Take a look at this workshop 'Fight Complacency' that I am holding this weekend in Lyme Regis (link at the bottom of this post). I will admit that everyone seems to be making up there mind whether to come or not very last minute these days ... what's going on!? But the numbers are now such that it is going ahead; be it a bit touch and go this week.
So, do you fancy doing something different this weekend? Take a look and see if this appeals. And if not, do pass it on to anyone you think may enjoy it.
Thanks a lot. Getting workshops together does take quite a lot of work behind the scenes, phew!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Workshop--Fight-Complacency--this-Saturday---TAKING-LAST-MINUTE-BOOKINGS-AVAILABLE.html?soid=1101568838024&aid=8Ejcc9pmcQk
19 July 2012
22 June 2012
Artist Interviews
It is my plan over the months to come to introduce you to artists, mostly professional, that I have met 'on my travels'. I will ask them a series of questions - the same for each - the aim of these questions is to help you to relax into the idea that it is totally possible to become a self employed artist yourself - or if you are one already it's good to hear about what other artists are up to ... it can be pretty solitary being an artist and it's good to hear what others have to say to keep you motivated sometimes.
I hope the interviews will help you to throw out the old adage along the lines of 'all artists are poor, mad or addicts' and give you an idea (and in turn confidence) of what it is really like to be an artist and 'make a living' out of it. Yes, it can be hard ... but what doesn't take dedication. This is for those of you who aspire to be one; are dabbling in your home and sometimes imagine a future carrying on with it and then dampening down your dreams; or have been to college and would like to feel more confident about actually doing it ... to name but a few situations.
So, whatever your situation, read the interviews and see that if others have done it, so can you. You can be the decision-maker - you have the power to steer your own direction and influence the quality of your life yourself ... you are the boss - a self leader. You CAN create the worklife you want, doing the thing you love most in life; imagining, planning, exploring and creating it one step at a time, day by day, until one day you will be saying quite naturally ... 'I am a self employed professional artist' with a big smile on your face.
So, to start this off I thought I would answer the questions I intend to ask other professional artists myself to help you to get a fuller picture of me .. and I am hoping will encourage you to come back for more of the same from other artists that I interview approximately once every month; I also intend to add more information once in a while that I think you may find interesting.
What is your
first memory of art?
Well of that I am not too sure. It does not seem to be from anyone in the generations that we know of at this time, and it rather confuses my mother as to where it came from. But I will say this ... having studied the basics of astrology it is in my chart quite clearly that shape and form come very naturally to me. So, that said, it must be handed down the generations in my genes ... but it was from many generations ago.
I hope the interviews will help you to throw out the old adage along the lines of 'all artists are poor, mad or addicts' and give you an idea (and in turn confidence) of what it is really like to be an artist and 'make a living' out of it. Yes, it can be hard ... but what doesn't take dedication. This is for those of you who aspire to be one; are dabbling in your home and sometimes imagine a future carrying on with it and then dampening down your dreams; or have been to college and would like to feel more confident about actually doing it ... to name but a few situations.
So, whatever your situation, read the interviews and see that if others have done it, so can you. You can be the decision-maker - you have the power to steer your own direction and influence the quality of your life yourself ... you are the boss - a self leader. You CAN create the worklife you want, doing the thing you love most in life; imagining, planning, exploring and creating it one step at a time, day by day, until one day you will be saying quite naturally ... 'I am a self employed professional artist' with a big smile on your face.
So, to start this off I thought I would answer the questions I intend to ask other professional artists myself to help you to get a fuller picture of me .. and I am hoping will encourage you to come back for more of the same from other artists that I interview approximately once every month; I also intend to add more information once in a while that I think you may find interesting.
Artist Interview
Liz Shewan
Painter & Sculptor
The smell of the art room at school. I loved it and when I was in there I never really wanted to leave. It was the smell of the pencils that I remember most, rather than an actual painting or anything. I just remember always feeling at home there.
Where do you
think you got your artistic talent from?
What is your
studio like?
