The Fledgling Artist

A Body of Work

2011-04-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am desperately trying to stay consistent with my latest body of work. It is very hard for me to hold back my instinct to experiment, sending me off on some tangent that looks nothing like what I have done before. The goal of staying consistent is to gather enough new work to put together a show. When I have 10+ pieces I am going to make a brave move and approach a "real" gallery. I will start out small, do my research and approach a gallery that may be focused more on "emerging artists", rather than high end, but I feel it is time to get organized and shoot for the stars. It may take me through the year to get the series done, but I am excited by the challenge and what lies ahead. For those who have followed my progression, this is a small departure from what I have been doing up till now. In the past I have used a lot of iconic imagery mixed in with my painting. These are less about icons and more about expressed emotion through gesture and body language. They are obviously more painterly, which is fun for me. I am spending more time with each canvas finding that balance between slightly unfinished vs. overdone.

Goats in the Snow

2011-02-04T14:17:00.001-08:00

Cougar

2011-02-03T16:03:00.001-08:00

In preparation for an "art marketing" seminar I signed up for this week, I wrote a magazine article about myself in the future at the pinnacle of my art career. I am still not done with it yet, but it is a good exercise in evaluating what I "really" want. It also forced me to do some much needed research on current artists who are similar to me as well as galleries, museums, and prestigious art places. Maybe someday I will post it, but for now I still have to get used to how lofty it sounds :).

I kinda like the drawing (previous post) better...

2011-01-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dust Has Settled

2010-11-17T14:07:00.001-08:00

Open Studios is over, I am back to work in an office, and winter is here. Finding time to work in the art studio has been a little hard in between the task of making money, but when I 'do' find myself there, it feels great. It might sound sappy, but after being away from the art studio for a while, returning feels joyous and an overwhelming sureness of "this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life" comes over me. I am continuing my work on the snow series and I started a sketch today that will hopefully turn into a painting.

Open Studios Tour Starts

2010-09-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Open Studios
October 9th & 10th and
October 16th & 17th
10am - 5pm each day

Shyama's Studio
6413 N. Boston
Portland, OR 97217

If you are interested in participating in the whole tour, catalogs and maps are available for purchase online http://www.portlandopenstudios.com, at New Seasons, Art Media, or Powells. I will also have some catalogs at my studio, so if you come there first, you can get info from me.

tenfour Open House

2010-08-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just dropped off my latest paintings at the tenfour space. I am looking forward to the open house and art show. I hope you will attend! http://tenfouragency.com

Collage Abstract

2010-08-30T16:13:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden I decided I wanted to do some abstract paintings (see below). However, I felt conflicted because so much of what I do has been collage. So, what better solution that to marry the two together? I am excited and can't wait to do more!

A New Book

2010-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

After struggling in the studio all week with muddy paintings that feel overworked, I took the day off. In an effort to get some inspiration and clear my head, I wandered around town looking in stores and enjoying the sun shiny day. I bought a book called "Inside the Painter's Studio" that came out last year. It interviews about 24 working artists asking questions about their studio space, day to day processes and how they got started. It was written by an artist, so the questions are very tangible. Things like "When you are contemplating your work, where do you sit?" or "When did you consider yourself a professional artist?". I have been looking for a book like this for a long time - something real and that can provide practical inspiration. A little something that says "against all odds....keep going...don't give up.....we all struggled too, but we made it and you will too."

Flight Series

2010-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

New addition to the "Flight" series.

Artsy Studio Shots

2010-08-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

I got inspired by old photos of artists in their studios and took some of my own today. If anyone needs em, these can be used for my biography in 100 years.

Officially Day Two

2010-08-03T08:34:00.001-07:00

It is officially day two of my "sabbatical" dedicated to art. First day felt productive. Spent the whole day working in the studio laboring over a piece that, in the end, felt over-worked (see cowboy below). About 3pm, I took a break, came inside and started reading and surfing the internet for inspiration. I read about a contemporary artist in London www.chloeearly.com as well as looked up old favorites like Franz Kline. Since my morning painting felt over-worked, I decided to stop trying to control my painting and started two new ones that were completely different and that "I didn't care about". It is obvious that these were inspired by Franz, but none the less I was much happier with them than the painting from the morning. It is probably not fair to compare them because they are so different in style, but.....

