One of a kind art is something everyone needs to have in their home.
Whether it be a small piece you stumbled upon at a flea market or one that takes a little bit more of an investment, original art is a special thing to obtain.
People are immediately drawn to what is on the walls of your home and having a outstanding piece will definitely catch their eye. An original piece of art can be the soul of a house. It can bring a space together entirely and connect everyone through the emotion and feelings of the artwork.
Buying art not only supports the artist directly but each piece holds a unique story behind them, making a great conversation starter. An artist spends hours and hours of work on just one unique piece. When you buy a piece from a living artist, you are supporting their livelihood and rewarding them for their amazing talent.
“A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind” -Eugene Ionesco
While some people want only what others have, it’s always more interesting to have what others don’t. Purchase pieces for their uniqueness, the stories behind them and for the artists whose bare hands crafted them.
One of the best ways to gain experience for your future career is starting an internship. These are beneficial for not only building up your resume but also networking with people in your field and potentially landing you a full-time job after you finish college. As an intern myself, here are a few things that I’ve learned…
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Starting an internship can be intimidating, especially because you have no idea what you are doing. Although you aren’t expected to know things right away, it is important that you learn quickly so you can have an easier transition. Always do what you are told and even if you aren’t 100% sure, always ask. This is your time to learn, so sitting there being confused about something isn’t going to help anyone.
Punctuality= Professionalism
Being on time is a must. You should treat your internship like a real job, because it is one! Show your supervisor that you are serious about the position. This also means dressing appropriately, maintaining eye contact and speaking professionally..
Work Hard
This one is pretty self explanatory. Every task should be taken seriously and done correctly. This isn’t school where mistakes only affect your success. You are working for an organization and it is important that you show your best work.
Be Easy to Work With
Collaborate well with other co-workers, accept assignments without complaint, ask for more work when your done and listen carefully to instructions. Nobody likes a “Negative Nelly” so come in with a positive attitude!
Share Your Ideas
Sometimes interns are left with nothing to do. Come up with new projects to do but get them cleared by your supervisor first. Show him/her that you are creative and willing to go the extra mile.
This is your time to shine and learn as much as you possibly can. After the internship is done you will have gained lots of valuable experience and a reference which is always very handy. And don’t forget to have fun!
Every creative person can agree that when inspiration and ideas runs dry, quite frankly… it sucks. While you may have heard about writer’s block, artist’s experience this as well! Pablo Picasso had a case of artist’s block in 1935 after divorcing his first wife, Olga. He refused to go to his own studio because the drawings and paintings “infuriated him”. Here are a few tips and tricks to solving your own block of creativity.
Explore with new materials and tools.
Picasso did this too! Instead of painting, he took a new outlook and began writing poetry, later publishing them in his journal Les Chaiers d’Art. Don’t feel like you have to focus on solely one art form. Try something new! Instead of acrylic paint try oil pastels, etc. Exploring new materials forces you to slow down and think about each process. This is a great way to crawl out of the slump and forces you to think of new ideas.
Find an alternate point of view.
Spending time with the same art crowd can limit you from seeing things differently. Being with an new crowd of people who have other experiences and skills can open up new perceptions and help tear down the blinders that disallow you from having an open mind.
Observe other artists.
Explore the internet, visit a local gallery or museum or even look through art books and magazines. Take the time to appreciate other artist’s work and find inspiration from them!
Have fun!
We seldom forget that while art is our job, it is still important to enjoy ourselves too. Try finger painting or even flinging paint at a canvas. Loosen up and don’t worry about the outcome.
Watching children create is a great way to find the fun again.You may be surprised what they can teach you!
Move around.
Sitting and staring at a blank page of paper is not going to be productive. Try going for a walk or run. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and explore your horizons.
Sleep.
You may just be working too hard and your brain doesn’t function anymore. Who knows, maybe you will have an interesting dream that motivates you!
Today is National Coloring Book Day! Did you know that there are coloring books available for adults? Today we celebrate coloring books for all ages, and encourage you to give adult coloring books a try!
Stressed out? Looking for something creative to do when you can’t think of anything to draw, paint, or otherwise create? Maybe you don’t think you’re an artistic person at all, but just want something fun and relaxing to do in your free time. If any of these are the case, you should check out adult coloring books.
