Thinking Out Loud

Do You Consider Yourself a Lucky Person?

2012-01-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

If yes, why?

I understand some things are about luck, like say, winning the lottery. But if one hadn’t bought the ticket in the first place, then they never would have won. It took their effort, the buying of the ticket which enabled them to win.

So is it luck? Or applied effort?

My belief falls in the latter group.

Wise words from the drink coaster I use every day, “Luck is good planning carefully executed”

Yep, that’s what I believe.

Luck looks like luck to outsiders, but the one doing all the work to put themselves in the right spot at the right moment didn’t get there by chance. It was lots of prep work prior to the moment when the stars aligned in their favor.

Luck? Nah.

Tenacity, perseverance, and hard work, all wrapped up in one.

May you too have some luck come your way. And you know the kind of luck I’m talkin’ about.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. This isn't a plug for the lottery; I never buy tickets myself, so I shall never be in the running for that windfall.

I AM…… SURPRISED

2012-01-23T17:16:00.000-05:00

Somebody asked me recently if I had seen the new Dr. Pepper commercial with the t-shirts. Nope, I hadn’t, but I should have asked them more questions.

Like “what did the shirts look like?”

Because, much to my surprise while I was watching TV yesterday I saw the new commercial. Guess what? The people in the new Dr. Pepper commercial are wearing t-shirts that say, “I’m a Pepper.”

And even more surprising, the slogan was used previously in a commercial from the 1970’s. 1970’s????

Where have I been? Obviously not watching TV commercials.

Nope, my "I AM" concept didn’t stem from that commercial, but rather my Mirror, Mirror piece. And both are completely different in concept, even if they look similar. Which sounds a little like being a twin to me. Still, though,it's a bit disheartening to see something you have nurtured show up in somebody elses portfolio too.

But alas, that's life, yes? I'm just gonna chalk this up to one of lifes' crazy coincidences.

Until the next time, may your days be creative and original!

What About You? Do You Want One?

2012-01-15T09:14:00.000-05:00

I’ve been getting inquires about the “I AM” t-shirts.

Yes, you can still get 1. Or 2 or more or…..

Just give me a shout via my blog or website and for $5.00 plus S & H you too can share your thoughts with the world.

$5.00, what a deal, yes? The concept is to have as many people wearing them as possible, not to make a profit.

I’ll do “sightings” and post pictures at a later date. Hopefully people will show up en masse to continue the installation.

But alone or en masse, I look forward to seeing you soon!

And, I AM gonna take your picture, if I do. :)

May your day be creative a one!

Show and tell Sunday- I AM....... Eternally Grateful

2012-01-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

At a time when the news is negative day in and day out, it is refreshing to know that we can forgo the doubts and fears, even if for only one night, to see the hope, beauty, and promise that shines brightly within each of us.

I AM……. eternally grateful to each and every person that participated in the I AM_______ installation I did for First Night. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.

A sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Here are the remaining pictures that I was able to capture before my camera battery died.

Thanks again!

Until the next time, may your day be a creative one!

I AM.....Doing it Again

2012-01-05T18:06:00.000-05:00

Here are some more participants of my "I AM" installation at First Night 2012 in St. Pete.

Thanks to all of you for participating!

and a personal favorite.

Stay tuned, more still to come.

Have a great day!

I AM...Posting a Baker's Dozen

2012-01-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the wonderful "I AM" participants from the First Night show in St. Pete.

Thanks to all of you for participating! Without you the show wouldn't have been the same.

I'll be posting more throughout the week.

Thanks again to all participants!

And thanks for stopping in!

I AM ...Going to Take a Nap Today

2012-01-01T11:07:00.001-05:00

I am very happy to say that the First Night show was a huge success.

We started handing out t-shirts at 5:00pm and didn’t stop until midnight when we watched the beautiful fireworks display courtesy of First Night St. Pete. After that we broke down the show and made it home shortly after 3:00am.

Up at 7:00 and I’m already dreaming about a nap. :)

I am honored that so many people were moved by my installation, some to the point of tears. Very gratifying to know that something I make can resonate so powerfully with another person. The best part about this crazy life called art. Thank you to each of you who participated!

I took photos of as many people and their “I AM” shirts as possible before my camera battery died. Many that I didn’t get to take have promised to send me pictures. I’ll post them all during the upcoming week.

For now, here are a few-

I AM going to kick cancer's butt
(I hope you do!!!)

Happy New Year to you, my friends!

And the Winner Is........

2011-12-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the I AM T-shirt is: Tom S.

In case you missed the post, he said, “I AM… single and available,”

Thanks to all who participated.

I'll show images from tonight’s First Night show after I recuperate. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!

Nothing Changes Until You Do

2011-12-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

Image from Internet

“Nothing changes until you do.”

-SOURCE UNKNOWN

Okay, so as the year draws to a close I’ve been reviewing tips that I have gathered in blogs, books, and on the Internet. From these disparate sources I have compiled a list in a handy-dandy, easily readable fashion in hopes of staying on top of my career this year.

They are not earth shattering revelations, but they are distilled down to the essence, which makes the list handy-dandy, and maybe more doable, too.

I thought I’d end the year off by paying it forward to you in hopes my list might help you as well.

Please feel free to pass on your tips too. Any tips to help me be a more organized and productive artist are always welcome!

• Identify what you want. You won’t know what to shoot at if you don’t have a target.

• Be purposeful about where you put your attention. Only positive thoughts allowed. Positive thoughts bring positive results.

• Stay focused. Keep distractions at bay.

• Be ruthlessly protective of your studio time. Learn to say “no” more often.

• Keep failing. It builds character and helps you grow.

• Be happier. Laugh every day.

• Be better. Learn more.

• No excuses. Period.

Off to work I go. I hope you have a creative and productive day!

I AM ... near the red sculpture in St Pete

2011-12-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

I AM ... near the red sculpture in South Straub Park, St Pete, FL.

The show is Saturday, December 31st, 5 to midnight.

I really hope to see you there. Come by to say hi and get your t-shirt!

I AM… Becoming Wiser Each and Every Day

2011-12-27T19:27:00.000-05:00

Cynthia from Moon Maid Botanicals speaks her mind.

I AM.....becoming wiser each and every day.

Thanks Cynthia, for sharing your thoughts with all of us!

What Would You Say?

2011-12-24T07:55:00.001-05:00

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall….

Next week I am participating in the PODS show for First Night StPete, FL.

My interactive installation incorporates the background wall of mirrors from this version of Mirror, Mirror.

Mirror, Mirror©, Kim Radatz 2008

In addition to the wall of mirrors, the installation will include other full length mirrors distorted ala a carnival show.

The concept behind this work is one of questioning perceptions and reality.
How do we see ourselves?
How do people see us?
And how do their views affect ours?

But I think the most exciting part are the t-shirts I’ll be handing out to people.

Their part in the installation is to fill in the blank. Hopefully they'll wear the shirt for the duration of the event too.

We’ll be walking billboards with our thoughts literally written across our chests.

I wonder what people will say?

It will be interesting to see.

And, if given an opportunity, what would you say?

what would you say?

All blog participants' names will go in a hat for a free t-shirt drawing the morning of New Years Eve.

Good luck. I hope you win.

Then you can tell the world too. :)

Who're You Calling Weird?

2011-12-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this Scientific American article floating around on Facebook?

The Unleashed Mind: Why Creative People Are Eccentric

"Highly creative people often seem weirder than the rest of us. Now researchers know why."

It's quite interesting, check it out.

Here's a Cliff Notes excerpt:

Too Much Information

We are all equipped with mental filters that hide most of the processing that goes on in our brains behind the scenes…and thanks to these filters, most information never reaches our conscious awareness.

Creative people, however, seem to have reduced functioning in the filters. Therefore, much more information reaches their consciousness and “is associated with offbeat thoughts."

If I am able to be more consciously aware due to reduced functioning of a pesky filter, then A-O-K.

Bring it on, I am completely happy being weird!

May you too have a weird and wonderful day!

Show and Tell Sunday-What About You? What are You Working On?

2011-12-18T07:35:00.000-05:00

Work in progress, She’s Come Undone©, Kim Radatz, 2011

During the Florida Craftsmen show this past summer I sold quite a few pieces. Yay! In this economy I'm not going to take that bit of fortune for granted. Truth be known, I never take sales for granted. I am always so pleased to hear positive words about my work that I’m tempted to give my work to that very nice person.

Thankfully, I don’t handle my sales!

Anyway, I got a commission for one of the sold pieces, She’s Come Undone. I don’t make duplicates, but similar pieces. I don’t think it’d be possible for me to duplicate something. But like my twin sister and I, the work looks similar yet different.

Here are the 2 pieces I’m working on. The buyer will take her pick once they are finished and the remaining one is slated for a show at The Pump House in La Crosse, Wisconsin this September. I’m pleased to be getting a jump start on that show, should have all of the work done by April. It’ll help eliminate some last minute stress, which there always is, no matter what.

So, that's what's new with me.

What about you? What are you working on?

Counting Down to 2012

2011-12-17T08:05:00.000-05:00

Image from the Internet

2 weeks from today 2011 will come to an end.

It is a bittersweet time of year.

Sorry to say good bye, and be another year older, but hopeful for the future.

To stop myself from getting caught up in “I should’s,” with a long list of resolutions, and more pressure, for the coming year I have found that reviewing what I have achieved in the past year helps me move forward into the new year in a more positive and productive way.

It sort of seems silly, possibly arrogant, to make a list of achievements. However, if done with a tender heart and no ego involved, it becomes an objective way to see how 2011 played out. It enables me to see that I did accomplish many things. Maybe not all that I had hoped for. But that’s what the New Year is for, right?

Maybe you do the same? Maybe it is a new concept for you?

Either way, if you do it, let us know how it goes, okay?

May your list be long!

2011-12-01T18:51:00.000-05:00

I am too exhausted to write.

Sorry.

But while I catch my breath and rest my feet I've got a few images to share with you of the C. Emerson Fine Arts booth.

Thank you, Lori, for bringing my work. I am honored.

C. Emerson Fine Arts
Kim Anderson, Lee Basford, Clayton Chandler,
Dirk Dzimirsky, Rocky Grimes, Kyle Hughes-Odgers,
Justin Nelson, Danile Mrgan, Kim Radatz

C. Emerson Fine Arts
Kim Radatz

No, as in no more for now.

Until the next time, may you be filled with creativity!

Abstract Thinking

2011-11-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

Or maybe better said, sometimes you just have to punt.

I came to Miami for Art Basel.

I scoured the catalogs and brochures.

I made detailed notes.

I planned day by day.

Then I started my day by visiting with a friend.

And then I blew off the list.

I love lists, but it just felt right to drop everything and visit the Miami I knew while I lived here.

