Random thoughts of an artist at 11:30 pm

Yesterday after watching the documentary about Ai Wei Wei “Never Sorry”, now more than ever having a story that people can invest in and connect to as an artist is huge. The connection of your story can either make you or break you and can be the determining factor of your success, even more so than your art work. Artists who reach the status of icons and become celebrities beyond art circles are followed by wealthy collectors to the average Joe. There is something about their story that goes beyond the canvas, at this point their celebrity becomes a vehicle to a larger purpose and mission. In order for followers to rally behind a movement there has to be a leader or set of leaders who possess charisma that is unconventional and infectious. This inert belief by the chosen leaders in the art world who convince us that personal sacrifice is most beneficial for the collective in return place an expectation of sacrifice upon each individual within the collective. Once accountability and responsibility is handed down from the artist to the public with a sense of importance, history is made, a movement is set in motion and the artist(s) become a conduit for change. Once the larger society of people begin to take notice beyond the art world the effect an artist has on the public becomes paramount to the society as a whole and more specifically to race, culture, generations, and etc. For some strange reason I think the aristocratic society secretly cheer for the underdog and victims of the society they help to support both out of guilt and greed, of course they too are victims plagued by an absence of humility or in the worst cases an absence of humanity. No matter your exposure to the arts learning and developing an appreciation for art in a broad sense helps to remind us that we are human and the artists in their imperfections are constantly trying to reach perfection within their imagination, medium, space, instrument, stage and so on only to come back to the essence of humanity. I’m not beating up on the rich after all we love their financial support especially when they help fund the next big project or buy into the next big artist. These well to doers are typically surrounded by privilege which means they have options, resources and opportunity as well as economic influence. Therefore suffering to them is in the form of image not discrimination or inequality. I would say the upper echelon see the unorthodox celebrity artists subconsciously as visionaries who take on social responsibilities with a sense of courage and integrity they lack. There is a certain power associated with money but this power doesn’t compare to the power and actions that are exercised by values and values are ignorant to the power of class or social status….random thoughts. What makes you as an artist valuable?

No paint No gain

This past weekend I painted until it hurt and enjoyed every minute. I’m ready to move onto the next level the canvas will not hold me back.

“To be stopped by a frame’s edge is intolerable”—Clyfford Still

Rediscovering what you already know

I don’t want to make something you never seen before I want to make something you’ve seen before in a new way. I’m talking about being innovative with my art, I figure originality will come out of seeing my paint, brushes, canvas…etc. as a medium to rediscovering functionality and purpose. What would happen if my tools became functional sculptures and the application of painting became performance art? Paint. Explore. & Imagine!

“I don’t want life to imitate art. I want my life to be art” –Carrie Fisher

When painting...what is on your mind?

"I don't think about art when I'm working I try to think about life"--Jean-Michel Basquiat

Oak Cliff: In Transit

My thoughts on preparing for the Oak Cliff: In Transit show July 14, 2012 at the Oak Cliff Culture Center in Dallas, TX.

I believe my work is a blend of abstract portraits influenced by expressionism and graffiti. There is a movement to incorporate graffiti within traditional contemporary spaces. I am trying to draw between the fine line of contemporary graffiti and modern day expressionism. Expressionism is described as having brush strokes that give way to the process where painting becomes an unplanned event inspired by emotions. I want each painting to be very simple, obvious and recognizable to the point people feel the need to fill a void with their imaginations. My work should look as if a child could achieve the same affect yet have an element of difficulty that relates to the authentic character found in my usage of line and form, how I infuse the two elements of line and form is the distinct individualistic approach to art I am trying to perfect. There is something often profound when simplicity makes you think beyond the obvious. Simplicity that creates intrigue is difficult to do but can have major rewards. When I think of simple works of art Basquiat, Picasso and Haring come to mind, so many people try to duplicate their works but fail miserably which is the main reason why their work is timeless. Art people study throughout history will always be relevant in the present and necessary to the preservation of the art being created for the future. –Rosie Lee

From point A to point B

Time to revisit and rethink goals.

