The last time I updated this one was over a year ago.
Sigh. Let's play catch up!
Here I am.
A year later and a little wiser to my own ways.
Part of keeping my art afloat is writing about it, for me this speaks to accountability. I want more than anything to be creatively fulfilled, and inspired, productive in my art making and above all happy with the projects I am taking on.
I have lived up to these things thus far.
Last year was fulfilling, and full of projects that helped to shape how I see myself as an artist and a person.
I was asked to step outside of my creative "box" and try my hand at a few graphic design projects. I found out the true meaning behind a deadline, and in the process learned I hate deadlines... truly despise them. The only thing I dislike more than a deadline is celery, and the word "delicious.." eww.
I learned that often I need the ideas of others to move forward, and work my way out of a block. I learned that finding my feet as an artist, something I refer to often.. means taking more steps, taking bigger steps and taking on more projects! Even if that means the projects I take on are lengthy.
A glimpse at last years past projects..
February - April 2012
West Jet - The Airport Owners Handbook
I was approached by a team at West Jet to try my hand at illustration, specifically illustrations for a training manual they intended to produce within the year, something simple, charming and true to the West Jet image.
It began with a long process of character development, and pages upon pages of sketches, faces, eyes, noses etc. This is new for me.
Sketching faces was my very favorite part, they took on their own little personalities. I needed to set out what the people were going to look like first. After a few nervous meetings (where the typically confident Erin turned to mush) we had settled on scenes for each page. Then began the two month long adventure of taking penciled out illustrations and translating them to the computer, outlining, coloring and making changes when needed... It was probably the most challenging project to date. While I loved it, I was happy to hand it over and wait for printing. Now those drawings are a part of a real, hard copy handbook, given to front line West Jet employees. Weird! It's a little surreal to have been a part of that project. Most of my work involves brightening a room, honoring a commission, or making something with some kind of sentimental value. It was a learning experience to create something that would be used practically. In the end I fell in love with some of the characters in the pages, specifically a little old lady in a scene where she is being assisted off of a plane. Her little face was just so cute and round and sweet. Hopefully I can post pictures, I'll have to inquire within first as the images now belong to West Jet.
The rest of last year was filled with commission projects and paintings for the people I love so dearly.
One of my favorite commissions was for a friend of my Sister and now mine.Kim Standeven, she is an incredible coach and upon starting her coaching practice was in need of a logo.
She practices Core Alignment Coaching and her logo was to be a butterfly. She asked if I could first finish the logo and then paint a butterfly to live in her office. In the end I came up with three potential logos and painting. Thank you Kim for having faith in me to bring your logo to life. In turn I have had a few coaching sessions with Kim and find the practice fascinating,and insightful, it is like nothing I have ever done, a very revealing and deep experience. I would recommend coaching to everyone.
It's good for the mind and the soul.
Kim's Painting
"Presence" acrylic on canvas 2012
The busiest time for me is always Christmas, this year was no different. I painted a record 7 paintings in two weeks time!
Waiting until the last two weeks before of course!
That momentum has really helped me move seamlessly in to this years projects. Usually I take too much time between projects and lose that creative edge. Coming up with something new becomes pain staking, the mental block comes too quickly. Thankfully this year started with a bang, a few little projects including a fondant sculpture for my Mom's 50th Birthday. Then a week later a huge undertaking, literally,a 4 foot canvas!It was for my friend Di's Husband Martin's surprise Birthday present. We collaborated and in two days it was almost finished, now we just have to go back and add some texture with Oils.
Di and I's giant! a work in progress
"Lefebvre" acrylic on canvas 4'x4' 2013
"Mirasol" acrylic on canvas 2012
"Growth" acrylic on canvas 2012
"Iris is a Nice Lady" acrylic on canvas 2012
" Hands" acrylic on canvas 2012
"Waiting for this Moment" acrylic on canvas 2012
My painted feet.
Mom's Fondant likeness, complete with Murphy, he's the brown lump at her feet.
At the end of the day, as long as I'm feeling happy with what I've made I have done what I set out to do, that and making other people happy. Bringing a smile to someones face, or bringing their vision to life.. that's my favorite part. I just need to keep up my momentum, keep the projects coming and remember to pause and appreciate that I have projects, and people I love to support me.
This week I was reminded a few times how truly grateful we need to be, for everything we are so lucky to have.
This month look for:
-Ridiculous drawings derived from boredom and my drawing app on my phone..
-Potential news about an illustration project on the go...
(EEEEE!! this is where I break out the excited dance)
- The finished Di and Erin project
- The next project for Di and I
- My website, the beginning! Oh! I didn't tell you, this year Paul my lovely other half is going to help me build and design a website for all my musings, art and everything art related
- Also look for a new post series, possibly featuring local artists and art events.. :)
Cheers!
Goodnight friends!
xoxoxo Erin