Open Studios

2010-07-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

I went to the second orientation for Open Studios and learned a lot about how to set up for the event and what to expect. I picked up my signage and marketing materials. Sounds like I can anticipate anywhere from 200-400 people coming to my studio each day. Basically, it seems I will be relying on my event planning experience to pull this thing together. One thing that I was afraid to ask at the orientation but is on my mind is why do they make people buy a catalog and map of the art tour? Wouldn't it be better to just give them away for free? I guess by selling the catalogs the organization can make some money, but I feel like this may affect the event attendance significantly. Maybe I am wrong, but as an newbie, that is how it feels. Regardless, I am on board - full speed ahead!

Open Studios
October 9th & 10th and
October 16th & 17th
10am - 5pm each day
Shyama's Studio
6413 N. Boston
Portland, OR 97217

If you are interested in participating in the whole tour, catalogs and maps are available for purchase online http://www.portlandopenstudios.com, at New Seasons, Art Media, or Powells. I will also have some catalogs at my studio, so if you come there first, you can get info from me.

Ready, Set, Go!

2010-07-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Five days until my "Summer of Art" begins. Today I am trying to get a jump start by painting and brainstorming for that first Monday that I don't have to get up and go to the office. I have been thinking about the theme that I chose for the Sketchbook project which is IN FLIGHT. Since I always do better with an assignment, I thought I would extend that theme into my first set of painting for the season. The piece shown here was originally an abstract painting I did last winter of the ocean, but I really didn't like it, so I started painting over it. Everyone gets mad at me for painting over paintings, but I think this turned out better and now I will be motivated to sell it instead of hiding it in the ugly corner. I bought some old clothes patterns and used the tissue to paste over top of some of the painted areas. I like the transparent effect it created.

January = Winter

2010-02-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

The month of January was a freebie. I didn't expect to have time in the studio this winter, but the "ebb and flow" (technical term for neither looking nor finding) of corporate work allowed for it to happen. I must admit, cranking up the heater in the studio each day and working in the cold and rain is not as glorious as summer, but I'm not complaining. Looking at a few of my paintings, I can tell they were created in winter. Look at all that gray and white! I have been experimenting a lot with texture - using a pallet knife and caking it on. It is fun. Hard to control and freeing as a result.

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale

2009-11-21T09:29:00.001-08:00

Finding a Way

2009-11-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and I am back to work as an Interactive Producer. The days are flying by and there has been little time to dream and paint in the studio. However, dollars are being made and I am tucking them away like a squirrel who gathers nuts.

In the meantime, what can I do to stay creative? Picked up an interesting book today on drawing Noir style comics. The characters where what caught my eye.

I have been thinking of creating a sketch book of characters. Tackling them when I can throughout the winter and then incorporating them into my paintings next summer when I have more time. This seems do-able. Little bits of drawing that I can fit in to my busy schedule seems less overwhelming that trying to get into the studio and drag out all big canvases and paints.

The Show Has Ended

2009-10-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much to all the people who came to my art show on September 25th. Lots of friendly faces were there and the night flew by. It was a lot of work to set up and take down within 24 hours, but I am glad I did it and it marks a turning point for me as an artist. I sold 5 paintings that night and made lots of new connections. I could not have done it without my pals Denise and Jodi who took care of all the logistics, food, wine, and moral support. And, of course Dannie and Kate for taking the cash and my husband for being a great co-host.

One outcome of the evening that I did not expect and that sticks with me now is how many people felt inspired by what I am doing. I never really thought of myself as an "inspiration", but it feels good to know that someone might pick up a paint brush because of me.

SOLO EXHIBITION

2009-08-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Stuck

2009-08-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is the first time in a long time that I have felt really stuck. Artistically speaking that is. I can't seem to get the next painting right. I have burned through about 7 canvases all in vain. I don't know what is happening? My usual response is to just keep plowing forward and eventually it will pass, but this time is different. I feel like I have gone full circle. That I don't know how to execute the style I have been working to nurture over the last two years. That I need to toss it all out and start over. That I am no good anymore and that I should just give up. Ugggggghhh. It will pass right?

Needless to say, the Cowboy show is next week and my own personal show is end of September. The Cowboy show at Onda Gallery on Alberta is taken care of. I have the few pieces that are accepted and just need to drop them off. As for my own show in September, I was hoping to create a few more this summer to include, but right now, that prospect isn't looking very good. One positive note is that I have a postcard made, theme picked, and location secured.