“If you don’t know where you are going, then how will you know when you arrive”—Jack White.

#1 Art Fan and Critic

GOD.

For Art Lovers Only: Must be 18 and older to read

Dear canvas,

I can’t help but to think it is over between us. Here I am back at the drawing board where it all began. I try my best to read you but find myself walking away speechless. Could it be just a misunderstanding? Let me guess you have heard it all before and find yourself tired of the excuses. I’m sorry for the mistakes I’ve made and I promise to do better next time. Its not you it’s me. Can we still be friends?

Love with blank stares,

Rosie Lee

TRUST THE PROCESS NOT THE PROGRESS

Understanding what is essential and what is a necessity helps me to filter out specific distractions within my art. No matter how complex the technique or application the simplicity behind the approach brings clarity to the vision and outcome. Last week I asked about “the approach” but this week I want to pose a question regarding your process.  I believe the easiest way to influence others is by appealing to their emotions. For me exploring the pain and struggles associated with painting allows freedom and truth to capture both positive and negative aspects of what I create. What emotion(s) are present within your creative process? How do your emotions affect your creativity?

The Approach

When I go to create a painting two things are bound to happen: the possibility of failure and the opportunity to succeed. How do you approach the canvas?

The Bullsh!t and Bandwagon

I feel as artists one of our major job duties is to add value and beauty to the canvas. If we are successful the return is an exhibition, unexpected call from a collector, interview from a local magazine or a sold painting. I swear the art world is a circus, the artists are the performers, the institutions are the trainers and the audience is there to cheer on this spectacle clueless to the sacrifices made in the name of art. What comes out of The Greatest Show on Earth is either pure genius or bullsh!t, everything in between is just to appease the crowd during intermission or until the next big thing/movement comes along. What happens when you become the star of the show? What do you do when you are faced with the bullsh!t and bandwagon. Who are we fooling or clowning? When do you fertilize your pockets or shall I say canvas with the bullsh!t and do you jump in the bandwagon with the so called sellouts, after all you have bills to pay? Let me further explain what I mean when I say the bullsh!t and bandwagon.

Have you ever been at a loss of words explaining a piece of art work at a fancy show? This means two things: you don’t know what in the hell you are viewing, probably the bullsh!t I’m speaking of or in a good way you are experiencing something greater than you expected, an element of surprise. The unfortunate thing is the initial reaction of “this is some bullsh!t….what is it?” sells because people are intrigued by the shock and awe not the simplicity or creativity it took to create the work. What sells is the conversation piece everyone is talking about but really have no damn clue on what they are viewing, this is the bullsh!t. Now when the art is beyond something you expected in a good way it doesn’t sell because art has become fashionable, the art world is more concerned about trends, labels and brand names like it is worn on the ass of Kim Kardashian and posted on TMZ, this is the bandwagon. The masses are told what to appreciate by those who adorn walls that appeal to the “in crowd” better known as the sheep. BIG BUSINESS is into cloning sheep. Yes selling art is a science and deemed very profitable based upon exclusivity not accessibility, where red dots on high priced paintings have more to do with status symbols than investments. The question becomes who is investing in your art and why?  In order to make huge profits the art world needs both sheep and cash cows in this market, if you aren’t at the circus then you are definitely on the farm. Paintings become cash crops fertilized by the bullsh!t. Who doesn’t want to keep their bellies full of that green stuff, money? We all have to deal with a little bullsh!t in order to eat whether we are the sheep, cash cow, or wolf. At the end of the day I love the art world, some people suck others kiss ass but the real question comes down to who is providing the lubrication for all these loose nuts?--at some point we all walk away a little screwed. There is a new show coming into town so be sure to get your ticket to “Cirque du Animal Farm”!

Intro to Philosophy

What is your specific philosophy and process regarding your art work? I know how to describe my art work in terms of style but found difficulty in explaining the philosophy behind what I create. Now I realize having a concrete idea to explain why I paint as well as how I paint determines my approach and ultimately becomes the meat of my work. I believe once you establish a well organized philosophy and develop a routine process, your art undergoes a transformation and instills within you the ability to produce quality work. Art is a product that demands authenticity, quality, and your best effort. When efficiency is paired with effectiveness the outcome is a thriving business or in my case a sold painting. Do you have a philosophy that describes your work? Is your creative process constant and how does it affect your art when you change the process?

