The artist as problem-solver

The next time you're tempted to ask an artist "how long did that take to make?"... try asking yourself another question. What problems did the artist have to solve to create this artwork?

I spent most of this week figuring out problems like How do I set a railroad spike into a collage panel?

Most of the time I enjoy this part of the job. But it's less fun to hit a dead end...

... and realize the only solution is to start over.

Good thing creative troubleshooting is a transferable skill -- I'm going to need it next month. I'm curating a group exhibit at the Columbia City Gallery, where these collages will make their debut. So once this work is done, I'm sure I'll have to wrangle other problems that can't be glued or staple-gunned into place.

Double-happiness, double holiday madness

Anyone out there less than excited about decorating for the winter holidays?

Good thing my neighbors are on it, because I've decided I'm done with the decor. I enjoy giving presents, but "creating atmosphere"... not so much. My kids will just have to take it up with their future therapists. "My mother was horrible at holidays; she never put up Thanksgiving turkeys or mistletoe or did the Elf on the Shelf." THAT'S RIGHT. 

"She was always too busy in her studio to create holiday cheer." ABSOLUTELY. (I'm sure my punishment will be one of them marrying the Homemaker From Hell.)

This year, the kids will literally wake up on December 25th to Christmas presents... and go to bed with the first night of Hanukkah gifts. I better not hear any complaining as I bandage the paper cuts I'll get from wrapping all this stuff!

Giving and receiving

I should be working on a grant application right now.

Image credit: shescraftyllc/etsy.com

The best I can tell you is "I'm approaching it... sideways." I know it's possible for a foundation to award me a grant. I'm still (!) thrilled that earlier this year, a group of people decided it's better to give (me money to continue making art) than to receive (a polite rejection letter instead).

Everyone receives more rejection than gifts, of course. It's just hard to focus on a new application when you've recently been notified that the last one was turned down. The check is not in the mail. Ugh.

Can I just go holiday shopping instead?