Inez Hudson Art Tales

WHAT IS A BRA?

2010-10-08T11:09:00.003-04:00

A bra is not only a functional piece, serving all of woman-kind very well indeed, but in the case of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, becomes a work of art in many cities across the country.

Marco Island, Florida had their Bras For Life Auction at the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, this past Tuesday, along with an exhibit of women and the female form, Forme du Femme. What a spectacular event this was! 25 bras were on auction, both live and silent, and it even included a celebrity bra, donated by none other than Annette Bening! Thank you, thank you, thank you Annette! We are hoping this will become an annual event.

At first one thinks it will be difficult to turn an ordinary bra into a work of art. Once the creative juices begin to flow, the designs become almost endless! In a few days, you will be able to see all of the wonderfully creative bras on the Art Leagues's website, www.marcoislandart.com. I hope you will all check them out and put this event on your calendars for next October!

Art In Many Forms

2010-08-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the Endodontist's chair yesterday, got me to thinking of art and its many forms. Now, I'm not referring to representationalism vs. impressionism vs. abstract, etc. No. What I'm referring to is simply the many artforms that exist.

For example, a dentist, in order to be known as a good dentist, must possess not only talent and knowledge about his craft but also compassion. This is true of most any job category. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "How does compassion relate to a computer geek?" Well, he/she truly must have compassion for those of us who get our computers into a mess and then help us to get them back up and running, without making us feel totally stupid. I say that takes compassion, along with his/her talent and knowledge.

There have been many individuals who, when walking around my studio/gallery, comment that they can't even draw a stick figure. My response is to tell them that they may not be able to draw well but that they have another talent. After talking with them, it usually turns out that is the case; perhaps the talent is cooking, sewing, mechanical ability, music, or simply that of being a good listener. We all could stand to have that particular talent!

So, remember to look closely at yourself and discover and appreciate your talents, however well hidden they may be!

Lost and Found

2010-07-17T09:12:00.000-04:00

The art association I belong to is, like every other non-profit entity, having difficulty with finances. During down economic times, the public focuses on what they need, as opposed to what they want. I am no different. However, I do realize that in order for the economy to grow, it requires the circulation of money - spending! So, how does an art association create income in a fast way, without spending money? Ours found the perfect way - clean house!

That's right, clean house. Over the years, wonderful artist members have donated works for auction. As with all auctions, not everything sells; every corner we could find to safely store these works of art created totally filled closets, cubby holes, nooks, etc. It was decided to hold an Art-bid of Rediscovered Treasures! Yes, not everything was in perfect condition, after being stored who knows where for a long period of time. Enter the Mystery ? Bags. For a $10 donation, one could purchase a Mystery Bag and be either surprised or disappointed but the whole purpose was to get/give the donation.

Our committee put in oodles of time on this project, but it was so much fun - like kids in a candy store! After seeing the article in the paper, people donated pieces to add to the sale (didn't really need more!), which helped to enhance it. This has been a good fundraiser to date. Since our association is located in a highly seasonal area, it has been decided to hold another Art-bid during high season, so that more people can experience the fun of purchasing art, used frames, etc. for a very reasonable price and help the association in the process.

This is an ongoing sale. It will continue thru the week of July 19th. So, if any of you out there happen to be reading this blog, please go to the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and buy to your hearts content of even just a little! You will help keep the arts alive!!!

Inspiration

2010-04-20T19:29:00.003-04:00

I am inspired every day, but when it comes to writing a new blog, I always struggle! I am amazed at my artist friends who have the ability to write lenghty blogs every day. Where do they get the inspiration? But more importantly, where do they find the time?

My husband often tells me I should write a book. Is he crazy? Just because I can always figure out what is going to happen next in a movie or TV show doesn't mean I can write! The ability to use words in a creative manner escapes me. I do, however, consider myself a "story teller." You know how Indians always have a story teller? Well, that's me. Now, I didn't say that I'm interesting, just that I'm a story teller. Simply part of my personality. But, when putting it down on paper or in a blog, something always seems to be missing.

There are authors who are also painters and painters who are also authors. Me? I'm simply a painter. As for what inspires me - well, every time I look out the window, I'm inspired; whenever I see my husband and son laughing, I'm inspired; when I watch my cats play, I'm inspired; and, when I dream, that's when I'm inspired most of all.

And, To Think

2009-11-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

AND, TO THINK, I never went to college to study fine art and, yet, here I am part of an Artist Colony, painting fine art, having the time of my life! If anyone would have told me I'd be doing this, back when I was in my 20's, I wouldn't have believed them.

Even though I always had a love of drawing and a desire to learn to paint, there were no influences in my life to direct me down that path. It took me until I was 30 (oh, is that a milestone?) to actually take that desire and work toward fullfilling it. My husband and I spent our married years in a small railroad/farming town. I didn't even know another artist. Eventually, I learned of a woman who taught oil painting in her home. After a few lessons with her (it was a long way from home), I went on my own. Art books and various art related magazines taught me, and continue to teach me.

Now, after 32 years and moving to Florida where I am surrounded by artists and great art associations, like the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and the Naples Art Assoc., I live art. To my great advantage, I have a husband who is very, very supportive of what I do. Even though he isn't an "art afficionado," he does anything and everything he is able to do to assist me and support me - even if that means having sandwiches for dinner!

Our Grand Opening was held Thurs. evening, at our Artist Colony at the Esplanade. Our Portside Studio was filled with art lovers. It seemed like the entire community attended this event. Thank you so very much to all of the art patrons out there. You enable us to do what we do. Your purchases and your comments of praise keep us motivated and our brushes moving.