Here are the details.

UNTIL NOW.
Cumulative works by Shyama Helin.
September 25th, 2009
Virtuoso Studios
323 NW 6th Ave., Portland OR 97209
5pm - 10pm

New piece as part of the "cowboy" series

2009-07-14T14:18:00.001-07:00

Mixed media on canvas. 30" wide x 20" tall. Just completed!

One Month Past Already

2009-07-10T21:41:00.001-07:00

A month has passed since I made my annual transition from Interactive Producer to Artist. I can't believe it is July already. Time has really flown, and while I feel that I have accomplished a lot on the art front, I also feel that I have barely gotten started. The most exciting piece of news is that three of my pieces were selected as part of a group show at a gallery here in Portland. While things have been busy at the art fairs and what not, getting into galleries has been my largest goal for this summer and so, to a certain extent, I am on my way.....right??

Prepping for Onda Gallery show submission - Cowboys of the Americas

2009-06-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

First Thursday June is Approaching

2009-06-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for First Thursday in the Pearl (NW 13th/Hoyt).......

Two Weeks

2009-05-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Two weeks left" is what I keep thinking to myself. Two weeks until I return to being a full time artist. Even though everyone thinks I am crazy for taking a risk and leaving a perfectly well paying job during "these economic times", I have never felt more sure of my decision. I am a stickler for follow-through in myself and in others. Dedicating time to my artwork during the year has always been my plan. So, "goodbye" Interactive Producer, until we meet again.....most likely in the fall.

Inspiring Artists

2009-05-04T08:03:00.001-07:00

Here are a few artists I have been inspired by lately:

http://www.lolleyland.com - wonderful illustration work.
http://www.ifrancis.co.uk - really cool dark, figurative and abstract mixed media work. saw in Juxtapoz issue Jan. 2009
http://www.nickbutcher.net - interesting abstract work.
http://www.camillaengman.com - discovered her work in the iGoogle custom banner chooser which I am sure has given her great exposure.

I Wasn't Kidding

2009-05-03T19:00:00.001-07:00

I wasn't kidding when I said my cars are handmade. Here are the Sunday trimmings....on my kitchen table.

Dreamers Card Set

2009-05-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

I just put together a group of my favorite paintings and created a 12 piece note card set. I call the particular couple featured in these cards "The Dreamers" and you can see them in Paris, Portland, New York, and Brooklyn. For sale in my etsy store.....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18655377

First First Thursday

2009-05-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Next week marks the first First Thursday of the year. I am busy getting my booth ready, checking inventory, and making sure my little credit card machine works. I wonder how this "down economy" is going to affect sales this year?

Come visit me at approximately NW 13th and Hoyt in the Pearl, Portland Oregon. I will be there each first Thursday of the month from May to October 4pm-9pm.

In addition, I am slowly transitioning out of my Interactive Producer role at a local digital design firm in hopes of spending the summer on a new series of artwork. Each year, I get closer and closer to my goal of doing artwork full time. I can't wait to get back into the studio!

Group Show at Onda Gallery

2009-04-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in a group show at the Onda Gallery focusing on artwork using recycled materials. My Portland Dreamers painting will be featured as well as a second piece. The work will be on display for the month of May and the opening reception is May 8th.

Spring!

2009-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have had a chance to post, but spring is in the air and I am looking forward to the upcoming summer of art and time in the studio. The last few months have been spent working a day job as an Interactive Producer and tucking money away for later. I am thankful for the position and hope that it can last until summer begins. This season, I was able to sign up for all months of First Thursday in the Pearl. That means April through October, every Thursday evening at the beginning of the month, I will be selling at the street fair on NW 13th. I am also waiting on pins and needles to hear whether I got into Art in the Pearl Art Festival over labor day weekend. A much respected fine art festival, I will be really excited if I get in. I should hear mid April.

The Farm Restaurant Show

2009-01-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

I just finished hanging my work at The Farm and I think it looks pretty nice. The old building and warm colors on the wall compliment my work well. Almost all the paintings are for sale and will be hanging for the entire month of February. The Farm is located at SE 7th and Burnside in Portland Oregon.

Thank You YRG

2009-01-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to YRG in downtown Portland for letting me hang my artwork in their office space for the month of January. Now, on to The Farm Restaurant for February where everything will be on sale.

