Artprize 2011

Well folks it's that time again...Artprize season is soon to arrive! This years project is bigger and better; collaborations, sponsors, community involvement...so much excitement is brewing!

Can't tell all the juicy details right now but I will very soon:)

The Wind Down

Slowly decompressing...winding down...

I know I got enough sleep last night so the fact that I could curl up on the floor and get a few extra hours in is a testament to the fact that my body (and mind) is weary. For me, Artprize is over...the winner will be announced tonight...it has been an amazing experience...time to move on. In the 'moving on' there must be a moment of reflection...
If there is anything I learned from being involved in such a monstrous event for the second time, it is the discipline of commitment. From concept to completion, the piece of work itself requires massive amounts of commitment. At some point the artist has to commit to one idea and see it through to the end. For me, the idea took so many shapes during the planning process that what was produced at the end hardly resembled the initial idea. But that's okay...that's creativity at it's finest. The second wind of commitment comes when you have to engage with the public and be present at your venue. Now, I don't know about anybody else but after working a full 8-9 hour day there were moments I didn't want to be bothered with more people. Alas, such is the life of a working artist. The third and final wave of commitment comes when you engage yourself in the event as a whole by seeing the other works. This in itself is a part-time job. Artprize continues to unravel in amazing ways and being a part of the discovery is historical. Some are supporters...some are critics...regardless of what others say or think about the competition aspect I have come to the resolve of remaining involved. I am excited to see how Artprize grows and I plan to ride that wave!

I am thankful for the gift of creativity. The ability to reach people through visual art is a humble privilege. This has been a sort of launching pad or 'beginning' for me artistically. Though I have been freelancing for almost 5 years and was born an artist, I feel myself entering a new phase. What it will bring I am uncertain of. What I do know is that I am on the greatest ride of my life.

Here are a selection of my personal Artprize '10 faves...












Until next year...

Artprize 2010

Monday Sept 20
No better way to begin Artprize week than on 95.3 FM The Clarice Drew Show It was great to meet Clarice and Dan and discuss art and Artprize.




Tue Sept 21 Artprize Reception

Waves of smiling faces greeting me last night for the preview and reception for Artprize. I was elated to see faces I hadn't seen in months and even had a few surprises. There was a beautiful spirit in the air as we discussed art, laughed and enjoyed each others company. Even a few strangers wandered in but they quickly became friends. I haven't had a show in 3 years and last night was perfect beginning to new exhibits and new friends.

Completion

As I sipped hot and sour soup from a plastic spoon and dipped a shrimp egg roll into that mysterious pinkish orange sauce, I took a deep breath and whispered "Thank you Jesus". The realization was sinking in. My Artprize 2010 entry was complete. I began at 9:30 this morning and finished around 3:30 pm. I felt my body decompressing from my head to my pinky toes. Today was a proud moment; an accomplishment worthy of praise. I gazed out of the window of that corner Chinese restaurant and felt an overwhelming sense of joy, peace and contentment. I was satisfied knowing that I had spent my energies on a task that was a part of my divine purpose. I can rest in that

Today was all about the finishing touches. Really, I could have spent another week on it but at some point I have to force myself to put my tools down.

My friend finished the frame and brought it by just in time to push me to the finish line. It's awesome to have good friends...especially ones who are fellow artists and can build stuff.






It was time to transport the finished work to the venue and I couldn't have been more excited and relieved.

This time last year I was scrambling to finish, exhausting myself to the point of never wanting to hear the word 'Artprize'. I learned from that experience and this year is different. I told myself I wanted to finish about a week ahead of time (not too bad...about 4 days ahead of schedule). And most importantly I want to have fun!

At ACK things could not have went more smoothly. We used existing holes in the wall to mount which was awesome because I didn't want to have to drill any more than necessary...big difference from last year. I couldn't have asked for a smoother process at the venue. No problems or mishaps and in few minutes we were done!





In what has to be the most personal work for me, I have been transformed through my own work and its process. I wouldn't trade the late nights for anything. Not a commission for a client or some trend to try and keep up with, this is my work...my story...my Artprize