Love & Passion

What is an Artist’s Medium?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Sometimes people look at a painting and try to figure out how so much texture got added to all or parts of a painting. Artists can use a variety of things to mix with paints and create texture in work. These types of things are called mediums. Some examples of homemade mediums include wall paper paste and caulk. Some, like caulk, because of their heaviness are used best on wood based paintings. Others, like wall paper paste, can be used on canvas without bowing the art in the middle over time.

Artists can also buy mediums specifically made to interact with and adhere to paint and canvas to create depth in our art. These are either designed to either be mixed with artist’s paint, or painted on top of to create various effects. The consistencies available range for the very coarse to the very smooth.

In the painting above, I used layer after layer of a gel like medium to create a glossy, 3-dimensional heart on canvas. (And yes, getting it to stay in that shape until it dried was a bit tricky!) The medium was at times mixed with paint, and other times not, until I got the effect I wanted. The result is a raised glassy heart on the canvas with gold color trapped inside.

What is your favorite type of medium to see or to work with?

The Myth of the Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Somewhere in the ether is this myth - that artists don’t work at anything really - their craft, their business, their life. We are mythological creatures who blissfully dance through existence. High on life, and paint fumes, without a care in the world.

On the flip side, there is a myth that all artists are morose creatures of the night, who love to wear black, drink themselves into oblivion and can only create when deep in the muck and the mire of self and world loathing.

While I admit that history has shown us a few poor souls who might fit into either category. The majority of artists are neither blissfully dancing through life, nor trudging through the murky outskirts of society.

Most artists are somewhere in the middle. They tend to expend energy on their craft on a regular basis. Anyone with a portfolio of consistent work, does work a bit on creating. And sometimes that work comes blissfully easy. Other times, not so much.

Any professional artist I know has a pretty set schedule of times they create. While they might not clock in from 9 to 5, they probably clock in from noon to midnight instead.

Art is business. Art is fun. And art is work. You can’t do it high or drunk (although I know a few who try). You don’t sell much or at all if it’s all depressing as hell. And you sure can’t make leaps and bounds in creative progress if you are out surfing or tanning all day.

So why do these two myths persist? Is it because it’s easier to romanticize that the thing of beauty on the wall took no effort to create? No countless hours of the paintings created before it to birth this one? Do people secretly wish that artists, who must by the very personal nature of their work, not care what others think, also not operate with the realm of the rest of the world in terms of taking steps to continue progress?

I really don’t know... But the next person who walks into my office, takes a look at my white board with all it’s to-do’s on it and says “wow, you really DO work” is getting a slap up side the head. (figuratively speaking of course)

Can anyone else relate?

Rediscovering Creative Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:01:00 +0000

I know I have written about this before, but as an artist we walk a fine line, between giving people what they want and need, and being true to our own voice. It’s a tightrope walk at times for me because I want to give people want they want and are happy with. While at the same time, I need to paint what works best for me. Sometimes I end up giving away a part of my voice without even realizing it.

(Indian Americans would call this a version of soul retrieval - which can happen in three ways - a) soul theft: someone taking something from us; b) soul gift: us giving a piece of our soul away; or c) soul loss: occurring during times of trauma or death, when parts of us are tied up with other. Me, I tend to give away and not even realize it.)

A few years ago I was dating someone, and while he was very supportive of my art, he had this idea that my color palette was not right. That it needed to more match his own aesthetic tastes.

I tried to see this as an opportunity to expand my color palette repertoire. And came up with a few additional color palettes with which to paint from that would more suit his tastes, and those of similar background. So I painted a new series in his colors and continued to do so, not because I loved those colors the most, but because I forgot I had ever painted differently.

Recently I dated a guy who has a very similar color tastes as myself. As a gift I went through my paint sketches and gave him one I knew he would love. The thing is, pulling it out, I realized I missed that color palette. I missed not painting in ways most important to me.

So today, I opened a few new canvases and painted in my colors - not someone else’s - my own. And it feels really good.

Has anyone re-discovered a part of themselves, they had accidentally put aside?

