Call for Artists - Bucky Art | Crystal City BID | Arlington, VA

Have you ever heard of R. Buckminster Fuller? I'm a big fan.

Call for Artists - Bucky Art | Crystal City BID | Arlington, VA

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Arena Stage is introducing a temporary, outdoor art exhibit that pays homage to the great scientific mind of R. Buckminster Fuller and his creation of the Geodesic Dome. “Bucky-Art” celebrates the upcoming production of R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE.

This Call for Artists announces the opportunity to design and construct small-scale Bucky-inspired geodesic domes or other creations based Bucky’s Design Science Principles, but with individual creativity and ingenuity. Selected artists will receive a grant of $2000 from the Crystal City Business Improvement District.

For questions or to request additional information, please contact Robert Mandle at 703-412-9435 or via email at rmandle@crystalcity.org.

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A Bit of Studio Nostagia (Part 3)

You may be wondering what the big deal is. Why was this studio space so special to me?

P.Rashid's Pacific Grove, CA studio.

[Photo Credit-Lindsey Klinger, c.2009]

Well to start, I really pushed my working process in that space. I produced a considerable amount of paintings there and it was the largest private studio space I've had so far. I think even more importantly was that I started leasing it a month before my last child was born. And that was like a leap of faith.

P.Rashid's Pacific Grove, CA studio.

[Photo Credit-Lindsey Klinger, c.2009]

Back then, I wasn't sure that I would even have time to use the space with a new baby at home not to mention a 7 year old. The main problem with having a studio outside the home is physically getting to it to work.

P.Rashid's Pacific Grove, CA studio.

[Photo Credit-Lindsey Klinger, c.2009]

But I have to say, with the support and encouragement of my husband, who was in a demanding graduate program at the time, I was able to carve out a few blocks of uninterrupted time a week for most of that year. I would come home refreshed and more energized to be the mother and wife my family needed. That was great! Now I'm on to find the magic again in Tampa, FL.

A Bit of Studio Nostalgia (Part 2)

Have you ever started a new project just to pack it away?

You know...moving Sucks! It breaks your momentum to say the least! When I finally started the drudgery of packing up my paintings and materials (for real), I also started a very large painting on the outside walls of my studio. Why?

Outside my studio space, 170 B. Grand Ave., Pacific Grove, Ca

working new mixed media abstract painting.

[Photo Credit: Lindsey Klinger, Klinger Photography, c.2009]

Because inside the studio was a sad place of boxed up paintings. Because I needed something BIG to release my frustration on. And because I wanted to have something new to look forward to working on after this disruptive moving was all done.

When I'm finally unpacked, I'll come across this rolled up painting and it will be a stepping off point to a new series of work. That's the plan anyway.

Have you ever done something like that to motivate yourself?

A Bit of Studio Nostalgia

I've relocated to Tampa, FL now. But while I'm still stuck in hotels waiting to close on my new home, I can't help thinking about the great little studio space I had back in Pacific Grove, CA. I'm a little anxious about finding a new studio here in Tampa, FL.

Inside my studio space, 170 B. Grand Ave., Pacific Grove, Ca

working on an abstract painting.

[Photo Credit: Lindsey Klinger, Klinger Photography, c.2009]

The last days in my Pacific Grove, CA studio were very rough for me. Bittersweet. When I should have been packing, I suddenly got a burst of creative energy. I wanted to paint! For months after my solo show, "The White Space" at the PG Art Center, I was so burned out on abstraction. But wouldn't you know it, my mojo started coming back the week I started to pack out.

The studio was so warm and cozy. For a while, I just couldn't "defile" it with moving boxes, styrofoam peanuts, bubblewrap and tape! I had to work up to that.

So in the meantime, I did an inventory of my paintings and scheduled a photoshoot to document the studio before I "destroyed" the sanctity of the place. My photographer friend, Lindsey Klinger, came over a few times to photograph me working on some of my paintings. It was wonderful spending time with Lindsey. She really has great eye and works to capture that special thing about the subject.

I think what she captured about me that day was that instead of packing, I only had paint on my mind!

Painting Live & In Color At The Sand City Festival 2009

Painting live is exhilarating! Participating in the Sand City Art Festival back in August 2009 was a blast. I made a sale, met a lot of interesting people and networked with a bunch of very cool Sand City, CA artists. Good times!

The photos were taken by photographer, Lindsey Klinger of Lindsey Klinger Photography.

I have done a few festivals and I always like to set up a table to work in addition to presenting pieces ready to sale. I figure it is better to paint or carve images than just sit around and smile waiting for some curious spectator to come by and grace me with their variable attention.


Besides most people like to see an artist at work. And I like to show my working style. I'm not quite a conceptual artist but this for me is my version of performance art.


If I have a serious buyer come through, I'm more than happy and capable to stop painting and give them the attention they need and deserve to answer questions or process the transaction. I'm all about the Win- Win situation. I don't want to pressure or manipulate the prospect into buying. I want them to buy because they fell in love with my work and/or they want to invest in my career.

Granted, I probably have lost a few sales by not closing hard on a "fragile" prospect who was on the fence or intimidated or shy. Believe me , I can close...but I don't like to be manipulated therefore I don't want to do that to anyone else. It may have cost me some sales but I figure I should treat people how I want to be treated. So far, my collectors tend to be people who know what they want and THEY approach me.


So if you like my work and want to be part of my tribe or a valued collector..holla at me and let me connect you to something that will blow your mind. If not, just keep reading or pass on by. As for me, I'll keep on working.

Peace!-Princess

Sand City Art Festival Wrap Up!

A Fresh Display of Plein Air Painting-"Our Home Town" runs till 10/15/09.

Recently, I blogged about the last show I participated in at the Pacific Grove Art Center (PGAC) - see previous post. It was an honor to be chosen to hang with this great group of artists. Also it's heartening to see that plein air painting is still alive and well on the Monterey Peninsula. Here are some of my favorites from this juried exhibit.

Andy Williams

"Reclamation"

Oil

Patty Biederman

"House on Second Ave."

Oil

Howard Perkins

"P.G. Recreational Trail"

Oil

SOLD

If you missed the reception but are in the Monterey Peninsula swing by. The title of the show is "Our Home Town" and it features an organization called the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association (MBPAPA).

The exhibit ends October 15, 2009, so you still have a fews days to catch it.

Pacific Grove Art Center

568 Lighthouse Ave,

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

ph.831.375.2208

www.pgartcenter.org

A New Fan & One Classy Lady

Recently, my plein air oil painting, "Corner of Oceanview and 15th" sold on opening night at the MBPAPA's "Our Home Town" exhibit. I was happy to find out that I already knew the buyer and she happened to be a friend and somewhat of a mentor.

I remember when I first met Connie Pearlstein. It was the day I brought all my work to be hung for my solo show, "The White Space" at the Pacific Grove Art Center.

In the brief time I have known her, I have learned so much about how to navigate my art career-like always bring my best with STLYE and I think ALWAYS have a good HAT handy. She is a forminable lady and I am honored to be in her private collection.

MoVING AGAIN!

That's right! I moving again. My husband graduated from Naval Postgraduate School today. I'm tremendously proud of him! Now we on our way to Tampa, FL. So I might be offline but rest assured I'm still working. Actually I using this down time to get more organized. I'm also working on my art books and videos during my hotel time..of course in between diaper changes... Well on to TAMPA, FL...two kids, two cats and a husband!

Peace

Princess