Saturday, April 29, 2017

Sardines & Beer

The last two weeks have been unbelievably hectic and I'm only now finding the space to sit down and actually relax. Hence being a bit slow to blog about it.

On Wednesday, I decided I'd been big and brave enough by myself and met up with Nicola, my art mentor for some gentle hand holding and reassurance. I'm glad I did. She reminded me of how far I've come, complimented me on the quality of the work, its presentation and my preparation. Perhaps more importantly, we talked about my scheme of work next week and for the next month. It was crucial for me not to get to this weekend and fall flat after the event. It seems I worry and stress unnecessarily. The self-inflicted pressure is counter-productive. May's objective is to lighten up a bit. To take more breaks. To breathe more deeply. 

That probably tells you my state of mind Thursday morning. Poor Dave, I volunteered him to babysit me as I waited for the gallery to open. Happily, I was not first in the queue, I was third. What I am particularly proud of, was the fact I did not gush, I did not do my wet spaniel impression all over everyone involved. I calmly handed over my two pieces of work (the framer had ignored Dave's instructions and I wasn't happy showing the sunflowers in the end) and then Dave and I went on our way so I could complete my preparation for the evening. I needed good nails and two eyebrows stat!

I think I probably over-thought the whole thing as I planned everything down to my outfit. Inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's iconic style, I made an executive decision and bought a man's suit. I don't have the income to be a fashion plate and I'm not interested enough to do it on a budget. Neither am I retro, vintage or hipster in any form. Classic fashion is beyond me, though I can do it if pressed. I'm too old and cranky to be sexy-chic and I didn't want to present myself as an artist as a sexual being. Don't get me wrong, I am a sexual being, but I don't want it to be part and parcel of my marketing. I'm not interested in flirting for the camera or anyone else for my art. Hence, the suit. I'd read this article about a woman wearing men's suits for a month and it appealed. A suit would be stylish, classic and comfortable. I talked to Dave about it and boy did we have fun, we went to Moss Bros and got the suit. I did have to get the trousers and the vest adjusted though; with the best will in the world, I'm still a curvy woman trying to fit into clothes that were meant for frames more straight than mine. I found women's double-cuffed shirts online. My neck size is 11.5 inches, men's shirts tend to start at 14 inches and any smaller are for boy's clothes which I'd have never buttoned up. Dave was my valet and did my tie for me.

Once dressed, I felt amazing. Power dressing at it's best. I sat and walked differently. And darlings, pockets. Men's tailoring has pockets in so many convenient places, it was just a question of where I put things.


Letting social media know I was on my way

Thirteen A is a small gallery. It's more the size of someone's front room than an exhibition space. We were definitely sardines. There were bottles of beer and ice in a large plastic tub in the middle of the room. I had an absolute blast. 

The Private View was mainly attended by artists and their friends all crammed into this small space. We spilled outside onto the pavement as well, when it got too packed inside. I got to talk to so many incredibly interesting people. The show was an open submission and yet it worked. The diversity of styles and media meant it should have clashed, it shouldn't have made sense. And yet, it did. The synergy was astonishing. There were oil paintings, lino prints, acrylic paintings, drawings, 3-D pen sculptures and of course my work.

The whole point of the experience for me was to put my intention out into the world. I did what I set out to do. Earlier in the week, I watched an amazing talk by Paul Klein on YouTube, on How to be A Successful Artist. Amongst other things he talked about not the Art World, but Art Villages. He said the challenge artists face is to find their art village, the place where they can call home i.e. the internet, the gallery space, etsy, it's not so much about geography per se, or the base market, but an amalgamation of the two. There's also an expectation that an artist will move around for a while before they find their art village. Thursday night for me was my first exploration into the art village in Norwich. 

I very much doubt I will sell my work this weekend, and that's fine. I was pleased to be there. I was after the experience, and I feel I presented myself well. I intend to create an art career that will continue into my dotage. This was the first step. 

Yesterday, I went on a day's course on pastels. I had an absolute blast; it turns out I love soft pastels and it's mutual. Please bear in mind I was basically colouring in the tutor's tracing of the reference photograph next to me. But this is what I did. Yeah, I'm beginning to think I've got a good shot at this.
No biting

27 comments:

  1. Oh, my! That's a killer look with the suit! And, you're in very good company with Ms Dietrich!

    Nice pastel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my, Ms Dietrich. If only. I am not worthy!

      Glad you like.

      xx

      Delete
  2. You are smashingly awesome in that suit! It is so perfect on you. I love that you are pursuing your art wholeheartedly. I am following this intently! One day, I may just own a Rose Blackthorn original.

    (Those cherries look totally biteable! [Is that even a word?])

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much.