Being In-Flow

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:46:00 +0000

There is a stereotypical image of an artist - heads-down in his or her studio, working frantically and late into the night, working erratic hours and sometimes forgetting to eat or sleep. While I never seem to forget to eat or sleep - I do at times end up knee deep in my studio for days - not wanting to break the stream of creativity flowing from me.

I realized recently that this is actually simply being “in the flow” of things. Some days it is only a trickle and other days it is like a fire hose has been unleashed inside my head that must be put to canvas or paper. Other days, it simply means that painting and creating come naturally and effortlessly. And on days I assigned to painting time, and it’s not happening, it’s not really my fault, it’s just that creativity doesn’t work on a schedule like that. So while I can be productive, I won’t be half as productive as when I am plugged into the flow.

Over the years of painting I have learned that it’s OK to take a break, go work out, etc. (as long as I stay with right brained activities) That the flow will be there when I get back. Although most times it feels way to good to stop,and so plans with friends are cancelled and the workout is put to another day.

I think the reason this activity has seemed foreign and odd to most of the rest of the population is that so many of us spend WAY too much time doing things we aren’t really put on this earth to do - and so we aren’t in flow.

Being in flow - with tons of creativity doesn’t just happen when creating art. Last week, I was knee deep in my office upstairs. Going over work planning, social media marketing and general business strategy planning for the coming 12 months for 5 different brands that I am working on (some art, some not). The same thing that normally happens in my studio happened here. Ideas sprouted from my mind into actionable steps, and answers I had had for up to a year came to me one after another. Every time I was evenly slightly “stuck” for an answer or next step or “how the hell will I ever get to X” - I would get an email or a call that would completely answer my question and continue me on my path to move forward into the unknown.

I was afraid if I left my office I would miss the next great idea or answer to a question I had been trying to find for weeks or month that were now all pouring into my mind at a rapid, crazy speed. It was as if someone had unleashed a fire hose of ideas into my brain and I was struggling to control it. For days I did nothing but work in my office creating spreadsheets, color charts and scribbly drawings of flow diagrams. Going to bed late, only to wake back up an hour later with whatever answers still need to be filled in.

I realized this week - that that was simply being “in flow” on the left-brain side of things. And since it was so rare I just didn’t realize it. I could have easily taken a breath or two and it would have been OK. It was a bit exhausting trying to get everything down as quickly as it was coming to me while also being in fear that if I paused, an answer would vanish. Had I realized it was simply “being in the flow” I could have relaxed into it, instead of fearing it would pass before all the answers were revealed.

I remember a course I took with Matthew Ferry (insert link). He talked about how life flowed in sets of waves, and that we couldn’t always be in flow, because it would exhaust us. That we needed rest, the lull before the next set of waves/flow to relax, recharge and reboot.

The other reason I think so few of us experience flow in work at regular intervals is because we are trying to fit our work into a box of 8am-6pm or so. Flow doesn’t work this way. It goes for days. Then stops - let’s us rest and focus on something else like, our relationship, the laundry and a workout, or nothing at all.

So next time you feel yourself getting a few answers - embrace it - acknowledge it and see just how much more often that flow comes your way.

Thoughts? Anyone else out there able to be in flow while doing left-brain, logical things????

Studio Time

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:34:00 +0000

There are days when I need to paint (deadline, upcoming show etc.) and yet I’m not in the mood. Sometimes this is just because I’m focused on the other left-side portion of my business and so I’m just not feeling creative. But at other times it’s because life has thrown me a curve ball, and I’m feeling something other than joy, love, peace and happiness.

The funny thing is - if I can buckle myself down, and just allow myself to paint. Even if I just paint something that doesn’t / wont ever see the light of day (show or public wise) everything will fade away. All the pain, angst, hurt, worry - whatever it is - will fade away.

And all that is left is me, in my studio, in the present. Brush stroke by brush stroke easing away the angst and just allowing myself to be in the here and now.

Being as some would call it - in the flow.

And it’s at these points that I’m reminded just how lucky we artists are to have a passion that puts us in the flow. And strictly in the present. So that all the past can effortlessly melt away.

What do you think? What other passions are out there, that help you become more in flow, more in the present?

