ART Talk Blog

Serenity and The Art of Stillness

2/26/2015

Serenity by Donna Pidlubny

For creativity to grow and flourish, we must practice keeping the mind quiet; the art of stillness.

It will let our thoughts escape, and run bare foot in the grass.

Let go.
The world will still be there
when we return.

Serenity: The state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil,
composure,
patience,
peace-of-mind,
stillness,
quietness.

Everyone is born creative. It's a natural state of being, yet most of us repress it at a very early age. We don't learn to be creative, we learn not to. We don't grow into creativity, we grow out of it.

Our school system and society give an inflated value to math and language skills, and very little benefit to the arts. As a result, from an early age we realize that everything we enjoy and are good at has no worth. We are told "you will never get a job doing that." We turn off that part of us and focus on things that might get us a job. Paradoxically, one of the most sought after skills employers are looking for is 'out of the box' thinking or the ability to be creative.

Businesses know that without creativity, we cannot grow and without growth we stagnate. We need to reclaim that natural part of us and open the doors that have been slammed shut. You can regain creative confidence, achieve your dreams and conquer your fears.

Begin your journey by changing your mind.
The first step is stillness.

It will unleash your inner creative, improve your health, give you clarity of thought, and strengthen emotional intelligence.

The Art of Serenity
What inspires you? What gives you a quiet place within? Mine is being in nature. I'm fortunate to live close to some amazing green spaces within this mega city. I visit often to refresh and renew in the sanctuary in my inner space.

What opens your door?

I invite you to submit an image of serenity. I'll post it here, anytime. It's free, so submit a painting, sculpture, textile, ceramic or a photograph.

Please note: I will post your name and contact information.

"There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so." William Shakespeare

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Artist Copyrights His Land To Protect It

2/17/2015

One Canadian artist Peter von Tiesenhausen, a sculptor, painter, and video/installation artist based in Demmitt, Alberta, has managed to keep pipeline developers off his land for 17 years through a combination of art and legal acrobatics.

In 1996, Peter claimed legal copyright over his land as a work of art, forcing pipeline developers to do expensive rerouting around it ever since.

Land developers were disrupting his day and keeping him from making his art, so he began charging them $500 an hour to meet with him. They are asking for fewer meetings since.

He has beaten industry conglomerates at their own bureaucratic game with his art.

As an artist in Canada you automatically have copyright over your own creations for up to 50 years after your death. So that was the part of that law that he decided to enforce.

They offered him a huge sum of money, but he declined. He stood fast and his sales started to go up and within a short period of time made the amount they offered through the sale of his work.

Instead of compromising, he has drawn a line in the sand, or more accurately, a fence on his land, for his life time plus 50 years. In doing so, he has not only created a legacy with his art, and his land, he has also created a legacy of courage, strength and principals. He has shown us that one person can make a big difference, and that small battles can be won against the establishment and mega corporations with deep pockets.
Read more about Peter, his wife and children, their long term health problems, his fight with authorities, and their attempts to harass him.

The Artist Project celebrates contemporary art

2/6/2015

Every year in February in Toronto there is an incredible art fair that takes place at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. Explore, discover and meet over 250 artists from Canada and abroad.

This is the 8th year of operation and it's happening February 19 to 22. If you've never visited before, be prepared for an incredible experience. Wear good walking shoes, and plan on visiting at least twice. So much art, you will need 2 days to see it all. Admission is only $10-$14. Get re-entry ticket when you leave so you can come back again for no charge.

Food and beverage is usually available on site, so you can rest and recover between rows. Explore and discover an avalanche of contemporary art under one roof. A great way to spend a winters day. I visit every year and look forward to it again this year.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – Canadian High Arctic Research Station

2/4/2015

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The Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association- NACA is very excited to be working collaboratively with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to develop a list of artists that may want to work in developing art work for the New Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).

The facility is being built in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and scheduled to open in 2017. They are looking for various mediums of art to be displayed at both the main research building, the field and maintenance building as well as the triplexes. The deadline to apply is March 31st 2015. Artists will be chosen for commission contracts by a committee of project coordinators.

So if you know of any artists that may be interested in being part of creating art for this beautiful new space please register by filling out the CHARS call for Artist form!

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Illustration Concepts

1/21/2015

The most difficult part of any illustration is the concept. Creating a work of art, (often about an unfamiliar subject) involves a lot of research with countless ideas roughed out on paper. It can also lead to many sleepless nights, and sketching at 3 o’clock in the morning.

The concept needs to check the boxes on three points.

First - it must work for me. I always ask the questions: “Does it tell the story” and if the client chooses this sketch, can I live with it?
Second - it must satisfy the client, touching emotions and selling points.
Third - it must reach out to viewers, grabbing their attention, inviting them in.

