How to Project Confidence (Even If You Have to Fake It)
Confidence is one of the most collector-attractive qualities an artist can possess.
You are more likely to get the commission, sell the work, fill your classes, and have your proposal accepted if we believe in you. And we are more likely to believe in you if you believe in yourself and your art.
Confidence comes with experience.
Exhibiting your art in public and having conversations with art visitors contribute to growing your confidence. Yet there are times when even the most experienced artist lacks in confidence. This comes with the territory.
The thing I enjoyed most about meeting Anne Shutan is that she was as excited about her work as I was. When I complimented something, she said, “I know! Isn’t that cool?!” I love that kind of enthusiasm. Here she is with the front door she carved.
You are bound to go through cycles of self-assuredness and doubt if you are experimenting and growing as an artist.
Perhaps these pointers will help when you’re not feeling so sure of yourself.
Visualize the experience.
As you are preparing for an event such as an art opening, visualize how you want to show up. Imagine yourself firmly planted in the room, not flitting about, and welcoming one guest after another.
What do they say to you? How do you respond?
Be interested in other people.
Confident people are comfortable enough to focus on other people. They leave space for conversation and don’t talk about themselves all of the time.
It sounds counterintuitive, but people will think you’re fascinating if you just listen to what they say and ask about their interests.
Develop a firm handshake, look people in the eye, smile, and call them by name. I practice this frequently with cashiers in checkout lines.
In my experience, introducing myself to strangers is a quick way to relieve any anxiety around an event with lots of people.
Stand up straight.
Don’t slouch in the back of the room. Pull your shoulders back, hold your head high, and introduce yourself to people.
I am fairly sure that speaking isn’t one of Ayn Hanna’s favorite pastimes, but you wouldn’t have known it. She did a terrific job speaking to this crowd in Boulder, Colorado.
Remember that everyone at an art opening is there for the same reason: to be seen and to meet people. (If you want to view the art, go before or after the opening.)
Spiff up.
A new outfit can do wonders for your esteem, as can painting your nails or shining your shoes. Or try a new hairdo.
Anything that improves your appearance can give you a boost.
Never disparage your work.
When someone says something kind about your art, all you have to do is say Thank You. Don’t giggle and brush aside their compliment. Don’t look down at the floor and say, Aw shucks. Look them in the eye and express your gratitude.
Don’t apologize for poorly cut mats, the crack in your pot, or the dirty display pedestal. There’s no need to call attention to imperfections.
Better yet, fix these imperfections before you show your work so that you aren’t tempted to give apologies and excuses.
You don’t have to always be confident. You just need to play the part.
Networking and articulating your work at Art Biz Makeover will help you build confidence. See what I mean by registering now. Early registration ends soon!
SOURCE: Art Biz Blog – Read entire story here.
Dying artist’s project aims to give cancer the finger
The guy who once put a terrified-looking dog on the cover of National Lampoon magazine with a gun to its head and the words, ‘If You Don’t Buy This Magazine, We’ll Kill This Dog,’ was only thinking he’d have a little fun with his art students when he told them to draw a hand with a raised middle finger.
SOURCE: Graphic Design News – Read entire story here.
Poetry line-up announced for Wimbledon BookFest
R: Dr Laura Peters, head of English and Creative Writing, professors David Harsent and Fiona Sampson and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul O’Prey.
SOURCE: Arts News – Read entire story here.
Claudio Ethos in Sao Paolo
São Paolo based artist Claudio Ethos uses an old van as a backdrop for his latest piece, a work of street art that can actually move through the streets!
SOURCE: Wooster Collective – Read entire story here.
Choosing The Right Phenotype: Tangerine Dream
Some of you who have grower knowl already know exactly what I’m talking about. A phenotype is what determines the characteristics and traits of a certain kind of strain. The mother produces a bunch of seeds. Once they mature and flower, you will notice that some are taller, some are bushier, some smell different or feel a bit different but they all still have the essence of the strain. You know, like a bunch of sisters that resemble each other but look different at the same time. And just like sisters, there is always that special one who got the better genetics and more often than not, that’s the one you want. In this case we have six different types of Tangerine Dream. I got a 3.5 of EACH phenotype and the following is a report of my honest opinion on my experience with this 2010 Cannabis Cup winner.
