I was recently contacted by the creative director of Image Conscious, a San Francisco-based art publisher and distributor of open-edition fine art prints, posters, and canvas reproductions.
"Image Conscious is one of the largest wholesale art suppliers worldwide, they sell exclusively to retailers, art consultants, interior designers, frame and poster shops, speciality shops, and wholesale framers. In business since 1980, their collection is comprised of some of the world’s finest contemporary artists and photographers."
I am happy to share, I am now one of them! I am beyond thrilled to have signed a contract to license a very special series of my paintings for worldwide reproduction across a variety of platforms, including wholesale and retail!
That means that wherever you are in the world, you can now purchase quality reproductions of my series, Echoes and Memory. There are 15 paintings in the series to choose from, all beautifully reproduced, and now in a variety of sizes available as a rolled or framed print, or a stretched canvas, with all sorts of beautiful framing options.
It has always been important to me that my art remain accessible and working with Image Conscious makes this a reality, and takes it to the next level! I am really excited about this new partnership.
As part of this arrangement, I am also delighted that I am currently a featured artist with Printano. "As planet-conscious individuals and artists at heart, we envisioned creating a platform that offers the highest-quality artworks to our customers while steadfastly supporting artists and the planet. We believe in the power of art to inspire, transform, and bring about positive change in the world. This belief fueled our mission to create a sustainable and artist-friendly marketplace. Printano came to life in 2022, born from a passion for art and a commitment to sustainability."
Besides Image Conscious for wholesale orders and Printano for retail, you can also find this body of work beautifully reproduced on Art.com, Allposters.com and in more places soon. Currently, at Printano they are offering 15% off your first order and free shipping for orders over $100.
I am just so happy to share some good and exciting news.
To be an artist is to persevere. To be an artist is to protect your work. This is no easy task but sometimes good things do happen and hard work gets noticed. Good working relationships in the arts can exist and when one of us succeeds, we all do.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for my work and for being here to witness it all. Keep fighting.
I hope you have had a good month. On the art front, this month was all about paper and I am very thankful that I sold three of the paper pieces I featured (thank you, patrons!). There is still time to add to this total before the end of the month, so please do. I miss my post office/graveyard walks and I would love to post one of these pieces to you.
Last weekend I decided to throw some prints into the mix. Usually, my prints are printed to order but I have a small collection of them that are already printed and ready to go - make use of this, no need to wait for these printed beauties!
I have added them to my archive site, when you hit the purchase button it just sends me a purchase request and then I send you an invoice for payment with either my bank details or a PayPal link. Shipping outside of the UK is additional and will be settled with a separate invoice.
Here is the link to see the PRINTS. There are 6 different images (but there are 3 copies available of Vera - she's in the middle of the image above).
Join us for Open Studios at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall! Several resident artists and makers will have their studios open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 3rd and Sunday the 10th, during the Christmas Market.
I will have loads of small original works for sale to benefit Bikes for Refugees - Scotland SCIO that you can view in the flesh and purchase. I will also have never before seen works created this year that I can't wait to share with you! See you in Studio G23.
These artists and makers will have their studios open
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"
I am thrilled to share with you the incredible quality of my new prints. This print holds the essence of the original work with vibrant colour and clarity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome, and I can't wait for more folks to take the plunge and live with my art as affordable prints.
I probably don't promote my print work as often as I should but after getting this one back from the printer I am definitely going to have to rethink that! From archival ink to heavy-weight paper, the print really speaks of quality. I love to support the local social enterprise designed to benefit and support artists that is, Bare Branding. They are wonderful printers. I'm thankful for Andrew and the team over there - they are doing important work!
"Dancing in the Old House"
I packaged this one up this morning and posted it to Washington State. Where will I be sending the next one?
Buying prints is a beautiful way to bring art into your life and also a fantastic means of supporting artists. When you purchase prints, you are directly contributing to our livelihood, allowing us to continue creating and sharing our vision with the world. This support can make a significant difference in our lives.
