KIlling Apathy
Wacom having generously blessed me with a Wacom ONE to try out while I try and create digital art. So far I’m very happy with it. Ive started being able to create a lot quicker. I do still miss the tactile-ness of paper. But I’m sold on digital! Hopefully ill be able to make all those projects I’ve been putting off for lack of software! Penelopy here we go!
This month is so busy. You can tell people are gearing up for the holidays it seems every other day there is an event, show, holiday market I can’t keep up with everything when there are so many!! Im forgetting things left and right and need to learn to actually put things on my phone!
However despite all the busy, I did make it to the Art Gala (please read that in a fancy voice!) An event ment to raise money to fund the Ronald McDonald House and to purchase local art to decorate the rooms and common areas of the building.
Im honored I was able to participate since I have had friends who have needed their services and being able to provide art for folks who may be in a crisis time of life to make their stay a little more uplifting. Tonights event was at the Scottish Rite Cathedral next to the RMH.
Of the pieces I submitted 3 were accepted for the charity auction
It was an interesting night as I have never been to an event quite like this. The more I talked to some of the other artists there neither had they so it was a new experience for most of us.
Before the Auction I went to check out everyones work at the Peoria Library for the CIAO Womens show
That was a busy beautiful day and even if I didnt get to be everywhere with everyone for all the things going on that day know you are dearly loved!
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/ronald-mcdonald-house-holds-art-gala-to-pay-for-artists-work/
I have recently started a series based on the idea of authenticity. An idea I had been playing with a lot more latley. It can be so difficult for us to be authentic with others, and even at times with ourselves. That we are slow or even fail to create things and ideas of value.
Authenticity often requires a person to be accepting of their own self. Being comfortable in ones own skin enough that you can share that person with others. After times of isolation it is especially hard to be authentic! Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragment/kind words from an old friend to remind you of what you are capable of and that your thoughts are valid!
As I continue to work on the sketches for this series I have been doing a lot of self discovery and introspection and in doing so have found some better footing in my work. A hopeful grounding for future shows and individual pieces.
This is some of the progress of my first painting in the series. Which at the time of this post is on display at the Studios on Sheridan. A great Gallery at the corner of Main and Sheridan in Peoria,IL. They are currently hosting an exhibit called HOT CIAO so many great pieces in this show that is is definatly worth the stop to visit and see some of the things people are working on! The exihibit runs throughout September with a closing reception 6-8pm on Sept 28th.
I recently started one of my largest pieces to date at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. Which you can visit the studios almost anytime the CAC is open (Tues -Sat 11-5) 2nd and 3rd floors, to view my current studio work and the current gallery exhibits.
Latley I’ve been attempting to write grant proposals and refine my artist statment to help fund my lofty ideas of creating a large body of work. I find it incredibly anxiety inducing trying to write a letter boasting my ability and goals!
Often as artists it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing yourself as just another cog in the creative wheel. Especially on the internet where content is driven by peoples creativity it can be hard to stand out and still keep the machine moving.
I often fall into a way of thinking that there is nothing new under the sun. People have been painting for centuries, and even our own dna is just carbon copys of our ancestors so even original referance art isnt ‘original’ but that critical art brain leads to apathy. Today I’m ditching the insecure artist cliche’ and focusing on my strengths. You should too because people want OC (original content) and only creatives can provide that.
Thankfully, there are a lot of organizations that offer art grants and fellowships that support artists in creating work, and free us up to concentrate on creating.
Grant folks will want to see your work, so make sure that online art portfolio is in great shape. And refine your artist bio, statement and online presence.
Make sure your artist statement is as clear and concise as possible, and up-to-date with all the information about your work. Here is a list I’ve compiled from several websites for referance, of some grants that might be right for you and me but hopefully me ( wink)
These art grants are open to most artists, meaning there are few restrictions on geography, art discipline, or subject matter.
