I like sports analogies to describe our struggle against consistently creating art. Some of the greatest struggles can be found pushing yourself out in the sports arena, either against yourself or against a competitor. Maybe that's why we love watching competition so much.
Have I been creating since my last post? Yeah.
But I won't ever let that get me too comfortable. One slip, and I'm back out of the game and on the sidelines questioning what has happened. Where's my mojo?
Do I still have the eye of the tiger? Questioning yourself destroys self confidence leading to more inactivity, spiraling downward to ever increasing bouts of substandard art. See the beginning of the death spiral?
As in sports, practice is everything!
This video can't not get you going! Watch it until the finale.
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Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Quiet Drama Unfolding and Death
What Real Life Drama Unfolds While We are Unaware of It?
Yesterday I logged on in the early morning hours, trying to get a head start to my work before my family awoke. It was Patriot Day, commemorating the 12th Anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard the United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Checking my email, I couldn't believe the huge alert signifying that I had malware on my website and it had to be fixed within 72 hours or I'd lose my safe security status. You can bet my heart was pounding, what was going on?
Checking further, the virus wasn't on my site exactly but on a linked badge I'd proudly place there - to that of Veteran Owned Business. It was on my blog page, too. They were under attack by some cyber cowards on the anniversary of 9/11! How many businesses that had linked to them now had linked malware to deal with? Google Chrome wouldn't let me see the page to remove it, it successfully blocked the offending garbage. I had to go to Firefox to remove the badges.
I checked this morning and while Veteran Owned Business site is now up and running their server West Host is experiencing massive issues and has been working 'round the clock for hours with "all hands on deck" (from their Twitter feed). Unfortunately, not all of West Host's clients are understanding... How will this affect their business and their client's business?
As unfortunate as all of this cyber bullying has been it is nothing compared to the news that I woke up to this morning.
Stunningly, on September 9th Winter Park artist Berto Ortego was found dead at the Grand Teton National Park, apparently by his own hand. What sort of quiet desperation was he living with to have carried this act out? I want to cry for the loss of such a warm, generous, talented spirit!
I met him several years ago during the very first time I ventured out as an adult to try "art" again. I went to a live model session at the Maitland Art Center; the idea being that you could draw or paint from life without any instruction provided. Berto was there, walking around talking with people. He saw one of my sketches and said, smiling, "Oh, you like to draw faces!" I remember being so surprised. I had felt like an out of shape new mommy in sweat pants, not like an artist, and here was a real working professional being friendly and acknowledging something that he saw in my work. I gave a quick back story and he encouraged me to keep coming (I didn't). I wish I could have told him how much I appreciated his warmth and how much it touched me, but I didn't see him again.
As beautiful as his work is, I prefer to remember him happy and working at his art. May he rest in peace.
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| Berto Ortego, Winter Park Paint Out, ©Polasek Museum |
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Barriers: How Many of Us Don't Even Enter the Race?
It's time to talk about barriers. Not just any barriers, and not the kind where other people are keeping you from your art (whole other topic). I'm talking about the kind of barriers you throw upon yourself. Some people call it self-sabotage but I'm keeping it simple.
Let me give you a personal example. Last month, I decided on the last day possible to enter an online art competition. It just so happened that the competition, on botanical and floral art, was very suited for a series of paintings that I had completed. Any of you who have ever entered competitions realize how much stuff you have to put together in a package and follow exacting instructions (or be disqualified), including bio, artist's statement, artist's information, images (saved in certain specifications), etc. Again, I waited until the last day possible. I did this on purpose. I was lucky I had my images prepped. This entry had a very happy entry, I went on to receive a Special Recognition award and it forever changed my skewed perception of entering competitions.
Getting through the barriers in my mind had been much trickier. One of my worst ideas was that as an artist, the paintings or work should just stand on it's own and shouldn't need awards or ribbons to showcase it's value. I can speak from experience at outdoor festivals (actual rubbing elbows with humans) that people like to see that your work is valuable to panel of experts too, as unfair as that may seem. Is that the end all goal? Of course not, just like in sports the process and progress is important. My idealism was just a cop out designed to keep me from the fear and pain of possible rejection. My brain is exceedingly brilliant in protecting little ole me. It also connives to keep me from seeking larger venues, and to ask for sales!
