Artist Statement and New Artwork

"Le Lieu Secret", Oil on canvas 16"x20" © 2010 Shayla Perreault Newcomb.

Doing the exercises for writing the artist's statement in the book "I'd rather be in the studio" helped me validate where I was going with my art. Before I relied on instinct alone but after the exercises I knew on a conscious level what I was doing.

It was such a positive experience that I opted to work with Alyson Stanfield directly. Our goal was to see if we could make a statement that would make connection easier for viewers. Her collaboration got me through barriers I wouldn't have been able to get through on my own.If you'd like to get help with your artist's statement, check out her resources.

Here's the results:

"My paintings are journeys through an internal landscape. The seemingly disparate elements—trees, textured surface, and abstract symbols—result in tension, but are props to guide you on your own journey, which is personal and constantly changing.　
The line of three small circles or squares symbolizes the journey itself. The first shape represents the start of the journey, the middle is the current reality, and the third is the resolution or the destination. A realistic landscape is juxtaposed against these shapes to encourage meditation on the spiritual and the physical.
Trees are symbols of the journey’s destination—whatever that may be. They offer sanctuary. Trees have a complex root system that keeps them nourished and grounded, and yet their branches extend. Trees represent growth and are a celebration of arriving at harmony.
The paintings’ surfaces are battered rather than smooth and glossy. These opposing textures are reminders that when we have arrived or are Home, we are grateful for the experience of the journey even though it was full of bumps and roadblocks."　

Check in for Art Every Day: I picked up the joural practice I'd been doing before, and forgot about (photo above). For instructions check out Bridgette's art journalling prompt "A month in Review" , I colored another sketch book entry with garish colors of epic ugliness, and made homemade thank you cards for people who helped out with the show.

Here's some of the press we got for the show. Sylvie Mousseau wrote an excellent article for L'Acadie Nouvelle. These next two papers have posted the articles online and I've linked right to them. Sheila Lagacé wrote an extensive piece for L'étoile, and an article appeared in the Times and Transcript . Jeanne is also going to talk about our mentorship experience on Luc et Luc, a daily talk show. I'm scared about being on TV and am glad that I get to watch the making of this show. I think it will help me get over that fear.

Claire Richard, pictured here with her husband, Homer, is a regular blog reader, but doesn't blog herself. I'm so glad she introduced herself this weekend at the Moncton Studio Tours.

It's been a goal of mine lately to remember names. Hah! Not going so well. Since I didn't write these down (mistake), I'm paranoid I've got them wrong. I do remember Homer, for sure. Claire, if you're out there today and I got your name wrong, please drop me a line :)

Invitation

Here is the invitation for our show in November (clickable). My mentor, Jeanne Leblanc Mullin's painting on top is called, "A New Perspective" and my painting below "Life and Breath" was featured in the last post.

Jeanne and I only see each other's art at our art openings as a general rule. Our meetings are mostly about marketing and the local market. What's funny? eerie? cool? is that our art has a fair bit in common. Neither of us saw the work of the other and both have been working on a similar compostion, sometimes similar colors, similar themes and feelings. Perhaps it was from choosing the title of the show last spring that we ended up thinking and feeling similar thoughts. Our personal lives have things in common too, that are being revealed through the art.

There are many ways to keep the well of creativity full and some of them are a bit mysterious.

The Secret World of Business and the Arts

sketch done on retreat in September

The word "debate" comes from the root meaning to beat down. Ouch. I admit I used to get a thrill from it when I was 19, but I've come to realize that the winner of a debate has not necessarily presented the most logical arguments, but may be the best bully with words. I have no desire to be a bully and I have no desire to blog about political opinions. Instead, I'd like to talk about some legitimate questions asked in regards to the recent government cuts to the arts.

Part I

"The taxpayers' investment in me through this tiny $7000 grant is possibly the best investment they ever made. If I'd been penny stock, I'd be written up in every financial journal on the planet." Thinking about this quote from Margaret Atwood in regards to a grant she received in 1969, led me to an article in the Globe and Mail talking about the cuts.

I like the way Brad Reddekopp from Hazelton, British Columbia Canada put it: "Why should art be dependent on my tax dollars? Are the artists not good enough to survive without my being coerced to pay for their efforts?"

A similar question was raised by Ron White from Calgary Canada: "Arts are important, but in my household they are a luxury, after the bills are paid; the same with sports. I expect my government to operate the same way...why don't you?"

Of course Ms. Atwood answered that much better than I ever could and you can read her answers and the full article here. What I'd like to add is that sadly investing is also a luxury for most households. Our focus is on consuming and debt. Generally it's not on making our money work to make more money. However, there are institutions and individuals that have enough resources to invest.

Where can they invest so that they will see an increase? Is it only in a manufacturing company or new computer technology? Surprise, surprise! Welcome to the secret world of big business and the arts. The arts aren't simply a charity, or a luxury product some may not be able to afford, but they are a product that brings in cash.

Quoting the article "the arts generate 84-87 billion for the economy, and 1.1 million jobs. All those job-holders pay taxes." That's a double whammy. First the billions, then the tax money on those profits ends up back in the economy and our community. Good stuff, huh? Start with a little investment, and get a whole lot of cash in return.

Still not sure that the arts make money for investors? Ms. Atwood, who also wrote the book Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth, which profiled in the Report on Business said "you'll get the same ratio of success that you do in Venture Capital: support 10, 5 fail, 4 do okay, one does spectacularly and pays for all the rest."

Setting aside the whole political preferences debate, why would any government support the arts? One reason is for prosperity. Governments like to see a little investment getting a whole lot of cash in return.