I moved to Miami from New York in 1977 and left for Tampa in 1998. A lot of years to do a lot of things.

I worked here. I was educated here. I met and married my husband here. I helped raise my step-children here. Essentially, I grew up here. Not as in years, though, naturally that happened too, but in maturity. I owe much to Miami.

So, today I visited the places I where I had lived, where I worked, the colleges I attended, and some of the people I met along the way.

Bittersweet. And wonderful.

Tomorrow will be a killer day catching up with all of the “should’s” from today.

But sometimes it is more important to LIVE life than it is to do the stuff we “should” do.

I’m glad I did.

I know the emotions that I experienced today will come out in my work.

I can’t wait to see what it will be.

If I am able, I will post some work that I have seen tomorrow night.

Until the next time, may all be well with you.

Image from Internet

Are You Good at Saying NO?

2011-11-23T16:12:00.001-05:00

Letters to My Lover, I said No, No, No

©Kim Radatz, 2011

I hope you are better at it than I. I suck at it!

But 10 days of unexpected down time has forced me to rethink how I spend my energy from day to day.

I fell down the stairs 7 years ago. Graceful, I am not. As I was airborne I made a conscious effort to protect my spine from a direct hit. Quick thinker, thankfully, I am. It worked, though I did suffer some permanent damage. Multiple herniated disks top that list. Which periodically rear their ugly heads and force me to stop everything.

Hence the rethinking.

I know my priorities. I make lists. I remind myself. But inevitably I say "yes" to things that take more out of me than I gain in return. This has to stop.

I don’t expect to change completely overnight, but hopefully I will remember to take care of myself and my needs first. How can I help other people when I need help getting out of bed?

I'll keep you posted on how that goes. :)

I did manage to make more envelopes for my Letters to My Lover series which will be in the SCOPE show in Miami next week. Nothing like a motivator such as that! :)

Here are a few that I’d like to share with you:

Letters to My Lover
©Kim Radatz, 2011

Letters to My Lover
©Kim Radatz, 2011

And now I am going to go get ready for the holiday tomorrow. Down time will have to wait.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friend! May your heart be full of love and may many blessings come your way!

Miami, Here I Come- SCOPE It Out!

2011-11-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

2 weeks from today I’ll be driving to Miami to participate in the SCOPE show during the chaos in Miami known as Art Basel.

I am very excited. A little scared too.

I’m honored that Lori Johns of C. Emerson Fine Art invited me to participate. It is reassuring to know that people believe in my work.

And it is a going home of sorts as I lived in Miami most of my adult life.

But the scary part?

Well, it’s always a little unnerving to show work, especially since this is such a world renowned show. Akin to running naked, as I have mentioned before.

Also, I will be seeing people, specifically former teachers and fellow classmates, most of whom I haven’t seen since leaving Miami.

I graduated from Miami-Dade Community College with my AA. Then Florida Internatioanl University with my BFA. And finally the University of Miami with my MFA. Which took me 16 years to complete. Longer than average, but I needed that time to grow as an artist.

And grow, I have.

So I shall relish the tingling going on in the pit of my stomach and forge ahead.

I’ll hope the show is a huge success for all of us.

And I’ll enjoy spending time with old friends and making new memories with them.

This time though, it’ll be the new, more confident artist that you know. Instead of the rather shy, insecure one that left way back when. And that, my friends, can only be a good thing!

On that happy note, I shall sign off.

I'm happy to be back and apologize for the long absence!

Until the next time, may you have a creative day!

Edit, Organize, Edit, Organize

2011-10-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

Packed and ready to go to Florida.

Sorry for my long absence, but in the midst of packing up my tiny Minnesota studio to head south, a family friend lost his son to suicide. I watched my friend’s son grow from a little boy into a man and his suicide took the wind right out of my sails. I allowed myself some down time from the “shoulds” and savored the last few days in Minnesota and the trip home to Florida, as well.

And now, one week after leaving Minnesota, I am almost done getting my home-base studio in order. I tweak each year to edit down to the bare essentials and this year is no different.

Edit, organize, edit, organize.

So, unpacking takes a bit longer than packing. Both in the studio and in the house.

I feel a garage sale coming on. :)

Which has been our practice the last few years. Keep the stuff we edit out of the landfill and let somebody else put the items to good use.

But for now, it is back to sorting and editing for me. I’ll be settled in soon and back on track. In the mean time, I’ll keep working in my head and when the time is right I’ll be producing again.

Until the next time, may your days be creative!

Do You Donate Your Art?

2011-10-03T11:40:00.001-04:00

T-Shirt design by he said tee shed
at http://www.hesaidteeshed.com/

I saw the above on Facebook this past week and it reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend earlier this year.

She has a “No Donations” policy. Period. And here is why.

• The work we donate is always first rate as our names are attached to it.
• We work just as hard on the free work as the work we will sell.
• If there is no return on the investment, why spend all of that time and energy on it?

I donate art because of guilt. Or because I believe in the cause. And because somebody has asked me to do so, and I’m fairly obedient (though my husband might disagree. :)

So, I am wondering, why do you donate your art?

And if you don’t donate your art, why not?

I know I’d love to hear the ins and outs of your decision, and I bet others will too.

Thanks much, and may your day be a creative one.

Facing My Fears, Yet Again

2011-09-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

Do one thing every day that scares you.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

I am a scardy cat. No doubt about it.

But I am trying to get better by facing my fears.

And not all of them are art related. Many, if not most, are just about regular ol’ life.

Like my fear of heights.

So, today in honor of my birthday I climbed the silo here at the farm. Made my heart go pitty-pat. But I did it, and I am glad. Not earth shattering in the whole scheme of things, but rewarding nonetheless.

Checkin’ that one off the bucket list as my gift to myself.

May your day be a wonderful one!

Welcome Fall

2011-09-23T08:19:00.000-04:00

Fall display by the 49 Ford truck

Happy first day of fall to you!

My twin sister’s birthday is next week and as a gift I picked a passel of gourds for her to decorate her house with.

And that inspired me to do a little fall display for us to enjoy as the days wind down here in Minnesota.

And then I snapped a few pictures to remind me of what we grew and harvested in the pumpkin patch during the summer of 2011.

And I wanted to share them with you.

May your fall days be full of sunny days, cool nights, and lots of creativity!

Do You Call Yourself an Artist?

2011-09-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

In reading Joanne Mattera’s blog today on “Who is a Professional Artist?” I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend a few years back. I was telling her that I hadn’t had any sales in a while, but I was okay with that as sales are not my primary issue.

In response she said something along the lines of, “If you aren’t selling, why do it?”

I like this person very much and really respect her opinion, so her question did not offend me in any way, though at times I think she thinks she did.

Nope. Not at all. But she did give me much to think about.

Exactly why don’t I care about sales? And why do I keep doing it if I am not selling?

It is a subject I have come back to from time to time in the years since our conversation. Both at times when I am not selling, to times like now, when I am.

After all the pondering, I arrive at the same answer time and time again.

I make art because I have to. It’s not a choice, but a passion.

Yes, a bit cliché, but I’m okay with that too.

Here’s what I think:

• Sales don’t make you an artist.
• Gallery representation doesn’t make you an artist.
• It is consistently working towards a body of work and your belief in what you are doing that makes you an artist.

It took me years to believe in myself and my work. But I kept putting one foot in front of the other and wah-lah, at some point I was comfortable calling myself an artist. The rest just falls in place.

I think titles are nice, don’t get me wrong, but I think it is more important to believe in your journey.

So if you are doubting yourself, just forge ahead. It takes time and determination, but eventually you’ll get there. I promise, I’ve been in your shoes.

Until the next time, may your day be a creative one!

Creating in the Kitchen Instead of in the Studio

2011-09-14T13:54:00.000-04:00

We woke up to 40° weather this morning with a promise of 30° tomorrow morning.

Puts me in the mood for soup.

I strolled through the gardens earlier and this is some of what I found.

I’m thinking Butternut Squash Soup.

Or maybe Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup.

Hmmmm.

I think I’ll go with just regular ol’ squash soup tonight and do the curried one later.

There are tons more tomatoes, which will all need to be picked tonight before the freeze. So a roasted tomato soup sounds good for later in the week.

Or maybe…..

I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, may your day be full of warm and wonderful things!

Show and Tell Sunday- A Crushing Blow

2011-09-11T10:38:00.000-04:00

A little over a week ago I got the bad news that my beloved 2 year old cat, Hennessey, had feline leukemia. Fortunately her sister and litter mate, Molly, does not. In the days that followed, I found out that most of the barn cats I care for here at the farm, 10 of the 12, also have feline leukemia. It has been a crushing blow. I have fixed, vaccinated, and loved these guys for many years and now they will die. Had I received more advice, I could have saved them from their fate with a simple vaccination in addition to the others they get annually.

It is possible they were born with it, both my adopted two, and the rest, a common problem on the farm, I now know, but maybe not. A moot point, though one I will continue to second guess forever.

After many tears, which I know I will shed for a long time to come, I have accepted that my beloved cats and I were only meant to be together for a short while and we are all richer for the experience. The sun will continue to rise, as it did today while Hennie and I watched, and the world will go round and round. But I am still profoundly sad.

So, I beg of you, please, if you have cats, inside, outside, or feral cats you care for, get them checked and vaccinated for ALL contagious diseases. Speaking from experience, it will be worth the extra effort.

And now, I am going outside to visit with my barn cats. May you find happy moments in your day too!

Hennie and I watch the sun rise together

Clowning Around and Thinking Out Loud in the Bag

2011-09-02T10:03:00.000-04:00

I have been teaching myself to sew this summer. Yep, for more than a few years I have used the sewing machine as my main tool, yet I officially don’t know how to sew.

I can get the job done, mind you, my work just hasn’t been about the sewing. To me, using the sewing machine is akin to using welding torches, (which I do know how to use); the end result is the same, it’s the materials and the tools used to attach two parts together that are different. But connecting together they both do.

So I bought a book about sewing and started the lessons. It has been an interesting journey so far. Obviously, some things worked out better than others, but each one has taught me something, and that is always a good thing.

About the time I started my lessons I received my dresses back from the Cloth Paper Scissors Artisan Search which now hang in my studio. After looking at them for a while I was inspired to try one of the projects in the book with the paper fabric that I used for the CPS dresses.

Below are a few of the bags I have made. Not sure where they’ll go from here but I have been enjoying the process. It has been a labor of fun, with a touch of aggravation thrown in. =D

And now I shall put the fabrics and sewing machine away for the weekend, very appropriate for the Labor Day Weekend, me thinks.

Wherever you are and whatever you do, I hope you have a fantastic and safe Labor Day Weekend!

