I so often say that I want to make a difference and I so often feel so powerless against all the devastating things happening all over the world. The truth is that one may be able to break a thread, but not a rope! Small gestures often have a snowball effect and may be the start of powerful things. So today I am joining Amnesty International.
Currently there are two issues weighing heavily on my mind; The first is what is happening today in Myanmar and their government’s unbelievable stubbornness. Lets’ take action and ask the government of Myanmar to ensure delivery of international aid for Cyclone Nargis victims
The second issue on my mind is the genocide in Darfur. Being a child of Africa, some of my roots will always be there and often I am afraid to allow myself to even begin to allow myself to imagine what those people are going through. Today I am asking you to join me in calling on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to stop delays in much needed aid
The last two weeks in June I will once again auction off several of my artworks for charities of my choice and will of course keep everyone here updated.
Thanks for reading this and especially to those who took action.
Time eludes me! I’ve made it my goal to post at least once a week and suddenly realized with a shock that it has been 9 days since my last blog post. I am currently working day and night on a new body of work and am completely losing track with time. I guess it is one of the wonderful things about being an artist.
About two weeks ago I had an amazing shoot with Claudia, a wonderful model from the Philippines. I kept thinking my next post would be about her photos, however I think I will keep that for a next time.
Today I am sharing 'Yin Yang' as it progressed. Working on it was one of those magical moments that felt so natural and so right. I’ve been reading up on Chinese philosophy for years. Yin and Yang; can be described as two opposing and, at the same time, complementary aspects of any one phenomenon or simply as ‘unity of opposites’. This is a concept that often comes to mind when I think of various aspects of life. However it has only been recently that it occurred to me to visualize it in terms of a relationship.
Observations of my work
Today I am feeling really excited. I have two really big opportunities on my doorstep, but I think I will rather wait and see if they materialize before I share the details :-)
In the mean time I would like to share a special email sent to me by Anthony Middleton. I always find it really special when someone takes the time to share his/her observations of my work.
Hello my name is Anthony and I'm currently training as a dancer. I was introduced to your work a year ago when I was looking for art as inspiration to create dance, as a college student. I found, and still find, your work extremely interesting and extremely beautiful. Having also read an interview you gave with a website you mentioned that you seem to find that you are drawn to 'vulnerable' and 'emotional' positions. As I observed your work, I found the positions of the subjects quite introverted and suggested sadness. When I look at a lot of your work, it makes me highly reflective and I somehow feel sympathy, in some cases. Is this at all a theme in your work (sadness, reflection)? Can you see this idea in your work too? Another theme that I felt is present in your work, is 'senses'. As I observe your work, I find the subjects almost 'electric', their bodies implying hightened senses, and particularly in work containing more than one subject, I feel almost engaged with their senses, the sense of touch and heat. I would be grateful of any information you can provide for me...I am and will remain a great fan of your work, and am excited to see more of your work in the future. Thank you again, Anthony M. x
It is absolutely true that emotionality and the expression thereof plays a big role in my work (you may find my blog post of Jan 31 interesting since there I go into this in more detail) I spent a large part of my life practically living in two worlds, one reflected to the outside and another within. Therein I found a raw beauty in being able to express emotions freely and this as you noted is a theme that regularly comes forward through my work.
Your second observation of ‘senses’ I found particularly interesting. I only really started using more than one subject in my work since I got married in 2002. Most of my work is very personal and is strongly influenced by events in my personal life. Therefore after being united with my soul mate, I could not help but reflect this in my work. Though I strongly dislike in ‘erotic’ work, I have the need to visualize the unity I experience and reading your description of ‘heightened senses’ when referring to this body of work, I thought beautiful.
________
On another note, I am in the process of releasing 10 new pieces, the first shown below. I titled it 'Essential Self' and it is in essence a portrait of Artemis.
