The Reception: Don’t Act a Fool

For those of you who are not familiar with the etiquette of an art reception here are a few tips.

Artist Statement
There will typically be an artist statement close to the entrance. There are two ways to use this to your advantage.

You can either read it first or you can take a quick look at the work to come up with some thoughts and questions of your own. If you look at the statement first it will give you an idea about the work. It may also give you some terms to use when the person next to you asks you what you think about the work. If you read it at the end you will have the freedom to come up with your own thoughts about the work.

Your thoughts are just as valid about the work as any one elses, including mine...That being said

Don’t Try to Use Fancy Language
When someone asks you about the work, you don’t need to use fancy language to talk about the your opinions. In fact, please don’t. However, being prepared to use a few basic terms may be wise. Color, shape, contrast, line and value (darks and lights) are all great words to keep in mind. They can help you answer questions such as why you like or don’t like the work.

Many art students spend their first semester just learning about basic terms in the context of overall composition and concept, so don’t feel too bad if you are still not sure how to talk about other people’s artwork.

Ask Questions
The terms above are also great for asking questions and engaging the artist. In addition to the basic terms you can always ask the standard Who, What, When, Where, and Why. But don’t forget to consult the artist statement before asking too many questions.

Dress
I have often been asked what people should wear to an art reception and this is a tricky question. In Laramie, dressing up is wearing jeans with your Ugg boots instead of Victoria Secret sweats. That being said you shouldn't feel bad in whatever clothes you wore al day (at least not at my shows), but you should feel free to dress up a bit as well.

The artist and special guests may dress up a bit more (or may dress for the theme of the show). Artists are eccentric (and sometimes have crazy friends) which means the focus will probably not be on you regardless of what you are wearing.

Food
How do you eat food without looking like the person who is just at an event for a free meal and getting out of doing dishes?

First of all, if you follow the tips listed above you will be better off than most people. Also, don’t be the person who just goes for the food. Check out these reasons to go to the reception if you are unconvinced. And finally, there is nothing wrong with grabbing food before (after or in the middle of) looking at the work. You can certainly walk around the space with food and a drink.

Look But Don't Touch
Which brings me to the final rule. Do not touch the work. Sometimes there are exceptions but if you are unsure don’t touch. Be thoughtful before touching. Does the artist want me to interact with the work or is it displayed in a way that interaction is not intended, helpful or needed. Furthermore, hanging work rarely has a need to be touched.

What tips did I miss? Comment below with questions or advice.

The Reception: Why Go?

Why go to an Opening or Closing reception for an art exhibition?

To Learn About The Art
Chances are you do not know a lot about the artwork. You may have seen online pictures and read a bit about the ideas behind the artist and their work online. There is nothing like seeing the work the way the artist intended for it to be seen. Every time I take someone to see my work for the first time they are excited about how different it is to see in real life than it was on FB or my blog. This is true for many famous artists as well. I was never a true Van Gogh fan until seeing him in person.

Dialog
Art doesn’t become significant in a bubble and most art seems to impact the community that it is created in the most. Attending a local art show allows you to be a part of a unique conversation.

One of y major goals with my art is to encourage dialog about culture and life and often times how to bring about change. All of my art exhibitions have had a social theme holding them together.

Meet The Artist
The most important reason to attend an art exhibition is that it provides a chance to meet the artist, ask questions and dialog with others about the work.

If you are unsure about how to talk about art while at an art reception you are in luck as I will be sharing a post on this topic soon. Check out The Reception: Don't Act a Fool.

Networking
If you are an artist attending an exhibition offers an opportunity to network with other creative and art lovers. Oftentimes you can take your sketchbook (with a pencil) and sketch ideas inspired by the exhibition. With the emergence of alternative art spaces this is even more common. Even if sketchbooks are not allowed you can still gain inspiration. Sometimes, I will look at color combinations as well as hanging techniques.

And Finally Food
If none of the art related reasons have convinced you there will often times be appetizers or wine. It always seems as if there is that one person, or in Laramie a specific couple, that goes to every community event serving free food. I will not be offended if you do go just for the food but please don’t make it obvious. Say hello to me and have a nice conversation with others.