Kim Radatz©

Clowning Around Red, Kim Radatz©

Clowning Around Blue, Kim Radatz©

Thinking Out Loud, Kim Radatz©

Rules Were Made to Be Broken

2011-08-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

Today I read a blog post by Seth Apter of The Altered Page on blogging tips for artists and found it interesting, so I am sharing it with you. Give it a read, I think you might find it interesting too.

One thing Seth said really stood out for me. It reads:

The idea of posting interesting content, day after day, can be daunting to many artists, who would often rather be in the studio than writing blog posts. However, if you think of your blog as an extension of your creative endeavors, the two activities can seamlessly combine.

Spot on. What a great way to think about writing, as an extension of your own work. I will share this advice with my non-writing artist friends to see if it will help them overcome their writers block.

Later in the post he advises to always include an image with your blog post. Advice I have heard often before, especially since we are visual artist, but a rule I choose to break for a variety of reasons.

First of all, I get overwhelmed from the visuals that confront me on a day to day basis. It’s like a visual vacation to see only the text and let my imagination make up the visuals, if they are even necessary.

Also, blogging in and of itself takes time. To feel like I must include an image each time overwhelms me with guilt and guilt is something I am trying to eliminate from my life.

But more importantly, it takes time to get a good image, time I don’t always have. Work is my main focus, allotting some of that time to a blog photo is not something I am willing to do. Granted, if you are selling from your blog good images would be a necessity, but I don’t fit in that category.

With my blog I am thinking out loud and learning from others in the process. At the same time I am fine tuning my own voice and growing as an individual and as an artist. But in order to find my own voice, I must listen first and foremost to myself. And sometimes that means I’ve gotta break the rules.

May you swim upstream a little today!

Failing Forward

2011-08-25T14:31:00.001-04:00

I just read Julie Fei-Fan Balzer‘s great post about being rejected and it inspired me to revisit the subject again because it is so darned important.

When I was a budding artist I thought the work I did was SO FANTASTIC, that I would blow everybody’s mind with my creativity. So when I was rejected, it was a crushing blow. The first time I was rejected from a show I cried for hours. Now, bazillions of rejections later, being rejected is a tiny blip on my radar screen.

Why? Well, first of all, I no longer place such importance on one piece. Nor do I have such lofty feelings about my work. I like some pieces better than others, and I know some are indeed better than others, but each piece is just one part of a collective whole. I’m not banking ALL of me on any one piece. So, if it doesn’t sell, isn’t selected, gets a bad review or…. (fill in the blank), it is okay as it is just one small part of me.

Don’t get me wrong, I am completely devoted to my work, but I have come to learn that what other people think about my work has nothing to do with how I feel about it.

Why do we artist put so much pressure on ourselves to be the cream of the crop each and every time? Let’s face it; we can’t win every race we run. Or hit home runs every time we are up to bat. Why can’t we just be happy by being the best that we can be in that one moment?

I think this is where rejection and failure earn their keep.

They teach us that tenacity trumps talent and to keep on working.

That we need to face our fears and forge ahead, especially in doubt.

That we need to take risks and have the courage to fail.

That maybe we should throw caution to the wind and just do it. Right or wrong, let the chips fall where they may.

Or, that maybe we were swan diving into the wrong pool and to research more carefully the things we apply for.

That we need to hone our skills in all aspects of the business of art.

And, through it all, they help us find our own voices and grow as individuals and as artists.

They are just part of the process and are wonderful teachers, if we listen carefully.

I am so very glad to have spent time with both.

How about you?

I hope you have a creative day!

The Gleaners

2011-08-17T11:06:00.000-04:00

It is impossible for me dig potatoes from my garden without thinking about Millet’s The Gleaners. Impossible, I tell you. Which is a good thing. I always feel connected to the art world and women throughout history. Nature’s bounty teaching me life’s lessons.

Recently I was talking with my Mom about a farm that was down the street from my suburban LA home (yes, there used to be many farms in So Cal) and she told me that we were allowed to pick veggies from the fields after the farmer was done harvesting. How about that, I was a gleaner and didn’t even know it. More of life’s lesson. Fantastic.

Here are the first potatoes we have picked this season, some of which we had for dinner last night.

And the original inspiration.

The Gleaners by François Millet, 1857

And just in case you wanted to know more about the practice of gleaning, here it is:

In this depiction of the rural life of nineteenth century France, we see three female figures gathering the leftovers after the harvest. This practice – known as gleaning – was traditionally part of the natural cycle of the agricultural calendar undertaken by the poor, and was regarded as a right to unwanted leftovers. Although the practice of agricultural gleaning has gradually died away due to a number of historical factors (including industrialization and the organization of social welfare for the poor), there are nonetheless still people in the present day that we might understand to be gleaners.

I hope you glean much from your day!

Show and Tell Sunday-A Budding Artist

2011-08-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

When I was 7 or 8 my Mom let my sibs and I buy a packet of seeds to plant in a makeshift garden in our suburban LA home.

1 Packet.

Hmmm, what to choose, what to choose.

While my sibs picked radishes, pole beans and carrots, I picked gourds. Gourds?

I should have known something was up at that point.

I think what was up, was that I was a budding artist. I didn’t want to eat what I grew; I wanted to enjoy something visual way beyond summer.

And here I am, a bazillion years’ later, living part-time on a farm with a real garden, and my favorite plant is still gourds. Pumpkins too, but they’re just part of the family.

Some things never change.

And now we are at that time of year when I stroll through the gardens daily just to see what has appeared since yesterday. Sort of like an egg hunt, but with pumpkins and gourds.

Here's what today brought.

young jack and gourd cross

winged gourd

warted gourd

blue hubbard and white pumpkin cross

jack

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Until then, may your day be blessed with treats too!

Swan Diving Into the Wrong Pool

2011-08-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out

-Alanis Morissette

A while back I told you that I was applying for a residency and had my fingers crossed for good news. Well, the good news is that I didn’t get it. Yep, that seems like the wrong answer, but I mean it. I am so very happy that I didn’t get accepted.

If I had, I’d be packing up and leaving right now for the 2 month stint working on a new body of work. Instead, I am home (very important to a home body such as myself), working diligently in my studio on the pieces that I already have in my head and need to get out.

Also, if I had, I wouldn’t be able to watch Summer slowly fade into Fall from my small house on the farm. My favorite time of year in one of my favorite places on earth.

I got excited by an idea, and instead of working through it in my sketchbook, (which is sometimes all I need to do to work through an idea and then be done with it) I had a momentary lapse in objective thinking that made me swan dive into the pool, the wrong pool.

And the universe jumped in to save me from my own mistake. Thankfully.

Did it smart a bit? Maybe a touch. But I am so HAPPY that it worked out this way.

And, rejection helps toughen the skin. Who doesn’t need that from time to time?

Life indeed has a funny way of helping us out.

May your day bring you wonderful surprises!

Q and A Mondays- Finding Your Own Voice

2011-08-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine started grad school this past year and periodically asks me for input.

Recently we were talking about her thesis, which isn’t due for a couple of years, but it’s never too early to start thinking about that, me thinks.

So I suggested she start brainstorming with words. Just start yelling them out, (writing them down too, lest they slip out of her mind) and see what words appear. I suggested she do this often to see if any words reappear. After a while a trend will indeed appear and that would be a good place to start, with these random words and thoughts. From there she can build upon them to find out what she wants to say with her work. Like a road map for her art.

How about you; How have you gone about finding your own voice?

How Do You Do That?

2011-07-29T08:54:00.000-04:00

A fellow blogger recently asked about the dresses that are in the Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, specifically about the patterns, dress patterns, and if the dresses are wearable.

Re my process, I use actual dress patterns, 2 per dress, purchased from a fabric store adhered to vinyl with any medium of choice. My preference is Liquitex Matt Medium, but there are a bazillion others to choose from.

The patterns on the dress patterns (that is a difficult one to figure out, yes?) are achieved in a multitude of ways depending on what my direction is for that specific piece.

Both Clowning Around and Lemon Drop have paint, graphite, and charcoal. Tuitti Fruitti is collaged tissue paper.

And no, those specific dresses are not wearable. Though I have worn a skirt made from this material for openings I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody. And I would never subject any kid to that torture. It is made out of vinyl, which does not breathe. Which means it is very hot. And the fabric doesn’t bend, so standing is the only option.

I hope this helps. And I hope you have a creative day.

Clowning Around, 2010
Kim Radatz

Lemon Drop, 2010
Kim Radatz

Tuitti Fruitti, 2010
Kim Radatz

Never To Give Up, Kick Against the Pricks

2011-07-27T20:43:00.001-04:00

I’ve been working on more envelopes; here are 3 of them.

Like any ol' spin doctor, taking words out of context changes their original meaning. These 3 pages came out of a heavy handed religious book from the 1940's.

Food for thought.

Never To Give Up, Kick Against the Pricks, 2011
Kim Radatz

Deep Down Below The Fire Sill Lives
2011
Kim Radatz

I hope you have a creative day.

Show and Tell Sunday-Double Edged Sword

2011-07-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

I have been working towards a show a C. Emerson Fine Art, and instead of delivering something from a current series, I wanted to try something new and different.

Which brings me to the double edged sword.

It is great to be challenging myself to try something new, as in doing so the challenge is also pushing me forward towards new and wonderful possibilities. But, it also leaves me feeling nervous and vulnerable.

Tell me, does the same thing happen to you?

And if yes, how do you deal with it?

In the meantime, here are some pix of my new piece, Letters to My Lover (Bleeding Out), along with my artist statement.

For many years I used the house form as a metaphor for people. That concept evolved to include clothing as an actual house for our bodies. Taking the concept one step further, I removed the form altogether using only the skins. Like cast off tattooed bits, the skins remain to tell a story long after the moment has passed.

With Letters to My Lover (Bleeding Out), I am reintroducing a form, this time a simple envelope, but one rich with its own history and symbolism. In tandem with the memories of the viewer the piece becomes a unique experience to each individual.

Letters to My Lover (Bleeding Out)
2011
©Kim Radatz

Letters to My Lover (Bleeding Out), detail
2011
©Kim Radatz

Whaddaya think?

And no matter what you do, I hope you have a creative day!

P. S. The gallery owner loved the piece. :-)

Something New to Play With

2011-07-20T18:02:00.000-04:00

I am hard on equipment and recently killed one of my sewing machines. It lived a very long and productive life, first with the previous owner of over 30 years and then five years with me. No regrets or complaints about that work horse.

But, I cannot be without a backup sewing machine since much of my work is stitched.

So my 10 year old Viking goes to back up position and my brand spanking new Viking Sapphire takes center stage.

Woo Hoo, wonder what will come from this. Only time will tell.

Until we meet again, may you have a creative day!

Q and A Mondays- Are you a 2D or 3D artist? Or both?

2011-07-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

I recently wrote in my sketchbook, “I am a 3D artist.”

That statement came after a show in which I had both 2D and 3D work and I felt the 2D didn’t hold up to the 3D work.

