New Year

     It's 2013 which means a few things: 1)We survived the apocolypse! (Sorry Mayans and Doomsdayers). 2) New Art listings to compete 3) A goal to increase etsy activity. A new year is a time for new goals. Look through the old, constructively review and honestly de-clutter with beneficial targets in sight. Honestly it should be "New Year Cleaning" instead of spring cleaning as there is nothing of monumental change with a gradual waning of seasons opposed to a definitive alteration in the calendar year.

     The Mayan calendar needs not to be dwelled upon as it clearly never came to be . If you wish to argue this thought simply look scientifically at the translation from the Mayan calendar to the Gregorian Calendar and you will see your error. However I would like to speak for my upcoming year, the goals and some serious hopes. When it comes to showing my artwork there are always galleries, competitions, publications and shows. They are always out there it is just a matter of finding them which I intend to do. I think it is ultimately important to weigh out the options between which shows are the most beneficial; which competitions best showcase my work; which publications create the greatest opportunities. There are already some dates penciled into my calendar. One seemingly perfect for my style and medium is the LA Printmakers show which is just as the title would suggest : an art competition based in LA specifically designed for printmakers. It would be a phenomenal opportunity as it could gain recognition in my field and it is moderately local. The other competition I am eagerly awaiting is a 2nd Skin Competition where the goal is to create a mask of which describes your "2nd Skin" . My mask is in the works as we speak but I will wait and speak more of it later as I believe it will be so spectacular that it deserves its own due.

     The other aspect of this upcoming year focuses on my Etsy shop ArdentPrints. Within the past year it has done quite well, especially for just starting. In the latter half of the year it became clear there was an increase in views, favorites and sales. I want to keep this momentum rolling into this year. I'd like to at least double my sales this year and it seems to be an obtainable goal. I have focused on all aspects of my shop and have even considered other areas such as button but expanding to that venue still seems questionable. Regardless of the new materials I may consider I will still always stay with my tried and true. Though mostly I want to expand my exposure and my followers because they are the ones who promote my doings and make the sales. It's a goal to find new, captivating ways to generate followers and increase marketing.

      This year holds new opportunities and I intended to seize them with a ferocity. It has the chance for growth and the next step. There is so much potential that exists in the world and I can't see any plausible reason why not to attempt to gain such notification. As time goes on I will post of what new opportunities I have came across and I can only hope you spread the word of my activity and of ArdentPrints.

Of a Kind

     Normally when it comes to my work an idea enters my thought only to lead to sketches and ultimately a piece. It is one all its own and even though it may be a print with my hand alteration it is highly unlikely it is 100% identical to its counterpart. These works though come from me and my passion. They are entirely my own. However sometimes it is nice to venture outside the box and have a counterpart. Sometimes it's nice to have a request for a custom piece  and that  I see that individual as my counterpart in these projects.
     I think some people remove themselves from the possibility of doing custom work. It may stem from a resistance the loosen the reins or share control. It may be fear of working with a tyrant. It may be that their box is quiet homey so they figure why step out. However I look to it as opportunity. A chance to expand and try something that was unlikely to be part of your work prior. It builds diversity in style, content and connections. From what I've found the counterparts are excited and not vying for control. I'm sure there's some who'd prove this statement wrong but all the one's I've work with are entirely congenial. In the end it's an opportunity to be a person of the people, an artist of the array and it is an incredibly one of a kind piece.
     Recently I just finished a custom piece for a friend and loyal customer. The request : a pre-revolutionary war style barn with a few chickens outside. Look at my work. In the same realm but not spot on to my stereotypical work however I jumped at the opportunity. We exchanged conversation and photos narrowing down the perfect image. Sketches came about and alterations were perfected. Then came the print and touch ups. It was matted, framed and for the holiday season wrapped in cheer. It made me expand and it had a phenomenal result. Thank you for the chance.
     I guess it's important to expand. You don't know where it will take you or what opportunities will present themselves. Don't forget to go the extra mile for your supporters. I love something new so not trying to plug here but remember I can always whip up something special with you as my counterpart.

Lights. Camera. Action!

     You walk down the clean, crisp halls delicatly lit. Highlighting the work of artists in the most pleasing manner. Guests muse and marvel at the images before them. Modern and literal works of dance before their eyes. There is a hum of chatter as artists, gallery types and viewers exchange contacts, ideas and abundent banter. There's hour'derves to sample and the band to listen to. All in all it is a marvelous evening of culture and class but have you given it much thought as to the time or effort put into everything you just saw? Do you understand the inner workings? I do.

