Jeanne Williamson

Do What You Love!

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:24:00 +0000

As many artists have, I read the article about Carmen Herrera "At 94, She’s the Hot New Thing in Painting," by Deborah Sontag on December 19, 2009 in NY Times. It's wonderful that this artist finally has found recognition for her work!

Since reading the article, I've read some thought provoking responses I wanted to share:

In his blog post "Want to Become a Successful Artist? A Case Study in Best Practices," on December 21, 2009. Edward Winkleman says four things in his summary of "career advice points that Herrera' story illustrates," which is near the end of his post. They are valuable things to think about:

"1 - Keep at what you're passionate about. ... 2 - Discuss your work on the terms in which you think about it. ... 3 - Your best "in" will always, always be your friends in the art world...so network! ... 4 - Nothing...I repeat nothing...replaces hard work if your goal for your art is true recognition and lasting importance. ..." Read more.

Then read "Portrait of an artist as an old woman: Do what you love" by Beverly Beckham in the Boston Globe on December 27, 2009. This really really hit home for me:

"Been painting for 50-plus years and still no sale? “How’s that working for you?” Dr. Phil would have asked Herrera. Work without reward, without a paycheck or recognition, isn’t something our culture values."

... and ...

"It must have been difficult for Herrera many, many times to listen to her heart and not the world. But she did. She didn’t stop drawing her geometric shapes to conform to the style of the day. She didn’t look around at what was selling and imitate that. She did what she loved and loved what she did, and now the whole world is taking a look. ..."

... and ...

"She paints because she loves the process. She paints because it brings her joy. “I do it because I have to do it; it’s a compulsion that also gives me pleasure.”" Read more.

I am reminded that sales are something our culture values every time anyone asks me if I sell my work.

When it feels hard to keep going as an artist, I'm going to remind myself that I am doing what I love to do. That's what matters the most.

Backing Up

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:41:00 +0000

I'm backing up my computer files, including my digital images, off site. At home, I back everything up on an external hard drive, but after a neighbor had a house fire a week ago, and I thought about all they probably have lost, I decided it was time to take off site computer backup more seriously.

There are a number of ways to back up off site. One is cloud computing which can be free or paid, depending on how much space you need.

Please take the time to back up your computer. Then you can rest easier knowing your info is safe.

Slides or Digital?

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:41:00 +0000

"Do you recommend slides or digital images?" an art friend asked yesterday. She continued, "I'm thinking slides may actually make more sense for permanence."

I wrote back "Funny that you ask. My photographer said no one is getting slides anymore besides me and one other art friend. I agree that they are more permanent, and I own a slide scanner, so that's why I'm doing it. ... As long my photographer can get slide film, I plan on getting slides."

If anyone reading this has a feeling one way or another, please don't hesitate to write and tell me. I'd love to hear your opinion. My email address is jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com.

Weekly Update - Front and Back Yard Installations

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Hello winter! We got 14" +/- of light fluffy snow yesterday and it's quite lovely on and around my outdoor installations, as well as everywhere.

Above and below are pictures of the piece in my back yard. The top picture is after the snowfall and the bottom picture is from the day before.

And these above and below are pictures of the piece in my front yard, also after and before the snowfall.

On a challenge from some friends on facebook, I went outside in PJ bottoms and a coat/etc, and took the pictures, so here's a picture of me from the thigh down standing in the snow. 25 degrees was a bit cold to be outside in flannel, so when we shoveled out I wore my flannel lined jeans and felt much more comfortable.

See a selection of month to month pictures of these pieces on my website.

Herb & Dorothy

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Last night I watched Herb & Dorothy on DVD, thanks to Netflix. What a very interesting and sweet movie, and what interesting and sweet people.

Here's some of the Synopsis as written on the movie's "About" web page:

"HERB & DOROTHY tells the extraordinary story of Herbert Vogel, a postal clerk, and Dorothy Vogel, a librarian, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means. In the early 1960s, when very little attention was paid to Minimalist and Conceptual Art, Herb and Dorothy Vogel quietly began purchasing the works of unknown artists. Devoting all of Herb's salary to purchase art they liked, and living on Dorothy's paycheck alone, they continued collecting artworks guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. Within these limitations, they proved themselves curatorial visionaries; most of those they supported and befriended went on to become world-renowned artists including Sol LeWitt, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Tuttle, Chuck Close, Robert Mangold, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Lynda Benglis, Pat Steir, Robert Barry, Lucio Pozzi, and Lawrence Weiner.

