New Years Resolutions

Mini Hena and Watercolor Drawing on ETSY.

I like goal setting significantly more than New Years Resolutions for several reasons. 

I tend to stay more focused for small amounts of time. Three to six months is about my upper limit but I do even better if I rework my goals monthly rather than annually. 

Short term goals allow for more analysis. Making it easier to see what worked and what didn't work and more importantly why so that I can make changes. 

I also feel as though I can accomplish more if I have long term goals in mind but have monthly attainable bench marks because it keeps me motivated but not overwhelmed.

I'm sure if I took more time I could think of more reasons I prefer monthly goals but for now these shall suffice.

However, I suppose I should share my New Yers Resolution for this year.

Resolved: That this year I will create monthly (Art, Language, Health, and Personal) goals and re-work them as needed.

Instalation Inspiraiton

Felicia Follum Upcycled Instalation Art India

In a precious post I talked about the first two exhibitons that included my artwork inspired by India.

I am currently planning a third solo exhibition that I which will include work from both previous shows and several more pieces. I really want to play with creative hanging and installation techniques

Felicia Follum Upcycled Instalation Art India Inspired Art

Below are some instalation pieces that serve as my personal inspiration for what this work could morph into.

Installation art conveying an overwhelming atmosphere.

John Dahlsen Environmental Art

Govinda Prasad Sah Aza

Kate MccGwire

A Sun of Thread: 84 Miles of String Suspended at MIA by HOT TEA

The Dreamlike Installation Art Of Rune Guneriussen
Read more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dreamlike-installation-art-rune-guneriussen#jR4WFwQQJ2hFzvoH.99

The Dreamlike Installation Art Of Rune Guneriussen
Read more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dreamlike-installation-art-rune-guneriussen#jR4WFwQQJ2hFzvoH.99

The Dreamlike Installation Art Of Rune Guneriussen
Read more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dreamlike-installation-art-rune-guneriussen#jR4WFwQQJ2hFzvoH.99

The Dreamlike Installation Art Of Rune Guneriussen 

Climate Change Artistic Campaign: Tiny Melting Ice Men Sculptures by Nele Azevedo

100 Henna Designs

Create a series of 100 images!

Pre-India Dandia Night Henna

I found this idea in a book called 37 Assignments. The assignment is to create 100 images on a specific topic. The images can be photographs, drawings, digital. 

My Challenge:

As I continue to work on my India inspired art I will create 100 Henna inspired drawings (and as always I do plan to be creative with the definition of drawing). I plan on participating in the Thursday 13, I'm excited to get back into that (you can click the label/link below the post to see my other Thursday 13 posts). I'm sure I will share on some other online venues as well...any suggestions? Let me know below.

You can find my henna images on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #FFHenna100

Deadline:

I will have this series completed by my India inspired art exhibition, East Meets West, in March. Some of these designs may even be included in the exhibition.

Why not join me?

Complete this challenge for yourself.

Just a bit of Henna for me. Dandia Night 2013

What could you create 100 of? If you are an artist working on a specific field or topic like me, create 100 sketches on that topic. If you are a stay at home mom, try 100 new recipes this year? Writers, write 100 pages in a given amount of time. What ever it is that you want to do, set some goals, make a time line, and do it.

Let me know in the comments below what you would create if you took on this project or what you plan to create when you take on this project.

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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.

Art Goals: March update

Artwork goals

     1. Have a new body of work ready to be submitted to the 234 Gallery.
         i. I would like to have a show (apply for a show) next academic school year in the 234 Gallery.  I have some basic ideas focusing on this subject and have began some posters and sketches of various ideas.
         ii. This body of work will focus on the broad topic of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sex slavery and/or the sex industry.
             a. See Human Trafficking to track my progress
     2. Create at least 5 posters that are not a part of the final trafficking show.
 I have created 2 posters so far.
One in response to Haiti focusing on world water and the other is based on Maya Angelou's poem Phenomenal Woman.
     3. Create at least 5 (total, not counting the flower drawings) posters or other artworks in response to Haiti.
 I have created 1 Haiti artwork and am working on another for my water color class.
     4. Create 25 ink drawings, not involved in an exhibition or another project.  But can be personalized name drawings.
         i. Make 10 social justice related.
         ii. Sell 5.
     5. Create upcycling projects to sell on ETSY.
         i. Post my T-shirt Necklaces or scarves.
         ii. Find maybe two or three other projects (decide how much art should be on ETSY or if I should focus on upcycling).   I am currently thinking that I will create two ETSY shops.  One will focus on my artwork and the organizations that specific pieces go toward and the other will be about upcycling.
        iii. Make an upcycling poster to tie my upcycling to my ay art...or discover another way to more clearly tie the areas together.  Although upcycling could really just be a hobby...
     6. Look into creating greeting cards, prints, and a 2013 calendar with my artwork.
 I made four Valentines Day cards for fun.  I am excited to create more prints.

