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?

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!