RAW Awards

     A few months ago a lady sought me out from an organization called RAW. She found my work via Etsy and said she'd like me to be part of their showcase. RAW is a non profit organization designed to promoted and expose undiscovered artists who they believe have talent and potential. AfterI got over my skepticism thinking it was far too good to be true I participated in the showcase and since then it has opened doors. Due to the chance I took I have since then taken part in opportunities to show at the Spirit Festival and The Colour Show at the Undiscovered Gallery. So to say the least I am thankful. Now another opportunity has arose but I need your help.

The Button Will Look Like This

     Every year RAW host this thing called RAW Awards where they award the Best RAW artist in each of their categories, (Film, Visual Art, Fashion, Music, Hairstylist, Makeup, Performance, Accessories, Photography). First it starts on the local level of course and gets narrowed down from there. The winners of each level not only get recognition and promotion but prizes at higher levels. The title and exposure is simply enough. Like I said though I need your help because these individuals are chosen based on votes. The voting period is from October 1st-October 15th. Follow this link, ( http://www.rawartists.org/ardentprints ) to my profile. As of October 1st there will be a RAW Awards button to click and vote. It will ask for your email just to keep track of votes, they promise not to bug you.  You can vote EVERY day during the voting period, so please do.  The goal: get votes and send me to the semi-finals!

     For more info on the how to or the process you can watch a nifty video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3tjVOTzPzs&feature=player_embedded&utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RAWards+VOTING+BEGINS+MONDAY+October+1st%21 .
As I said before I would love to move on to the semi finals and you can make that possible. Thank you all for your support throughout the years. Wish me luck & fingers crossed!

Rejuvenating Travels

     Everyone needs a break and a bit of an escape. It actually seems essential when living in the center of a bustling metropolis as we do. Just recently we followed this call and indulged in a bit of remote peace and quiet.  Off to the Mojave National Preserve and the Grand Canyon!

     We set out for the Grand Canyon. On the way our trip was split and we spent the first night in the Mojave National Preserve. To say the least its not traditional camping in the sense of a campground. We were a minimum of 10 miles from any form of civilization.It was just us, our supplies, the mountains and the desert. Time stood still without any interruption.

     At the Grand Canyon we stayed at Mather Campground in the outermost loop backing to the wilderness. As remote as you can be in a traditional set up. The area was teeming with natural life as our first night there we saw five elk sauntering through the sites including a bull. We could here their calls and one morning a mule deer was just outside our tent. The canyon itself is spectacular! As cliche as it may be it truly does take your breath away and no pictures do not do it justice. There are so many tiers, layers and levels. It goes on forever. Its vastness almost overwhelms your senses as you eyes attempt to simultaneously absorb both the details and the whole picture. You spend hours just looking at the same timeless, pristine spot.



     We engulfed every experience. From eating lunch overlooking the ledge to hiking point to point of the South Rim. We drank from the spring water and watched the canyon disappear into sunset. It was an incredible experience, a check on our bucket list and a rejuvenating trip both personally and artistically. I think I can foresee future visits as we travel through.

Upcycle

     I am an avid subscriber to the art of upcycling. For those of you who don't know upcycling is much like recycling but the concept is that instead of just re-using something you are improving upon it. Often the item is even transformed in it's purpose. Currently one of the most popular scenes for upcyling is in refurbished furniture thanks to common popularity of the rustic look in todays world. I however have been experiment with the use of it in my artwork.

     While perusing the cubicle spaces of some beach front antique stores I came across some interesting items I thought to be useful. First off I found four old photos that suited my needs. There were so many photos which amazed me that people so easily get rid of little tangible pieces of evidence eluding to memories. I for one couldn't but ultimately their loss is my gain. The other item I stumbled upon was a small apothecary vase. A little dingy but nothing a good scrub couldn't fix.

     After some careful planning I transformed these photos into my image. I placed my classic linear shapes into the scene. My mother nature creation made a couple appearances. In one the stars came out to shine. It was interesting deciding the method at which to apply the imagery. In the end pen and acrylic worked best. As for the apothecary vase I wanted it become a "looking glass". By this I mean the image upon the back side so when you look at the vase it looks as if the image is trapped inside. I was thrilled with how this turned out. Inside lies my distraughtly demoralized mother earth. To see these images individually in more detail visit http://ardentprints.vpweb.com/default.html .

A Little Professionalism

     Now I would consider myself to be a professional. Went to school and received a degree. Held solo and group shows. I've even been published. I run my own shop. Seems pretty professional to me. However for some there's even more.

      As I've been entering more shows, contests and publications I have quickly realized that many do not want a CD, or attachments as they did in days of old. Instead they ask for your website and they specifically ask primarily for your website not your blog or your online shop. Even though I may feel a blog is a perfectly valid account and my shop displays my work just fine I don't want to be at a disadvantage. So I therefore created a verified, professional website. It includes everything my resume, exhibition record, artist statement, portfolio, contact, etc. This way all my bases are covered and I figure it can only be more professional on my part.

     If you are interested the url is http://ardentprints.vpweb.com/default.html . Any updates will be posted on here as well but if you'd like a look at Ardent Prints all suited up take a peak.