Seth Apter's Blog, page 2
November 22, 2018
Cyber Sale
It's on...
Head to my online shop and use code CYBER20 for the discount. (if you are international, email me your list of items and I will email your total minus discount plus shipping along with a PayPal request)
Head to my online shop and use code CYBER20 for the discount. (if you are international, email me your list of items and I will email your total minus discount plus shipping along with a PayPal request)
November 20, 2018
Black Friday, Cyber Monday & In Between
It only happens once a year...
November 19, 2018
November 14, 2018
The Mixed-Media Artist: 5 years old
Five years ago today, North Light Books released my second book
The Mixed-Media Artist
.
It is hard for me to believe that 5 years has passed since this hit the shelves. Writing and publishing a book is a surreal experience that has included so many highlights for me: signing the book contract, holding the completed book in my hands for the first time, seeing the book on the shelves of book stores, and receiving positive feedback from readers. On the flip side, tracking sales and amazon reviews can sometimes be daunting. All part of the deal.
For those of you who are not familiar with my book, it highlights the artwork and creative process of over 40 all-star artists. This is not a traditional how-to book, but rather a journey through the personal inspirations, motivations and creative perspectives of the artist.
Inside its pages you will find:
ART
Juana Almaguer: Finding Balance. The face I show the world is incomplete, ill-formed, vulnerable and changing. Through my art, the world becomes less random, more fixed and cold, but reliable...very reliable. And to the world alone I show my face and find balance.
Juliana Coles: Self-Portrait with Love. As an artist there are so many things I look at in this piece that I feel I should do better - especially if I want to impress my audience. But I don't want to impress you with how good I am; I want to impress you with my bravery; I want to impress you with my ability to talk about the hard things and find my way through it. I think people will like me better if I make something pretty or "whimsical," but I can't. Please don't look away because I have something important to say. I'm talking to you: the woman like me who needs me to tell it like it is because she doesn't have the tools to articulate it. She doesn't have the words or the images to express it, but she knows what I am talking about. I am talking to you and your wound. You are not alone.
Anca Gray: Crash Course in Thoracic Surgery. The bits and pieces will fit. Take great care not to lose even one, torn and bruised as they may be. Hold them up to the sun, one by one, while whistling a familiar tune. As far as the mending itself goes, use what you have on hand, It will do. Pause often for tea breaks. In time, healing is sure to take its course. Eventually, a new song will bloom, just below the surface.
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
What do you do to make sure you are always growing artistically?
Keep my eyes wide open. Cultivate an attitude of curiosity. Believe in the possibilities of amazing things I have not yet personally experienced. Study, learn and try to understand the things I see around me. Look through the eyes of another. Practice spontaneity. --Tracy Verdugo
What is the one thing you dislike the most about the art world?
I don't love the fact that I basically have to sell myself in order to sell my work. Consumers seem to buy into the personality of the artist as much as the work. I'm a bit of an introvert. I'd rather just sit in my studio and create. -- Jason Twiggy Lott
What has been the most uplifting and/or devastating reaction of someone to your work?
In one show, I had an artist statement hanging in two parts. Ones side started with the word "lie" and spoke of the lies we believe about ourselves. The other side started with the word "truth" and spoke of the intrinsic worth of our experiences. One couple held their little girl and read the truth statement out loud to her. It moved me to tears and still does when I think of it. -- Crystal Neubauer
TIPS and TRICKS
Making an image transfer onto encaustic -- Supria Karmakar
Creating layered backgrounds with gesso and glazes -- Seth Apter
Using monoprinting leftovers for ATCs -- Marit Barentsen
ARTIST PROFILES
A motto I live my artistic life by: "You must make an effort to put something in motion" -- Jeane Myers
3 things I am inspired by: The tin box in the movie Amelie, the way that shadows dance, the caramel aroma of fallen leaves in October -- Elizabeth Bunsen
4 things on my studio table: buckets of rusted crews and washers, a pile of sticks, wire, reference books -- Geoffrey Gorman
BLOG SURVEY RESULTS
Have you ever purposely withheld info from another artist to keep your process private?
Absolutely not. I am happy to share...50%This has never come up for me yet...18%I will only do this with certain, specific people...17%I have done this on occasion...14%I almost never share my process...1%
Do you have trouble identifying you artistic style?
Yes. Although I know it intuitively, I have a hard time describing it...33%No, even though my artistic style changes all the time...26%Yes, I find this very difficult to do...24%No. I have a very clear understanding of my artistic style...17%
Do you have an updated artist statement?