A Creation Myth:

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Many creation myths and stories have been told over time. The most common/ well known in the Western World, is the story of Adam & Eve. This story tends to bother me because it blames Eve for everything. And through time, some who have believed in this story, have literally blamed women for so much and have also propagated the belief that life is pain, because this story made it so.

I would like to offer another story - one that holds no pain, and no blame of women. Once best told by Fiona Horne:

“Yhi is my favorite goddess from Australian Aboriginal mythology. She is the goddess of light and creation, a sun deity who lived in the dream time. When she opened her eyes, light fell on Earth. She then walked the earth, and green things grew where her steps fell. Soon the whole world was covered with plants, fruits, trees and flowers. She next decided that, in addition to plants, she wanted to make something that could dance and move. Insects of all kinds were created. The she explored ice caves in a mountain. She shone her light inside and fish and lizards came out, along with countless kinds of birds, mammals, and amphibians. But ultimately Yhi returned to her own world, and when she left, darkness came back and covered Earth. But the next day Yhi opened her eyes again from her home in the sky, and her light returned for all to enjoy.

Many millennia later, Yhi saw something strange. It was a man, alone, and she realized he was not anything she had created, and she was intrigued. While the man slept that night, Yhi focused all here power on a flower so that it became more magnificent than anything any god had ever created. When Man awoke, he, joined by all the other animals of Yhi’s creation, gazed in awe at the beautiful flower. The flower then blossomed and turned into Woman. She looked at Man and found him interesting. Man ran around doing many things to try to impress her and wanted nothing more than to make Woman happy. She was amused and thrilled - in fact, all creation was laughing and enjoying their coupling, declaring man and woman good for each other.

~From the Introduction to Bewitch a Man by Fiona Horne

What other creation stories are your favorite? And why?

Cheeky

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:00:00 +0000

As an artist, I feel that “good” art is art that elicits some sort of response. The worst response I could get for a piece of art work is no response at all. If someone loves it or hates it, then at least the work has been noticed and felt on some level.

The interesting thing about being an artist publicly showing work, is I get to hear what people are saying about my art (the good and the bad). It can at times be great instant marketing feedback and at other times an interesting look at our culture.

I love this painting because it's fun and slightly provocative. To me this is a very girlie piece of art, and I love it for that reason. I have had it, or a limited edition giclee of it, up at a lot of shows because it gets people to stop and notice my booth or wall space. But as with any good piece of art - the opinions on this one vary drastically depending on who is viewing it.

There is one thing, I've heard from multiple little girls that I don't understand. More often than not, when a young girl passes this painting she will point it out as "disgusting." Which makes me wonder, what are we collectively as a society telling our kids? There are areas of the world where this response would not be the initial thought coming out of the mouth of babes.

On the flip side, the funniest thing that I hear a lot is from mothers of teenage daughters, insisting that this painting is a picture of their daughter. This is interesting to me. First, to discover that women pay this much attention to their daughters’ bodies and are proud of their fit nature. And second, because I think it’s sweet in a way that moms feel their daughters are flirty and sexy all at the same time.

So what do you think? Does a piece of “good” art generate some type of response, even if it’s negative? Or do you only think of art that you like as “good?”

Rediscovering A Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:44:00 +0000

Growing up, I was a classically trained dancer. I stopped dancing when I decided that career wise it had very little up side - given the short career lifespan. But I've always continued to dance, just in my home, or on the dance floor. A few weekends ago a girlfriend invited me to an ecstatic dance workshop. I had never been, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Well, I really didn't like the slow, can't really dance tempo - so I started doing ballet warmups. It felt sooooooo nice. And this weekend, I put in the New York City Ballet's workout - which is a basic dance warmup. And that too felt sooooooo nice. And so right. My body just flowed and afterwards I felt amazingly good.

I think it's great to somehow let go of a passion, but rediscover it again. At just the right time.

Anyone else had that happen?

Step Back

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Came down into my studio this morning and realized that I was much farther on this painting than I thought. I think that life, as in painting, sometimes if we just step back for a second and come back with a different perspective that only a little time can give us, we are actually making more progress than we give ourselves credit for.

Last night I felt like nothing was reading right on this piece. I felt the girl’s hair and her back were just not coming together. But that was because I was too close to it. And my brain and ego were attached. This morning, looking at the painting through the kitchen (my studio is downstairs) I realized that the parts I had been fussing about last night, were actually quite good - and reading as they should.

