The Fox

     Previously I mentioned briefly that there was an upcoming contest that I was taking part in. It is the Second Skin contest in which artists are challenged to create a mask or "second skin" entirely out of paper with decorative mixed media permissible. I decided to create a fox mask. A literal transformation of my 2-D illustrations.
     This piece started as nothing but materials on the floor. The entire shape came from nothing. Beyond the shape there was the development of texture to look like tussled fur and the most time consuming portions was painting the face. It is a combination of many different layers, shades, pen work  and touch ups. In all this close to 80 hours of work. I can only help that it does well and I think I may revisit some mask making. It won't become a predominant medium by any means but a mask here or there could be a nice variation.
      You may be asking why a fox? I believe that things in nature resemble humanity, it's just pure and we could really take a lesson from it. THis even includes its inhabitants as they often behave in human like ways. In my work they always are part of minor, mundane actions or human emotion. They are characters as are we. However why so much emphasis on a fox? I chose a fox because I feel they are one of the most humanistic creatures. They have families, homes, quirks, patterns, play and personality. They are loving and sly; quick witted and mischievous. Watch there mannerisms and similarities emerge. As humans we often hid the trueness of our identity including everything from a complex dynamic to the most primal characteristics. I can relate to their purity and rawness of their essential personality. It’s something to be valued and thus I have donned a mask that instead of hiding my face reveals a primal purity.

 

Button Bonanza!

      The beauty of prints and illustrations is that they can nestle their way into essentially any physical shape and make new mediums their home. Illustrations are viable to our personalities and applicable to our every day lives. Using this thought it dawned upon me, "Why not buttons?". As there is no evident rebuttal I pursued forward and now a bit of a button bonanza has commenced.
     I learned the process of creating buttons which was actually not nearly as complicated as I had once assumed. It's actually rather therapeutic and i must force myself to resist making all my buttons at once simply out of neurotic repetition. Each button is hand illustrated and thus far I have 5 different fabrics. I had purchase parts to create 25 buttons so my thought was create  1 of each fabric blank and create 1 of each fabric with the illustration on it that I feel suites it best. All of these illustrations are still congruent with my theme and other artwork. It's literally wearable artwork that can accompany you every day. I presented the work this way so that if individuals like what they see then those buttons are ready for them. They also have the option to mix and match the fabrics and pre-presented illustrations. Finally as well there is always custom. I am always willing to design something uniquely just for them. I think everyone has a bit of a creative spirit but that doesn't mean they were given a gift to materialize those thoughts into product. This is where I come in.
     Buttons, as related to my work as they may be are slightly a different route and people may wonder why this. Simply I was curious what it would be like and whether I would enjoy their creation. I think it could be a wonderful avenue and if it doesn't hold up to quite that then it's only a diversion of a bit of time and materials while still not being a loss. If you are interested in these buttons you can always visit my Etsy shop ArdentPrints or simply follow this link http://www.etsy.com/listing/124308681/hand-illustrated-buttons-you-choose-your? . Enjoy, pass the word and remember custom is always an option.

Blog Talk Radio

    Remember that interview from back in November? Well that interview has been recorded, edited and officially aired! It was a great opportunity that I am so incredibly grateful for. I'd like to share my experience and it's publication with all of you.

     I've been waiting for official notice of the interview's publication and needless to say I was overjoyed when I received it. It seems a bit surreal to think that there is indeed a professional interview out there on Blog Talk Radio, You Tube & iTunes. It was officially aired in the beginning of December. Since then it has received over 2,000 hits! Not only do I think this is great but even CAGO (Contemporary Art Gallery Online)  thinks it is fantastic by their standards. If you'd like to listen to it you can search cagomedia on iTunes and look for my name or simply go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cagmedia/2012/12/08/an-artist-speaks-interview-with-guest-mark-mcdonnell .

     Thank you all for the support and as I said previously I am so grateful for this opportunity. I can only think it is a step in the right direction. Lets hope there are more stepping stones that way.  Enjoy the interview!

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.