Life figure drawing I mentioned that I scheduled a series of life drawing sessions during this month and I completed the second session on Friday. I’ve always loved working with live models. When I were at the New York ArtExpo in March, I promised myself; if the exhibit were to be successful, I would put down a budget for hiring models. Now that this promise is becoming a reality I am enjoying it even more than I anticipated.
Herewith I share a drawing I did of Artemis as well as a photo my friend, Susanna Tanner took.
Advice to aspiring artists
I get several emails every week from students and aspiring artists with various questions on how to become a full time artist. Therefore I decided to share part of an email from Courtney in Canada as well as my reply.
“As my art school career is drawing to a close, I'm becoming more apprehensive about someday being able to make a career as an artist. I was wondering, if you had time, if you could offer me a bit of advice, as someone who has become successful. I have been told that as a figurative artist, finding a gallery that is interested in selling your work is more difficult. I was wondering if you had to apply to several galleries before you found one that was interested, or if it was relatively easy for you. And finally, I was just wondering if you had any additional advice for someone who is interested in pursuing a career as a fine artist. It would be an absolute dream come true for me, and any advice you could offer would be so appreciated!"
Let’s start with the question on subject matter I don’t have any statistics, but like Courtney I often heard certain subjects are easier to market than others etc… I simply believe that you should follow your heart in regards to what subject moves you most. To make a career as an artist you need to be in it with all your heart and soul. Not following your heart in regards to subject or trying to create what you believe will be easy to market will be like trying to pretend to be a person that you are not. Yes, there are communities or galleries that will not accept nude work, but there are also many galleries that will not accept other subjects when it does not fall in their theme or style. Put your eggs in many baskets I believe in trying to be as diverse as possible. As a full time artist there have been so many times that I did not know where the next tube of paint or the next canvas would come from (never mind the next meal) In time I learned never to depend on one outlet or a single type of outlets but instead to market my work as wide as possible. Today I focus on having a diversity of galleries in a variety of locations, online outlets, I do art expos, I work with interior designers, art agents and I am still looking in diversifying myself further. Through the last 12 years my sources of income have changed drastically and I believe will continue to do so. A very true saying comes to mind; ‘the only constant is constant change’
Getting started. It's darn hard. Don’t believe anyone that tells you differently. If they do, they’re lying. (Or perhaps they haven’t started with $5 in their back pocket, 5 small tubes of paint, 2 brushes and waist deep in study debt like I did) I think if I weren’t as stubborn as I am, I would have given up a long time ago. Luckily my stubbornness and determination pulled me through the starving times.
I think having a concrete plan is the best place to start. I aimed wildly in so many directions and would have saved myself a lot of time and energy if I were more focused. There are so many possible marketing plans one can discus, but for now let’s just talk about gallery do’s and don’ts since this is where most artists start.
Gallery Don’ts -Do not walk into galleries with a portfolio under the arm asking for representation. Most gallery owners are very busy and may even consider this rude. -Do not target just any gallery –there is no artist out there that would fit into every single gallery. -Do not exhibit in ‘vanity’ galleries. (Unless you have a huge marketing budget and don’t mind taking highly shaky risks) We call galleries that makes their money out of artists instead of art collectors vanity galleries – they usually charges the artist thousands to exhibit there and have little incentive to actually sell your work. (The same goes for ‘vanity’ Internet galleries!) -Never send work to a gallery on consignment without a proper contract signed by both you and the gallery. I have lost a series of works and I will most certainly not be the first or last artist to lose work. You may also be surprised by how many galleries do not have a contract –almost half my galleries signed a contract that I supplied.