Human Trafficking: Art+ Global Justice

My next body of artwork will be focusing on the sex industry and human trafficking.  I am not sure where this will go but I would like to share a photograph I took over Christmas break while back home in Rapid City, South Dakota. I am not sure if I will use this image or not; however, I do think that it is a strong image.  It shows the contrast and addiction that our society possesses.  There are so many addicted to porn, many who think there is nothing wrong with and few who understand the effects that it actually has on our county.  Be sure to follow my blog for more information on the sex industry and human trafficking as well as my artwork in response to the topic.  This link will take you to posts directly relating to this body of work.

My goal is to have an idea by the end of this semester and a body of work by the end of summer (or a couple months after).  This may be pushing it but I think I can make it happen.

My Art Business New Years Resolutions for 2012

Artwork goals

     1. Have a new body of work ready to be submitted to the 234 Gallery.
         i. I would like to have a show (apply for a show) next academic school year in the 234 Gallery.
         ii. This body of work will focus on the broad topic of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sex slavery and/or the sex industry.
             a. See Human Trafficking to track my progress
     2. Create at least 5 posters that are not a part of the final trafficking show.
     3. Create at least 5 (total, not counting the flower drawings) posters or other artworks in response to Haiti. 
     4. Create 25 ink drawings, not involved in an exhibition or another project.  But can be personalized name drawings.
         i. Make 10 social justice related.
         ii. Sell 5.
     5. Create upcycling projects to sell on ETSY.
         i. Post my T-shirt Necklaces or scarves.
         ii. Find maybe two or three other projects (decide how much art should be on ETSY or if I should focus on upcycling).
        iii. Make an upcycling poster to tie my upcycling to my ay art...or discover another way to more clearly tie the areas together.  Although upcycling could really just be a hobby...
     6. Look into creating greeting cards, prints, and a 2013 calendar with my artwork.

2011 Highlight for Felicia Follum Art + Design

I found the idea of sharing the highlight of my artwork of 2011 with you while reading the Art Biz Blog and decided that it would be beneficial to post about my most significant accomplishment of 2011.

The accomplishments that I am the most proud of revolve around my most recent art exhibition and body of work, Make it Plain.  Make it Plain was my first solo show, none of the work was created for school in any way and the amount of research that went behind the work was huge.

I am extremely excited about the work itself. I am proud of the quality and quantity of the art. I am proud to say I have a cohesive body of work.  In addition to the work itself, I am excited about the responses from both the community.

The African American and Diaspora Studies, Religious Studies and Philosophy departments all supported my work and I was even asked to submit my exhibition to another gallery on campus. The African American and Diaspora Studies department encouraged students to attend my show and writing their final papers on my body of work was an option. The 234 Gallery focuses on social and educational artwork.  I was contacted after the application deadline and encouraged to apply to display my work in their gallery.  I am proud that my art exhibition will be on display in the same gallery as a photographer for the National Geographic.

Thanks for all you support and time spent reading my blog and looking at my work. I couldn’t have achieved what I have without you.

Check back tomorrow to see my goals for 2012.

My Summer Art Goals (July)

My summer art goals.  May accomplishments.  June. July.

