Friday, August 5, 2016

What's Next? Damned If I Know For Sure...

"Come 'ere Cowgirl"

Yes, it has been months and months since I last posted here, and I'd love to say that I've been so busy with commissions and gallery shows that I just haven't had time to sit down in front of the screen. The truth though is, I'm at yet another place of change and struggle. My life seems to have an abundance of these moments. From turmoil comes creative change...
These last months I've been more and more a hermit of sorts, which is not a bad thing for me, as it helps me focus more on the artwork.  I've been making art like the above everyday, inspired by, and working from my collection of vintage odd photos.
Last month I made a quick trip back to Austin to pick up artwork from the two remaining galleries that were representing me. (Sorry TX friends, no time to visit, I got in and out as fast as I could...) No major complaints about the galleries, except to say that my work wasn't selling and so, why use them as a storage facility? Both galleries seemed to be splitting their focus from selling art to wine tasting, music events, pet adoptions etc...While I understand the need to bring people into the space, and god knows galleries all over the US have struggled with this, I've found it doesn't translate to art sales for me. So, in spite of my friend here who tells me almost daily that I need to find a gallery closer to NW Arkansas, I'm stepping away from brick and mortar gallery space for now.  I know I have to update my website, redo the etsy store etc, etc....and so forth. Yes, yes, yes...
Adding to the 'leaving old ways behind' theme is the recent death of the 98 year old man that I had been caring for, as one of four caregivers, over the past 2-3 years. While it was time for him to go, still every death is tough.
 I closed my flea market booth that contained the vintage ephemera and collectible items that I had been buying and selling for years. (Many of these things will end up on etsy and ebay, just as soon as I can get it together enough to build the stores...)
This is all to say, I'm growing as an artist, every new piece I finish becomes my favorite, at least until the next one begins.
If you have need of a pet or people portrait I happily take commissions. Or if you know someone who would be interested, send them my way please. If you have old photos of unknown relatives and you'd like me to put my spin on a scratchboard drawing of them, contact me. Leave a comment here or give me a hollar at lcsheets@blue-eyedponystudio.com