Well the one I have at the moment is actually small and very organized. I have natural north light and a big daylight light for when it gets darker. I used to paint in very large spaces in converted warehouses, with the nearest running water miles away from my private cubicle. And most of the time I was freezing! It was fun though ... I didn't have to worry about splashing paint as it really didn't matter ... and I could easily paint several huge canvas's at a time. This was all great, and part of it, something not to be missed; but I really don't enjoy getting so cold any more and running around all wrapped up like a polar bear with wooly hats on my head and fingerless gloves to attempt but fail abysmally to keep warm ... now I also like to be closer to home so have gone for the smaller warmer option for now.
How has your
style developed?
Enormously, obviously. I started painting professionally in 1999 and in that time I have moved through many stages and genres - getting more confident with every brush stroke. I am still growing .. and really plan on doing that forever! Nothing in this universe is static, so I really don't see how my work can be. Whatever type of work I come out with though, you can always tell it's mine. I seem to have a certain something that cannot be put into words that follows through into each piece, a kind of essence (this is not words from my mouth mind ... I have been told this by numerous followers and clients).
What subjects do
you prefer working on and why?
I like to focus in on two subjects really; the seen and the unseen! Within the spectrum of the seen I focus on relationships and land/seascapes. Relationships are a very large topic and part of every day life ... so I find much richness every day from simply being part of it or observing others - and when I say others this can mean from people to animals. Land/seascapes are so important to me because they keep me grounded and I feel at my best when I connect with nature. In the spectrum of the unseen I focus on feelings and the processes that we all go through organically as we shift and transition through different densities and phases of our lives ... often expressing variations on the theme of the statement of 'light at the end of the tunnel'. I like to offer hope to the viewer as it is a very important element in life. I will often follow my impulse based on how I am feeling that day and not think about what I am doing. This can produce results that I am really not expecting and are often a surprise ... it can be very cathartic.
When did you
sell your first piece of artwork and what was it?
You know, it sounds terrible, but I cannot remember the first piece I ever sold. I think it's because it was at an exhibition where I had lots up and I sold several all at the same time. These several would have been of either african wildlife or sea creatures. My blue elephants on orange backgrounds were very popular at that time, as were my pen and inks of elephants. But so were my turtles swimming in the current. So which went first I'm not sure, but all these subjects were sold that day.
Have you been
given any memorable piece of advice that sticks in your mind, and who gave it
to you?
'Don't give up' has sometimes been just what I needed to hear! This has been said to me on several occasions over the years, mostly I have to say from strangers. Sometimes a show can be pretty disheartening ... you have put so much into it ... and then you find that there are let's say ... several shows on in the area all at once; or there are road works that have just been set up around the corner making it harder for everyone to get to the venue; or it's the first weekend in a very long time that the sun has come out and everyone has decided that they would prefer to spend their time outdoors ... and who would blame them! ; it's at these times that the visitors numbers are low and everything feels like a bit of a let down, so hearing those words is like music to the soul. But I will say to you, not all shows are like this by any stretch of the imagination, most are very well attended and you sell loads and more; so don't be disheartened by any of this. It's in those times that you have to remember that all the shows we do are rolled into one and it really doesn't matter - it is not quantity that matters, it is quality. And a business card can be on someone's mantle piece for 10 years before they get round to buying something ... I know it, it's happened to me.
Are you self
employed and if so how do you find it?
Yes, I am self employed and have been for the last 13 years. It has it's ups and it has its downs, just like everything in life. When I first took the leap and gave up full time employment to begin with I had to take on part time jobs whilst I established myself. I always made sure that when I was working for someone else I chose to do something linked to what I love in some way - this was very important. If I hadn't done that I may well have got depressed and given up art altogether. Now I find it very hard to imagine working for someone else as I am so used to making my own decisions and being the boss. But you do have to be very disciplined with all the jobs that need to be done; as well as making sure that you keep a good work/life balance. It's can be easy to work too hard and then wonder where your holiday is at the end of the year. Planning, that's a must. Without it, you'll do yourself and injustice. I am also a self employed Energy Healing Specialist ... so goal setting and planning in something that has to be done or it would all fall apart around my ears.
Do you have a
favourite time of day to work and why?