Part II

Let's go back to Reddekopp's opinion that if artists are good enough, they should be able to survive without help. That's like saying that if a business is good enough, it should be able to survive without help. How many successful businesses survive on the family savings and their own profits? Some, but certainly not the majority. Part of the equation to successful business is having enough starting capital, cash flow to keep going, plus money to expand when the time comes. This is most often met from investors, and yes the government. Start with nothing and you'll usually end with nothing. This is the same for both those we traditionally see as a business people, and for artist entrepreneurs.

Yes, artists are entrepreneurs. Why is this a secret? Cash is an ugly word for some. There is a philosophy that arts and business shouldn't mix. That money taints art and having it fall anywhere in the equation is equivalent to prostitution. My aim isn't to debate. I'm sure my background in sales, and finances color my opinion and I know that there is some validity to the purist approach. So why mention this at all? Just to show that there are different options for artists. Just to show that grants aren't about giving artists a "pat on the back", support, or a handout. Just to show that a grant can be about fueling growth to the economy.

Saying "no" to slave wages paid off

Here's another work in progress. I'm trying different variations of the three squares theme. This piece would have the square of the frame, this border and a tree in the middle.

I don't buy into the "starving artist myth." I think there are many sound business options that make the choice of an art career an excellent living. Sometimes, however, a crafts person or an artist can put lots of passion into a piece but way too much time to make a profit. I know weavers who end up making a dollar a yard for their fabric, in other words a dollar an hour, which by the way is the same wage they made in the 19th century. It's possible to end up subsidising collectors or settling for less than minimum wage, which I think is really sad.

One of my pieces was going to have this fate. The average market value around here for of a 6X6" piece is around half the cost of the work I'd put into the piece. I figured nobody would see the value in it, and I couldn't bring myself to sell it for that- you know when it would hurt your heart to do so? So I decided to keep it for myself and until last week it hung in my studio.

An old client and a friend stopped by since they were in town and were curious to see what I'd been painting. I think you may have an idea of my studio right now. Lots of works in progress, and not much that was "display" worthy. Everything else has been carted out to the galleries. We chatted about some of the challenges with the pieces and the story behind them including the "it's not for sale" piece. To my shock, my client said she loved the struggle that went into making it and was going to take it. The price versus the size wasn't even an issue. She loved it and in fact prefers small pieces.

Perhaps it will never happen to me again, but saying "no" to slave wages sure paid off money wise this time although my heart's always felt much better for taking this route.

Hooray for not doing the dishes!

Yes, I'm a negligent dishwasher. And yes, my mother is probably reading this post right now... *Sigh* I doubt she'll be that surprised. When it's my turn for dishes duty, I prefer to do them the next morning. It seems that even 'liberated females' should have perfect housekeeping and leaving the dishes overnight is breaking "the rules." Well, today I'm exonerated from my shame!

Look at all the lovely bubbles that form in a goblet that got left out overnight! Hooray to negligent housekeeping! Hooray!

Now it's time to get down to business. I have to finish up (ok, pretty much start) my income taxes. One of my pre-artist jobs was as an income tax preparer, so once I get going it's not so bad. I'd admit I even enjoy it a little- but that's just too weird a confession. I think you've had one too many of those today as it is... ;)

Illustration Friday's Theme Garden

I made this garden painting three years ago. My style has since changed quite a bit. I'm starting to wonder what to do with my old stuff. I was a lot slower then, so I only have about 15 paintings that don't fit with my new look. I've been trying to come to some sort of decision. Is it confusing to keep showing these? Some I've rented to local businesses. The majority are in my studio. Would it better to just keep them for myself?

I'm confusing myself. Here's another picture of my cat. LOL. Now I feel better.

Painting of the Week

This painting is called "Honorable."

Today I was working on inventory. I think that would be boring for most people, but for artists it's fun. It means shopping! I've been planning on trying out embossing powders and heat tools in my work. They are great for playing with different textures. I'm not the only one that's on a "texture kick." I have a theory about why so many are drawn to rougher textures, especially lately. Sleek computers, gadgets, and appliances abound. Flawless "gods" and "goddesses" on TV, movies and in advertising surround us. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Is it overload? Is that perhaps why we crave textual contrasts? Soft with coarse, smooth with slightly flawed, crackled, caked, and weathered? Maybe it's a rebellion born of the desire for more earthy, elemental and less machine.

Speaking of texture, Amber Lounder has an exhibit at the Galerie Georges Goguen that I'm looking forward to seeing tomorrow. I saw a sneak peak on her blog and you can too.

The local Community Business Development Corporation has invited Roger St Hilaire to give a training on "Strategic Sales for Artists." After two days of taking registrations, the seats are already half full. That's very exciting. A common attitude among artists in many areas has been that mixing business skills and art is a form of prostitution and takes away the purity of artistic expression. It seems that there is now room for another artistic path. Hooray for a paradigm shift! It always seemed to me that of all people, artists should be open minded to the fact that people do not always think the same. In fact, every artist being poured out of the same mould would make for a very shallow visual world and the purists could hardly claim to be pure.

That's Not Art

My spouse guy, Jason, had a laugh over my last post on getting validation. It was a little ironic, since I'd just given him feedback on a design project he's working on. I didn't offer cheerleading. More of a critique...

Gave a speech last night called "That's Not Art!" It gave three points to help people be more open and less intimidated by abstract art. Number 1- Be open minded. Science helps us understand the special skillset used by abstract artists. Number 2- Trust Your Gut, but keep practicing. In other words, look at lots of art. Number 3- Get an art buddy who's into art to help guide you (this can be your friendly neighborhood gallery).

Validation

Check out this article on searching for validation for your art. Alyson, artist business coach notes that we need validation to keep our careers rolling.

Back to work

Wasn't too eager to start on all my marketing/sales chores so I played hookey most of the day and made homemade greeting cards. I was experimenting with transparent papers. It was such a thrill to see a play on dimension from the layers.