A Look at Art & Design

The Fearless Nature of An Artist

I interviewed Maestro Balam Soto on Friday June 20 for a feature article in INK Publications.  I like conducting the interview portion which comes with writing these articles for INK.  I meet with talented and insightful people and with each interview I learn something significant about art and design; and sometimes I am even able to gather profound notions which affect my own life and philosophies.

One of the most exciting interviews I conducted was with the design team of Cummings & Good.  Having listened to them talk about their work, my focus was centered around conceptualization and attention to detail.  That interview, and their work, still inspires me to this day. The discussion with Gilbert Boro taught me about process and provided new ways for me to think about and incorporate solid process in my own work.  During the interview with modern artist, Balam Soto, I learned about fearlessness.

Balam's story is really quite something. He resides in Hartford CT having moved here from Guatemala to be with the woman he loves and to pursue becoming a full time artist.  His work is beautiful, colorful and alive with a spirit that only a truly impassioned artist can bestow upon a canvas.  I hope you will pick up a copy of INK (I believe Balam's article will be published in the August 2008 issue) to read about how this gentle man came to the US speaking only ten words of English. How he produced his first painting as a boy in Guatemala by fashioning a paint brush made from a stick and his own hair.  Balam is now a successful artist who has received the title of Maestro from his native country of Guatemala and exhibits his work in galleries in Connecticut, New York and abroad.  He has even taught himself to program computers and create his own website and a blog.  He did all this in 12 short years.

The creative aspiration which compels an artist to pursue their art is an amazing gift (some may think it is a curse.)  But with fearlessness we can cross oceans, learn new languages, create beautiful marks on paper and pursue our dreams.  As Balam said to me "You can make art out of anything!"...  just fear not and you can obtain whatever magnificence your heart desires.

Artist Ted Mikulski

I recently received an email from my cousin Ted Mikulski. I didn't even know I had a cousin named Ted Mikulski, let alone the fact that I had a cousin named Ted Mikulski who paints! It was pretty darn cool to hear from him. Having corresponded with the up and coming artist, he now has a brand new website online to present his work, and a blog for marketing. Please visit Ted's website and say hello at the blog.

Is Graphic Design, Not Simply Posters, Museum Worthy? by Paola Antonelli

As a follow up to my post entitled The Value of New Media in the Art Industry, I'd like to direct your attention to an article written by Paola Antonelli about the revitalization of graphic design objectives at MOMA.  While the article was written in 2004, it is still relevant today and offers a specific viewpoint from MOMA's Department of Architecture and Design.  Very nicely written and found via AIGA.

Considering Process

Last month I interviewed Sculptor Gilbert Boro for a feature article in INK magazine.  Interviews are often very enjoyable for me and every time I conduct an interview I learn something surprising.  I've worked closely with Gil Boro for about 3 years, but it wasn't until we sat down to discuss his work for INK that I realized how much Boro really truly embraces, not necessarily the end product of his work, but the process.

Boro spoke to me about the challenges and the fun he has with the stages and series of his work.  He spoke about the way these large scale sculptures of his are put together...the way end pieces meet and how the sculpture hits the ground.  He talked about how when working in a series he is able to revisit a problem or address an issue not fully resolved in the last artistic attempt.  For Gilbert Boro, it's all about the journey.

For the last month or so, I've been thinking a lot about process.  While, of course, I know that a certain conceptual process goes on in creating something; personally I've never really been able to "embrace it."  Process was a means to the end.  I knew it was there lurking behind the scenes, but turning out product for clients and meeting constant deadlines afforded me little time for the luxury of in-depth consideration.  Often I just felt like the machine working for the deadline and the end product.  This was a major mistake on my part.

I believe creativity is intricately bound to process.

Looking back on past work, I noticed that those projects which allowed me time for consideration and to fully develop concepts were superior to those projects which were turned out at Mach speed - duh!  Some projects which were turned around quickly were also quite good, but I attribute that to the mysterious thing that happens when you sometimes throw analysis aside and work from sheer inspiration.  Nevertheless, the projects in which I was able to embrace the process were not only superior but I remember they were a lot of fun as well.

The opening paragraph of Boro's article poses the question, What is it that compels the artist or designer to create?  Is it that first spark of an idea that sends them into the studio?  Or perhaps it is the visualization of the end product that drives the artist to work through the night.  In my case, I think it was often reaching for the end result that drove me to work late into the night.  This, I feel, is mainly due to meeting the deadline or satisfying the client's time line.  Deadlines and time lines are a very real part of the design industry.

