I have recently submitted an abstract mixed-media, collage painting to be judged in the Saatchi Online Showdown: An online competition where artists can showcase their work and go head-to-head with other artists, giving the winner a chance to display their art at the Saatchi Gallery in London. If you like my piece and find my work interesting then please do not hesitate to VOTE for it. Go HERE and vote for my painting.   Voting starts today and runs through January 19th. If I make it past the first round of people’s choice voting (aka popularity contest) and on to the second round I will then be judged by jurors selected by Saatchi. It takes a little while to wade through the entries – but I will be forever grateful for your support!

Here is a little description about this piece and my current body of work: I incorporate college materials I collect from recycled magazines, newspapers, and old books. I then dissolve the printed color pigment with a special solvent and turn the printed material into what appears to be dreamy watercolor studies. In turn, I rip those images apart and start assembling a “skeleton” of sorts on the canvas. I think in terms of color and texture. I break down and then build back up; erase, yet reveal. I use numerous layers of paint, washes, glazes, medium, spliced text, handmade paper, tissue, and gesture marks to make the piece appear to be a unified surface; My intention is to create layers of information through my technique; leading your mind’s eye on an aesthetic journey. It is a form of communication, and contradiction.

"A Wealth of Sins" (2011) 40x50

So here I am.  I will attempt to give a better critique of France of the next week  (which was amazing in so many aspects).

Getting ready to travel:
I had so much work to do before leaving that I sort of left out a bunch of research – like what art I wanted to actually see in Paris, what the Lourve actually houses, learning a lick of French, etc……  I had a few paining commissions to wrap up and either deliver or get in the mail.  I had to ship a bunch of art to an Atlanta gallery/art rep.  I had to write three sorority recs, rehang my studio, clean my house and get ready for the house sitter, plan out my dog’s meals for the time she was at the kennel, I needed to make sure all my work shifts were taken care of at the studio/gallery and jewelry store, and plan a trip to San Antonio for a family thing.  I guess a normal person does not wait until the last minute, but I can’t seem to find enough hours in the day.  I was taking some art supplies and paint in hopes of doing some plein air painting, and that in an exact science in itself. And part of those did not arrive in time.

So with the lack of technology and distractions that normally desensitize, while in Provence, I was allowed to breathe, and exist in the moment.  Here are some things I learned or thought about:
- People view the world completely differentially.  People process reality differently:  Two people can actually see, hear, and experience the same exact thing(s) and realize it completely differently. So when you hear “There are two sides to every story” – you better believe it.  The baggage we carry lends itself to perception.  Some people trust too much, and take life at face value, while others think there is conspiracy and motive behind most things.  Some people trust what they are told and are able sit back and wait for their turn in life.  Other people would rather hover over the possibility, and force or rush the opportunity. Your reality is not always the same as everyone elses.
- Art is so objective.  And that is why I love it so much.  What people deem beautiful is not universal.  Some people don’t trust themselves, and like everything that everyone else does.  Others always find beauty in the underdog, Some people may think something smells nice that I find absolutely revolting.  The same goes for music, and tastes.  Some people are just ignorant.  Others are flat out narrow-minded.  Some people go through life accepting no responsibility or accountability – some prefer to play the role of the victim.  Others don’t like negative attention,  shun pity, hide from the truth, some live with a facade, and live in shame; they live with lies.
- Some people like/create drama and see that as a form of attention, or energy to thrive on.  Others prefer to actually gain attention from real accomplishments.
- Some people are so focused on the end product that they forget that the experience that leads them there is just as important:  Take time to smell the roses. Your personality, attitude (or lack of one), passion, love, and enthusiasm transpires in your art and how you live your life. You have to experience things before you successfully create.
- Some people are quick to criticize or critique things they know nothing about – I’m sure I have probably been guilty of this in the past as well.  And while I know their comments are based on ignorance, they can still sting.  Which I guess is why to this day I still don’t really care to show people my work unless it is mostly finished.
- I like challenge, experimentation, and discovery when I am make my (abstract) art. I don’t impose too many restrictions on myself – and if I do, I don’t seem to notice anymore – it might be second nature.  The ability to be loose and intuitive is what grounds me.  I savor the process.  In fact, what I have been doing the past few years I find more rewarding and challenging than anything I have ever done.  It is my therapy.  The preparation that goes on before I start a painting can take so long: Gathering collage materials, making my diluted solvent images, making copies, ripping them up, planning the compositions, layers and layers of  paint, paper, and medium – but the execution looks effortless.
I learned that a realistic painter seeks these same sort of challenges, but in different ways:  They may limit their palette and force themselves to only mix old school. They have to have the right light, or light bulbs.  The preparation of plein air painting is so meticulous, and set up needs to be an exact science, otherwise you waste valuable painting time.  Painting plein air encourages a realistic painter to paint fast, loose, and in the moment – to basically use the opposite side of their brain. It was interesting for me to see that a realistic painter seeks to embrace challenges and enjoy the process as well. And what seems daunting to some, others actually embrace.

