I'm blabbering again.
It took me many years to realize this, but creativity - in any form - is an isolated act. Yeah, you can brainstorm with co-workers and friends...you can jam, improvise, challenge - but each new idea that crops up in your brain came from within/from nowhere... from [as Deepak Chopra has said] "the thinker behind the thoughts."
So - here's a blank canvas, or sheet of paper, or lump of clay or pile of glass - whatever medium. The artist approaches it with a spark of an idea, a thought, a vision, an image - and a certain amount of time goes by and something amazing or potentially mediocre is on that canvas or paper!
It's a little lonely, but rewarding in a way that can't be explained. I spend the time in my studio alone [albeit the radio, music or a book on tape] thinking, dreaming, talking to myself... every image, every piece I've created came out of my brain [with inspiration from something somewhere...] and on to [mostly] canvas... some masterpieces, some just so-so [I'm my own worse critic].
When your work is ready - the isolation ends. You present this extremely personal object to the world and wait.
But, then - what if it is a masterpiece [in my mind] - how do you deal with it?
Can I say "I am a genius! What a masterpiece!" or does that make me a conceited jerk... or do I deny my innate talent - remain modest or die a thousand deaths worrying about the critics?
The artists who are bazillionaires are not modest. They're not shy. The world of art is no longer about the glimmering light hidden under a bushel basket... no longer dying in poverty and shame. Read an interview with Julian Schnabel, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Chuck Close, Cindy Sherman...no shrinking violets. But no matter if you think they're conceited bastards - that painting, that crystal encrusted skull, that giant balloon animal, that wig - it was a spark in their minds that was conceived in isolation.
I'm still working through my responses to admirers... read my Q&A below and you'll either laugh or think I'm a jerk.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Custom Portraits
As you may know, I participated in Access Hollywood's "Things You Must..." Gift Lounge for the Golden Globe awards.
My "gift" was a choice - either a "instant gratification" gift of one of a selection of giclees - or a small custom portrait.
I've done a few of those already - but I am particularly proud of the one [below] that I just finished today for Deanna Russo - star of "Knight Rider" on TV.
Not only is she a delightful person, is she not gorgeous??? I was really into creating something special - and there are a lot of details to make it colorful and fun. I can't wait to hear her reaction!
I also did a custom portrait for Glynn Turman, an Emmy winning actor most recently seen on HBO's "In Treatment" and "The Wire," silly me forgot to take a photo of the portrait, but I will get one soon and post it on my site and here.
His wife was kind enough to send this note:
My "gift" was a choice - either a "instant gratification" gift of one of a selection of giclees - or a small custom portrait.
I've done a few of those already - but I am particularly proud of the one [below] that I just finished today for Deanna Russo - star of "Knight Rider" on TV.
Not only is she a delightful person, is she not gorgeous??? I was really into creating something special - and there are a lot of details to make it colorful and fun. I can't wait to hear her reaction!
I also did a custom portrait for Glynn Turman, an Emmy winning actor most recently seen on HBO's "In Treatment" and "The Wire," silly me forgot to take a photo of the portrait, but I will get one soon and post it on my site and here.
His wife was kind enough to send this note:
Thank you so very much for the incredible and unique portrait of
Glynn. He absolutely loves it and so do I. It is remarkable what you
can do to capture his true spirit, especially his eyes. Thank you
again for your beautiful gift, it will be treasured for years. We
will look at your site for future unique gifts for our family and
friends, thanks so much and take care. The Turman's
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
What's Happening Now... S A Schimmel Gold
At the moment...
The last few years have been a whirlwind of activities, many taking me away from and out of the studio. I've been distracted at times, and have participated in too many activities. I will spend the next 6 months hunkering down, concentrating on my new direction; re-shaping my work, paring down the messaging and preparing 10-12 large pieces for a serious showing.
I am not participating in a lot of events – you may notice my calendar is short of openings, shows & festivals. I am also not cranking out new pieces as much as I had for shows, etc. This was planned.
For one thing, I had major surgery last week and am recuperating. It will be several weeks before I can return to my normal work schedule. The surgery date kept getting moved, so it was difficult to plan ahead or make a lot of commitments.
Second, going to art festivals in this economic climate can be depressing – yes, I still get incredible reactions to my work, but I know a lot of people are hurting and just can't make purchases of luxury items... let's face it, art is a luxury!
And third, after the Access Hollywood gift lounge, I am committed to completing several custom portraits for celebrities, so these custom pieces have been and will continue to tie up my time for a while longer.
