Friday, November 7, 2008

A New Day...






















First things first: I must say that the sun seems more beautiful when it shines, the wind blows me kisses, blankets feel softer and warmer, and my mind seems to be coming out of a dark dingy hibernation, things seem truly possible once again.

We elected Barack Obama as our next president and I am so proud of America! That is a new feeling for me. We have a long road ahead to repair the damage of the last eight years, but I think we actually have a shot. I don't talk politics on my blog but I had to make note of one of the most amazing experiences of my lifetime.

Back to art now- thank you again for all the support and comments about last week's post "Fire and Noise." I really appreciated hearing your excitement about my upcoming show and the concepts I hope to express. We will see where it goes, but I do feel like it is possible. I feel that change is in the air all around. I can afford to be a little bolder in my art and in my life and it seems you all are itching to go along for the ride!

I have completed two paintings for Fire and Noise this past week, and I am very pleased and excited by the results! I think new materials are going to be equally as important as the concepts I express. My friend/artist and gallery owner Dede Peters, did something above and beyond last week and had a Claybord shipped to my house as a surprise- she wanted to shake me up and see what I would do with a new material in a new size.

Hm.. what happened?? Well, I fell in love with the material right away, all my old tricks didn't work anymore, they acted new and strange- which was so thrilling! So, I have decided I will be ordering some more claybords for myself to supplement canvas pieces that will also be in the exhibition. I will also be experimenting with powered charcoal and graphite as well. I am placing my order right after I finish this post!

I haven't offered much advice here lately, but one thing I will say; if you are feeling stuck in a rut and not sure- then try something new! Splurge on a new material or a new size that you never work with. I have been exploring that idea to some degree while painting on paper for my Etsy shop and the rough wood scrap panels right after my show. Something about a new, fancy material makes you stand a little straighter in reverence, as well as scratch your head and wonder about the possibilities. I am thankful that I had a friend that saw this need in me and stepped in with a claybord intervention. If money is tight, trade a supply with another artist, trade a technique, get out of your creative cul-de-sac and try something new.

On another note, thanks again to everyone who purchased my small works on paper the month of October from my Etsy shop. I was able to donate $245 to Will Boyd's health care fund, from my sales and from the donations of other artists who sold their work to benefit his cause. I really appreciate how inspiration and compassion can grow, expand and shoot around the country and the world to help someone in need.

Next week more Fire and Noise...

pictured above
4 by Sea
mixed media on paper
12x9"
only at Artmaven on Etsy
$40.00

Please visit my website and learn more about the galleries that represent my larger canvas paintings as well. www.meganchapman.com

9 comments:

  1. Hello - I'm thrilled you sound so upbeat. It has been a great week for hope. I can't wait to see the new paintings. I think your show is going to be fabulous - wish I could see it in person.

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  2. i think the election has stirred our souls and there really is magic in the air this week....tis is a beautiful painting and a lovely post.
    beth

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  3. Yessss!!! The electricity in the air has filtered down to you. I am soo pleased. I am right with you all the way on this new and exciting adventure with Fire and Noise. This change will bring bountiful surprises and new fans.
    The path ahead is calling you...

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  4. Awesome. Thanks. It was my pleasure.

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  5. "another day, another ray of hope"

    time for a new and wonderful direction in many ways..

    ..and this new path is already smouldering with idea's..
    you are pleased and excited, you should be, the results so far are amazing, certainly living up to the title..

    and your observations about the material aspect being equally important is something close to my heart.. (warm gizzard soup?)

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  6. Hey Megan!

    Sounds like things are going well! I love new materials! They can make you reconsider, and explore things that you wouldn't normally try.

    The other week Michael brought home a huge box of paints. He just started handing me colors...colors that I would normally never use...but I loved them all!

    I am now trying to figure out some new paintings to use them in. It's funny how something as simple as using a different palette, or surface, can through you totally off guard :)

    Anyway, can't wait to see what your new found material has in store.

    Hope your having a good weekend!

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  7. This is really good advice. I will consider it fate that I read this tonight!

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  8. Thanks everyone for your comments.
    I always appreciate hearing from each one of you.

    I am anxiously waiting for my new supplies to arrive any day now!!

    I will keep you updated on what happens next!

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  9. Sitting on campus with my good friend the morning after Barack's election... we watched the wind blowing all the leaves from the trees, and as they swirled around us in beautiful patterns, we decided... that they had to be God's confetti because he was just as excited as we were!

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