textile paintings
Virginia Greaves
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Home page: http://www.virginiagreaves.com
Posts by Virginia Greaves
Tweek!
011 years ago
Another week in May. My mom was visiting last weekend and stayed through Tuesday — so I didn’t make my weekly goal of studio time. Always depressing — but sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully, I will finish my small still life this coming week. I shared a pre-quilting shot of it on my Facebook Page a couple of days ago.
This is my weekly Twitter round up. If you want to follow me in real time, I’m @vsgreaves. You can also find me online through my social media icons in the upper right above the menu.
My first Tweet is about a couple that bought a warehouse in DC & decided to rent out space in it to artists for insanely low rents in the name of culture and small business growth.
“Off the Beaten Track provides affordable work space for D.C. artists” http://tinyurl.com/la2ldhe via @proquilter
Edward Winkleman gives another delightful read — a review after a Christie’s auction. No one is more painfully honest about the art scene in New York.
“Post-Incipient-Vomiting (or, An Analytical Look at “If I Live I’ll See You Tuesday”)” — Artists as brands. http://feedly.com/e/zJ3mY2G2
I’ve been told that this has already happened. I suppose once people figured out how to make money on the internet, it was only a matter of time until people developed speed lanes for the giants of industry.
Really really bad changes threaten to put your Internet in the #SlowLane. Say no at http://OpenMedia.org/SlowLane (via @TheOpenMedia)
Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) is a professional textile artists group that has recently opened a new exhibit called Earth Stories at the Michigan State University Museum. I have several Facebook friends with pieces in the exhibit who, once the exhibit opened, were able to share how their pieces were created. It’s an extremely inspiring exhibit — not just on the theme of Earth Stories — but on the incredibly high professional talent in the world of textile art today.
SAQA’s Earth Stories exhibit opening Friday MSU Museum — incredible textile works. http://tinyurl.com/lddshw6
A short article by 99U — but it covers the basics about the importance of starting and continuing.
“Vincent van Gogh & the Importance of Doing” Perserverance pays off — get to work! http://feedly.com/e/uQknkV1y
Having spent a portion of my childhood as a people pleaser, I found Anne Lamott’s words really resonate with me. She also addresses the evils of perfectionism, another of my early faults that I thankfully excommunicated (having children really killed any remaining piece of that I still carried in my personality). “Shoot the moon.” I plan to get a copy of this book soon.
The Definitive Manifesto for Handling Haters:Anne Lamott on Priorities &How We Keep Ourselves Small by PeoplePleasing http://feedly.com/e/fc1897Dx
Like many nuggets from Brain Pickings, I was unaware that anyone had ever declined the National Medal of Arts. I found Adrienne Rich’s letter to Bill Clinton interesting. I had a friend tell me that I have truly missed out by not reading her poetry — which I hope to rectify soon.
RT @brainpicker: Why Adrienne Rich, born 85 years ago today, became the only person to decline the prestigious National Medal of Arts http://j.mp/1n5ZOJy
Not to get too political — but I did tweet this link about a Christian woman from Sudan who married a Christian and became pregnant. Because of Sharia law, she is considered Muslim because her father was, and so her marriage isn’t recognized — and after the birth and weaning of her child, she will be given 100 lashes and then death — unless she recants her Christian beliefs. (There is disagreement about her degree of Christianity — but I’ll let you read the article and draw your own conclusions.)
#SaveMeriamhttp://tinyurl.com/my9h5mm
This is a video about a man who went into the profession of a courtroom sketch artist — and how technology has made his skills increasingly obsolete. It is fascinating to consider the opportunity for an artist to make a living wage — and crushing to see it taken away and the artist morph into a security guard in order to pay his bills.
Watch: The Rise and Fall of a Courtroom Sketch Artist http://www.juxtapoz.com/current/watch-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-courtroom-sketch-artist … via @JuxtapozMag
Irish artist Brian Maguire traveled to Juarez, Mexico and spent four years documenting some of the 1,400 women killed and lost in this area of Mexico. We like to think that this is a remote problem that doesn’t concern us — but I live in Atlanta and it has become a weekly occurrence for teenage girls to disappear into sex trafficking in our city. Maybe it takes the resounding drum of artists to give faces to the missing and exploited.
“Art from Anger: Portraits of Ciudad Juarez’s Lost Women” The importance of social justice art. http://feedly.com/e/brD7O-1I
When You Are Ready
011 years ago
When I spoke at the Alpha Arts Guild Tuesday night, someone asked me — at what point did I know I was ready to enter an international show? When did I know I was a professional artist?
