Art Blog

Back to the Future: Steampunk

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:50:00 GMT

Written by Team Editor Matthew Krueger
original release date: July 10, 2010
updated: January 22, 2011

Back to the Future: Steampunk
Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells come to mind, you’re not far off, as what may seem to describe a 19th century flight of fancy has actually exploded into a present day movement all its own: Steampunk.

Beginning in the 1980s as both a literary and aesthetic movement, Steampunk has been conjured imaginatively by fantasy writers like James Blaylock , author of the novels Homunculus and The Affair of the Chalk Cliffs, and materially by engineering wizards like Jake Von Slatt who has built mind-boggling Steampunk cars piece by reusable piece, and modified (or “modded” as it’s come to be known) everything from school busses to Ipods, PCs to guitar amps, and table lamps to more practical items like shop respirators.

The “steam” in Steampunk describes a tendency toward modernity as it was envisioned back in a gear-driven, steam-powered industrial revolution, while the “punk” tag denotes the movement’s more updated, almost post-apocalyptic Road Warrior vibe that is softened by Victorian ornamental stylings.

More than just a world of books and objects, Steampunk is a lifestyle. From fancier to fanatic, Steampunks extend the aesthetic to personal fashion statement. Combat boots are worn along with vintage corsets and bustiers dyed in goth-like hues, while rail worker coveralls are paired with top hats. Goggles modified in every possible configuration are practically de riguer, and Steampunk accessories and jewelry made from a host of unpredictable lost and found components personalize and complete the look.

NativeMotif.com 's SMStudio a.k.a. Steampunk Movement Studio has handcrafted Steampunk pendants and necklaces that are transistorized worlds of their own. Each is a one-of-a-kind mixed-media assemblage of patina-tinged gears, vintage watch movements, unique victorian style findings and charms.

Steampunk fashion gear at its finest! Steampunk | Industrial style Cufflinks and Tie Tacks

What sets these artisan jewelry makers apart is their ability to make each piece a unique excursion into the realms of antiquated manufacture and memory. At a time when hi-tech and sleek usually carry the day, these and other Steampunk artists seem to be throwing a wrench in the works. Perhaps the attraction lies in the romantic individualist refuge Steampunk provides in the face of a more impersonal cyber future.

Make a Steampunk Fashion statement - Steampunk Key Pendant Necklaces. Made from vintage mechanical watch parts and findings

Steampunk Rings made from vintage mechanical watch parts and findings

What’s the attraction for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! In any case, whether you're interested in a forward look back in time or a nostalgic look into the future, be sure to check out the rest of Native Motif’s Steampunk offerings.

Steampunk Related Categories: Steampunk Jewelry | Steampunk Necklaces | Steampunk Cufflinks and Accessories | Steampunk Rings

Massachusetts Glass Smith Makes Hand Formed Sea Themed Art Glass

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:38:00 GMT

My introduction to glassblowing began with a simple, well thought out approach. I started with an electrical engineering degree, switched to liberal arts, dropped out and became a carpenter's apprentice. His crew poured the floor of a glass shop. I got laid off and started sweeping the aforementioned floor.I later got the opportunity to by into the shop and the rest as they say is history.

A simple, well planned career path… ummm right… I've since been in Worcester, Mass. And have been supporting myself (and lovely wife and daughter too!) with my creations. My muse has always been the ocean being a water sign, but on occasion the insect world calls as well. You could say I go back and forth between "Finding Nemo" and "A Bug's Life" for inspiration.

All of my pieces are hand formed/ blown and available in a variety colors. Most of my work is meant to hang in windows as that was where I spent most of my career path staring until I found glass.

Example work by Glass Smith Joesph Taylor. A whimsical handformed glass suncatcher sure to brighten any window! Product Dimensions & Details - Approx. 4 inches wide, 4 inches tall. Each is unique - size, shape and color may vary slightly.

Art Glass Sun Catcher Rainbow Dragonfly

Art Glass Sun Catcher Aurora and Red Heart

A beautiful accent to brighten any window. Approximately 3.25 inches diameter. Handformed - size, shape and color may vary slightly. Product Dimensions & Details - Handformed with recycled glass.

Art Glass Sun Catcher Medallion Blue and Aqua

This suncatcher almost has a hypnotic effect when the light passes through it. Trippy! Product Dimensions & Details - Approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. Size, shape and color may vary.

Blue and Aqua Seahorse Suncatcher

Handformed Seahorse Suncatcher. 6 inches tall, 4 inches wide. Size shape and color may vary slightly.

Art Glass Sun Catcher Rainbow Starfish

A beautiful accent to brighten any window. Approximately 3.25 inches diameter. Handformed - size, shape and color may vary slightly. Handformed with recycled glass.