It is a train of thought I have considered before.

Am I one or the other?

Need I be one or the other?

I know we artists all struggle with multiple personalities in our work and it is important for the work to be consistent, but does that mean it must be only 2D or 3D? Or does a consistent theme trump all else, no matter what the materials or method of making?

I think the latter is correct.

But, I could use your feedback.

What do you think? And do you struggle with similar thoughts?

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T10:50:00.001-04:00

May it be happy and safe and filled with fun!

Questioning Our Allegiance, Kim Radatz

A dress I made a few years back inspired by The Pledge Of Allegiance. Questioning not only the various versions, but also the rules on how to treat a flag and our choice to ignore many of them.

I Quit

2011-07-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

Yep, I know I am supposed to persevere through all challenges as happiness comes at the end of great challenges. Right?

Well, sometimes.

And at other times things are just an uphill battle.

Which has been the case this past week with the new series I am working on.

So, today I shall follow my own advice from the Cloth Paper Scissors interview:

What do you do when a piece isn’t working out the way you want it to?

"Keep forging ahead. Making a piece requires and open dialog with the materials. It’s not just about me; I am a partner in this dance called art. I have to listen to what is working and if its not, adjust accordingly. If a piece continues to be a struggle I move on to another piece."

Which is exactly what I am doing today, moving on from this new series. I will return to it eventually but we need a break from each other right now.

Happily I already have a new piece started in my head. Time to get out the tools and bring it to fruition. I’ll keep you posted.

Until then, may you have a creative day!

Some Days Are More Challenging Than Others

2011-06-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

“Happiness comes when you overcome the most impossible challenge.”

In the whole scheme of life, the challenge I am facing with this new series I am working on is nothing. But, oh how I wish it would ease up a bit. I have been inside out and upside down and everywhere in-between with no resolution on the work.

So, when I brewed my tea this morning and read the inspirational message that came with the tea bag, I felt the universe was trying to tell me something. And I will heed the advice. Struggle through the piece. It’ll all work out in the end. Hopefully it’ll happen soon!

In case you aren’t familiar with Yogi Teas, and I wasn’t until very recently, each tea bag comes complete with delicious tea and an inspirational message. As some of you know, I just love inspirational messages! Makes me want to run out and buy more boxes just for the messages. But, I won’t, it’s back to work for me, I will resolve this piece!

I’ll let you know if and when it works out.

Until then, may your day be a productive one!

Q and A Monday- How? and What?

2011-06-27T12:04:00.000-04:00

Judy Hayes, a fellow Minnesotan, asked the other day, “How did you get started making pattern paper dresses? And, “What inspired you?”

First, what inspired me?

Long story short, I started out life as a potter, and pottery deals with containment. Not that I was a production potter, but I do know how to throw on the potters wheel and have made my own dishes, cups, teapots, etc., so the whole concept of “containment” in deeply entrenched in my brain. Plus, all of us are essentially “containers” moving through the world. Our bodies literally contain our thoughts, ideas, and memories, in addition to the stuff of our physical beings. So, I‘d have to say that concept is the jumping off point for the dresses and almost all other work that I do.

On using actual dress patterns as material, well, that takes a bit longer to explain.

I collect things and vintage dress patterns have long been on my list of favorites. It probably started with the patterns that my Mom used while I was growing up. Both of my sisters and my Mom were great seamstresses. Me on the other hand, not so much. I loved looking for fabric and patterns and wearing clothes that reflected my design sensibilities, I just wasn’t good at sewing. In high school I actually had some of my clothes made by a local seamstress. So the sewing machine as my go to tool didn’t happen by choice.

Fast forward approximately 20 years to when I was invited to do a themed show about “transparency.” My original idea didn’t work out as I had hoped and with a looming deadline, Plan B was hatched. I thought to use some of my vintage patterns but quickly realized that I needed two matching patterns for my vision to work. Nix the vintage patterns and buy new ones. The next hurdle was how to stabilize the patterns to withstand the actual sewing process and survive getting delivered to the gallery. Which I eventually figured out through much trial and error.

I have been making them for 6 or 7 years now and I have fine tuned the process even more. In the past few years I have moved beyond dresses into other forms including a swing set and a boat, with still others yet in the works. I’ll share pictures of the newer work in the near future. In the meantime, here are pictures of the swing set and boat.

Games People Play by Kim Radatz,

installed at

Gala Corina’s iluminación, 2007

Wishful Thinking by Kim Radatz

installed at

C. Emerson Fine Art in St. Petersburg, 2010

Thanks so much for asking, Judy.

And may all of you have a creative day!

Show and Tell Sunday- Serendipity Strikes Again

2011-06-19T14:24:00.000-04:00

Life is so interesting, don’t you think? One never knows what seemingly insignificant stuff can turn into big and exciting news. A little over a year ago, my friend and fellow blogger, Martha, at An Artist's Journal, blogged about using Citra-Solve (spelling varies greatly, BTW) in her art work and mentioned reading about it in the magazine, Cloth Paper Scissors. I was intrigued by the sound of it, went to my local bookseller, and bought the magazine.

Also in that issue was a Call to Artists for their inaugural Artisan Search 2011. Hmmm, I thought, maybe I should check into this. Which I did and decided to apply for. Lo and behold I won in my category. All because I read a blog post. Wonderful stuff, this serendipitous path called life.

The winners in each category received a wonderful prize package and were interviewed to appear in the magazine throughout the year. I was slated for the July/August issue, so I jokingly called myself Miss July/August. Made me want to walk down the red carpet with flowers and a crown. (Yes, in clothes, just in case bunny ears came to mind.)

And then the crowning jewel of this serendipitous path was reveled this past Friday when I received the actual magazine and was surprised to see my work on the cover. I am honored. And I promise to not take stuff like this for granted.

In lieu of scanning the cover, which I can’t do as I am traveling, here is the link to the magazine with the cover and info about the issue.

Until the next time, may your day be filled with surprises!

Hello, My Friend!

2011-06-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

First, let me apologize for being away so long. I am sorry. Life gets in the way sometimes and you just have to deal with it right then and there. And that is what I have been doing as of late, which has kept me out of my studio for an extended time. But things are settling down and soon everything will be back on track.

Pending deadlines are a big reason that I am getting back on track, and you know how I love those. One deadline is for a group show about portraits coming up at C. Emerson Fine Art, in St. Petersburg. I love the challenge of a themed show as they often take me on paths I never would have considered. And that is indeed the case with this show. But more on that later when I have something concrete to talk about. Which will be soon, I promise.

For now, my next deadline is a blog post for Show and Tell Sunday. Yes indeed, getting back on track. And I do have some exciting news to share with you. But that will have to wait until Sunday. Which is tomorrow. Not too long a time wait.

So, I shall sign off for now and hope to see you tomorrow.

Until then, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, may it be wonderful!

BRAVA- Women's Work at Salt Creek Artworks

2011-05-01T18:47:00.000-04:00

Our show opened on Friday and what a lovely evening it was visiting with old and new friends alike.

Here are some pictures I took after set up, but before the opening as I was way too busy to get any pix at that time. I intended to take some, but......

Have a great evening and a creative day tomorrow!

Kim Radatz

Margaret Conte

Candace Knapp

Phyllis McEwen

Carolina Cleere

Lyla Haggard

Show and Tell Sundays- Games People Play

2011-04-24T09:25:00.000-04:00

Tonight I’ll be packing up work to be delivered tomorrow to Salt Creek Artworks in St. Pete. Set up begins in the morning. Let the games begin.

I’m bringing Wishful Thinking and 5 or 6 Skins. The final count will be determined once I start hanging. I’d always rather edit out than run home to finish work in a hurry.

Speaking of being in a hurry, this past week I was rushing around my studio trying to get some extra work done and tore the paper on a piece in progress. I tried to repair it, but things only got worse and the piece was ruined. You can see the big tear on his right hand. Ah well, that’s what I get for rushing. I quickly began a replacement piece.

I’ve included an image of the first one with the mistake and the beginnings of the second piece with just the pencil drawing. It’s actually further along now, but I shall share images of all of them this week once they are hung.

Off to start my day. Whatever you do today, may it be fantastic!

Games People Play, 60" x 26"
Kim Radatz

Save the Date

2011-04-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

BRAVA at Salt Creek Artworks.

The show opens Friday, April 29th at 6:00. I hope to see you there!

Show and Tell Sundays-Work in Progress

2011-04-17T17:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a piece in the early stages for my upcoming show at Salt Creek Artworks St. Pete. I like it so far. But there is much more to do yet. I'll keep you posted.

Kim Radatz

What do you think?

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-04:00

I just got home late last night from a 10 day trip to my Minnesota home. Going to and fro reminded me of my blog profile statement, part of which says, “.. Jimmy was right; changes in latitudes can cause changes in attitudes..”

Isn’t that the truth!

While I was away I starting thinking I made some mistakes with my recent show and residency applications. Why, oh why, does that happen? How can it feel so right for a time period and then feel so wrong.

I do think Jimmy was spot on. I do think my location has something to do with my thoughts.

I shall keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and eventually (I hope) I shall calm down.

In the meantime I’m gonna keep humming the tune as it reminds me of many happy days spent on or near the ocean, which always makes me feel better.

And, apologies to you that I have been out of touch while on vacation. I look forward to reconnecting with you again.

Until then, have a creative day! And feel free to hum along.....

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
By: Jimmy Buffett, 1977

I took off for a weekend last month
Just to try and recall the whole year
All of the faces and all of the places
Wonderin’ where they all disappeared
I didn't ponder the question too long
I was hungry and went out for a bite
Ran into a chum with a bottle of rum
And we wound up drinkin’ all night

Chorus:
Its these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of our running and all of our cunning
If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane

Reading departure signs in some big airport
Reminds me of the places I’ve been
Visions of good times that brought so much pleasure
Makes me want to go back again
If it suddenly ended tomorrow
I could somehow adjust to the fall
Good times and riches and son of a bitches
I’ve seen more than I can recall

Chorus:
These changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
Through all of the islands and all of the highlands
If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane

I think about Paris when I’m high on red wine
I wish I could jump on a plane
So many nights I just dream of the ocean
God I wish I was sailin’ again
Oh, yesterdays over my shoulder
So I can't look back for too long
There's just too much to see waiting in front of me
And I know that I just can't go wrong

Chorus:
With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of my running and all of my cunning
If I couldn’t laugh I just would go insane
If we couldn’t laugh we just would go insane

Show and Tell Sundays-Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

2011-04-03T18:09:00.000-04:00

Most of the work that I have accomplished in my studio as of late has been on the computer, except for the odd times here and there when I can work on my behemoth skin, I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can. I think I bit off more that I can chew with that one. And I wonder why I felt the need to make it big. But big it is. It just seemed to call for it and I obliged my inner artist on that one. So I am plodding along slowly and soon it’ll be time to add the stitching. Because it is big, fitting into my sewing machine will be interesting indeed. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. For now I am feeling the need to work on some embroidery hoops as I can work through ideas much quicker with those. And immediate gratification is a good thing sometimes too!

