Friday, January 18, 2008

One Artist's Week in Review

It has been another exciting and busy week! First of all, thank you for all your comments about last week's post. It was great to hear from so many of you and of your personal experiences with rejection in the art world. I was very happy that I had my studio blog so I could channel my energy and feelings about that subject into something positive and useful. I am very fortunate that I have this forum to share my experiences in this business with you. I do feel your support and encouragement, and I appreciate it.

This past week, four of my pieces were placed in the Arkansas World Trade Center in Rogers, Arkansas. My work will be showing along with the work of Kathy Thompson and Helen Phillips for the next three months. The DDP gallery in Fayetteville managed the selection and placement of the works, and the paintings will be for sale through the gallery as well. I am excited to have my work in this facility. I will let you know when they have updated their website to include my work.

In other gallery news, I am now represented by the fabulous River Market Art Space located in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas! I am very pleased to join their stable of talented artists, and look forward to participating in the 2nd Friday art nights as often as I can. I think my work will be a good fit for the gallery, and I am excited to be in the heart of Little Rock River Market area. So, if you are in Little Rock or plan to visit, look for my work there starting late January or early February. I will update you when I have a presence on the River Market Art Space's website as well. I am no longer represented by the M2 gallery in West Little Rock. I had a wonderful year with the M2 gallery and the wonderful artists represented there.

Last night, I was very fortunate to be invited to speak at the Young Emerging Leader's event, Secrets Revealed: The Fine Art of Art & Wine. The event was held in the Ft. Smith Town Club and Remy Fine Art. I was there to discuss my work, process, and what all it entails to be an professional artist as well as the joys of collecting original art. I also tried to dispel some myths in the art world as well. I encouraged the group to ask questions and think for themselves when it comes to buying original art; to let their personal tastes alone and not the fads or trends, guide them in the process. I believe if they do this, they will be satisfied with their art buying experience and the art in their collection will keep giving to them in ways they haven't even imagined. The group members asked some fantastic questions, and seemed very receptive. I was very nervous about my talk, but of course once it started, I was in my element and I had the greatest time. It just solidifies to me that this is my passion, and I am so lucky to be able to do this as a career. So a big thank you to the wonderful Y.E.L. group and a massive thank you to Jeanne Parham at Remy Fine Art. My exhibit at Remy Fine Art closes today, so if you are in the Ft. Smith area and have not seen it yet, please go check it out. The gallery will keep a selection of my work for sale, and will continue to represent my work in the Ft. Smith area. It has been a wonderful exhibit and experience, with 5 of my paintings selling so far.

Tomorrow, I will be headed back to Ft. Smith to pack up part of my exhibit and then share parts of it and trade out art with the Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs and the River Market Art Space in Little Rock, and at the DDP gallery in Fayetteville. In other words all the galleries that represent me in Arkansas will soon have new and exciting work in time for February. I am looking forward to trading out my work, and making everything fresh just in time for Spring. It is never too early to think of Spring!

To top this already busy week off, I have been in the studio working away. My time there has been exciting. I currently have 11 new paintings in progress right now! I think many of these new paintings will go to Gallery Fraga in Bainbridge Island, Washington. A new energy and vigor has taken hold as I am experimenting with new shape ideas, color combinations, and a bit of a new design element. As soon as I get the work photographed I will share it with my blog readers first.

So, that is a week in the life of this artist, thank you so much for being a part of it.


Restoration
A commissioned painting for a patron
through the Blue Moon Gallery
Mixed Media on Canvas 2007
Megan Chapman

5 comments:

  1. wow, you have been busy! I wish I could have heard your talk in Ft. Smith. and that's really great about having your work at the trade center as well as the LR river market! sounds like you're off to a very productive and creative start for 2008 :-)...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the peek inside your week, and what a busy/exciting one. Congrats on all the new beginnings. Please let me know when you'll be in Little Rock for a 2nd Friday Art Night. I'll come see you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! Very busy week. You make me feel so lazy! :)You are inspiring me to really get my butt in gear.

    Congrats on your talk. It sounds like it went really well. I think that is one of my weakest qualities-speaking in front of people. Especially about my art. But I am glad it went well for you!

    And congrats on your 11 new paintings! Can't wait to see them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Inspiring as always, the highlight of my friday, seeing where you are at.

    The bizzare twist on this post is that I read it whilst at work, I was stuck in my factory hell of a call centre, looking at the beautiful painting you have attached to this post and reading how wonderful, busy & inspiringly amazing your week has been.

    Your are living testament that a better way of life is achievable.

    I am also looking forward to seeing your new shape ideas and colour combinations.

    ReplyDelete
  5. dang - I wish I had gotten to see that painting before it left your studio

    ReplyDelete