2' Marble Art Glass Wine Stopper Rainbow

View the full Art Glass Gallery of Joesph Taylor

A Glimpse Into the Glass Work of Pacific Northwest Artist Bashi Alé

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:42:00 GMT

Bashi Alé (pronounced Bah-she Ah-lay), a passionate Pacific Northwest artist was first introduced to flameworking when he moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1997. An artist, from a long line of artisans and Italian craftsmen, he had already made significant strides in establishing himself as a surrealistic illustrator and painter when he discovered his muse in glass."I've always been fascinated with the optic qualities that glass presents. Glass is like a suspension of time forever showcasing the artisans will. It can be liquid or solid, dull and subdued or vibrant and glitzy."

"I've always been fascinated with the optic qualities that glass presents. Glass is like a suspension of time forever showcasing the artisans will. It can be liquid or solid, dull and subdued or vibrant and glitzy."

Born in Boise, Idaho on July 26, 1981 Bashi spent his early childhood growing up in California until moving with his family to Oregon. In 2000 on his twentieth birthday he received an apprenticeship with a local glass studio. This experience taught him the fundamental techniques used in borosilicate flameworking and served as a stepping stone towards a solo career.

Bashi is perhaps best known for his custom handmade jewelry and art marbles, where his work can be seen in galleries, boutiques and private collections worldwide. He also enjoys teaching his glass techniques through magazine tutorials, video demonstrations and individual classes. A multi-medium artist who also owns his own publishing company, Bashi's success in glass may be attributed to his scientific approach of mixing realism with abstract qualities.

Not to mention countless hours perfecting his technique behind the torch.

Artist Statement: "In my opinion glass is the most versatile medium in the contemporary art world that I've come across. I've admired and been greatly influenced by the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dali and the great Italian master from Murano, Cesare Toffolo.

My legacy will hopefully be as a Renaissance Man, someone who is skilled in many artistic endeavors, inspired by all those who have come before me."

Bashi Alé Gallery

Abstract Art in the Spotlight Artwork by Artist Jill Mollenhauer

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:34:00 GMT

A glimpse into the abstract artwork of Jill Mollenhauer

Jill Mollenhauer
About the Artist: The passion to express and share the beauty that resides within us all motivates Jill to create, whether it be in paint, metal, or any number of other materials. The heart longs to be free; the spirit responds with gestures of creativity that ask to be exposed and played with.
'I want to share the inherent Joy that resides within me. This desire to share leads to each piece of art. It is my invitation to you, the viewer, to experience Home.'

A San Diego native, Jill is largely self-taught. She has devoted her life to moving forward and expanding her artistic skills. Ten years of teaching art to all ages, writing the art curriculum for a private school in Del Mar, Ca, and running a successful mural business since 1983 have added to the process.
'Art is a very personal journey. Come take a look into the depths of me, and if you are so inclined, come play!'

Giclee on Canvas - Sanctified by Jill Mollenhauer

Artist Statement: "This cheerful piece represents the inherent Joy that is bestowed upon us (the golden honeyed Light)when we crack open the shell that we have used to protect ourselves and allow the blossoming of the true Essence that we are." Product Dimensions & Details - 16 x 20 x 1.5 Signed, limited edition (of 100) giclee printed on Frederick canvas specifically designed for ink jet printing. High quality archival inks printed @ 1240 dpi. Painting wraps on all 4 sides. Protective coating mimics the brush strokes of the original. No framing necessary. Ready to hang flush with wall.

Original Acrylic on Canvas - The Whole Bouquet

Artist Statement: "Deep in mediation I was asked to be "not just a flower, but the whole bouquet". What is it to accept the totality of our brilliance? Here is a taste of just that." Product Dimensions & Details - 20 x 20 x 1.5, signed, original acrylic on heavy duty 10 oz canvas. All sides are wrapped with continuous painting. Ready to hang flush with wall. No framing necessary.

A Lover's Touch Signed LE Giclee on Canvas

Artist Statement: "The painting was inspired by the feelings one encounters when first falling in love, and the first physical encounter between 2 lovers. It represents the tender, delicate, tentative touch; when we're perhaps a bit shy. But upon entering the moment we merge, and sweetness blossoms. This high quality, signed,limited edition giclee radiates an energy of the deepest love and connection, to one another, to Source. It is the first in A Lover's Touch series." Product Dimensions & Details - 20 x 20 x 1.5 Signed, limited edition (of 100) giclee printed on Frederick canvas specifically designed for ink jet printing. High quality archival inks printed @ 1240 dpi. All 4 wrapped sides are purple. Protective coating mimics the brush strokes of the original. No framing necessary. Ready to hang flush with wall.

Acrylic Painting on Canvas - A Lover'S Touch Iii

Artist Statement: "Number 3 in A Lover's Touch series this original acrylic painting caries the energetic heat that is embodied in fully committing to the Love Affair - body, mind and soul. The passions are alive, the heart has opened and vibrates with unconditional love." Product Dimensions & Details - 18 x 36 x 1.5, signed, original acrylic on heavy duty 10 oz canvas. All sides are wrapped with continuous painting. Ready to hang flush with wall. No framing necessary.