As with original art, prints can also help us gain new patrons. When you display a print in your home or office, it serves as a showcase and can spark conversations about our work. This can lead to more opportunities for us, including commissions, exhibitions, or even collaborations.
Print buyers are valuable patrons of the arts. These buyers get to enjoy more affordable art as they build their collections while continuing to make a meaningful impact. Don't ever underestimate this! Thank you to all my print collectors past and present (and you future ones too).
Visit my online shop to pick up your own print! I have 36 different images to choose from ranging in size and budget ranging £20-£55. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop just click "prints" to view that section of my shop. Thank you!!
Until next week, keep fighting!
Special thanks to collectors of my original works along with my prints and to my regular Ko-Fi crew. You all make my heart sing and keep my lights on!
What a week! How do I write down all I want to say? I am excited and inspired and need to make sense of things. I might have to write a list. It all started on Sunday...
Girl with the Blues by Julia Laing A piece of Julia's that I have in my collection
1. I met fellow artist Julia Laing on Sunday for a walk. We have followed each other on social media for a while and have supported each other's work. On Sunday we wandered around the Botanics and had a proper blether about art and life. It was so good to finally meet and share our concerns and experiences. It's always lovely to connect with a like-minded soul.
Karl Macrae in front of his stitched self-portrait at his exhibition at Argonaut Books
2. After meeting up with Julia, I found myself back across town in Leith to see my good pal and fellow artist Karl Macrae's exhibition at the fabulousArgonaut Books on Leith Walk. His work will be up until 6pm on Tuesday 14th of February. If you are in Edinburgh on Sunday, Karl will also be at the Craft and Flea market in The Assembly Rooms on George Street from 10am to 4pm. Don't miss these shows - Karl continues to delight and inspire!
3. At Karl's Show, I met up with a new friend and fellow artist, Felicity Inkpen. We sat to the side for a bit and had a good chat while Karl greeted his public. Felicity has a studio at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall and has an exhibition, "Hounds of Love," in collaboration with Sett Studios up right now, at the Leith Arches until February 28th. You can also see her work "Moongoats" at Harmonium. Felicity is full of spirit, and her tenacity is inspiring to witness - I enjoy her work too!
Aoife paints on old slates and also makes prints of her slate pieces.
In true Leith fashion - I ran into my studio mate, good friend, and fellow artist Aoife O'Callaghanon Leith Walk on the same day. We got to have a quick chat on the street before seeing each other again later in the week. Aoife is building a solid body of work on old weathered roof tiles from a local church. It's exciting to watch these pieces develop.
Monday was a bit of a recovery day after that art-packed and conversation-filled day. On Tuesday, I met up again with Aoife and our friend Meg (who also works at the Drill Hall) for lunch on Leith Walk. A lovely conversation was had about some art-related things but mostly just life.
In a friend's garden #5 Jennifer Libby Fay
Later that day, I video-chatted with my dear friend, former studio mate, and fellow artist Jennifer Libby Fay. We have talked every Tuesday for years. We have been through a lot together in the "art world" and life. I am grateful for our shared history and for our present.
After another art and chat-filled day, I managed to wrap up a funding application for the research and development of a new body of work. We will see what happens - I always think of those things as an exercise in learning to write in a new language. Nothing ventured, nothing gained etc. Good luck to all who applied for the VACMA.
The Pineapple
Wednesday was an adventure day with my pal, James! We visited The Pineapple, Dunmore House, and Elphinstone tower! It was great to get out of Edinburgh and explore - this was the first time we had adventured since before the start of the pandemic. I loved exploring the ruins- it is always inspiring to roam where the spirits seem closer and ancient history is just a sliver away.
Later on Wednesday, I enjoyed the first two-hour session of "Art, Work and Power," presented by the Scottish Artists Union. It is always good to meet up with a group of peers from all over Scotland to dig into the subject of being a worker and an artist. These courses are always inspiring and help me feel less alone and more supported.
