(No photo today *yet* blogger doesn't want me to post pix at the moment...) but I want to post this right now:
Here's my question I'm throwing out to the Universe-
Here's my question I'm throwing out to the Universe-
What's going on? Seriously. As far as art goes-What are you doing? What are you thinking right now? What are you working on? What are you interested in?
I'm asking because I'm really interested. I'm also starting to wonder and ponder. Local classes, out of state classes, art classes in general are on a roller coaster ride of sign ups. One moment you might have no one, the next you'll have a full class. The local stores aren't doing very well at all not just with classes but with business.
What happened to everyone?
Are you not interested? Are you buying online? Are you buying at the mass chain stores? Are you not buying anything at all?
Are you not taking classes because of the big retreats? Are you not taking classes because maybe you feel "There is nothing new to learn" (c'mon, you know that isn't true... ;) )?
What's up?
We're on the verge of not just losing one store but losing them all if this doesn't pick up. I hate to say that, if that happens, I don't know what will happen. Where will we have classes? Where will we buy our stuff? Where will be able to find like minded souls to share with?
I can go on and on and really rant about this, but I won't. I'm throwing this question out 'cause I want to know. I need to know.
What is going on in your art world right now?
Thanks,
Kelly
Comments
I'm not spending any money on art supplies, books, or classes, because our family income has dropped drastically this year. I am taking pride in producing art every day out of the stuff I already have.
Sometimes I wander into the yummy stores for inspiration, but I keep my hands firmly clasped behind my back the whole time I'm in there. More frequently, I look at other artists' blogs and web sites for inspiration.
That's why I'm not spending money ....
Cheers,
Hashi
I know that a lot of the younger 'demographic' (teens, 20s, early 30s) is interested in art journaling, but they aren't hooked into the mixed media world and/or they can't spend a lot of money on suppplies/classes. But they are out there.
I've felt for a while now that the mixed media/collage world is really fragmenting and I can't see a new direction. Stamping interest has declined and collage interest is also doing the same thing. I just don't know what the new direction is.
Personally, I'm interested in combining paper/fabric lately. All of my new work is unfinished.
MB in Joshua Tree,
I know here in our Bohemian town there are many folks who would take fabulous classes like yours. The questions is WHERE? We have a creative Arts Center in 29 Palms. Here is the link
http://29palmscreativecenter.com/openstudio.html
contact them and let them know about you and your workshops.
I have already taken 2 classes there and they were all full.
As far as stores not doing well..I can guess the general economic impact on the middle class with gas prices, utility hikes, and groceries going through the roof have ended any expendable income for FUN STUFF.
I wince each time you post classes in LA because they sound wonderful and I wanananana attend; but, it is just too far from here . Lake Elsinore is a stretch, but do able if the dates fit, which sadly they have no the past few months.
I was hoping for Art Unraveled; but family events the 3rd week of October require travel which is costly so on and so forth.
I dream of setting an art retreat on our desert property where mini retreats that are hopefully more affordable,- can take place. I am a good year before brain storming in a serious way on how this can take place; however it is always on my mind.
I HOPE to attend your class in September, if nothing else appears in my reality before then.
Did you post any pictures from Phoenix??
I have thought about offering my photography services for 2007. Good Press and exposure really helps reach out and inform the many creative souls who just are not aware of what is taking place.
Perhaps researching the many Yahoo groups that pertain to the creative arts, joining them and posting the information you have there would also help get the word out.
Have you communicated with CRACKER JACKS in REDLANDS? or Aunt Amy's in Riverside?? 2 more possibilities. Old town Riverside is really neat!
Well.. I have carried on her long enough. I hope my thoughts are helpful in some way.
Namaste,
MB
I'm dying to go to some of the local stores to drool over their goodies but I'm staying home. I'm finding lots of inspiration on BLOGs of many artists - mixed media, fiber, jewelry, ... not as informative or satisfying as a class however...
Maybe I am in the minority but I am very interested in taking classes and learning new things but there doesn't seem to be any places near me that offer what I am looking for. In fact, I am taking your class in Marshfield next month and the only way I found it was when I googled art classes in MA and your blog showed up referencing the Stamp Act in Marshfield. I am getting interested in alternative arts (like Artfest) and there is nothing like it in Boston. There are places in CA
that cater to this but not where I live. I hope they continue to be offered because people like me need and want them! I look forward to meeting you in October!