Adult coloring books have been around about as long as regular, “kids’” coloring books, but it has only been in the last few years that they have gained significant attention. A major trend in 2015 and 2016, adult coloring books have proven their staying power, no doubt due to their ability to destress while stimulating the brain.
Antoni Martinez, speaking to the Huffington Post, says “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter a freer, more creative state.” Indeed, coloring can work as an “appetizer” of sorts to whet an artist’s appetite before diving into their work. Alternatively, it can stand alone as an exercise rather than a warm-up, and allow you to let your mind wander as you work creatively without overthinking.
Art therapist Marygrace Berberian, speaking to CNN, agrees with this assessment, adding “Coloring definitely has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus, or bring about more mindfulness.” Coloring can be done by oneself, or in the company of others. You can use crayons, colored pencils, or markers. The only other thing you need is a coloring book!
Why not try out an adult coloring book? You can get everything you need at your local craft store, and if you go to the Bott Shoppe, you can stick around and do some coloring alongside like-minded, creative individuals. Then take your coloring book home and use it in your free time or whenever you need to unwind!
Here are three options for adult coloring books that you can buy online or in-store at the Bott Shoppe:
While taking notes in class or in a business meeting, most people (especially creative ones) find themselves doodling in the margins of their notebooks or even on a stray napkin. However, this isn’t just a mindless, pointless activity. In the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, a study has found that doodling can improve a person’s ability to retain information by 29%. The mind is a fascinating thing and you will be surprised how doodling helps your thinking!
Visual learning is a powerful tool for strategic thinking, brainstorming and business planning. Some of the million dollar ideas have originated just from images on a piece of paper or post-it note. Even President Obama admits that he doodles in business meetings. In an interview in 2012 he says,”…sometimes when I’m in a big, important international meeting and you see me writings stuff down, it might be that I’m just drawing some, drawing some folks”. Many other presidents/politicians have also been caught drawing in meetings including JFK, Ronald Reagan and Hillary Clinton. So if well known people have found doodling helpful, it must be true.
Doodling can also be a way for children to burn some physical energy in class. While listening with a pen, the child is actually more engaged in the content and processes what they hear even more. A learner will recall a map they drew much more than long handwritten notes. Pictures allow the person to break down complex ideas into a more basic level of understanding.
Our brains are highly visual. As your pen hits the paper, you are opening your mind to ideas, insight and inspiration. Doodles can unite different neural pathways to the brain, creating higher levels of concentration and bring you closer to finding your “a-ha” moment.
Words alone can’t allow you to discover a new idea. So while brainstorming or learning, pick up a pen or pencil and start to free draw. Whether it be just lines and shapes or even faces of people, this can help you think in more ways than you will ever know.
Self-employed has become a regular thing nowadays: 15.0 million people, or 10.1 percent of total U.S. employment, are self-employed. It’s not new to find artists working for themselves and selling their own art. But it takes a lot of hard work and time to become successful and make a living off of solely your own pieces.
With social media in the mix, it is important that every artist has their own website and constant presence on all media platforms. The entire world is now your audience. If you regularly post examples of your art online and people like what they see, word of you and your art will pass on and you will gain more recognition. Promote, promote, promote. Step outside of your comfort zone and reach out to anyone you can. Literally… anyone. If more people know about you and the more networks you have, you are bound to be successful as an artist.
Most importantly, post new work regularly so people can see you’re serious about being an artist. Make sure that people remember you. Another tip would be to create a mail list so all of your customers know when you have new art available, if there is an event coming up, you name it. You may also want to send out something free (people love free stuff) whether it be a subscription to a newsletter, or samples of your work. Then people will get more excited to hear from you!
Do your research. Artist, Lawrence W. Lee says, “Part of doing research is not only searching on Google, it’s keeping your eyes open. When you go to the dentist, ask yourself what she has on the wall. Also, keep in mind a local gallery typically won’t have items on the walls that it doesn’t think will sell. You can choose to just create what you want and convince people that they want it too. However, creating art for your market is much easier”. This is great advice for when you are first starting because finding what consumers in your area are buying can make it easier for you to not only create art but also sell them faster.
