In Memory of "Serendipity #28"

"Serendipity #28"

15"x15" 

Mixed Media Painting on Wood

© Jennifer J L Jones

I always tease that my paintings are my "children".  From conception to birth... I love each and every one of them. But, eventually I have to let go of them; it becomes necessary to kick them out of the studio so they can "be free" and go out into the world and find their way to the galleries and into collections. Of course I'm incredibly protective and always hoping for the best. Ideally they find someone that adores them and decidedly can't live without them. It makes my heart happy when I know the paintings are being enjoyed in a safe environment and it's pure joy to know that my work has reached collections worldwide. But until they get to those locations... there is the dreaded matter of shipping! 

I can't be sure what exactly happens when a shipment of paintings heads out into the world of transit... I cross my fingers that the artwork is packaged properly, insured, and that it will reach its final destination in perfect condition. Sadly, this isn't always the case. I've definitely had my luck in numbers... but the other day I found out that my dear little "Serendipity #28" didn't reach the gallery without suffering a terrible tragedy.  I suppose the guy driving the forklift that pierced the shipment and created a decent size hole through the wooden panel didn't notice the 'FRAGILE' stickers all over the box. Sigh.... Poor little painting! Luckily my work is always professionally packaged and insured, so once the "inspection" is completed and the insurance claim goes through, I can add UPS to my list of collectors. (I should note here though that I've been shipping through UPS nearly every week for years and I think I've only had three damaged pieces total, so the overall % has actually been in my favor.)

ANYWAY, the point of this post is to send out a gentle reminder and encourage everyone to ALWAYS effectively package your artwork - (no matter what size, shape, value, etc.) - to the best of your ability.  And please, please, please be sure to insure your precious creations. 

  

Inspiring Photographer

OK, so... I've been painting, reading, singing, and soaking up what feels like a cascade of inspiration while working on new paintings-- the inspiration is literally coming in and at me from all directions-- from everywhere! (Such an incredible experience when we're open to it!)  Because of this inspiration, I have some great news and posts coming up.....

but for now... what I found so inspiring today... was stumbling upon the photography of Cameron Krone.  Can I just say: God bless "Google Alerts"?  

I should probably confess that I can be quite a snob when it comes to artwork I find personally appealing. Rarely do I immediately "click" with an artist's work. Sometimes I'll like one or two pieces... but their entire body of work or style? Hmm.... I like to joke that it's because of my fine training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. They taught us well... and those of us that survived critiques and didn't run out crying can critique the hell out of anything. Even a box of kleenex if we wanted to. I have my BFA degree to prove it! :-)  Anyway... suffice to say, I'm picky. Which makes finding art and artists that I become an instant fan of... a big deal for me. 

So, back to today.... occasionally I receive news via Google re: what my galleries are up to...  Today, an 'alert' mentioned Fay Gold and a photographer from NY who did a photo shoot at her home here in Atlanta... my curiosity was piqued.  And that is how I found out about Cameron's wonderful work. 

Before I knew it I was sending him a note to compliment his work.  And to my wonderful delight, he took the time to view my work as well and we're now in negotiations for an artist trade! I'm THRILLED (to put it mildly!) -Those of you following my blog or who know me personally, know how much I adore trades!- My hope is to trade a painting(s) that will warrant a personal photo shoot with him this November while I'm visiting NYC.... and hopefully by posting my excitement in the blog I'm not jinxing anything! 

Anyway, just wanted to introduce his fine photography to those of you who might not be familiar with or haven't seen his work before. 

To my new friend.... I say, "Bravo, Mr. Krone!!"  

P.S. I hope you don't mind me blog-bragging-- and yes, the song posted by Spoon, "I turn my camera on" is meant to be funny. 

Anniversary

This post is dedicated to my incredible parents.  

This weekend, they are celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary!!

And I, their youngest of five, celebrate their love, passion, sense of adventure, commitment, strength, wisdom, guidance, compassion, and amazing support. 

For without them, I wouldn't be here to follow my dream as an artist and put as much beauty out into the world as I possibly can. 

I can only hope that one day I will find the kind of true love that they have known throughout their marriage. They are quite simply remarkable. My parents are my pillars.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!! 

May you have another 45 years of love, happiness, and adventure together!

"Two Worlds"

"Two Worlds" installed & in good company with my favorite Buddha Head

It felt like Christmas yesterday when UPS showed up to deliver my most recent art acquisition! I now have "Two Worlds" (created by my dear friend, Jessica Pisano) in my personal art collection.   This piece is from Jessica's latest series & featured in her solo exhibit this month at the Belushi Pisano Gallery on Martha's Vineyard. Her work is capturing the eyes of many and Cape Cod Life Magazine just did an artist profile on her in their latest Art Issue talking about this new series! I'm so glad I snagged "Two Worlds"  before anyone else could... it's already hanging up in my living room and love it! This one is truly is a lil' beauty! .... Thanks, Jessica!

