Category: 2016

I really want to discuss blogging after so many comments  to my blog which helps others follow me, what I do, in my daily life of an artisan. After much reflection,these are the points that I find vital to a good blog, and increasing the number of followers may they be fellow bloggers,artists or normal people that just want to be inspired:

1. Be concise and to the point. So many blogs out there tend to be long and drawn out trying to cram a lot of information in a short or long entry….No drama or storytelling. Get your point across with the lowest word count possible. In these digital days, people are continually flipping from one thing to another and the problem with so much information.There is a growing lack of FOCUS. I switch to another blog due to too many words..BORING , to much BS out there that I do not need to look for it on the web.
2. Try to inspire the creativity in others. Be humble and honest in your views but make your point. You do not need to convince everyone,but most of all you must convince yourself in relaying your message to others,whether they agree or not. BE YOURSELF when you write.
3. If  you cannot say something nice, do not blog about it. Projecting a positive image of your creative process will bring you a positive following of like minded people. It’s about Karma,good writing and good vibes attract good people. One of the elements of blogging was to explain,in few words, what you’ve been up to…..There are many other platforms out there where you can vent your anger or frustration or opinions….lately, there seem to be too many #twitter-twats and #blog-hogs that are trying to become personalities and reality stars than really saying something true and deep, it’s more about creating and audience
4. This is a answer to a question that I am asked over and over again. I am a part-time blogger, I blog about my process and how I interact with the public, art lovers and patrons and possible followers. I do not do it full time ,because I have enough to do when creating my art. I do not need other writers or interns to help me do this part of my business, I blog when I want or need to say something to all of  you that are waiting for my next entry in this BLOGO-sphere.

I am trying to answer many of you that feel that what I am writing is inspiring others to do the same. This is my aim, we need more creative minds out there with other ways of thinking and doing.  To inspire as an artistic communities, each with their own message and hoping that through the millions of blogs that are out there on the web. A community of the creative class will grow to inspire others in what we do and how we write. Think about it! that’s all this blog entry is starting to become to long for my tastes… later all..

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Once again, I am back and as a start for the 2016 blog series, I have been convinced by my followers to use CAPITAL letters so that my blog entries are easier to read. It is a bit difficult for me because the notions that I have in my head,seem to travel faster than minor details, but if I must , I will begin this blog on which this curious path that my drawing has taken me. To draw with a sewing machine? The use of this obsolete device, of sorts, has me trying new and venture out in a new way to draw and sketch with a continuous line or stitch. I begin to transform an idea in my head onto the flat pieces of materials.Next,further transforming them into 3D by padding and filling then further embellishment by the use of embroidering and using several mixed media techniques to further embellish the 3d drawn object, which you can see  in the picture (above). I am having a blast! needless to say with the needlework, as yet another exploration of using my DRAWING talents in new and un-chartered territories of illustration and design. Yes, a bit crafty, you might think, but it does have its appeal. I made this piece,” Icarus Modern Birdman” for a show at a small gallery where I wanted to tweak my talents by NOT using ceramics and utilizing another medium of the work. Mixed reactions from the show, but ,this is something that I am seriously considering to explore more in depth. As Artisans, we all need to explore other mediums to better expand our horizons of creativity. I , myself get bored very rapidly and am always searching for ways to spark my interests by learning new ways of artistic expression. I hope that I have succeeded in this endeavor which I find fun and not just another fiber arts project, Hope you enjoy it….. All for now 

Hey there once again.. Been a while as I have been plowing away at my studio and working on some new directions with my Ceramics. August is here, and it seems that everyone except me is on vacation as visits to the studio have been few and given me the opportunity to explore new directions with the work at hand ,to develop new ideas and push the boundaries of the usual techniques that I implement in my work. (Above) you can see a picture of my hand decorated beads which I spent over a day just decorating and glazing. Meticulous and detailed oriented as I am, I sometimes wish that taking my art in to wearable art might have not been such a good idea due to the time spent painting tiny spheres to transform them into jewelry takes a lot of time and focus. It is sometime easier to decorate a large object than a small one. WHY? you ask? Sales is the answer. I have sold my hand painted jewelry and continue to make more due to the laws of Supply & Demand. GIVE the consumer or Art Lover what they are asking for….. In the same vain, I am working at the moment with a wood turner and trying my hand at high-fire firings with some other potter friends. WHY? Curiosity mostly,but also to push my work into different areas of research to try the products out on the public, to see their reaction as new way to generate sales. For Art lovers, there comes a time that as an artisan you need to provide new work in a new direction to continue to generate interest in their creative energy. Many times, too many times. I see fellow artists fall into the trap of ‘boxing themselves in to a corner’ because they think that they will continue to sell. Changing out techniques and diverse styles challenges ones self to “test the market” and to see the direct response from fellow artists, the public and a new group of consumer/art lovers. Believe me it works. I have a couple of pieces that I have done for and International Cup Show and people see it and want to buy it…. It is up to you to switch out materials and techniques once in a while to keep it interesting. DO NOT GIVE THE PUBLIC what they expect. Sales are increased when there is a bit of variety and might attract a whole different set of art enthusiasts. Take it from me who is use to playing monkey in a cage in front of the public. Customers return for the things that they know they can get from you. But do not limit yourself to the usual. Consumers crave to find something new from an artist that they follow. Never limit your creativity,it has no boundaries.You set boundaries on yourself when you become too comfortable with a certain form of creative expression or just plain lazy to push yourself to the next level or out of the usual box. Stay tuned for my new T-shirt designs that will be ready shortly and I will post the new design when they are ready for sale….. All for now.