Saturday, May 19, 2012

Out of Sight

IF:Sight
I have been making big projects for myself. I keep raising the stakes and it pays off for a second in my head and then I'm back to square one. I do not have a good reason to make these huge projects only in the hopes that people will see what I can do and maybe hire me. Its hard to make work for attention because you build up ideas in your head of the potential outcome and it does not always pan out the way you thought or hoped it would. I have just been feeling a little more pessimistic than usual. I thought about getting off of FB as I feel like the need for validation there is sooo great. And then if you do not get enough response its a kind of failure. I am going to try to make some work that is smaller scale for a little before taking on the huge subway project.
I think it was also brought on by the death of Maurice Sendak. I listen to all the interviews and feel so connected to these artists and then sad they are gone. Its hard, I am not part of a community of children's book artists and in some ways I want to be. I like the idea of the community, but get concerned about the competitiveness that might be there. I guess I should just be friends with really famous artists....they have nothing to be fearful of. I did apply to a fellowship in VT and if that happens maybe I will meet some other artist types that I actually like.....or at the very least get a lot of work done.


9 comments:

Michele Thomas said...

Your tall flowers and bushes look almost marine. They're beautiful!

Sasa said...

This is cute but I absolutely adore your header image, great!!

Cindy D. said...

I just love this crazy colorful jungle! And what a cute little person! Beautiful colors.

I am sorry to hear your big projects aren't working out. I guess I would suggest that you just make sure the project is something you really wanted to do anyway, even if it doesn't have the complete outcome you want. Because then you'll still be happy that you completed it. :)

the dizzle said...

i think it's important to make your own community... i've been emailing photographers who really inspire me and so far everyone has written back, sometimes it turns into a really great email conversation sometimes it's short and sweet - like it's just a nice pick me up that they would write back at all i guess. recently i've tried to surround myself more with people who are supportive and creative in their own lives. i found that when i was trying to befriend other photographers, a lot of them were just too catty or not really positive people in general to have as friends (a lot aren't like that too, it's just weeding the bad ones out like anyone). good luck char char, i love your art and am always excited to see what you've been working on. also i think you should print the coffee world maps into posters!! people are going to nerd out on those like woah. xo danielle

MariaForrester said...

Beautiful illustration. Your work is amazing.

MariaForrester said...

Beautiful illustration. Your work is amazing.

Rita said...

I really like this! I hope things work out...if I were you I wouldn't worry about comparisons or validations, create art because it brings you joy! Forget the rest. Easier said than done, I know, but that's what I try to do. :)

Creations By Mit said...

Great illustration! I really like the wild & colorful plantlife!

tanjawilmot said...

hey, your work is absolutely beautiful. just keep going, you work will find it's way out there I'm sure. I'm sorry you feel pessimistic. thanks for the honest post - I can relate, a lot of the time. do you ever make small warm ups? I've had a lot of fun doing them and then posting to flickr - just takes the seriousness away, brings back some play.