I suppose part of the reason I will not be offended is that there is a good chance you will bring a friend and I am certain you will enjoy the and will be glad you attended.

For more reasons to attend one of my openings, check out my past blog post.

I can't wait to see you there!

Creative Photography: Weekly photo Challenge

This week's Weekly Photo Challenge is Creative Photographs

Fireworks in New Delhi India

Ella: Any reason is a good reason to shoot off fireworks in India...
 
Me (to Ella): Let's celebrate being in India by shooting off fireworks

One of my favorite days in Delhi was concluded by shooting off fire works and drinking King Fisher. 

In between touristy activities, time and workshops at Sanskriti Kendra, art galleries and museums we were able to spend time with two artists that my professors had lived next to and had gotten to know while they lived in New Delhi, Delhi, India. It was great for several reasons. It felt like it was a truly genuine Delhi experience. Also, Ella and Prashanto's neighbors had just moved out the day before we went to hang out so we even spent a couple days in our professors old house.

Before shooting fireworks we walked from their place to the market, bougt ingredients for supper, ate kabobs, visited the ATMs with AC, went into a couple temples, and even purchased drinks at the liquor store, which as women in Delhi late at night was quite the experience.  

After supper we shot fireworks and returned to where we were staying, beautiful Sanskriti.

Artist Interview on YouTube

Artist Interview

Check out this video to see my design and to receive some fabulous art advice from the lead singer of my favorite band, Showbread.


I would love (as I said several times in the video) to hear your answers to these and other questions, either in the comments or via YouTube. If you are on YouTube (or have a Gmail account) be sure to subscribe to my Felicia Follum Art+ Channel.

Here are the questions I answered.

1.What does "being creative" mean to you?
2.Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do?
3.What kind of creative patterns, routines or rituals do you have?
4.What's your favorite thing you've ever created?
5.What are you trying to communicate with your art?
6.Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven't yet?
7.What's the best advice you ever had about how to be more creative?

You can see more of my art on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/FeliciaFollumDesign or on my blog at
My website is www.FeliciaFollum.com

The questions I responded to came from this site.

Creativity Prompt #16: Create a Music Video

This creativity prompt is to create a music video. It doesn't need to be fancy. In fact the storyboard may be enough. Often times jumping into the creative process with no reservations is all it takes to become inspired.

Find me on YouTube and subscribe to my Art+ channel. If you do create a video I would love to see it. Feel free to post it as a video response.

I created this music video around nine or ten years ago for my Digital Video class. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite songs from my all time favorite band Showbread.

Creative Prompt #14: Tattoo Design

Design a tattoo!

Whether you are seriously considering body art or not answer these questions.

If you were to get inked what would you get and where? Would it be color or black and grey? Why? What is something that is central to who you are? Is there a person you respect who you would like to honor?

If you are thinking about getting ink, write about why you want one and what it means to you. Is it as simple as liking beautiful art or as complex as representing your life story. Designing a tattoo does not mean that you or anyone actually needs to get the work done. I spent hours sketching ideas over the course of almost three years before actually committing. If your are considering a tattoo see the bottom of the post for more questions to consider.

If you are not considering getting inked you can still design some artwork or even a single heart or cross on you finger. 

More questions to consider (You can see my answers to these and more in a bit under the label tattoo)

Where are you at in life?

Are there any major life changes that will take place? Graduating high school? College? Marriage? Kids? Pregnancy?

Do you know what you want to do with you life?

If you want to be a doctor, nurse, lawyer, or other profession that is maybe not as open to the idea are you willing to cover your tattoo?

Do you still live with your parents/grandparents or others who provide for you? What do they think?

How will your body art affect the way you are treated? 

What does your get tell you?

Can your afford it?

Creativity Prompt #11 - De-stress

Take a break from being creative and just be. I understand that when you are too busy it can feel like taking a break is the most stressful option possible. Truth is we are much more productive when we take care of ourselves. I'm not promoting a 6 or 7 hour break, but rather a 20 - 40 minute yoga session, spa visit, hot bath, reading or journaling (for fun), a run (a mile is plenty for me) or calling an old friend. Let's face it. However we choose to spend our quiet time every now-and-then we all need to unplug and just be.