A Commission

2009-01-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

Last week a woman emailed me asking for a commissioned piece themed around Florida and using the couple image that I refer to as The Dreamers. At first I was hesitant to try as it is hard for me to find specific imagery that people request. But, after some convincing, I did it. I think it turned out pretty good. I hope my client is happy with it as well.

Spooky Man in Progress

2009-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

I am not sure where the idea for this painting has come from, but here is today's work so far...

My process is starting to develop which includes the following steps: 1) On canvas, begin by adhering strips of regular paper using acrylic medium or Modge Podge. I guess it isn't critical to use canvas. One could use board. 2) Paint with a base color. Usually something very saturated and dark (burnt sienna in this painting) and let dry 3) Add a crackle medium on top. Let dry 4) Add a pattern transfer to selected areas (under the yellow on the ground in this painting) 5) Add second color over crackle medium (yellow in this painting). 6) Add subject matter (man and flowers). 7) Add third color (white) with a dry brush to pick up the texture 8) Add details (stars).

Art in the Pearl

2009-01-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Art in the Pearl 2009 (the art and craft festival held over Labor Day weekend) applications are coming up soon and I am hoping to particiapate this year. This show is juried and I must have four of my best paintings for submission. Here are two I think will be included so far.

A Full Day in the Studio

2009-01-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of a painting in progress. So far it includes 3 of the 4 components that are always in my work. Texture, ephemera (which is a collage term for notes, tickets, scraps of paper, etc.), and vintage clip art. The last component will be a transfered image or pattern. And, then of course, there is always lots of paint.

I am hoping to finish this painting today. I get to spend the whole day in the art studio which is exciting. No interruptions, networking, interviews, meetings, errands, or other. Even though I generally like to multi-task, I find it hard to work in the studio if I don't have a good chunk of time to dedicate. I guess the thought of firing up the heater, putting on my painting clothes, and settling into a creative space doesn't seem worth it unless I have at least 4 hours of uninterrupted time. "Oh boo hoo" you must be saying to yourself at this point.

The Farm

2009-01-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today I had the fortune to receive a call from The Farm inquiring about hanging my art in their restaurant. I was excited to take them up on the offer. They found me through Etsy and the fact that I had labeled myself as a Portland artist. The time I spent putting together a nice Etsy store has paid off in many ways www.shyama.etsy.com. Eventhough Etsy was created to support the craft movement, it provides a good place to set up a store and promote yourself as an artist as well. Etsy has recieved quite a lot of press and attention lately and the tools they provide are a great resource. If nothing else, the amount of traffic Etsy recieves will put your name high up on a google search.

My work will be hanging at The Farm Cafe (on the corner of SE 7th and Burnside) for the month of February. Come check it out! www.thefarmcafe.net

Here I am. Blogging. Why?

2009-01-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months I have been scouring the internet for artist's notes and thoughts about their experiences. I am sure they are out there, but I haven't found anything notable yet. I would like to know how other emerging artists are doing. What is working for them? What isn't? A road map they may or may not be following, and their daily experiences and thoughts. I guess you could say I would like a virtual artist community. Since I haven't found anything yet, I thought I would create something myself. I can't be the only artist out there who could use a place to connect. Maybe my experiences can be helpful for someone else trying to get started. Plus, now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense for me to combine my two lives: online marketing producer and mixed media artist = art blog. Now, if I were a good writer, that would be an even better combo....

I have been keeping some notes on my freelance contractor experience of which I have posted, but I hope to begin speaking more about my art moving forward.

Good Enough

2009-01-06T12:11:00.001-08:00

It feels like I am constantly on the tip of something great, but never able to reach it. Arggg...

Here is the latest painting in progress.

I said "I never"..

2008-11-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

I should have known that a long time ago, when I said "I never imagine supporting myself with my artwork", the complete opposite would occur. This is the pattern of my life. While I am not supporting myself yet, I am trying hard to get there.

I have built a body of work that I believe is unique and now I am ready to begin promoting myself. These seem to be the recommended steps. So that I don't forget, the following is a list of my immediate goals and next steps.

Finish by Christmas:
Write a compelling artist statement and bio. Document my work. Put together a portfolio. Submit to galleries.

Above all else, continue painting.

