Saturday, April 21, 2007

Reminder to Myself

On Thursday of this week, Carlynne and I gave up a studio day to go to Lakeland to do the final touch ups on the two butterflies that I did for Kaleidoscope, Butterflies in Flight. After finishing the paint repairs, we visited Carlynne's butterfly in Munn Park across from the Chemical and Citrus Bank where it is permanently displayed and looks very nice. One of mine will be auctioned off with the money going to help build the children's park.

On the way home, we stopped at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland and were very fortunate to see two wonderful exhibits by two fabulous artists, Joyce Scott and Monica Naugle. Both could be called weavers of unusual materials. Joyce Scott is a beader and fiber artist who combines many other things into her wall hangings, jewelry and assemblages. Her work is very edgy and makes an important statement about racism and stereotypes. Monica Naugle weaves natural materials, such as thorns with metals and other objects into very fine sculptures and wall hangings. Being who I am, the colors and textures of these two exhibits made it very difficult not to touch.

Kudos to the Polk Museum for showing these two fine exhibits that might have been too controversial for some venues. We were both very impressed with the cultural atmosphere in Lakeland and Polk County. The public sculpture and the children's art on display upstairs at the museum are just two examples of the importance placed on art

We had a host of ideas that came to us, as we looked at the work of these two artists. On the way home as I drove, Carlynne jotted down notes for us to help remember what we wanted to do with the inspiration we had gained. (By the way, I like having a secretary). I was reminded that in the world of schedules and deadlines, I do not take time to look at art often enough, and this is very important to what I do. I have read most of Julia Cameron's books, starting with The Artists Way, and I agree with her that an "artist's date" is extremely important. I need to look at art, particularly art that is unlike my own, on a regular basis. It is so inspirational and just what I need when I am stuck for an idea.

Happy painting to you,
and peace soon.
Kelli

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

So true. Just as writers need the stimulation of a broad range of reading, artists need the stimulation and inspiration gained from exposure to a wide variety of art forms.

Cynthia said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I just worked through the Artist's Way last winter and found it thoroughly inspiring and motivating. I wish I had read it sooner. I don't always get my "artist's date" in, but when I do I think to myself I need to do this more often.

The exhibit you describes sounds so interesting.

PS, I love your Beach Series paintings.

Kelli said...

Thank you Cynthia,
We love to hear from other artists. Isn't the internet just wonderful? What was life like without it?
I will be coming back to your site.
Kelli

Robin Pedrero said...

Carlynne and Kelli,

Hi! I remember when we studied the Vein of Gold at Julaine's little house.(Julaine just graduated in Montana, in psychology) I miss you both! Please come take an artist date to my studio Gallery in Sanford. Joannie Woods, Lucy Bebe and the other artists in Women to the 6th now 7th power might be exhibiting here too.
Call me if you come to Gallery on First.

Robin

Robin Pedrero said...

Hey Carlynne and Kelli!

I have missed you guys! Remember when we studied the Vein of Gold at Julaine's little house. (She just graduated in psychology in Montana) Joannie Woods, Lucy and Shannon came to the Gallery I am a part of to look at bringing their exhibit there. Please make an artist date to come to Gallery on First in Sanford sometime, and PLEASE call me so I don't miss you!

Robin