      I like biteable as a word. We'll keep using it until it's properly recognised.
      xx

      Delete
  3. I have to agree with Ponita - I just want to devour those cherries. They really are totally biteable! Excellent colouring in!
    Sounds like a wonderful sardines experience. Fingers crossed for a sale.

    P.S. Smashing suit. I can't help but recall the Paul Whitehouse "suits you, sir" sketches. It's a fantastic look and really does suit you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From one artist to another, thank you for your lovely words.

      Sardines & Beer was just brilliant.

      I'm going over to pick up my work early today and I'll take pictures to share. It was such a great idea and a fab event.

      xxx

      Delete
  4. I just caught a peek of you in the suit on FB - Wow!!! I had to come here to read the background story. You are an inspiration!!
    Sx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much.

      At the moment, typing in my onesie, I don't feel terribly inspirational.

      xx

      Delete
  5. P.S My villages are Blogging and Instagram.... and Mogwash.... but I often go AWOL from all of them :-)
    Sx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not on Instagram and I've never heard of Mogwash. I realised I'm getting old when I had to ask Rowan what Grinder was! :D

      Delete
  6. I've just read your comment at mine.I thought you were being a bit gushy and wondered if you were fishing! hey! No need to fish, girl - you are stepping up and out.
    I don't always like what some artists do, but I love that they do it.It's a very verbal life, isn't it.
    And now I have to hate you , just s little bit.I can't even approach pastel or charcoal without needing to be cleaned by a fire hose.Jealous, I am.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My compliments were sincere. I don't gush to be gushed at. It's just not the way I do things.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous10:03 pm

    Hui-juih-juih ... aehem, ja ... nice suit. If I get it right, you made your entry into the art scene of the area, who is connected with this gallery now has a chance to know that interesting lady in the blue suit. Is there a possibility to see your entries online ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have indeed made myself known in the art village of Norwich. It's a very fun place to be, it must be said. There's absolutely loads going on.

      You're going to have to give me a few days to upload the pix to my website.
      xx

      Delete
  8. Your suit is stunning! You look stylish and carefree at the same time. Good eye and fashion sense. I'm glad you and Dave had a great time.

    I am so happy to read about your first public engagement. Congratulations! You are living the dream and following your heart. Yay! I totally believe that most of the regrets we have are less about what we did, but rather most of our regrets are about the things we didn't do--the opportunities missed, the fear of trying something new, the loss of time wasted on what ifs. Life is for the living, and you're living it fully!

    Thank you for your sharing your work. Those cherries look vibrant and resplendent! Fantastic! I feel very cheerful looking at that work. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww...thank you lovely.

      When my courage fails, I'll hold your words close.

      You've boosted me up today.
      xx

      Delete
  9. Happy Mothers Day :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Solstice greetings.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think you look very stylish. Reminds me of a "Sex and the City" episode where Charlotte's lover photographed as a chap in a three piece suit and tie, but added false moustache and balled up socks. I am rather glad those were omitted. The suit fits beautifully.

    Anyhoo, it's fun to see you after all the time you've been a regular cast member over at the Razor Blade.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great "Bag o Fruit" it looks great on you... chalk or oil pastel? I love working in chalk pastel myself... when I can be arsed setting up the easel....
    Putting your work out there on public view is a stressing challenge. I know from all the costuming I've done over the years... It's a relief when it's all done and dusted. well done you for sticking at it an having a go darling.a

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous10:07 am

    Juhuuuh !?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous7:12 pm

    Darling ? Are you already preparing your exhibition in Moma Norwich ? How are you doing ? It's now more than four months since your last sign of life.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Rose,

    I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well and fine. Thank you for sharing your magnificent works with us, for creating and sharing with us the beauty and wonders from your part of the world. Thank you for your support and friendship. Thank you for being an inspiration to never give up and to follow one's heart and dreams. Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    -----((*))--
    ------*o*---
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    -------[:::]
    ----[8][#][+]
    [>•<].[///].[~*~]

    .*.~•~.*.~•~.*.~•~.*.~•~.*.~•~.*.
    May the Holidays fill you with joy, peace, and comfort. And May the New Year bring y'all good fortune, keep y'all healthy, and lead you to inspiration. May you always find yourself surrounded by good food, good company, and good times. Cheers and Best wishes to y'all! Be safe, be warm, and be happy!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous6:47 pm

    Dearest Rose - all the best wishes for You, Your son and - of course and especially - for Lawrence.
    Ich grüße Dich von ganzem Herzen

    M.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Rose and Loved Ones,
    Happy New Year!!!
    -----_[_]_
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    --\/=====\/
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    .o.•.o.•.o.•.o.•.o.•.

    May the New Year keep y'all healthy, hearty, and full of good spirits. May y'all be surrounded by laughter, love, and joy. Be safe. Be warm. Be happy. Best wishes and Cheers to y'all!

    ReplyDelete
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