Kind of reminds me of a process Jayne Johnson (http://theclearingsight.com/) teaches in her goals workshop. That before we set goals for the new year, take a few minutes and write down all the things we accomplished in the prior year - and then tell them to someone else. Two things normally happen - 1st I always realize that I have done more than I thought (stop beating myself up so much) and 2nd, when I read the list aloud, I see/feel even more of the accomplishments I was writing, because it just again, gives a new perspective.

So - next time I’m struggling with a new piece of art, I’m going to try to remember what I learned this morning - to step back, take a break, maybe work on something else. And see if it really is as bad as I think, or if I’m actually on the right track, but just too in the way to see it.

Anyone else have a similar story?

The Creative Process

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:53:00 +0000

The Creative Process is not one size fits all. I remember writing a paper in middle school. My desk blotter was my outline, my notes, everything but the final piece. My teacher reduced my grade because I couldn’t show him a “proper” outline. As if that was the ONLY way one could properly draft a paper.

After this - I tried to make my creative writing process fit with his - years later - I was still trying to come up with an outline. And since my brain just honestly does not think that way, I started using colored notecards, that I could then arrange into thoughts - and then type up the stupid outline required for professor or teacher. Because they didn’t get how my brain worked, they wanted me to create in the way their brain functioned best.

For years - and years - this is what I did. Tried to smoosh my creative, right-sided thinking into left-sided school and business worlds. And it worked. Scarily well, actually. I had everyone thinking I was just like them, amazingly left brained. When in fact I was the opposite. And it was exhausting. All to get that little star on my paper, or the top rating on my corporate reviews.

Now, maybe my life is a little messier. But it is a lot less exhausting - because I finally allow myself to just be. To create (writing, drawing, painting, photography) all how my brain works. And I hope that when I teach, I allow each student to do their own thing. And to not conform to what I do - because there is no one way to creativity.

I think one of the things I have learned on this creative journey is that in the creative process there is no one right answer. Period.

So ironically, the only time in the creative process where the answer one size fits all is this truth: THERE IS NO ONE WAY. The paths to creative development and creation are many and varied and each should find their own way. Trying out of a few paths for size along the way, and creating a process that works well for him or her.

Has anyone else found this to be true for them?

Painting Away The Angst

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 07:12:00 +0000

Started painting today, as I normally do - with some warm up paintings. (These end up becoming 5 x 7 originals that I create cards out of.) Not every painting makes the cut - the idea is to warm up, maybe try some new color schemes and get focused on the task of creating. Some might call this "getting in the flow." I think of it as shifting my brain from thinking-left-brained mode, to creative-right-brained mode.

Well, today I was just all over the place. I wasn't in a good mood, and it was translating into my work. So I definitely needed to paint that out - in order to be able to paint with intention and intended emotion, instead of with the all over the place emotion I was feeling (which would have resulted in ruined paintings).

So I began to paint hearts - all drippy. Normally I wipe the drips off, but in the beginning today, I did not.

As my time in the studio progressed, I was still not feeling like if I put paintbrush to canvas I would do a good job, so I continued to paint hearts. I finally started to feel in the flow. And in the end this is what progressed.

Although a few still managed to keep some of their original drippy nature. But hopefully with slightly more hopeful overtones.

Of course, now it is time for bed. Guess the portraits will have to wait until tomorrow. But at least my brain has stopped fighting the process and work should progress much easier.

Anyone else have a way of shifting their brain and getting into flow or state?

Step Away From The Paint Brush!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:05:00 +0000

People always ask - how do I know when a painting is done. Well... sometimes I know instinctively. Sometimes I think a painting isn’t done and I come back a few days later, and see if the painting is showing what it was meant to show. And sometimes a friends comes over and says wow - Love It just as it is. And sometimes, I just know that it must be done because I have done one or more of the following:

completely mess up a section that was working well, and then mess up another section the same way
take the painting to the mirror, flip it around and see if anything stands out - For ex: is there a color that is too strong in one area and not present in another?
look at the painting from a distance in a different location
repeat any and all of the above, and finally LET GO...

