#artlife — Public Fediverse posts

North Coast Open Studios is coming.

June 6th & 7th, then 13th & 14th.

Artists all across Humboldt County here in Northern California (no, the *actual* Northern California 5 hours north of San Francisco) will be opening their studios to share their workspaces and their processes.

I’ll be participating for the first time.

It’s coming.

https://www.northcoastopenstudios.com/

#art #ArtistLife #ArtLife #HowIHumboldt #ILoveEureka #ArtStudio

Today I do a bit of a reconnection to my local art world by volunteering as the Docent in their member-run gallery for five hours this afternoon.

I try to volunteer somehow once a week or so. It is *deeply* validating. It’s a happy place for me.

I get to work on my art surrounded by beautiful pieces made by new friends. I get to listen to soft music, converse with visitors, handle sales.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to be useful, to be actively engaged in contributing to something that brings light and hope and positivity to the world. I could go to a soup kitchen or help with some environmental efforts, but I feel like this is something I can do that others can’t. It parlays my skills into something that needs doing, that others can’t really do.

It makes me feel needed. Relevant. Hopeful. And it’s something I can choose to do to help cleanse my darkening soul a little from feeling utterly depressed and helpless. It’s not a lot, but it’s at least *something*. Every bit of positivity helps.

So I’ll take my iPad and an art history book I’m working on, and simply contribute by being there. It does truly help.

https://www.redwoodart.net/

#art #artistlife #Artlife #Volunteering #RedwoodCoast #EurekaCA

Just completed my 21st event of the year as an art vendor, having moved here to Humboldt County in northern California eight months ago.

i’m deep tired.

But I’m proud that I did it. From shifting my career away from academia toward freelance art, I found a home that would encourage me and events where I could find my people. I started making work that was of interest to the people of my region, and learned a whole lot about what they wanted and needed.

These events have been exhausting and validating at the same time. I couldn’t have asked for a softer landing after choosing to relocate to a new home with no safety cushion, no acquaintances, and no orientation to the area. It was the most terrifying leap of faith I’d ever done. And it is slowly paying off—maybe not in money but in community networking and encouragement.

So I’m tired now. I’m going to pick up the pieces this next week and assess what comes next. Tonight, however, I am indulging in an adult beverage and a warm yummy comfort-food dinner or cheesy hamburger rice. And a good audiobook I’m enjoying.

Whew. Big time exhale.

#art #artlife #artistlife #RedwoodCoast #EurekaCA #IndieArtist #artvendor #Craftfair

Today I’m wrapping up all the packaging and printing I can get done for my last holiday market craft fair this weekend in Arcata, CA.

I got my bookmarks tassled & all the greeting cards I could make before running out of ink.

Now it’s time for a haircut.

Woosh, it’s all coming to a close. Oy!

#artlife #artistlife #craftfair #artmarket #holiday #RedwoodCoast #Arcata

I had such a good day volunteering at the Redwood Art Association today. It’s one of several local art co-ops, and has a large member-run gallery where we did “intake” day for the next upcoming show.

I got to check-in artists as they dropped off their pieces for the new show or picked up entries from the previous exhibition, meeting them and seeing their work. I got to sit with some long-time volunteers who delightful and positive, and we laughed and told stories the whole time. It felt like being part of a family.

The new show was focused on fiber art and sculpture, and there was everything from quilts to protest art, mobiles and wooden assemblages. 87 pieces total, i think? I can’t imagine how they’re going to hang some of it.. The creativity was off the hook!!

It was a really really good day. I needed it.

https://www.redwoodart.net/

#art #artistlife #artlife #IndieArtist #RedwoodCoast #EurekaCA #HumboldtCounty

Feathered Majesty - A Celebration of Birds Feathered Fusion! https://fineartamerica.com/featured/feathered-majesty-a-celebration-of-birds-olena-art.html?newartwork=true This piece was inspired by the intricate beauty of birds #FeatheredFusion #NewArtwork #newartwork #featheredcomplexity #artlife #birdillustration #realism #abstractart #lineart #texture #blackandwhite #shadesofgrey #redhues #arttechnique #artisticexpression #artisticvision #artcommunity #BirdArtwork