Back to the Grind

2008-09-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

I started a six week Project Manager contract with another ad agency in town. While I was not planning on starting full time work again until the end of September, the opportunity arose and I took it. I am hoping that this will allow me to take more time off up until the holidays. I have been working on site at the downtown office and at first I thought I might be able to juggle my time between artwork and the desk job. This has not proven to be true. While i have a day or two off from the desk job a week, the amount of brain drain created by working in an office environment leaves me unmotivated on my days off. Lesson learned.

Staying Motivated

2008-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

A month of SOSA has gone by and I feel my motivation slipping. The month has been productive I feel and perhaps I am simply taking a mental break. While the summer is beautiful and days slip into each other, I have got to stay focused. I have produced approximately 5 large painting in the "nostalgic" style that I am happy with. I participated in First Thursday which was successful and sold 10 small block prints there. Being at First Thursday also gave me some exposure and I am almost out of business cards. I was given great feedback and it was inspiring to see everyone "ohh and ahh" over my paintings. I even made a few online sales after the fact. I am excited to continue being "out there". I honestly think that is my favorite part of this whole thing.

In between SOSA, I have been doing about 8 hours a week of Producer work for one of the agencies in town. It has been good working with the team and I like the diversion from art studio. As usual, the clients we work with are difficult, but overall the project is easy to manage. I am happy to have made the connections and we will see where this contract leads. There has been discussions of building business and taking on more project work. They foresee needing someone to lead a group of project managers. I believe they are testing me out for this future role....

SOSA

2008-06-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

SOSA stands for Summer of Shyama Art. While my producer contracts taper off this week, I am attempting to focus on my goals for the next few months. What do I want to accomplish during SOSA? Come September, I do not want to feel as if I have done nothing remarkable. So, I have decided to create a "body of work" within the current style I have been developing. The body of work will constitute at least 10 paintings that work well together and are gallery worthy in my opinion. Or, at least portfolio worthy. There are quite a few ideas I would like to explore and quite a few other styles however my goal will be to focus and push to the outter edges of the style I am currently working in. At the end of the summer, I would like to put together a portfolio and attempt to find a place to show these.

Working From Home

2008-04-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have begun a new venture with a small interactive firm.. This contract fits into my goals perfectly. It is short term and will pay me enough money to take the summer off and do artwork. This contract allows me to work from home which has mixed results. While it is nice not to have to deal with the political mine field of an office environment, staying home alone all day is a little lonely. Days seems to just slide by without much notice which feels odd. However, I guess this is what it will feel like when I am working in the studio this summer. I think sunny days will help keep my energy level up. I have cleaned up the library, purchased a new arm chair, and called it my office. The space is comfortable and warm and I like spending time here.

Contractor Model

2008-03-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

It seems like all agencies go through a phase of evaluating the balance of full time employees vs. contractors at least once. Keeping full time staff can be scarey for a company that exists in the roller coaster environment of marketing and advertising. But, contractors create high overhead costs. Companies who have seen fast growth and hired staff to support it have also felt the pain of having to lay all those individuals off when the work evaporated. Contractors do not take lay offs personally. They do not expect to be on staff for more than a couple of months. So, it is easy to expand and contract with their support. However, if an agency is going to rely on contractor support to get projects completed they must also account for the time it takes to get teams organized and ramped up.

Commitment

2008-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

After weighing my job options, I decided to stay put where I am until June 2008. This is five months of commitment that makes me nervous, but I think it was the best choice. I was especially proud of myself for negotiating a higher salary for the next five months. Visions of a playful summer dance in my head.

Fledgling Freelancer

2008-01-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Business is picking up for this fledgling freelance Producer/Project Manager. Projects have lifted off the ground and days at the desk are not quite as slow. The prospect of changing jobs again looms. The end of my current three month contract is February, and other offers are starting to stream in. Being a popular Producer/Project Manager is a good thing, but I am faced with decisions on where to land next. Do I make a change now or do I stay where it is slow, easy, and yet boring? Do I simply leap to a higher paying gig in an effort to achieve my long range goal of taking the summer off? Perhaps...

Desk Job

2007-12-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

I don't think I would have survived the boredom of this day at my desk without my new ipod mini. I was tempted to break down and watch the version of Goonies that my husband so kindly loaded on it last night, but I figured that may be too obvious. I suppose this is the advantage of being a contractor. Letting days slip by without a notice. Just do what is asked of you and then drive home at 5pm. Wide open stretches of time to day dream and surf the internet. What is it all for? To earn enough money to financially be able to spend the summer painting in the art studio? I think so.