On that happy note I bid you farewell. I hope you have a fantastic day.

I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can
54” x 100”
Kim Radatz

A Kiss for Luck and It's On Its Way

2011-03-31T15:26:00.001-04:00

The other day I shared with you that I was considering applying for a 2 month residency and that I was afraid. One of the reasons for my fear is that I have taken workshops and done residencies in the past, and they haven’t always lived up to what I had hoped for.

Silly me. Worrying that something won’t work out exactly as I planned. But then I remembered that nothing in life ever works out exactly as we think they will, right? Does that mean the experience isn’t worth it? Or worth trying something similar in the future? A definitive no. It might take months or even years to realize the benefit, but it’s there, it’s always there. There are always benefits to every experience. Sometimes we just have to look a little harder to see them.

All of that to say, I shoved aside my fears, with some force, mind you, and did it. Application completed and submitted. Now I just hope for the best, knowing full well that whatever the outcome, it is as it should be.

On that happy note, I bid your farewell. May your day be a creative one!

More Targets to Shoot At. More Bullets to Fire.

2011-03-29T10:32:00.001-04:00

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. There have been many deadlines as of late. More targets to shoot at. More bullets to fire.

Which is good, as they keep me moving forward. Most are easy-breezy applications. Fill in the blanks and send in your money. But, I am also applying for a residency. Minimum of 2 months. Which has this homebody a bit nervous.

Well, actually, I am afraid.

And yes, it is easy to say “face your fears,” but it is much harder to do so.

So, I have had some sleepless nights. And heart wrenching conversations.

Is this right for me?
Should I do it?
What if I am not selected?
What if I am selected?
Do I really want to do it?
Will it really be good for me?
And on and on.

In the end, the pros outweigh the cons. So I gotta do it.

Scary, indeed, but I’m just gonna ride it out and see where it takes me.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Show and Tell Sundays-Hoop-Lah!

2011-03-27T17:40:00.001-04:00

Here are two more small skins that I wanted to share with you, both with the addition of color.

Gotta be the flowers blooming all around that inspired me to add the color. I like the addition and plan on using more colors on future skins. Slowly moving forward with the series. Not jumping out and taking big risks. But moving forward nonetheless.

Let me know what you think. And may your day be a creative one!

Do You Do Morning Pages?

2011-03-24T12:53:00.000-04:00

Julia Cameron hit a home run with The Artist’s Way. Have you read the book? Done your 3 pages daily? If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend doing so. It is well worth the read. Check out Julia Cameron’s website here for information on the book and more.

The reason I ask you about the 3 pages is that today I stumbled upon a notebook full of my daily pages from early 2000 and what an interesting read it has been!

Here is an excerpt from March 2000.
“I really, really, really do want to be successful…but I don’t know if I’ll ever get there. I don’t’ think I’m talented enough. I don’t think I work hard enough…what if the ideas don’t come.”

When I first read this I was saddened to hear such self doubt. But, wait a minute. I needn’t feel sad, I should be glad as I don’t feel this way anymore.

Not talented enough? As you already know, I accept that I have never been the most talented artist, but I have tenacity and that takes me much further. And I work very hard in my studio daily.

Ideas won’t come? Hardly. I can’t turn off the ideas. There currently aren’t enough hours in the day to finish all of them.

And success? Well, I’ve matured since then. I’m not sure what I was pining for back then, but I imagine it had to do with accolades from my peers. Fortunately, I have received recognition for my work since then in the form of awards and such, but more importantly, I realize that success isn’t measured by outside sources, but how I feel within.

All of this to say, wow, I honestly feel the pages worked for me. I am happy I took the advice to heart and devoted the time to them. I feel certain they had a great impact upon who I am today. Seeing hard work come to fruition, well, what better testimonial can there be.

So, my advice is to check out the book, if you haven’t already done so, and do the pages, whether you are new to them or starting anew. And I plan to do the same. Keep me posted on how they go, and I shall do the same.

May your day be filled with new beginnings!

I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can

2011-03-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well, Monday came and went and I didn’t post anything as I had promised on Sunday, sorry about that. But I have been plodding along with this new piece. It’s much larger than the ones I have made before, so I’m taking it slowly and listening carefully. No need to rush it, me thinks, the work will always be waiting for me.

I am revisiting the fence from Cover Me (the skin with the life vest), as I really liked it and wanted to see how I felt about it a second time around. A teacher in grad school, Diane Dawes, once advised me to recycle ideas or concepts often, especially when you are stuck as it’s a great jumping off point. I’m not stuck, heck, I can’t keep up with the ideas that keep streaming though my head, but still, it’s good advice.

I see the girls, dresses, fence, life vest, umbrella, etc. as symbols and each time I use them I am seeing them in a new way. Like a story. The words of the story are the symbols, and though the words have been used a bazillion times before, when strung together in a new way, the meaning is completely different. That’s how I see my work, something new from something familiar.

As I say in my artist statement, “Each piece is a fresh attempt to see things in a new way, yet remain part of an ongoing dialog. Each is tied to the next and the one before. They are all intrinsically linked together and the conversation continues.”

And the conversation will continue, but for now I shall get back to work.

May your day be creative and productive!

I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, 54” x 100”

Kim Radatz

I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, detail

Kim Radatz

P.S. As you might be able to see, the paint is still wet. Much work yet to be done, including the stitching, but I wanted to share it with you.

Show and Tell Sundays-Come Monday

2011-03-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

Monday is gonna have to come before I have any work to show you as my niece had a surprise wedding this past weekend and I was busy with all the hustle bustle that goes along with any wedding.

I have been working on a new larger skin, 54” x 100”, which I will share with you on Monday; it just needs more work before there is enough for you to look at. But I like what is happening so far.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday! Until then, have a great one!

Do You Do it Too?

2011-03-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

I worked on some mixed media pieces to match décor this week and my Artist Within that likes angst was up in arms. In my head I kept hearing, “You shouldn’t make art that matches a sofa!”

Also, a friend recently voiced apologetically that she was painting a room to match her art. These “shoulds” gotta go. What we should never do is feel guilty about any creativity we participate in. Our life should be full of joy, not guilt. So, I’m making the choice to ignore my inner artist as she obviously has some issues of her own that she needs to work out.

For me, I’m gonna keep making whatever interests me at the moment. There will be a lesson in all work that I do and I don’t want to miss those lessons because I was feeling guilty.

Those “shoulds,” and the ensuing guilt that comes with them, kill creativity. Don’t let them in. And when they do creep in from time to time, get rid of them as soon as possible. Honor your own special creativity and your true voice will emerge.

On that happy note, I hope you have a creative day!

Fruitful Life, 2011
Kim Radatz©

I’m Doing the Tango and She’s Doing the Jitterbug

2011-03-15T16:41:00.001-04:00

She’s Come Undone, 52” x 27”

Kim Radatz

Mercy me.

This girl that has come undone is about to undo me. We just haven’t figured out our rhythm and keep stepping on each others' toes. So I’m leaving her alone for a while to work on other pieces. I’ll get back to her soon enough, but for now we rest. I have faith the ideas will come in due time. At least, I hope they do. :-)

I'll keep you posted.

May you have a productive and creative day!

Show and Tell Sunday - New Possibilities

2011-03-13T15:27:00.000-04:00

I’ve been working on the skin “She’s Come Undone, but boy, is she kickin’ my butt. We just haven’t figured out our dance yet, but eventually it’ll get worked out.

In the meantime, here are 2 new possibilities for pieces to wrap. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Until next time, have a great one!

In Transit

His and Hers

Tattooed Bits of Skin

2011-03-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

Like cast off tattooed bits of skin, these pieces tell the story long after the moment has passed.

This is an excerpt from my artist statement about the “Skins” series that I am currently working on.

Hmmm, interesting. Maybe I should look at real tattoos as inspiration? And what better place to do some tattoo viewing than at the Bike Week event in Daytona Beach? Road trip!

Me at the Cabbage Patch
Daytona Bike Week 2011

But the reality is (and I knew this before I went, it was just an excuse for some fun in the sun. :-D) is that this series isn’t about tattoos that come from a tattoo parlor; it is about the marks that life leaves on us. Scars scattered everywhere.

I won’t lie to you and say I love all of my scars (physical or emotional), but I know they are a part of life. Permanent reminders of where we have been. So I will happily accept them if it in any way indicates that I am living a full life.

On that happy note, I bid you farewell and hope that you have a great one!

Show and Tell Sunday- She’s Come Undone

2011-03-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

As we have talked about before, deadlines can be a very good thing. I could do without the last minute, drama and stress induced kind, but on the whole, I think deadlines help keep us on track.

I recently completed an application for a show, to the point of putting it in the envelope and sealing it up, only to get a notice that the deadline was extended for 2 weeks. Bummer, I first thought. But, no, wait. I need to think about this some more. This means I can keep on working and see if I like any of the new works better for the submission.

Life throwing me another chance to do something better. I like it when than happens. And I almost overlooked it.

Below is the piece I have been working on as a possible addition to my application. It's still in the very early stages, but there is more to come. A little something extra on this piece. I'll hope to have it posted before next Show and Tell Sunday. Time will tell on that front. But you will be the first to know.

Until next time, may you have a great one!

She's Come Undone

57 x 30"

Kim Radatz

She's Come Undone, detail
Kim Radatz

Do You Give Good__________(fill in the blank)?

2011-03-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

No matter what the blank is to you, are you good at it?

Do you go the extra mile?

Are you the best that you can be?

Even on a bad day?

I received an order of eggs today (nope, I no longer blow my own as I use too many) from The Feathered Egg. This is my second order from Corinne and both times her customer service has been way above average.

And I’m not talking about the condition of the eggs when they arrived. Though happily, there were no broken eggs either time as each one was lovingly (you could just feel it) wrapped in protective bubble wrap. It was the small pair of scissors included in the first order to assist me in unwrapping said eggs that let me know this was a company that was top notch.

But the box I received today made me break out in a big smile. On top was a tiny little pink chick, the kind you see everywhere at this time of year. So yes, they are readily available. And no, I can’t put it to good use, but it let me know that The Feathered Egg goes the extra mile each time they send a shipment. And it made me happy and warm inside. That can never be a bad thing.

Maybe I can put it to good use, after all. I think I’ll attach it to the top of my computer so that every day I am reminded that I too should go the extra mile and be good at whatever task is currently at hand.

Thank you, Corinne, for reminding me to reach higher!

Have a great day, everybody!