1. Complete work for my African American Black Beauty/Social Justice/Culture show. I would like to have some extra work and then narrow it down from there. Here is what I would like to create (I am not sure what will go in the show yet and these are just ideas )
   a. 5 – 10 poster designs Yes...I think I have 6 or 7 for the show.  Not all are good, but they are there.  I also have a couple in response to Haiti. I think I will be able to use most of the ones I have created.  I also don't think that I need to create more.
   b. A black hair care line I have not really worked on this in the past month.  I think I have a brand name and decent concept....woot (I was going to ditch this idea until last night)
   c. Some (5 - 10, see below) ink and wash drawings or water color paintings – for a challenge. I am not sure that they will be included in the show.  Well I accomplished this by the end of may.  I have many, not a coherent body of work but I have been developing technique and practicing. I have more...Just a few from one series.


 
   d. A t-shirt stencil or some type of graffiti art (maybe ink and wash).  I created one design that could be used as a stencil.  Thought I am not sure that I will.  I have three designs that will work with the current direction I am heading.
   e. C and d can be used in a poster design and will still count.
   f. zines - I sketched out two zine ideas.  One may be more book arts than zine style.  Not sure.

2. Along with having all the work for the show, create promotional materials and press releases given out to the community on time. I know little about this, so it will be a learning process.  This will be good to get going on here soon. I still need to get going on this : /
   a. I would like to find a checklist of some sort and
   b. actually use it.

Here Goes...

Some ways to learn technique and generate artwork…This is in response to My Artwork Analysis.

1. studio time – work on my art everyday (or consistently). Right now I think that this means that I need to create work, sketch, or brainstorm Monday, Tuesday night after work, Thursday and Friday.

2. Talk to artists and get critiques and ask them what they think my strengths are.

3. Take classes. The three art classes that I would still like to take include printmaking, watercolor, and book arts.
a. Printmaking – this class will help me learn more techniques and develop both my graphic design skills as well as my ink drawings. I do think that my style could be found through a variety of printmaking techniques.
b. Book Arts – I naturally gravitate towards text and books. Printmaking and book arts are heavily integrated and book arts will help with my ink drawings and graphic design skills.
c. Watercolor – I have never been much of a painter but watercolor techniques apply to ink and wash drawings.

Summer Art Goals (June Update)

My summer art goals.  May accomplishments.  June. 

1. Complete work for my African American/ Black Beauty/Social Justice/Culture art show. I would like to have some extra work and then narrow it down from there. Here is what I would like to create (I am not sure what will go in the show yet and these are just ideas )
   a. 5 – 10 poster designs Yes...I think I have 6 or 7 for the show.  Not all are good, but they are there.  I also have a couple in response to Haiti
   b. A black hair care line I have not really worked on this in the past month.
   c. Some (5 - 10, see below) ink and wash drawings or water color paintings – for a challenge. I am not sure that they will be included in the show.  Well I accomplished this by the end of may.  I have many, not a coherent body of work but I have been developing technique and practicing.
   d. A t-shirt stencil or some type of graffiti art (maybe ink and wash).  I created one design that could be used as a stencil.  Thought I am not sure that I will.
   e. C and d can be used in a poster design and will still count.
   f. zines

2. Along with having all the work for the show, create promotional materials and press releases given out to the community on time. I know little about this, so it will be a learning process.  This will be good to get going on here soon.
   a. I would like to find a checklist of some sort and
   b. actually use it.

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.

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

African American Social Justice Poster Series and More

I am currently in the process of brainstorming and researching for my solo show in November. The show will be focused on African American culture, history and politics. I am looking at creating a poster series as well as an ink and wash section. The posters will address individual topics such as hair in the African American community, Black theology, and hate groups like the KKK and their impact in everyday life (mine included). The ink drawings will be about individuals that have played a large role in African American history.

Here are seven topics that I researched a couple months ago and plan to use.

In addition to those listed above, there are several names, events, and issues that I would like to research more. Here are six.
Haji Malik Shabaz
Angela Davis
Mumia Abu-Jamal
Al Sharpton
Tyler Perry
and
Tuskeegee

I will share some of my visual research in the next couple weeks...

Summer Goals

My summer art goals.
1. Complete work for my African American Black Beauty/Social Justice/Culture show. I would like to have some extra work and then narrow it down from there. Here is what I would like to create (I am not sure what will go in the show yet and these are just ideas )
   a. 5 – 10 poster designs
   b. A black hair care line
   c. Some (5 - 10, see below) ink and wash drawings or water color paintings – for a challenge. I am not sure that they will be included in the show.
   d. A t-shirt stencil or some type of graffiti art (maybe ink and wash)
   e. C and d can be used in a poster design and will still count.
   f. zines

2. Along with having all the work for the show, create promotional materials and press releases given out to the community on time. I know little about this, so it will be a learning process.
   a. I would like to find a checklist of some sort and
   b. actually use it.