"Two Worlds" 

6" x 6"

Mixed Media on Wood Panel: B&W Photograph, Acrylic, & Pencil

© 2008 Jessica Pisano

www.jessicapisano.com

Art + Artisans Representation

I'm pleased to announce that Art + Artisans Consulting, Inc. is now representing my work in Austin and Houston, Texas. Art + Artisans is a full service art consulting firm assisting clients with art acquisition and collection management. I've just shipped out a selection of my Serendipity paintings for their inventory and looking forward to announcing future placement of these pieces in new collections. Stay tuned!!

October Exhibition Cancelled

Installation View at Artizen Fine Arts, Dallas, TX

With regret, I announce that my three person exhibition scheduled for October at Artizen Fine Arts Gallery in Dallas, Texas has been cancelled. My apologies to those of you who were making arrangements and planning to attend the opening reception; I'm sorry I won't have the opportunity to share my paintings at this gallery with you in person, but will be sure to keep you posted on other upcoming events & exhibitions featuring my work.

Thank you so much for your continued support!!

Fragile! Handle With Care...

August 1st?? I can hardly believe it,  but the heat is a clear indication that it is indeed... the middle of summer. 

Today I'm not only working on commissioned paintings, but also trying my best to repair two paintings that were sadly damaged. The studio heats up pretty quickly when I'm busy... and today is one of those especially melty summer dog days. While the heat has me mostly thinking about Otter Pops.... (mmm.... Otter Pops....)...

...the artwork has me thinking a little more about the fragile nature of all things. 

 And so ... I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips on caring for your artwork. 

There are so many great books and of course detailed information at your fingertips with the internet, but for now here are a few quick guidelines and gentle reminders...  (I found an almost overwhelming amount of information when I looked, but felt that a great art blog I stumbled upon really summed it up in a short, clever, fun way, so I'm re-posting here with a link back and would like to thank the Art Addict.)

Now go get your ice cream/popsicle fix and don't forget to take good care of your precious works of art! :-)

~Jen

DISPLAYING ART

Never hang or place artwork in direct sunlight. The sun is death to art. Photographs and drawings are particularly susceptible to fading. If you want to be extra protective of your artwork, rotate it as often as possible allowing for some time in dark spaces or storage.

Do not hang artwork in or near sources of heat or humidity, i.e., bathrooms, heaters, etc. No matter how well you think something is framed or protected, humidity will surely warp and damage most surfaces.

Do not leave artwork outside (unless it is designed for outdoor viewing). Basements and garages are not recommended places to store artwork because of exposure to inclement weather, humidity, and dampness.

Do not throw, dropkick, dribble, juggle, finger-spin, break-dance upon, or otherwise disrespect your artwork. Treat it like art (and I say your heart!) and you'll enjoy a long and fulfilling life together.

CLEANING ART

If you are collecting paintings, photographs, framed drawings, and most sculpture made from a hard material - bronze, plastic, etc. - there are some basic rules to follow when cleaning your art. If the artwork is made out of something odd - chocolate, urine, blood, primordial ooze, etc. - make sure to contact the gallery from which you purchased it to learn about how to clean the work.

Avoid letting dust accumulate on artwork. When dusting your artwork, use a can of compressed air, or a very soft, non-abrasive, lint free cloth. Paper towels are a no-no because they can leave tiny scratches.

Use a plastic cleaner, not commercial glass cleaner, on Plexiglas. (Art Addict recommends Novus Plastic Clean & Shine). Apply the plastic cleaner with a soft non-abrasive cloth. NOTE: Spray the cleaning solution on the cloth, never directly onto glass or Plexiglas.

Keep artwork away from dogs, flying fish, cats, flying cats, ponies, potbellied pigs, ferrets, llamas, constricting snakes, lemurs, monkeys (flying or otherwise), and pretty much any and all animals exhibiting claws, feathers, hooves, fangs, bottomless curiosity, and/or opposable thumbs.

HANDLING ART

When handling artwork, always try to use white art-handling cotton gloves. Never touch the surface of an unframed artwork without gloves; even clean hands leave a corrosive residue. To purchase art-handling gloves check your local art supply stores or click here.

Avoid damage to fragile edges and corners of artwork by padding the work during installation or hanging. Always use padding -- a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam -- when resting artwork on hard surfaces.

Never handle, move, or hang large works of art alone; you can easily damage the art. Or yourself. Art Addict's foot broke the fall of a large photograph she was hanging alone once. She broke a toe. The art was spared.

When packing and storing artwork, always use stable, pH-neutral, archival materials. If you are unsure what that means, contact your local art store or framer and they will show you materials that fit these requirements. One favorite tip for the handling of art is that the bubbles in the bubble wrap should always be on the outside.