Barney’s Coffeeshop had the brilliant idea of crossing G13 and Neville’s breeder strain A5 and then crossing the result with G13 again to make the legendary Tangerine Dream. It’s a sativa-dominant known for its powerful medical attributes. It is often used for relieving stress but can also be consumed to help with anxiety, nausea and depression. Plus, this shit smells and tastes like fucking oranges. No word of a lie, it’s not some high school rumour from the basketball court. This shit 169{b29860ee6b7af5bf99d3058cca3182816eed414b47dab251265e93b8c00e69b1} legit smells like oranges…
Phenotype A was significantly different from the other types. It was a lot more fluffy and had a distinct smell. Type A also had the nicest bag appeal. If this was a girl, she would be tall and slender but have just enough meat in all the right places…
Mmm… Look at that shit. I just want to stuff my face in it and do the motorboat…
Some faint traces of baby puke smell were coming through after putting it to some scissors. I love it when weed smells like baby puke.
First stop, Voyage Funkstastique with DJ Walla P (I’m listening to this shit live on CHOQ as I write this), which is currently my favorite radio show in town, hands down. I have not updated my music in years because of YouTube so I’ve had the same playlist since 2009 on my iTunes. This is perfect for lazy stoners like myself because I can either catch it live or bump that shit later from the SoundCloud. I can also bump any of the previous mixes from the archives, which is amazing.
Aight, so this was the first spliff from the whole shebang. The taste, very sour. Not harsh at all, smooth as baby’s shit. Almost tasted like a dark red wine at times. Definitely a hint of rotten fruit in there. The intense orange flavor gave it a shisha-type of smell once burnt. All good things.
While we out here testing weed on school grounds, The legendary Vai-K is studying sociology and together we will CHANGE THE WORLD… Respect. Shortly after this photo was taken the security guard politely asked us to go smoke this shit outside school premises, which leads me to the next point: The high. Very chill high, zero anxiety whatsoever, not even when the security dude was talking to us. We got very stoned but not wrecked, which is also very cool. The funk blasting out the speakers was increasing our high, which didn’t last long but was very well-balanced to my personal liking. It was kind of like a horny teen: Goes hard but won’t last long…
I had to get a third opinion to make sure that CeasRock and I weren’t just fanning out on the realness of this life so I let my brother EF hit it and this is what he had to say:
EF: The Tangerine Dream was heavenly felt. It sure tasted like fresh oranges from Florida. The PH level wasn’t in balance tho, a bit too acidic for my personal tastes. On the other hand, the chronic was coming into my lungs with much smoothness. Big puffs, no coughing… It was perfect. I tend to cough a lot when I’m puffing strong-ass exotic weed without a piece of tobacco. The buzz was one of the cleanest I’ve tasted in years of blowing trees. No paranoia, no anxiety attacks, only madness and euphoria. The type of buzz that keeps you alert and focused when concentration is needed. The best weed to smoke right before going to the dentist or crossing the USA-Canada border.
As you can see, our accounts are very similar. I was not making this shit up. This is the real deal and type A was one of my personal favorites. It’s early summer in Montreal, I’m going to be doing some heavy All-City Chilling so I need something that can hold me down from early morning to early morning without tearing me apart. From a market’s perspective, maybe not the number-one choice. She had booty but the booty was kind of loose, so to speak. Overall, a solid 7.5/10 for me on type A…
When I’m not stoned, all I think about is the WOS. When I smoke good dope I just walk around smiling at the dumbest shit…
But what about our taxes???
Type B
Type B had the most dense nugs out the bunch. Here, you can compare type B above and type A below. You can see type A has a lot more bag appeal but was in every other way inferior in terms of overall quality of the product. Things to consider…
Highly recommended deal in NDG if ever you’re at Girouard and want to have a quick lunch without spending more than $10. Right on the Northwest corner of Girouard and Sherbrooke in the Polish deli/bakery you can get a thick-ass sandwich with a ponki and a drink of your choice for $9 flat.