Bare Branding
On Thursday, I popped by Bare Brandingto collect a print order. I had a great conversation with one of the founders of the organisation that made me feel hopeful, connected and understood. Such a breath of fresh air. If you are an artist and you want or need prints of your work made, go to Bare Branding. They actually have your best interests at heart.
Today, I signed the prints I collected on Thursday and got them all ready to go! Go where you might ask?
Big News! Blunt Knife Co. now carries this series of my signed archival prints! £25 each.
Blunt Knife Co. at 41 Thistle Street
I am excited to share that I now have a stockist in the city centre! You can find a selection of my prints in Edinburgh at Blunt Knife Co, located at 41 Thistle Street. It was a joy to go to the shop today and have another meaningful and open conversation. It's an inclusive space with a fantastic selection of art, zines, books, stickers, and more, including my collection of "Tell me how you really feel" prints! It is a thrill for me to work with people and places that share similar values and are working towards something better and brighter and breaking down the old ways.
It was great to talk to so many artists this week - to feel part of something bigger and to talk some shit about the system and the various dysfunctional hierarchies we are working under. The week's theme seemed to be - exploration, community, inclusivity, art, artists, a bit of rage, and working towards change. I say bring it on! I can't play the old games - I want to go where there is space for me and my ideas and where we can continue to make space for others. I am searching for and finding radical comfort.
I am an artist. I am a worker. I have ideas that aren't airy-fairy bullshit. I am not alone. I love all the radical minds that I crossed paths with this week. Thank you.
Thank you to all my Ko-fi supporters - I have your February Playlist ready - I will send it to you this weekend- in the past 30 days, these are my star supporters *Jennifer, Tamsin, Pat, Ever, Jen, Sheila, Clare, and Muriel*
Okay, that's all I have for you this week - go out and search for and find your radical comfort - why would we spin our wheels looking for anything else?
I invite you to take a second look at Divinations, Declarations, and Whispers, a series of portraits I created at the end of last year. This work was part of my inaugural online portrait exhibition at Starling & Campbell from 11 November - 9 December 2022.
This is an opportunity for those who missed the first look at these pieces or for those wanting another chance to spend more time with the work. I have set up a private room on my Artwork Archive site that will be open to all who have the link, allowing you time to view, enjoy, and easily purchase these unique portraits. I hope you will take the time to experience these pieces online from your home once again.
They are all there waiting for you to say hello. Maybe you will see yourself or someone you know, or you will sense a time, a feeling, or an inside joke. These characters are an army of me and perhaps of you too. This is where we find ourselves.
These pieces range in price from £270 - £1,800 and include international shipping. In the private room, you can mark your favourite works, message me with questions, or buy them directly and securely through PayPal. I hope you enjoy seeing these folks again.
In other news, if dynamic abstract prints are more your vibe - I have many affordable options in my online shop. You can listen to me tell you about them in the Tuesday Studio Video Visit. You can enjoy and purchase them in my online shop as well. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop
And last but not least: Feel good and look good! Get ready for the weekend with this deal - Free Post in the UK! My organic cotton t-shirts and totes are GM-free, not tested on animals, and made in a renewable energy-powered factory. Plus, they're printed in the UK with low-waste printing tech and audited for social and sustainability criteria. Shop now! https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com
Until next week - keep fighting, the world needs you and the gifts you bring! Thank YOU.
Sitting in the dark at 9:35 in the morning, it is decidedly grey and rainy. I am about to start writing the year-end review blog - this annual practice daunts me. As I say at the beginning of this post each year, it is more for me than it is for you, so if you make it through this - gold star all the way and thanks.
I feel like this year wasn't that great of an art year for me, so it will be interesting if I am left with a different opinion by the end of this post. I felt very removed from art, in general, this year, very disenchanted and honestly disappointed. If you have been following me for any length of time, you will know that I am a bit of a cheerleader when it comes to art. If you get me talking about art, my passion knows no bounds. I am not sure this is the case anymore, or at least for right now- smack dab in the middle of my life (if I am lucky) and definitely in the middle of my art practice. But let's see how it all pans out after I review it. Deep breath, here we go...
