dazed and confused about opie?
if so, click here to read the interview with julian opie reflecting on his trajectory from early childhood to iconic british artist.
LATE-BREAKING FELLOWSHIP DEADLINE FOR WRITERS
You lucky dogs: three posts in one day. And after a week of being a slacker. (And yes, that picture IS my little dog Sadie. I thought it was about time you found out who really is writing these posts.) This one below is from Poets & Writers:(WRITERS) University of Louisville Axton Fellowship in Fiction: Writers who have received their terminal degree within the last five years in Creative Writing are invited to apply for an Axton Fellowship in Creative Writing. The purpose of these fellowships is to provide recent graduates with time to further their own work, to associate them with a distinguished faculty, and to allow them to contribute to a vibrant creative writing community. This year one fellow in fiction will be appointed for the academic years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, and will be awarded a stipend and benefits. The fellow will give a reading in the Axton reading series during her or his tenure, will run a two-day literary seminar, and will teach one course each semester. Of these courses, one will be of the fellow’s design, another will be on the teaching of creative writing, and the other two will be creative writing or literature courses. The fellow will be expected to be in residence in Louisville during their fellowship period. The fellowship will provide a stipend of $25,000 a year plus benefits for two years. Candidates for the fellowship should submit the following documents: a) a current CV; b) a one-page proposal for an undergraduate course; c) a writing sample-no more than 25 pages; and d) at least three letters of recommendation. Applications must be postmarked by November 1, 2009. Mail applications to: Axton Fellowships, Jeff Skinner, Acting Director of Creative Writing, Department of English, Bingham Humanities 315, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40292. I JUST got the announcement in my mailbox today and the deadline is obviously SUNDAY, so you might want to double-check that deadline.
ATTENTION MASSACHUSETTS ARTISTS! THE ARTISTS CONGRESS 2009
Welcoming Artists of All Disciplines to a Discussion of Our Creative Future
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
For more information, go HERE:
http://www.artistsunderthedome.org/program.html
I wanted to tell Massachusetts artists about this event coming up on November 7th and 8th in Boston. I was supposed to be on one of the panels and couldn't make it but there are many other arts professionals participating who you really should hear. Some of the topics discussed on panels will be: Networking tools for artists, Free and low-cost technology for artists and artist-run businesses and projects, grants and resources, copyright and IP protection, how to market, price, network and negotiate, info on artists residencies and more. This event is FREE and open to artists of all disciplines and is co-sponsered by the Kirstein Business Branch of the Boston Public Library and the Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition.
Grantwriting Resources, Professional Development Tips et al...
People have asked me how much consultants charge to help an artist write or edit her/his individual grant (not for non-profit organizations). Readers have also asked if I would do that for them in the future. I'm on the fence about doing that fee-for-service right now but it is possible in the future I will. I certainly will let you know if I do. In the meantime, here are just a couple things you should know:
* You should be paying the consultant per hour, NOT paying a percentage of the 'possible' grant award. That is considered unethical in the biz. What I mean is: if you are applying for a $20,000 grant and the consultant says his fee will be 10% of that award up front (which you may or may not get!), you are being scammed.
* People who do this for a living tell me they charge around $50 an hour on average, although some grant consultants do a sliding scale price and go as low as $20. Some people charge by the page to just edit your grant. It really varies.
I can't tell you if it's worth the money or not. All I can say is that having someone look over your proposal and application IS a good thing, if they know what they are doing. One way to get help, if you don't have any brilliant and experienced grant writing friends around or extra cash to pay a consultant is to check out your local arts council (and not just in the US but I know England and other countries have some great regional arts councils too) and see if they offer free or low-cost professional development workshops for artists. A great example of this is the Artists' Toolbox Program in Boston, sponsered by the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts, Inc. Other cities have such programs too. In Seattle, Washington, Artist Trust offers lots of great professional development programs.
There are also individuals who teach workshops and classes on grant writing, etc. Gigi Rosenberg gives regional (in Oregon) and National workshops for artists and writers. You can find her at: http://www.gigirosenberg.com. I met Gigi recently when she interviewed me for her book on grantwriting, due out from Random House in 2011 and although I have never taken a workshop from her, I have a feeling she is the real deal and that you would learn a lot.
Also, visual artists should really check out GYST (Get Your S**T Together), an artist-run site for artists. They offer software, professional development workshops and other services. They also have a blog so check them out.
Oh, I've also seen free grant-writing workshops at local libraries so check those out too. Many of them offer these kinds of classes or one-day intensives so drag yourself down to the library, check out a book or two and ask if they offer any professional development programs for artists. If they don't, suggest it. If you build it, they will come.