I like to get up early and go about my work from around 8.30 am ... but when it comes to actually painting or sculpting ... the best time of day seems to be around 4pm. Being a professional artist does not involve just sitting in your studio all day, there are many many things that need to get done to make it all flow and work - it is a business after all ... but when I have a project to do it all rolls out very naturally ... and I always seem to start working on artwork from 4pm onwards - it just flows that way. I am no longer amazed by it when I glance up at the clock, it is totally normal. And I can often be seen painting until 11 o'clock at night if I have a particularly pressing project to finish.
When was your
first exhibition and how did it go?
My first exhibition was back in 1999. I'd started a series of big paintings and it was at this time that an artist friend spotted my talent and asked me to share a show with her. I pulled out all the stops and created a full body of work in less than three months. The show was a huge success and sold 90% of my work on the opening night! It was this moment that gave me the confidence to carry on with it as a career.
Are you
ambitious?
I'm pretty aspiring I'd say. I am definitely not apathetic of lackadaisical. I can't imagine doing anything else and would like to continue to build my momentum towards my goals ...
Is there
something you want to expand upon with your work in the future?
Yes, there always is, which is what makes the whole journey so exciting. However, I am not sure that I can put it into words ... so you'll just have to watch my work develop and see for yourself!
07803 208335
liz@lizshewan.com
06 February 2012
Accepting Artists Submissions
Freedom Sensation
Art Exhibition
10th May to 20th May 2012
I am looking for submissions from jewelers, glassmakers and wood/stone carvers/work (I'm open to all media other than painting and sculpture) who would like to join this show 'Freedom Sensation 2012' in May in the wonderful location of Lyme Regis at the large bright and airy Town Mill Malthouse (TMM) - a popular arena for regular art exhibitions that attract many holiday goers and local interest.
Please take a look at my website to see my work, so that you can decide if you think your work would fit before you send me anything via email.
Application Requirements
• All jewelry, glasswork and woodwork are accepted. All work must be original; no reproductions of original work may be submitted.
• Please provide a link to your website and/or six .jpeg files of your work, no bigger than MB each.
• Provide a biography and how you approach your work.
• All selling prices of your work.
• Reasons you feel you'd like to exhibit at this show at this time.
Deadlines
• I have extended the deadline so please send all submissions to me by email.
• Notification will be given by email only.
• In the event that I need to meet or speak with you to make a decision I will contact you by phone, so please provide me with daytime telephone numbers so that I can contact you at any time to make arrangements.
Sale of works
• All works submitted, with the exception of commissioned items, must be for sale. Please make a note of any commission in your email.
Submission fees
• There is no submission fee; however the two successful artists will need to pay a quarter of the costs towards the hire of the venue and any advertising, private view costs - which will be in the region of £18 per day each.
Insurance
• Reasonable care will be taken of works sent for exhibition. However, all work is submitted at your own risk. Myself or the TMM will not be responsible for any loss or damage. I cannot pack or unpack work on delivery or collection by you, the artist, a representative or a carrier. All transport costs are the responsibility of the artist. Myself or the TMM does not insure work on the premises or in transit. Artists are strongly advised to insure their work against damage and theft.
Condition of submitted work
• When submitting glassware or carvings, please consider the health and safety implications of displaying the work in a public place. Please ensure floor and plinth-based works are stable. Works must be of a size that will be able to be lifted comfortably by two people.
Submission and collection
• The TMM Gallery will be available to us from 11am on 9th May 2012. This gives all exhibitors time to arrange the setup of the Gallery and make final arrangements for the Private View.
• No works can be taken from the TMM Gallery before 5.45pm on Sunday 20th May 2012, unless the works are sold.
• All unsold must be taken away by the artists by 3pm on Monday 21st May 2012. A storage penalty charge of £10.00 per item per week, or part week, will be charged for work delivered early or not collected on the stated dates. If you are unable to collect your work on the specified dates you are welcome to arrange for another artist or courier to do so on your behalf.
Photography
• The artist accepts and agrees that works in the exhibition may be photographed and/or reproduced for the catalogue, press, publicity, promotion and advertising for the Exhibition and/or its activities, including any website publicity.
Private View
The Private View will be from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday 10th May 2012 to which we will invite our joint guests.
