Larkspur: Beautiful Spirit

We often forget that we ARE nature.  Nature is not a separate entity.  When we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we have really lost our connection to ourselves.

My latest art is about rediscovering that beautiful connection that can make us feel whole again.

Here is the latest: "Larkspur: Beautiful Spirit."  Beautiful Spirit is a meaning attached to the Larkspur flower, the flower depicted in this work.

"Larkspur: Beautiful Spirit" hand-cut paper, 16"x20", by Heather Clements.

Here is the sketch I started with on the back of the paper.  The back of the black paper is an off-white.

And here is the back of the finished paper cut.

Back of black paper cut, "Larkspur: Beautiful Spirit" by Heather Clements.

 I love shadows.

Here are some detail shots:

 Green Tip #9:  Plant native plants.  Once a native plant is established it doesn't need to be watered or fertilized.  That's good for the planet AND saves you time, effort, and money.  Many native plants are enjoyed by birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, leaving you the pleasure of watching these creatures in your own backyard.  Native plants have developed a resistance to the insects and diseases common to the area so will maintain health without intervention.  You will be replacing lost food and habitat for native wildlife of all kinds.  It just makes sense to have the plants that have evolved to live in your area successfully, without all the time, money, water, fertilizers, pesticides and more that come with importing foreign species.  You will be helping to bring a bit of ecological balance back to the small piece of planet you inhabit.

What Happens to Art After it's Finished

I have no new art to show you, partially because my wrist has been hurting (again again again again.)  But I assure you I have been sketching and pondering on my next paper cut.  So since I can't give you a blog post without any images, here is a painting from 2010.

"Boxes: Self Portrait" (detail) Oil on wood,  28"x28", by Heather Clements, 2010.

"Boxes: Self Portrait" Oil on wood,  28"x28", by Heather Clements, 2010.

Most professional artists today would tell you that they spend about half of their time making art, and the other half is dedicated to the business side of it all.  It should be pointed out that by professional artist, I mean someone who makes a living from their art.  I can't just create art and then close my eyes tight to hope that someone will magically want to buy it.  I'm stilling growing as a professional artist, but I have started to set certain routines that have been very beneficial.

Today, I thought I would share with you just one part of the business side of being an artist.

The journey of a piece of art after I finish it:

• Come up with a title
• Photograph artwork, including detail shots
• Frame artwork
• Attach title and artist information on the back of the frame
• Photograph artwork with frame
• Edit Photos in Photoshop
• Save full artwork image in 3 different sizes (one full size, one for internet use, and one for inventory list)
• Save detail image(s), save framed image
• Price (There is a formula for this)
• Add to personal inventory list with image, title, size, date, medium, price, hours, cost, etc.
• Blog about it
• Share blog on Facebook and Twitter
• Add it to Flickr page
• Add to Facebook page album
• Add to Etsy (sometimes)

I think that's about it, although I feel like I may be missing one or two small things.  Then, of course, every time that piece of art goes to a different gallery or exhibit, the place and duration is added to its section of the inventory list.  Every piece on my inventory sheet has "Currently at ______" so that I know where every piece is at any given time.  Once a piece is sold, the date, income, and buyer information is also added to the inventory.

So there you have it.  In short, each work of art is titled, priced, photographed, documented, and shared.  When you make as much art as I do, you have to be super organized.

Inspiration Source #8: Yes! Magazine.  Yes! Magazine reframes the biggest problems of our time in terms of their solutions.  Online and in print, they outline a path forward with in-depth analysis, tools for citizen engagement, and stories about real people working for a better world.  It is a non-profit, and is payed for by subscriptions and donations, so advertisers have no influence on the content, and the magazine is ad-free!  Through powerful ideas and practical actions, Yes! Magazine is always an inspiration for me.  I highly suggest you check out their website and become a subscriber.  www.yesmagazine.org

Thank you for the read,

-Heather

Hibiscus Silkscreen Print and A Commitment Celebration

For a while I have wanted to create a silkscreen print of one of my papercuts.  The stark black and white lends itself well to crossing over to the medium of printmaking.  I chose to make prints of the image of "Hibiscus: Delicate Beauty."  This was a small run, each print is 11"x14", and just $35.  Contact me if you would like one!

For this print, I used drawing fluid to paint the image onto the screen.  Here is a shot of the process:

On a more personal note, Mat and I had our Commitment Celebration!  All the decorations were made out of.... you guessed it, paper cuts!  We were fortunate enough to have gorgeous weather.  That day was absolutely beautiful, and truly one of the happiest days of my life.  Really.  We were so happy to be able to share our love with our closest friends and family.  Here are just a few photos:

 

Photo by Desiree Gardner

Photo by Jef Logsdon

Photo by Desiree Gardner

Photo by Desiree Gardner

Photo by Desiree Gardner

Photo by Desiree Gardner

Thank you for stopping by!

-Heather