Left Brain Kicks In
This time of the year, I look at my new calendar straight in the face. Looking at the entire year at a glance can be daunting and really drives in the thought that time is short in this life and we may as well live, do, work, travel, and make art!
Being an artist this year began last year when I applied for some art shows and exhibits; the good ones always have applications well ahead of show time.
 |
| Like a row of booths at sunrise, the year awaits to open... |
And since I enjoyed my residency here so much, I also applied for a residency at a National Park. Applying is a game of chance; jurors like what they like and at any given time, luck may strike. I always tell artists to maximize their chances by putting their best foot forward every single time. Try, anyway. Reading applications and carefully following instructions to the letter makes me squirm, but that's how the game is played.
Frames are on the way and preparations have begun for early March, when I have an opening in Oakland California for a month-long exhibit that promises to be awesome. Here is the information:
Peace Puzzle Print (plus!)
Event On Facebook: Opening Reception for Exhibit
Aside from art festivals and the occasional exhibit, I really don't do much more in terms of art networking. My personal business model is rather simplistic: make art, sell art. Sometimes I like to teach art. All the while my online shops seem to have gained traction at are now producing some (amazingly) consistent sales results. I guess persistence pays off.
Once the applications are out, I don't worry about them too much and crawl back into the magic realm of the studio.
Right Brain Screams!
All the time I spend looking at calendars and filling out applications, my right brain is flying about...sometimes an endless glide over a canyon or an ocean, sometimes a frenzied bouncing like a pinball. Eventually, I have to release the unruly beast and get back in the studio.
 |
| Entre Viento y Sol |
This year I have some unfinished business with the desert, a set of 8 blocks that have been drawn for years are now, almost embarrassingly demanding my attention. Dutifully, I will carve.
I am also feeling drawn to the figures in nature series again, with my figures reduced to tiny proportions surrendering humbly to the awe of Mother Nature.
 |
| Fool on the Hill |
Aside from that, planning what art I will feel like making next month is like planning to fall in love--just doesn't happen that way. Art, like love, just appears and flourishes at the will of some unknown and irrepressible force. I just let it take me.
Stay in touch!
1000woodcuts Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/1000woodcuts
Maria's Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/maria.arango.diener
Maria's Twitter Profile: https://twitter.com/1000woodcuts
1000woodcuts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/1000woodcuts/videos
