Make it Work!

Life has been quite busy! I recently attended the Chicago Artists’ Coalition portfolio review; artists are teamed up with gallery owners to go over our portfolios. I met with Catherine Edelman, who has photography gallery; even though I don’t do photography she had some sage advice. I brought slides of my Pursuit of Strength series (old work) and slides of the newer stuff. She really seemed to like the POS stuff and I have to agree there’s a lot more of myself in that work which is probably why I am having such a hard time with this series. It’s Ok just not great buy hey not every artist creates a masterpiece all the time. She also introduced me to Myra of Zg Gallery, who expressed interest in whatever I do “next”. Right now creating my next best work is my biggest priority. I'm thinking about going back to the oil pastels. It’s OK to try other things I just need to be better at “editing” what I want to show. Catherine asked me if I could keep going with this theme, yeah I got enough issues from childhood to keep going for quite some time. I just don’t want to do 300 more boxer paintings. Now I have to figure out my next metaphor for life . . . that’s all. No pressure!

I may just finish up the heart series (and show it) while I'm working on these new ideas. Busy. Busy. It's really hard to satisfy my own critic. I love the depth and rawness of the Pursuit of Strength series yet sometimes I want to paint something ethereal and pretty like the heart series (at least that was the goal). I suppose I could collage the styles together sort of like Phyllis Bramson, but then that's obviously already been done. Original thought takes time, that's why it's probably best to wrap up the heart series while sketching out my next work.

I also feel the need to make my art more therapeutic and well . . . enjoyable. My best work has been done in that mind set. I need to bring back the joy otherwise painting becomes another thing on my to-do-list. I wish I were simpler. I wish I were just an abstract artist or someone who just loves doing portraits. I have to be careful that my work ends up becoming muddy—too many thoughts, colors, etc. The "Santino" effect. Speaking of that, I have to say while I never hated Santino but I really was wowed by the sneak peak of his collection. He's always hilarious but it was great to see his softer side in the last episode. He's definitely someone I would love to be friends with. Such creativity and humor. I'm still cheering for Daniel. I liked the coats but the bags were as Tim would say "disarming". Kinda butch. I was expecting the ethereal beauty of the orchid inspired ensemble. I happened to catch Kara Janx's collection. I was surprised, first of all got to do one and also how great it was. I couldn't see myself in the shorts but some of those dresses were amazing. If I had the money I would buy the beautiful violet/blue kimono dress. The collection was definitely "inspired". Now I'm off to make it work!