That's all the ranting and raving for today. I'm going to also post something right after this---an event coming up in Boston for artists. And coming soon....interviews! I'm lining them up---the response has been fantastic. A nice variety of peeps coming your way.
Your Faithful Servant,
Mirabee
artist-rainman: stephen wiltshire
watch the manhattan skyline being drawn, from memory, by stephen wiltshire. incredible, but true :-)
cheryl dunn: some kinda vocation & lotsa great stuff
go on cheryl's site to see more of her awesome stuff. and btw, just reading a very interesting interview with her, by dan nadel, in some kinda vocation - a book certainly worth purchasing!
daan samson: blessed are the poor in spirit
the devil strikes again: click here for a reportage covering daan's latest action (via trendbeheer) and then watch more mischief on his freshly updated site.
bad, bad boy!
against the odds: maurizio cattelan
click here for the article in the economist and here to see more works of the artist
(via trendbeheer)
showtime: tinkebell
rsvp here for the opening of the solo show @ torch gallery, here for tinkebell's website and here for onetrickpony's tribute to tinkebell.
COMING SOON
I have more things for you to see....I'll get to them as soon as I can. In the meantime, keep working hard and don't forget all those fall deadlines!
Best Wishes,
Mira
p.s. A few of you have written to ask when my book is coming out and where you can see my work (art and writing) on the web. My book, The Memory Palace, is due out sometime late 2010 or early 2011 from Free Press (Simon & Schuster). I'll be starting a blog for it and my editorial/publishing process soon and when my official website goes up, you'll be the first to know! And don't forget to check out my bookstore at the bottom of this blog. Anything you buy from this site, even not grant related books, will help keep this blog going!
elisabeth dunker : artists who blog
Elisabeth's blog: www.finelittleday.blogspot.com
Elisabeth's websites: www.lula.se, www.studioviolet.blogspot.com
Elisabeth's shops: www.finelittleshop.bigcartel.com, www.studioviolet.se
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I liked the thought of building a mini universe on a webpage. From the beginning I was so thrilled just to see a photo I'd taken appearing on the web by pushing a 'publish button.' I was also intrested in knowing if what I made could be interesting for somebody else.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
I like the poetry in awkward word order sentences. I had a Swedish sentence that had followed me for a while "lilla mina barn." When I started the blog, I wanted to use that sentence but when translated (I wanted the blog to be in English) it didn't sound so good: "little my kids." "Fine little day" sounded better to my ears.
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
Very much I think. Before I started blogging, I was a book and magazine addict, and I had subscriptions to at least five magazines going on at the same time continuously. But the amount of pictures I consumed then was nothing compared to what I consumed after I discoverd the big treasure of pictures on the Internet. When I started blogging, I also started to produce a larger amount of pictures/photos myself. I believe that this consuming and making have had a large affect on my 'seeing.' In what way exactly it shows in my work is not easy to say, but I'm sure that it has had a big effect.
What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?
Favorite artist today: Claire Loder
She's incredible, I love her playfulness and aesthetics as a whole. Not only her ceramics but her web identity too.
Favorite blog today: http://miekewillems.blogspot.com
They have such good taste!
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
For me the main focus is to have fun. It sounds like a cliché, it is a cliché, but if you have fun it will be good anyhow.
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
The communication with other people + the confirmation and the feedback. I really appreciate that people take the time to comment.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
The worst part is that you work too much, and if you are a freelancer like me, you never know if you will have enough money for the next month. The best part is that you work doing something that you really love.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
Oh, I can't think of anything else I've done to promote myself... But I have a website, and that is promoting too of course. I've also, or my work has been in magazines and books, but that is nothing. I've been active in other ways that said "yes" and mailed my files.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
I don't. I'm often unbalanced. Sleep too little, eat unhealthy in periods, don't work out as much as I should. I can be quite manic and work way too much. My balance is depending on how good my economy is and how much time I have to do nothing, as for anyone else I guess.
What would you like to accomplish by the end of 2009?
Better economy. That sounds boring but it's true. But also, I would like to make something for me, using my own name again. The last time was was quite a while ago. What, I'm not sure of yet.
Thanks Elisabeth for sharing your thoughts with us! (Doesn't she have a lovely studio!)
must-read: global art
what are the opportunities and/or dangers of globalized art? find out by reading this great book, that consists of interviews with various art world stakeholders, e.g. maurizio cattelan, ai weiwei, oleg kulik, peter m. brant, marc-olivier wahler etc. make sure to secure yr copy before it's sold out! ;-)
blek le rat @ juxtapoz 15th anniv art auction
fight to get yr own blek le rat original artwork @ charitybuzz!! or - for the less combative ones - read an interview with the god/father of stencil art by the wooster collective published in last year's juxtapoz #95. or - alternatively - you can also get the great blek le rat - getting through the walls book. whatever yr choice will be - enjoy it!
showtime: ben turnbull
ben turnbull's 'i don't like mondays' on display @ eleven fine art, west london, until early november. read here accompanying article by wallpaper.