Elementary School Teacher and Professional Glass Smith Joby McGowan Adds a Whimsical Touch of Color to Functional Art

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:08:00 GMT

Joby grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and currently resides in Seattle, Washington. His work takes on whimsical color schemes that are sure to make you smile.
Joby completed undergraduate work at Mount Mercy College in the area of elementary and early childhood education. He went on to obtain a masters degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Elementary Reading and Language Arts. Today, Joby teaches elementary school in the Seattle area by day and creates fused glass by night.

All of the fused glass pieces are made with COE 96 fusing glass and fired in a digitally controlled kiln to ensure proper annealing for durability.

"I am drawn to vivid and whimsical color schemes. I have made many trips to Pike Place Market in Seattle just to look at the rows and rows of perfectly lined fruits and vegetables that pop with color Spending so much time with young children you cant help but tap into your own creativity and inner child. Thus, I fuse glass "

Fun Whimsical Wall Art Faces
These pieces are made from fusing glass and are sure to add a splash of color to any home or work space. Specify what color face you prefer when ordering. See color selections below. Each face is handmade and unique.

Stunning Stripes Table Art Glass Sculpture
This table art has texture galore and sure to be a conversation piece. Product Dimensions & Details - This piece was made with System 96 and Uroboros COE 96 fusing glass

Handmade and ships from Joby's studio in Seattle, Washington

Earth Inspired Windchimes
These wind chimes are made to order. Each set has 5 chimes in various colors. Your chimes will look similar to the ones featured in the photos. Colors will vary, but each chime on the set will be a different color with accenting squares of color at the bottom of the bar.

Wooden sticks, wire, fused glass Each set of chimes will vary in size from approx. 10-12 " wide by approx. 8-10" tall

Decorative Art Glass Sushi Set for 2
Looking for the perfect gift for a newlywed couple? Look no further! The young couple in love will enjoy sitting in front of the fire place with a bottle of wine and two hand made sushi plates staked with sushi, cheese, crackers or whatever else hits the spot. Product Dimensions & Details - Measures: 4.25 inches square.

Decorative Art Glass Serving Plate
This serving plate measures 7 inches square. The base was made with transparent red glass. Twenty-Seven squares of various colors in descending size were cut from opaque glass and stacked on top. The structure was then fired in a digitally controlled kiln at 1425 degrees to create a single sheet of glass. The fused piece was then placed on a ceramic plate mold with a slight corner curve to be slumped at 1250 degrees. Both the firing and the slumping took place in a digitally controlled kiln to ensure proper annealing for durability. Product Dimensions & Details - Measures 7 inches square. Made with System 96 - Spectrum Fusing Glass.

Custom Hand Painted Glassware for Your Special Wedding Day. By featured artists Mary Hining, Merry McCallum and Chelsey Hill.

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:48:00 GMT

Hand painted stemware for your special wedding day. NativeMotif team picks for August 2010.

Purple Orchids Hand Painted by Chelsey Hill

Artist Statement: "This set of hand painted champagne flutes are perfect for weddings and the flowers can be customized to match the colors of your wedding. Each flute showcases an elegant purple orchid design. The branch is painted in a subtle shimmery copper color and the orchids are accented with shimmery gold centers. These champagne flutes will make a colorful addition to your stemware and will be loved by your friends. Because these are hand painted glasses, no two designs will be exactly the same, which adds to their charm. The paint is non-toxic and has been heat set for durability. Although the paint is dishwasher safe, I recommend hand washing to help preserve their beauty." Product Dimensions & Details - glass, non-toxic acrylic paint

Peacock Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Glasses Hand Painted by Mary Hining

Artist Statement: "The fantastic Peacock! These elegant, mouth blown Cabernet Sauvignon wine glasses are hand painted with boldly colorful, fantastic peacock feathers. The colors range from deep blue to jade and aqua to purple with accents of metallic gold. These glasses are much more stunning in person than the photographs can express. Almost too beautiful to use, but I hope you do! As they are painted with a special non-toxic glass paint that has been heat-set for lasting durability. While the glasses are dishwasher safe, please gently hand wash when possible as these glasses are very tall and delicate.

These glasses would make wonderful pieces for a wedding, special birthday or just because you deserve to drink your wine in exquisite style. They can be customized with your name and or wedding dates on the base of the glasses. Simply contact me for details. The glasses you receive will not be the exact pictured but they will be nearly identical. I keep the same photo and paint several sets.

If you would like this design on another one of my glasses or dishware, please just let me know. I also have many other different Peacock designs so have a look around my shop. The glasses stand 10inches/25.4cm tall. The base of the glasses is 4inch/10cm diameter and the mouth opening is 3inch/7.6cm diameter." Product Dimensions & Details - Made with glass, non toxic paint, and art. Dishwasher safe. Made in USA.