In retrospect, I don’t think I answered it very well — but now that I’ve had time to think about it, I wanted to share my thoughts.
There was no flash of light. No-one stepped forward and declared — you may now begin. I was very lucky in that I won a Best of Show ribbon in the first show I ever entered. It was a state level show and I had only entered my piece Childhood because I was going to take a class and thought it would be nice to have a piece in the show. I walked in — and you could have knocked me over with a feather.
And so I thought — I’ll enter Paducah. I was on the QuiltArt listserv — they were talking about it — so I thought — why not. They accepted both Childhood and Dalmatian Downs. I was lucky enough to go to the show and I was blown away by the work others were producing. There was a stunning quilt everywhere I turned — and it seemed unending. I was truly humbled to have been included.
I also had some luck entering Mancuso shows — but I wanted to get in the International Quilt Festival in Houston. That was the golden prize. I spent many years with rejection letters from Houston — but I just kept trying. After 5 years — I got discouraged and decided not to enter — but then a friend reminded me that that would guarantee I wouldn’t get in — so with my heart in hand — I sent in an entry with my latest endeavor — the beginning of a portrait series. The Lord must be kind to those who wait because that year they accepted Faces in Cloth I.
And then I put my mind to winning a prize at Houston. A girl can dream — right? And I waited and I hoped and I waited some more. There were times I was discouraged — but I think you always have to reach for the brass ring. The next rung on the ladder. Eventually, The Lord blessed me again and in the seventh year, last year, I won first place in my category for Lincoln.
Why did I do these things? Maybe early luck motivated me. I like to think it was also because I saw my mom break barriers in the art world. At one time, she traveled to Paris and was asked to move to New York to work with a famous painter. She stayed with her family but she pushed the boundaries of what was possible for a mom taking care of her kids in Alabama.
Branding Yourself As An Artist
111 years ago
by Virginia Greaves
in Marketing
Back when Luke Haynes got his contract for a commissioned piece with Fossil and was asking for feedback on the design, I began thinking about artists that successfully market their work by branding themselves. Luke has put his own image on many of his own pieces — and in some ways, his Hipster style is what is iconic about his work.
And then Edward Winkleman wrote a blog post last week about this very issue. Most of the press coverage for a recent auction at Christie’s covered discussion of the artists and not the art itself. The artists have become a brand that drives the price of their work — and the focus is no longer on the art itself.
Night before last, I had a chance to speak at the Alpha Arts Guild and when I brought up this subject, there were murmurs of unhappiness. Not that I disagree with them — but the artists that I have seen do this are successful financially.
So maybe the question is — should be strive for financial success — or artistic success? And in our modern times, does one follow the other? Is artistic success assumed if the artist has great financial success?
Last year I changed my focus so that I would sell more pieces — and I was successful in that — and I don’t think that I compromised the art to do that. But how far will I lean?
Tweek!
011 years ago
Anyone with children can attest to the fact that May is different. School is almost over, exams are coming, spring sports are ending, routines are changing. Everything is in turmoil and unpredictability is the order of the day. I know in my heart that it should be easy to find 15 hours in my week to devote purely to the studio — but the reality isn’t always what we want it to be. I am glad that I finished my large piece Worn in April or I would be stressed trying to finish it. At this point, I am working on a small piece that I can easily pick up in the odd half hour I can pick out of my day.
Which is to say, I am not currently in a normal week. I did find some great articles to share on Twitter though — hopefully the other Creatives out there will take the time to peruse them. This is my weekly wrap up. If you’d rather follow me in real time, I can be found at @vsgreaves. Social media icons are in the upper right above the menu.
My friend Leisa Rich writes a compelling argument on her blog for the responsibility of the artist for the longevity of their work.
“Lost Integrity: Where did yours go?” http://tinyurl.com/l4b3n6u
The person recently found with a large collection of art confiscated by the Nazis — has died — creating a legal labyrinth of ownership problems.
“Cornelius Gurlitt, Hoarder of Nazi-Era Art, Dies [UPDATED]” http://feedly.com/e/4T9_04vQ
Lisa Call — an inspiring artist that I have followed for some time for her artistic marketing acumen — has quit her full time job to becomes a full time artist. She was already a powerhouse — I know that her full time commitment to her art will create even more opportunities for her.