One activity where I am hyper focused on process is writing.  Every word is chosen for a reason.  I strive to get the punctuation and grammar as proper as possible although I'd be the first to say I require a good editor.  Not only is the content of the written piece important but also the way the words work together.  I endeavor to be a word weaver.  So, how come the difference between the design and writing process?  Well...for one thing, I think it's because writing is just so unbelievably difficult!!  It requires my complete attention.  When I'm in the process of writing don't expect an immediate reply to your email because I'm not checking email at that time.  Don't call me because I will not answer the phone and in fact, the ringer has been turned off. Don't knock at my door or call my name, because I don't hear you until after the article is completed. When I write it's for fun (in a painful sort of way) but when I design... I'm at work.  Work includes answering phones, responding to email, having to stop what I'm doing to attend a meeting.  I love design more than anything, and I was becoming increasingly attracted to exploring process, so something had to change...

I am now embracing the process and all it's beauty.  I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.  I have to say...it makes me really happy to do this.  There are a lot of questions involved and a multitude of ways to do things, but it's the challenge of finding a REALLY GREAT solution that holds the nicotine fix of process.  It's having the time to experiment and play and work toward something truly unique and fresh that defines creativity.  I travel around now with a Moleskin in my bag and a stash of pencils for sketching out ideas.  Process is time intensive but I have found that the client receives a better design, better problem solving analysis, and I feel heaps better about the creation and the development of the design. I believe this is why people hire designers.  And I think its important that designers and artists feel good about what they have created.

I'm often most creative at night.  So I've been doing a lot of the conceptual work during the evenings and into the early morning.  This allows me a good span of time after hours to complete a thought and to work on consolidating ideas.  It's a nice quiet time.  Instead of problem solving while I drive or while I'm in the shower, I now actually take the time to sit in my office, pencil in hand and dedicate time to pondering a solution.

I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.

Just like when I write, I've discovered that when I'm designing I don't have to respond to email immediately.  I need the time and space to see an idea through (or mostly through) to some conclusion. I've started to check email only two or three times a day. It's true what everyone says...  this allows for a more productive day free from distraction.  Emails don't all need an immediate response. Responding to all at the end of the day, is OK.  Don't tell anyone, but I've also started to turn the ringer off on that Blackberry when I'm focusing on a job... that works really well.

Knowledge provides contentment for me and adding to my skill set is exciting.  I'm tired of doing the same old stuff the same old way.  The time has come to expand and grow.  I believe creativity is intricately bound to process. I've updated my hardware and software.  I'm taking tutorials and having a blast.

I'm interested to know what you as designers, artists and writers think.  Do you embrace the process or is it a means to the end?  What is it that compels you to create?  And how do you consider process?

Art and Propaganda by Milton Glaser

Art and Progaganda by Milton Glaser. There is nothing else for me to say except read it for yourself. Found via icograda.

The Value of New Media In The Art Industry

The art industry has, in the past, been quite slow to jump aboard the Internet bandwagon. Once considering it too pedestrian, many museums and galleries are now embracing new media and are seeing the positive results of opening up their artistic arms to the greater public. Museums, galleries and artists alike are now all agreeing that a website is not a fad and is a major component in their business collateral. You will not likely find a museum that hasn't spent several thousands dollars on a website and online marketing/advertising. In doing so, these organizations are clearly finding the investment is justified.

Yet, there are many who simply resist participating in what can be a very valuable and powerful outreach tool. I must admit, I really don't understand this mindset. A recent conversation with a client once again causes me to reflect on what exactly is the value of new media in the art industry and how is it best harnessed to bring about a favorable ROI.

Now I could talk here until I'm blue in the face about all the benefits of new media for the art industry.... or any business for that matter. As a person who deals on a daily basis with artists, galleries and art organizations, I frequently find myself in the mist of conversation debating the value of online marketing. I could tell you that there are buyers and collectors of fine art that actually have "monthly Internet purchasing budgets." I could tell you that gallery directors regularly search the Internet for art news, exhibition reviews and art work. Museums not only are investing in websites but they are also taking innovative approaches at using the Internet to build their in-person attendance. Let's take a look at the facts and figures.

News24.com, published on article on March 28, 2008, Web Boost for Museums. The article talks about how museums are finding that sculpture and art once stored away, is now finding a new audience online. Now able to show these works on their websites, the museums are finding "that rather than diminishing the number of museum visits, the web is actually boosting in-person attendance."