Gallery Do’s -Always have a number of works available that is recognizable as yours. Exactly what that number is will depend on the scale of your work as well as how prolific you are. But if a gallery is interested in your work, it is great to be able to give them a choice of 15 to 20 pieces. (They will usually start with 2 – 8 pieces) -As far as possible, visit galleries first to get an idea of what kind of work they exhibit and to make sure your work will fit before you even consider sending in an application. Galleries’ websites may also help. -If available, get their submission guidelines –different galleries may require different submissions (digital, prints, slides etc.) and always comply with these guidelines. If there is none, send them quality prints or digital files as well as your artist statement, exhibition history (if any), biography and a cover letter. -Remember that most gallery contracts will state that they will be your only representative in their area. Therefore it is important that you make sure you target the best gallery in a specific city or town. -Once you get accepted, read the contract several times and ask a friend to read it as well in case you missed something. Never be afraid to ask if there is anything you are uncertain about. -Most artists starting out cannot afford a lawyer, so contacting some of the artists that already exhibits in a gallery is a great way to verify their ethics. I do this often and usually at least half the artists I contact is kind enough to share their experience. -Negotiate if necessary. Lately I’ve had several consignment galleries trying to push to get more than the standard commission. They often aim to impress you and tell you just how much of your work they are going to sell. I always suggest to them that we can see how much they sell and then we can renegotiate in 6 months. -Keep in touch with all your galleries and if you are in their area try to stop by –this will help build a relationship.
I hope that this may help some of the aspiring artists out there! And if there is other artists with more ideas/advice please feel free to add your comments.
Above I share another photo Artemis and I created
Feature in Carrie Leigh’s Nude Magazine
A few weeks ago I mentioned that my maternity shoot with Brooklyn would be featured in Carrie Leigh’s Spring issue and this week I was happy to receive my copy. It included a beautiful six-page feature of my work and I’m grateful to be a part of this wonderful issue.
I think that the editors do a great job in selecting exceptional fine art nudes and I would encourage everyone to subscribe. For more info, please visit www.carrieleigh.com
Photo shoot with Artemis
Working on images is the last thing I should be doing today, I have a deadline tomorrow and I am days behind. But I just could not stop myself.
Friday I had the most amazing photo shoot and live drawing session with Artemis, an incredible model from Fort Wayne. When we first sat down to discuss the work we are going to do, I came to realize just how perfect she was for what I intended. Most models I work with have some sort of fashion background and since fine art nudes are a world away, it is sometimes challenging explaining the concepts I strive for. However besides being a highly experienced modeling for live art classes, Artemis does yoga, dive and is a complete natural at just being herself. I am so excited about the work we did I just could not leave the images alone. Never mind my initial intention of giving them a week to ‘breathe’.
Here I share one of my first favorites. I expect I will be sharing several more in the days to come.
"The nude figure is a timeless image, without fashion clues to define the setting in a given time period. With no uniform to define the social class or employment role, nudity also represents honesty and authenticity – the naked truth – and one’s true self without any façade. Nude figures in nature can represent mankind living in harmony with the environment.
While some people associate nudity exclusively with a sexual context, I don't share this mindset. Consider the wholesomeness of Norman Rockwell skinny dipping scenes. Think of fine art nudes by Michelangelo, Auguste Rodin, and Maxfield Parrish."
Below are two sets of conceptual drawings I just completed for an interior designer in Chicago. The final piece will be a 6 x 11 foot installation and I can not wait!
Some things are timeless
The last two days we’ve had wonderful early spring weather and I’ve been finding the first signs of new life everywhere. However on Saturday the heavens opened and snow covered everything (Including me as I took our dog out)
So while the Indianan weather was living up to it’s unpredictable reputation, I spent the weekend in my basement studio planning some new pieces on request of a gallery group in the United Kingdom. But then I got distracted (as I so often do!) This time it was by the image below, born out of a shoot TJ and I did in December. It drew me in and had me playing around on it for hours ...the next thing I knew was that it was 2am.
I am thinking “Timeless” may be a suitable title. My friend Andrew says that it looks like it has been discovered in someone's attic after 50 years in a trunk. I guess I am hoping that maybe 50 years from now someone will discover it in an old trunk ... or maybe just on an old computer hard drive.
Happy Easter!