This particular piece, I had trouble letting go of the idea that it was not done. I think because it is a little more raw then I initially planned for it to be. But every time I fight the process, I know from past experience, I will ruin the painting. A painting in some sense, has a voice of it’s own. And to ignore that is to risk taking a beautiful piece and overworking it.

I have two theories as to why a painting can insist on being what it is, instead of what I want. First, there is a belief, of many creative people, that we just let things come through us. A lot of times, when we are in “the zone” we have absolutely no idea how what occurred on the canvas happened as it did. Yes we understand the mechanics of it - but the actual creation, sometimes that happens in spite of the artist creating.

And second, I create my intentions in spite of myself. My objective for this piece - was supple and beautiful. Both of these things are apparent, and I think that is what this piece has created. So by getting out of my own way, the painting has maintained my vision, just not in the way I had imagined when I started.

Has anyone else had similar creative struggles?

Note: This piece has been censored, so that sites such as Facebook might not find it in violation of their guidelines. For an uncensored version go to my website.

How Long Does It Take To Paint a Painting?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:45:00 +0000

This is probably one of the most common questions someone will ask me, or most artists. This is a tricky question to answer. We really aren't trying to be evasive. It just depends.

Yes, I know "it depends" is what we were told to say to just about anything in business classes at school, but in this case, it really does! Take today - today I'm in the flow. But yesterday - yesterday was a struggle of crazy proportions. My brain would just not let the right side take over and make things effortless. So as a result I couldn't "see" what it was I needed to paint. And so nothing was working. This went on for hours! And the normal tricks I use to loosen up like grabbing my Starbucks or dancing in the studio were not working. Finally at like 11pm at night, my brain finally switched over, stopped fighting, and I was in the flow.

So when we say "it depends" it really does. It depends on our inspiration, on our ability to be in the flow and also our ability to let go and trust. Any artists out there have similar days?

Love Yourself Gorgeous!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:16:00 +0000

I paint in part to show that women's body are BEAUTIFUL. In an attempt to show women that THEY are BEAUTIFUL. Because, unfortunately, so many women think their bodies are not. There are a lot of reasons for this - social pressures, the ridiculous amount of air brushing that occurs on just about anything you see in print. The absolutely fabulous lighting that accompanies any professional photo shoot or on-camera interview these days. Past sexual abuse, verbal insults from middle school or high school, or thoughtless comment from a former lover. Whatever it is - many women struggle with self-image issues.

Ironically, even I, knowing better, still fall into that trap of not always honoring and loving my body. Of at times beating myself up about my body. Like this week, I was looking at this painting - called Shadow Play - and caught myself thinking negatively about my body. Cause - OK for this one, I was the model. And I was looking at the stomach on this painting and thinking - "Damn, why did I not suck it in for that photo?" And "Damn - why did I not paint that stomach flatter and skinnier?"

When I use myself as a model, it's not a vanity thing, it's a I need a new painting and it's 2 in the morning and I'm my the only model available, kind of a thing. So I have taken pictures of myself to use as reference at the worst possible times likes during my time of the month or right after my miscarriage. But hey, I had the urge to paint something new, something my previous reference pictures weren't showing, or to finish a story I needed to tell. So I did.

I suppose I wish for myself, what I wish for all women - to love yourself, curves, "flaws" and all. I promise, most men and any man worth his weight, will look at those seeming imperfections and LOVE them. So give him a head start, and love yourself first.

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:13:00 +0000

People always ask where I find inspiration. I guess I find inspiration all around, when I'm creating a new piece of art. But when it's like day 5 of painting on something, I sometimes need to be re-inspired. That's when I head to one of two places, or sometimes both at the same time. For some reason a Starbucks Latte and a trip to the beach works every time.

Where do you find inspiration?

Anything Can Happen In the Blink Of An Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:22:00 +0000

I was looking at my photo cards recently, because I am working to create more - of various places I've visited around the globe to go into the new online shop my Mom and I are starting together. And I came across the ones from my trip to Greece.