Amount: $20,000
Applicants must be 25 or older
Amount: $1,000
Special notes: $35 entry fee to submit up to three works
Amount: $1,000
Special notes: Has 90 chapters that each give out a $1,000 art grant monthly
Amount: Up to $10,000
Special notes: Focuses on interactive and community-driven artworks
Amount: Up to $50,000 and career development services
Special notes: Focuses on large-scale, long-term projects
Amount: $40,000
Special notes: Grants are given to support artists, not specific projects
Amount: $25,000
Special notes: Only open to “mature” artists
Special notes: No restrictions on how grants are used
Amount: Up to $10,000
Special notes: Artists must have been working for a significant amount of time and be in financial need
Amount: Up to a $70,000 stipend and $5,000 to cover project expenses
Special notes: Involves living at Harvard University for a year
Amount: Up to $5,000
Special notes: Only artists with children are eligible
This foundation aims to support artists with families by providing financial awards to parents that are pursuing creative work. Parents often put aside their creative impulses to meet the demands of raising a family, so the foundation’s goal is to encourage parents to continue with their creative passions.
Amount: Up to $20,000
Amount: $1,500
These art grants are given to help young or unrecognized artists take their careers to the next level.
Amount: $15,000
Special notes: Applications are accepted throughout the year with no deadline
The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation gives grants for emerging artists to develop their skills in artistic expression. Applicants must be 18 or older, in an early or developmental stage of their work, and be able to show a commitment to making art their lifetime career.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Special notes: $15 application fee
Amount: Up to $2,500
These artist grants aim to recognize exceptional women in a variety of art fields.
Art discipline: Figurative realist painting
Amount: $50,000
Special notes: Involves creating a traveling exhibition of paintings
Art discipline: Visual arts and literature
Amount: Up to $1,500
Special notes: Artists should have substantial work done on their project before applying
Amount: $1,000
Special notes: Entry fee of $35
Art discipline: Papermaking, screen-printing, photography, intaglio, letterpress, or ceramics
Amount: Up to an eight-week residency with a $350 per week stipend, and money for materials and travel
Special notes: Open to artists in any stage of their career
When there’s not enough time to go through a lengthy grant application process, these emergency grants can help out artists who are in urgent need of funding.
Art discipline: Painters, sculptors, and printmakers
Amount: Up to $15,000
Art discipline: Any visual or performing arts
Amount: Up to $2,500
Special notes: Grants to help artists to meet a project deadline
GOVERNEMENT GRANTShttps://www.arts.gov/grants
A place to find more grants!
More more grant opportunities
Hopefully this list will help some of us find some footing in the creative world. I’m looking forward to seeing what you create, and hopefully someone will pay you to do it.
If you want to pay me check out my donate page in the drop down menu at the top of the page or visit my Patreon
Kill your Apathy (and mine if you can find the time.)
-Kagan
This is a few of my fellow artists at the Contemporary art Center in Peoria Illinois (photo credit https://www.facebook.com/ricky.traughber ) though not everyone was there that night (picture was taken earlier this year). I was not at all prepared for pictures that night, even though I’m sure someone had warned me I’m sure of it! I hadn’t been feeling well then and had actually felt like giving up on my art and everything I’ve been working twards. It was hard being in a constant state of unrest and so down I didn’t feel like I deserved to even be in this picture as I hadn’t done anything with my art for several months! I do love this picture even if I’m wearing a hoodie and not all together with it that evening because it reminds me when I feel like nobody…
I…
Do…
Exist…
All the more reason its so important to show others how much you care about them. Sometimes its hard if they are stubborn like me and don’t want to accept that people care. I myself find it hard to connect with people on any level. As we journey though life and our paths cross know you are loved. I may not always show it due to my own insecurities and selfishness but deep down where it counts you are loved. It can be hard when your life is isolating or you are self isolating to know there are those that care about your well being. There are times when ya’ll arn’t there, I’m going to keep telling myself I am loved because “whatever helps you sleep at night” is sometimes all we got!
This season of life for me is something completely different and I’ve never been more inspired by those around me! So here is to finishing my authentic sketchbook, inktober and starting my exposed series before the end of the year! Also I’m open for those holiday commissions get them in before November if you need it before Christmas!
Thanks to those at the Peoria Contemporary Art Center for always being encouraging and mostly for reminding me there are beautiful things in this world and we can create them!
Peace in