January:
It starts with a hopeful post about "calling forth the magic and getting clear" about a few things as I prepare to turn 50 in March. My studio is not yet running at home or in the Drill Hall for the new year. Next up, I am calling up "the warriors" - this idea of finding the people that understand and support what I am here on the planet to do. I feel like an alien while I come to terms with the grief I have given myself over the decades of being an artist. I write, "I am ashamed that this path leaves me vulnerable to living on a shaky foundation." The blog post resonates with folks. I manage one drawing of a face I like enough to share. I record a video of a mark-making practice rather than my usual Tuesday Studio Video Visit. It also seems to resonate. After talking to many artists about the slow start to the year, I try to reassure others and myself. My advice is to "rest in nature and trust." I meet up with the Abstractionistas (Judith Shaylor and Susan Wilson) for our first meeting of the year to discuss what lies ahead for the group. We plan our first exhibition of the year at Detour Espresso in Marchmont in Edinburgh.
February:
I show a collection of 5 pieces alongside work by Judith and Susan as part of our exhibition, "Awakenings" in Detour. I write, "I love showing art where folks can go to be comfortable and cosy, such as in a coffee shop. Art is a natural part of that equation - we live around art, eat, drink, solve life's mysteries, and share laughs and tears around art."
At this time, I am also really focused on building my archive of older works on Artwork Archive. It's a labour-intensive process and allows me to see just how prolific I have been over the years and what a taskmaster I have been. This awareness creates a shift in how much art I create over 2022. The process also drives home how much work it takes to document, archive, and care for the art. How much information is involved in each piece, and how expensive this process is. Seeing all of this information shifts my views on the creative process. Honestly, it's all overwhelming.
While the exhibition at Detour is fine, I miss the in-depth discussions around art with patrons and fellow artists. The type of discussions I would have at open studios and exhibitions back in the states. Communicating about the work is central to why I make it (as many of you have gathered from this blog which is now over 15 years old, along with my Tuesday Studio Video Visits, now 5 years old). As a workaround to this desired communication, I filmed my first picture-in-picture Tuesday Video Visit. I talk more in-depth about the work I am showing at Detour.
Besides this, I continue my data entry on my archive. I write, "as I go through the archive, I am reminded of conversations, emails, chats, faces, and memories of everyone who has bought and supported my work."
At the end of February, I enjoy a delightful studio visit with two new patrons who purchase two of my works on canvas. My first sales of the year! This is a real boon and very much needed. You can relive my joy by watching my Tuesday Studio Video Visit again. You will sense how necessary these face-to-face conversations with like-minded individuals and supporters are to me, my work, and my process.
The world seems heavy - the war in Ukraine is front-page news. I try to notice the good things. I turn 50. I am a bit pissed (not about getting older - I know I am one of the lucky ones). I am pissed about everything else. It's been two years since the pandemic began for many people. Rather than summarise it - you can read what I wrote here.
Later in the month, spring starts to bloom. I write, "What "good" and "bad" art can do - it can change us, it can shake us and make us remember. Art wears a groove so deeply while it partners with our memories and melds with our emotions that perhaps we can no longer watch that film, read that book, hang that painting, or listen to that album - it's like sad time travel. But sometimes, we can delve into the magic and feel better. It opens the door and welcomes us home."
So while I am writing at this time, what I am not doing, is painting. By the end of the month, I take myself out for an old-school artist's date. I am reintegrating into the world after staying in for almost 2 years during the height of the pandemic. I walk through the city centre: I see art, I see friends, I visit charity shops. I write, "If I am going to re-engage with this world again, I want to do it as closely aligned with my values as I can. I emerge changed, and I am more certain of what I value. I am paying attention and taking notes."
I am enjoying the Scottish Artists Union educational programs online. I write, "there are a lot of people out there thinking radical thoughts and working for the betterment of us all -this excites me." I encourage everyone to join a union. Again, you will notice what I am not doing... painting.