Lenox 'Wedding Promises Toasting Flutes Hand Painted by Merry McCallum

Product Description - This pair of Lenox toasting flutes are in the "Wedding Promises" pattern. They have been hand painted in stunning detail with a bouquet of lavender and purple roses and other "wild" flowers in cool colors. The bouquet is tied with a pale lavender ribbon. Paint is specially formulated for use on glass, is non-toxic, is heat set for durability and can be safely hand washed. As with any other fine crystal, use of dishwasher is not recommended. Signed. Artist's mark tiny ladybug is painted somewhere in design. Product Dimensions & Details - Lenox "Wedding Promises" toasting flutes are 11" tall and 2 7/8" across at rim.

About the Artist: Painting on crystal stemware is just the latest medium for me. I've been doing something arts and crafts related since I was 9 years old and my mother taught me how to embroider. By the time I was 25 I had won several awards for my crewel embroidery pieces. When I became a mother I had no time to create anything other than a couple of humans with good hearts and characters.

Wedding Toast Champage Flutes Hand Painted by Mary Hining

Artist Statement: "Two gorgeous custom hand painted champagne flutes for your wedding or special occasion. These elegantly tall glasses are stunning and are a true pleasure to hold. Wait till you hear the crisp, high pitched [DING!] of the glasses toasting together.

These glasses are merely examples of what your toasting flutes could be. Let me customize the colors to fit your wedding. These flutes are meant to be made to order and are 100% customizable. They consist of your custom colors added to elegant tree branches that twist and wrap around the smooth glass in an organic fashion. These flutes look fabulous at any angle. At the time of order just send me a conversation in the "message to seller section" on which colors you'd like. I will also paint your names and/or wedding dates on the base of the glasses for no extra charge. Just mention what you'd like in the "comments" section upon checkout.

The glasses are 9inches/22.8cm tall and have a flair at the top. The top opening is 2.25inches/5.7cm across. Like all my hand painted dishes and glassware the paint is non-toxic and is heat set for lasting durability. They are even dishwasher safe! Keep these special beauties to toast your first year, and many happy more to come. Make your wedding toast one to remember. With original, one of a kind functional art." Product Dimensions & Details - Made with glass, non toxic paint, and art. Dishwasher safe. Made in USA.

Peacock Wedding Toasting Flutes Hand Painted by Mary Hining

Artist Statement: "Two gorgeous custom hand painted champagne flutes for your wedding. These elegantly tall glasses are stunning and are a true pleasure to hold. Wait till you hear the crisp, high pitched [DING!] of the glasses toasting together. You've never seen champagne flutes like these before.

Introducing The Peacock: my design of brightly colored, intricately detailed feathers. Each line is individually painted with your custom wedding colors to create a beautiful, organic design that flutters around the glass. These particular toasting flutes have sea green, dark emerald green, royal blue, sky blue, plum purple, peacock purple and vibrant metallic gold. But all color are customizable. Please contact me for other options as THESE FLUTES ARE MADE TO ORDER. Turn around time is less than 1 week.

The glasses are 9inches/22.8cm tall and have a flair at the top. The top opening is 2.25inches/5.7cm across. Like all my hand painted dishes and glassware the paint is non-toxic and is heat set for lasting durability. Keep these special beauties to toast your first year, and many happy more to come. Make your wedding toast one to remember. With original, one of a kind handcrafted, functional art. For no extra charge, I will paint your names and/or wedding date on the base of the glass in your choice of color. Please just leave a note in "comments" when you checkout." Product Dimensions & Details - Made with glass, non toxic paint, and art. Dishwasher safe. Made in USA.

Toasting Flutes - Forever, Hand Painted by Merry McCallum

Product Description - Pair Durand/Cristal D'Arques crystal toasting flutes in the "Forever" pattern, hand painted with a bouquet of pink/yellow roses and other "wild" flowers. Four clear hearts make up the stem. Paint is specially formulated for use on glass, is non-toxic, is heat set for durability and can be safely hand washed. As with any other fine crystal, use of dishwasher is not recommended. Signed. Artist's mark tiny ladybug is painted somewhere in design. Product Dimensions & Details - Durand/Cristal D'Arquest toasting flutes in "Forever" pattern are 10 1/4" tall and 3 1/8" wide at rim.

The Process of Metal Etching - Artisan Jewelry Techniques

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:17:00 GMT

The Process of Metal Etching
The etching of metal is a multi-stepped process which imparts texture to the metal. Etching is most often done on metal before it is made into an object. My etching work begins with a picture I’ve drawn or a photograph I’ve taken. The metal is treated by fusing a photosensitive film onto it, and then the selected image is imprinted on the film by exposing it to ultraviolet light. The metal with the imprinted image is then developed in a basic solution.

