October update

I have been so busy this last month, that I have taken very little time to be on-line. So what have I been doing?
Glad I asked :)

First I was working on my entry for the Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge. It is the first time I have entered this challenge. I really enjoyed making this doll and hope those who view will be pleased.

Next I had two speaking engagements last week. I spent considerable time preparing for the first -- the Wednesday Morning Club's annual opening luncheon. My program discussed my belief that we all are creative. I took along my dolls and puppets. I had a wonderful time. An article about the meeting , along with a photo (which I am in) may be found at http://romesentinel.com/news?newsid=20081007-141607.
I was asked about a month ago if I would be the speaker for the October meeting of the Rome Art Association. Since I already had a program set for the Wednesday Morning Club, I said yes. I tweaked the program a little to fit the audience.
I really enjoyed both of the meetings. I would love to be able to do more speaking engagements. And perhaps seminars.
Ah--- to have dreams become goals and become reality!

I also sent off a doll, December Bride, to the Wiltwyck Quilt Guild's Hello Dolly challenge/exhibit.
Wiltwyck Quilt Guild Cloth Doll Exhibit
2008 Wiltwyck Quilt Show October 18 & October 19Ulster County Community College491 Cottekill RoadStone Ridge, New York 12484Hours: 10-5 Sat. & 10-4 Sun.
http://www.wiltwyckquiltersguild.org/

So now I am all caught up with obligations! Yeah!!! What a wonderful feeling!

Oh one last thing, My ROBIN HAS PLANS FOR HER EMPTY NEST was chosen as runner-up for craft of the month by the Rome Art Association and will be on exhibit at the Rome Art and Community Center during the month of October.

Two winners

WEll I did win two ribbons. Sally took a third place ribbon in Crafts and Marg Ana Gram was awarded a second place ribbon in sculpture!

Being Different

My work is different. When I entered the pieces in the show, one of the members at the registration table said, "Alice I am so glad you have joined the association. You bring something different to our group."
I laughed.
Yes that has been said often about my work. Different. That is often what I say about something that I really don't know what to say about it. Usually I cannot think of anything positive to say, so I say it is different---- But then again I remeber that usually when I choose to buy something I usually say,"I really like this. It is different!" I was drawn to the item because it was differemt.

Different is now the term being used in reference to my work. And you know I am beginning to embrace that word different. At least by being different, my work stands apart from the others and that isn't bad at all.
My favorite song (from Sesame' street) One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong"
I used to think not belonging meant inferior. I am learning that it doesn't. It means of a different quality, media, or presentation-. Not belonging to the main stream is okay . I can be a little brook going through a beautiful meadow all of my own!
Also when I think of artists I have and do admire--know what? They are all different---e.e.cummings, Elinor Peace Bailey,--how different can you get?

AW! DIFFERENT!

Another Opening Another Show

I have entered four pieces in the Rome Art Associations Annual Member's Show. It is held at the Rome Art and Community Center, Bloomfield Street, Rome NY. It is a non-juried show , but it is judged.
I got a call last night that I have won an award. The opening reception and award ceremony are tomorrow night. I am very curious to see what piece won an award and what t. We are limited to 4 entries, and only 2 in one category. I entered 2 in sculpture, one in mixed media and one in fine crafts. When called I was told I had won ribbons. I wonder if the plural form was a mistake? Can't wait to find out.

Fine Arts Exhibit

The Rome Art and Community hosts an annual Fine Arts Exhibit. It is a juried show. This year I entered 5 pieces. Two were accepted for the exhibit. There were 165 entries, 65 were chosen to be in the exhibit, so creating two of those 65 is not too bad. Which of my works were chosen? Elderly Fairy, The Naked Truth ( shown in an earlier post) and the Swamp Thang. There were only 4 sculptures in the show.
The Elderly Fairy is sculpted from paper clay and Pronto DAS clay.
The Swamp Thang has a gourd body, Paperclay face and paper mache feet.

CRAFTS and ART

I reread my last post. I thought perhaps the term "barbed word "craft" might be misunderstood. I am proud of being a crafter and find no dishonor in having any of my work called a craft. I have worked hard and have become skilled at techniques I use.
It has only been in the last few years that people have referred to my work as art. The term started showing up in reference to my work when I started making one-of-a-kind items. Not thinking of marketability, I was making items just to express thoughts or for the sheer joy of creating.

The words art and craft are sometimes a mystery. What determines which one is used in reference to one's work? I read a quote somewhere -- and I know I am not quoting it word for word--but am at least expressing the main thought. "The crafter creates to please people, the artist creates to please himself" Is that true?

I think everyone, artist and crafter alike, hope others will appreciate their work. If not why would there be art shows and exhibitions? Perhaps, having people appreciate work, and pleasing them are also two different things.

I guess all in all it doesn't matter what it is called. I enjoy what I do. I hope others like it, but whether they do or not I will continue to create because doing so pleases me.

Another critique

My last critique was a little different than the others. When I walked in the artist glanced at my work. If I read body language well, she was not pleased. My work was put with the others waiting for critiques. She picked up a beautiful painting , glanced over at And Sunny Holds the Rainbow with a look I was not sure about. My insecurities led me to believe she thought my work was quite inferior . However I was wrong. When she finaly gave in, heaving a sigh, she said " This is the first time I have ever been asked to critique a CRAFT. I smiled and nodded my head. "I came here to hear what people think, I will listen and use what I can."She had some
great suggestions. Had I let the little barbed word "craft" bother me, I would have most likely blocked out her wonderful suggestions. I really think I can use what she suggested to really create a better "craft" and a more pleasing art doll