I'm proud of myself. How often do you think that...or say it out loud? I'm guessing not enough. You are not alone folks. I often feel like I'm not living up to my full potential. Ambition, success, small steps forward should be rewarded no matter what your job is. Today I'm sharing some achievements that make me smile. It's hard to write about yourself and not sound braggy (is that even a word?) but I'll give it a go.
If you are not familiar with NYC based artist and author Adam J. Kurtz than let me introduce you. His words are shown in the image above and he has just come out with a book that looks amazing. You can tear out the pages and keep them as reminders and inspiration.
A few weeks ago I hung some of my work at an independent bookstore in town called Hunter Street Books. It really does make me so happy to think that people are viewing and experiencing my paintings in a public space. Having them stacked in my studio is reality sometimes, but it's such a great feeling to hang them in a unique shop like this.
If you are not able to view them in person you can check them out in my online shop. Please contact me with any questions. If you are downtown shopping over the next few weeks you can see the collection until early January.
A few months ago I accepted a challenge from a local shop Watson & Lou. They asked artists to create a piece of art that had a slogan on it, your choice to make it funny or sincere. One that would help describe our city, Peterborough. One afternoon I sat at my dining table with scissors in hand and cut up an image of my grandma with two of her friends. This was the starting point, all I knew was that I wanted to try collage but was unsure of how I would go about it. I know artists, including myself, talk about the process a lot, reality is it's these moments of uncertainty and experimentation that are the most rewarding. I could have deleted the email and never took the risk of making something out of my comfort zone, but I didn't.
Photo by Watson & Lou
Photo by Watson & Lou
The framed print from my original collage is available for sale at Watson & Lou, and some fun products are in the works with this design. I'm excited to see how they turn out! This piece reflects my thoughts on why people gravitate back to this city. When I was in high school I couldn't wait to leave and I really never thought I'd move back. I've met a lot of people through instructing painting classes, neighbours and acquaintances who all say the same thing. They just moved back. There is something in the familiar that makes us feel comfort. It's been four years to the day that we moved into our home, and I don't miss living in a larger city.
Photo by Watson & Lou
MOO contacted me recently and asked if I would be interested in sharing some information about my business and choice of packaging. I just received an email with the featured artists and I wanted to share it with you. Check it out here.
Promise me something, if you get that feeling of excitement about something you worked hard on or created, that you will share it. Tell those you are close with, it's great to have a cheering squad. Don't worry if you feel like your bragging, people want to share in your successes.
Art by Adam J. Kurtz