Other tips: Enter competitions. Winning a competition is often a huge step forward in an artist’s career and can potentially get them noticed by gallery owners. You may even win art materials that can really help your business out! Search art magazines for advertisements.
I also recommend asking for referrals to potential buyers or local businesses that might be interested in letting you show your work. Participate in local organizations that host things like art fairs, festivals, group shows…Any opportunity to show your work in your area. Showing at alternative venues like restaurants or coffee shops are also good for getting your art out in front of the public, and this can also prepare yourself for any future gallery opportunities. In short, get yourself out there.
As an artist, it is essential that you believe in yourself and your artwork. If you are truly passionate and confident in your abilities, nothing can stop you. Even if you are self-taught and don’t necessarily have a formal art education, people will see you are dedicated and that you know what you are doing. Get out there and let the world know you are here to stay!
This summer, get your kids away from the TV and their other electronics and try some new art activities! These are all super simple and easy, making it a great way to spend some time with your kids. All of the supplies can be found at the Bott Shoppe!
Paint
1.Using watercolor and a straw, have your kid blow paint on some paper and watch the magic happen! Learn more here
You can also put paint in a spray bottle or spray gun. This will create a really cool effect and most importantly, your child will have lots of fun doing it.
Using tape, make a design on a canvas and paint over it. Once it’s dried, peel off the tape to reveal your masterpiece!
Face painting is another fun activity that is perfect for siblings or even for a playdate/birthday party. Just try not to get the paint in their eyes or mouth…
Origami
Origami isn’t just for adults with lots of time on their hands. Here are some easy origami designs for your kid to try.
Sharpie
Using the sun, make cool shadows with objects and outline them with marker.
2. Rubbing alcohol mixed with sharpie creates incredible designs. Have your kids draw on tiles or even a plain t-shirt then mix with alcohol. The result will blow your mind!
3. Your child can also draw on a plain mug then allow it to dry for 24 hours before putting it in the oven at 300F for 30 minutes.
Let us know which craft your kid liked best! Have an artsy summer!!
That flash of inspiration, mind racing with thoughts as you let your imagination roam free in ways you never thought were possible. These are the moments that make us the most happiest. I know that when I am stressed or down, doing something creative changes my mood drastically. However, I never knew just how much it helped my physical and mental health. For example, CNN reported that creative activities impact the body in a similar way that meditation does. Basically like yoga for your brain!
Creative activities are beneficial in a lot of ways. While heavy amounts of psychological stress on a daily basis contribute to numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, depression and Alzheimer’s, this means it is extremely important to protect your overall health and wellness. Creating art increases the “feel good” neurotransmitter, dopamine. So whether it means creating art yourself or even just observing creativity (attending a concert, going to a museum, etc), you will see overall mood change and significant decrease in your stress levels. Anything that makes you happy you should focus on.
According to the Public Library of Science, making art improves communication between different parts of the brain, which is vital to preventing cognitive deterioration. By performing creative tasks, this promotes the production of new neurons which are crucial for maintaining a healthy central nervous system. Out-of-the-box thinking also stimulates your brain to grow new neurons.
Art also improves memory substantially. It exercises our medial temporal lobes which produces all of your memories. An example of this comes from physician, Dr. Arnold Bresky, who utilizes art therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. By drawing and painting, his patients increased their connectivity between the right and left hemispheres of their brain, growing new brain cells. Dr. Bresky saw a 70% improvement in his patients health and their memories. So not only can you improve your well being, happiness and health you can also retain more memories, which helps you later in life.
In high moments of stress, I strongly recommend that you pick up a pen and draw/write. Whatever it is you are thinking at that moment, capture it in your art. Your self-identity will improve and further down the line you will be impressed with the results.
Art comes in a variety of different forms. But when it comes to street art, many have a hard time drawing the line between “art” or just plain vandalism. Beginning in the early ‘80s, street art emerged in New York City. As names like Banksy and Basquiat hit the art scene, many began following in their footsteps. However, street art has always been controversial as it is seen as a criminalistic act and perceived as social rebellion. The Anti Social Behaviour Act of 2003 defines graffiti as “painting, writing, soiling, marking or other defacing by whatever means” (The Guardian). Whether it be a quickly painted “tag” to a detailed mural, both are still deemed illegal and the artist risks being fined thousands of dollars or worse, imprisonment. Legal or not, graffiti is becoming accepted as a part of today’s urban culture while also being increasingly practiced by the youth.