	In the Spotlight
	Barbara Bowling
	Representing: Boise, Idaho

	Barbara Bowling is an artist living in Boise, Idaho. She specializes in vitreous enameling and metal etching, inspired by the small canvas that jewelry-sized work presents. All of her jewelry pieces are one-of-a-kind, presenting unique opportunities for personal adornment. Her 15 years as a professor of horticulture are reflected in the plant forms and the flowing natural textures and lines of her designs. “I create to connect to the world around me, but also because it is simply in my nature to make things: To bring form to the formless, order to chaos, an evocative object where there once was none.

After this, the metal is floated onto an aerated bath of acid salts: ferric chloride for nugold and copper; ferric nitrate for fine silver and sterling. After several hours, the imprinted image is eaten away by the acid salt, resulting in a very pleasing texture.

Fresh off the Press: NativeMotif.com Enters the "Blogosphere"

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:44:00 GMT

SAIL TO THE MOON

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:36:00 GMT

Art and science have converged in a mystery 40 years in the making. In a drama of rebellion, inspiration, and a courageously grand subterfuge, chalk one up for the worlds artists.

The seemingly inert but beautiful backdrop for this theatre? ..... The moon.

A real possibility has been brought to light that after over four decades, a miniature art museum may have been smuggled onto Apollo 12 and journeyed to the moon clandestinely.

Fundamentally men of science, engineers and astronauts, conspired to bring the very one thing that defines our humanity, art, on a lunar voyage.

	Conner Lopez
	Team Editor: NativeMotif.com

A tiny tile has 6 basic but original representations from artists including Andy Warhol. In small triumph for art within an enormous triumph for the worlds of science, the mini museum was attached to the leg of a lunar module on the moon, and has remain secret to the world until now.

That someone found it important enough, under peril of exposure, to represent the creative thinking of this blue planet is a testament to the power of art.

Art and science are as intertwined as the structure of a double helix.

Laura Barbosa illustrates this beautifully in Uncanny Valley Original Robot Fantasy Technology Representation Painting.

Striking, evocative, and thought provoking, Barbosa draws us in the speculation and wonder with startling and enigmatic images. Is it stark and menacing? Is it hopeful and illuminating? It is open to interpretation, as all truly awesome works of art are.

The centerpiece of the work is a palm filled with authentic binary code. Is this science what is holding us together, advancing our civilization to greater knowledge and enlightenment?

Or is the hand a warning to us, to stop our technical advancement before we have completely destroyed ourselves?

The questions and the thoughtfulness are what speak loudest in Barbosas art. Science in the midst of art, and art in the midst of science.

The endeavors of art and science will always be as relevant as they were in 1969.

Present day immediately becomes the past.

Science will carry us forward, art will sustain and define our voyage. Only we though, can sail to the moon.

Handmade Craft Show - Artist Interview

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT

My Handmade Specialties Original Paintings on Canvas Custom Commissions Digital Art /Graphic Design Art Jewelry Images Fine Art Prints My Story My interest in art began as a child. I was born with a love for animals and a passion for painting. Having come from a broken home and having a lot of free time at a young age, I developed my very own art skills through experimenting with crayons and finger paints. This eventually took me down the road of art and before I knew it, I was stopping at the art store on my way home from school and found myself buying new colored pencil packs and sketchbooks with my lunch money.

Laura Barbosa

Toms River, New Jersey

My complete adoration and love for animals developed from my relationship that I had with our family dog. I found enjoyment in his facial expressions and funny antics. I believe these experiences molded me in the direction of animals and a true love for painting them. My art grew more and more with each passing day. In high school my favorite pastime was doodling and eventually I doodled my way into an art class. I started a home business when I was 16 which was all about capturing people’s favorite photos onto sweatshirts and sold them at a fair price to many students and their family members.

I was making a decent living at a young age with nothing more than a few bottles of fabric paint an airbrush and a pack of generic sweatshirts. As time went on, I started painting wall murals and experimenting with different media. After accomplishing more pieces, I grew as an artist. The traits and techniques I developed as a child actually create the anchor that my creativity rests upon today.

It seems that each year I became more free with my ideas and techniques. My Creative Process My emotions and thoughts pre determine what is going to develop on the canvas. I work from the subconscious mind and many times I will wake up with an idea in the morning. There are so many ideas in my head that I need to carry a sketchbook with me to jot down the thoughts coming from my head. I have been known to be in the middle of a conversation and have to excuse myself to sketch an idea in my book before I lose it.

This is the beginning of my creative process and from this point I cannot wait to get to my studio to start painting. I work mainly with acrylics and ink. I like to use them together to achieve the effect I want. For my abstracts I prefer thick acrylic paint, texture and using the palette knife to mix and push the paint around the canvas. I don't like using brushes and have come to love the sponge and the use of my finger for blending but for my animal portraits, brushes are needed for detailing and creating fur. On occasion, I will dip my whole hand in paint and start creating to see what I come up with. If the subject matter is very specific then it must be planned out. For example, my animal portraits are carefully calculated before I begin.

