Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale

Finding a Way

Winter is here and I am back to work as an Interactive Producer. The days are flying by and there has been little time to dream and paint in the studio. However, dollars are being made and I am tucking them away like a squirrel who gathers nuts.

In the meantime, what can I do to stay creative? Picked up an interesting book today on drawing Noir style comics. The characters where what caught my eye.

I have been thinking of creating a sketch book of characters. Tackling them when I can throughout the winter and then incorporating them into my paintings next summer when I have more time. This seems do-able. Little bits of drawing that I can fit in to my busy schedule seems less overwhelming that trying to get into the studio and drag out all big canvases and paints.

The Show Has Ended

Thank you very much to all the people who came to my art show on September 25th. Lots of friendly faces were there and the night flew by. It was a lot of work to set up and take down within 24 hours, but I am glad I did it and it marks a turning point for me as an artist. I sold 5 paintings that night and made lots of new connections. I could not have done it without my pals Denise and Jodi who took care of all the logistics, food, wine, and moral support. And, of course Dannie and Kate for taking the cash and my husband for being a great co-host.

One outcome of the evening that I did not expect and that sticks with me now is how many people felt inspired by what I am doing. I never really thought of myself as an "inspiration", but it feels good to know that someone might pick up a paint brush because of me.

SOLO EXHIBITION

Stuck

This is the first time in a long time that I have felt really stuck. Artistically speaking that is. I can't seem to get the next painting right. I have burned through about 7 canvases all in vain. I don't know what is happening? My usual response is to just keep plowing forward and eventually it will pass, but this time is different. I feel like I have gone full circle. That I don't know how to execute the style I have been working to nurture over the last two years. That I need to toss it all out and start over. That I am no good anymore and that I should just give up. Ugggggghhh. It will pass right?

Needless to say, the Cowboy show is next week and my own personal show is end of September. The Cowboy show at Onda Gallery on Alberta is taken care of. I have the few pieces that are accepted and just need to drop them off. As for my own show in September, I was hoping to create a few more this summer to include, but right now, that prospect isn't looking very good. One positive note is that I have a postcard made, theme picked, and location secured.

Here are the details.

UNTIL NOW.
Cumulative works by Shyama Helin.
September 25th, 2009
Virtuoso Studios
323 NW 6th Ave., Portland OR 97209
5pm - 10pm

New piece as part of the "cowboy" series

Mixed media on canvas. 30" wide x 20" tall. Just completed!

One Month Past Already

A month has passed since I made my annual transition from Interactive Producer to Artist. I can't believe it is July already. Time has really flown, and while I feel that I have accomplished a lot on the art front, I also feel that I have barely gotten started. The most exciting piece of news is that three of my pieces were selected as part of a group show at a gallery here in Portland. While things have been busy at the art fairs and what not, getting into galleries has been my largest goal for this summer and so, to a certain extent, I am on my way.....right??

Prepping for Onda Gallery show submission - Cowboys of the Americas

First Thursday June is Approaching

Getting ready for First Thursday in the Pearl (NW 13th/Hoyt).......

Two Weeks

"Two weeks left" is what I keep thinking to myself. Two weeks until I return to being a full time artist. Even though everyone thinks I am crazy for taking a risk and leaving a perfectly well paying job during "these economic times", I have never felt more sure of my decision. I am a stickler for follow-through in myself and in others. Dedicating time to my artwork during the year has always been my plan. So, "goodbye" Interactive Producer, until we meet again.....most likely in the fall.

Inspiring Artists

Here are a few artists I have been inspired by lately:

http://www.lolleyland.com - wonderful illustration work.
http://www.ifrancis.co.uk - really cool dark, figurative and abstract mixed media work. saw in Juxtapoz issue Jan. 2009
http://www.nickbutcher.net - interesting abstract work.
http://www.camillaengman.com - discovered her work in the iGoogle custom banner chooser which I am sure has given her great exposure.

I Wasn't Kidding

I wasn't kidding when I said my cars are handmade. Here are the Sunday trimmings....on my kitchen table.

Dreamers Card Set

I just put together a group of my favorite paintings and created a 12 piece note card set. I call the particular couple featured in these cards "The Dreamers" and you can see them in Paris, Portland, New York, and Brooklyn. For sale in my etsy store.....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18655377

First First Thursday

Next week marks the first First Thursday of the year. I am busy getting my booth ready, checking inventory, and making sure my little credit card machine works. I wonder how this "down economy" is going to affect sales this year?

Come visit me at approximately NW 13th and Hoyt in the Pearl, Portland Oregon. I will be there each first Thursday of the month from May to October 4pm-9pm.

In addition, I am slowly transitioning out of my Interactive Producer role at a local digital design firm in hopes of spending the summer on a new series of artwork. Each year, I get closer and closer to my goal of doing artwork full time. I can't wait to get back into the studio!