April:
I start the month by writing, "My head is spinning from everything I have learned in the past 3 weeks with the Scottish Artists Union. I took a 12-hour course, "Let's get organised! A 101 for Organising the Arts." This course was meaningful and important for me and helped clarify my thoughts. After the course ends, I am asked if I would be interested in participating in a pilot scheme for a Fair Work Representative development training course starting the following week. "The training will cover the role of reps; an overview of Fair Work; Advocacy and Organising; and Equalities." I am delighted!
Around this time, I go on a field trip with the Abstractionistas to the Dalkeith Palace to see the room we will be showing our work in for the Inception exhibition in May. I am dealing with anaemia (again) and a few other garden-variety ailments. I continue my union training, mentoring a brilliant artist and not painting. I write, "I'm still not painting much this year - and it's already April. I am not sure I have ever gone this long without creating new work. I think I am okay with it. My previous work was fueled by internalised capitalism and built upon a foundation of doubt and fear. The good news is that I don't have to work like that anymore." I continue writing my studio blog, creating Tuesday Video Visits, being involved with the Abstractionistas, union work and mentoring. More than enough.
I visit my studio at the Drill Hall a couple of times this month and give it a good once over and enjoy being there, cleaning it up and making space - getting organised. I visit a three-woman show, buy some original art from Esther Donaldson and start enjoying the spring. I enjoy walks, yoga, aerobics, and meditation. The Abstractionistas take down the exhibition at Detour and prepare for the Dalkeith palace exhibition. I do more studio organisation to get ready to start sharing my studio space with my pal Aoife at the start of May. This is a big step for me to share the studio with another artist. It is a good thing and makes sense financially.
I start (with the help of Jeanne, Barbara, and Maggie) organising an online sale of a selection of works already in Northwest Arkansas.
With my union work firmly in my mind, I write this.
"Dear Artists,
Stand up for yourselves. Stop working for free. Stop underselling your work and yourself. Challenge how the art world functions and who it is set up to benefit. Set boundaries. Understand that exposure doesn't pay the bills. We need to support and encourage each other. We are in the same fight, not in competition. Share your secrets, and let's reach our goals together as a unified front. Get organised.
Don't forget to rest and allow yourself time for joy. Remember what you wanted to express in the first place - you probably won't find it on Instagram. However, you might find it in your heart, your mind's eye, or in the pit of your stomach. Let it out. We can take it.
Love,
Megan"
Later in the month, I start promoting my online Arkansas sale from April 29th to May 13th. This sale brings me a lot of joy and reconnects me to my community back home.
May:
The Inception exhibition opens Friday - Sunday, May 6-8, at the Dalkeith Palace. On the first day of "Inception," I step out to attend my union meeting in a side room. This marked a change for me - the union was growing in importance in my life. In previous times, ducking out of an exhibition would be unheard of. This time, I saw it as progress. The union was paying me for my time - the palace was not (or at least only speculatively).
My online sale back home continues. I write: "Thanks again to my Arkansas patrons and the good folks in Georgia and Louisiana who have purchased works from my special sale. It really warms my heart to hear from you - even just notes of support or a quick hello in reaction to my sales posts on social media and through email. You are a tough act to follow. You must know that when people ask where I am from, I proudly say Arkansas. Your spirit is in my heart and shines through in everything I do."
I am delighted that 5 originals and 4 limited edition prints sold during my special 2-week online sale. I am also thrilled to raise some funds for AbleTalks.
At the end of the month, probably buoyed from my Arkansas sale, I wrote an inspired piece about art and light. I remember really enjoying writing this post for my blog. I had no idea what was about to come next...
June:
Along the John Muir Way
My niece Elena has some time off work and visits Scotland. I invite myself on her holiday, and we walk the entire John Muir Way (Helensburgh to Dunbar) and then some!
This is hands down the highlight of my year, and it still seems like a dream. I write this at the time: "Scotland, you are a magical wonder, and your people are golden. I am so proud to call you home." I needed to get out of Edinburgh and spend some time with Elena laughing and putting one foot in front of the other. The weather was glorious, and I am proud of myself and us.
