The Harlem Fine Art Show, in review :-(

This February I had big plans to move up in the world by participating in the Harlem Fine Art Show (HFAS). This annual event which is only in its second season seeks to take the place of the Black Fine Art Show and Art Off the Main; both shows were previously held downtown at the PUCK building. Fine artists from all over the country took part in those shows and HFAS was no different in this respect. And then the other shoe dropped... I scrimped and paid my fee which seemed a very reasonable price at the time and made my display the best I could on a small budget. By the time it was all said and done I end up in a shabby cramped spot away from the crowd, near clothing and slipper vendors ( "Fine Art Show"?, really?). To put it mildly I was HIGHLY disappointed (almost to tears) and made no money. I thought this would be my artist coming out party and ended up on chicken row at a chitlin' circuit shin-dig. Anyway , big girls don't cry and I am stronger and wiser for the experience. I might do the show again next year if I can come up with a master plan (can't keep a good artist down you know) . It is an everyman for himself kind of business and even the agencies and agents that are supposedly set up in your favor are making odd choices. (that is my politically correct comment). So to keep it on a positive note; life lessons can be hard on a sistah so if this was a lesson in being an artist I guess I got off cheap.

Harlem Sewn Up goes to print

My first publication is about to be released to the public. I have put together a short paperback for the 2009 Harlem Sewn Up exhibition at the Dwyer Cultural Center. This exhibit featured Harlem quilters and their work along with anecdotes about life in Harlem. My print project is in its final editing stages now and I hope to have it ready for the "Spring Fling" event at the Gadson Gallery in April. When complete Harlem Sewn Up will be available for online purchase directly from the publisher. This is the 1st of a few projects that I would like to put into print. How Exciting!

Going International

I just received the February issue of Patchwork Tsushin, a bi-monthly Japanese quilting magazine that interviewed me last year. Naomi Ichikawa of Tokyo came stateside last year to do an article about quilters in Harlem and I was blessed to be featured along with master quilter Michael Cummings. At the time of the interview the "Harlem Sewn Up" exhibition was on view at the Dwyer Cultural Center so there are pictures from that exhibition. I have a full page spread - how exciting (though the picture of me is definitely on the ugly side). If there are any Japanese readers out there I encourage you to pick up this February issue of Patchwork Tsushin . There are a couple of Japanese magazine stores here in NYC including one that I remember in the Palisades Mall. NYACK, NY.

1/1/11

Well it is officially 2011 and I already have a list of things I want to accomplish this year. Some tasks are just the completion or extension of things started in previous years. Others have to do with achievement in my art, the business of art and getting/staying organized. Cleaning wouldn't hurt either. At least I have hit the ground running by blogging on this 1st day of 2011.

Do you have a list of goals for 2011? I think it is a great idea to help stay focused on the important things. Get a book or keep a list on your computer. Write and the come back to it periodically to check how you are doing. Listed items could be as simple as reaching out to relatives on a regular basis to as elaborate as a major home improvement. Be honest with yourself about what is achievable (reaching for the stars should be on separate visualization list). Use the list as positive reinforcement toward achieving the things that you want and need to do and don't beat yourself up if things don't happen according to the plan. Its all about not allowing time to get frittered away and making the most out of LIFE!

A Proud Mama

Last year I became interested in making a clutch bags and started the journey by ordering some metal frames from Thiland. They sat for a year. Decided to revisit the idea this fall and the results are these wonderfully funky acessories. Part bag, part jeweled accesory and part art, my clutches can set off even the plainest outfit. Most come with a detachable cross body lace or double strand handle (not shown) but you can decide how you would like to feature them. Sold 4 of them this past weekend and I expect not to be able to keep up with the demand once my A-list patrons see them. The hand beading and emblishing make these one of a kind pieces very special. Some even feature beads and buttons I have made.