Be True to Yourself

2009-10-02T07:38:00.000-04:00

The phrase, "be true to yourself" has been around for eons. Seems like such a cliche` but, when pondered, one realizes just how important it is. Day-to-day living brings unexpected events, situations, personalities, etc. that we must deal with - some good, some easy, some difficult. Through it all, if we are true to ourselves, all things are possible.

It doesn't mean being antagonistic, over-bearing, or obnoxious, rather simply being who you are - be unafraid to let people know you - share your fears - speak your mind, even if softly -be open to those around you and let them see who you truly are.

That said, have a wonderful day. Work hard, be energetic, and above all laugh - it releases goodness!

Do You Believe This!

2009-09-08T19:18:00.001-04:00

Checked my emails and what did I see but a message from a Facebook "friend," responding to a brief comment I made today, i.e., "Told hubby I was having a salad for dinner, so that I could paint...." This "friend" commented, in so many words, . . . he has to cook dinner, because she has to paint. Poor guy!"

Now, I don't know how any of you would take this, but I didn't take it sitting down! My husband is attended to extremely well, thank you very much! When I returned from my week's vacation (he opted not to go), I made him a lovely red snapper dinner with all the trimmings, and a fresh peach pie. Last night, I made wonderful cashew chicken. I clean my own house, do all the laundry, take out the trash, make the bed every morning, and my house is always picked up and neat. I AM WOMAN; HEAR ME ROAR!

I find it impossible to create art in chaos. I am not a neat freak. I simply prefer order. I am not anal about it. I can let the dust sit for a couple of weeks and the floor doesn't have to be swept all the time. But I like order/organization.

What I don't understand is why some people think that painting, or any other type of art, is merely a hobby. I truly believe this "friend" is living in the dark ages --- and, you guessed it ---it is a man, or rather, a "guy!"

What Most Art Lovers Don't Know

2009-09-07T16:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Labor Day and, at my house, that usually means doing some physical dreaded chore. When living in the north, it was the day we closed our pool for the season. In Florida, it is whatever chore that we keep putting off. The chore this Labor Day was washing and repairing my tent.

Most art fair attendees see the artists sitting in their director chairs, chatting with possible customers, and having the time of their lives. While we do have a lot of fun with all of you lovely art lovers who enter our tents, that is our "rest" time, or at least it's mine. Now, rest means a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, it means not doing physical work. Talking to people is always a joy to me, and I love nothing better than to talk about my art! However, the preparation time before a show, set-up, tear-down, & unloading are a lot of hard work!!! Add to that the fact that the artist may have to sit in the sun at least half of the day, and, for some, all day; then there is the wind and sometimes, when really unlucky, the dreaded rain. We go through all this agony because we love our art and try our best to sell it, in hopes that we will at least sell enough to cover our cost for our booth, maybe a hotel room, gas, and our supplies.

So, while preparing my tent for this season's art fairs, I thought of all these things to jot down, in hopes that it would reach some of the art fair lovers out there. If I have succeeded, please let me know. Encourage me, give me further incentive to keep on keepin' on! See you all at this season's local fairs!

Labor Day

2009-09-07T15:43:00.000-04:00

Back in the Groove

2009-09-05T15:34:00.004-04:00

After a week's vacation in Michigan (brrrrrrr low 43, and, of course now that I'm home, it's back up in the low 80's!), I'm getting back into the swing of things. Attended a wonderful seminar on Social Marketing, sponsored by the United Arts Council, first morning back; then, on to a board meeting at the Art League of Marco Island.

The next day, after crawling out of bed early, starting laundry & sorting mail, I was heading back to the Island at 10 am for a meeting with the Art League, MIFA (Marco Island Foundation for the Arts), and a few fellow artists, to further clarify the establishment of artists studio/galleries at the Esplanade complex. This is an exciting venture that is the dreamchild of artist, JoAnn Sanborn. She is not only an amazing artist, but is an amazing "leader." If all comes together, there will be 2 - 3 stores in the complex that will house artists working studios. These have been assigned on a first come, first served basis. We are all very excited about this, as it will help to promote Marco Island as the arts community that it truly is!

Today has been spent finalizing my submission for the Poster contest for the 40th Marco National Juried Fine Art & Craft Show, in Feb., 2010. I wasn't going to submit to this, since I'm on the Board, but was encouraged to do so, since I do apply to the show. It pushed me to create yet another painting! That's a good thing!!!

So, as you see, the Social Marketing seminar has encouraged me to dive back into my Blog and Facebook page. You will be seeing and hearing a lot more from me!

SUPPORT THE ARTS AND YOUR LOCAL ART ASSOCIATIONS!!!

What Is Art?

2009-07-12T09:33:00.001-04:00

Webster's definition of art is "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation ... the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. in the production of aesthetic objects." Leaves the door wide open, doesn't it? So, since I teach beginning oil painting, I hear these words a lot , "I'm not an artist." My point is this ... If you take a blank piece of paper, canvas, a hunk of clay, etc., and create something on a regular basis, then you are an artist. Art is in the eye of the beholder.

Following that thought, how do we censor (ooh, I use that term very carefully!) explicit and/or crude art? Should we? I believe the answer to be yes, even though I know there is a very fine line. I simply do not want to view something that makes me cringe. Why is it necessary to create that type of "art?" That leads to another question ... Does there have to be a philosophical meaning behind each creation? And, if so, what is philosophical about lude or crude work? Now, what do you think?