     To put on a succesful art show there are many things to consider and steps that could easily go overlooked. First is the concept. One which must be specific enough to be cohesive in theme while yet broad enough to include a variety of artists, styles and perspectives. After an idea has formed it is required to created a formulated prospective for the show including timelines, fees, locations and forms. Clearly it must be coherent, stark and concise. It's a tediously technical side many don't think of because along with it's creation is the distribution. Endless time of posting and sharing because what good is a show if you have no entries. Living in a big city is great. More people to spread the word to but oh what a double edge sword as you must cleverly find ways to reach all these individuals  through various resources and social media. The come the entries. Sometime a trickle one by one and then what else to expect but then a flood all at once. Though I will never be one to complain about ample entries. More options is never a negative. Spend some time and sift, sift, sift. Decidedly choices are made and notifications are sent out to the chosen ones. Of course these notifications are drafted, reviewed, critiqued and revised into sublime perfection... and then sent. The gallery types gather all the critical information such as titles, prices, dimensions, medium and that ever so important artist statement. All of this is to be made into tags and kept for records. A time consuming and yet vitally important task. The work must of course arrive to the gallery. In some cases you can ship work in but in most you must drop it off. If an individual can make the original drop off time we are incredibly grateful of your commitment and flexibility. For those who schedule with us another time, we are equally as grateful since you went out of your way for the show. Others.... well lets move on. We of course put up the work ourselves. It may be grunt work but it is some of the most valuable knowledge you will ever gain. So break out your level, hammer, nails and measuring tape and get things in order. A show must have a natural flow and balance. A mix between style and matter so as to keep movement through the space. It is a talent of it's own to logistically put a show together like Tetris while not compromising the aesthetic integrity. Show is hung and labels are placed but lets not forget the wine and food. We provide that from the gallery's pocket for you and your enjoyment. The music you love listening to in the background; it's our job to find these musicians and set them up appropriately in the space. The final step is promotion which may in fact be the hardest because everyone uses social media but it seems like no one is on the same one and no one wants to commit or they simply forget. It takes repetition and constant exposure and even then it's a challenge. The people behind the scene in an art gallery takes a lot of work that lasts long hours but it's the most incredible job in the world when it's all complete and yo can look at it in one fluid track.

     Along with the note of promotion let me say a word for a great little gallery on Coronado Island. The Undiscovered Gallery works incredibly hard and even though it does not appear to be a conventional gallery it has just as much credit and spirit. They are hosting a show titled "Not The Only Dreamer". It lasts until the end of January but the opening night is tomorrow night, November 30th from 5pm-8pm. It is on the 3rd floor of Coronado Plaza(1330 Orange Ave Coronado CA)-just take the elevator. I urge you to show your support and stop by if you're in the area.

Publications

     I previously mentioned that CAGO had accepted my work  for gallery representation. Well this situation just gets better. Within days of one another I was notified that not only did they want to have a Q&A on their website about me but I also had the opportunity to talk part in the Radio Talk Show Blog. Oh and I found out that my work was accepted into the 365 Tribute show.


     Needless to say I was elated for this opportunity. I think it means the most when your piers value you  for they know the standard of which to hold you against. CAGO sent me interview questions for readers. My answers will be put along side my portfolio on their website as well as be featured. The radio interview was a unique experience and something I'd love to do again. It went beyond basic questions, as the host was knowledgable in general but also knew my work. I think the concept really came across quiet well. First it will be aired on their show. Then a couple days later it will be able to be found on Amazon and iTunes. And finally a link will be attached to my portfolio on their website

     The 365 Tribute show has accepted my work. Along with that they also sent questions my way. These questions are a part of a  series called "Artists" with real answers from real artists. Well I am now one of those artists. I will be notified when my specific answers appear to share with ya'll and for my own reference.

     All in all this isn't too shabby of chain of events. In fact I'm quiet pleased. By no means will I stop or consider this the ultimate success but I am very happy with the outcome of my efforts. Artists have to put forth so much grunt work to gain any sort of traction it's always nice to get a little notice. Thank you CAGO & 365 Tribute for having faith in me and loving my work.

A Pick Up

     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.

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. 

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.