After completing "the way," I write "it is my daily exercise habits that enabled me to "just go" on the 135-mile (official) John Muir Way (it was 170 miles in total with extraneous walking) over 10 days, spontaneously without too much issue or injury." I find it hard to get back into daily life and miss my niece.
By the end of the month, most women around the world are mad as hell due to Roe V Wade being overturned in the states. This news, along with the continuing war in Ukraine and everything else, is just a bit much...
July:
It's summer, and I am determined to enjoy it. I write, "I don't want to talk about the same old things. I don't want to think about the same old things. I don't want to make the same old things."
Another Abstractionistas exhibition is planned for August. I look for beautiful moments, I keep writing and making my videos, I keep mentoring, my studio mate gets settled in, and I enjoy soup with friends. I create music playlists for the kind patrons that support me each month on Ko-fi.
However, I am still not painting.
I write: "Move forward, take a risk - we need YOU and YOUR work - not their work, not her work or his work, we need you. It's not easy - it's actually really fucking hard, but it is important work. I'll see you there."
During this time, I am having recurring migraines caused by a medication I am taking.
August:
The Abstractionistas "Paper" exhibition opens August 12-14th at the Granton Hub. I show a selection of works that had never been shown before. I sold two small pieces.
A reason to believe
20 x 25 cm
Mixed Media on Paper 2021
Sold
Celebrations remembered
20 x 25 cm
Mixed Media on Paper 2021
Sold
By the end of the month, after a while of not offering prints of my work, I add loads of new designs to my online shop. I offer a range of signed limited and open-editions priced from £20-55. These archival giclee prints are all created locally in a not-for-profit community interest company in Leith. I love having my work reproduced affordably in the community in alignment with my values. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop
I also started offering a selection of my works on sustainably sourced t-shirts and totes. These had been requested a while back, but August was the month they became a reality, just another way of keeping my work more accessible to a larger audience. Gutless Apparel was born. https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com/
But probably an even more important development was that I returned to my studio at the end of August and started a new series of portraits.
September:
I set a modest schedule of going into the studio every Tuesday and Thursday. I work on portraits on paper and try to work when my studio mate is in. At this same time, I returned to drinking coffee, something I had loved throughout my youth but had quit when I was 21 due to increased anxiety. Now, it seemed coffee was like magic! It was great to get reacquainted with it as I got to know all the faces pouring out of me.
I write after a few weeks of returning to my studio habit: "I am just trying to get back into the habits of showing up, being in the space, and sharing the space with my studio mate who has been there since May. I wasn't expecting any hard or serious work, but then a flood of portraits came forward. I got excited, and suddenly I was expecting things of myself, my work and my time in the studio."
At this time, I received a gift of a collection of lovely canvases from a patron, and I decided to do a large abstract. The queen dies the same day.
I write: "While I create new patterns and schedules, I want to be careful to not return to being the taskmaster I once was. Creating work to prove to you that I do indeed "work." This is leftover programming that no longer serves me but is deeply worn into my brain. I have done a bit more walking in the past week as well - Autumn always seems to be the walking season as I prepare myself for the darker and shorter days.
For my Tuesday Studio Video Visit, I want to try something different and talk about one of my favourite paintings from childhood. Paolo Uccello's "St. George and the dragon."
At the end of September, I painted over the large abstract. "I took the large abstract painting I had done on a gifted to me 100x80cm linen canvas (thanks, patron!) and turned it on its side and then quickly drew these charcoal faces. Red cheeks, white cheeks, wobbly cheeks, eyes getting more impatient and smudged, mouths quick and dirty - that's how I work. I don't have time to waste - paint around the shapes - everything is abstract - see the old painting peeking through. Spirits come forward."
In other news, my contributor copies of LESS #4 produced by Enough Scotland arrived through the letterbox! I am honoured to have my work purchased for print in LESS, where ideas of degrowth are shared across Scotland.
October:
More faces come forward, expanding onto canvas, not just paper. I am challenging myself, and I am having fun.
