The Art of The Fool

Recently I was invited to participate in a group show celebrating the artwork and history of the Joker card. The curator's partner has an impressive collection of these playing cards and wanted a forum to display and share them; therefore, sharing a passion of his with the boutique's collection of artist was a natural development.

My entry, "Who is not a fool?", is approx. 8"x24" made with acrylic paint, collaged paper with a final resin coating on a wooden cradled panel. I approached the challenge of creating a painting based on someone else's interest the same I would a graphic design job. I researched, sketched out ideas, planned, referred to the "design brief" many times and then executed & refined my painting. In the end I felt I had successfully interpreted the brief. However, I was concerned that maybe I was being too literal to include numbers, card symbols, even the set up of 2 card-like forms. Perhaps I it is too organic. Maybe not enough (apparently self-doubt is abundantly thriving in my mind).

Eventually I made my peace with the painting telling myself it is a new expression of techniques I learned in the workshop I took with Jill Pilon. "If it sells," I told myself, "I will have paid for the course." Off I took it to the gallery/boutique, tartooful, to be hung.

What enthusiasm I received! I am filled with appreciation from all who commented on it so favourably. Your support made the entire experience that much more satisfying for me. And happy time, my piece sold on Opening Night.

Comments

Making Allies

It all started back in the Spring… I was contact by a start-up online option to buying and renting art. No fees up front. Standard commission. I joined. ArtsAlly.com officially launched last month. Today I received a few txts from friends congratulating me on my up & coming "hot, local artist" status. Turns out vancitybuz z featured the site and all its artists…including yours truly (#17)! Needless to say I'M PRETTY PUMPED ABOUT THAT. Please give it a read & pass the sets to your pals. Cheers ArtAlly; I wish you a successful life! OK, I gotta go now and start making more great art. Hopefully I'll move up to #1 ; ) Keep creating! ~ Kathryn

A Picture-perfect Idea

When I last spoke of the Anonymous Art Show that I participated in back in Nov. 2011, I neglected to note a detail that really stood out for me. On the main wall near the entrance, the organizers hung a large canvas wrapped with all the names of the contributing artists. I was proud as punch to see my name included in print among the over 400 other talented souls who participated in the annual event. It's a small thing, one's name typeset amongst so many others, but it spoke in a large way to me. It said that my work is valuable to this organization; it's appreciated, acknowledged, and recognized. And that feels great. So if you find yourself in need of a creative way to express thanks to your contributors at an event, this may just be the final touch you need.

Craftivism??

OH YEAH!! Check out this inspiring book by Betsy Greer that I just purchased. I discovered it in a promo catalogue by local Vancouver publisher Arsenal Pulp Pres s. The write-up describes craftivism as follows: Craftivism is a worldwide movement that operates at the intersection of craft and activism; Craftivism the book is full of inspiration for crafters who want to create works that add to the greater good. To me, creating for the greater good is what creating is all about. I am keen on using many of the ideas in my work with school children. Encouraging them to dream, to express and "craft" their own world is are important human awarenesses. Sometimes those acts get lost in the shuffle of chores and responsibilities. I'll keep you posted on how this book plays out in my life. In the meantime, get the book. You'll love it! Keep creating. Keep craft-ivisming ~ Kathryn

Stickin' Ideas Together

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