I have been asked to create a book, and also to teach workshops. I will be taking some time to explore this direction; investigate if, how and when I would move forward with these projects.
But, most importantly, I have a series in mind that I believe will take me as an artist to a new level. My intention is to create a modern collection of Icons – using the traditional Russian Icon as an inspirational “jumping off” point – using my pop-art style & unusual color palettes to create something completely unique. And creating my own resource images.
I often use images provided by the advertising machine – whether for beauty or fashion or even celebrity.
For this series, I will style and photograph my own images.
Instead of using models or actors as subjects – I will use ordinary women and through my art – transform each of them into an Icon. A new mythology of women will go along with the series. Curious, yes?
I will continue to use advertising ephemera, junk mail and other “potential” debris to create my work, including found objects beyond the 2-dimensional.
In addition, all materials used to create the image will be non-toxic, acid-free and water-based. I will continue to upcycle, reuse, repurpose and recycle whenever possible.
I will be posting progress and photos on my blog, so keep posted.
Am I still selling art? You bet.
I do have a one-woman show at Translations Gallery in Denver – opening May 1, 2009.
I still have work at the American Gallery in Carmel and Raw Style in Santa Monica – both in California. And, I have several pieces here at my home studio – private appointments are available. You can always check my site to see what is available... and send me an email for pricing.
One last thing - the name game: S A Schimmel Gold... Sandhi, Sandy, Sandra...etc. What's the deal?
S. A. - I like using my initials. They're not gender nor age specific.
I started using Sandhi about a year ago as a new way to spell Sandy. It's a sanskrit word - the meaning works. I like it.
Schimmel Gold. Okay, I was Schimmel for SO long, "Schimmel Art" [the business name] started when I was still single.
When I married Mr. Gold 4 1/2 years ago, I added Gold to the end of my name. No hyphen.
I'm not a jeweler.
A lot of people still call me "Schimmel" - some use both. I don't really mind, but Mr. Gold does. And I am proud to be his wife, so I like having Gold at the end of my name.
I look forward to talking more!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
After the show
Nothing is more satisfying to me, as an artist, than meeting the people I create my artwork for. When the adorable couple from Canada spotted the one piece that was meant for them =[Film Noir] and instantly fell in love with it - I knew it was meant to be.
Recently, I've been thinking about a new direction and experimented with a piece I created right before the show - and a gentleman saw it and had to have it. Thanks for supporting the direction, I'm thinking it's the way to go!
I was thrilled to bits to be part of the Scottsdale Art Festival - for many reasons - meeting my fans [!] and seeing my collectors again, and giving new homes to my art - it all adds up to a wonderful experience.
Recently, I've been thinking about a new direction and experimented with a piece I created right before the show - and a gentleman saw it and had to have it. Thanks for supporting the direction, I'm thinking it's the way to go!
I was thrilled to bits to be part of the Scottsdale Art Festival - for many reasons - meeting my fans [!] and seeing my collectors again, and giving new homes to my art - it all adds up to a wonderful experience.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Buying art / Being an artist in this economy
So, it's true, I want you to buy my art. I am not going to apologize about it.
Every artist is a small business.
Every artist is a consumer.
Buying art sends money into the economy.
Take me, for example.
I am a wife, a parent, a home owner, a pet mom. I am a consumer. I buy groceries at the local market, I put gas in my car, I get my hair cut, I buy clothes, I go out to eat [less often], I pay my taxes, I buy a lot of art supplies! I BUY stuff. I spend money.
I need cash in my pocket to BUY stuff.
To support my local economy - if I don't get my hair cut, Erin @ Rochelle Salon loses a customer and has a harder time supporting her child. If we don't get a Gyro and Greek Salad every now and then at Z's Greek, the nice people who make delicious food there may have to close. If I don't take my doggies to the vet, the vet may have to cut back. If we don't donate to St. Mary's Food Bank, they have a harder time feeding people in need. And so on, and so on.
I buy local whenever I can so I help people in my neighborhood.
This is my job. This is how I earn a living, so help support my family, to buy clothes and books and supplies for my kid - to hopefully send her to college. I'm not lazy, I work 100 hours or more per week. To keep food on our table.
It's funny, but sometimes people have a strange attitude about artists wanting to actually market and sell their work - here's a gentle reminder this is our occupation, not an avocation. It's not a hobby - it's a job.
It's hard for everyone... I've discounted prices on some work, I've cut back on art shows and travel, but it's still my living.
Yes, I want you to buy my art!
Every artist is a small business.