Gallery Opening Times
Monday to Friday 10.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 10.30am-6.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm-5.00pm
Admission free
Workshop Ideas
The gallery is quite a big space. Should you wish it will be possible to discuss ideas for Workshops to be run during the exhibition so please bare this in mind.
Stewarding
It is always best for all artists to be available at the Gallery during the whole exhibition. However, sometimes this is not possible and a rota will need to be worked out. You will be expected to be present for the Private view and will be required to be available for stewarding the exhibition for a minimum of a total of 4 days during the exhibition - being divided into half days if necessary. Please indicate that this is possible in your application.
Presentation
The gallery has 4 tables available to use, so Jewelers will need to provide their own display cases and should you require plinths you will need to bring your own.
Where to send your application:
Please send your application to me via email at liz@lizshewan.com. Should you wish to send me your application via snail mail please contact me and I will provide you with an address to send it to.
I am really looking forward to this show. It is a busy time of year in Lyme, and the exhibition space really shows work off well. If you have any further questions, please ask me via email.
I look forward to hearing from you all.
Art Exhibition
10th May to 20th May 2012
I am looking for submissions from jewelers, glassmakers and wood/stone carvers/work (I'm open to all media other than painting and sculpture) who would like to join this show 'Freedom Sensation 2012' in May in the wonderful location of Lyme Regis at the large bright and airy Town Mill Malthouse (TMM) - a popular arena for regular art exhibitions that attract many holiday goers and local interest.
Please take a look at my website to see my work, so that you can decide if you think your work would fit before you send me anything via email.
Application Requirements
• All jewelry, glasswork and woodwork are accepted. All work must be original; no reproductions of original work may be submitted.
• Please provide a link to your website and/or six .jpeg files of your work, no bigger than MB each.
• Provide a biography and how you approach your work.
• All selling prices of your work.
• Reasons you feel you'd like to exhibit at this show at this time.
Deadlines
• I have extended the deadline so please send all submissions to me by email.
• Notification will be given by email only.
• In the event that I need to meet or speak with you to make a decision I will contact you by phone, so please provide me with daytime telephone numbers so that I can contact you at any time to make arrangements.
Sale of works
• All works submitted, with the exception of commissioned items, must be for sale. Please make a note of any commission in your email.
Submission fees
• There is no submission fee; however the two successful artists will need to pay a quarter of the costs towards the hire of the venue and any advertising, private view costs - which will be in the region of £18 per day each.
Insurance
• Reasonable care will be taken of works sent for exhibition. However, all work is submitted at your own risk. Myself or the TMM will not be responsible for any loss or damage. I cannot pack or unpack work on delivery or collection by you, the artist, a representative or a carrier. All transport costs are the responsibility of the artist. Myself or the TMM does not insure work on the premises or in transit. Artists are strongly advised to insure their work against damage and theft.
Condition of submitted work
• When submitting glassware or carvings, please consider the health and safety implications of displaying the work in a public place. Please ensure floor and plinth-based works are stable. Works must be of a size that will be able to be lifted comfortably by two people.
Submission and collection
• The TMM Gallery will be available to us from 11am on 9th May 2012. This gives all exhibitors time to arrange the setup of the Gallery and make final arrangements for the Private View.
• No works can be taken from the TMM Gallery before 5.45pm on Sunday 20th May 2012, unless the works are sold.
• All unsold must be taken away by the artists by 3pm on Monday 21st May 2012. A storage penalty charge of £10.00 per item per week, or part week, will be charged for work delivered early or not collected on the stated dates. If you are unable to collect your work on the specified dates you are welcome to arrange for another artist or courier to do so on your behalf.
Photography
• The artist accepts and agrees that works in the exhibition may be photographed and/or reproduced for the catalogue, press, publicity, promotion and advertising for the Exhibition and/or its activities, including any website publicity.
Private View
The Private View will be from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday 10th May 2012 to which we will invite our joint guests.
Gallery Opening Times
Monday to Friday 10.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 10.30am-6.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm-5.00pm
Admission free
Workshop Ideas
The gallery is quite a big space. Should you wish it will be possible to discuss ideas for Workshops to be run during the exhibition so please bare this in mind.
