So earlier this month there was a pleasant surprise. I had intended to mention it sooner but between a crazy schedule and to many to-dos to shake a list at it somehow slipped between the cracks and has yet to be mentioned to you...until now.
I constantly, borderline obsessively submit my work to any and everything it is applicable to. I never want to miss that chance as I am a true believer in the concept that it only takes 1 exposure and the right passerby . So as a method to never miss that fated moment I press on. Well it's paid off a bit here and there. One such instance is an online gallery by the title of CAGO(Contemporary Art Gallery Online) reviewed my work after my submission and pursued me as an artist further. It was then I submitted my resume, artist statement and more images that they accepted me into their gallery as a permenant member. Indeed after much hard work my art has found a cyber home on the web walls of this gallery.It things like that that encourage me to continue to chip away at success because I feel like each little bit is a footing. I'm not at the summit. I can't even see the summit. But I know I'm going in it's direction and each accomplishment towards that is a footing that gives me a better grasp and is taking me closer.
For those of you interested in seeing the work housed by CAGO you can check it out at http://www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com/AshleyPeters'sArtwork . It much of the same work you may have seen before along with a few new pieces. Thank you again for all you support as I journey forward on a seldom traveled road.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
A Year In Review
Yesterday my birthday and at approx 3:20 pm I turned 24. Every birthday I always think about all the things that happened in that past year and potentially all the things to come . I like to think there's be some sense of accomplishment and growth, not just a stagnant turning of one's wheels gaining no traction. Overall 23 was quite a success and here's a bit of the details in review.
I focused my printmaking and redesigned my artist statement. All of which encouraged me to launch my own shop on Etsy under the title of Ardent Prints and the artist AP tying in with my body ink and my name as I had always hoped. We went to Santa Barbra. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving and Christmas together as our own little nuclear family. We may New Years Resolutions some of which have been kept( getting back into running) and some of which have been petering allow( re-learning Italian). I increased the amount of shows I took part in and sales made. My work was scouted and picked up by an art organization (RAW) which has lead to other opportunities. We saw many good friends leave the ship to new adventures but we've welcomed new friends too. We've gone to Sea World, Lego Land and the Safari Park.In June we celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. We went on a Ghost Hunt at one of the oldest and most haunted homes of America. My work was selected for a spot at the San Diego Spirits Festival. I was hired by a corporate coffee giant and after seeing their drone-ish ways left "the man". We've dealt with the constant ins and outs of the Navy. We saw Hawaii and what it had to offer from hidden waterfall hikes to surfing; windy weather and strange food. We've felt like real grown ups in a good way. There was a trip to the Grand Canyon and we were memorized on our 16+ mile hike. With Bently in tow we saw an unforgettable landmark. People have called me hippie dippy and an activist and a bit green and I take it as a good thing. Hiking became a new passion along with ocean water kayaking. There was an incredible night camping in the Mojave Preserve literally 13 miles from anyone. I was accepted into Graduate School at the Academy of Art for a Masters in Illustration. We fell in love with the idea of a winery after a visit and think of it's practical applications to our future lives. I was hired as a Gallery Manager- what I trained to do. We've cherished all of our moments together and made so many incredible memories. To say the least it has been a fantastic year full of milestones.
Like I said I look to what's to come and perhaps some expectations. This year Bently will get to see Ohio for the first time and I truly hope snow. I want more sales and notice on etsy, as any artist would. I am excited for the work with the gallery. It is nice to do what I was designed for(jeeze I sound like a espresso machine). More shows of course! Continue running and hopefully a half marathon before the next birthday. Really brush up on some languages just not sure whether to focus on German or Italian, ( I remember more German). Really enforce my natural ONLY product rule. Get some scholarships and such for school. See San Francisco and the redwoods. Teach Bently some novelty tricks, (in progress). Continue with the Naval ebb and flow but more importantly a little more flow and little less ebb. Time with family and friends and cherishing every opportunity.
Every birthday is a landmark. People hate growing old and I think of it as just growing, (maybe because I'm not old yet). I truly think though when you take it in stride, in review, it is far more enjoyable and satisfying than for those who think of it as a countdown or a timer. This yet has been jam packed full of events and I can only assume this next year will be as well. I don't know what's coming my way but that's half the fun. I looking forward to a little adventure- as life should be.
