My artwork analysis

Fetus - Social and Ink

Last night I was given the opportunity to go on the Art Walk in Kennewick, WA. It offered a great opportunity to talk to some working artists. They all had excellent advice to offer. It was great timing too because I had just been talking to my husband about some of the specifics of improving my art that I am focusing on.

Currently, I know that I want to do art and I know some of my strengths. I am in-between knowing that I need to find a niche and being able to tell what that niche should be. Its almost like I have two areas of focus that are semi developed.

My favorite two areas to work with are “social justice graphic design posters” and “small intimate ink and wash drawings.” I am not sure how these areas will evolve or if I will focus on one for a while and then focus on another.

It is possible (and seems likely) that my niche will have more to do with style or concept than medium.

My New Business Cards July 2011

I just created new business cards.
The top image is from my Haitian Orchid drawings.

The flowers are both ink drawings from my Flower Postcard series (previous post) that I plan to finish this summer.  The completed series and progress will be poster here.

Hatian Orchid

Here are some drawings of a bright purple orchid that was in the driveway of our hotel. The rectangle images are on postcard backs and the other is on watercolor paper.  To read more about my trip to Haiti, check out my Haiti Journal.

Here is a photograph of the orchid.

Portraits from Haiti

After returning from Haiti, I am certainly excited to use all that I saw in my future art projects. Everything was fascinating and incredibly inspirational.  I saw everything from the extreme poverty of downtown Port-au-Prince to the beautiful rice fields and mountains surrounding the village of Thoumazea. Be sure to check out my Haiti journal and my photographs see more of my images and thoughs.

It is still difficult to define what exactly will be translated into artwork but it is almost certain that something will come from the trip (well some photographs have already). When you are surrounded by intense beauty, sadness, poverty, joy, and as well as a completely new culture and language, it seems that something must come from it.

Here are some portrait photographs I took while in the village of Thomazeau.  These are just some of the kids that I was able to spend time with.  We made paper beads and bracelets.  (I will post about the art lessons here soon)  40% of all sales will go back to Haiti. Comment on this blog or on my Facebook Page for more information about purchasing and/or use of the images.

I have some photos that I will be posting in the future that help us to understand more about the devastation of the Haiti earthquake and show some of the after math.  Some others will depict the politics, beauty, and religions of the area.

If you would like to purchase or use these images please contact me and I will get you the file/print.  Remember 40% or more of all proceeds will go back to the village and children in the photo.

Flower Postcards

Here are some of my ink drawn flower postcards that I created the week before Haiti. While in Haiti, I also drew two more flower postcards of some orchids growing in our hotel parking lot.
Here are my ink drawings from Haiti.

I am not sure why, but I have always loved flowers.  

I even went to a flower camp with my mother-in-law. 

Since then, I draw and photograph them whenever I get a chance.

Although these designs are already on mail ready postcards, I would like to produce several prints of each for the Works of Wyoming gift shop as well as for friends and family.

Black Politics, Religion and Beauty Show Update

Goals written May 16, 2011

By June 4th I would like to have the following completed.

1. Graffiti Style…Before I leave for Haiti I would like to have all (at least 8) of the sketches finalized for the graffiti section…Maybe even some of the finals started. 

2. Posters…I would also like to have 6 poster drafts on the computer. 

3. Hair care line…ah oh boy…Maybe have a logo. For sure have a strong concept or two. 

4. Have a specific focus (or ideas for what I want to focus on and how to organize everything). 

Check in May 23

1. Graffiti Style - I have 8 sketches that are ready to be worked on.  I would say that 6 sketches are finalized and the rest need more work.  There are two or three more that could be strong with more work.

2. Posters - I have a couple images (drawings) that I would like to use but the specific topics/concepts are not coming through yet.  I need to work more on the posters but am loving the graffiti section, so I think I will keep working on that until I need a break.

3. Hair Care Line - I have three concepts that are decent but no sketches or logos.  I might continue to research.

4. One wall Religion.  One wall Black Beauty.  And one wall Graffiti Style (I'm not telling people what exactly this means yet.  : )

Check in May 30

1.  I have eight different drawings and several copies of some...Woot

2.  I did bend the rules on this.  I have five for this show and about three for other social issues.

3.  I have a couple mediocre undeveloped almost concepts. I didn't research and I feel like I have less done than last week...I guess it is possible.

4.  I have a couple ideas, but it looks like my overall focus areas are changing and I am not sure how it will all work out in the end.  I have a couple that relate to religion but more on White Privilege and Black Beauty, than religion.  The graffiti wall is still a go.

June 4th

Off to Haiti

I will be heading out for Haiti here soon.  I cant wait.  The trip is a missions (church) trip not for art, but I will certainly be taking art supplies.  I should be able to get some work (ink drawings) done when/if we have free time.  I will be sure to take lots of photographs (to try to edit) and snapshots (to work from).

Check out my Facebook Page and my Photography Blog where I will be posting artsy photos.