Respect that shit like where you came from…
Chilling in Girouard park for 15 constitutive summers, I’ve seen my neighborhood transform from “No Damn Good” to “Now Doing Great”. On one hand, I’m happy that the community is prospering and that the place is more safe for the squares but, this comes with a price for people like us who just like to hang out with a few spliffs and a few beers without bothering nobody. That day we got harassed on two different occasions by cops who are putting pressure on chilleurs for smoking and drinking in parks. Both times, they failed at doing anything about it but the harassment is unappreciated to say the least. Circling around the cypher on their corny mountain bikes looking for a reason to fuck with a mook. GET LOST! This was never an issue when there were real badmandem in the park back in the day. All this to say, even with these cocksuckers trying to kill my high, I was well bent and not worried about shit. No paranoia, no anxiety. This strain is truly magical.
Phenotype C. The most frosty one out of the bunch. If this was a girl, she would have big, bright eyes and a big, sparkly smile (and her pussy would smell like oranges from the heavens).
Weed is so romantic. When the female plant matures to the age where she could get fucked, she starts producing this tantalizing substance to attract male plants. We deprive them of sex so they just keep getting more and more horny until we chop them down, undress them, cure them then consume them to get high.
Phenotype C definitely packed a loud punch to the neck but nothing that can’t be handled by a certified pothead. Sweet as a motherfucker and very zesty. Vitamin C…
Shout-out to Jerk Chicken, Ox Tail and Curry Goat. Also, shout-out to spots who sell pure coconut water and even better if it comes without pulp. Respect!
Creative control. This shit had me walking around Ottawa all amazed like I’m in a foreign country. Everything became interesting and each situation was an episode from a strange movie I made up in my head as things went along…
You know you’re in a stoner’s crib when this shit happens…
Bag appeal on this type was prob second best to A. Phenotype D had a distinct bud formation, different from its sisters. If this was a girl, she would be a cute, bubbly immigrant shorty with dope features. Thick lips and thick hips…
According to my notes, this was the most earthy and tangy type from the bunch. It kind of reminded me some top-notch Freezeland from back in the day. I would say it had the strongest test and was the harshest to smoke out of the litter.
Hit up some sort of yearly garage sale thing in Ottawa… Pure entertainment the whole time. Usually at events like this I just hate everyone but super zooted on this TD I was having fun people watching, observing and documenting.
Stereotypical Ottawa dude…
Owned by a dog…
She thought that I was looking at this…
When in reality, I was looking at this…
Time warp…
Thank you Google…
I failed at taking notes for Phenotype E and this is the only documented image of our encounter. If you don’t remember the sex it was probably not that spectacular… NEXT!
Oh boy… F for Femme… F for Facials… F for Fucking… F for Fingering pissflaps… F for fellatio… F for Fantastic… Type F for FAVORITE!
Even though it had the smallest bag appeal, phenotype F had every other category on lock.
Pretty much everything about her was fabulous. The bitch looked like a Cannabis Cup winner. This one was a notch above all these other sluts. She had class and elegance. She possessed an enticing allure capable of satisfying most men. Shining bright but in a humble manner, smelling sweet but not too sour, so tempting she beguiles and puts you in a trance.
Classic Montreal shit right here. Good ol’ Chinatown rooftops… What a great place to test some weed. SKIDDIT…
Love to see these gems, preserved for the enjoyment of the few who understand and appreciate the value of this.
For all you 14 year-old mooks reading this, pay attention to this convenient trick that will allows you to roll spliffs virtually anywhere without a problem.
“Le weed est vraiment fucking bon”…
What more can I say? This shit was on point from A to Z. Solid 9 outta 10. Type F is definitely BAE….
Those eyes don’t lie.
Choosing the right phenotype is like choosing the right BAE. You want someone reliable, someone that will hold you down. Preferably someone exotic and exclusive. You don’t want what everyone already has in their pocket. Must be clean and healthy, no bugs or seeds. Someone who inspires you rather than bores you. Someone who calms you down rather than causing drama. A person who smells good and knows how to have fun. Someone with respect, character and a sense of humor. Many important aspects to consider before entering a long-term relationship. This is why it’s important to taste all flavours (multiple times) before making that commitment. Hope you learned something…
SOURCE: MOOK-LIFE – Read entire story here.