"You got to have style, and learn to be original"--KRS 1 "My Philosophy"

"The best works are often those with the fewest and simplest elements-pictures that are almost obvious, until you look at them a little more and things begin to happen"--Clyfford Still

Appreciation

If you are reading this I just wanted to say "THANK YOU"!--Rosie Lee

I have a question for all of you?????

If you want to find the right answer first you must ask the right questions. Recently I have begun to substitute the word challenge for problem when describing difficult situations. Mentally I can face challenges but can’t stand to deal with problems. What will take your art career to the next level? What sets your art work apart from the rest? Why are you stuck? What is the cause for your mental block? All of these challenging questions have flooded my mind at some point, every time I arrive at an answer I realize the answer is simple, apparent, and easy to explain. Remember in math class when you had to solve word problems, first thing on the list was to underline the question and identify what the problem was asking for. Once again if you want to find the right answer first you must ask yourself the right questions. Are you up for the challenge of making your art career better? I hope the answer for you is simple, apparent and easy to explain. If we are to make the grade then we must realize we will be tested along the way. How do we arrive at knowledge of self? We must study who we are and what we are made of. Here is a formula to use: Preparation (Right Questions) + Opportunity (Right place at the right time) = Success (Right where you want to be). “Drawing from inspiration and painting with purpose, faith is my canvas”-The Life and Art of Rosie Lee…to be continued! 

Failure is inevitable

A recent trip to Austin, TX has recharged my artistic battery. The atmosphere in the city is contagious. Austin is a city that supports artisans from all walks of life. I read an article in a local magazine discussing the topic of failure, the author Alicia Marie Fruin who happens to be a business coach states, “accomplished people seem to understand a simple truth: they are not their failures, and they are not their behaviors”. When we paint our failures/mistakes often become happy accidents, but for some strange reason artists don’t typically have the same attitude about the business of art, myself included. Behavior can be changed right along with work ethic and habits when creating our art work, the process towards success defines us and the failures associated with our success build character. The difference maker is found in conflict resolution between who we are and who we want to be. Before we hold onto success first we must embrace failure.

Power in the Brush!

Here are a few things happening in the Life and Art of Rosie Lee. In a couple of weeks I will debut my “Art Opens Doors Project” on Kickstarter, details to come in a future blog so stay tuned. Also at the beginning of next month I will have the pleasure of speaking to patrons at a fundraising event. The Great Conversation Dinner is an event held by Alliance for Children, they serve communities in Tarrant County with justice centers that protect abused children through investigations, healing services and community education. My topic “Beyond the Senses: Using Art to Solve Problems” will be an interesting springboard for discussion who knows where the conversation will go. This event is a reminder of how important it is to give back there is no such thing as something for nothing. Servitude will lead to gratitude, volunteering and donations often open doors to sells. I am saddened whenever I meet artists who are not willing to share their time, gift or information to help out their fellow artists or a noble cause; this type of attitude perpetuates an unhealthy atmosphere of unnecessary competition, encourages exclusivity and stifles growth within the art community. For me art is a vehicle along a road less traveled where I use God for directions instead of a gps. As artists we have a responsibility to create with a sense of pride and integrity that reflects our individuality while projecting an image of truth on a canvas stretched by our collective souls. The power within art is able to break down barriers and surpass limitations otherwise deemed unachievable. Let’s give back and pay it forward all in the name of art! Maya Angelou got it right when she said, “when you learn, teach, when you get, give”. How are you giving back through art? Does your art make a difference, if so how? I want to know.....remember Art Opens Doors project coming soon!

