Saturday, April 25, 2009

Art Crawl: Spring '09

The door to my studio, which I just painted with chalkboard paint so I could create this welcome sign for visitors.


The first wall you see when you enter the studio. I have my artist statement next to this very personal painting. One of the highlights of Friday evening was having a visitor thank me for telling "my story".

The second wall that is part of the entrance hallway. The small painting with the yellow flowers is the painting I sold today.



The wall leading into the closet hallway...the one with my "woman" paintings.



Another interior shot--facing the windows. Two things--I love that vibrant tablecloth. I wish it was fabric, but it's paper. Also check out my new bins, helping me staying organized!


The table where I display my cards.



Just wanted to check in and post some pics from the Art Crawl. Day 2 is done. Tomorrow I wrap things up. It will probably be the slowest day...Sunday always is, plus the weather looks questionable.
I'll write more later, but I just want to say that so far things have gone very well. I've been delighted that the weather has been very good so far...a few days ago it looked like it would be cold and rainy. It's been a little cool, but not a drop of rain. The pleasant weather has definitely helped bring out people.
As in the past, the Art Crawl has been a wonderful event. So often as an artist, you work in a vacuum...with very little feedback on what you're doing. In some ways, while you are creating, that's a good thing...it allows you to keep doing what you're doing without being "swayed" by the opinions of others. But at some point, you need to pull your head out of the clouds and see what others think. Participating in the Art Crawl allows me do that. It's been gratifying to hear the comments from visitors. I've heard good things about my work and the studio itself. That feels good. It feeds my soul and makes me excited to do more work.
This isn't a big-selling event, but it's not about that for me. Don't get me wrong--sales are nice...they make me feel like breaking into song. But it's hearing the feedback from others that keep me going.
So I just wanted to share these pics from my studio and send out a thank you to all those who have supported me in getting to this point. And a very special welcome to all my new visitors. I hope you stop by often.

15 comments:

whyte said...

Risa, Sounds like you had a wonderful day. You're correct, it's not always about the sales, affirmation of talent and impression is sometimes all it takes. Someone buying our work is affirmation, and it's nice to know our efforts pay the light bill, but sincere recognition is what feeds the soul! Have a great day today---Pat

NANCY LEFKO said...

just beautiful....what rich colors !!! everything looks SO professional !!!! congrats :)

Anonymous said...

Risa - Congrats on your Art Crawl! I can only dream of having my own studio one day, congratulations on your success!!

Linda

reagan said...

It looks wonderful! I can't believe what you have accomplished in such a short time!!!

sue pelletier said...

....love your studio....looks fantastic! such positive response to your work!!!

starrynightimpressions said...

Risa,
Wonderful creating space that you have!
I agree with the positive comments from people. It brings us artists such hope and creativeness to hear that people like our work.
It's so easy to be so critical of our art so the positiveness means sooo much doesn't it?
blessings,
starrydeborah

QueenBe said...

I'm so jealous of your space and organization. It looks great!

Alisa Nordholt-Dean said...

Your studio looks amazing! Congrats on the great turn out. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Kim said...

Risa looks great! Hopefully someday I will get to St Paul to visit. It is only about 4 hours away and my cousin Patti lives there! Congrats!

Glenda-TwoCoolTexans said...

Risa, wow, what an event and what beautiful work.

Jodi Ohl said...

Risa, you did a wonderful job putting it all together, it looks great!! I understand completely about what you said about the affirmation of others about your work...sales are the icing on the cake but it's the positive feedback and encouragement that keeps you moving forward. I hope today went well and will lead to big things down the road for you!

Julie Branch said...

Thank you for posting the pics of your studio during the crawl! I do love the orange tablecloth! Nice door with the drawing too! I will make it out there one of these crawls and see it first hand. Keep at it!

Unknown said...

hi risa...
beautiful blog..
we love your work...
mona & the girls
have a great week

love the chalkboard idea!

Artsnark said...

Your studio & art look Fab! Really love your storage system.

Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing

Risa said...

very very nice!