Greece was always this amazing place in my mind, that I would "someday" go. I didn't even put it onto my 5 or 10 year plan, because I felt it was that out of reach. Then one day, someone I was working with asked me if I would like to go to Athens in his place, to do new manager orientation for the new european managers. Of course I said yes, and within 2 weeks, I was in Greece.

That experience was amazing for many many reasons. And I grew a lot, both professionally and personally. I was in a foreign land, spoke none of the language, and when I took the time to travel, was traveling on my own. But as always happens in Europe when traveling, I met many friendly people and had a really amazing time. Made all the more incredible, because a few weeks earlier I was in the States, nursing a broken heart, and feeling like life was heavy and sad.

So every now and then, if I'm feeling a little down, and thinking nothing I'm doing is getting me from point A to point B at quite the speed I'd like - I look at my pictures of the Athena Temple in Athens - and relax. Because you never know, things can change for the better, for the wondrous, in a few seconds. That's the beauty of life.

Lack of Intention

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:02:00 +0000

Like most things in life, painting is better when done with intention. Take this painting I just started. I wasn't feeling it. Partly because while I do love men, this is the first full male booty painting I've done and I'm feeling a little unsure of the whole booty thing. But mostly I think because I allowed that nebulous feeling to invade my normal practice of setting an intention when painting anything.

The funny thing is I love a guy with a butt. It's actually one of my requirements. Guy's got to be able to fill out a good pair of jeans! But unless I'm giving a massage or knocking boots, I don't spend a lot of time getting familiar with that part of the male anatomy. And let's face it, sometimes not even then.

When I was in New York City, a gallery owner said that he tells all his artists to know WHY they are painting that particular picture. Because if you don't know why, your audience won't either. He recommended sitting with the reference picture and really feeling the feeling of what it is we want to express - then begin to paint. This advice has been priceless for me, especially when I get lost, overwhelmed or a little out of my comfort zone.

So going to go back to my easel now, sit with this particular reference photo and remember why I picked it in the first place. Write down that feeling and intention on the back of the canvas bars (to remember later) and hopefully paint a beautiful, sexy piece that fits nicely with the male torso series I've been working on lately.

PS - I think I've got it now. Something that made me smile like the Cheshire Cat as I sat down at my easel....

History Repeating ... Enough Already!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:40:00 +0000

Every once in a while I look around and see a pattern in my life I don't like. For example, repeated irritation at people for basically the same types of things. And I think - well, the common denominator here is me. What is up with that? : -)

These past few weeks seem to be full of lessons created by me not trusting my gut - both personally and professionally. And reminding me of the old adage - When someone shows you who they are, believe them. And I might add - believe yourself and your instincts.

Professionally I am untangling myself from a relationship that I went into knowing that the person wasn't always forthcoming and upfront. I knew this, but I told myself, it's OK - as long as I know this going in I can prepare for that, and it will be fine. .... Um, I'm "fine" - but I'm also really irritated at being lied to and having an agreement in place that was not completely upheld. So my commitment to myself going forward - don't go into business with someone who you have doubts about working with because their idea of integrity and exchange are not close to your own. They will do what they think is fair and right and you will just get really irritated with what you perceive as their lack of exchange and/or lack of integrity.

I have had similar feelings of wasting my time and extreme irritation with two men I've dated recently. However, if I'm honest with myself, I knew in my gut that both of them weren't for me long term. One I thought, it's OK we are both just friends who are sort of dating, so we won't run into relationship expectation issues. And the other, I just kept trying to see if it would work because he seemed like a nice guy, my friends all liked him, and he seemed to want similar goals as me. But I knew immediately when starting to date each of them that they weren't really present with me, and that they were very comfortable with keeping things on the surface.

This isn't wrong, but it isn't for me. I need a guy who can be and is comfortable being present with me and who is OK with establishing emotional and mental depth. So inevitably, their lack of presence created situations that made me feel they were being rude and selfish; and their unwillingness to create emotional and mental intimacy caused me pain. I'm sure they didn't mean it. I knew we didn't match up, but I kept dating them anyway, hoping that something would change or that it wouldn't really matter long term.

So here's to starting the tail end of May with a renewed commitment to be true to myself. And to not allow myself or others to talk me into entering or maintaining professional or personal relationships that I know in my heart are not aligned with me, my life and what I need and value in a relationship.