After thirty years of meticulous collecting and buying, the Vogels managed to accumulate over 2,000 pieces, filling every corner of their tiny one bedroom apartment. "Not even a toothpick could be squeezed into the apartment," recalls Dorothy. In 1992, the Vogels decided to move their entire collection to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The vast majority of their collection was given as a gift to the institution. Many of the works they acquired appreciated so significantly over the years that their collection today is worth millions of dollars. Still, the Vogels never sold a single piece. Today Herb and Dorothy still live in the same apartment in New York with 19 turtles, lots of fish, and one cat. They've refilled it with piles of new art they've acquired." Read more.

Highly recommended for artists, art appreciators, and collectors of any kind.

Thinking About Artist Residencies

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Last week I went to a talk about Artists Residencies. Here are some of the notes I took.

A good website to know about is by Alliance of Artists Communities.

There are 10,000 residency opportunities in the US, and it's very competitive.

Without naming the program names, here is what the four presenters shared with us:

Residency #1 - 9 weeks long summer only and they provide room and board, bring your own art materials. 10 slides in application. Follow directions on website.

Residency #2 - 3000 applicants/600 spots/55 each week. 15 full fellowships each month. Rare that people pay full price. Flexible schedule if you need to reschedule. Up to 20 images in application, show up to 4 initially, 4 seconds.

Residency #3 - Oct - May = 7 months, 1000 applicants/8 new fellows/8 returning. Studio and living space and stipend.

Residency #4 - 2400 applicants/250 accepted, 2-8 weeks. "artists excellence" "freshness" "uniqueness of voice" Project proposal, though you don't have to do it if accepted. They want to see focus. 8 images in application including 1-2 details/installation shots, 12 seconds, 4 images shown at a time. Recent work.

Misc comments:

"There's a pool of 200 artists who are making the acceptance decisions nation-wide. Think about who the people are who are looking at your app/images."

"We want you to succeed" call with questions.

Don't copy and paste your application about why you want to get in to a specific residency in every app. Customize it!

"Nothing is free" there's always a cost to attending any residency whether it's the cost of the residency, travel, art materials, loss of income, etc.

"Don't let $$$ stop you from applying."

"Keep applying"

In choosing a residency, think about:

What product will you be creating?

What process will you be working in?

Do you have a desired location?

Do you want to connect with other artists or be alone?

Do you want feedback about your art?

12 x 12 x 12 December 2009

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:46:00 +0000

The first two weeks of this month were extremely busy, but I still made the time to get my 12 x 12 x 12 December 2009 piece done. Working on this series has been my time of calmness as well as creativity. Since I'm still thinking about creating more large fence-like cut pieces (like Orange Construction Fence Series #32/71 and my outdoor installations), I wanted to continue with this theme when creating my December piece, like I did for my November piece.

Since the 12 x 12 x 12 series are mounted on canvases when complete, I couldn't cut holes in it unless I also cut holes in the canvas, so I cut holes in the painted fabric, and placed a patterned fabric behind it, to give the allusion of a cut piece.

More information about 12 x 12 x 12 December 2009 can be seen on my website.

If you want to know more about this series, you can read past posts about my 12 x 12 x 12 series here on my blog, or see all of the completed work on my website.

I have now completed my third year of my 12 x 12 x 12 series. I'll post pictures of all twelve together in a few weeks when I review my year of creating.

Upcycled Scarves

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Are you looking for a scarf for a present for yourself or someone else? I posted the upcycled "scaRRRves" I created on my website. The 3 R's stand for: Recycled, Repurposed and Redesigned.

The scarves are wool/wool blends, one-of-a-kind, 6" x 72", and are priced at $40 each + $4.95 shipping.

If you would like to see the scarves, have any questions about them, or would like to purchase them, email me at jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com. Checks and credit card via PayPal accepted.

New Home

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:35:00 +0000

I am happy to report that "Recycled Fence Series #33/4," (mixed media on canvas, 12" x 12"), that was on exhibit at icons + altars at the New Art Center in Newton, MA, has a new home.

