Have you ever limited yourself to just one avenue and forget there's a bigger world outside?! I haven't been as active on my Google+ as I was a few years ago, so I've kinda lost touch with some things. It's a slow night at work today. So I decided to back track and look at some of my old work. Just to see how much I've progressed. Happened to visit a few old art groups I used to frequent, and saw some familiar work. Couple of familiar names stood out to me. Names like, A. Stubblefield, Pierre Jean Louis, and JD Baez just to name a few.
I see their work everyday in my facebook art group, League of Extraordinary Artists. I believe I've been so wrapped up in one avenue of exposure, that I've completely ignored everything else outside of it. Like there are other ways of gaining exposure besides facebook. I used to know that. At one point in time I had the common sense and right frame of mind in knowing that there was more exposure outside of one website. I feel like I lost myself in a lot of ways creatively speaking. But to browse through these open groups that I hadn't visited in years, and to see these artists most recent work on display and getting the love that they were getting... I gotta tell you, it really woke me up.
Not sure how many people have been following me and my growth since I first started really coming out and showcasing my talent with the world, but I remember when I was posting new speed videos every week. Multiple videos. I remember when I was painting every single day and on days that I didn't paint, I felt like something was missing or my day was slightly off. It was so routine, not doing it made me feel off balance. I miss that feeling. I want to get it back. I want to be active and social not only in my own group, but in other groups as well. There's so much to see and learn and experience in stepping outside of the familiar.
League of Extraordinary Artists has been so amazing for me. And my team of admin feels more like an extended family. Joyi, Brian, Liz-Anne, Gabi, Darryl, we've grown so much in the short time of this group starting. You guys inspire me every day and I love seeing your work on my feed. I want to be the inspiration to someone else, that you all are to me. So I'm asking my team to stay on me. When I say team, understand that I mean anyone who supports me and my talent. There are a few of you out there who have believed in me since day one and continue to push for me every single day. I see you and I appreciate you.
Blogging will occur more often, videos will be uploaded more often. Live streams will happen more often. And live events HAVE to happen more often for me. I need to get out in the public eye again. More festivals, more community events, more art shows, more pop up galleries. I'm awake now. Took me some time... But I'm up.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
This is a Dud!
Ok so have you ever started working on a project, and stopped and thought to yourself, "Where have I seen this before?" Any of those situations end in the place you seen it before was your OWN damn portfolio?! The level of frustration I'm feeling right now.... so unreal. Like I want to scream into a pillow or something.
So last night, I was at work. Sundays are usually our slow days so I have enough time to work on some sketches. I got the sketch done, started working on the coloring and realized I've done this drawing already. And it looked a lot better the first time. I work so much I honestly feel like I'm creatively tapped out at the moment.
I try to keep my focus on my first love at all times. Even when I'm sitting behind a desk and working for 9 hours. I don't ever want to feel like my art or even my LOVE for it has to be placed on the back burner. I guess what my question is, is how do you balance it all out. How do you balance working to support your family, squeezing in quality time with your family when you can, getting yourself taken care of and keeping your true passion prevalent in your life?! How do you balance all this out at the same time?
If you have any tips or ideas, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let's link up. Let's connect. Let's help one another build. I apologize for the short blogs lately. I truly have been trying to get back on track with things. Hopefully more time will start to allot itself and I can post more quality blogs for you. Again, post your comments below and let's get a conversation started. Until next time. Take care luvs.
<3 Karii J.
So last night, I was at work. Sundays are usually our slow days so I have enough time to work on some sketches. I got the sketch done, started working on the coloring and realized I've done this drawing already. And it looked a lot better the first time. I work so much I honestly feel like I'm creatively tapped out at the moment.
I try to keep my focus on my first love at all times. Even when I'm sitting behind a desk and working for 9 hours. I don't ever want to feel like my art or even my LOVE for it has to be placed on the back burner. I guess what my question is, is how do you balance it all out. How do you balance working to support your family, squeezing in quality time with your family when you can, getting yourself taken care of and keeping your true passion prevalent in your life?! How do you balance all this out at the same time?
If you have any tips or ideas, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let's link up. Let's connect. Let's help one another build. I apologize for the short blogs lately. I truly have been trying to get back on track with things. Hopefully more time will start to allot itself and I can post more quality blogs for you. Again, post your comments below and let's get a conversation started. Until next time. Take care luvs.
<3 Karii J.