A day at the beach, ocean, or pool is anything but stressful. 

See more of my ocean photography here.

Creative Prompt #10: Make Lists

Some times when I feel less creative it is because I have too much clutter I am trying to keep straight in my head. One strategy that helps the mind stay organized and helps build creativity at the same time is creating lists. Writers do this a lot in their spare time. Graphic designers use many techniques including list creation in their brainstorming process.

Here are some tips for your list. If you have a strategy already in use please share.

Topic: I will create a list of ideas for your list.

Length: Some people say lists should always be at least 100 items (your brain starts to think on a more subconscious number when the lists are longer). I think that 5 is about the shortest list.

Now what: You can continue the lists. Pick a topic off of your list and make another list off of that. If you keep your lists they can serve as great resources later on.

1. Colors
2. Games
3. Holidays
4. Friends
5. Personality traits
6. Psychotic disorders
7. Super heroes
8. To do
9. Places
10. Books
11. Authors
12. Artists
13. Songs
14. Plays you have seen
15. People you would like to meet
16. People you would be nervous to meet
17. Pick a holiday and white words that go with that holiday
18. Make a how to list
19. Yoga poses
20. Creative ideas (you can then draw one later and use it as a creative prompt)
21. Art techniques you like
22. Drinks
23. Foods
24. Things you are thankful for
25. What makes you happy/sad/lonely
26. Emotions
27. Art Therapy projects
28. Blog post ideas/topics
29. Great tweets topics
30. Quotes (pick one word to stir your memory and look the actual quotes up later)
31. Items to upcycle

What lists topics have you used? I would love to see a shared list below.

My New Art Studio

As promised, here are some photos of my new art studio.  

See photos from the move into the space.

Workspace. I have three more “scalia” watercolors in progress, one watercolor from Haiti, and one that is a bit messing around featuring pirate imagery.

Storage. I am not one to be overly organized but I must admit, I am proud of this supply closet.

Wall Art and Seating. Prints from a screen printing workshop a while back.  I will post some photos from that soon. All of the processes were pretty simple to DIY. The giant bean bags came from Salvation Army. I was stoked to find them for only $5.

It is a bit messier at the moment...

Paper, matting and framing station.  Finally space that is not our dining room table!!!

7 Studio Organization Tips (and1 Inspiring Photo)

Image inspiration from Decor on a Dime

I have some great news regarding Felicia Follum Art+.  I am finally getting a studio space.

Now that I am graduating and no longer have unlimited access to the Visual Arts building and storage I will need another space to work.  The small office space that we have is no longer large enough for the supplies, my work and me.  I am ecstatic about finding the solution to these challenges and am committed to having a studio that functions as a space for me to be creative and to create.

I will be sure to share photos here and on Facebook...For those of you in the Laramie area, I am planning a Studio Warming/Open Studio event of some sort as well.

Below are the top 7 tips that I plan to use as inspiration to help me accomplish my studio organizational goals.

Creative Connections

"Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected."
William Plomer

"Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."
Steve Jobs

This quote really spoke to me about my creativity and life this week. I think that creating connections is something that I naturally do in nearly every aspect of my life.  I like learning why things are the way they are and understanding how various fields of study are interrelated.

Front of a business card for a graphic Design Project
based entirely on connections.

I just told my husband that “if I were a superhero I would want my super power to be the ability to understand how things work and how they are connected. Like Syler on “Heroes,” I have a desire to understand more about people and the world around me, but I don't like to murder, so no fears.  I like to contemplate the ways history plays a role in the present. It is great to see the basic impact of psychology and sociology on reality...

This search for connections seems to hold true in light of my current body of work and my creativity.

My most recent body of artwork connects American history with African American religious culture today and shows how things are related. I have a couple pieces that also tie in African American hair and colonialism (history).  Some of the work has helped people make connections between American history and present.

Back.  This brand deals with connections though out.

In addition to this exhibition topic my in progress body of work is dealing with the interconnectedness of modern day slavery, human trafficking, the sex industry, pornography, American children and self-esteem issues. Though my goal is not to make everyone understand all of these connections through seeing my work the interconnectedness of the seemingly unconnected is a huge underlying theme in my work.

Check out more of my graphic design work!