(hat tip thisiscrap)
MONEY FOR TRAVEL, FELLOWSHIPS, AND MORE
Some of the following opportunities are from Pen America and CAA (College Art Association), both great resources to check out when you have the time!
(WOMEN) American Association of University Women International Fellowships: International Fellowships up to $30,000 are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported. Several of fellowships are available for study outside of the U.S. for members of the International Federation of University women. See web site for more details. Deadline December 1, 2009. See website for details: www.aauw.org.
(WOMEN) American Association of University Women Career Development Grants Career Development Grants offer up to $12,000 to women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. See web site for more details. Deadline Dec. 15, 2009.
(CHILD. BOOK WRITERS/ILLUSTRATORS) Research Fellowship: Children's Literature Research Collections, Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Collection Memorial Fellowship , University of Minnesota, 113 Andersen Library, 222 21st Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 5545. The Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Collection Memorial Fellowship provides $1,500 to a talented aspiring writer and/or illustrator of children's books who wishes to use the Kerlan Collection for furthering his or her artistic development. Special consideration is given to those for whom it would be difficult to finance the visit. Write or see web site (http://www.special.lib.umn.edu) for more details and application. Deadline December 31, 2009.
(WOMEN) Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund: The Fund provides grants of up to $1,500 to U.S. or Canadian women poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers "whose work addresses women's concerns or speaks for peace and justice from a feminist perspective." Application fee is $20. Two application deadlines each year: December 31 (art and fiction) and June 30 (nonfiction and poetry). Send SASE to Susan Pliner, Executive Director, at above address for application. P.O. Box 309, Wilton, NH 0308. **Sorry, no website for this one. They prefer snail mail.
(ARTISTS/STUDENTS) Travel Grants to CAA Conference: CAA offers a couple travel grants so artists and students can attend their annual conference. The first is a $150 grant awarded to a limited number of advanced PhD and MFA graduate students as partial reimbursement of expenses for travel to the 2010 Annual Conference in Chicago. To qualify for the grant, students must be current CAA members. For more information, check the CAA website: http://www.collegeart.org/travelgrants/. The second award is an International Member Conference Travel Grant of $500, presented to a limited number of artists or scholars from outside the United States as partial reimbursement of travel expenses to the upcoming Chicago CAA Conference.
(POETS) Jenny McKean Moore Program: George Washington University, Department of English, 801 22nd Street, NW, Suite 760, Washington, D.C. 20052. The Jenny McKean Moore Program at George Washington University engages a poet to teach two semesters at the university (a tuition-free community workshop and a class to GWU students) at a salary of approximately $55,000. The candidate must have been published by a well-regarded press and demonstrated a commitment to teaching. SASE with writing sample and resume must accompany application. The visiting lecturer must live in or near Washington, D.C., during the academic year (late August to early May). Apply to Professor Jeffrey Cohen, at above address. Deadline to be announced.
(WRITERS) Poets & Writers, Writers Exchange Program
The Writers Exchange Program is designed to encourage a sharing of works and resources among emerging writers nationwide. A poet and a fiction writer from a designated state are chosen annually. Each receives a $500 honorarium and gives readings and meets with the literary community in New York City during October. All related travel and lodging expenses and a daily stipend are covered. See web site for annual state. Deadline December 1, 2009. Guidelines and applications available online: http://www.pw.org.
(ARTISTS) Proposals for Artist Multiples: The Present Group, a quarterly art subscription service, seeks proposals from artists for projects that are reproducible in intent. We are looking for projects that will result in a limited edition, artist multiple, or a single work that consists of multiple parts. Every year TPG subscribers receive limited edition works from four different contemporary artists. A $500 honorarium is awarded to each season’s artist. For more information please visit: www.thepresentgroup.com, to download full submission guidelines: http://www.thepresentgroup.com/TPG-submissions.pdf. Deadline November 9, 2009.
(ARTISTS) International Career Development Grant: ARTWORKinternational, Inc. is offering a $12,000 Artist Business Career Development Grant. Uniquely, the Artist Business Career Development Grant (or ABCD Grant) offers unrestricted support to visual artists by placing priority on advancing the grantee's career. While the granting period extends over one year, the continued benefits are exponential, continuing throughout the artist's lifetime. ARTWORKinternational, Inc. has worked with the most prestigious art venues throughout the world, including prominent art publications, contemporary curators, critics, collectors, and dealers. The $12,000 grant is open to visual artists worldwide. Deadline December 31, 2009.