Author Myron Ball contacted me about a rewrite of an earlier publication that I had created the cover for. The book would have a new title, he would rewrite the pages, and he wanted a new cover.

The concept I presented is simple: ancient knowledge updated for the current generation. Extensive research led me to many different cultures and how their knowledge was passed down through the written word in decorative presentations. I wanted this cover to convey the same look.

The hidden meanings of these manuscripts are only understood by scholars, and those that seem to possess an inner wisdom. Myron takes this wisdom, and offers it for the modern reader.

This book will show you how to tap into to a spiritual world of energy by observing your conscious mind and imagination. Easy to follow step by step instructions teach you to influence events near and far, respond to premonitions, expand your work skills, find solutions and motivation. You will learn to let your own inner wisdom be your guide as you journey on a path to success. It is for everyone interested in finding solutions to everyday problems.

Available on Amazon.

Newspaper Censorship

1/12/2015

Censorship at any level should not be tolerated by anyone, especially artists.
Art makes a difference in our society. It has as far back as humans have been walking on this planet. It's the images the artists leave behind that tell the stories of the people and the time they live in. Image making is as important today as ever. Fear should never govern what is made or shown.
After the cold blooded massacre in Paris at Charlie Hebdo, many news outlets intimidated into self censorship decided not to republish the controversial images. Clearly the tactics of the terrorists are working.

11 French-language Quebec newspapers stood up to the bullies and republished a Charlie Hebdo cartoon, along with the statement that reads, “Attacking someone simply for their ideas and opinions is an unacceptable impediment to democracy.”

Bravo.

All of the news outlets that decided to hide behind the shield of silence have not done the world any favours. They have dropped the ball and are encouraging the terrorists to continue their tactics. If everyone publishes, writes and makes images, the bullies will come to understand that the world will not tolerate their actions. By staying silent, they are saying the behaviour is acceptable.

The Huffington Post understands this and wrote about the timeline and the suspected catalysts, publishing the cartoons in question.

A cartoon (below) that was created in response to the attack by artist Darren Bell, published on boredpanda.com sums it up very nicely. Artists will not be intimidated into silence.

"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."

Art for Arts Sake

12/17/2014

Wellington, Prince Edward Island

I first met Leona in downtown Charlottetown while she was selling her amazing photographs at the Sunday sidewalk sale. The street was lined with artisans selling their work, and one stood out. I was blown away by the composition and lighting of her work. I stopped to chat and look further at the enormity of what she was offering.

I had already been on the island for some time and was planning on a bit longer. We struck up a friendship and traveled around the island to meet other artists and venues, stopping and touring some of the most amazing places along the way. I was captivated by this woman and her creativity, she wanted to try and do everything. We talked about her landscapes as well as her abstracts.

I listened to entertaining stories that had me in stitches. When I commented on her story telling, she told me she would from time to time get hired to be the entertainment at parties, to tell her stories. I suggested she put writing a book on her bucket list. "Just write it out exactly how you tell it." I hope she does.

Always Something New

Desire

While many artists get discouraged by the slog, Leona never does. She is a true artist who makes art for arts sake. Her creativity spills out of her and fuels her to move forward and try something new. Always exploring and pushing the edges of her world, she is an artists, artist, delving ever deeper into the creative process, opening unseen doors to a world of color and form.

Leona lives in Wellington, Prince Edward Island and some of her work can be seen in Fine Artists World Gallery. She has collections of images from all across this country, and she is a certified seller of images of Anne of Green Gables. A few of her abstracts are also featured in this gallery, and you can explore a lot more of her work at www.phoarts.com

Great Gifts for Artists

11/24/2014

Choosing a gift for an artist can be very challenging. Here are a few suggestions that may impress any artist on your list. I want to give you some essentials to help any artist master their craft. There are thousands of books available, and these ones are the top of the list.

The Artists Handbook of Materials
and Techniques
by Ralph Mayer
I cannot say enough about this book. If the artist only has one book in their library, this is the one it should be. If you ever had a question and couldn't find the answer, chances are good that it's in this book.

Drawing on the Right Side
of the Brain
by Betty Edwards
This book will open your eyes, and help you see things in a way you never could before. It will not only enlighten you, but also gives you lessons to develop your own skills as an artist. Even people with little or no natural talent exceeded expectations.

Interaction of Color:
by Josef Albers
A required book from my undergraduate days, this book is invaluable in helping artists understand how colors are influenced by the colors next to them and how the are perceived.

Color Harmony Compendium:
A Complete Color Reference for Designers of All Types
by Terry Marks, MINE, Origin
Every artist needs some help now and then with color and combinations of color. This book is jammed packed with information and examples.