No, I have not written an artist statement...41%Yes, I have an updated artist statement that I use...36%I have written an artist statement, but it is out of date and may not reflect where I am now...23%
It is hard for me to believe that 5 years has passed since this hit the shelves. Writing and publishing a book is a surreal experience that has included so many highlights for me: signing the book contract, holding the completed book in my hands for the first time, seeing the book on the shelves of book stores, and receiving positive feedback from readers. On the flip side, tracking sales and amazon reviews can sometimes be daunting. All part of the deal.
For those of you who are not familiar with my book, it highlights the artwork and creative process of over 40 all-star artists. This is not a traditional how-to book, but rather a journey through the personal inspirations, motivations and creative perspectives of the artist.
Inside its pages you will find:
ART
Juana Almaguer: Finding Balance. The face I show the world is incomplete, ill-formed, vulnerable and changing. Through my art, the world becomes less random, more fixed and cold, but reliable...very reliable. And to the world alone I show my face and find balance.
Juliana Coles: Self-Portrait with Love. As an artist there are so many things I look at in this piece that I feel I should do better - especially if I want to impress my audience. But I don't want to impress you with how good I am; I want to impress you with my bravery; I want to impress you with my ability to talk about the hard things and find my way through it. I think people will like me better if I make something pretty or "whimsical," but I can't. Please don't look away because I have something important to say. I'm talking to you: the woman like me who needs me to tell it like it is because she doesn't have the tools to articulate it. She doesn't have the words or the images to express it, but she knows what I am talking about. I am talking to you and your wound. You are not alone.
Anca Gray: Crash Course in Thoracic Surgery. The bits and pieces will fit. Take great care not to lose even one, torn and bruised as they may be. Hold them up to the sun, one by one, while whistling a familiar tune. As far as the mending itself goes, use what you have on hand, It will do. Pause often for tea breaks. In time, healing is sure to take its course. Eventually, a new song will bloom, just below the surface.QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
What do you do to make sure you are always growing artistically?
Keep my eyes wide open. Cultivate an attitude of curiosity. Believe in the possibilities of amazing things I have not yet personally experienced. Study, learn and try to understand the things I see around me. Look through the eyes of another. Practice spontaneity. --Tracy Verdugo
What is the one thing you dislike the most about the art world?
I don't love the fact that I basically have to sell myself in order to sell my work. Consumers seem to buy into the personality of the artist as much as the work. I'm a bit of an introvert. I'd rather just sit in my studio and create. -- Jason Twiggy Lott
What has been the most uplifting and/or devastating reaction of someone to your work?
In one show, I had an artist statement hanging in two parts. Ones side started with the word "lie" and spoke of the lies we believe about ourselves. The other side started with the word "truth" and spoke of the intrinsic worth of our experiences. One couple held their little girl and read the truth statement out loud to her. It moved me to tears and still does when I think of it. -- Crystal Neubauer
TIPS and TRICKS
Making an image transfer onto encaustic -- Supria Karmakar
Creating layered backgrounds with gesso and glazes -- Seth Apter
Using monoprinting leftovers for ATCs -- Marit BarentsenARTIST PROFILES
A motto I live my artistic life by: "You must make an effort to put something in motion" -- Jeane Myers
3 things I am inspired by: The tin box in the movie Amelie, the way that shadows dance, the caramel aroma of fallen leaves in October -- Elizabeth Bunsen
4 things on my studio table: buckets of rusted crews and washers, a pile of sticks, wire, reference books -- Geoffrey GormanBLOG SURVEY RESULTS
Have you ever purposely withheld info from another artist to keep your process private?
Absolutely not. I am happy to share...50%This has never come up for me yet...18%I will only do this with certain, specific people...17%I have done this on occasion...14%I almost never share my process...1%
Do you have trouble identifying you artistic style?
Yes. Although I know it intuitively, I have a hard time describing it...33%No, even though my artistic style changes all the time...26%Yes, I find this very difficult to do...24%No. I have a very clear understanding of my artistic style...17%
Do you have an updated artist statement?
No, I have not written an artist statement...41%Yes, I have an updated artist statement that I use...36%I have written an artist statement, but it is out of date and may not reflect where I am now...23%
November 6, 2018
TOAF: The Abstracts
I am working in series for many of the pieces I am presenting for this first time at The Other Art Fair opening 11/8 in Brooklyn. In an earlier post, I highlighted my collage work created in series on sheet film holders from vintage cameras. Like most of my work, it includes many, many layers of both paper, thread, and metal (and other) embellishments.
But I also like to paint - and leave it at that. So for the fair I created a series of seven, small, abstract pieces on 5" x 5" x 1.5" wood panels. The series is called Tangled up in Blue.
I will admit that when completed, I was drawn to add marks, collage and perhaps even found objects. But I love the simplicity and elegance of these pieces as is and find new details in them every time I look.