I am planning on doing live figure drawing and painting sessions during April and I can’t wait. I have put up a casting call on Model Mayhem and within the first few days I already got almost a dozen responses. Unfortunately I only have the budget for 3 – 4 sessions and I have no idea how I will choose who to work with first. However this will surely help with some exciting new work.
Below I share one of the photographs RJ Berry and I created during our photo shoot in December. This is one image that got an exceptional amount of attention and have been featured on One Model Place.
Hope you are having a wonderful Easter!
Just for fun
I have been talking so much about myself that I am almost beginning to feel self-conscious. So today I am just sharing a clip about 'What is Art'. If you have 7 minutes, this is great:
Enough about art, lets talk about me again! ...lol Just thought I'd mention that I have a new Newsletter out. All subscribers got a discount voucher again, however if you missed it, just let me know (It is still valid for three days)
Balance Painting
A few weeks ago I shared the design I did for my new piece titled “Balance” and today I am sharing the finished piece. When titling it, I considered titling it “Passion” since this is one of those ideas that simply captured my thoughts and drove me from the moment the concept came to mind until I put my last brush down.
Maybe the spontaneous moment in which the concept was born had something to do with how I was driven by this piece. But more important, I was taken by the concept of how one person’s support can help lift another to heights they never would have been able to reach by themselves.
“Passion is the energy that turns Vision into Action. Without passion, a vision is just an idea or a daydream. Your vision and what you feel deeply about need to be strongly connected” -Lois Raats, M.Ed.
Back from the Big Apple I feel so grateful tonight. Not only because I had an exceptional exhibition in New York and am home safely, but also because of the amazing people around me. While in New York I caught some strange bug, the kind that makes your head feels twice its size, your eyes all watery and blurry, and your body like it must belong to someone else. So tonight I am sitting here rolled up in a blanket on our living room floor next to a heap of tissues, with our black Labrador lying with his big head on my lap. While my dear friend is teaching the BodyFlow class in my place, another friend brought me good old South African medicine and my sweet husband brought me boxes of chocolates, candy and cookies (when he is sick he gets vitamins, when I’m sick I get chocolates …guess who has the best deal :-)
Enough about now, let’s rewind and tell you about New York. The morning of Feb 26th we headed east. This year I decided to do all the driving on that first day and took my loyal friend Celeste through several hours of unplanned sight seeing of New Jersey into the small hours of the next morning. However, once in downtown Manhattan, hubby’s F150 truck and me were right at home. The first time TJ and I were driving there we felt a little out of place being the only truck in the whole of Manhattan, last year I still felt a little strange, but by now I have learned that the ant nest of intolerant yellow cabs between all those tall, dark buildings has a strange respect for a 110lb woman driving a big, red pickup truck with Indiana number plates –especially when that woman starts driving like one of them…
During the 5 days of the exhibit I have been approached by a large number of new galleries throughout the country as well as the United Kingdom, while sales where everything I hoped for and more. Several Art Agents and Publishers also approached me. Today I am not sure whether my head is spinning because of the bug I’ve caught or because of the amazing reaction to my new work. After hiding in my studio for months with only an Internet cable to connect me to the outside world, it is quite a contrast putting yourself out there in front of thousands. An amazing experience none the less.
Before I go, I just want to thank everyone who wrote to me and for all the wonderful support. Without you I would never have been able to even dream of all the things becoming a reality. I must also apologize for my delay in response at times –right now I am a few hundred emails behind (literally) but in due time I will get back to everyone.
Thank you.
New York Artexpo starting shortly A week from today my exhibit at the 2008 New York Artexpo will be set up and ready to open. I will be releasing thirteen new works as well as a large number of new giclees. The Artexpo will open on the 28th for trade and on March 1st for the general public. If you are interested in attending this event, please let me know and I will be happy to send you some VIP passes. You can also register from their website. This will be the third Artexpo that I will be attending, second time in New York, and I can barely wait!