Stewarding
It is always best for all artists to be available at the Gallery during the whole exhibition. However, sometimes this is not possible and a rota will need to be worked out. You will be expected to be present for the Private view and will be required to be available for stewarding the exhibition for a minimum of a total of 4 days during the exhibition - being divided into half days if necessary. Please indicate that this is possible in your application.
Presentation
The gallery has 4 tables available to use, so Jewelers will need to provide their own display cases and should you require plinths you will need to bring your own.
Where to send your application:
Please send your application to me via email at liz@lizshewan.com. Should you wish to send me your application via snail mail please contact me and I will provide you with an address to send it to.
I am really looking forward to this show. It is a busy time of year in Lyme, and the exhibition space really shows work off well. If you have any further questions, please ask me via email.
I look forward to hearing from you all.
18 January 2012
Back to blogging
Well, you will see if you look at the rest of my blog that I have not entered anything since 2006. And even then I did not get down to writing much at all!
This is only a very brief note, more to myself than anyone else; to say that ... if you want to follow the antics of a self employed artist, then do follow my blog. I will try to write at least 3 times a month about things that have gone on in my day to day existence ... merely because I know what it is like to work on your own, paint for a living, take the plunge into sculpting, approach galleries, organize shows, talk to the public ... generally getting out there and baring my soul to people I have never met before. I hope to give others out there who want to embark on the same path reassurance that it is OK to carry on. I can also help you with this.
And, for those of you who have bought my work or intend to buy my work in the future, I'm sure you'll enjoy getting to know me more through these pages. It's always nice to know the artist. And if you can't meet me in the flesh, then meet me in my blog.
Welcome and Enjoy.
Until next time ...
This is only a very brief note, more to myself than anyone else; to say that ... if you want to follow the antics of a self employed artist, then do follow my blog. I will try to write at least 3 times a month about things that have gone on in my day to day existence ... merely because I know what it is like to work on your own, paint for a living, take the plunge into sculpting, approach galleries, organize shows, talk to the public ... generally getting out there and baring my soul to people I have never met before. I hope to give others out there who want to embark on the same path reassurance that it is OK to carry on. I can also help you with this.
And, for those of you who have bought my work or intend to buy my work in the future, I'm sure you'll enjoy getting to know me more through these pages. It's always nice to know the artist. And if you can't meet me in the flesh, then meet me in my blog.
Welcome and Enjoy.
Until next time ...
15 March 2006
Blue Elephant Paintings
I thought I would start by telling you how I got into painting.
I was in Africa for my brothers wedding, and took a trip to the Masai Mara - which would change my life, literally! I was so stunned by the scenery, smells, no mercy and wildlife. The animals that caught my attention more than anything were the elephants. They are so magnificent. They seem so wise, intelligent and totally dedicated to their family.
We managed to get amongst a huge family of them (at least 50 of them, if not more) and continuted to watch them until the sun went down. As I was watching them, this is when I noticed their skin colour turn a certain shade of blue. This inspired me, on my return to the UK, to paint them - this was one of my first images on the left. I had only picked up a paint brush a couple of times since I had left school - so as I say, this changed my life.
I started painting elephants in this way, and became known predominently for my 'Blue Elephant Series', and I started to sell them in Galleries and Art Fairs.
I have many more images to show you if you are interested....(but I am still getting to grips with this blogger format so won't put on any here for the moment)...so let me know if you want to see some more.
Alternatively look at my website www.lizshewan.com.....but I will be back.....
14 March 2006
Limited Edition Prints
Liz has a series of Limited Edition Prints that she wants to sell to the trade and the public.
This is the first time that she has come across a 'blog' so is just getting to grips with the whole process. To be honest she is not really sure how she can use it, what she can and cannot do etc - any tips? In the meantime she will be trawling through the help page to try and get to grips with the whole thing!
Take a look at her website on www.lizshewan.com and let her know what you think.
This is the first time that she has come across a 'blog' so is just getting to grips with the whole process. To be honest she is not really sure how she can use it, what she can and cannot do etc - any tips? In the meantime she will be trawling through the help page to try and get to grips with the whole thing!
Take a look at her website on www.lizshewan.com and let her know what you think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)