Subscribefun art
I mentioned that I would show and tell what I was going to submit to Nahcotta for the show opening in February. The show is called the Enormous Tiny Art Show, and all art has to be small.
They invited me to be part of the show just as I had started a series of artworks for myself that were all 6×6 inches (good timing). But these were a little (well, a LOT) different for me. I started this series for myself to get back into playing and experimenting and having fun with art. (I do a lot of painting for illustrations every week, and was getting a bit tired of doing the same old routine. You know? So I started these in response to that.)
I give myself no rules with these. They don’t have to look like “my style”. They don’t have to be pretty. They don’t have to have a concept or a theme. They don’t have to BE anything. It’s my time to just do. Play. Rip it to shreds and piece it back together if I want. It’s just fun.
Some are created when I’m pissed off. Some when I’m feeling reflective. Some are really simple. And some tell me a story. I like some of them. And don’t like others. And that’s ok. That’s not the point. The point, to say again, is just to experiment and shake up my art a bit.
When Nahcotta approached me I said thank you, but didn’t want to do my “normal” stuff for this. I talked to them about my intentions and asked if they’d be willing to show these instead. And I was pleasantly surprised when they said yes. (I hope they do well!)
I have done a lot of gallery shows in the past and they are always stressful for me. That’s hard to admit. I’m supposed to like gallery work, right? But the truth is that I haven’t figured out a way to enjoy the process because I’m always too busy with my illustration work. So it feels like I’m just doubling up on my to-do list instead of letting shows be an outlet. I use myself up with illustration so much so that my brain has no more juice left to do personal work. And I’m a stress-bomb until show day.
So with all that in mind, you can imagine how happy I was the Nahcotta agreed to show these. This is fun work that doesn’t stress me out. YAY!
(Now that I’m saying all this out loud, I feel guilty for being stressed about shows.)
(and also, I’m very afraid people who attend the Nahcotta show will say these suck and wonder how I could do such hideous art. I’m trying to let that go because it’s not about that. But still, that thought is there.)
Gosh, i have a lot to work on in my head…
I guess what it boils down to is doing art for myself. Letting it be an expression of “me” and not just what people expect all the time. These feel really good to make. And that’s what matters. Right?
I just wanted to mention something, and it is just one other artist’s view, that’s all. But I never have looked at gallery work as a break or a relaxation from illus. work, or weekly assignment ‘real’ jobs for lack of better word. Doing a show is just a slightly different mindset. It’s not necessarily fullfilling a defined objective, but it still is a serious conversation with the muses. I just don’t see art as play. Playing to me is rolling on the ground with the donkeys. Not to come down on your post, I just thought it mind show that maybe if you redefine what you expected gallery work to be, you would take fewer shows, or look at them differently when they come about, hence aleviating some stress.xo
miz penelope…i truly love and embrace your uncertainty and honesty. it is hard to find the energy to get ready for a show, or whatever it is that you want to do when you have design deadlines looming over your head. design pays the bills…yet we yearn to create too. creating for me is different than creating for a client. it just is. i love that you went outside your box. you are someone who i look up to as a designer and artist. the fact that you aren’t afraid to say you are afraid, or have self doubt is refreshing…because then i can say – wow, its not just me.
your new pieces don’t suck and they wont think they are hideous. i am so happy that i am going to be part of a show with you.
your numero uno middle indiana fan….kelly
No way, people will not say they suck. They are really beautiful!!!
I can see in your words and art that your heart has led you to where you are now. Trust it.Keep going.
And I love these small pieces.
peace.
I can see that it is different from your other work, but I like it and it’s fresh and new. Like the black and white one on the top right.
Penelope, they are very nice. I absolutely understand the process. Play more!
: )
Any details about opening night or time line of the show? Are you selling only originals? I live in the area & would love to go and see your work
“live” :)
Wow, I think they are incredibly beautiful. Some of my favorite work of yours, and I like it all!
I applaud your courage to keep going….to seek and to explore. I am amazed that you are so brave….brave to put yourself out there….Way to go….Don’t stop. Your journey is no doubt encouraging to many others (like me, for example)……Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan
Hi Penelope.
thank you for your honesty.i do know exactly what you mean. I have shied (shyed? shy-ed?) away from both illustration and gallery work because of the expectations that people have of seeing a consistent style. My work is constantly changing. From one day to the next my drawings can be totally different. And if I try to make them the same, well, then it starts to feel an awful lot like work. And for me, if I am to continue on this path my work does need to feel like play and freedom and self expression, even if I am going to sell it. The release and expression and experimentation is why I am an artist. If I just wanted to make money there are certainly easier ways!I do so appreciate your willingness to share the vulnerability and doubt you feel at times.
just do it Penelope…your heart shines through and just imagine…people loving your new work so much that they all sell on the first night! that they order more and you start looking for time to do all the playing!…and if not…so what!? YOU were having fun doing it…and that is all that counts! xx
These are beautiful and mysterious! I really like the birds and girl in black & white with red. These are really great!
I just have to say that when I first pulled up this page and first saw these images, I gasped – wow!
They are different, yes, and beautiful, and I have no doubt that people will love them (because I certainly do).
Enjoy the fact that you can enjoy the show. :)
Reine: here’s the info I know about the show:
show dates: February 8 – March 9
opening: Friday, February 8, 5-8pm
Yes, only originals… the six above. But they are small and priced accordingly. :)
I hope you do go check them out!
I also wanted to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement about these pieces and this journey. I am constantly amazed and grateful by your support. I’m glad you like the pieces too! :)
toot toot to you!
hey p – it’s all good. i will be there admiring your work in person. it’s a wonderful departure.
hey girl, these look so fun. and they are magic in the inspiration front–i’m missing my printmaking class but (now that i’m feeling ‘caught up’) i’m going to set aside time for just playing/experimenting. we gotta do this and keep reminding each other to do it, making art with no parameters, except for the adventure. xo
hi,
i really love your work!
congratulations and all the best to you
xxx
leonor
Trust yourself Penelope.. like you say get out of your way and just trust yourself that it will all come together…and it always does… when all this analytical stuff gets you down.. just do it!