Cooking Table by Moritz Putzier
Moritz Putzier has distilled the essence of a kitchen into the form of a clever table and accessories.
SOURCE: MoCoLoco – Read entire story here.
I Love Email (But I Love Real Mail More)
You know I love email, right?
I don’t necessarily love all of the spam that hits my inbox or the countless hours I spend reading and replying to email, but I can’t imagine running my business without it.
How would I ever be able to help as many people as I do for such a bargain rate?
And as much as I love email, I love real mail even more.
The supplies arrive.
Why You Should Rave About Real Mail, Too
Here are three reasons why I’m raving about real mail to my students, members, and private clients, and why you should, too.
1. Real mail is tactile.
Envelopes and postcards are things you can touch. You can cut, tear, and unpack a package (sometimes you can even smell it).
Add a handwritten note and voilà! You’ve enhanced your emotional bond with recipients. This emotional bond can’t be duplicated with email. True?
I can’t think of a single email, regardless of how kind it was, that evoked the same level of emotion as a piece of mail with personal handwriting.
Opening up the goodies.
2. Real mail distinguishes you from all of the other artists who aren’t using it.
When you send a package, letter, or postcard, you have to address it, stamp it, and put it in a mailbox. It’s so much work that most people don’t do it. How did we ever manage in the past?
Recipients will recognize and appreciate this extra effort.
Everyone uses email. Most people use it poorly. They don’t address people by name or sign their messages. This is a lousy business practice and it’s no way to nurture relationships.
Real mail has the potential to delight. Imagine the expression on recipients’ faces when they poke through their unwanted mail and find a piece with your art on it. ART. In the mail. Cool! Something fun to receive.
3. Real mail endures.
Recipients can keep a letter or postcard in a folder, tack it to a bulletin board, or slap a magnet on it for the refrigerator. They can keep it on top of a busy desk to make them smile.
Some people even frame their mail from artists.
Preparing a mailing for Art Biz Makeover.
Not so with email. Yes, I’m aware that some people never get around to deleting email, but in the company of several thousand messages in an inbox, your email might as well be in a black hole.
I don’t know about you, but I am quick with the Delete key.
I can easily plow through 300 emails in an hour when I need to. My focus isn’t on responding to the juicy stuff. I’m just trying to get rid of everything that doesn’t absolutely require my attention. I miss hundreds of marketing messages this way, but it’s the only way to remain sane with an overflowing inbox.
Maybe I missed one of your messages while emptying my inbox.
I Hear You
I hear your objections already. Real mail can be expensive. And, for whatever reasons, we think real mail needs to be a little more perfect than email. This means it takes longer to write, print, stamp, and send.
This means you don’t send real mail to everyone on your list. You send it to appropriate geographical regions, VIPs, and for special occasions. All the more reason to segment your list and keep your contacts database updated.
Real mail can make a real difference in your results. If you can only find the love for it.
If you’re loving real mail as much as I do, tweet this or share it on Facebook: “I love real mail because …” and fill in the blank. [ Tweet this and fill in the blank. ]
You can also share your responses in a comment here.
SOURCE: Artist Business-Building Strategies – Read entire story here.
Pathe News on Youtube
In 1895 Charles Pathé began his quest to document the historical events of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. By 1914, Pathé produced the first weekly newsreel.
British Pathé, the U.K. newsreel archive company, has uploaded its entire 100-year collection of 85,000 historic films in high resolution to YouTube.
The collection, which spans 1896 to 1976, comprises some 3,500 hours of historical footage of major events, notable figures, fashion, travel, sports and culture. It includes extensive film from both World War I and World War II.
The Home page displays a choice of popular uploads, days that shook the world, disasters, inventions, animals, daredevils, celebrities and compilations. ‘Weirdest newsreels’ includes a newsreel about a progressive school , a tall man marrying a short lady and an obese three year old . In contrast you can also find footage from the Battle of the Somme , the SAS storming the Iranian Embassy in London and a documentary on the assassination of the American President John F Kennedy claiming the CIA killed him.