Artexpo is one of the most comprehensive events of its kind for both art industry professionals and consumers and is produced by the International Art & Framing Group. This world-renowned event has been defining popular art for more than a quarter of a century and is eagerly anticipated by art dealers, publishers and private collectors. International Artexpo is the highlight of the spring season and draws more than 50,000 qualified buyers and art enthusiasts to view its collections each year.
Below I share one of my new pieces, also part of my weightlessness series, that I will be exhibiting during this event.
Why buy art?
So much information about the business of art, about art as investment and the commercial side of art pass my path on a daily basis. I hear galleries speak about what colors sell best, what are the most popular subject matters and what the current market trends are. Sometimes between all the talk of art acquisition and divestment, art collection management, corporate art consulting, art brokers, accredited art appraisals etc. I feel lost. Lost in a world driven by financial gain, a world that sometimes seems to have lost its soul.
Today I am speaking with you not only as Antoine the artist, but also as Antoine the art collector. I started collecting the work of a few artists that really moves me several years ago and hope to continue to grow my collection. So herewith I share with you the reasons I buy art.
When I purchase a piece of art I do not care what it would be worth tomorrow or if it is trendy. I do not care if it will perfectly compliment the chartreuse green in my lampshade or the sangria in my pillow’s tussles.
However, often it happens to me that I see a piece of art that stops me in my tracks and gives me shivers down my spine. A piece of art that reaches into my chest and moves something inside. A work that will turn in my mind for days and weeks. I love an artwork that I can relate to, an artwork that I can not only look at but also experience, art that speaks to my soul.
I have mentioned this once in a newsletter but I just have to quote Thomas Hoving (former director, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY) again since no one has ever reflected my feelings quite like him when he said; “you'll meet individual works that you’ll need for the rest of your life, works that thrill you, energize you, lift your soul, soothe you, make you smile, make you think about the fate of mankind and the universe, make you have to see them again and again for the good of your psyche, state of mind, and strength of heart”
On another note, below I share with you the current state of my studio… crazy to say the least. I plan to start photographing my new works for the New York ArtExpo shortly and will of course share it here first!
Getting personal about my art I have never really planned to write about the start of my career. In fact, most of the time this is a topic I am cautious to discuss. However this week Anne, a 14 year old girl from Northern Ireland took me on a journey down memory lane.
Wait. Before I tell you more about Anne, I have to rewind to this time last year when I worked on my media package for my first New York ARTEXPO. Part of the requirements are to submit a media package with the usual biography, resume etc. I really felt that all those boring stuff says little about my work so I decided to ask the help of a wonderful writer from Greece, Sunny Long, to help me in this. While preparing my ideas I spend nights thinking about me, my work and asking myself some very hard questions. This process really forced me to do introspection. After much thought I came to some conclusions and was able to give Sunny the information she needed to write my Informal Biography.
Now back to Anne in Ireland. Anne is a student from St. Pius X College who sent me a questionnaire for a project she is working on. It seems like interviewing or writing about artists is a popular assignment for art students since I get quite a number of questionnaires every week. However this was one of the most personal ones I ever completed. It was obvious that Anne read my Informal Bio and based her questions on that. Herewith I share some of her questions as well as some answers.
What inspired you to first begin a career in painting? Most artists will tell you that they’ve painted or created since they can remember, and so will I. However making a crayon drawing and building your life around your art is not quite the same. In short, I have suffered from severe depression since I was 15 and had quite a few challenges come my way. During the years that fallowed I spent a lot of time in hospital and was in desperate need of a way of expression. I’ve never felt that I ‘chose’ to become an artist. Rather that art chose me.
Do you believe art can be used as a therapy? Absolutely! I believe art is some of the best therapy methods out there. I think of it as my self-therapy keeping me in touch with sanity.
How did your motorcycle accident, at 17, contribute to your artwork? It made me realize how fragile life is and not to take anything for granted.
How did art help you with your grief and understanding of the event? I don't think one can ever really come to true understanding of something like that. But I do think everyone experiencing such a devastating event has to start somewhere to pick up some of the pieces and put them together. Everyone needs a form expression and not finding it causes us to build up. I believe my art has served as my outlet, my mirror and my story.