Honest Abe

2011-03-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

As I have shared with you before, I love words of affirmations.

Actually, who wouldn’t? We all need a little "life is short" reminder from time to time, me thinks.

And still, with ALL of the magnets, coffee cups, drink coasters, etcetera, that I have I can still find little gems that make me sit up and take note. I love it when that happens.

Yesterday as I visited my local Borders store for the last time I came across a set of note cards in a pretty little decorative box. Inside the cover of the box it said,

Whatever you are be a good one.

-Abraham Lincoln

Love it

Simply stated.

But profoundly important.

Whatever you are be a good one. Wonderful. I think I'll try.

And may your day be a good one too!

Show and Tell Sunday-Sitting Duck

2011-02-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you feel like a duck. Sometimes you don’t.

Ever have those days (or weeks!) when it feels like you are a sitting duck for lots of negativity from the world? Yep, me too. Kinda sucky. Wears on you and brings you down. But I try to snap out of it immediately. No time for pity parties. Life is too good for wasting time on that.

In Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles, he talks about his mentor, W. Clement Stone being an inverse paranoid.

“Instead of believing the world was plotting to do him harm, he chose to believe the world was plotting to do him good. Instead of seeing every difficult or challenging event as a negative, he saw it for what it could be-something that was meant to enrich him, empower him, or advance his causes.”

Interesting concept. And one I shall work on.

Diligently thinking about that concept helped me this weekend. Instead of pity partying, I went into the studio and produced. I’m empowering myself. I’m glad I did.

Here is the piece I worked on, which isn’t complete, but I’ve got a good start at it.

Sitting Duck, vintage chair wrapped with skin
Kim Radatz

Sitting Duck, detail
Kim Radatz

Its part of a larger series I’m working on called, "Wrappings". Akin to the "Skin" series, but instead of taking it off, (our skin, so to speak), these are protective coverings. Wrapping our bodies and taking care.

I am sending good thoughts your way for wonderful days and weeks ahead. Wrap yourself up in them.

You’ve Got Mail

2011-02-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

It used to be when we got letters regarding shows they came in the mail.

In an envelope.

Now it’s not so much about holding the letter in your hand as it is about hearing the words, “You’ve got mail!”

And I did. Get mail, that is. From the gallery in Wisconsin that I told you about in January. Good news too. I got a solo show in September 2012. I’m thrilled.

I’m also happy the committee took the time to tell me that they loved my proposal packet. Very nice of them. It helps to know stuff like that. To be reassured that, yep, that was good, stay on this path. I’m feeling even better about the proposals that I have screwed up in the past.

And I know you already know why, I can hear the rustle of your pom poms. Thank you. I'm cheering for you too!

Have a wonderful day!

Tenacity Trumps Talent

2011-02-22T15:54:00.000-05:00

My 15 year old niece is applying for a summer workshop at an art college and needs my help with the whole application process. I am always happy to help. People have helped me and I am eternally grateful for that, so I am passing it along. I was once told you can only repay kindness with kindness. Seems like a lovely rule of thumb to live by.

Back to my niece. What can I do to help her at this very beginning step in her art career?

First, I’m gonna tell her to read my blog. She can skip over most of it, if she wants, but I want her to read about the failures. About my failures. I do walk on water in her eyes, so it’s time to show her otherwise.

Secondly I’m going to tell her that the single most important part of success isn’t talent, its tenacity.

Though I knew my entire life that I wanted to be an artist, I was never the most talented kid throughout that time. I’m talking all the way through school, elementary through college. And it took me 20 years to get my MFA so this isn’t just a casual statement. I’ve got the time under my belt to prove my statement. Admittedly most of those college years were off and on for my AA. Once I set my mind to getting my degree, first my BFA and then my MFA, I was very focused and on track. Again, not the most talented. But nobody worked harder than I did, even in the early years.

As you already know, I was very shy and insecure. All those classes I took were my testing grounds. I tried, I failed. I watched and listened. I learned from all of it. I needed those 20 years to finally believe that I was an artist. And I am glad I did it that way. It worked for me.

I hope Lydia takes a shorter course. Though I hope she doesn’t skip failing.

I hope she will be willing to step outside her comfort zone to try something new. Something uncomfortable. I hope she tries things that don’t come easy or things she is not good at. If she stays only in her comfort zone she’ll be holding herself back and not growing to her potential. I hope she’ll have some great failures. And I hope she sees me in the back corner with my pom poms cheering her on.

Nurture, 8 inch hoop, Kim Radatz

Have a great day!

Show and Tell Sunday – Finally Something Finished

2011-02-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

It took me a while, but I am back on track and getting some work finished. Finally.

You saw this skin early on, and now here it is finished. I cropped the long threads hanging off of the fence in the photo as they just didn't show up. Tis a shame as I love the threads. They are an important part of the piece. Just as the "stuff" below the dresses are in my "dress series." To me they are the detritus we gather moving through our lives. Still an integral part of us as they drift away from our physical self.

All of that to say, you're just gonna have to see it in person to see it in its entirety. :-)

Cover Me, 30" x 38", Kim Radatz

Feel free to send your thoughts my way.

May your day be a creative one!

Artists Helping Artists

2011-02-17T15:52:00.000-05:00

I met with Alison Swann Ingram recently to discuss my participation in an upcoming show she and her business partner, Carl Johnson, are hosting at their business, Franklin Street Fine Woodwork. I first had the opportunity to work with Alison in 2007 at the Gala Corina show, iluminación, in South Tampa.

When we met this past Tuesday she told me what a life changing experience iluminación had been for her. As a board member of Gala Corina I was very pleased to hear that. It gave me chills when she retold her story to me. Makes the heart grow in size to see how things you have participated in help others along on their life path.

Now she is in a position to turn the table and give other emerging artists the same opportunity.

Artists helping artists. It’s a wonderful thing.

If you live in the Tampa Bay area, come on by Friday, March 11th from 5:00 to 10:00 to check out the art and share in some good times. I am honored to be in this show and will hope to see you there!

1609 Artist Invitational at Franklin Street Fine Woodwork, 1609 North Franklin Street in Tampa.

Courage to Fail

2011-02-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

Last night we had last minute guests for dinner. It was a long time friend and his new girlfriend. Since it was Valentine’s Day and all the restaurants would be full, I knew we would have to eat in.

What could I throw together quickly in short notice? (I mean that pretty literally as time was of the essence and I didn’t want to run to the store.)

And what does this have to do with courage, you ask?

Let me tell you.

It takes courage to throw (remember, literally), together a meal for somebody, especially if you don’t know them. And it something I would not have been able to do in the not too distant past. You see, courage is something I have lacked for most of my life. Many of the people I know now would doubt that about me, but my long time friends remember me when.

-When I was so shy I dropped out of a class in college, and got an F for doing so, because I had to give an oral report. (Which I did, BTW, I just didn’t have the courage to share it with the class.)
- When meeting with somebody new I would assume they didn’t have time for me.
-When asked a question I would defer to anybody else, as long as I didn’t have to answer.
-When I wouldn’t offer assistance as I felt my contribution wouldn’t be good enough.
-When I wouldn’t apply for a show as I assumed in advance that I wouldn’t get in.
-When I believed that others were prettier, smarter, better at anything than I was.
-Etc.

So what changed?

Me, naturally.

And what changed me was failing. I didn’t sit in the corner and cry about it (though tears were indeed shed), I learned from each failure.

Often it was little tiny failures (such as a smoke alarm dinner), though there were some pretty big ones too, (like a less than stellar review). But I never ignored them. I learned from each of them what not to do next time.

Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say I love failing. No, not at all. But it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. Because if I had not failed, I would not be where I am today.

And that, I wouldn’t change for anything.

Have a great one!

Lest you think it's been all surgery and dinner guests for me, here is Cover Me a little further along on her path.

Cover Me, 48" x 36", Kim Radatz

P.S. Dinner was delicious! Company too.

Show and Tell Sundays – Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2011-02-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

I’m still playing catch up after my surgery and taking the time to heal. Feeling great too, except I have not been consistent in my communications with you. Please pardon my absence. Back on track and ready to roll.

As I said above, I’m turning the tables on this Show and Tell Sunday and asking you instead of telling you something. And this is what I want to know –

Do you belong to a support group for artists?

If yes, good for you. Would you like to share your information?

If not, have you considered starting one?

I am a one of the founding members of BRAVA, a group that has been meeting for 14 years now. We meet on the last Friday of each month to discuss our latest work, upcoming shows, and in general support each other on this often lonely path of being an artist.

What a WONDERFUL thing that we do for each other!

I highly recommend all artists belong to such a group. And if you can’t find one, make one.

It’s easy, really. Especially now with the help of social media. In fact, you might end up with too many potential members, so be picky. Don’t accept everybody or nobody will benefit.

There are as many different ways to go about forming a group as there are individuals doing the forming. And all groups are valid; just make sure you are surrounded by like minded people in order to get the most benefit out of it. Let’s face it; you are taking time away from actually making art, so use your time well.

Here are a few things I think are important to consider as you are in the planning stages of forming your potential group:

• Do you want to show together?
• Do you just want to have fun and be social or grow your art?
• Do you want constructive criticism? (This sounds great, but many people don’t deal well with any criticism, no matter how it will benefit them.)
• Can you devote half a day once a month to participate in the group? (Life does get in the way, so consider your other obligations before committing to a group. If you aren’t devoted, you aren’t a positive contributor to the group.)
• All women? All men? Or a mixed group?
• Large group? Small group?
• Everybody shares work at each meeting? Or only a few members are featured at each meeting?
• Mornings, evenings, or weekends?
• Meetings rotate from home to home? Or held in a restaurant or library?
• Etc., etc., etc.

Much depends on how many members, and again, all the above are valid variations, just tailor the meetings to fit the group in general. It might take some tweaking along the way, but there are always growing pains, yes? Keep with it and I think you’ll be thrilled with how a group can help you along your artistic path.

Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.

Endings and Beginnings

2011-02-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

I’m off to DeLand to pick up my work from the Florida Museum for Women Artists’ juried show. All things eventually end, as did this show, but there is always something new around the corner. And, sure enough, there is. Just signed a contract for a show in March. I’ll let you know about it once I have more information.

Here is the very preliminary beginning of another skin. Hard to see much, but it’s a start.

Cover Me, 48” x 36”, Kim Radatz

Cover Me.
Again.
I’m starting to see a trend here; how about you?

Show and Tell Sunday-Cover Me

2011-02-06T12:37:00.002-05:00

I have received so many wonderful Get Well wishes since having my appendicitis attack this past Monday and subsequent surgery on Tuesday. The love sent my way has been healing and humbling. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends in the world. Thank you for your kindness.

And now, back to work.

Here is a new skin that I have been working on between naps. There is more to do, but I am happy with the progress so far. I’ll share once it is finished.