Monday, March 6, 2017
In The Arms of Morpheus: Enter the Dream State
Have you ever wondered what a dream is? Like...TRULY wondered exactly WHAT it is?! I've been asking myself that question lately. What are dreams? From what I've studied, dreaming usually takes place during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. But what exactly IS a dream? Scientists will say it's a protoconsious state. Spiritualists will say it's a doorway to another realm. Realists may say it's your brain feeding you images of what you really want out of life.
All are good, valid answers. But why do I feel like there's another answer?! What do they mean? Questions that remain unanswered, unfortunately. Anyways, this blog DOES have a purpose. The title of this blog post is "In The Arms of Morpheus: Enter the Dream State." It's also the name of my future solo art show. This blog is prelude to what is to come.
For those of you who don't know or remember, Morpheus is a deity referenced to in Greek Mythology. One of my favorite topics. I love Greek Mythology. Anyways, Morpheus is the God of Dreams. One of 1000 siblings, he is the most powerful of them all. Honing the ability to take on the form of any man. Mimicking everything from someone's looks, to their gait, their way of dressing and the sound of their voices. His brother, Phobethor, is the God of Nightmares. Phantasus, another brother, is the God of fake dreams, illusions, fantasies. Ikelos, yet, another brother, s the God of vivid dreams.
I find their stories to be so fascinating and interesting. I want to take this challenge on and depict them n my own unique style. Lately, I've been getting asked, "Can't you do anything besides the afro girls?" My response is "check my history." Yes I can, and I usually do. But this is my THING. I love my afro girls. I think they are strong and beautiful and powerful. Ever evolving and growing with me.
So in this new collection, I will be doing my own version of the Greek Gods, as Afro Goddesses who rule over the same mystical realms. A Goddess of Dreams, one of Nightmares, one of Fantasy, and one of Lucid dreams. Not only that, I will also be portraying the grandmother/matriarch, NYX, The Goddess of night.
I'm hoping that this will be the catalyst that gets me back into the art game as heavy as I used to be. I miss being able to do the live paintings and drawings in front of a crowd. I miss the art shows and events I always attended. My goal is to fall back into old habits. Link up with old friends and get back in the swing of things. I know that I can accomplish all of these things with time, patience, effort and motivation.
Thank you for all of the love and constant support. Thank you for remaining loyal and keeping my motivation going. You are all loved and appreciated. Sincerely.
Thank you
All are good, valid answers. But why do I feel like there's another answer?! What do they mean? Questions that remain unanswered, unfortunately. Anyways, this blog DOES have a purpose. The title of this blog post is "In The Arms of Morpheus: Enter the Dream State." It's also the name of my future solo art show. This blog is prelude to what is to come.
For those of you who don't know or remember, Morpheus is a deity referenced to in Greek Mythology. One of my favorite topics. I love Greek Mythology. Anyways, Morpheus is the God of Dreams. One of 1000 siblings, he is the most powerful of them all. Honing the ability to take on the form of any man. Mimicking everything from someone's looks, to their gait, their way of dressing and the sound of their voices. His brother, Phobethor, is the God of Nightmares. Phantasus, another brother, is the God of fake dreams, illusions, fantasies. Ikelos, yet, another brother, s the God of vivid dreams.
I find their stories to be so fascinating and interesting. I want to take this challenge on and depict them n my own unique style. Lately, I've been getting asked, "Can't you do anything besides the afro girls?" My response is "check my history." Yes I can, and I usually do. But this is my THING. I love my afro girls. I think they are strong and beautiful and powerful. Ever evolving and growing with me.
So in this new collection, I will be doing my own version of the Greek Gods, as Afro Goddesses who rule over the same mystical realms. A Goddess of Dreams, one of Nightmares, one of Fantasy, and one of Lucid dreams. Not only that, I will also be portraying the grandmother/matriarch, NYX, The Goddess of night.
I'm hoping that this will be the catalyst that gets me back into the art game as heavy as I used to be. I miss being able to do the live paintings and drawings in front of a crowd. I miss the art shows and events I always attended. My goal is to fall back into old habits. Link up with old friends and get back in the swing of things. I know that I can accomplish all of these things with time, patience, effort and motivation.
Thank you for all of the love and constant support. Thank you for remaining loyal and keeping my motivation going. You are all loved and appreciated. Sincerely.
Thank you
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
A Brand New Start
I honestly don't know the last time I sat down to write out a blog. I do know that it's long overdue. So on that note... WHAT'S UP WORLD?!
So much has changed in my life since my last post. I feel like those changes have helped to develop me as an artist. I've taken a step back from art. Haven't really been producing mass pieces like I was before. I actually haven't produced much at all. I feel like it's time for a new start.