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So then I went to Paris – by myself.  I was a little scared and excited at the same time. But I will write more about that later.

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I feel very peaceful and ready to enter my fourth decade of life.  I have a few changes to make, but I am comfortable with who I am, and know what I want from life.   Here is a detail of a soothing painting I have been working on:

1.
the state or quality of being creative

2.
the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination: the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.

3.
the process by which one utilizes creative ability: Extensive reading stimulated his creativity.

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Well I have not been feeling very inspired lately.  I have not been feeling challenged.  The past few weeks I felt like everything I touched was turning to poo (which is rare for me) – so I kept starting new things, in an attempt to push forward.  Now I have a bunch of half started pieces of nonsense scattered everywhere.  Part of the problem is that my studio is a wreck and I am at a loss at how to organize it.  And I can’t seem to organize my thoughts either (it has taken me two weeks just o complete this post.)  The other part of the problem is that a huge project was pulled out from under me and I have not been motivated to finish things in spite of it.

And I am going through this phase where I don’t really want to be bothered and allow anyone in my studio anymore (like regular walk-in traffic, not actual clients.)  It was never my intention to be this retail space, but evolved into something else – and I have just been going with the flow.  But now feel like retreating.  Lose all the distractions.  I will let you in on a secret:  I actually like being a recluse. I don’t really like, or relate to people all that well.  I do not mince my words, and my fake, bull-shit tolerance is very low – therefore that weeds a bunch of people out (thank God).  If the world were comprised of just animals I would be the Queen.  However, it is not – and having an open studio forces me to interact with people and encourages me to articulate both my physical and mental thought process behind each work. Things I never really consider unless I attempt to explain to someone else.   I never think about what I am doing – I just DO.

But as much as I want to just hole up in a big lonely warehouse and grumble about everything – nobody wants to buy art from a Hermit-Ogre.  So I struggle with taking control back, and finding some balance.  I am sure I will feel better once I clean and organize my work space. I just need to make that time.

I think I read something recently that creativity and inspiration does not occur in the studio – but in fact starts in your everyday life.  How you think, shop, cook, dress, plan, what you read, garden, etc.  So I have been going back to basics to get to the core. I have been working on my home a bunch:  Entertaining, decorating, rearranging, organizing my house, cooking, shopping, etc.  And spending time outdoors:  Gardening, walking on the beach, bike riding – all in an attempt to keep it moving.  The color of Spring make me happy. Spring inspires.  Spring invigorates.

According to Wikipedia, “Creativity is the ability to improve^, where by through improvement value is added. What counts as “improved” may be in reference to the individual creator, or to the society or domain within which the innovation occurs. What counts as “valuable” is similarly defined in a variety of ways, but usually through its comparative uniqueness.”

So I need to keep reminding myself that Creativity is not just “the spirit or muse behind the art” – but a whole “improvement movement.” So I guess if I throw enough flowers in the dirt hole it won’t be a dirt hole anymore.

Enjoy!

