Coming up for Air!
Coming up for Air!
Wow, it's been a long time. Too long! If you've wondered where I've disappeared to, here's the short version: my art has continued to flow, I'm still working full time managing the design department at my day job, and things there have really intensified lately. Between that and everything else, there just hasn't been much left over for blog writing or newsletters. So, I've got a lot to catch you up on.
First, the YouTube news: the channel crossed 1,000 subscribers, thanks in large part to my Infinite Zoom drawing lessons and live streams. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed, watched, or joined me live. It means more than you know. I haven't had much time to work on new videos lately, though, because I was handed a wonderful opportunity in June while I was on vacation.
I got a call from Alicia at It's About Time Cultural Arts Center in Ferndale, Washington, offering me a duo show with another artist, Erin Libby.
Erin and I both work in colorful, fantastical styles that complement each other beautifully. Erin's artistic journey has been extraordinary. Many people don't realize that she was involved with Cabbage Patch Kids during their earliest years, designing one of the 1982 mini prototypes. Today she brings that same imagination to vibrant, whimsical paintings that are entirely her own. I felt genuinely honored to share a show with someone so talented.
Her work carries more edge than mine. I tend to paint what feels right, and what feels right to me is sweet, full of animals and flowers, and unapologetically positive. Not edgy at all. Side by side, our work turned out to be both complementary and full of contrast, which made for a really striking show.
Opening night was two nights ago, and it was fabulous. So many friends and coworkers came out, and the gallery was full for hours, which was thrilling for everyone involved. One particular collector fell in love with my work. She's an enthusiastic art collector who ended up buying several pieces. A couple of friends bought artwork too, and I loved encouraging that, both because I wanted them to have something that would make them smile every day and because it meant supporting this wonderful new space in Ferndale. The town has honestly been overdue for a cultural arts center, so it's exciting to help this new venture get off the ground.
On another note, my day job has gotten genuinely intense lately. The company is growing and shifting roles, and since I've been there a long time, I've ended up with a hand in almost every part of the business before construction happens. I'm not just managing design anymore, I'm deep into marketing and sales too, and I'm currently filling in for one of my favorite people, Patrick, while he and his partner, another favorite person, Christina travel through Europe for his sabbatical. Wonderful for them, of course, and an opportunity for the rest of us to take on a bit more new stuff.
I've been making a lot of art in Adobe Fresco lately, though less in Infinite Zoom, and I'm looking forward to getting back to both now that the show is up and running.
I also think there's a blog post in here somewhere about how to prepare for a gallery show. There was a lot I learned along the way, and if you're thinking about exhibiting your own work, I hope I can save you a few headaches. Watch for that one soon.
Thanks for sticking with me through the quiet stretch. I've got lots more to share now, and I'm looking forward to getting back into a regular rhythm here.
Also, check out my portfolio page- most of the Gilcee, canvas prints, that are in the show are on Maggie Bates Portfolio page.