“The power of commitment” Let’s hear it for Lisa Call & her commitment to her art! http://feedly.com/e/NCE7mLMF
I have been to hotels and cruises that sold limited edition prints of famous people. I’ve looked at a few and wondered their true worth — and it seems that my skepticism was warranted.
“Rip-Off Alert: Art forgeries cost victims millions” http://feedly.com/k/1jaYEbx
Inspiration — a photographer that experiments with homemade light tools and long exposures to create stunning photographs.
RT @ArtsyShark: Art on Fire! The amazing portfolio of light paintings by Jordan Kjome http://bit.ly/kjome pic.twitter.com/sk7hJh6iYy
As a huge Dr. Seuss fan, I was surprised to come across this review by Brain Pickings on a little known book of nudes by the famous author of children’s books. The book was published for adults and yet the illustrations are completely innocent.
RT @brainpicker: The Seven Lady Godivas – Dr. Seuss’s little-known, body-positive “adult” book of nudes http://j.mp/1nyW4Bs pic.twitter.com/HWmEhHRxD2
Inspiration — a photographer captures stunning macro photographs of water droplets.
RT @mymodernmet: Stunning macro photos of water drops by Shawn Knol http://bit.ly/1jLo4kE pic.twitter.com/TXmGvZ6Yr5
If you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying hard enough. Not matter what the world throws at you, go make art.
RT @brainpicker: “Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before.”Advice from Neil Gaiman http://j.mp/1jbI4Z4
Tweek!
011 years ago
It’s been an exciting week. I started on a new albeit small piece for a special exhibit and I had the opening reception for Georgia Artists here in Atlanta at which I was graced with a first place ribbon. Don’t blink — life can get fast. I just need to remember that while I am isolated in my studio during the week with little human contact except on the computer.
Here I present my weekly Twitter tweets. If you would rather follow me in real time, I’m @vsgreaves. You can find icons for my Facebook Page and Twitter account in the upper right above the menu.
I love Elizabeth Gilbert — she wrote Eat Pray Love — and in this TED talk, she discusses dealing with success and failure and how to recover from both of them.
Home is where you love something more than yourself. Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, failure & the drive to keep creating http://tinyurl.com/lg3hhvp
It’s hard to tell from the title but Winkleman is asking why people buy art and what they as a consumer gain from that exchange. If we hope to sell them our work, it’s a good idea to know how this question is answered.
Winkleman: What job do people today hire fine art to do? “My Milkshake Brings All the Boys to the Yard” http://feedly.com/e/DJSZb3eX
The High Museum here in the ATL has received several million dollars of donations to use for a permanent collection space dedicated to photography.
“Atlanta’s High Museum of Art receives nearly $4 million for photography « AMA” http://feedly.com/k/1iKv55f
Inspirational photography:
RT @mymodernmet: Brooke Shaden dazzles us once again with these beautifully surreal photos http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/brooke-shaden-surreal-photographs …pic.twitter.com/pNgoLmfgfh
Winkleman writes an interesting argument for equal access to an arts education, and although I take issue with his discussion of income inequality (which reeks of communism), the truth as my capitalist heart knows is that our republic has been devolving into an oligarchy and only the rich will soon be able to pursue a degree in the arts. What great art will we miss if everyone isn’t given the opportunity to create? Will we miss the next Michelangelo?
“Equal Access to an Arts Education” Art education & the economic realities of an oligarchy. http://feedly.com/e/-CpjrT1n
I am a huge proponent for arguing that you should fail — and if you aren’t failing you aren’t trying — and this review of the book Creativity Inc. on Pixar’s cofounder covers a discussion of what kind of strategies managers need to bring risk and ultimately big successes into their companies.
“Pixar Cofounder Ed Catmull on Failure & Why Fostering a Fearless Culture Is the Key to Groundbreaking Creative Work” http://feedly.com/e/QvdrCNs3
This is a quote from the article above — the review of the book on Ed Catmull, Pixar cofounder.
RT @brainpicker: “In a fear-based, failure-averse culture, [people’s] work will be derivative, not innovative.” http://j.mp/1rNrNyI
This is another book review from Brain Pickings — on Letters to a Young Artist — in which the author discusses the importance of self-esteem in the creation of art.
“Letters to a Young Artist: Anna Deavere Smith on Confidence and What Self-Esteem Really Means” http://feedly.com/e/Fcg_Pz1y
2014 Georgia Artists
111 years ago
by Virginia Greaves
in Exhibition
Last night was the opening reception for Georgia Artists at the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs, GA. I got there just as it was starting and the gallery was empty enough that I could take a few pics of my pieces on the gallery walls without the distraction of people. It’s always hard once there are people viewing the work to get a clear shot. This is Worry. It was just to the right as you entered the gallery. Seeing it hang on something other than my design wall was exciting. There is nothing like gallery lighting to make your work look its best.