Remember how I said a lot of changes have been made in my life since my last post? Well, one of those changes has been my career. I now am able to fund myself and my art more, which means I can do more with my career goal to be a self sufficient selling artist. New/better equipment means a higher quality of art. Better videos, clearer streaming and I would like to start doing prize giveaways.
I would like to take the time to share my deepest and most sincerest gratitude towards the many new followers and fans that I've made over time. Especially the ones who have been riding it out with me since day one. You are all so amazing. Thank you so much.
This is just a small blog, but it's the beginning of more to come. My goal is to post a blog every Tuesday and to do at least one live stream via my Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/kareemah.johnson.art) every Monday. I haven't really uploaded any new speed art on my youtube channel but trust me I will be very soon. As soon as my new camera comes in with my lighting equipment.
going to be posting a lot in the future. Especially for the League of Extraordinary Artists. So if you have any questions or topics of discussion you'd like for us to touch base on, please post comments below or reach out to myself and other admin via the group or fan page. links will be posted below. until next time,
keep creating,
-kareemah
https://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfExtraordinaryArtists/
So much has changed in my life since my last post. I feel like those changes have helped to develop me as an artist. I've taken a step back from art. Haven't really been producing mass pieces like I was before. I actually haven't produced much at all. I feel like it's time for a new start.
Remember how I said a lot of changes have been made in my life since my last post? Well, one of those changes has been my career. I now am able to fund myself and my art more, which means I can do more with my career goal to be a self sufficient selling artist. New/better equipment means a higher quality of art. Better videos, clearer streaming and I would like to start doing prize giveaways.
I would like to take the time to share my deepest and most sincerest gratitude towards the many new followers and fans that I've made over time. Especially the ones who have been riding it out with me since day one. You are all so amazing. Thank you so much.
This is just a small blog, but it's the beginning of more to come. My goal is to post a blog every Tuesday and to do at least one live stream via my Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/kareemah.johnson.art) every Monday. I haven't really uploaded any new speed art on my youtube channel but trust me I will be very soon. As soon as my new camera comes in with my lighting equipment.
going to be posting a lot in the future. Especially for the League of Extraordinary Artists. So if you have any questions or topics of discussion you'd like for us to touch base on, please post comments below or reach out to myself and other admin via the group or fan page. links will be posted below. until next time,
keep creating,
-kareemah
https://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfExtraordinaryArtists/
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
The Importance of a Vision Board
Welcome back to another KJARTZ Blog post!
Thanks for the return. I really appreciate it. Just to keep things on track so I can stay consistent, I'd like to be able to post a new entry every Monday and Friday of the week. I've even went as far as setting reminders for myself so I don't forget.
So just expect to see a lot more posts in the future. Okay, so with this blog entry, I want to not only discuss the importance of a vision board, but to also do a step by step tutorial on how to successfully create one that you can look to . Like the one that I have in my studio.
Supplies you'll need include, but not limited to:
1.) Foam Board
2.) Poster Board (color)
3.) Sharpie Markers
4.) Glue
5.) Scissors
6.) Magazines
7.) Photos
8.) Post-it Notes (optional)
STEP ONE:
Step one of my vision board was to take my colored poster board, and glue it to my foam board. The purpose of the foam board is to keep the regular poster board from rolling or bending. It keeps it nice and flat. Also it works great for hanging up on your wall or cork boards, whether it be with push pins, Velcro Strips or nails.
STEP TWO:
Step two is to break your board into 4 different columns with categories for each. To keep my columns even, I spaced them 4.5 inches apart, with a 2 inch section for my category titles.
My categories include Family, Health, Career, and Compassion. You can choose anything you want to focus on with your individual boards. Some other examples include Romance, Fame, Education, Spirituality, etc. So feel free to set it up however you want.
STEP THREE:
In step three, I took some images from magazines and some personal photos and cut them up so they can fit accordingly within each category. The goal is to stay on topic in each section but don't overcrowd it. It can cause confusion and also make you feel overwhelmed when looking at it.
STEP FOUR:
Step four is optional because you don't necessarily need to add post-it notes. Totally optional. Since I didn't overcrowd my board, it's easier for me to add post-its as side notes for all of my cutouts.
STEP FIVE:
Step five is the easiest step. Hang your board up someplace where you can look at it everyday. I'm always in my studio. So I chose to hang my board up near the side of my drafting/drawing table. Since my work station faces a window. Gotta have that natural light sometimes \(^.^)/
The point of a vision board is to put your dreams, hopes, goals and aspirations into some type of physical form. Visualization is a very strong tool within the human brain. If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hands. Look at your boards everyday. See yourselves as already having these things in your possession. Then, work towards obtaining them. Below are a few examples of some vision board templates. You can find these everywhere. I usually lean more towards Bing.com or Google.com:
What you put out into the universe gets returned back to you. So have fun working on your boards. Leave your comments below and let me know how it turned out for you. Until next time...
