defined by you but by the image and expectations of other people.  If knowledge is power then knowledge of self is empowerment, and with empowerment comes freedom and the opportunity to create your own happiness.  Ultimately the plan is to present your worth to the world but first you must know your value, therefore knowing what it means to be an artist by your own definition is priceless!

Can't Get This Sh!t Right!

The piece I instantly fell in love with is no longer in love with me.  I can see the potential for greatness within the canvas but feel it is time to walk away for a couple of days.  I'm sure after I revisit the canvas some of the issues and challenges will appear as fresh and new opportunities to create change.  Over time I have realized the best way to overcome a challenge is to simply change your approach, not all battles need to be fought head on.  When frustrations are mounting the most difficult thing is finding the right moment to remove yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually from the project.  Although I'm frustrated and tired of making mistakes I refuse to quit, this piece is symbolic of my art career, instead of painting a piece I'm trying to gain some peace.  I'm out....resting!   

Dating ART

A couple of years ago I begin to court the idea of painting, now three years later I'm in love.  In art you fuss and fight with a specific piece, and then after a couple of changes you make up.  Actually when beauty presents itself on the canvas you soon forget what you were fighting for in the first place.  Art can be wonderful in the beginning like any honeymoon phase until the difficult years creep up, the time when you second guess yourself because the work is no longer selling.  This is a time when you have to learn once again how to nurture art, life takes you through many phases and presents several challenges.  Advisers like Bacon, Rothko, and Warhol are at your local gallery and museum offering counseling and wisdom to anyone willing to observe and listen, often times for FREE!  I have made vows and a commitment to art, therefore we are in this together til death do us part!  Art was not my first love nor my only love, but will forever be the love of my life!

WORK IN PROGRESS

Life can sometimes be a constant "work in progress".  I'm currently working on a new piece that I am growing to love.  In the beginning I made several changes to no avail.  After the second or third change I finally got into a groove and zone, so far the portrait is about 50% complete.  I am incorporating pastels in the piece as well as thinking of using wallpaper which is all new to me.  Working with familiar materials in a new way helps to release creativity.  Painting, a job and even a relationship at some point will be a work in progress, meaning there is a learning process that has to take place in order for you to grow.  I never want to become complacent in my work, progression is a good thing.  Time to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk!

Life is a canvas not a b####!

The canvas is symbolic to my life, blank and ready to be fulfilled with whatever I imagine.  If you are good at what you do I have come to realize it is because you quickly learn from your mistakes.  Painting is the most frustrating and challenging thing I love to do.  As I try to live up to my own expectations and figure out how to navigate through life, I often reflect back to the process I go through every time I paint.  Once you begin to see God in your work the outcome will always be fruitful and beneficial for others.  Art for me will always be more than a means to making money or becoming famous, this is my life.  In the words of Carrie Fisher, "I don't want life to imitate art, I want life to be art".  And at the end of the day both life and art will be whatever I make it!

Controlling anxiety!

Patience is definitely a virtue, unfortunately one I don't exercise enough of when I'm feeling anxious.  While painting the only elements you control within that moment are the tools in which you use to create art.  For me the paintbrush, oil stick, spray paint, palette knife, and canvas are all things I can freely alter and change at will.  I try not to think will this piece sell or what kind of criticism will I receive when I go to display my paintings.  Truthfully, I don't control the outcome of other people's opinions nor their expectations of my work.   If I can remain persistent and at the same time demonstrate patience everything will work itself out in life and art.

Opportunity

I have a chance to display some old work at an upcoming event but I will have to pass.  The quality of my older work is not as good as what I am producing right now.  This presents a problem because I might be passing up a potential sale but my name is on the line.  I always want to present my best self through my art.  Taking advantage of an opportunity is great only when you have clearly prepared for the potential outcome.  I feel preparation speaks to your work ethic in the art world.

Fatigue...Sick and tired of being sick and tired!

I'm really tired but I know persistence is the only way to overcome adversity and understand the meaning of success. I once heard Bill Cosby say, "the definition of success is the absence of failure". What artists learn from their failures can mean the difference between a masterpiece and bullsh!t on canvas. Fighting through fatigue and mental blocks typically produce a "hunch" or flashes of inspiration...another late night of thoughts, paint, and failures. "quitters never win-winners never quit"

A STARVING ARTIST EATING PAINT

This journey on becoming an artist continues to teach me invaluable lessons on life. The sacrifice and long hours that go into making art is priceless. I found a fortune in a cookie that reads, "doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness"-this statement is a testament to what I am trying to accomplish every time I pick up a brush. After I walk away from a piece if I don't see my heart and soul then I haven't accomplished anything but the ability to haphazardly place paint on a canvas. Until we meet again--