Did the betrayal by your friend (stolen diaries) encourage you to start painting... if so why? Yes, I lost trust in using writing as an outlet and needed another.
More on my recent nude maternity shoot Shortly after my newsletter came out last week, the editor of Carrie Leigh’s Nude Magazine contacted me. He wanted to feature more of my photography in their next issue and after consideration decided to publish my maternity series. I was asked to write a short artist statement, which I am sharing here today;
It was late November and a typical gray and cold early winters day in the Midwest. We were setting up heaters and tripods for the shoot in my friend’s attic. The entrance to the attic was led in by a steep flight of stairs and I had real concerns about how this 8 months pregnant woman, that was about to arrive will be able to get up there. However, as I was turning these thoughts round and round in my mind, a radiant young woman came running up the stairs. Brooklyn was not only more energetic than I would ever have imagined an expecting mother, but there was no doubt, she had a real glow of energy around her.
Working with a model soon to give birth is an experience I will not soon forget. I’ve always believed that a woman is at her most beautiful when pregnant, and I while shooting, I recall thinking; ‘how natural, how perfect’
What contributes to the magic of this remarkable time is that it only happens a few times in a woman’s life, if that. It is a true example of the power of nature, of how line and form can change to accommodate and develop another. A life-changing time that is so delicate and so vulnerable jet so strong and powerful.
Brooklyn was blessed with a baby boy on January 3rd 2008. I feel privileged to have been a part of this incredibly special time in her life.
Promotion I have had some inquiries about Intimité (The piece in the video I posted yesterday) Unfortunately it is already sold. Due to the quality of the video I decided to post a better image here –just to give a feel of what I was creating
Something else I forgot to mention is the promotion I am currently running. I recently replaced the shopping cart on my website with new Google checkout buttons. This gives me the wonderful ability to create discount vouchers. So from now until Jan 22, entering the coupon code ‘JAN2008’ upon checkout should get you 30% off any item on my website, www.AntoineArt.com.
March 2004 I started a newsletter on my website, AntoineArt.com that only comes out about 2-3 times a year. Well, today was one of those very special days :-) It is available here
New Video
Together with my newsletter I have also released a new video. It is a work in progress that I titled “Intimité’ and the music is ‘Loving Man’ by one of my favorite bands, Ark (and I am not just saying that since my husband is the bassist!)
Besides being a real novice at videography, my video camera is really bad at indoor shots (and with the snow piling up by my front door, going outside is unfortunately not an option) So please use a little imagination while watching!
A few days ago I mentioned that I just finished a new piece in my ‘Serenity’ series. I just photographed the painting and thought I’d quickly tell you the history of this series. One evening (about five years ago) TJ and I tested a new camera. We didn’t plan anything but just did what came natural. Some months later I was working on an exhibit on the theme of love to be held at Arndean Gallery in London together with LondonArt. While doing some planning my eye caught something in one of the almost black images we took that one night. When I highlighted the photograph I discovered an amazing image of our legs and loved it. Not because it was a great shot but because it was so typically “us” (This was the way we sleep just about every night) and because it really tells a story. I thought that it had such a serene sense of unity. Needless to say it became the inspiration for the first ‘Serenity’, which later became a series.
PS. This is a 36 x 24" oil on canvas and currently available.
My philosophy on Fine Art Nudes
I think going into detail of my philosophy on my work I would probably need to write a book instead of a blog post. Therefore I will not go in great detail but often I do feel misunderstood and have a need to attempt to start putting my view into words.
Why Nudes?
Though I touched many themes through my younger years, I started moving towards figures and eventually nudes during my late teenage years. Living in a conservative community this immediately provoked conflict. ‘Why are you painting naked people?’ I would be asked and surprised I’d respond, ‘I have never painted a naked person! I am capturing pure moments in raw honesty’ Even today I often feel like I am not really doing nudes. I am reflecting on the most sensitive, powerful, and truthful. I am drawn to organic form and line like a magnet and it is nowhere to be found quite like in the human figure.