There are more insidious ways to throw up barriers than by missing competition deadlines or declining to enter out of idealism. Back in May, I attended a one-hour marketing seminar with none other than Alyson Stanfield from "I'd Rather Be in The Studio" while she was in Lake Mary. It was a great work session! Alyson nailed me down to a terrific to-do list, my top list of things to accomplish. Have I held myself accountable to the list? I think we all know the answer. It is easier to let other pressing issues take over (family, school, etc) than to place my art/ career/ business in a prioritized time block. If I did that, then I would have the courage to expect more from others' and to ask for business rather than - hoping for word of mouth, hoping to be discovered, hoping to be contacted. That's a lot of hope to hang your hat on.
So I am guilty of not entering the race, too. It's not too late though. The great news is that going forward I can accomplish my task list. I am sensitive now to some of the ideas that I have accepted as gospel for whatever reason, that aren't working. I question them now. If there is some inner dialogue or a vague feeling that inhibits action, I try to pinpoint that feeling and drill into the core. I find these are old ideas, and I need to sweep them away and replace them by freeing ideas!
Now, instead of saying "I don't enter art competitions because my art should speak on it's own"(limiting); I visualize a broom sweeping my mind and say instead "I enter art competitions because I want my art to have a greater voice"(freeing).
I would love to hear what sorts of ideas have or are still holding you back. I believe you are not alone. Share below in the comments so can all benefit, and move forward!
Follow @vpmillerart
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| © Genrommel | Dreamstime Stock Photos &Stock Free Images |
Let me give you a personal example. Last month, I decided on the last day possible to enter an online art competition. It just so happened that the competition, on botanical and floral art, was very suited for a series of paintings that I had completed. Any of you who have ever entered competitions realize how much stuff you have to put together in a package and follow exacting instructions (or be disqualified), including bio, artist's statement, artist's information, images (saved in certain specifications), etc. Again, I waited until the last day possible. I did this on purpose. I was lucky I had my images prepped. This entry had a very happy entry, I went on to receive a Special Recognition award and it forever changed my skewed perception of entering competitions.
Getting through the barriers in my mind had been much trickier. One of my worst ideas was that as an artist, the paintings or work should just stand on it's own and shouldn't need awards or ribbons to showcase it's value. I can speak from experience at outdoor festivals (actual rubbing elbows with humans) that people like to see that your work is valuable to panel of experts too, as unfair as that may seem. Is that the end all goal? Of course not, just like in sports the process and progress is important. My idealism was just a cop out designed to keep me from the fear and pain of possible rejection. My brain is exceedingly brilliant in protecting little ole me. It also connives to keep me from seeking larger venues, and to ask for sales!
There are more insidious ways to throw up barriers than by missing competition deadlines or declining to enter out of idealism. Back in May, I attended a one-hour marketing seminar with none other than Alyson Stanfield from "I'd Rather Be in The Studio" while she was in Lake Mary. It was a great work session! Alyson nailed me down to a terrific to-do list, my top list of things to accomplish. Have I held myself accountable to the list? I think we all know the answer. It is easier to let other pressing issues take over (family, school, etc) than to place my art/ career/ business in a prioritized time block. If I did that, then I would have the courage to expect more from others' and to ask for business rather than - hoping for word of mouth, hoping to be discovered, hoping to be contacted. That's a lot of hope to hang your hat on.
So I am guilty of not entering the race, too. It's not too late though. The great news is that going forward I can accomplish my task list. I am sensitive now to some of the ideas that I have accepted as gospel for whatever reason, that aren't working. I question them now. If there is some inner dialogue or a vague feeling that inhibits action, I try to pinpoint that feeling and drill into the core. I find these are old ideas, and I need to sweep them away and replace them by freeing ideas!
Now, instead of saying "I don't enter art competitions because my art should speak on it's own"(limiting); I visualize a broom sweeping my mind and say instead "I enter art competitions because I want my art to have a greater voice"(freeing).
I would love to hear what sorts of ideas have or are still holding you back. I believe you are not alone. Share below in the comments so can all benefit, and move forward!
 |
| © 5xinc | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images |
Follow @vpmillerart
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Special Recognition Award in Light Space and Time Botanicals Competition!
I am so very pleased to announce that I received a Special Recognition award for my oil painting titled "Sweet Magnolia", in Light Space and Time online's 3rd Annual Botanical competition.
The theme for the gallery's July art competition was botanical and floral art. The gallery received 704 different entries from 26 different countries and 41 different states and the District of Columbia.
I was inspired to paint "Sweet Magnolia" by watching the magnolia trees bloom in Central Florida. I drove around with a ladder in my van for several days until finding the perfect field specimen to study. I am delighted to be both a first time entrant and winner in the gallery's recent competition.
The "Sweet Magnolia" oil painting and my other works can be viewed at my website
http://www.victoriapagemiller.com .
