Resurfacing After a Long, Hot Summer

I am back.  That 4th of July Art Walk took more out of me than I knew!  I was ready to give up this metal clay art selling business . . . but decided instead to take the rest of the summer off - and to start again in the Fall.  So, Like I said - I am back. 

I am again creating new pieces.  It feels good, I must admit that I have missed it!

I made it to the retail stores and galleries: 

• I have new silver pieces on display at the Art Method Gallery on Marshal Way in Scottsdale
• My Bronze and Copper pieces are found at The Cottage at the Farm at South Mountain
• Bronze and Copper also at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa
• Just down the street in Mesa is Sundust Gallery... new pieces are there as well

My Schedule for November 2010:

• 2nd Friday Night Out in Mesa on Friday, November 12th, 6pm - 10pm
• ZOOtique at the Phoenix Zoo on Saturday, November 13th, 9am - 4pm
• Downtown Chandler Art Walk on Friday, November 19th, 6pm - 10pm
• Downtown Chandler Block Party on November 20th, noon - 8pm

Staying Cool at Summer Art Walks

I have done art walks in downtown Mesa the past two weekends.  It was almost UNBEARABLE in the Arizona heat! I did manage to survive it by drinking LOTS of water, staying in the shade, and using water-holding gel filled scarfs.  What a great invention!!!! I just soaked them in water for a few hours before the show, then stuck them in the cooler.  Then when I got to the show, I pulled one out and draped it over the back of my neck.  I have more than one - so I was able to switch them every so often.  Definitely a permanent part of my hot summer art walk supplies!

If anyone has any other suggestions for beating the heat at art walks, I would LOVE to hear them.

Marketing Classes at Sundust Gallery

My husband, Tim and I have been taking Marketing classes at Sundust Gallery in Mesa.  I have one class left in the series, and can't wait for the days to pass until I am there again. 

Ron Floyd is the owner of the gallery and is EXTREMELY knowledgable on the ins and outs of marketing art.  I work with metal clay, and my husband is a photographer... we have both been impressed with the useful information Ron has shared with us.  What he is teaching is good for any type of artist.

I recommend this series of classes to any artist who wants to improve their business savvy, their image, or branding.  The link to the Sundust Gallery website is included, so you can learn more about the class offerings.

http://www.sundustgallery.com/

Web Photography

I have never been totally satisfied with the quality of pictures Tim and I take for our web and etsy sites.  They are acceptable, and people get a good idea of what I have created, but what I want is to be able to upload pictures that make them drool. 

If you have spent any time looking at the products listed on etsy, you know what I mean.  Some people are able to take pictures that make their products look fantastic.  You look at the picture, and fall in love with the product instantly.  That is what I want. 

Tim and I spent time with a professional photographer yesterday.  We  hoped that he could teach us some new techniques.

I learned a lot.  The main thing, for good close-ups of small things (like jewelry), he recommended using a macro lens.   Actually, he said the ONLY way to take great pictures of small things is to use a macro lens.  I have a Sony Cybershot ... and Tim does not own a macro lens.  This explains why our pictures have not been fantastic.

Gypsy Cart!!!

More excitement!     I have joined with Jeannie Cox from Jean's Beads to "Go Retail"... at Bead Rhapsody in the Power Square Mall. This is just the first stage of our display... it is a work in progress. We are going for the "Gypsy Cart" look.

 

ArtSpace on Sixth

Today was the last day of the Steampunk Art Show at ArtSpace on Sixth.  Talking to the owners, the show was a success.  I figured it would be.  Steampunk enthusiasts are a lot of fun, and would go a long way to celebrate or view their genre. 

I feel honored to have my pieces on display in such a neat gallery.  The building is not only a gallery, but houses several studios where - if you are lucky - you can catch a few artists at work.

The owner, Davin is a photographer who has captured samples of the various artists and displays them on his website. This is the address to his website if you would like to browse.  http://www.artspaceonsixth.com/index.htm

Pictures from the Steampunk Spectacular

I have been in two Steampunk Art Shows in the past two weeks, and am getting a lot of questions on Steampunk. My personal interpretation is ... a combination of Victorian Romance, Steam Technology, and Science Fiction/Fantasy.  It is the world today as it might have been if steam continued to be used to power machines.  Think of the "Wild, Wild, West" television show ... or Jules Vernes' technological creations.

Pictures from the Steampunk Spectacular that was held at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa on Feb 12 & 13 ... these are a few examples of what the artists have created:

Steampunk Hat by Brose Brothers; Flying Machine by Ed Schenck; Steampunk Light Saber by William Mullins 

 

 

And of course... the jewelry.