My model friend Ben once described his point of view so well. In short it was about him believing that by making piece with our bodies, we make peace with who we truly are. He said that we are able to connect with our inner being on a higher level if we accept and embrace our physical selves. (Ben, if you read this please feel free to jump in here)
Then I have to mention the emotional side. It has been said that both my work and myself bear a high level of emotionality. When writing a review about one of my exhibits, one reporter aptly noted, ‘…utilizing mainly the emotionality of the female as a theme’. Michel Keck once said that her artwork is as much a part of her as her organs. I knew exactly what she meant. And I guess my artwork is as much a part of my emotional roller coaster as I am. I think I better leave that there since now I am touching a second book… But before I move on, I have to mention, though I love all forms of art, personally I have never been able to experience the same emotion or feel quite as moved by another subject matter.
Nudes and eroticism.
I do not know why those two concepts cannot be set apart. As much as I am drawn to the human form, I am repulsed when it is not treated with dignity. I’ll go as far as confessing that I dislike most provocative and erotic work. Sadly this is often where I find my work categorized.
Since I met my soul mate, I have often been working on the theme of love. Once again my aim was to touch the theme with the highest respect. Strange as some may think, I still do not see these works anywhere near erotic. Rather as intimate, pure, reflecting the ultimate closeness… and several other concepts my vocabulary cannot put into words.
Regarding my first paragraph about feeling misunderstood; Just this week a model contacted me saying ‘I would like to work with you. Can we do a sexy lingerie shoot?!’ …Ouch!
Here I share ‘Words to surface…feelings to life’ –one of the first nudes I ever painted.
Weightlessness Today I was really bad! Instead of spending the hours behind the easel as planned, I started playing around with some more of my new ‘gravity defying’ images. Before I knew it, I looked out of my studio window and couldn’t believe the darkness was staring back at me already. I have managed to finish a new painting in my Serenity (legs & feet) series that I will photograph this week. But here I am sharing the image that stole most of my day.
Defying Gravity
For several years I have been playing with ideas for a gravity defying body of work. At first my mind went to underwater photography. I researched it, spoke to several models about my ideas and went as far as getting my scuba diving license. But somehow it just was not meant to be. I do not doubt that the day will come (and everyone reading my blog will of course be first to know when it does :-) But in the meantime TJ and I experimented with other ways of achieving this vision and the image I include here is one of the first.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone! Last night my husband and I started the New Year in front of a crackling fire while eating some of the best Sushi we’ve ever had and drinking Champagne. One of the best New Year’s Eve ever!
Looking at my blog it must seem like I have been doing more photography than painting lately. This is not completely true. However, the New York ArtExpo is on it’s way and I am planning on releasing a complete new body of work. Therefore I have indeed been focusing on doing several shoots that will help me with ideas I plan to explore in my new paintings.
Today I am sharing with you a few of the results of a recent photo shoot I have done with RJ Berry from Iowa. RJ is quite unique since she is a 41-year-old model and started modeling just recently. RJ only does Fine Art work with, as she puts it; ‘No drama, no diva antics, just a desire to get the perfect shot’
May 2008 be a brilliant year for all of you!!
Balance
The last few days there have been several things I wanted to share here; a video I am working on of a newly completed painting, the results of the photo shoot I did with an incredible forty year old model from Iowa… but then it was the planning of the new painting I am about to start today that moved me so deeply that I could barely sleep last night.
This piece developed out of a series of ideas. Since becoming a Bodyflow instructor I have been aware of its influence on me as well as my work. Bodyflow (also called ‘Bodybalance’) focus not only on our physical training but also the mind body connection and balance. Taking these concepts further I have been pondering on the balance in my own relationship and how our partners often become the keystone of our lives. It is here where my mind will be dwelling while working on my new painting during the next few days.