SOULS IN MY MIND
ECLIPSED
IN THE DISTANCE
RUNNING WATER
CLIOUDY MORNINGS
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
MAIDEN VOYAGE
------------------
The fair, presented by Saatchi Art, runs from 11/8 to 11/11 at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. 130 juried artists are included in the show and I will be there in Booth 20 for the entire exhibition.
TOAF opens Thursday night 11/8 from 6pm to 10pm with a private view party. The exhibition continues on Friday 11/9 from 3pm to 10pm, Saturday 11/10 from 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 11/11 from 11am to 6pm. If you would like to attend the VIP opening on Thursday night, please email me at shap97@gmail.com for complimentary tickets. If you would like complimentary tickets to attend the fair Friday through Sunday, click here and use code ARTIST.
November 4, 2018
TOAF: The Collages
With just four days to go until the opening of The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn, I am still making art. The fair, presented by Saatchi Art, runs from 11/8 to 11/11 at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. 130 juried artists are included in the show and I will be there in Booth 20 for the entire exhibition.
I am including both new art and reworked pieces. One of may favorite series debuting at the fair is a collage series, created on sheet film holders from vintage cameras. I love how they have a built in hook at the top so they can hang as is. Although you cannot tell by the photos, some of the pieces have "flaps" that lift up revealing other collage material and text.
I have 11 works completed...but may have 1 or 2 more by the time the fair begins.
CENTRAL STATION
DREAMER
FLOAT
FRAGMENTS
EXPEDITE
IRON MOUNTAIN
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
SNOW DRIFT
JOURNEY HOME
WELL RED
WHAT ONCE WAS
------------------
The fair opens Thursday night 11/8 from 6pm to 10pm with a private view party. The exhibition continues on Friday 11/9 from 3pm to 10pm, Saturday 11/10 from 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 11/11 from 11am to 6pm. If you would like to attend the VIP opening on Thursday night, please email me at shap97@gmail.com for complimentary tickets. If you would like complimentary tickets to attend the fair Friday through Sunday, click here and use code ARTIST.
October 31, 2018
Link Love: October
OCTOBER
So many links. So little time. Once a month I am going to share links to articles, artists, websites, social media feeds, artwork, events, books, etc. that I have come across and connected with. Click on through and prepare to be inspired. And if you missed any months, click here.
From Marie KondoHow to Declutter Your Studio for Maximum Creativity.
---------------------------
In or near London? Check outJose Parla: Echo of Impressions
---------------------------
Five Art Techniques fromRae Missigman
---------------------------
What NOT to Do at an Art FairWorth the read for its humor (all true)
---------------------------
Somerset Studio goes quarterly in 2019.But gets "bigger and better"
---------------------------
Hilma Who?No More.....
(photo credit - when listed - found in original link)
So many links. So little time. Once a month I am going to share links to articles, artists, websites, social media feeds, artwork, events, books, etc. that I have come across and connected with. Click on through and prepare to be inspired. And if you missed any months, click here.
From Marie KondoHow to Declutter Your Studio for Maximum Creativity.---------------------------
In or near London? Check outJose Parla: Echo of Impressions---------------------------
Five Art Techniques fromRae Missigman---------------------------
What NOT to Do at an Art FairWorth the read for its humor (all true)---------------------------
Somerset Studio goes quarterly in 2019.But gets "bigger and better"---------------------------
Hilma Who?No More.....(photo credit - when listed - found in original link)
October 29, 2018
The Other Art Fair
Thrilled to be a first time-exhibitor at The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn, New York. Presented by Saatchi Art, this fair runs from November 8 to November 11 and is being held at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. The work of 130 juried artists will be shown and each artist will be at their booth for the run of the show. In addition, there will be artist talks, interactive art exhibits, a tattoo artist, and plenty of food and drink.
I have been working hard, creating new work and reworking older pieces as well. Would love to have you join me there. The fair opens Thursday night 11/8 from 6pm to 10pm with a private view party. The exhibition continues on Friday 11/9 from 3pm to 10pm, Saturday 11/10 from 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 11/11 from 11am to 6pm.
If you would like to attend the VIP opening on Thursday night, please email me at shap97@gmail.com for complimentary tickets. If you would like complimentary tickets to attend the fair Friday through Sunday, click here and use code ARTIST.
I am in booth #20 and I hope to see you there!
October 24, 2018
New Workshop: Bento Box
I will be announcing portions of my 2019 workshop schedule in the coming weeks and introducing the new additions to my workshop schedule as well. First up...
