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