Laura Barbosa is becoming known on an International Level and is a Published Artist with Public Collections. Her Collectors reside in Australia, The United Kingdom, Canada and in all 50 United States.

Laura’s Painting Entitled: Model has been chosen for HGTV\'s new show: Battle on The Block and will be featured in an up coming episode in April of 2010 the West Orange NJ Show. In 2009, Her “PUG DOG” was picked up by a scout from icon shoes for their many products such as handbags, golf shoes, belts, purses and more. http://www.iconshoes.com

Selected Exhibitions:
December 2009 - All America Tour - Chalk Farm Gallery, NM USA
December 2009 - All America Tour - Miranda Gallery, CA
March of 2007- Splash Contemporary Gallery in Asbury Park NJ. March Madness Show - 6 works on Exhibit.
July 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009- Stover Mill, 56th, 57th, & 58th Annual Tinicum Arts Festival- Erwinna Pennsylvania - 7 Works on Exhibit. *Published: NY ARTS Magazine 2008* Hollywood Reporter * Forbes & more *Public Collection: Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ* *Winner, \"Horse Dance\", Cultural Arts Center, Brick, NJ
2008 *Winner, Stover Mill, Acrylics Category, \"Bordeaux Dog\" Juried by Bill Novak,
2007 *Featured Artist: Imagekind Gallery on Easter Sunday
March 23 2008 *Art E-Motions Contest Winner- Boundless Gallery -
May 2009 *Artist of The Month - Boundless Gallery - Artist Interview -
July 2009 *EBSQ Award Winner \"Patrons Choice\" For \"Uncanny Valley\"
May - 2009 *EBSQ Art of the Day - For \"Orange Scope\" Digital Art - June, 19,2009 *EBSQ Award Winner - For \"Mardi Gras\" 2009 *Artwork \"Shapeshifter\" Chosen by Well Known Writer for NEW BOOK (Kim Carlsberg) Public Collections: Community Medical Center (St. Barnabus) Toms River, NJ 2008 Fund raiser for The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

3 paintings of 12 Working Therapy Dog Portraits. Acrylics on Canvas - 24\" x 48\" This work is on Permanent Public Display in a HUGE collection at the St. Barnabus Health Care Facility in NJ.

This Public Collection has raised $7500.00 for the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Org. to help maintain their training and education for the welfare of Patients throughout America. Commissions: Small to Giant Custom Artworks for Home or Office Decor.

Part 2 of 2: Surviving as a Contemporary Artist

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:05:00 GMT

	Derek McCrea
	Representing: Columbus, Georgia
		Featured Artist - Fine Art

My career is as a Soldier. My two hobbies include painting and offshore fishing. Both of which are very relaxing and allow me to express myself. Creating art for me is a way of life. Something I enjoy.

As an artist in today’s changing environment it is vital to create a marketing strategy capable of meeting the demands created by tense competition. Different areas to focus on for marketing include: identifying and promoting to your target market, carefully select what you pay for as an artist and compare the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision, seek alternate means of exposure, and explore different options for getting your art ’seen’ by your target market.

Identify your market and attempt to promote your work through the various media of today, magazines, books, Internet, and traditional galleries. Be careful what you pay for. Lately I have seen a large amount of galleries charging a fee for placement of works. In some galleries this may be productive for the artists, but there are also those galleries who make their profit off of the artists almost solely.

Observe a gallery before making a decision to place art in it. You may pay 200 per month and pay 30% commission upon the sale for example. If you sell one art in 6 months you will lose money. Art galleries are a lot like real estate, location, location, and location. Do not fall victim for the ‘Calls for Artists’ on Craigslist that ask for large fees for posting your art in their gallery where you pay 200 plus dollars for 5 square feet. Your art may be among 100 other artists in that gallery for a short period of time. It is also sometimes a good idea to ask another artist that has shown in the gallery about their success there.

Galleries are only one means of exposure. In rough times look at other ‘free’ venues to showcase your art. For example, approach restaurants or hotels to place your works in their business. This has worked very well for me and what makes it even better is if you paint a painting of that business or restaurant and then have a spot near the painting with your business cards. In the end, you may come to realize that you being the only artist on the wall in a nice restaurant may be better than being among 100 others in a rarely visited gallery.

Many towns have ‘First Fridays’ or similar names for one day a month where local business display local art. This is also a time when artists can set up a small booth and paint en plein air. Customers like to purchase art from local artists. I have had the most luck with this by painting and selling at different prices. In advance for example I will paint some of the local cityscapes or landscapes and also create prints of the same works so I can price the works at various prices. This makes my art more affordable for different customers. With all of my sales I hand out business cards and sometimes hand out 100 business cards in one day and not have any sales until later when I get an email from someone I met that day.