Until then, may you have a wonderful day! And thanks again. My heart is aglow.

Cover Me, 30" x 38", Kim Radatz

Hump Day Happy Hour - Stephanie Metz

2011-02-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

I received the Penland School of Crafts workshop catalog recently and in flipping through it came across the work of Stephanie Metz. Really terrific work! I enjoy all of her work but I have a particular affinity to the ‘Pelts’, as I’m sure you can see why. Great name for the series too. Check her out.

Stephanie Metz

Do You Have The Creative Habit?

2011-02-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

I was at the courthouse for jury duty all day on Monday and the book I chose to take with me was The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. If you have not read the book I suggest you run, not walk to purchase this fantastic book. I read it first years ago and it is a book I could read again and again. I never tire of it.

In her own words she says, “More than anything, this book is about preparation. In order to be creative you have to know how to prepare to be creative.” We might be inclined toward something, as I believe I am with art, while my twin is not. But I was not born with the skills to be an artist, just the inclination. It has taken me years of study to get to where I am today. Studying different methods, ideas, and materials. Practicing and failing, but also garnering gems from what didn’t work out to try again in a different way.

I think that is why some artists answer, “My entire life,” to the oft asked question, “How long did it take you to make/paint that piece?” There is nothing flippant about the statement. It really is a true.

But I highly recommend taking time out of your productive day to check out this book. I think you’ll find it worth your time.

I hope your day is a creative one!

Show and Tell Sunday-It Takes Two, Baby

2011-01-30T15:24:00.004-05:00

In November I wrote about “twos.” Killing Two Birds with One Stone, to be exact. Which is a subject that is often on my mind. You see, I am an identical twin. It sort of colors my world. We were hanging out together before we ever took our first breath. That’s pretty powerful stuff.

I have other sibs, a brother and a sister, and I love them immensely, but there is no denying that what I feel about my twin is different. I don’t know why that is, I just accept it as part of my world.

But the pairs of things that always show up in my work, well that I do know about. It's the twin thing.

Below are two more small skins that deal with twos.

May your day be doubly fantastic!

Long and Lanky, Kim Radatz

Prim and Proper, Kim Radatz

Words To Live By

2011-01-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

I love words of affirmation. They are little gems of wisdom to ponder as I move about my day. Posted here, taped there, purchased magnets, or hand written notes, it matters not. I’ve got them all over the place. I’ll be doing something else and suddenly come across one and it will lift my spirits. What can be better than that?

In addition to the one above, here are a few more that I have out and about now:

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers ‘grow, grow’

-The Talmud

Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.

-Dr. Spock

And the following excerpt from a Harvard commencement address given by J.K. Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) that I clipped out of a magazine:

The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or [your] strength…, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift…. It is painfully won, and it has been worth more to me than any qualification I ever earned.

Wow, great words from one who faced many failures herself, yet forged ahead and succeeded in a very big way.

May these words lift your spirits too.

Have a great day.

Hump Day Happy Hour

2011-01-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

Looking at other people's art makes me happy, but I don’t always allow myself the time to search it out. So I’ve decided to set aside part of a day to do a little research and share some of my finds with you each week.

I'll be looking forward to seeing you each Wednesday at 5:00!

Today I want to share some work I saw at the Morean Arts Center this past weekend. Fabulous work by a local artist! And great titles too. Enjoy.

Karen Tucker Kuykendall, Keep on the Sunny Side, Always on the Sunny Side…and gimme some biscuits and mustard…Songs Along the Highway #2.

Karen Tucker Kuykendall

Rejection and Failure Go Hand in Hand

2011-01-25T15:39:00.001-05:00

I have kept the word “failure” at the forefront of my mind since posting about rejection and how it helped me along my merry way as an artist. Hmmm, I wondered, if rejection can help, how about failures?

And then I stumbled upon the Cloth Paper Scissors questionnaire and see that failure has been on my mind much longer than just last week.

Below are two of CPS's question and my corresponding answers that deal with failure.

-If you could go back in time five years, what would you tell yourself about your art?
To trust in yourself and your art. There will be failures, mistakes, wrong turns, and distractions, but keep forging ahead. Work through the problems as in time they will resolve themselves.

-What do you wish they taught kids in school about art?
To trust in their inner artist and appreciate that they have been given a gift. But of utmost importance is that it takes more than just being gifted to make it as an artist.

Artists of all ages must persevere in times of doubt. Accept failure as part of the process. Be disciplined and focused even when it’s hard to find the time to do so. Be tenacious in their endeavor. And to be humble and open to change as teachers appear along their paths.

Maybe failure and rejection go hand in hand with being an artist. Or, more importantly, it just comes as part of this game called life. Might as well take advantage of them both and learn from them, me thinks.

Now I’m gonna go ponder mistakes that I have made. Surely there will be lessons there too. I'll keep you posted on that front.

Until next time, have a creative day!

Hand in Hand, Kim Radatz

Show and Tell Sunday- The Story Goes Round and Round

2011-01-23T13:07:00.001-05:00

Individually each piece documents an idea, a thought, or experience for one moment in time. Collectively they are part of an ongoing dialog. Each is tied to the next and the one before. They are all intrinsically linked together and the conversation continues.

How Rejection Made Me A Better Artist

2011-01-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

As I prepare my proposal packet to send off next week I keep wondering, “How can I make my proposal shine over all of the other proposals that the gallery receives?” And it made me realize that although acceptance letters are the ones that make me feel good inside, it is the rejection letters that have made me grow, and that in turn has made me a better artist.

If I hadn’t been rejected down through the years I might not have taken time to evaluate my work.

• Was it the quality of the slides/images?
• Was it the quality of the work?
• Was the work appropriate for the show/venue?
• And on and on.

To help strengthen my weaknesses I have taken many workshops on career development, for both artists and business people in general. And I have listened to countless self-help CD’s while I drive and exercise.

I have continued my art education to improve my skills and learned new ones which has enabled me to try new paths. Some lessons I can use immediately while others percolate for years before I find a good use for them. Some I never use, but that does not bother me for it is the knowledge that has given me strength and assuages my fears to consider future risks more comfortably.

I have taken classes and read up on how to take better photographs, though you wouldn't always know it from my blog snapshsots (hah! :-D). I’m not computer savvy, but I am learning my way around the computer and Photoshop. This has probably been the hardest for me, but I keep pluggin’ along and I am surprised at how much I have learned. Don’t get me wrong, I probably couldn’t keep up with a 5th grader, but I look like a genius compared to my sister.

All of these subjects and many more are ongoing as education is my number one priority. Boy, do I still have lots to learn. And I hope I continue doing so until I take my last breath.

And on that happy note, I better get back to work.

I hope your day is a creative one!

Twins, Kim Radatz

Twins, detail, Kim Radatz

This piece was made while I was at Penland School of Crafts in 2006 for the Spring Concentration. It is a mixed media piece consisting of Vandyke brown photo prints on muslin.

Skinned Again

2011-01-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

Been busy as a bee. On the computer and also with artwork. Though mostly on the computer.

But I did get a chance to work a little on Remembering When and wanted to share the progress with you. She still needs lots more stitching, text, and then binding, but here she is to date.

(I wish you could see these works in person as the translucent “skin” quality doesn’t really translate in photos. So there is my disclaimer.)

Remembering When, Kim Radatz

Remembering When, detail, Kim Radatz

A little dark and disturbing, but I like it that way.

Any thoughts?

Off to finish up and have a quiet evening. Whatever you do, may yours be a good one too!

Show and Tell Sundays – Remembering When

2011-01-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

After two weeks away from my studio I’m working again and it feels great.

I love my studio. It fills my soul.

And Remembering When is what I have worked on since being home.

Remembering When, Kim Radatz

There’s more to do, but I wanted to share it with you. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Until then, have a fabulous day!

Dorothy was Right

2011-01-14T07:35:00.000-05:00

I am home.

In my studio.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love my Minnesota home. Ditto for my tiny studio. But as I already mentioned, I was sans working supplies this past visit. And working is what I missed the most.

Today I am super eager to get to work. LOTS of ideas to bring to fruition. I wish I could do them all today. But I know these things take time. So I’ll forge ahead and see what transpires.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

I hope your day is a productive one too!

A Sense of Space

2011-01-12T10:53:00.001-05:00

Do you visit a gallery before submitting a show proposal?

Sometimes that's a hard thing to do, especially if the gallery is far away. But it can be so very beneficial to do so if the opportunity presents itself.

On my “To Do” list is an entry to submit to a gallery in Wisconsin. I have been there before, so visiting isn’t necessary, right? I also have the work in mind for the space. So again, should be a no brainer, right?

Wrong for me, in this instance.

I happen to be in Minnesota prior to the proposal deadline. Not an accident on my part. Going to the gallery one more time, which isn’t far from here, felt right. I’ve got some new works in the mix and didn’t know exactly which work to submit. The new? The established work? Or a combination of both?

So this is what I did:

I set aside a day to go to the gallery. When I got there I walked in quietly and with an open mind. I had an idea of which work would fit the space, but I remained open to other possibilities.

I took my time. I moved through the space repeatedly and looked at it from different angles.

And softly, slowly, the show emerged. I knew what work to use and where to put it.

This, I must tell you, was different from what I had originally planned.

I am so glad I went. The show proposal will be stronger for that visit.

So my advice, if you are at all able to do so, is to take a walk through the gallery you have in mind and see what emerges. I think you’ll be happy you did.

And let me know how it goes, okay?

In the meantime, may your day be a creative one!

Show and Tell Sundays-Is Bigger Better?

2011-01-09T14:31:00.003-05:00

I am at my summer home and studio on this cold winter day. All of my tools and supplies await me in Florida, which means actually making work is on hold for now.

So as I sit here in my tiny studio, literally a drop cloth stapled to the floor in a corner of my bedroom, I ponder work I have made here. And even I am amazed at what has come out of this tiny space. Some of it quite large.

This prompts me to remember that it is not where I am that the works stems from, but rather who I am that matters. The work is always inside of me.

Encouraging to this sometimes doubtful artist. And something I will take care to remember from time to time.

May your day be warm and creative.

Ted Larsen

2011-01-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Do you ever see art and think, “I wish I had made that.”?

It happens once in a while for me, and it happened again just the other day when I saw this work by Ted Larsen.

I love this work. I love the linear qualities, the colors, and the surface.

Beautiful work. Check it out.

Ted Larsen

Sandwich as Muse

2011-01-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

What is your muse?

Hmmm, for me it’s hard to narrow it down to one as I am inspired by many things.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I started out life as a potter, so rusty, crusty, earthy textures make my heart race. And old, decaying things too.

Text of any kind does the same. Which is why it can be found on almost all of my work. That could stem from graffiti, or billboards, or t-shirts which have turned us into walking billboards. Or maybe it is just the simple beauty of the line a letter or word makes that captivates me.