BENTO BOX
NEW FOR 2019
Hungry for creativity? Build your own Bento Box filled with art in this jam-packed workshop. We will be making a series of projects, small in size but big in impact, that will each nest in its own container - think tins, boxes, bags, etc.
Each of these will in turn be placed and housed inside one larger box, creating a very special treasure chest.
Your unique art pieces will include some combination of handmade books, paintings, collages, assemblages, scrolls, wraps, shrines and more.
This workshop will be taught across 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. The longer the class, the more projects will be made. And each workshop will be unique.
In the end, the process of opening and exploring the contents of the box becomes a magical part of the art.
---------------------
Bento Box debuts as a two day class at The Queen's Ink in Savage, Maryland from 2/9 to 2/10/19. Joker's Wild, another new workshop that is the sequel to 52 Card Pickup, will also be offered at the same visit on 2/8/19. Registration is now open for both classes and only a few seats remain.
Bento Box will make its way to the west coast later in the year at two very special events. First up is the first week of May at Tinker Tailor Artist Maker, a retreat from Art is You in Redwood City, California. Registration opens in December.
In June, I am excited to be teaching a four day version of Bento Box as part of my own retreat (including housing and meals) sponsored by the Pacific NorthWest Art School to be held at the Port Townsend School of Arts in Fort Worden State Park in Washington. The retreat starts 6/5/19 and registration opens in November.
If you are interested in the California or Washington retreats, please let me know by comment, email or direct message. I will be sure you are the first to receive more information and registration dates and details. I must have your email address to send the info and, while you may think that this is always provided when you leave a comment -- it actually usually isn't.
---------------------
Head to my workshop page to see additional 2019 workshops already announced, including classes in Arizona, New Mexico, New York, Wisconsin and both England and Scotland. Check back often as many more classes will be announced soon.
BENTO BOX
NEW FOR 2019Hungry for creativity? Build your own Bento Box filled with art in this jam-packed workshop. We will be making a series of projects, small in size but big in impact, that will each nest in its own container - think tins, boxes, bags, etc.
Each of these will in turn be placed and housed inside one larger box, creating a very special treasure chest.
Your unique art pieces will include some combination of handmade books, paintings, collages, assemblages, scrolls, wraps, shrines and more.
This workshop will be taught across 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. The longer the class, the more projects will be made. And each workshop will be unique.
In the end, the process of opening and exploring the contents of the box becomes a magical part of the art.
---------------------
Bento Box debuts as a two day class at The Queen's Ink in Savage, Maryland from 2/9 to 2/10/19. Joker's Wild, another new workshop that is the sequel to 52 Card Pickup, will also be offered at the same visit on 2/8/19. Registration is now open for both classes and only a few seats remain.
Bento Box will make its way to the west coast later in the year at two very special events. First up is the first week of May at Tinker Tailor Artist Maker, a retreat from Art is You in Redwood City, California. Registration opens in December.
In June, I am excited to be teaching a four day version of Bento Box as part of my own retreat (including housing and meals) sponsored by the Pacific NorthWest Art School to be held at the Port Townsend School of Arts in Fort Worden State Park in Washington. The retreat starts 6/5/19 and registration opens in November.
If you are interested in the California or Washington retreats, please let me know by comment, email or direct message. I will be sure you are the first to receive more information and registration dates and details. I must have your email address to send the info and, while you may think that this is always provided when you leave a comment -- it actually usually isn't.
---------------------
Head to my workshop page to see additional 2019 workshops already announced, including classes in Arizona, New Mexico, New York, Wisconsin and both England and Scotland. Check back often as many more classes will be announced soon.
October 22, 2018
The Exquisite Corpse: Part II
Last month I had the pleasure of co-teaching a five-day workshop with Holly Dean in Burritt's Rapids, Ontario - just outside of Ottawa. The workshop was originally called The Exquisite Corpse...but almost nobody signed up. We changed the name to Lovely Creatures and filled the seats. You can read about the town, the class and the experience here.
This post features the book I made in the workshop.
Measuring approximately 4.25 x 10.50 inches, this handmade book is based on The Exquisite Corpse, a game where three people draw on the same piece of paper - without seeing what the other has drawn. One draws a head, one a torso, and one a set of legs. The drawing is then unfolded to the amusement of all.
The cover includes layers of collage, acrylic paint, ink and Vintage Beeswax Baked Texture, which gives it a faux encaustic and almost leather-like look.
Inside, the concept on the Exquisite Corpse was captured in the form of a flip book in three sections - head, torso and legs.
Turning each section individually leads to a variety of combinations of exquisite corpses lovely creatures. Here are just a few...
Happy to say that in 2019, I will be offering this as a 3-day workshop called Exquisite Creatures. Stay tuned for locations.