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
Thanks for the return. I really appreciate it. Just to keep things on track so I can stay consistent, I'd like to be able to post a new entry every Monday and Friday of the week. I've even went as far as setting reminders for myself so I don't forget.
So just expect to see a lot more posts in the future. Okay, so with this blog entry, I want to not only discuss the importance of a vision board, but to also do a step by step tutorial on how to successfully create one that you can look to . Like the one that I have in my studio.
Supplies you'll need include, but not limited to:
1.) Foam Board
2.) Poster Board (color)
3.) Sharpie Markers
4.) Glue
5.) Scissors
6.) Magazines
7.) Photos
8.) Post-it Notes (optional)
STEP ONE:
Step one of my vision board was to take my colored poster board, and glue it to my foam board. The purpose of the foam board is to keep the regular poster board from rolling or bending. It keeps it nice and flat. Also it works great for hanging up on your wall or cork boards, whether it be with push pins, Velcro Strips or nails.
STEP TWO:
Step two is to break your board into 4 different columns with categories for each. To keep my columns even, I spaced them 4.5 inches apart, with a 2 inch section for my category titles.
My categories include Family, Health, Career, and Compassion. You can choose anything you want to focus on with your individual boards. Some other examples include Romance, Fame, Education, Spirituality, etc. So feel free to set it up however you want.
STEP THREE:
In step three, I took some images from magazines and some personal photos and cut them up so they can fit accordingly within each category. The goal is to stay on topic in each section but don't overcrowd it. It can cause confusion and also make you feel overwhelmed when looking at it.
STEP FOUR:
Step four is optional because you don't necessarily need to add post-it notes. Totally optional. Since I didn't overcrowd my board, it's easier for me to add post-its as side notes for all of my cutouts.
STEP FIVE:
Step five is the easiest step. Hang your board up someplace where you can look at it everyday. I'm always in my studio. So I chose to hang my board up near the side of my drafting/drawing table. Since my work station faces a window. Gotta have that natural light sometimes \(^.^)/
The point of a vision board is to put your dreams, hopes, goals and aspirations into some type of physical form. Visualization is a very strong tool within the human brain. If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hands. Look at your boards everyday. See yourselves as already having these things in your possession. Then, work towards obtaining them. Below are a few examples of some vision board templates. You can find these everywhere. I usually lean more towards Bing.com or Google.com:
What you put out into the universe gets returned back to you. So have fun working on your boards. Leave your comments below and let me know how it turned out for you. Until next time...
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Artist Block Sucks!
Welcome back folks. As you can see from the title of this here "rant", I'm slightly off in my game.
How many of you have had sever cases of A.B? (Artist Block) I know I can't be the only one. The purpose of this blog post is to reach out to other artists, interact, and get some helpful feedback. First thing's first, let's break down the current situation at hand shall we?!
A few days ago, I began participating in a 30 Day Art Challenge. My first couple of days went well. I had an original concept in mind. I knew exactly how I wanted my final image to turn out. Color schemes and everything. First entry was a total success. Check it out below:
This is "The Elk Eldress." She's made up of pencil,colored pencils, and ink on regular printer paper. Nothing too fancy or spectacular. Just small drawings for the daily challenges. This is where we run into the A.B problem... After completing her, and seeing how well she turned out, I had the "brilliant" idea of sticking to this exact style and theme. BIG MISTAKE. My goal was to make my drawings from the 30 Day Art Challenge into a small coloring book or a storybook for my daughter. An original just for her. However, I think developing a good story with solid characters is what threw me off.
Okay so obviously from looking at the first character, I wanted this to be woodland inspired fairy-tale of sorts. Since that seems to be the phase of girlhood she's going through at the moment. Fantastical creatures, magic, romance, blah blah blah (^_^) My issue is trying to come up with other characters to link up with the Eldress. Also working my daughter in as one of the main characters herself. So now I'm stuck trying to figure it all out.
Here's where you beautiful creators come into play. What do YOU do to counteract A.B? Any tips you wanna share with me and the other readers? I'd/We'd really appreciate it. Let's throw some ideas around. Show me what you got!
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
How many of you have had sever cases of A.B? (Artist Block) I know I can't be the only one. The purpose of this blog post is to reach out to other artists, interact, and get some helpful feedback. First thing's first, let's break down the current situation at hand shall we?!