This afternoon at least 80+ pieces, of the 106 pieces of art in the exhibit and sale, found new homes. Besides the fact that I'm happy mine did, I'm also excited to say that I have a new piece of art in my collection, because I was a patron as well as a contributing artist. It was a very nice event and show, and I encourage everyone to get a ticket next year so you can add to (or start) your art collection.

You can read more about icons + altars in a previous post.

Lacoste Gallery in Concord, MA

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:58:00 +0000

Five pieces of mine are now at the Lacoste Gallery in Concord MA. The gallery is mainly a fine ceramics gallery, with really beautiful work on exhibit. My work looks really good when near ceramics because of the texture of the stitching, and the softness of the fabric, especially next to raku, so I am very pleased to have work there.

Below is what you will see if you visit.

Orange Construction Fence Series #43, 2006, 29" x 48"

Orange Construction Fence Series #25, 2004, 31.5" x 47.5"

There are also these three pieces:

Recycled Fence Series #33/6, 2009, 12" x 12"

Recycled Fence Series #33/7, 2009, 12" x 12"

Recycled Fence Series #19/12, 2009, 12" x 12"

If you're in the area, stop by the Lacoste Gallery and see my work. The address is 25 Main St, Concord, MA. Besides ceramics, they also have some jewelry and mixed media in the gallery.

2010 Whitney Biennial Artists

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:42:00 +0000

For some reason a lot of people are coming to my blog to find out who the 2010 Whitney Biennial Artists are. To find that out, read the list of artists in the NY Times, as published on December 10, 2009 or here on the Whitney's website.

And then read the article "Reality Leaves a Fingerprint on the Biennial," by Carol Vogel on December 10, 2009.

The Whitney Biennial will be on exhibit from February 25 through May 30, 2010.

Congrats to all who were accepted.

Uncommon Application

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:16:00 +0000

I'm in a show called "Uncommon Application" with Brian Hart from December 12, 2009 - February 6, 2010, at the Owen Smith Shuman Gallery located in the Groton Public Library in Groton, MA.

All are welcome to a reception on Sunday, January 10, 2010, from 1-2:30pm. Both Brian and I will be there, and I will give a short talk at 1:30pm.

Image Credits on the postcard:
Brian Hart, "Too Many Compliments Can Be Fatal," acrylic on canvas. (right)
Jeanne Williamson, "Orange Construction Fence Series #32/71," mixed media. (left)
Curator: Deborah Santoro

Primary Election Today in Massachusetts

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:53:00 +0000

No art making for me today because of the primary election here in Massachusetts. The primary is being held to decide which democrat and republican will square off in the US Senate election on January 19, 2010 to take over the seat that was held by Ted Kennedy.

The reason I'm not making art today is because I am a poll worker for the day. I will be checking people in in precinct six (or seven?) in Natick, so they can vote.

For anyone in Massachusetts, polls are open 7am to 8pm. Please do the right thing, and cast your vote for the person you consider the best candidate in your party.

Back to art tomorrow.

Weekly Update - Front and Back Yard Installations

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Our first winter storm dumped about 3" of snow on my front and back yard installations. I admit I've been curious about what they would look like after a snowfall, though I'm not too excited about winter weather.

In my back yard the snow covered the clematis, which still has leaves on it, as well as some of the top edges of the installation.

In my front yard the snow was lighter due to either the trees blocking it as it fell, or due to the way it blew during the storm. There wasn't as much snow on the ground around the piece, but there was a nice white coating on the top of it as you can see below.

I don't know if this snow will melt away before the next storm, or if the next storm will be rain or snow, but I'll post more pictures in a week +/-.

Beside here on my blog, you can see a few month to month pictures on my website.

Sweaters and Scarves at Holiday Sale

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000

I'm going to be participating in the ArtSpace Maynard Holiday Sale this weekend on the following days and times:

Friday Dec. 4th: 5 - 8pm
Saturday Dec. 5th: 12 - 5pm
Sunday Dec. 6th: 12 - 4pm

I will be selling my upcycled wool sweaters AKA "sweateRRRS" and upcycled wool scarves AKA "scaRRRves". The sweaters are wool and wool blends, come in sizes XSM - 2X, and are priced at $90 each, and the wool and wool blends scarves are 6 inches wide and 6 feet long, and are priced at $40 each. More info is on my website.