I am amazed at the number of emails I receive, almost daily, asking me to pay to be in a book of professional artists. The company asks for the artist to pay a large fee for their works to be on 1 page or even a half of a page. These same books are sent out to prospective future artists for free as samples to maybe a spot for their art in the book in the future. All along the featured artist in the book had to pay 350 dollars for their book and that was supposed to be at half price. Recently I went to www.lulu.com and created my own book titled, ‘2007-2008 The Inspirational Years’. It costs me nothing to created this book and when it sells I get a percentage. Plus the book has only my art, not hundreds of other artists.

Remember, as an artist what is most important is what you deem as success in your art. Why do you create art? Does it make you happy to paint? Paint when you feel inspired, if you are not selling currently concentrate on making a series of works for future promotion. Continue to keep a positive attitude and do not give up.

One Click Today an Art Investment Expert Tommorow

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:07:00 GMT

Article: So how exactly, does one become the next Warren Buffett of art?

Becoming a savvy collector\investor is an art in itself.
The first and most obvious tip is to look for something that you find beautiful and inspires you. After all, you are collecting and investing in art, not foreign currencies or commodity futures. You are collecting art because art is dynamic, art is vibrant, art is rich. Investing in art should be fun. So look first for something that you can enjoy owning and viewing for however long you choose to keep your investment art piece.

	Conner Lopez
	Team Editor: NativeMotif.com

Next look at uniqueness of the piece. Every piece is unique artistically, but what makes your investment candidate different from other pieces? It may be the individual piece itself or the scarcity of a set. Whether investing in a single piece or one of a set, always try and secure a certificate authenticity if offered.

A limited edition set has specific properties. Since most limited sets are nearly identical, today’s artists use the numbering system to assign and authenticate a size of a limited edition. Although technology now generally allows for identical prints in a limited set (say of 200), typically a lowered number print within this set is more highly desired and thus more likely to be a greater value.

The very first few in a limited edition set are sometimes called artists proofs. These are supposed to be selected by the artists themselves as the best of the set, the highest quality and best representations of the original. Artists proofs are even more highly desired and if you are lucky enough to get one of these of a popular artist, hold on to it!

You want the physical quality of your art piece to be as high as possible. In every collectible item, condition is paramount to value. Each piece should be inspected closely prior to purchase. Some art pieces may be older and have had several different owners. This increases the likelihood of damage, so examine an artwork carefully by looking for flaws such as scratches, dents, tears, etc. If an art piece is being sold online and you cannot see it in person before purchase, ask for multiple close up pictures at many angles. Any flaw should be fully disclosed by any reputable seller. Importance of condition can never be understated, it is a key factor in the determined value of any collectible.

Finding a proper frame is crucial for protecting and augmenting the look of your art. Art is sold both framed and unframed. The advantage of an unframed print is that you can choose to customize a frame to your exact specifications. Buying a framed print eliminates a step and can be less expensive. Either way, most investors/collectors will want a frame to protect and display their artwork investment. There are many options including special glass with ultra violet protection etc.

How does one know which art investment will increase in value, will make someone the next Warren Buffett of art? While no one can ever REALLY know, what you can do is dramatically increase the likelihood of owning a piece that will increase in value. Choosing the right artist is the single most important decision you will have to make.

An artist with the most publicity is going to be the one with the most potential for future value. The more publications they are mentioned in the better. The longer they have been a successful artist the better. The more awards, organizations, and galleries the artist has been a part of, the more likely their artworks will be valuable.

With future value in mind, there is always going to be an element of risk involved. This is why an art investor should never look SOLELY at the potential profit an art piece may win, but at the artwork as a whole. The trickiest part, and most fun, is identifying an artist that has undiscovered talent. This is why the best part of your art collection may indeed be the work of an artist whose received neither awards nor recognition other than that of your own deft eye. Don’t be afraid to buy an artist's work just because you haven’t heard of them… yet.

So challenge yourself, elevate yourself from art fan to art aficionado, from art enthusiast to art investor, from investor to…expert. Who knows? You may be about to buy the piece that will have everyone calling you one anyway some day.

Part 1 of 2: Surviving as a Contemporary Artist

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:09:00 GMT

	Derek McCrea
	Representing: Columbus, Georgia
		Featured Artist - Fine Art

I have been a very busy artist for about 25 years now, lately I have started to reach what some would call inspiration and confidence in my works. The key to success is create art because you enjoy it, success will come when you least expect it, but it will not happen overnight. The artistic potential is unlimited, but an artist must think outside of the box. If you do what everyone else is doing, your chances of success are limited. But, if you are unique and if you pursue limits outside of the traditional art arena, or box, you will begin to see results faster. This applies to all arts.

1. Never paint when you are not inspired.

2. Try to visualize what you want to paint before you paint the subject and imagine a finished product and what steps you will take to get there.

3. For larger and more detailed works draw the image on the canvas first with light pencil.

4. Establish your own style but learn from others. Experiment with creating art using individual techniques beginning with smaller less detailed images and working your way up.