Offering more than just information on museum hours and driving directions, these institutions are now seeing the beauty of providing their inventory to visitors who may never be able to actually get to the museum. The person in Connecticut can now access the wonderful works and resources of a museum in London....or Sydney... or Cleveland. A gallery in London can pursue the work of an artist in New York. News24.com reports via The Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, that Internet users actually go visit the museum 2.6 times more than those who don't. The ILMS further reports on Feb 28, 2008:

• Libraries and museums are the most trusted sources of online information among adults of all ages, education levels, races, and ethnicities. Libraries and museums rank higher in trustworthiness than all other information sources including government, commercial, and private Web sites. The study shows that the public trust of museums and libraries migrates to the online environment.
• The explosive growth of information available in the €œInformation Age€ actually whets Americans€™ appetite for more information. People search for information in many places and since the use of one source leads to others, museums, public libraries, and the Internet complement each other in this information-rich environment.
• The Internet is not replacing in-person visits to libraries and museums and may actually increase onsite use of libraries and museums. There is a positive relationship between Internet use and in-person visits to museums and public libraries. In 2006 remote online access increased adult visits to museums by 75%.

But you can't just build a website and hope the people will come. You can't bemoan the value of the Internet if you are not willing to take the time and effort to build your online business collateral. It sounds strange but this wonderful online marketing tool known as your website or blog, must be marketed as well. Submitting your URL to third party sites, utilizing email campaigns, advertising your domain name and offering quality content is what will create a successful online presence. It takes time, money and creativity. This is a journey not a sprint.

BizReport's Kristina Knight, and The US Email Marketing Forecast, reports that email marketing is expected to rise by 75% by 2012 and to reach $1.2B. That's a pretty impressive number. Email marketing, while it still has its issues, works because it's quick and results can be tracked and analyzed within hours. Its geographic outreach is vast. And instead of waiting days for a postal direct mail campaign to deliver results, galleries, artists and museums can reach out to recipients immediately. Additionally, it's cost effective. The price of postage and postcard or brochure printing for every announcement can get pretty costly.

Setting up and participating in a blog is a very effective way to drive Internet traffic to your website and thus increase sales and recognition. The effect of a blog is cumulative because the posts you create are published online immediately (via RSS) and stay online FORVER. Jim Spadaccini at Ideum reports that museum blogging is now mainstream. In a post dated October 18th, 2007, Jim discusses the findings he compiled for a conference at the Association of Science-Technology Center. His findings showed 211 blogs were listed in the Museums Blogs directory. By the time he returned from the conference he was surprised to find that 20 new museums had submitted to Museum Blogs. His findings were already (only 10 days later) quite dated.

While this article focuses mainly on Museums and the Internet, these findings should provide a basis for establishing the Value of the Internet in the Arts Industry. Artists and galleries should not only follow this lead but also apply the principals of online marketing and promotion to their own businesses. In December 2004, Pew Internet published a report "Artists, Musicians and The Internet." The report states that artists and musicians "have embraced the Internet as a tool that helps them create, promote, and sell their work." The report goes on to say "Artists and musicians on all points of the spectrum from superstars to starving singers have embraced the internet as a tool to improve how they make, market, and sell their creative works. They use the internet to gain inspiration, build community with fans and fellow artists, and pursue new commercial activity." Of those participating in the Pew report, 23% of all online artists and 41% of Paid Online Artists say the internet has helped them in their creative pursuits and careers.

It is my hope, that this post in some way encourages the art community to take better advantage of the Internet for marketing and promotion. It just seems to make perfect common sense to me. Additionally there are great resources for inspiration, creativity, learning, outreach and community. While I deeply understand that artists really just want to do what they are most compelled to do, create art, to simply dismiss the power of the Internet and its benefits to the arts would be a grave mistake.

At this time, Jim Spadaccini is requesting museum feedback on a survey he is conducting at Ideum. The folks at Ideum are in the process of writing their first National Science Foundation grant proposal to fund Open Exhibits, a project that will allow them to develop, test, and disseminate three open source software templates that will allow museum professionals’ to assemble electronic exhibits for the museum floor. If you are a museum professional, please take a few minutes to complete the survey — and please help spread the word about it. It will take about 20 minutes and Ideum will share the results with everyone who participates. They will also keep you updated about the status of Open Exhibits.

Useful Links:
Museums and The Web - The international conference for culture and heritage online
Musematic
MuseumBlogs.org

Keeping My Artistic Clients Happy - Part of the Art Management Job

Part of my responsibilities as an Art Manager is to ensure that my artistic clients are able to do what they do best... create art. So when one of my best clients calls me to say he's overwhelmed by incoming emails and can't focus on studio work... it's a problem.  It's my problem.