I am not sure.

But a sandwich has never been among the items on my list.

Which is why the Cuban Sandwich Show conceived by David Audet of the Artist and Writers Group and the Festival of Moving Image, is appealing to me.

A formal prospectus will be out soon, but in the meantime, David sent out this brief description of the show.

"All the art, in all mediums, has to be about Tampa AND/OR Cuban Sandwiches. Thus, whether the art form is visual, film, dance, theater, music, cuisine, poetry, literature, the root subject is somehow about Tampa, past, present, future."

A Cuban Sandwich Show. Fantastic. I shall chew on that subject (pun intended) for many days to come.

Makes me yearn for a good Cuban sandwich too.

And makes me wonder if it is all of our experiences that become our muses?

What do you think?

Whatever form your muse takes, may she keep you moving forward on your path.

Have a great one!

Forging Ahead, Even in Doubt

2011-01-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

As I have mentioned before, juried shows are a crap shoot. And I’ve also already mentioned why I don’t take it personally if I don’t get in the show. There are too many great things going on in my world to worry about rejection.

But on top of actually making the art work and then deciding to submit work we artists are faced with the fairly new digital application process. Can any of you out there say “technically challenged”? I can.

I’m still learning my way around Photoshop, though I have learned much by just practicing and using it. The problem is I am usually “practicing” when I am actually submitting the work. Makes the submission process all the more stressful.

This past summer I made some smaller works to submit to the Artisan Search 2011 in the Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. Challenged, I was. With the application, not so much the work. It was so FRUSTRATING. So I almost didn’t complete the process.

Thanks to the kind people at the magazine I learned what I was doing wrong, corrected my mistakes and submitted my application, just in the nick of time.

On my birthday, September 27th, I learned I was one of five finalists in my category of mixed-media stitch. Such a nice birthday gift! One month later I learned I was the winner in my category. And I almost didn’t enter the show!

I’m glad I forged ahead, even when I doubted myself.

May your day be stress free and creative!

The current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors

Show and Tell Sundays-Make a Wish and Make it Happen

2011-01-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

I gave wish lanterns to family members for them to send off on New Year’s Day. The date was so magical, and even more powerful, in my mind’s eye, since it was the first day of the year.

While I await the photos from their launchings (we all live in different states, and more importantly, they are technically challenged) I am including a photo of the wish lantern we launched. My husband and I wrote our hopes and wishes for the New Year and set it afloat. A beautiful sight to see. Since the power was out in our neighborhood the lantern really shone.

May this be a sign of a bright and beautiful New Year. And may yours shine equally bright and beautifully.

Happy New Year!

Deadline Done

2010-12-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

Did it.

Got the work finished, photographed, and submitted to the show. Now I just wait to hear whether I was accepted or not. As I mentioned before, it’s always a crap shoot. And I do not take it personally. Whew, I’ve been rejected too many times to take it personally any more.

Sometimes the stars just aren’t lined up properly.

Or the juror had a bad day.

Or didn’t like my work.

Or……..

But it’s all okay. I like my work, and the path that I am on. And at the end of the day that is what matters most.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic to get positive reinforcement about my work in the form of sales or acceptance letters, but I don’t fret and stew over it. I just keep plodding along, trusting my instincts and knowing that in the end it all works out as it is supposed to.

And on that happy note, I shall bid farewell to each of you on this last day of 2010 and look forward to more conversations in 2011.

Have a happy and safe New Years Eve!

P.S.- All of the work evolved from when you saw them last. Here is a look at some of the changes.

Shooting at Targets

2010-12-29T09:16:00.001-05:00

I like deadlines as they give me something to aim at. They keep me on track and working towards a finished product. Always nice to have a target.

And I have one this week. It helped get me out of bed and feeling better again. Wonderful how life helps me out that way.

This week I have been diligently working on these “skins”. Not finished yet, but they will be for the deadline.

Back to work for me. I hope you have a productive day too.

And Happy New Year to you. May 2011 be a year of blessings for you and yours.

Show and Tell Sundays-Sick Puppy

2010-12-26T18:05:00.005-05:00

My sick as a dog days have morphed into sick puppy days. Not full blown "big" sick like a grown up dog, but on a smaller scale, like a puppy. Sick Puppy, that’s me.

I know healthy days are right around the corner.

While I was sick as one, I had the opportunity to meet some of your dogs, which was so very nice. I much prefer meeting dogs than feeling like one!

May I introduces to you some very special dogs. They are:

"Cherry ", as in chocolate-covered and sweet.
http://www.studiocb.blogspot.com/

Lola, the rescued Greyhound.
http://www.purplecloudstudio.com/

Achilles and his new little sister Pandora.
http://starkimages.homestead.com/pugimages.html

Abby under her blanket
http://artistsjournal.wordpress.com/

Delilah, the tried and true traveling D dog.
http://www.moonmaidbotanicals.com/

And my contribution to the dog bunch, Duke and Dixie of Dog Days. Still way early in the piece, which I wouldn’t typically show, but I haven’t accomplished much this week, so there it is. I’ll share again once it is finished.

Hopefully you have been enjoying lots of wonderful holiday food and conversations with family and friends! It’s that wonderful time of year for doing just that.

Have a great week, this last of the year!

An Artful Life

2010-12-24T07:03:00.000-05:00

I think I could cycle back to the questionnaire from Cloth Paper Scissors magazine over and over and still never complete it. I see a question, ponder it, and arrive at an answer only to have it evolve into another answer and then prompt another thought and continue to evolve as the days go by.

The one question I have been thinking about repeatedly this holiday season is:

• Where do you find ideas for your work?

If I could push it one step further, I would ask:

• How does your art find its way into your life?

And this year, I can say my holiday decorations where definitely inspired by the decorations used in the altar the Artist Advisory Committee made for the Day of the Dead show at Tampa Museum of Art this past October. (Whew, that is a mouth full.)

I don’t have pix of the altar, but it is the white pom pom flowers on my tree that were inspired by the multicolored ones we used in October.

Must be a week of dogs; I see a poodle tail on the top of my tree!

May your holidays be happy and your troubles few.

I’ll talk to you in a few days.

Happy, happy, merry, merry!

Show and Tell Sunday-Sick as a Dog!

2010-12-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well, Show and Tell Sunday was a sick day for me. And a no show day for my blog. Sorry about that.

But yuck, was I SICK!

Sick as a dog.

And I’ve been out of commission for days. Still just plodding along, but I feel certain I’ll be 100% before long.

While stuck in bed the whole dog thing (sick as one) made me wonder, hmmm, do you have a dog? I think so from some of your comments. But just to be certain, I have an idea.

If you send me a photo of your dog (name too, please) I’ll post it for the upcoming Show and Tell Sunday.

Just send it to me at KimRadatz@aol.com with “Show and Tell Sundays” in the subject line, please, so it isn’t mistaken for spam.

And I’ll share with you too.

Really looking forward to meeting your dogs!

Have a wonderful, food poisoning free evening!

Distracted Again

2010-12-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

The other day I posted that I was thinking about starting an Etsy shop, but I have decided against it, thanks to your help. It is a wonderful tool for those that want to sell their work on their own. And it is so very gratifying when a sale happens. Plus you have direct contact with the buyer. Etsy is the perfect tool for accomplishing that. But…

But, in order to sell well, one must work at it and that takes time away from actually making art. I would rather make it than sell it, especially since I am not a natural born salesperson. That gift went to my sisters, so why do it? As the song says,
     You've got to accentuate the positive
     Eliminate the negative
     And latch on to the affirmative
     Don't mess with Mister In-Between

Sage advice that I shall take. No messin’ with the in-between stuff. Because in-between stuff is just another name for distraction. I shall leave the selling to the professionals, who are oh, so talented at doing it. And I love them for it.

So…. instead of thinking about selling my work, and having a body of work that is more suitable for sales, I’ve been working on these “skins”. They are far from finished, but I like where they are going.

And yes, I know myself well enough to know that I will get distracted again and probably in the very near future. Hopefully I’ll be able to see the distractions for what they are and get back on track quicker.

As usual, time will tell on that front. I’ll keep you posted.

Stay warm tonight.

Do You Know the Secret?

2010-12-14T07:29:00.000-05:00

To Etsy, that is.

Periodically I will think to myself, “I should try to sell some smaller works with my own Etsy shop.” And then if I take it one step further and actually log onto Etsy to check it out and try to navigate my way around the site I break into a cold sweat and immediately want to run.

Far away.

And fast.

Is this unique to me? Or have you experienced that too?

And I also wonder, do you buy or sell on Etsy?

If yes, maybe you have some secrets to share on how to do it well?

Please, do tell. I could use your help.

Show and Tell Sundays

2010-12-12T17:43:00.000-05:00

Sundays are a great day for me.

I try to review the previous week and in doing so I am also readying for the one to come. As the Sundays of 2010 dwindle down, I thought I’d do a little thinking out loud and start sharing my Sundays with you. Hopefully this will help me to be more focused and productive too. We’ll have to wait and see on that front.

And this makes me wonder:

Do You Run or Plod?

Neither is better, me thinks, just another way to honor our own quirks.

I have a tendency to do both depending on the situation. Though this week I’ve been plodding along in a BIG way.

I won’t be too hard on myself for doing so with all the holiday obligations, I’ll just let the work roll off my fingers when they are ready to be complete.

I am happy to report that I have finished a few of the 8 x 8’s and some have even found a new home of their own. Always a good thing! But most are still in the works.

Here is a sneak peek of the current works in progress.

Now it is your turn, do tell about you.

And stay warm and creative as you work this week!

Works In Progress

2010-12-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

The works are still in progress, most a long way from finished, but I’m plugging along nonetheless.

I’ve had interruptions so I don’t feel I have given these little works their due. But tomorrow is another day and I’ll be back in my studio before the sun rises.

Until then, I hope you have an enjoyable evening!

I Wonder What Tomorrow Will Bring

2010-12-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo! I received my order from Dick Blick today. Full of possibilities for tomorrow, me thinks. I’ll keep you posted on how they unfold.

May both of our Wednesdays be warm and productive!

Music to my Ears

2010-12-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

I am a water person. More specifically I am a salt water person.

I know I am not alone in this preference and there are songs out there to prove it.

The albatross and the whales they are my brothers...White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean...Sailing.

A few songs among many. They are all music to my ears.

I imagine my preference for salt water is because I have lived by the ocean most of my life.

Which might explain why salt has been showing up in my work as of late. First with Wishful Thinking, and now with Driftless. There are more salt works in the works, but for now, these two are set up in my studio for me to ponder.

Wishful Thinking's salty footprint, Kim Radatz

I’ll keep you posted as the old pieces make way for the new.

Until then, may your day been a warm and creative one.