SOURCE: Jenny’s Art, Design and Architecture blog – Read entire story here.
‘Cannibal’ wears its shocks with style
Thrills; no! Chills; yes! ” Cannibal ” is a moody Spanish chiller that wears its shocks with style.
SOURCE: Cinema News – Read entire story here.
ENB Kinetic Echo: Our Dancing Selves
With the profile of dance and the presence of the arts on social media ever growing, it is about time that the concept of being followed and exposed was explored by a choreographer.
In this new commission Kinetic Echo: Our Dancing Selves, Choreographer Cameron McMillan and dancers of ENBYouthCo ask many questions of the audience and encourage discussion regarding the relationships between dance, artistic identity and the digital flow of information. Indeed, in this digital age the conversation is now able to continue post-performance through the use of hashtags, videos and images on English National Ballet’s social content page for the performance, www.ballet.org.uk/echo
The performance itself took place in the unique and public location of Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush). As the performers dart about the stage with dynamism many passers-by stop and engage with what’s in front of them and, just as anticipated, it takes only a few seconds for phones, tablets and cameras to begin flashing and recording; surrounding the performance.
The piece builds quietly with the performers displaying fluid movements and jerking convulsions in contrast. One aspect of this performance that remains consistent is that they are being watched; by cameras, by phones and by each other. One performer with a camera strapped to her body has a particularly menacing presence as she enters the stage with a sinister glare.
In such a challenging environment I am struck by the professionalism of the young performers as they circle the main dance floor, skilfully captivate the unsuspecting shoppers in the audience. McMillan’s choreography ensures there are moments for individuals to shine, displaying their assured technique, as well as the striking and crowd-pleasing unison sections. Phones and cameras continue to follow the dancers as the music’s sobering intensity builds to a climax.
The performance does not end there and audiences are encouraged to share their ‘creative echo’ through a visual response to the work. This kaleidoscope of responses can all be found via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags #ENBKineticEcho #ENBMyEcho and #ENBDancingSelf.
McMillan’s work unearths come current, sometimes controversial yet fascinating concepts that will surely be discussed and explored in the future as we edge towards a time when digital media is a performance in itself. Some would argue it already is…
Kinetic Echo is co-commissioned by English National Ballet and the Foundation for Community Dance for the Big Dance Weekend 2014 and Westfield Presents.
by Vikki Vile
The post ENB Kinetic Echo: Our Dancing Selves appeared first on English National Ballet.
SOURCE: English National Ballet – Read entire story here.
Companhia Urbana de Dança Reflects Brazil’s Complexities
The Brazilian troupe Companhia Urbana de Dança is bringing its hip-hop moves to Jacob’s Pillow.
SOURCE: NYT > Dance – Read entire story here.
Mural Update Bom.K in Djerbah
Here is one of Bom.k’s recent murals as he visited Djerba, Erriadh participating in Djerbahood. The project brought over 150 artists to the city creating hundreds of murals.
GF
After Paris Tour 13 Itinerrance team lays her suitcases in a traditional village on the island of Djerba, Erriadh.
True open-air museum, is a village Djerbahood invested by artists from around the world. Village Erriadh Djerba host this summer works of hundreds of artists thirty different nationalities. Erriadh, authentic and traditional place, become a space of expression for each of the artists from various cultures.
SOURCE: GraffuturismGraffuturism | Graffuturism – Read entire story here.
Why Bea Arthur And A Unicorn Showing You The Heimlich Maneuver Isn’t Entirely Legal
The standard poster demonstrating the Heimlich that you see in every New York City restaurant is clear, mostly grayscale, almost demure – and all too easy to ignore entirely. So several eateries have commissioned designers to create new versions: cocktail-lounge romance, ’50s nautical theme, ballroom dancing manual, and, yes, Bea Arthur and a unicorn. But there’s a problem, and it’s not just killjoy Health Department inspectors. (includes audio podcast and sample posters)
SOURCE: ArtsJournal» VISUAL – Read entire story here.