Every artist is a consumer.
Buying art sends money into the economy.
Take me, for example.
I am a wife, a parent, a home owner, a pet mom. I am a consumer. I buy groceries at the local market, I put gas in my car, I get my hair cut, I buy clothes, I go out to eat [less often], I pay my taxes, I buy a lot of art supplies! I BUY stuff. I spend money.
I need cash in my pocket to BUY stuff.
To support my local economy - if I don't get my hair cut, Erin @ Rochelle Salon loses a customer and has a harder time supporting her child. If we don't get a Gyro and Greek Salad every now and then at Z's Greek, the nice people who make delicious food there may have to close. If I don't take my doggies to the vet, the vet may have to cut back. If we don't donate to St. Mary's Food Bank, they have a harder time feeding people in need. And so on, and so on.
I buy local whenever I can so I help people in my neighborhood.
This is my job. This is how I earn a living, so help support my family, to buy clothes and books and supplies for my kid - to hopefully send her to college. I'm not lazy, I work 100 hours or more per week. To keep food on our table.
It's funny, but sometimes people have a strange attitude about artists wanting to actually market and sell their work - here's a gentle reminder this is our occupation, not an avocation. It's not a hobby - it's a job.
It's hard for everyone... I've discounted prices on some work, I've cut back on art shows and travel, but it's still my living.
Yes, I want you to buy my art!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Yes, I am the smart-ass artist
I make art for YOU. I am in love with each piece as I create it, but then I am happy to let it go.
Here are some of the questions I get asked every time I show my work. Yes, I am a smart-ass.
FAQ:
1. "Are YOU the artist?" - When people meet me in person, they seemed to be surprised at my appearance - were you expecting someone taller? younger? male? thinner? African-American...blonde?
2. "How long have you been an artist?" - I've never not been an artist.
3. "How long have you been doing this kind of work?" - I've done mosaic work forever. Check out photos of my bathroom on my web site. I created mosaic portraits in many versions using several techniques - years ago. I created a mosaic landscape in high school. I've always painted in this style...so it's a natural progression. The first portrait in this style probably happened in 2004.
4. "How did you come up with this idea?" - I'm brilliant! Sounds like a smart-ass answer, but what else would it be? I'm clever, I'm talented, I'm an artist, I'm creative...!
5. "Why is it so expensive?" - Compared to what? How do you put a price on my talent... or the time it takes to create a fabulous piece of art from nothing? A canvas is blank - and after a while it is filled with color & texture - my vision transformed to a sustainable image you can own forever. A "Kelly" bag from Hermes can cost $30,000.00! A pair of Manolo Blahnik designer shoes can be over $1000.00 [and you won't wear them next season!],
6. "Where do find your materials?" - the mailbox. And, stuff that might have been heading into the recycle bin. Yes, it's all mine. I save everything.
7. "Oh, so it's JUST paper?" - JUST paper? Yeah, and Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" - it's just paint...so are the masterpieces created by Picasso, Klimt, Jackson Pollock - Michaelangelo's "David" - it's just a piece of rock... Rodin's "Thinker" is just metal, Warhol's soup can... just ink...the famous windows at Notre Dame Catherdral or Chagall's masterpieces at the U.N. ... are just glass [which is just sand]...the army of terracotta soldiers in China...just dirt. Does it really matter what the masterpiece is constructed of? Some of the world's most amazing places were created by just water [the Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls] or wind.
8. "What kind of glue do you use?" - this is probably the most common question. My question is - why do you need to know? I created the concept, the technique, the style... what difference does it make? All you need to know is my adhesives work and are acid-free... the pieces stay on and the color doesn't fade.
9. "Do you hold workshops?" - I've gone around and around on this. I'm not a patient teacher. What is most important is knowing how to create a composition, have an eye for color, be willing to spend hundreds of hours sorting and cutting pieces... I can't teach you how to paint or how to see an image in tiny bits. So, at the moment, I'm not having any workshops.
10. "Do you have any other talents?" - I've been playing piano since I was 4. I am a good painter [acrylic, watercolor], I can draw, I can design needlepoint, handbags, shoes & clothes, I can throw pottery, fuse glass, make paper, set tile, I can cook, I can ride a bike. I focus on my artwork so I continue to create every day in a style and technique I love.
Here are some of the questions I get asked every time I show my work. Yes, I am a smart-ass.
FAQ:
1. "Are YOU the artist?" - When people meet me in person, they seemed to be surprised at my appearance - were you expecting someone taller? younger? male? thinner? African-American...blonde?
