Virtual Artist Trip Around the Globe

Yesterday, I read an article on tips to get out of a creative rut. One of the tips was to do something different from the regular routine. In my case, I decided to watch various art videos on Youtube. I am still watching them. I found a number of videos on hand block printing in India, a couple of artists doing Pop art, HanJi (Korean paper crafts), and most recent is a playlist from the Korean Artist Project. Below are some of my favorite videos thus far from my virtual artist trip.

Hand Block Printing in India

 

 

Thomas Fedro from Fido Studio

 

Jelene Painting Fish Bunnies

 

  

Myungkeun KOH from the Korean Artist Project

http://youtu.be/Ve6rNrAm81M

Bounty of Spring Blossoms

 

Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom.  They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.  ~Jim Carrey

These past couple of days have been amazing in Seattle and surrounding areas. The sun has been shining brightly and the temperature has been just right to go without a jacket. Yesterday, I made my way out into the sun and into the mountains but not without my trusty camera. As I enjoyed the fresh air, I couldn't help but to capture the lovely flowers saying hello. If I didn't have allergies causing me strife, I would consider Spring as my favorite season.

 

Little Works

I have yet to create a large-scale painting but it is still on the To-Do List. For now, I am enjoying little, cutesy art. I started on these two 6x6 works a month or two ago as I prepared for an exhibition. I wasn't satisfied with either, so I have been hanging on to them. I wish I took before shots but can't change that now. I think these are done, but we'll see.

 

Working Outside the Lines

Every once in awhile I end up in a conversation with someone that asks what I do. Then I respond with "I'm an artist." Sometimes I add the "and a textile designer". For some reason, I get a little choked up with the artist title because the next question out the other person's mouth is "What kind of art do you do?" or "What is your medium?" I respond, "I'm a fractal artist." Oh "I've never heard that" or as one guy said several weeks ago (trying to tell someone else) "You try to figure out what you're looking at". WTF?!!!!! No, that's not what fractals are. Anyway, I shared my pitch about fractals but also interjected by saying "I also paint."

Which brings me to the need for this post. I HATE being confined. Whether physically, mentally, emotionally, metaphorically, whatever.  It is suffocating. And I guess I have a little panic when someone inquires about the type of art I do. I feel like I have to give one answer when in actuality I make what I make. For now, my website acknowledges me as a fractal artist, abstract artist, surface designer, and photographer. I know that seems a lot already, but I do much more than that. I follow the beat of my own drum and go with what makes my heart content at the moment. So, you might see drawings, figurative paintings, collage, poetry, or whatever I decide to create under the sun or moon. That's just how I roll. Whew! I felt like I completed a confessional. I feel so much better now. 

Ok, but to you fellow artists/creative/entrepreneurs, I have some questions for you. How do you explain yourself to others about what you do when you do more than one thing? Do you find yourself wanting to justify your actions and work? How do you thrive in business when so many strategies/business/marketing tools say FOCUS and gear toward your target audience or pick one thing?

Happy Prints

I am thinking about making small happy prints or postcards. The ones above are what I have done so far. Stay tuned to see how this project unfolds.

CREATION Virtual Gallery Showing

Let There Be Light

A few weeks ago, I entered a call for artists hosted by St. James Cathedral in Seattle for their Creation exhibit. Unfortunately, my piece wasn't selected for the exhibit; however, I was invited to be a part of the online virtual gallery. I didn't know when it was going to be available for viewing so I have been waiting patiently. I just so happened to do a google search of my name and low and behold, I see that the virtual gallery is up. So, I invite you to see my piece entitled "Let There Be Light" and the other great works that are a part of the Creation Exhibition.

New Site is Up!

Good day lovelies!

My new website is live! I have been using darnitalhoward.com for my dear Blogger site for a couple of years. Now, it has a new home. So visit www.darnitalhoward.com and see what's new. No worries, I will still blog using Blogger with a link back here from the new site.

New Art: Grandpa Loves His Grandchildren

Grandpa Loves His Grandchildren

Good day lovely people!

The day I decided to go out running errands, Seattle decides to shower me with rain. It's all well and good though. I went out to send off this mixed media piece for the 6x6x2013 exhibition to take place at Rochester Contemporary Art Center. This is my first mixed media piece to be shown anywhere and that's exciting. I am really enjoying the feeling of not being restrained by one way of expression. In what others ways are you expressing yourself?