Double Standard?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:19:00 +0000

It's a funny thing really. On one hand we have magazines like Allure, and Maxim showing women completely nude (with fabulous lighting and airbrushing of course). And on the other hand we have people who complain when they go to an art festival or art gallery and see a painting of a half-draped (partially clothed) woman hanging on the wall. Really? What is this about?

Since when did the female body - or any body for that matter - become OK to flaunt in public, on TV in commercials for lingerie, on the beach, or in a main stream women or men's magazine; and yet NOT be ok to see in an Art Gallery or at an Art Festival?

When I put paintings in restaurants, I always make sure that there is no nudity. But the fact that I sometimes feel the need to censor my own art when hanging it in an art setting is a little ridiculous. I generally hang paintings of half draped models, or paintings where the nudity is implied. But this still isn't enough, someone will always complain. And still others will look at a painting of a partial nude, or even of a draped model, and because she's not wearing a turtleneck call it "disgusting."

Nudes have been part of art for a very long time. My work isn't porn, it's art. Is there a sexy side to some of it? Sure. But that doesn't make it bad, wrong or inappropriate in an art setting? Absolutely not.

Oh yes, and just to clarify - this is an actual nude! ;-)

What Makes A "Great Artist of Our Time?"

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:41:00 +0000

Saturday I was at the Orange County Museum of Art's Art of Dining event. Sidney Felsen was honored for his work as the co-founder of Gemini G.E.L in Los Angeles. In his introduction they said he had worked with "some of the great artists of our time." Which got me thinking - What defines an artist as great for our time?

I'm sure if you asked 10 different people you would get 10 different answers. I think the short answer for me is, intention, marketability, longevity and ingenuity & consistency in execution.

First off intention, because if an artist does not have the ability to create an intention with their art, it's very unlikely that their art would elicit an emotional response from the viewer.

Second, being an artist, and meeting so many talented people, I know there are some incredible artists out there, that the world-at-large has never heard of. And so - while some artists I know are far more talented than others getting accolades or fabulous world press, the "great artists of our time" must by definition be those "our time" has heard of. Therefore, in this day and age, they need to be good marketers, or have someone who is a great marketer behind them.

Thirdly, I also think longevity - artists who are artists until the day they die. Someone who's work we can see grow and change and yet still in some ways remain constant throughout their lifetime. (ex. Alexander Calder)

And fourth, artists who either have their finger on popular culture (ex. Warhol) or do something before everyone else, or better than everyone else (ex. Pollock).

I realize nowhere on my list did I say technical abilities. I think this is because in order for art to speak to people it needs to go well beyond simple technical execution, and be able to emote some sort of emotional response when being viewed by the viewer.

What do you think?

Musings of a Single Gal

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:10:00 +0000

Recently I was on the phone with a girlfriend who was lamenting being single. This got me thinking. I don’t begrudge my current single status. Do I want to be happily married with children? Yes, I do. But am I sitting awake at night worrying about this? Not at all.

As Patty on The Millionaire Matchmaker recently said - “You are 1 date away from a boyfriend.”

Since my last long term relationship I have been: to Greece (on my own); to Hawaii (with my Mom); to Vegas (with the girls); and had numerous overnight/ weekend trips to San Diego and Palm Springs (on my own). I’ve had 4 marriage proposals: one insulting, two sweet, and one Oh My God I Had No Idea. I’ve had my heart re-broken by my ex. Broken again by my most recent lover. Been asked by countless men to be their girlfriend. And oh yes, had at least 50 first dates - some hilarious, some excruciatingly painful, and some nice, warm and fuzzy.

I’ve met some really amazing, incredible, bright, talented men along the way. Some of whom are now true friends of mine. And I’ve gotten to know a lot of women I now call friends as well. Women I didn’t know before my last relationship.

Come on! What isn’t to love about this adventure called single life? The grass can feel greener whichever side of the marriage line we are on. In my mind, how I choose to live, I’m just going with it. Storing up the memories for when I’m one day in the future running on 3 hours of sleep, have 2 toddlers getting into everything in the house, and wondering when was the last time I had a minute to myself.

