And the critics say...

The BEST part of my opening, was listening to people discuss the work amongst themselves when they didn't realize that I could hear. To listen to their honest take on each piece was invaluable.

I also adored seeing so many emotional responses to the first "sight" of certain works. There were lots of giggles for instance to "And...?", the yawning Siamese.

All the things I internalized in the creation of this show were verbalized by my guests.

1. When I am insecure about a work, be it the "I'm afraid I'm going to mess it up and should stop now", or the "I don't like the direction this work is taking"... it shows in the line and the energy of the work.

2. (I am paraphrasing Picasso) If you want an exact like-ness, thats what a camera is for. Art is more and goes beyond photo realism. I need to take that next step and listen to my instincts--be bold with line and color (see 1.)

3. I do great with the eyes and expression and when people look at my work they feel "something". (this is the highest compliment I think I can get, and lets me know that I'm on the right track).

There was much more feed back these where the top and what I hope you take away from this is, listen to your gut. If you look honestly at your work, you will see the areas for growth. And then get a group of strangers and friends together and listen to how they respond to your work... at the end of the day that is why we do it, isn't it?

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“The public is the only critic whose opinion is worth anything at all” Mark Twain

Lessons from an opening...

Lessons Learned last night:

1. Make a huge sandwich board and position your most charming and outgoing friend at the door to invite timid folks in. Most people thought it was a private affair and didn't enter until invited.


2. Hound the media to post your press releases.

3. I said this before, plan twice as much time to complete tasks AND complete anything you can ahead of the event. (in my case also plan half as much food)

4. Baked brie is a favorite and while I brought WAY too much food the brie was wiped out even though I brought 2 wheels of it.

5. Ask for help. I did, and I have amazing friends.

6. Thank your gallery, treat them to goodies if you can, and thank your guests and gallery staff (in my case they all stayed 2-3 hours past their normal shifts to allow for my show).

7. Even when another event in the same area calls and give you unkind verbiage during your show, maintain your grace and good humor. (I just chalked it up to having good work if the other artist felt threatened enough to stop her show to call me and complain that my show was infringing on her attendence).


8. If you like the venue and the show has gone well, don't be shy about asking to come back next season/year etc.


Tomorrow I will post what I learned from the amazing criticism I received. (feedback IS a gift).

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“What distinguishes modern art from the art of other ages is criticism.” Octavio Paz

Baroque guitar, Baked brie, wine and you....

You're invited to art, a lovely repast, and lively conversation in a charming gallery this Friday from 6-8PM.  

The opening of the "Cats Who Keep Us" show in the gallery of the the Cat Hospital of Portland at:

8065 SE 13th

Portland, OR

Part of First Friday.

You can see a preview of the show and have a URL to invite your friends at: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricedeavila/sets/72157616827506311/

The sale of any artwork or commissions booked from this show, a portion goes to help animals in need.

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A painter paints pictures on canvas.  But musicians paint their pictures on silence.  ~Leopold Stokowski

Brochures (check), Baked Brie (check)...

Winding down to the show, and every time I get 1 thing checked off my list 4 things pop onto it. I said this in a prior post, but I will repeat it a zillion times. Start preparing 2x's sooner than you think you should and budget 2x's what you think you will need.

My greatest supporter donated wine and advice and I found this AMAZINGLY tasty and even more simple recipe to serve at the Opening... and I thought I would share it with all you foodies out there.

So, please do come and enjoy some great appetizers, some pretty good wine, and some really great art and also help support animals in need.

(preview of the show, directions, date and time and access to my flickr gallery at http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricedeavila/)

Raspberry Walnut Baked Brie

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 (8 ounce) round Brie cheese
• 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Lay the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Center the Brie wheel onto the pastry. Spread the jam evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle the walnuts atop the jam. Fold the puff pastry over the top of the Brie, sealing all openings.
3. Bake in preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Serves 10 (so I assume that I need to 2x's the recipe based on all my other supply and time calculations thus far)!

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The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese. ~G.K. Chesterton

You're Invited. . .

Being an artist truly is actually being a business person. More and more of my time is spent on mailing lists, marketing plans, reading books on art law and studying advice from various sources who have gone to the places I have on my goals list.

I'm filling out and mailing the invitations to my opening, "The Cats Who Keep Us, today (approximately 200).

So, food for thought for you, as these things are on my mind of late...

What do you need to do to reach your definition of "success"?
What are your goals and are you taking small steps to get to them,
What is your marketing plan and are you working on marketing every week?
Are you following artists that are at a level professionally where you'd like to be?

(next on my marketing plan, after the show, is a dedicated web page... what's your next goal... I'd love to hear)

If you are in the Metro Portland area, please come enjoy First Friday all the details are here on my flickr sets page, and you can see a digital image for those of you who can't make it to the show http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricedeavila/sets/72157616827506311/

And please let all the collectors and animal lovers know that 25% all sales (including booked commissions) from this show goes to help animals in need.

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I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.-Unknown