My story is a pretty amazing one.. for me it is! I only starting making art a few years ago. Well actually my whole life has been a creative pursuit but only recently found my "muse". :P
I am a full time artist supporting myself the last six years or so. First, I've played guitar for over 38 years and have been instructing or 18 years. Recently I bought a 110 year old farm house where I have both a music studio and art studio. I recorded a CD of my guitar compositions years ago, it received international radio play and was featured in Guitar Player magazine. I teach and occasionally perform.
If I could explain my collage art, I would say "it fell from the sky" three years ago. I made collage art using vintage images, handmade papers, paints and sometimes found objects like real butterfly wings. Posted a few pics on line to share with friends and the next thing I knew galleries were contacting me to book shows! Quickly I had to learn how to put on a show. I also took a gamble and bought everything I needed to make prints (epson r2400 printer) which paid for itself my first exhibit. I put up a web site and have made sales from there too. This past February, Victorian Homes magazine featured a nine page article about my art. I have had several local front page newspaper articles too.
It hasn't been a life without worry and stress. Last winter I only turned the heat on in my house the days I had students. I'm in a new city and still building a rep. Always a juggling act, but just when I don't think I'm going to make it something comes through! My old farm house needs work..won a $20K exterior home makeover with enough left over to buy a D90, I provided the photos for the magazine article above.
I then decided that the best way to show and sell my art is through the art festivals. Hmm, but where to start! I wrote an essay in a contest and presto! I won a $1000 sponsorship and bought a Flourish festival tent. I was also just awarded a $15,000 grant from Pollock Krasner Foundation.
Crazy!! Good Karma I hope! Certainly the universe seems to be telling me to keep following this path!
One thing I know for sure is I love making art and music. Teaching is rewarding and I love the people I meet and the support I get.
I'm in debt and always wondering how I am going to make it down the road. I go without sometimes but wouldn't trade this for anything. I am a hard worker, determined and willing. So here I go! Already I am applying for art festivals and have many bookmarked. Quite an investment! Hopefully it pays off.
Only have done one show so far, wrong venue but was good practice.
Thanks for reading my story and most of all thank you for being here. I am sure to have a zillion questions! Cathy
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Welcome. your story is so inspiring! My husband is an artist, (I handle the business side) and he has his first show booked for next month. We will be on the road. It's a start to wo wonderful journey so I'm told. We too also just purchased our first Epson 3880. It will be here on Monday.
I say you are DEFINATELY on the right path. Doing what you love is always a blessing, even when times get hard. Congrats on receiving the grants and the press exposure. That is so awesome. What is your web address. I'd love to see your work!
Best Wishes,
April
I don't know much about applying for grants. Just followed the instructions of things they wanted then wrote from the heart. I have a vision, not only to do what I love but to be part of the community. I have a huge 110 old farm house and a great yard with gardens. One day I would like to host music and art events here...I will be good to the artists because I love you so much!! House still needs repairs and just moved here, so this will take some time. Starting to get noticed though, been in the paper six times in 2 years..lol. People seem excited about what I'm doing. I think I can create an atmosphere that is nostalgic and beautiful, introduce people to art in a down to earth way. Still struggling to get myself established first. Getting guitar students , have been approached about art classes here.
doh! Make that seven. Just got back from a photo shoot for an upcoming small local art fair.
I don't expect much of a turn out at this event so I'm going to mail invitations and my brochure to the local galleries and college art depts.
p.s. Been reading the articles here for hours...learning so much!!
I truly have been been blessed. Almost forgot, Ovation TV featured my art this year on the air and there is one on line interview at the Empty Easel website. Won a $600 video shoot too, to promote my art and music. So many amazing artists out there that deserve these things. Point is, there are great opportunities out there for everyone if you keep your eyes open.
All this is great stuff for gallery or grant applications but to be in a jury show the art has to speak for itself. I'll be doing a happy dance to be accepted into a festival. I've spent a life time going to festivals and know very well the talent that is there.
April, congrats on the printer. I love mine, easy to use and wonderful results. A little slow, each print takes a minute but worth it. I mat them using archival materials, then put in bags. I've sold a lot of prints in 2 sizes. I do open editions but hand sign each one.
Website needs a little updating but would love for you to visit. I also keep a blog. Does your husband have a site?
http://www.cathyhorner.com
Wow! You are so creative. I went to your site and I love the "Look Pa" piece. (I'm a Little House on the Prarie fan, please don't laugh :) I actually married Robert because he reminds me of a modern day Pa from Little House.
Anywhooo! Robert's site is www.visionsbyrc.com. I feel you should definately start applying to some juried shows. We too did a happy dance when we got in. Our first one will be next month. Robert will be at the Neptune Festival arts & craft shows. It's a pretty huge show so we are excited.
Our site is a work in progress and I will be updating it this weekend.
Good luck to you!