Right now that can sound like bliss. But I can tell you, listening to my girlfriends on the phone with their screaming kids on the other end, sometimes my life looks pretty good too. Like when I tell them on the weekend I got up late, or took myself to dinner with a good book and ordered a nice glass of wine. And of course when I say I met a great/ sexy guy and my stomach got butterflies.

So single? Relax. Enjoy the ride. It can be an awesome time in our lives, if we just let it be so.

Sometimes Size Really Does Matter

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:03:00 +0000

A few months ago my Mom and I went to Hawaii for vacation. I took lots of pictures of fish when I was snorkeling and now I'm painting a few. The problem with fish (creatively) is that they have a lot of tiny angles. And for some reason I decided to paint on smaller canvas than I normally do. Which means - I can't use my normal set of large brushes.

I know some say it's not the size of the tool, it's how you use it. But so far, I have not been able to figure out how to use a large brush to fill a tiny precise corner of canvas. Its like trying to hammer a tack into the wall with a mallet - it just doesn't work.

So now I'm sitting at my easel all hunched over, trying to work these tiny brushes into tiny corners. It's still kind of driving me crazy because I hate to work that tight and tense. But - I am making progress, which is fabulous. Guess I just needed the right sized tool for the job. Sometimes smaller really is better. ;-)

Happy Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:54:00 +0000

I have a friend, Greg Martin, (www.lumartingalleries.com) who is also an artist. He has a concept which he shared with me called making a "happy mistake." This idea initially came up when something went wrong with one of my abstract paintings. And he said, maybe I would learn something or create a new type of art, now that I had to fix my mistake. At the time, it definitely made me feel better, but I didn't actually create anything new and unique from my "mistake."

A month or so ago, I decided to try gold leaf on a painting. Gold leafing is a 3 step process. Sealing the gold leaf is the third step in the process. Well, the sealant for the gold leaf had dried up, so I couldn't use it. I looked around my studio, found another form of sealant, and put it on the gold leaf. The next morning I came back, and realized that some of the painting and the gold had tarnished. At first I was a little irritated, because gold leaf in pristine condition is so pretty. But then I realized, that from an abstract painting point of view, having variations in the leafing was actually better. And is something that makes the paintings very unique and original. With no way to exactly replicate one, even if I make multiples of the same basic concept. This was indeed a very "happy mistake."

Have any of you had similar happy mistakes?

Lovers & Haters

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:19:00 +0000

Had an art show tonight at Gallery 104. I love interacting with everyone and getting to know their stories. And of course I enjoy seeing people's reaction to my art. It's very enlightening and can be quite fun - especially when people find something they feel is unexpected, and tell their friends.

I honestly don't care if someone doesn't like my art. That's fine, my art doesn't have to be for everyone. But I do care when someone is bitingly and intentionally horrid about it. Which happened tonight.

I know that generally when I have these types of hyper critical encounters, it's with someone who inside is an extremely frustrated artist. But understanding does not make it less of a sting. Luckily tonight, after that encounter 5 people came up to me and said they liked or loved exactly what the other person had criticized.

I know as an artist, I shouldn't "care" what people think. I paint for myself, and I hope people enjoy what I bring into my work. However, let's be honest - art is incredibly personal. Every painting I do shows something of me in it. At the very least the emotion I was feeling at the time. And often my thoughts or feelings about life, love and the world at large. So when someone so expertly attacks my work, it hurts. And having people give another, more positive opinion, does help ease the sting.

For everyone who came to the show tonight, I appreciate you. And for everyone who is supportive of any artist - know your support is at times more welcomed than you may realize.

Flip Side to Blasé

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Geromel) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:40:00 +0000

It occurred to me this morning that there is a flip side to feeling blasé about something that I use to be really excited, or at times kind of overwhelmed about (like standing in line for the art show submission). And that is - I have successfully stretched myself and my comfort zone. Making room for new things to feel excited about, and new things to make me nervous and possibly even a bit overwhelmed about.

Which is a good thing. Because it assures me, that those things I am now feeling intimidated about - like calling people I don't know in an industry I don't know to see if they would like to have my art in their business - I will one day be blasé about those things as well. And have moved onto living in an even bigger world than I am currently in. And that is pretty awesome.