And here is Golden Moment — on the left wall next to the far wall as you entered. I think this is the same place where Beach Guardians hung a couple of years ago. In fact, as I was speaking with the curator later in the evening, I realized that this is the 4th year in a row that I’ve been included in this juried exhibit.
Now keep in mind that this is an ART show — not a quilt show. There were paintings, photographs, sculpture (although a lot less than usual), encaustics, drawings, and many mixed media pieces (more than in previous years). I used to enter in the mixed media category — but this year they added a category just for me — Fiber Arts. I was so thrilled when I saw the entry form. Slowly but surely, Fiber Art is coming to the ATL.
As the announcement of winners was being made, I hung out in the back. I had a woman tell me she loved my piece. I gave her my business card. I expected to be leaving shortly.
But then the curator started talking about the first place winner — that she had been in this show for the last four years. I had a similar light headed moment in Houston when I realized that I had won first place. She was talking about me!
(By the way, I took the pic above with my iPhone. I took the same shot with my camera — but I wanted a quick shot to share on social media — so this one was taken with my phone. I couldn’t believe how much better of a pic it was. The quilting in the background really stands out.)
And here is the obligatory shot of me with the piece. I should have taken one with Worry too — but at this point, there were too many people waiting to talk to me about Golden Moment.
According to the curator, the judge loved both of my pieces and really struggled with which one to give the award to. In the end, he chose Golden Moment because he loves dogs. (Which just furthers my argument that portraits of animals will always be more appreciated than portraits of people because they have broader appeal.)
Last year, I had prepared business cards because I had needed them the previous year and did have them. As luck would have it, I had no-one to give my card to. There wasn’t much interaction with the artists at that show.
This show was a lot different — and I gave out a lot of my cards. I was glad to have them. I met a lot of other wonderful artists. For an artist, it is a dream to talk about your work, your intentions, your processes — and with interested people.
This is me speaking with my sister-in-law. She is a big animal lover.
As luck would have it, they put my piece right next to Leisa Rich’s. I’ve known Leisa, mostly on Facebook, for a couple of years. She is a wonderfully talented fiber artist here in Atlanta that pushes the boundaries of what she can do with textiles. Her work is almost always dimensional and frequently sculptural.
This is her piece — Emerging from Dormancy. It won an honorable mention. She has done a series of these in different color ways — she showed a red version on her Facebook Page that she hung recently in a Buckhead home. She has a black one featured on her website home page.
I’ve called on Leisa many times for advice. She is one of the few artists I’ve found in Atlanta that is serious about her work, considers her art a profession and herself a professional, and knows a lot about the business of art.
I had a great time. My cup runneth over!
Creativity in Motion
011 years ago
Today I finally took pics of Worn (and finally decided on a title). It is so much easier to take pics when you have the right equipment and use a level. I no longer rely on my design board that leans against the wall — it was creating a keystone effect that I was having to counteract in Photoshop. I now use a photography support stand so the piece hangs from a bar and there is no distortion. I have also made friends with my level. I level the bar on the photography stand — and now also on my camera. I’ve always wondered by my pics lean to one side — and now I use the level to adjust the camera tripod until it’s level. I just ordered a level for the camera shoe which should make it even easier. You would think that if you opened the stand completely in all directions and the bubble level on the stand was level that you would be fine — and that’s just not true. So having leveled my stand and my camera on my tripod, I came out with perfect pics the first time. The only thing I did in Photoshop was crop — and for the website, I adjusted the size and added watermarks (so if they migrate to Pinterest it might generate some traffic back to my site).
I also drew up a new Page for Worn. There are a few recent changes in WordPress 3.9 that are making the pics act strange but I just worked around it. Overall I think the page looks fine.
I was worried when I finished this piece that I wouldn’t know what to do next — what my next piece should be. I spent a day this week looking at exhibits to enter this year and trying to decide how I wanted that to influence me. In the end, I decided that I wanted to think with my hands. I started working on a small piece for a very specific themed juried exhibit — but it isn’t large and will give me time to think about my next large project.
Tonight have the opening reception for the Georgia Artists show at the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs, GA. If you’re in the ATL, it’s 6:30-8:30pm. I will take pics and share them soon.