Just a thought

I have come to realize fear is an emotion we all experience at some point in our lives. The problem is when fear traps us into mental paralysis. Fear breeds excuses and adopts a belief of doubt. When making important decisions fear can keep us from doing what our heart desires and what our spirit expects. When business is slow the natural feeling of fear can become overwhelming, the thought of not having sales results in a lack of confidence in your work. If you were an art collector would you want to invest in someone who lacks confidence in their passion and gift? What would happen in your art career and life for that matter if you replaced fear with faith? There are so many attributes about your personality, artistry, and blessings surrounding your life that can replace the worry and fright associated with fear. As an artist it is part of your job to help others envision what you believe to be true in your mind, right or wrong the need to express a thought, idea, or image is what breathes life into your art work to come alive. The bottom line is that customers buy into hope, change, beauty and a lifestyle of both truth and bullsh!t but not fear. Yes bullsh!t sells because people are clones and like for others to tell them what they want and what they should love despite intuition and every thing in their being repeatedly shouting “this is some bullsh!t”. When fear is exploited instead of experienced, explored and fully understood chaos ensues; the mind begins to wonder into places where positivity and optimism aren't welcomed. Don’t be afraid to welcome with open arms everything positive and optimistic about the possibilities found in your art work, this in turn produces opportunities and allows your mind to wonder in an imagination that supersedes the risk of uncertainties. When faith is tested and you answer with fear failure is close by, the success is in learning how to make corrections and perfecting your creative process. People relate to imperfections and failures in what we call struggles, the struggle and victory is relating to people, for this reason we can compare our similarities and learn from our differences as opposed to being indifferent based on our fears. Fear is not the new faith, fear is an old lie.

A determined mind knows no boundaries

I have come to realize what your spirit desires is just as important as what your heart desires. If you can make both happy the sustainability you feel will create joy and peace in what you do because of who you are able to become. I want to be able to enjoy the process of making "it" simply by using my potential as motivation. During this process I will break barriers and surpass expectations by pushing pass limitations others have placed on me. A mind full of will and a heart filled with courage I am armed with paintbrush in hand.

When oppotunity comes knocking.

I am in the process of moving and there is something that just feels right about my current direction, the same can be said for my art work. This is the year of transition from dreams to reality I can feel it in my spirit. Before you can make changes in your life acceptance of your present state of being is important. No matter where life takes you there will always be two variables apart of the equation, one being the problem and the other a solution. I think one of the keys to success is often found when you unlock the door to a new opportunity, this of course happens when God changes the lock and you are forced to search for a new door to open. Out with the old and in with the new change is inevitable!

Broke but Not Broken

My spirit is filled with joy even though my pockets are filled with lint.  When what you do as an artist is larger than the art you create the ultimate power to influence others is in your hands.  While you are out making moves plan a way to make a movement, after all what artist doesn’t want to be followed for a lifetime.  Make life your art and let your dreams be the canvas.  What will be your legacy as an artist?  What will your art teach future generations

Is that Sherpard Fairey in the hood?

The past couple of days I have been watching Sherpard Fairey along with a couple of assistants complete a mural on an abandoned building in the middle of West Dallas.  Graffiti better known now as street art for exploitative reasons has come a long way just three days ago this building was an eye sore amongst warehouses and homes that unfortunately display degradation.  By the end of the week those freshly painted brick walls will speak to thousands of people who pass by.  I am happy to see something beautiful be placed in an area that is often overlooked and under appreciated.  I don't have a name like Sherpard Fairey but if I "Obey" the will of God one day I too will have the opportunity to paint the next big mural in your neighborhood, cheers to dreaming and living out dreams.

Enough said

When I think back to day one I realize this struggle I constantly endure is far greater than what I ever imagined and what I come to experience is larger than the art I create.

IF YOUR LIFE WAS ART

I know we are at the beginning of a new year but I also know how important it is to focus on a new day.  One of my goals this year is to make my life become art.  Conceptually this idea is full of whimsy and imagination but I am a dreamer as well as a realist, there is nothing wrong with wishful thinking as long as your actions are practical.  My quote for this week is "tomorrow will be too late for what you can enjoy today", so live life as you were making a timeless masterpiece.

How would you describe your life as art....is it a mixed media painting, large wooden sculpture, or black/white photograph?  What mediums do you use?