- Use of splatter to create depth

- Use of charcoal on finished products to add texture and shadows

- Wet on wet, let the watercolors do their magic, sometimes watercolors when wet on wet create effects that make you say, how did I do that?

- Try not to use too much paint, start out with lighter colors and add layers of darker colors. Too much watercolor paint creates a mess that you cannot fix. That is the difference between watercolors and other mediums that can be repaired by painting over.

- Use Art Trading Cards to practice your larger images before painting them large. This way if you make a mistake it will be on a small piece of paper and you can apply that lesson to your larger work.

- I have seen different techniques for holding the watercolor paper to your background for paintings, including stapling down the sides of the work. I prefer to use masking tape around the entire edges of my paintings. This also aids buyers to mat the painting with inch edges all the way around the circumference of the painting.

The competition today with the age of the Internet has created stiff competition for artists. Those who stick with it, little by little, day by day, will see results in the long run. At least that has been my experience. It is easy to give up on art if you do not enjoy it. If you do not enjoy creating art, you are in the wrong profession. To me art has always been a hobby as my second source of income. Have options and alternatives to your life, but if you love art, maintain and improve your skills; it will pay off!

I set aside about one hour a day for marketing and if I miss a day I make up for it in the future. I have been doing this for many years. It does not happen overnight. I initially spent months researching how to market my works and then began with local galleries, restaurants, art collaboration shows, art festivals, online galleries, art auctions, and targeting groups of people interested in the same topics I work with. Once I gain a customer I try to keep them informed by asking if I can add them to my Monthly Artist Newsletter. I have had return customers based off of what they have seen in one of my newsletters. It also provides a face and character to the work of art the customer purchases when they can remain updated on your efforts.

I am inspired both by beauty and by life itself. If I am having a bad day, or week I do not paint. I only paint when I am in a great mood. Sometimes I may go a month without painting. I will have dream about an image, or see something I think would look great painted and I get excited and feel an urge to capture the image in a painting.

Work outside of the box and paint because you enjoy it. The art world of today is not what it was 20 years ago. Take guitarists for example. In 1988 there were not that many teens growing up with the dream of being rock stars in comparison to now. Society has changed with production and the Internet. The art world is not that much different. If I were to guess I would say there are more artists now than there were 20 years ago. If this is not the case, it may seem to be as the media for spreading the word about art have increased. You only have to go on the Internet to see the massive competition. You have a better chance of being successful from my experience by working outside of the traditional box.

Part 2 of 2: FirstWeek of April, 2010

Van gogh. Picasso. Monet. Dali.... Renae Schoeffel, Michael godey, Durand Seay, Laura Barbosa?

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:11:00 GMT

Van gogh. Picasso. Monet. Dali.
Renae Schoeffel, Matthew Hamblen, Durand Seay, Laura Barbosa?

Art has been considered an appreciable investment for centuries. Even in times of economic chaos, especially in such times, we must find a place to allocate our capital where it has the potential to grow so that some day we might be able to retire from our daily grind (if we are lucky enough to have a grind!).

So where do we put it? cds? No risk but no return. Real estate? Only if you can come up with a sizable down payment and qualify for a loan. Stocks? Yikes! Who has the time and knowledge to follow those irrational complex instruments?

	Conner Lopez
	Team Editor: NativeMotif.com

Art may offer an underrated and rarely considered investment opportunity. Jianping Mei and Michael Moses, professors of New York University's Stern School of Business discovered that art has outperformed the S & P 500 (the widely recognized stock market benchmark) in the last 50 years.
Art as an asset class?? Its not something that most people consider when enjoying a cherly bloomfield classic, or a character rich work from roosevelt washington. Most people just want to enjoy the beauty of art, and it can be beautiful. Whether its the natural beauty of ocean splendor from ronald pratt, the clean simple work of oak on a poppy hill from ted arden, or the fantastically mystical and award winning work of michael godey, ravens and dogs, the truth is these are just stunning to look at.
Those among us who are art collectors do it for the enrichment we get from enhancing our homes and the feeling of satisfaction after finally getting the perfect piece we have long sought.

Do these collections have another secret? Do these handmade works of art represent real value? Do they quietly increase our net worth as they adorn our walls?
There is real data suggesting this is happening. Mei and Moses have found that like the stock market, the art market has had several booms and busts, but generally over the long term (ten years or more) art has risen in value. More interestingly, art doesnt always correlate with the market. This means that art can be considered a diverstification tool, something that can retain its value if traditional asset classes fail.
When you select a piece of art, do it for the feeling you get when you take it in, the swelling in your chest that comes with the pride of owning something you worked hard to afford.

Also keep in mind that van gogh, dali, and picasso, were once completely unknown. Their art once worth less than the paper it was drawn on.
There is no way to predict which artist will become the next household name, the next to be worth $30 million a painting, the next to go down in history.
There is only one thing for sure.
Someone will.