2. "How long have you been an artist?" - I've never not been an artist.
3. "How long have you been doing this kind of work?" - I've done mosaic work forever. Check out photos of my bathroom on my web site. I created mosaic portraits in many versions using several techniques - years ago. I created a mosaic landscape in high school. I've always painted in this style...so it's a natural progression. The first portrait in this style probably happened in 2004.
4. "How did you come up with this idea?" - I'm brilliant! Sounds like a smart-ass answer, but what else would it be? I'm clever, I'm talented, I'm an artist, I'm creative...!
5. "Why is it so expensive?" - Compared to what? How do you put a price on my talent... or the time it takes to create a fabulous piece of art from nothing? A canvas is blank - and after a while it is filled with color & texture - my vision transformed to a sustainable image you can own forever. A "Kelly" bag from Hermes can cost $30,000.00! A pair of Manolo Blahnik designer shoes can be over $1000.00 [and you won't wear them next season!],
6. "Where do find your materials?" - the mailbox. And, stuff that might have been heading into the recycle bin. Yes, it's all mine. I save everything.
7. "Oh, so it's JUST paper?" - JUST paper? Yeah, and Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" - it's just paint...so are the masterpieces created by Picasso, Klimt, Jackson Pollock - Michaelangelo's "David" - it's just a piece of rock... Rodin's "Thinker" is just metal, Warhol's soup can... just ink...the famous windows at Notre Dame Catherdral or Chagall's masterpieces at the U.N. ... are just glass [which is just sand]...the army of terracotta soldiers in China...just dirt. Does it really matter what the masterpiece is constructed of? Some of the world's most amazing places were created by just water [the Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls] or wind.
8. "What kind of glue do you use?" - this is probably the most common question. My question is - why do you need to know? I created the concept, the technique, the style... what difference does it make? All you need to know is my adhesives work and are acid-free... the pieces stay on and the color doesn't fade.
9. "Do you hold workshops?" - I've gone around and around on this. I'm not a patient teacher. What is most important is knowing how to create a composition, have an eye for color, be willing to spend hundreds of hours sorting and cutting pieces... I can't teach you how to paint or how to see an image in tiny bits. So, at the moment, I'm not having any workshops.
10. "Do you have any other talents?" - I've been playing piano since I was 4. I am a good painter [acrylic, watercolor], I can draw, I can design needlepoint, handbags, shoes & clothes, I can throw pottery, fuse glass, make paper, set tile, I can cook, I can ride a bike. I focus on my artwork so I continue to create every day in a style and technique I love.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Access Hollywood Gift Lounge
Everyone's been asking me about the "Stuff You Must" Gift Lounge - I gave each celebrity a choice of a custom portrait or a giclee of one of three pieces. You'll just have to keep an eye on my web site to see who got a portrait - I'll post them once they're done!
The Access Hollywood
“Stuff You Must” Gift Lounge Experience
Here’s who I met… and a few other visitors who were there but didn’t stop by…
Aaron Paul – Breaking Bad – Big Love
Alexandra Leighton – Swingtown – The Hills
AnnaLynne McCord – 90210 – Nip/Tuck
Billy Bush - Access Hollywood
Blair Underwood – Dirty Sexy Money – In Treatment
C S Lee – Dexter – The Unborn
Candis Cayne – Dirty Sexy Money
Carrie Ann Inaba – Dancing with the Stars
Chi McBride – Pushing Daisies – Boston Public
Christian Siriano – Project Runway
Deanna Russo – Knight Rider – The Young and the Restless
Erinn Hayes – Worst Week
Evan Handler – Californication – Sex in the City
Glynn Thurman – In Treatment, - The Wire
Greg Germann – Talledega Nights – Bolt
Holly Robinson Peet – For Your Love - Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper
Jack McBrayer – 30 Rock – Forgetting Sarah Marsha;;
James Kyson Lee – Heroes - CSI
Jamie King – The Tudors – Tristan + Isolde
Joey Fatone – ‘N Sync – Dancing with the Stars
Josh Adams – Access Hollywood
Josh Gomez – Chuck – Without a Trace
Joy Lauren – Desperate Housewives
Judy Reyes – Scrubs - OZ
Julie Benz – Dexter – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Justin Bruening – Knight Rider – All My Children
Kelly Hu – The Tournament – In case of Emergency
Kevin Sorbo – Hercules – Meet the Spartans
Kimberly Elise – The Great Debaters - Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Laurel Holloman – The L Word – Boogie Nights
Madeleine Martin – Californication – Law and Order
Maria Menounos - Access Hollywood – One Tree Hill
Mark Moses – Desperate Housewives – Mad Men
Mark Wiley – Best Buddies
Maureen McCormick – The Brady Bunch
Melina Kanakaredes – CSI New York - Providence
Mrs. Adam Carolla - The Hammer – The Man Show
Nancy Lenehan – Worst Week – My Name is Earl
Nancy O’Dell - Access Hollywood
Neil McDonough – Desperate Housewives – I Know Who Killed Me
Paul Campbell – Knight Rider – Battleship Gallactica
Rachel Harris – Notes from the Underbelly – Worst Week
Rachelle Lefevre – Twilight - Swingtown
Rodrigo Santoro – Lost
Ross [the Intern] Matthews – The Tonight Show
Rumer Willis – The House Bunny, Ms. Golden Globes
Sam Trammell– True Blood – Alien vx. Predator
Samaire Armstrong – Dirty Sexy Money – The O.C.