(WRITERS/SCHOLARS) Winterthur Research Fellowship: Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, a museum, library, and garden that supports the study of American art, culture, and history, announces its Research Fellowship Program for 2010-11. Winterthur offers fellowships open to academic, independent, and museum scholars to support research in material culture and other areas of social and cultural history. Fellowships include 4-9 month NEH fellowships, 1-2 semester dissertation fellowships, and 1-2 month short-term fellowships. Fellows use the library collections, including printed books, manuscripts and images, searchable at www.winterthur.org/research/library_resources.asp. They may conduct research in the museum collection, which includes artifacts made or used in America to 1860. Fellows reside in a furnished stone farmhouse. For information and to apply visit www.winterthur.org/research/fellowship.asp or e-mail Rosemary T. Krill at rkrill@winterthur.org. Deadline is January 15, 2010.
(PERFORMING ARTISTS) Travel Grants
The Theatre Communications Group is accepting applications to the New Generations — Future Collaborations program, which awards unrestricted travel grants of up to $6,000 to theaters and individual theater professionals to enable them to collaborate and share ideas with their colleagues abroad. Applications will be accepted from theater professionals and theater companies wishing to share ideas and techniques and/or collaborate with colleagues from around the world. Grants will support unrestricted international travel by theater professionals working in all aspects of theater. November and February deadlines. http://www.tcg.org/grants/newgen/international_deadline.cfm
The Italian Cultural Association MoCA, in cooperation with Arte Laguna, organizes the Fourth International Art Prize “Arte Laguna”. The Prize is subdivided in three sections: painting, photographic art, sculpture.The Prize is open to all artists, without any limits of age, sex, nationality or other qualification. The selection of the artworks will be carried out by 3 Juries composed by experts of Contemporary Art: Viviana Siviero, Alessandro Trabucco (art critic), Igor Zanti (art critic), Stefano Coletto (Curator of the Bevilaqua La Masa Foundation Venice), Rossella Bertolazzi (Director of the European Institute of Design), Lorenzo Respi (Curator of the Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation, Milan). The prizes are an amount of 5.000 euro for each section. Moreover for the selected artists in planned a exhibition in Arsenale at Venice, other collective exhibitions. You can find more information on the website at: www.artelagunaprize.com. Deadline November 15, 2009.
showtime: justine cooper
living in sim. click here for the blog or visit the website of daneyal mahmood gallery for more info about the the show.
showtime: ultra violet
pistol/phallus by ultra violet. for more work visit slick09, next weekend or check the website of heartgalerie
lisa leonard : artists who blog
Lisa's blog: www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog
Lisa's website: www.lisaleonardonline.com
Why did you decide to start a blog?
Years ago, I followed a couple blogs and felt so connected with the writers. And inspired by their photos and creativity. Eventually, I began my own blog as a creative outlet and a way to connect with family and friends. I hadn’t intended to use the blog for my business but it’s become not only a daily journal, but also a connection point for my customers.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
My oldest son was born with a disability and at the time I sincerely thought my life would hold no more joy. Over time, I began to see that it’s the little things that give us joy every day. So I named my blog, “It’s the Little Things’.
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
Blogging has definitely helped to stretch and grow me as a designer. I appreciate the feedback and input I get from my readers—they are so encouraging!
Name a few of your favorite artist/designer blogs:
Bluebirdbaby
Tara Whitney
Smile and Wave
Sarah Markley
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
*Blog consistently until you find your voice.
*Be genuine and share a bit of yourself.
*Always include pictures-the more the better.
*Network with other bloggers.
*Be unique-no one likes a copycat!
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
Definitely the community of blogger-what an amazing group of women I have met.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
I really struggle with setting boundaries between work and family. Sometimes I feel like my computer is calling me—but I need to focus on my boys and get housework done. When you work for yourself, especially if you are in a creative business, there is always more to be done.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
I love networking with other bloggers. They are the number one thing that has grown my business from a hobby to a career.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Yeah, this is really difficult and something I struggle with. Often, we just have to get out of the house and go to the beach and play. I love to snuggle with my boys, play games, create with them, but the house and laundry really suffer. And I don’t cook much.
What would you like to accomplish by the end of 2009?
This is a great question. Some of what needs to be accomplished is very ‘behind the scenes’ with paperwork and website function. Not my favorite stuff, but so important. I’d love to get featured in a couple holiday gift guides this winter—so we are working on that now!
Thanks for sharing with us Lisa!
Thank you, Stephanie! It is such an honor to be included among these amazing artists!
