Building a Foundation

Years ago I had an artist friend whom I admired greatly. We were friends for many years before she lost her fight with cancer, before I ever picked up a paintbrush myself. She was an educator, a teacher in the art department of a local college, and as such belonged to many organizations. One that she touted highly was the Women's Caucus for Art. She always wanted me to join, but I never did. Back then I didn't think of myself as an artist.

Then a couple years ago I met Helen at an artist's retreat of a online group of artists, sponsored by Gwen Pentecost of Joyous Lake Gallery, located in the White Mountains of Arizona. Helen and I found that we had a lot in common, and we've seen each other quite a few times since then. It's Helen's in Berkeley where I housesit.

Helen is an active member of the WCA. With all her talk about it, and with my desire to set up a foundation of artist friends here in Dallas, I've just joined the Dallas chapter. There's a couple current calls for art that I'm going to try to beat the deadline on, and there's a national convention here in February. So that's a start.

Today I'm printing images for resin boxes, and I have a new canvas on the studio wall. The painting is just something that I am doing for myself, inspired by my foray around San Francisco's Chinatown a few weeks ago.

Taking Advantage

I read a Call for Artists yesterday, responded and asked for more information. A new hotel is being built north of where I live. The hotel owners are looking for local artists to provide artwork for the facility. There will be originals in the public areas, and three reproductions (giclees) in each room. The hotel is asking for original artwork (with certain criteria) which will not be returned to the artist. Furthermore, the agreement clearly states that the hotel can use the artwork in any form they choose, because the artist is required to sign over the copyright to the hotel. They also state that the artist may or may not be credited with the work.

I wrote to the hotel contact person and asked how the artist will be compensated, but have not heard back, even though they quickly answered my email about applying.

In their favor they have specifically outlined that the artist has no rights and may not even be recognized. But what artist would agree to that? New ones! The hotel is targeting the Art Institute of Dallas, full of young creative artists looking for a future. I think that's despicable. Giving your art away will not make you famous.

I am finding it easier and more fun to do digital art now that the fear has been lifted. I am still working on the two large pieces, which happen to be grids. There are nine squares in each one so essentially it's like creating 18 small paintings that all have to relate to each other. Just another wonderful challenge.

I'm mourning the death of an artist friend, Kay Wilson, who passed last week. I knew her for many years, as part of an online artist group I belong to. We met in person at a group function in 2001. She loved to travel, and was a wonderfully sensitive artist. She will be missed.