Political Messages
Mostly self-taught, street artists aren’t just vandals who spray paint bubble letters for the fun of it. Street art is a lot more in depth with detailed and beautiful images, usually with social or political commentary behind them. For example, Lydia Emily’s “Say Something”, featured in Yay! LA Magazine, portrays a young girl writing the words: “it’s not my war”. As a child, Emily grew up with a mother heavily involved in civil rights protests and raised Emily to always speak up for what she believed in. With this, her art has struck cords within her town and she strives to continue sharing her political messages.
Create a Community
Brazil is one of the most accepting countries when it comes to street art. The role of graffiti in Brazil challenges the status quo and is a great example when it comes to street art as a tool of political communication and activism. Below is a picture of a work that highlights how the World Cup wastes money and leaves children starving with lack of food and nutrition.
Brazilians have the understanding that graffiti can be a career opportunity for youth in low-income neighborhoods. In Rio de Janeiro, many leading street artists have put graffiti to good use, founding art schools in poor neighborhoods and even partnering with the police to paint murals in run-down areas. They also have begun hosting large events and festivals, which bring in tourists and helps the economy drastically. Although there are laws prohibiting graffiti, the city has gained recognition throughout the world for its art. There is even a bill that assigns graffiti artists to designated spots in order to decrease undesirable markings in Buenos Aires, Brazil.
Murals Make a Difference
Even in Mamaroneck there is street art! Muralist, Piero Manrique, recently painted his mural called “Free”, located at 630 Mamaroneck Avenue. He states, “My hope is that this work will remind the people who see it of the common bonds shared by all cultures, and the power of our collective imagination”(Larchmont Patch). His abstract painted hawk not only brightens up the streets of Mamaroneck but gives our little town even more character than it had before. This further proves how street art and graffiti is taking over as a positive force, connecting all of us.
All in all, graffiti is no longer seen as a crime but a source for fascinating artwork that holds a deeper meaning. They not only bring awareness to social and political problems, they help build an artist’s identity and also give younger generations the inspiration needed to become more creative people. As the art world evolves, hopefully future generations will be given the rights to create art in public places without the risk of being fined or arrested…
Where we live, local businesses are essential for keeping our community unique and connected. Small businesses not only provide a community character and economical advantages but they also strengthen relationships between neighbors, residents, other small business owners, community leaders and even local schools. However, as big chains and large business take ownership in our towns, local store owners are left in the dust. It is our job to make sure these struggling businesses get the recognition and business they deserve.
According to the Small Business Administration(SBA), there are more than 28.2 million small businesses in the U.S, creating 63% of new jobs and generate 54% of U.S sales. If these numbers don’t impress you, think about this: If you spend $100 at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy. Only $43 stays for large businesses. This basically means independent retailers are returning more than three times as much money per dollar of sales compared to chain competitors. The SBA says, “We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace”. So by supporting your local businesses, not only will you single handedly give back to your local economy but you also will make a huge difference in a local owner’s life and well being.
Local businesses are known to have stronger, better and more personalized customer service as well as a better understanding of what the consumers in their area want when it comes to products. Small store owners care about you and your needs. They also give back to the community as well! Did you know small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to nonprofit and community causes? This just goes to show how much they truly care and how far they are willing to go to keep our individual communities alive.
When thinking about a place to buy your coffee, lunch/dinner or buying a gift for a friend or family member, instead of going to a chain, explore your own town and you will be surprised with what you find!
Buying art not only supports the artist directly but each piece holds a unique story behind them, making a great conversation starter. An artist spends hours and hours of work on just one unique piece. When you buy a piece from a living artist, you are supporting their livelihood and rewarding them for their amazing talent.
frankly… it sucks. While you may have heard about writer’s block, artist’s experience this as well! Pablo Picasso had a case of artist’s block in 1935 after divorcing his first wife, Olga. He refused to go to his own studio because the drawings and paintings “infuriated him”. Here are a few tips and tricks to solving your own block of creativity. 
lly cool effect and most importantly, your child will have lots of fun doing it. 