Here are some of the actions I'll put in place to ease the onslaught on this artists inbox:

1.  I inform the client that I will only send him 1 email per week.  On a Friday. That email will summarize the weeks activities until the time the client and I meet face to face for a brain storming session.  The once a week emails will also serve as an agenda for any upcoming meeting.  I tell the client that should he receive an email from me on say...Tuesday, it is because I absolutely need a response to an issue.

2.  I set up an alternative email address to filter all non specific emails coming in from our marketing efforts.  This will eliminate spam, newsletters, and misc crap from his personal email inbox.  As his webmaster I will review all these emails and alert him to only those which are relevant.

3.  We set up special categories to filter and sort his inbox for art suppliers, membership organizations, buyers and personal.  In this way, as his incoming email is downloaded to his local computer it is sorted and categorized and put in the appropriate folder.  He is able to distinguish by an alert which emails are priority and which emails can wait a day (or two) for a reply.

4.  I advise the client to check email only once a day... preferably either before he starts his studio time in the morning or after his studio work is done at the end of the day.  This may sound obvious but even the best of us can fall into the trap of checking email several times a day. 

Blogging Art History

I was thinking that not a lot of people blog about art history. Art history is near and dear to my heart and not being able to believe that some passionate art historian wouldn't have taken up the practice of blogging about such a vast topic, I went in search of some great academic art blogs. Having a thirst for what art historians are talking about these days I found the following:

Art History Today - Who is the person behind this blog? It seems quite excellent, informed and pretty much updated... at least until October of this year. I enjoyed pursuing the category list, and the writings, and wished to find out more about the author. Ahhh... a secret, I guess. No where is the author mentioned nor is there an email address. I look forward to his or her next post.

Art History Newsletter - a good one. Edited by Jonathan Lackman, this blog contains posts on American, Ancient, Contemporary, Islamic, Modern and Renaissance art. Also theory and museum news. It is up to date and offers contributions from several PhD students studying a variety of art topics and working at some pretty fine art institutions.

And so seriously, that is about all I found. Modernkicks references a post done at Art History Newsletter asking "why have there been no great art history bloggers?" Do you know of any good art history blogs? Let me know and post a comment below.

Ideum reports Museum Blogging is Mainstream

Having been relatively out of the loop in my reading as of late, I visited the blogs of some old friends and was pleased to see that Jim Spadaccini of Ideum reports that museums have finally come around to seeing the beauty of blogging. While in the past, museums and galleries were late-comers to the notion of Internet, websites and Internet marketing, Spadaccini shows that as of October 18th, 233 museums have joined the blogosphere. While I really wouldn't consider this "main stream" it is good to see that the numbers are increasing weekly. "We’ve received more than 20 new submissions to museum blogs in a little over a week." says Spadaccini. I remember when I started ArtLOOK, only a handful of museums were using blogs and it's nice to see them taking advantage of the powerful tool known as the Internet.

Also be sure to check out MuseumBlogs.org for a listing of great additions to the museum blogosphere.

Gallery One Reopens

Gallery One will reopen this month in the Old Saybrook Shopping Center, Old Saybrook CT on the Boston Post Road.  The work of 15 member artists will be displayed during the 2 month inaugural exhibition with an Opening Reception on Friday November 30, 5-8pm.  Works cover a broad range of subjects and mediums, representational art to abstract.  Mediums range from oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings to drawings and prints, sumi ink brush paintings and pottery.

"I'm very pleased that we are continuing to make this range of artistic voices available to people in this area," says David Brown, who initiated the idea with Matthew Rubin, former owner of Gallery One and owner of the Old Saybrook Shopping Center.  Rubin is jump starting the venture with the generous donation of rent and utilities for a period of time.

Member artists include:Carlos Ayala of East Lyme, Hayne Bayless of Ivoryton, David Brown of Old Saybrook, David Brubaker of Old Lyme, Catherine Christiano of Old Lyme, Jesse Good of New London, Sibby Lunch of Stonington, Irene Neal of Old Saybrook, Judith Barbour Osbourne of Ivoryton, Liz Pagano of New Haven, Judy Perry of Old Saybrook, Dan Potter of Ledyard (studio) and Stonington (home), Rick Silberberg of Ivoryton, Nancy Tracy of Old Saybrook and Jill Vaughn of Ivoryton.

Opening Reception: Friday November 30, 5-8pm.  Wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Gallery One's hours are Friday through Monday:  12-5pm November 30-February 2, 2008
Please note that the gallery will be open on Mondays during December until 7pm.

Gallery One
Old Saybrook Shopping Center
665 Boston Post Road, RT 1
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860-388-ART1

Shown Above: Art lovers linger in front of work by Judith Barbour Osborne at Gallery One
Photo by: Sara Munson