My latest project was the music video “Wait For Me” for the rock band Tiny Animals.  I did all the art which was then animated by someone else.  Check it out and let me know what your favorite part is!

The album is released in April, but for now you can purchase the single off iTunes HERE

So I have always been drawn to the font. This way I can appreciate the pattern and structure on my terms:

"Mnemonic" 24x24x3 (2011)

Recently my friend Kerry gave me a few Chinese magazines to have fun with. (see detail below)

"Mnemonic" (detail)

"Mnemonic" (detail)

"Something Hurting Again" 48x60 (2011)

RIPTEAR
Opening Reception Wednesday, March 2, 2011,
5:00 – 8:00pm
@ Williams-Cornelius VAULT
in conjunction with the First Wednesday Artwalk in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

RIPTEAR, a group exhibition featuring the work of artists Ke Francis, Patrick Golden, David Kaminsky, Casey Matthews, Julia Morrisroe, and Steve Williams will be on view. Williams-Cornelius VAULT is located at 121 W. Forsyth St. in the underground bank vaults of the historic Atlantic Bank building.

VAULT, at its second ArtWalk exhibition showcases artists from Savannah, Orlando, Gainesville, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville. Each artist speaks with a strong, dynamic visual language uniquely their own. Works range in size, medium, thematic content and timeline, while individualistic and powerful content bring them together in this exhibition of museum quality works.

Williams-Cornelius’ mission is to present artists ‘on the verge’ as well as mid career artists.

If you are unable to make the Artwalk, the gallery is conveniently open by appointment:  904.525.3368

HERE is a great article about the Williams -Cornelius (Steve Williams & Cabeth Corneilus)

Follow Williams-Corneilius on FACEBOOK

Here is a painting I sold last fall through Gregg Irby Fine Art.  I had to go do a minor touch up on it recently (apparently it got  scuffed up in transit).  So I got to snap a photo of it in its new habitat.  A perfect example of how a crazy piece of contemporary art leaves my über messy studio and ends up in a nice, peaceful, tranquil, traditional home on the banks of the St. Johns river.  Love it!

Where did the year go?  It seemed like I had the busiest year imaginable, and accomplished sooo much, yet lost steam in the middle somewhere.  I still have a few boxes in my carport to go through (more like throw away), organize my office, and consolidate a storage unit. Someone asked me when/where my next art show was and I did not know.  I have sort of taken a little time off.  Too much time.

So the new year has arrived.  Now, to hit the ground running, and constantly reminding myself, that in order to eat the elephant – you need to do it one bite at a time.  Not interested in setting a bunch of goals I can’t keep.  I will be 40 this year.  That is nuts.  It won’t be for 11 more months, but still.  I remember when I turned 30 I suddenly became more self-aware, and conscious (and courteous) of others around me. I tried to be more friendly and outgoing – which is hard for me.  It was  a light-bulb that switched on.  I was so proud of myself for becoming such a grown-up.  But Now that I am embarking on my 4th decade, I know the world exists but I say screw it – I’m all about me this time!  I have joined the rat race.  It is my new years resolution to focus on myself and my career, to be selfish with my time, self-absorbed, narcissistic, egotistical.  No energy vampires allowed!  And I mean really focus on myself -  like my health and fitness.  I want to look as good as I feel.  I have had so many doors open, wonderful people have entered my life (and I kicked a few out), and things happen to me – I need to really ride those opportunities while I still can.  I just don’t have time for the crap in between.

Does that sound horrible?  I hope so.

Most people thing “Balance” as being a good thing – but I have resigned to the fact that it is not.  For me (with ADD), the quest for balance  means that nothing gets done, or it is all poorly done, that I am spread too thin.  “Jack of all trades but master of none.”  I never liked the phrase “Done, is better than perfect.”  You might as well say “Average is awesome!”  I am just going to try to focus on one thing this year in order to get perfection:  Myself.  It is the only thing I have complete control over.

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Already sold three paintings this year we are ten days into.  Not too shabby.