Master Class in Figure Drawing
by Robert Beverly Hale
This book takes the reader through lessons and lectures of America's greatest teacher of figure drawing and artistic anatomy by using examples from 118 Masters.

Brushes

Watercolor Painting Brush Sets
Acrylic Painting
Brush Set
Plein Air Painting
Brush Set
Synthetic
Brush Sets
Kolinsky Round
Brush Sets

If you are not an artist, choosing the best products can be a real challenge. In the art making process there are some things you can skimp on, brushes are not among them.

A good brush will last a life time, and if cleaned and treated well, it can be passed down to the next generation. Part of the artists tool box, a good brush will help the artist do good work. Don't bother with student brushes but go for the high quality brushes right from the start. The difference is quite amazing, not only for the longevity of the tool, but also for the finished painting.

Each artist should have some basic brushes to start out with. Some artists prefer sable, other like squirrel, or synthetic brushes. I think all have their place, depending on what the artist is trying to achieve. My primary tool box for watercolors has Kolinsky sable for the most part, but I also have a few synthetics. I've used camel and squirrel hair, and they too should be tried. The round synthetics tend to curl up at the point after a short time. Flats don't have that problem.

Watercolor brushes should be kept for water color and not used with oil or acrylic. Each discipline should have its own set of brushes.You have two ways to go, individual brushes, or very economical sets.
If the artist doesn't already have a good collection started for brushes or paints, I would recommend buying both in sets. There is usually quite a big savings and it will also allow the artist a chance to try something out.

The links here all go to Blicks Artists Materials and included to get you pointed in the right direction. I've used Blicks, and there has never been any problems. There product selection is amazing. They also cover both Canada and the USA and they have some nice discounts for Black Friday.

Another idea for gift giving to your favorite artist is our gift package. It's a chance for the artist to get online without annual membership fees. It's your opportunity to be a patron and show your confidence and pride, giving a leg up just when its needed most.

What is a Crow Quill?

11/8/2014

A Crow Quill pen is the finest of steel drawing pens. The nib of the crow quill is extremely slender and firm, allowing very delicate and precise lines to be drawn. Prior to the production of steel nibs in the early 19th century, the crow quill pen was actually made from the wing feather of a crow.

There are many others nibs for drawing and lettering available to artists to try. These were once part of every artists tool kit and should still be included.

Inks
Ink that should be used in a work of art is called drawing ink and is especially made for use in permanent works of art and will not fade over time with exposure to light. A permanent or water resistant form is called India ink, but there are also water soluble forms that may be preferred for very fine lines and delicate manipulations.

Chinese ink is similar to India in, with minor ingredients added to enhance brilliancy, working qualities and range of tone. After it's made it is dried into sticks or cakes, which the artist puts into solution by rubbing the ends on an ink stone with a little water. I've also purchased this in liquid form.

Japanese ink, also called sumi or black watercolor, is made in sticks resembling their Chinese counterpart. Distinguished by numerous subtleties of quality and grade, the sticks are made and used according to ancient traditions. Although it may seem tedious to use stick ink and grind it on an ink stone, I find it is very much a part of the creative process.

Try different inks with a crow quill and brush, to find what works best for you. Also try different papers.

Alexandre TETE: Graffiti Artist

10/15/2014

You might live in an area that has graffiti on the walls of dark alleyways or old buildings downtown, but did you know that some artists make a living painting that way? One specifically is Alexandre TETE, who lives in France where his studio gallery is located. If you would like to see some of the works that Alexandre has completed, you can visit the Heart Jacking website. He can also be contacted through there as well. Some of the custom made hats, t-shirts and other works can be seen on the site. If you live in France and would like to see Alexandre’s gallery, the address is below. Customized baseball hats are very popular on the website. One of the most popular is the “Party Rock” baseball hat, which is a custom hat that screams party and is perfect for LMFAO fans around the world.

The Party Rock baseball hat is available in a couple of different styles including a flat visor and closed back, round visor and mesh back, flat visor and snap back and a flat visor with a mesh back. You are also able to customize the text that is on the cap, but if you cannot think of anything to put there, you can just have it made with “Party Rock” on it. Text colors and the background paint can also be adjusted to your liking. If you want to add another background color you can and there are plenty to choose from. If you are looking for a custom baseball hat that will light up in the black light while you are clubbing.

The custom baseball caps are very special and quite different from others that you might see on the market in that they are directly from New Era and are made with quality materials. Other hats that can be customized include specialty caps, music caps, sports caps and ganja caps. Check out the hats and other products from the artist on the Heart Jacking website, or visit his gallery at: 25 rue Vaucanson, 38500 VOIRON, France.