Soloman Trimble – Twilight
Tahmoh Penikett – Battleship Gallactica - Smallville
Taylor Lautner – Twilight – My Own Worst Enemy
Tichina Arnold – Everyone Hates Chris - Martin
Vanessa Hudgens – High School Musical
Zachary Levi – Chuck – Less Than Perfect
And, Sophia Bush, Cloris Leachman, Tim Daly, Sally Hawkins & Donal Logue
The Access Hollywood
“Stuff You Must” Gift Lounge Experience
Here’s who I met… and a few other visitors who were there but didn’t stop by…
Aaron Paul – Breaking Bad – Big Love
Alexandra Leighton – Swingtown – The Hills
AnnaLynne McCord – 90210 – Nip/Tuck
Billy Bush - Access Hollywood
Blair Underwood – Dirty Sexy Money – In Treatment
C S Lee – Dexter – The Unborn
Candis Cayne – Dirty Sexy Money
Carrie Ann Inaba – Dancing with the Stars
Chi McBride – Pushing Daisies – Boston Public
Christian Siriano – Project Runway
Deanna Russo – Knight Rider – The Young and the Restless
Erinn Hayes – Worst Week
Evan Handler – Californication – Sex in the City
Glynn Thurman – In Treatment, - The Wire
Greg Germann – Talledega Nights – Bolt
Holly Robinson Peet – For Your Love - Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper
Jack McBrayer – 30 Rock – Forgetting Sarah Marsha;;
James Kyson Lee – Heroes - CSI
Jamie King – The Tudors – Tristan + Isolde
Joey Fatone – ‘N Sync – Dancing with the Stars
Josh Adams – Access Hollywood
Josh Gomez – Chuck – Without a Trace
Joy Lauren – Desperate Housewives
Judy Reyes – Scrubs - OZ
Julie Benz – Dexter – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Justin Bruening – Knight Rider – All My Children
Kelly Hu – The Tournament – In case of Emergency
Kevin Sorbo – Hercules – Meet the Spartans
Kimberly Elise – The Great Debaters - Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Laurel Holloman – The L Word – Boogie Nights
Madeleine Martin – Californication – Law and Order
Maria Menounos - Access Hollywood – One Tree Hill
Mark Moses – Desperate Housewives – Mad Men
Mark Wiley – Best Buddies
Maureen McCormick – The Brady Bunch
Melina Kanakaredes – CSI New York - Providence
Mrs. Adam Carolla - The Hammer – The Man Show
Nancy Lenehan – Worst Week – My Name is Earl
Nancy O’Dell - Access Hollywood
Neil McDonough – Desperate Housewives – I Know Who Killed Me
Paul Campbell – Knight Rider – Battleship Gallactica
Rachel Harris – Notes from the Underbelly – Worst Week
Rachelle Lefevre – Twilight - Swingtown
Rodrigo Santoro – Lost
Ross [the Intern] Matthews – The Tonight Show
Rumer Willis – The House Bunny, Ms. Golden Globes
Sam Trammell– True Blood – Alien vx. Predator
Samaire Armstrong – Dirty Sexy Money – The O.C.
Soloman Trimble – Twilight
Tahmoh Penikett – Battleship Gallactica - Smallville
Taylor Lautner – Twilight – My Own Worst Enemy
Tichina Arnold – Everyone Hates Chris - Martin
Vanessa Hudgens – High School Musical
Zachary Levi – Chuck – Less Than Perfect
And, Sophia Bush, Cloris Leachman, Tim Daly, Sally Hawkins & Donal Logue
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