A few days ago, I began participating in a 30 Day Art Challenge. My first couple of days went well. I had an original concept in mind. I knew exactly how I wanted my final image to turn out. Color schemes and everything. First entry was a total success. Check it out below:
This is "The Elk Eldress." She's made up of pencil,colored pencils, and ink on regular printer paper. Nothing too fancy or spectacular. Just small drawings for the daily challenges. This is where we run into the A.B problem... After completing her, and seeing how well she turned out, I had the "brilliant" idea of sticking to this exact style and theme. BIG MISTAKE. My goal was to make my drawings from the 30 Day Art Challenge into a small coloring book or a storybook for my daughter. An original just for her. However, I think developing a good story with solid characters is what threw me off.
Okay so obviously from looking at the first character, I wanted this to be woodland inspired fairy-tale of sorts. Since that seems to be the phase of girlhood she's going through at the moment. Fantastical creatures, magic, romance, blah blah blah (^_^) My issue is trying to come up with other characters to link up with the Eldress. Also working my daughter in as one of the main characters herself. So now I'm stuck trying to figure it all out.
Here's where you beautiful creators come into play. What do YOU do to counteract A.B? Any tips you wanna share with me and the other readers? I'd/We'd really appreciate it. Let's throw some ideas around. Show me what you got!
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Long Time Coming...
I understand that it's been quite some time. I haven't blogged about anything since my trip to Ohio last year for the art festival. I had an amazing time there. You can read all about that in my previous post. I hope to go again sometime soon. Anyways... back to more current events...
HOW HAVE YOU ALL BEEN? That was of course directed towards the few readers and followers that happen to stop by from time to time. I've missed being able to blog on a regular basis. I forgot how much fun and slightly therapeutic this could be.
Well let's get back on track... Since the last time we've interacted, I've showcased at numerous places locally here. Also, I want to add a new milestone that I can check off of my accomplishment list. I finally got a chance to showcase at The Phelps Mansion as well as the Connelly Gallery. THAT'S RIGHT!!! Your girl made it on Artist Row!!!!
My style of artwork has slightly changed, but that comes with experience and experimentation. I've finally fallen into a comfortable and recognizable place with my style. I'm still well into my "Fantasy Feminism" styling of work. However; I've somehow managed to incorporate afrocentricity into my work. So now, I'm known as "the girl who paints the Afro ladies" lol. It's cool, I don't mind. I actually love that. Especially considering that I haven't come across any other artist locally who does black art. I wish there was a larger black art community here.
You know what they say... "If you build it, they will come." So needless to say, I'm trying to get an artist guild started here in my area. The BCBAS (Broome County Black Arts Society). I'm doing what I can as far as networking and mingling with the community.. rubbing elbows with the "who's who" of the binghamton art scenes. Just stay tuned... If you're local, you'll be seeing and hearing a lot more of me. National? It'll seem like I sprouted out of nowhere. International? OH BOY!!!! I'm about to take this world by storm.
Until next time my beautiful readers, peace and love.
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
HOW HAVE YOU ALL BEEN? That was of course directed towards the few readers and followers that happen to stop by from time to time. I've missed being able to blog on a regular basis. I forgot how much fun and slightly therapeutic this could be.
Well let's get back on track... Since the last time we've interacted, I've showcased at numerous places locally here. Also, I want to add a new milestone that I can check off of my accomplishment list. I finally got a chance to showcase at The Phelps Mansion as well as the Connelly Gallery. THAT'S RIGHT!!! Your girl made it on Artist Row!!!!
My style of artwork has slightly changed, but that comes with experience and experimentation. I've finally fallen into a comfortable and recognizable place with my style. I'm still well into my "Fantasy Feminism" styling of work. However; I've somehow managed to incorporate afrocentricity into my work. So now, I'm known as "the girl who paints the Afro ladies" lol. It's cool, I don't mind. I actually love that. Especially considering that I haven't come across any other artist locally who does black art. I wish there was a larger black art community here.
You know what they say... "If you build it, they will come." So needless to say, I'm trying to get an artist guild started here in my area. The BCBAS (Broome County Black Arts Society). I'm doing what I can as far as networking and mingling with the community.. rubbing elbows with the "who's who" of the binghamton art scenes. Just stay tuned... If you're local, you'll be seeing and hearing a lot more of me. National? It'll seem like I sprouted out of nowhere. International? OH BOY!!!! I'm about to take this world by storm.
Until next time my beautiful readers, peace and love.
Keep Creating,
Karii J.
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