While this is happening, folks are buying my t-shirts and totes and sending me photos of them in the real world, and this delights me too - more connection - what I crave most.
In good news from this month, I am notified that an abstract painting of mine, "On the wind," has sold from the fabulous Solo Gallery in Innerleithen in the gorgeous Scottish Borders!
I am beginning to feel overwhelmed by my studio space and all the new work I have created. I am concerned about where I'm going to keep it all. I toy with the idea of cleaning and organising my studio but then stop myself and pull out a large piece of raw canvas and make something hard to store instead. This project takes me somewhere else entirely. Suddenly there are two faces, and they are sharing a crown. I am researching declarations from antiquity and making wax seals.
Once again, I am challenging myself and having fun. I take myself to the Impressionist exhibition in the city centre and see the fabulous Richard E. Grant in the same week. Being enveloped in culture and humanity helps me feel alive - this goes hand in hand with making art. After the large painting gets squared away, I paint one more portrait of the year, another on raw unstretched canvas with an additional collaged element for the face. I write about the portraits and try to process them.
November:
My cat Theo takes priority this month as a 6-month check-up for his chronic kidney disease shows his condition is progressing, and we need to take some new actions. This is distressing, and my studio schedule falls apart. I also make the decision to leave the Abstractionistas. I am thankful for my time in helping to start and facilitate the group with Judith and Susan. I am proud of our exhibition record, original aesthetic, and mission statement. I wish them all the best as they go from strength to strength with the group and their art.
I explore some other creative outlets. I make a hair fascinator, a crown made from vintage lace, homemade clay dough, a miniature paper cup, and some things from commercial air-dry clay. I have been practising my ukulele too. I vote in the American elections, keep writing, and keep posting my videos. I keep looking after Theo.
Next up, a solo exhibition of my portraits comes together! I am beyond thrilled to be able to present the entire body of work in a cohesive solo exhibition. Starling & Campbell Gallery is born!
A partial view of the Starling & Campbell Gallery
I am pleased to share this body of work as I had envisioned it and with international audiences. I feature the exhibition in my Tuesday Video Visit. Click HERE to view it again. I also create a selection of t-shirts and totes to accompany the exhibition. https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com
I continue to promote the exhibition and compile some comments and reviews in a video. I am pleased that folks enjoyed the work and the virtual experience.
I am even more thrilled when two pieces are sold from the exhibition to collectors in the states.
She knew you yesterday mixed media on paper, 2022 20x16" Sold
At a moment's notice mixed media on raw unstretched canvas, 2022 20x16" Sold
December:
I was so pleased to see the gorgeous Christmas window at the fabulous Solo Gallery in Innerleithen, Scotland, featuring 5 pieces of my work. You can read why this was especially meaningful for me here.
A wonderful way to end the year
Like many makers and artists, I try to capitalise on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, but it was quiet this year. By the second week of December, all my thoughts were back on Theo with a week's stay in the animal hospital. It was a very stressful and worry-filled time. I missed a few Tuesday Studio Video Visits and didn't promote the close of my portrait exhibition. Thankfully, he is doing much better in time for Christmas and his 8th "gotcha" anniversary.
I do my best to promote my shop, my t-shirts and totes, and the exhibition, all while grateful for my patrons over on ko-fi who help me financially through their generous backing.
As Theo improves, I get out to see a painter friend for lunch in the city - we think big thoughts, catch up and have some laughs - it is a balm for the soul. I post a photo of Little Edie Beale and Andy Warhol, suggesting we should all dream and be too much. I stand by that advice. Christmas happens, and afterwards, I meet up with a writer friend in a graveyard, again reminded how important these moments are - to be around kindred spirits in the rain and snow. Mascara running, sopping wet - alive.
Dear reader, we've made it! 2023 is just around the corner. What will it bring? Let's find out together. Wishing you all the best with love and gratitude. Until next year, keep fighting and showing up, but do it your way. Let's dream and be too much! I'll see you there!
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