Ever since I was a youngster I've liked receiving awards. This could mean that there is a bit of competitiveness in my nature or it could mean that I appreciate the positive opinions of others...probably both. I don't mind constructive negative opinions - in the art world this means critique. It is helpful at times to have the eye of another artist on some aspect in your work; it often helps to clear up a block or allows you to see something you've overlooked. In the world of writing, it's analogous to having someone proofread your work - your eyes see what your brain thinks it wrote, not always what was actually written.
I live in the East Bay area of California and it is a rich art area - rich in opportunities to show and exhibit work for visual artists like me and rich in its variety of arts. This year's calendar of events in which I have work is fuller than past years and this is exciting. I love the community of artists - such a creative and interesting bunch of folks. I'm certain I'm more eccentric than most but I think it's this eccentricity that helps to fuel my creativity.
One of the local shows in which I have one of my new mosaic pieces is the Livermore Art Association "Bank On It Show," in our downtown in the lobby of U.S. Bank. Today was the opening reception - the show runs to July 6. This was a judged show and I was delighted and surprised to discover an Honorable Mention ribbon by my mosaic "Fruit Tree Mandala Mosaic."
My friend, Karen Fleschler won Third Place - for which I offer congratulations! Karen is a superb watercolor-ist whose work is vibrant and full of bright color. I consider myself a colorist and always appreciate it when I see other artists who aren't afraid of the rainbow available. Karen says of herself and her work, "...I'm a watercolor artist who is fascinated with color, composition and the play of light and dark...My style is very textural. I love the challenge of painting wood, rocks and buildings. In my process, I build up many layers of paint to achieve an effect that glows. Watercolor allows me to be creative in my process of paint application from bright, loose under painting to tight, textural brush strokes for the final layer...." [please note that this photo is watermarked for copyright protection]
Another of my artist friends, Jeanette Brown, also won an honorable mention for her painting, "The Stairway." At the reception she introduced me to her husband and explained that she and I first met when she attended an art class that I taught a few years ago. It amazes me how many artists take classes for that which they are already proficient. [please note that this photo is also watermarked]
I admire the work of other artists, and not just in the visual arts field. I appreciate the work of playwrights, writers [especially those who write mysteries and science fiction], actors, singers and song writers, dancers and musicians - have I left any art out? While working the other day I had the sixth season of the television show NCIS on in my studio [I work to tv shows and movies]. One of the special features was about the actress Pauley Perrette who plays the character of Abby Sciuto and her real life art of singing and song writing - in addition to acting. This feature highlighted the recording of her song, "Fear," which was used as part of the soundtrack in the season ending episode. I was deeply touched by the poetry of her lyrics and the honest emotion in her voice as she sang. She is a very talented young woman.
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