Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind

It has been a very busy few weeks.  I want to let everyone know about two fabulous giveaways going on.  The first is a bracelet perfect for spring.  It is made with all vintage jewelry and a one of a kind work of art.  Here is the link to that one.  Bracelet giveaway

The second giveaway is coming soon.  This one is being done by Channel 13 and I will post all the info when it is available. 

For those that may not know I founded the Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind.  Believe me when I told people about my idea, I got funny looks, laughed at, even had a comment that I must not be a very good artist if I paint for the blind.  I have never really cared what other people think.  Saying I can't do something only pushes me even more.  When I first started promoting this exhibit, I went to radio stations.  Again, crazy, who can see the art.  What people didn't know was, I was looking for the reaction of the DJ to say it all.  It did.  I have had many great shows.  One with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and one with the Blind Boys of Alabama. 

When an artist creates a piece, they finish when it just looks done to them.  You just know when you have finished When you paint for the blind, that one image looks different to each person touching it.  That is what amazes me.  What I put on canvas we can see what it is and all generally get the same image.  One blind persons interpretation is totally different from another.  So, that painting in fact keeps on evolving with every touch.  I like that.   

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Constructive Criticism

We have all been there, hours of work, finally happy about the finished product or result only to hit a a wall by someone who wanted to offer (constructive) criticism.   The knot in the stomach and then the self doubt.  Was it really constructive?  Was it asked for?  Would it make a difference in that person's life in a positive way?  One should ask themselves that before offering what was not asked for.  We all love the dear friend's attempt to stop us from making an ass out of ourselves.  After all they know us best.  That is not the issue here.  I am talking about the not so close, sometimes a stranger, taking it upon themselves to force their view on one's work.  As if that person is the sole source of what is right and wrong.  I have found that people who shove their view on another to be quite dull, in fact, most have not accomplished anything other than to pick people apart.  Don't get me wrong, I have received and appreciated helpful suggestions, that is constructive.  On the other hand I have also received ridiculous ideas.  I was once told I should scrap the name Marelle and Hopscotch.  It is holding you back I was told.  Hmmm, that is my name.  Marelle in French means Hopscotch.  A name in fact, that I have been working for years to shape into a funky, one of a kind brand.  That person probably didn't take into account that some people do silly things, like, get business cards, letterhead, business license, packaging, websites, I could go on and on.  Was I to listen and scrap all this for one persons opinion or was I to trust my judgment and faith in myself.  Well, the name of this blog answers that one.  What drives a person to scan and find the faults?  I guess they are the glass is half empty people. 

To sum it all up, it is up to the recipient to decide if the criticism is warranted or simply warped.  Again, was it asked for and did it assist you in a positive way?  Ask yourself these questions and decide for yourself.  The person dishing it our certainly won't. 

Have faith in your work and yourself and accept the helpful hints and step over the not so helpful digs and you will do just fine. 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Monday, April 4, 2011

An artist's Monday

All weekend I worked and worked.  It didn't feel like work, in fact, the hours flew by.  It was only the random request for food or to go out from my dogs that marked the days passing.  That is why I love Monday's.  To me, Monday is the start of a new venture, a new painting, new couture accessory, who knows.  It isn't dreary and it isn't dreaded.

It is so true, if you do what you love you never work a day in your life.  To a point, I know I am working but it is more like an obsession.  If you were born to do something, that, is what your here to do.  I am not an artist, I am merely a paint brush for God.   There is no ego, no I am better than you attitude, just grateful to be here and to be chosen to be a brush.  If you don't know what I mean, go to the nearest hair salon and note the attitude of the stylist.  It is so funny, they are waiting on you, servants, if you will.  Yet, some, (not all), act as though they high society, looking down on you.  Go figure, I wonder how they maintain that while waxing a huha.  Oh well,  thank God it's Monday.

Marelle