I focused my printmaking and redesigned my artist statement. All of which encouraged me to launch my own shop on Etsy under the title of Ardent Prints and the artist AP tying in with my body ink and my name as I had always hoped. We went to Santa Barbra. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving and Christmas together as our own little nuclear family. We may New Years Resolutions some of which have been kept( getting back into running) and some of which have been petering allow( re-learning Italian). I increased the amount of shows I took part in and sales made. My work was scouted and picked up by an art organization (RAW) which has lead to other opportunities. We saw many good friends leave the ship to new adventures but we've welcomed new friends too. We've gone to Sea World, Lego Land and the Safari Park.In June we celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. We went on a Ghost Hunt at one of the oldest and most haunted homes of America. My work was selected for a spot at the San Diego Spirits Festival. I was hired by a corporate coffee giant and after seeing their drone-ish ways left "the man". We've dealt with the constant ins and outs of the Navy. We saw Hawaii and what it had to offer from hidden waterfall hikes to surfing; windy weather and strange food. We've felt like real grown ups in a good way. There was a trip to the Grand Canyon and we were memorized on our 16+ mile hike. With Bently in tow we saw an unforgettable landmark. People have called me hippie dippy and an activist and a bit green and I take it as a good thing. Hiking became a new passion along with ocean water kayaking. There was an incredible night camping in the Mojave Preserve literally 13 miles from anyone. I was accepted into Graduate School at the Academy of Art for a Masters in Illustration. We fell in love with the idea of a winery after a visit and think of it's practical applications to our future lives. I was hired as a Gallery Manager- what I trained to do. We've cherished all of our moments together and made so many incredible memories. To say the least it has been a fantastic year full of milestones.
Like I said I look to what's to come and perhaps some expectations. This year Bently will get to see Ohio for the first time and I truly hope snow. I want more sales and notice on etsy, as any artist would. I am excited for the work with the gallery. It is nice to do what I was designed for(jeeze I sound like a espresso machine). More shows of course! Continue running and hopefully a half marathon before the next birthday. Really brush up on some languages just not sure whether to focus on German or Italian, ( I remember more German). Really enforce my natural ONLY product rule. Get some scholarships and such for school. See San Francisco and the redwoods. Teach Bently some novelty tricks, (in progress). Continue with the Naval ebb and flow but more importantly a little more flow and little less ebb. Time with family and friends and cherishing every opportunity.
Every birthday is a landmark. People hate growing old and I think of it as just growing, (maybe because I'm not old yet). I truly think though when you take it in stride, in review, it is far more enjoyable and satisfying than for those who think of it as a countdown or a timer. This yet has been jam packed full of events and I can only assume this next year will be as well. I don't know what's coming my way but that's half the fun. I looking forward to a little adventure- as life should be. Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Gallery Manager
Merit is worth its weight in gold but as are connections and timing. I avidly believe in some circumstances you are intended to be at a specific location at a certain moment and by doing so it change change your course. Some things are not coincidence, such as my husband's and my initial interactions. It is not fate which I condone but perhaps an unseen nudge.
I mention this because thanks to such an unseen nudge and coincidental timing I have recently acquired a wonderful opportunity. As I had wrote prior my work was accepted into the Colour Show at the Undiscovered Gallery on Coronado. End of September there was the final reception of which I was to attend. To be honest I was tired and Danny was on duty so if it wasn't for professionalism and nudge from him I'd most likely had been in the wardroom instead. I arrived and socialized and genuinely had a good time. Business cards were distributed and chatting up gallery goers completed. As the evening drew to a close I was speaking with the Gallery Director, Nicole, and her friend. It was then that she mention because of a recent move she needed help with the gallery and was looking to share the reins. At the sound of this my ears perked to attention and next thing you know it was as if I was making a pitch in the boardroom.
Hoping to have not came on too strongly I sent along my resume. Shortly then Nicole responded and after we work out some details you can say hello to Undiscovered Gallery's new Gallery Manager! The gallery may be small but I'd rather be there from the start and build a foundation. It's unpaid but this is an incredible opportunity. This is what my degree what designed to do. And one day it could become paid. Most importantly it is a foot in the door.
I am so glad to have gone that night. To have engaged in that conversation. To have been there in that moment and to have take a chance for such an opportunity. This is just the beginning but it's put my course in the correct direction.
I mention this because thanks to such an unseen nudge and coincidental timing I have recently acquired a wonderful opportunity. As I had wrote prior my work was accepted into the Colour Show at the Undiscovered Gallery on Coronado. End of September there was the final reception of which I was to attend. To be honest I was tired and Danny was on duty so if it wasn't for professionalism and nudge from him I'd most likely had been in the wardroom instead. I arrived and socialized and genuinely had a good time. Business cards were distributed and chatting up gallery goers completed. As the evening drew to a close I was speaking with the Gallery Director, Nicole, and her friend. It was then that she mention because of a recent move she needed help with the gallery and was looking to share the reins. At the sound of this my ears perked to attention and next thing you know it was as if I was making a pitch in the boardroom.
Hoping to have not came on too strongly I sent along my resume. Shortly then Nicole responded and after we work out some details you can say hello to Undiscovered Gallery's new Gallery Manager! The gallery may be small but I'd rather be there from the start and build a foundation. It's unpaid but this is an incredible opportunity. This is what my degree what designed to do. And one day it could become paid. Most importantly it is a foot in the door.I am so glad to have gone that night. To have engaged in that conversation. To have been there in that moment and to have take a chance for such an opportunity. This is just the beginning but it's put my course in the correct direction.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
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.
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!
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| The Button Will Look Like This |
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!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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 .
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 .
Monday, September 3, 2012
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.
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.
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