Quoting a write up about the sale in the Boston Globe by Denise Taylor, Boston Globe Correspondent, on November 26, 2009:

"ArtSpace-Maynard Holiday Gift Sale
Over 30 area artists will stock the gallery at ArtSpace Maynard studios with all manner of gifts this year. The juried sale features jewelers, painters, paper makers, glass artists, potters, photographers, woodworkers, and more. Among the highlights this year are nationally renowned textile artist Jeanne Williamson’s stylish recycled “sweateRRRs’’. Details: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 4, noon-5 Dec. 5, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 6 at ArtSpace Maynard, 63 Summer St., Maynard. Admission free. 978-897-9828. www.artspacemaynard.com."

This map shows how to find me when you enter the building.

And this map shows where I will be in hallway 1.

ArtSpace Maynard is located at 63 Summer St in Maynard, MA. Get directions.

See you there!

December 2009 JeanneMail Newsletter

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:12:00 +0000

I sent my December "JeanneMail" newsletter out this morning. It has info about exhibits and art events I'm participating in in December.

If you would like to be on my mailing list and receive future newsletters, please sign up here.

If you'd like to receive my December newsletter, please write to me at jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com, and I'll send you a copy.

Thanks.

Off the Fence - Last Week and Review

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I wanted to remind anyone who is planning on visiting my solo show Off the Fence at the Hunt Cavanagh Gallery at Providence College in Providence RI, that it closes on December 4th. Pictures of the show will remain on my website.

... and ...

While I did post a link to the review of Off the Fence a few weeks ago, part of the review and an image are now posted on Greg Cook's blog The New England Journal of Aesthetic Research, entitled "Eric Sung, Jeanne Williamson."

Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags movie

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I watched a documentary about the New York garment district called "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags," thanks to free HBO for the next few months, and also thanks to filmmaker Marc Levin. The show traces the clothing industry from the early 1900's through its present day decline. Read the synopsis of the documentary.

For anyone who doesn't know what the word "schmatta" means, it means "rag" in Yiddish. It's always been one of my favorite words. The Garment District in New York City is also called the Schmatta District. Even though most people wouldn't know what it means, and the nickname dates back decades, and I think it's unfortunate due to the meaning of the word.

I did not know that in the early 1900's, 95 percent of the clothing for America was produced here in the US, and now less than five percent is made here. The other 95% is made overseas. I knew the percentage was high but not that high. The cost of clothing today is really low because it is made overseas, and I briefly touched on this in my post "Clothing Make or Buy" in May 2008.

I also learned that even though most of the media attention on the fashion industry is on high end fashion, middle class fashion has been the mainstay of the industry.

I was interested in seeing this movie because I sew, and I'm interested in clothing and fashion in general. I also have childhood memories of my aunt and grandmother taking me clothes shopping in the Garment District, and as an adult I have shopped there for fabric when visiting NYC.

If you have HBO, you can watch the movie on on-demand until 12-07-09. If you don't have HBO, but you do have Netflix, put this movie on your queue so you can see it when the DVD is released.

Buy Some Art

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

If you are thinking about buying art this holiday season, please check out Small Art Showcase, The Fine Art Department, and Whimsical Paintings.

All three sites focus on fine art that is affordable, and show many different mediums and styles. The sites are also artist run, and all sales are made through the individual artists, who keep 100% of the proceeds.

This is a chance for you to buy some art, bring some beauty into your life, and support an artist at the same time.

Weekly Update - Front and Back Yard Installations

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Here's a look at both of my outdoor installations on Sunday, before leaf removal yesterday. I especially love how the piece in my front yard installation looked with leaves all around it. Nice color.

Here is the piece in my back yard installation, with the clematis growing on and around it, still nice and green.

Next week I'll show both pieces sans leaves surrounding them.

Beside here on my blog, you can see a few month to month pictures on my website.

Jeanne Repairs Jeans

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:44:00 +0000

I am having way too much fun repairing my husband's jeans.

A lot of new holes have appeared since my last post back in February. Instead of patching them from the front, I'm patching them from behind. Each of the three pairs being repaired have their own color of patching denim and thread, so they each have a different "look", if I can borrow the term from Project Runway.

So far this pair has mainly been repairs on the edges of the pockets, but I have a fair amount of the striped denim for when it's needed.

Valentino Movie

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Since I love art, and fashion, I love to sew, and I like to watch documentaries about art and artists, I watched the movie, "Valentino: The Last Emperor."