Follow @vpmillerart
 |
| Victoria Page Miller with her oil painting "Sweet Magnolia", holding Special Recognition award |
The theme for the gallery's July art competition was botanical and floral art. The gallery received 704 different entries from 26 different countries and 41 different states and the District of Columbia.
I was inspired to paint "Sweet Magnolia" by watching the magnolia trees bloom in Central Florida. I drove around with a ladder in my van for several days until finding the perfect field specimen to study. I am delighted to be both a first time entrant and winner in the gallery's recent competition.
The "Sweet Magnolia" oil painting and my other works can be viewed at my website
http://www.victoriapagemiller.com .
Follow @vpmillerart
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Getting my Group On - Finding Tribes
Yesterday, I was fortunate to have secured an hour-long spot with Alyson Stanfield from Art Biz Blog. She is to artists what the dog whisperer is to.. well, dogs. If you don't know her book "I'd Rather Be in the Studio" you really have some catching up to do in artist marketing. She is a guru and she is fun!
After the hour, many of the artists that consulted with her came back for dinner and a little bonding. We completely debunked the stereotype that artists prefer to be alone! Someone commented during our evening that it was great to be with her tribe. We had all just met, but we shared similarities and felt connected (tribe). It was glorious to be in each others company for a few short sweet hours.
My point is that seeking supportive tribes is important to your growth and having many overlapping tribes, like ripples in a pond, creates a supportive network.
I savor time with my tribes, even if they aren't in person as often as I would like.
If you are shy I encourage you to go out to different groups and meet people across a wide variety of interests. Some of my longer friendships are from both non-artist groups and artist groups. One of the most helpful group has been for me has been the FSU Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans-Families group.
How many different tribes do you have and have been the most helpful or mentoring to you? Please share in the comments below.
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| We artists kicked it up |
After the hour, many of the artists that consulted with her came back for dinner and a little bonding. We completely debunked the stereotype that artists prefer to be alone! Someone commented during our evening that it was great to be with her tribe. We had all just met, but we shared similarities and felt connected (tribe). It was glorious to be in each others company for a few short sweet hours.
My point is that seeking supportive tribes is important to your growth and having many overlapping tribes, like ripples in a pond, creates a supportive network.
I savor time with my tribes, even if they aren't in person as often as I would like.
If you are shy I encourage you to go out to different groups and meet people across a wide variety of interests. Some of my longer friendships are from both non-artist groups and artist groups. One of the most helpful group has been for me has been the FSU Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans-Families group.
How many different tribes do you have and have been the most helpful or mentoring to you? Please share in the comments below.
Follow @vpmillerart
Monday, April 22, 2013
Auction Benefits Red Cross, NFAC Heron at DeLeon Springs
Finally entering the Nibblefest (Themed) Art Contest! It's held on Ebay every month.. Just do a search for this month's theme "Trees" take a look around and then come back. I'll wait.
So I've entered... it's exciting because every auction starts at $0.99! (Those of you who didn't search eBay for NFAC, go on, do it now!) Click on this direct link for my auction!
Okay... so there are a lot of entries! They all can start on the 20th of the month but must complete by the 27th. That's really it. I've entered a reproduction of my "Heron at DeLeon Springs" oil painting. Before you get all persnickety about it being a Trees theme versus a Bird theme... might I just say that the heron is walking amongst the trees. Well he is! Looking for his breakfast. It could have been a Breakfast theme. Or an Omelet theme and I would have been fine. He could be having it his way. Or he could be lovin' it.
The important part is that any money (even if it is $0.99!) raised by my auction will be directly donated to the American Red Cross. They've been busy lately. They are always busy and I want them to continue to do the important work that they do.
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So I've entered... it's exciting because every auction starts at $0.99! (Those of you who didn't search eBay for NFAC, go on, do it now!) Click on this direct link for my auction!
+April+2013.jpg) |
| "Heron at DeLeon Springs", Giclee,©VictoriaPageMiller, eBay auction |
The important part is that any money (even if it is $0.99!) raised by my auction will be directly donated to the American Red Cross. They've been busy lately. They are always busy and I want them to continue to do the important work that they do.
Follow @vpmillerart
Thursday, April 11, 2013
"Lasting Impressions" Oil Painting Full Reveal
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| Lasting Impressions, Oil on Canvas, 40 x 30", ©Victoria Page Miller |
You can see some of the progressive steps to get to this final stage here, here and here. This is a close up of the two figures in front. This is the most complex scene I've attempted so far. I wanted to push myself and this painting is the result of that effort.
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