Allyson Stanfield, artist-author-speaker, offers many great suggestions on her blog for those involved in art and craft work.  Many artists and artisans don’t immediately think like business people, so have to get into this mode.

Kara Mastin quilt; photo by artist

One of Allyson’s latest suggestions is found in the blog post, Don’t Leave Your Art Work Without a Piece of Paper.  Make sure when you do leave art work for display or on consignment, that you have a written agreement, signed by both parties.  Allyson has a good list of suggestions.

Do you have any tips to add?

It’s really hard to listen to music, and not wonder what the lyrics mean…did the artist have a particular girl or relationship in mind when he wrote that love song? Or is it like a writer penning a novel..a story being told, and not actually about anything or anyone?

It’s even more so true, though, when you know the artist, and wonder if you can fit yourself into the nooks and crannies…and then wonder, who actually IS there. The songs are surely not about you…or are they? And if they aren’t, why aren’t they?

I live and love in a circle of artists - we are all in some way a creative - whether it’s of lyrics or prose or visual arts - and thus the heart on canvas (or audio) comes up very often, to various results.

And we find ourselves praying to have a song written about us,or for us - and dreading those bitter “ex” songs…but the worst fear of all? Not warranting songs at all. Cause that would truly prove we just aren’t all that significant, right?

Or maybe, just maybe, a song is just a song.

Image: Sxc.hu

Have you visited author Jan Brett’s web site?  Hers is one of the most enjoyable online places for finding projects for youngsters, in addition to information about her books and art.

Jan is a children’s author/illustrator whose art fascinates young and older.  Many of the primary grade teachers, in schools where I substitute teach, print off Jan’s coloring sheets, art hints, games and other activities.  There are even videos with drawing instruction.

Her mascot, Hedgie, the hedgehog, becomes involved in much of this and creates added fascination for the youngsters.

You also can subscribe to Hedgie’s free e-newsletter so that you receive updates and links to Hedgie and Jan’s projects.

Are any of you using Jan’s books and materials as a parent, home schooling parent or classroom teacher?

I must get out my art materials again and rediscover painting. At one point in my life I did quite a bit of art work.  Even though I’m primarily a writer, I have illustrated three of my books and designed cards and notepaper.

I took several painting courses and explored various medium.  I’m amazed at all the different types available today…those I see my daughter use for her fabric art and even pencils and inks youngsters bring to school where I substitute teach.

Image: sxc.hu

Do you have an urge to draw and paint?

• Keep a sketchbook with you, even a small one, so you can jot down sights and textures you come across.
• Check out the various types of pencils, paints, and inks available for artwork nowadays.
• Take an art class, perhaps at an adult education facility or one at the local parks and recreation.  Join your children in a class and have fun together.
• Design and sketch greeting cards and post cards.  Nowadays, you simply make one master, then scan it into the computer for printing out.
• Try painting on larger canvas or  board.

After painting for your own enjoyment, you may even have someone ask to purchase your work, as I did.

I was familiar with Olafur Eliasson from his piece, Your House (an awesome house in a book) but that’s as far as I ever looked into Eliasson. I didn’t think he did many structures, and usually, with the exception of Yoshitomo Nara and a few select others, I lean toward architect / artists, not artists only.

Anyhow, long story short, I came across Eliasson’s house book again, and decided to look him up. And guess what; he does do structures. Many. Not exactly livable structures, but structures none the less. I found one that’s smack perfect for this time of year too.

The glacierhouse effect versus the greenhouse effect:

This icy structure is from 2005 and you really have to wonder how exactly this was pulled it off. Did he put up a steel cage and wait for snow? Or did he build it in an already snowy wonderland?

I like the door close-up…

Maybe he put the, what looks like a steel cage up, and doused it in water right before a major snowfall. I’m just guessing. I suppose I could look it up, but sometimes it’s more fun to guess. he is an Icelandic artist, so it seems he’d be down with snow knowledge. What do you think?

Visit Olafur Eliasson to see more cool structures and art exhibits. PS soon, I’ll have the second part of my HGTV Home & Landscape Platinum Suite review posted. I didn’t forget.

[images via Olafur Eliasson]