I was trying to think of a way to sum it up in one sentence and I found this quote on the movie's about page: "It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring unprecedented access to the high temples of Haute Couture."

My favorite part of the movie was when Valentino was designing some Haute couture dresses, and then watching them being hand sewn by seamstresses wearing white lab coats.

If I had to give this movie a rating of up to 5 stars, I'd probably give it 3.

Valentino: The Last Emperor is available on DVD, and live streaming on Netflix, for anyone who wants to watch it at home.

Gallery Night Providence

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:26:00 +0000

My solo show "Off the Fence" will be open tonight from 5-9pm for Gallery Night Providence. I'll be gallery sitting, so if you're in the area, come by the Hunt Cavanagh Gallery at Providence College, in Providence, RI and say hello.

This is a partial campus map with the Hunt Cavanagh Gallery/Hall in red.

This is a google street map to help navigate around the college, but ignore the red marker.

Except for tonight, gallery hours at the Hunt Cavanagh Gallery are Monday - Friday, from 9am-4pm (when school is in session). Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Gallery will be open next week on Monday Nov 23 and Tuesday Nov 24 only, and will reopen after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Monday November 30. My show is on exhibit through December 4, 2009.

If you can't stop by, see pictures of the show on my website.

Weekly Update - Front and Back Yard Installations

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Another week, another update. My back yard installation looks the same from the front, but I just noticed it's getting green algae-like spots on the back side.

Note this picture of the back side. I don't know if the algae-like spots are only on the surface or are also in the cotton batting between the front and back fabrics. I think the fact that the clematis is growing on it and is lowering the ventilation around it is part of the cause. And, the back side does not get any sun on it like the front side does, and there's also the buckets of rain we've has this year.

My front yard installation is doing well. It has a little dirt and rust on the back side, but no green algae. This piece has much better ventilation since there aren't any plants growing on it.

Personally I don't mind that these pieces are getting dirty on the front or back. This is an experiment, and outdoor pieces in any material may break down or fall apart over time. It's hard to see behind the front yard piece above, but behind it is a lead handbag sculpture we purchased many many years ago. It is gradually being eaten by the squirrels. It used to be a stunning leather looking doctor's bag and now it's a skeleton of its self. I also have a few other sculptures in my yard that have been affected by nature, and that's part of its life. So far I'm considering this outdoor experiment a success. I'll keep posting about it to share and document it.

Beside here on my blog, you can see a few month to month pictures on my website.

Matt Medium and Fabric Stiffener

jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com (Jeanne Williamson) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:09:00 +0000

I'm experimenting with making some cut construction fence-like pieces and coating them with either the matt medium or fabric stiffener so they're more fence-like. I'm going to be in a two-person show in March, in a HUGE gallery space in an old mill building. I'd like to try making an installation in a corner of the gallery using the construction fence-like pieces so both sides of the fabric can be seen. I have this idea in my head, and I hope I can pull it off. If I'm not happy with the stiffened fabric "fences," I can do it again, but quilt it, cut holes in it, and paint color on the back side so it's not white. I'll keep you posted.

As I'm working on the bigger pieces I'm thinking about, I'm also thinking of having some fun, short term, with the two little samples I made by shooting pictures of them in different locations, as shown above. This one is looking through the fence in a bedroom in my house. I imagine many different fun pictures, similar to those I've seen when people take pictures of their gnomes all over the world. I don't inspire to travel the fabric fences all over the world, but it could be fun to see different backgrounds through the holes.

Below are pictures of my two small experiments after I cut the holes in the fabric and stiffened it. It's impossible to show the different textures on the web, just like it's impossible to taste a recipe on the radio, but here's a quick description ...

This one I coated with Golden Paint's GAC 400: Fabric Stiffener (described below) from the Golden website:
- Dries to a very hard and stiff film.
- Most useful for priming fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, etc.) when stiffness is desired.
- Allows sculpting and shaping of draped fabrics.

I like the stiffness. It puckered a little when coated, and makes a decent fabric fence.

This one I coated with watered down matt medium. The outer texture is nice, but it's rather floppy.

A friend of mine picked up some Paverpol, which is also a fabric stiffener. I need to plan a rendezvous with her to pick it up. Then I'll give it a try and compare it to the other two products. I did read a warning about it online that said not to let any of it go down the drain because it can harm plumbing. When I try if, I'll have to find a different way to wash my brushes and dispose of the water after cleanup.