Group Show at Onda Gallery

I will be participating in a group show at the Onda Gallery focusing on artwork using recycled materials. My Portland Dreamers painting will be featured as well as a second piece. The work will be on display for the month of May and the opening reception is May 8th.

Spring!

It has been a while since I have had a chance to post, but spring is in the air and I am looking forward to the upcoming summer of art and time in the studio. The last few months have been spent working a day job as an Interactive Producer and tucking money away for later. I am thankful for the position and hope that it can last until summer begins. This season, I was able to sign up for all months of First Thursday in the Pearl. That means April through October, every Thursday evening at the beginning of the month, I will be selling at the street fair on NW 13th. I am also waiting on pins and needles to hear whether I got into Art in the Pearl Art Festival over labor day weekend. A much respected fine art festival, I will be really excited if I get in. I should hear mid April.

The Farm Restaurant Show

I just finished hanging my work at The Farm and I think it looks pretty nice. The old building and warm colors on the wall compliment my work well. Almost all the paintings are for sale and will be hanging for the entire month of February. The Farm is located at SE 7th and Burnside in Portland Oregon.

Thank You YRG

Thanks to YRG in downtown Portland for letting me hang my artwork in their office space for the month of January. Now, on to The Farm Restaurant for February where everything will be on sale.

A Commission

Last week a woman emailed me asking for a commissioned piece themed around Florida and using the couple image that I refer to as The Dreamers. At first I was hesitant to try as it is hard for me to find specific imagery that people request. But, after some convincing, I did it. I think it turned out pretty good. I hope my client is happy with it as well.

Spooky Man in Progress

I am not sure where the idea for this painting has come from, but here is today's work so far...

My process is starting to develop which includes the following steps: 1) On canvas, begin by adhering strips of regular paper using acrylic medium or Modge Podge. I guess it isn't critical to use canvas. One could use board. 2) Paint with a base color. Usually something very saturated and dark (burnt sienna in this painting) and let dry 3) Add a crackle medium on top. Let dry 4) Add a pattern transfer to selected areas (under the yellow on the ground in this painting) 5) Add second color over crackle medium (yellow in this painting). 6) Add subject matter (man and flowers). 7) Add third color (white) with a dry brush to pick up the texture 8) Add details (stars).

Art in the Pearl

Art in the Pearl 2009 (the art and craft festival held over Labor Day weekend) applications are coming up soon and I am hoping to particiapate this year. This show is juried and I must have four of my best paintings for submission. Here are two I think will be included so far.

A Full Day in the Studio

This is a picture of a painting in progress. So far it includes 3 of the 4 components that are always in my work. Texture, ephemera (which is a collage term for notes, tickets, scraps of paper, etc.), and vintage clip art. The last component will be a transfered image or pattern. And, then of course, there is always lots of paint.

I am hoping to finish this painting today. I get to spend the whole day in the art studio which is exciting. No interruptions, networking, interviews, meetings, errands, or other. Even though I generally like to multi-task, I find it hard to work in the studio if I don't have a good chunk of time to dedicate. I guess the thought of firing up the heater, putting on my painting clothes, and settling into a creative space doesn't seem worth it unless I have at least 4 hours of uninterrupted time. "Oh boo hoo" you must be saying to yourself at this point.

The Farm

Today I had the fortune to receive a call from The Farm inquiring about hanging my art in their restaurant. I was excited to take them up on the offer. They found me through Etsy and the fact that I had labeled myself as a Portland artist. The time I spent putting together a nice Etsy store has paid off in many ways www.shyama.etsy.com. Eventhough Etsy was created to support the craft movement, it provides a good place to set up a store and promote yourself as an artist as well. Etsy has recieved quite a lot of press and attention lately and the tools they provide are a great resource. If nothing else, the amount of traffic Etsy recieves will put your name high up on a google search.

My work will be hanging at The Farm Cafe (on the corner of SE 7th and Burnside) for the month of February. Come check it out! www.thefarmcafe.net

Here I am. Blogging. Why?

Over the past few months I have been scouring the internet for artist's notes and thoughts about their experiences. I am sure they are out there, but I haven't found anything notable yet. I would like to know how other emerging artists are doing. What is working for them? What isn't? A road map they may or may not be following, and their daily experiences and thoughts. I guess you could say I would like a virtual artist community. Since I haven't found anything yet, I thought I would create something myself. I can't be the only artist out there who could use a place to connect. Maybe my experiences can be helpful for someone else trying to get started. Plus, now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense for me to combine my two lives: online marketing producer and mixed media artist = art blog. Now, if I were a good writer, that would be an even better combo....

I have been keeping some notes on my freelance contractor experience of which I have posted, but I hope to begin speaking more about my art moving forward.

Good Enough

It feels like I am constantly on the tip of something great, but never able to reach it. Arggg...

Here is the latest painting in progress.