Learn from Each Other

Successful artists learn from each other. We study each other's work and feed on each other's enthusiasm.
Recently I helped hang an art show for the Utah County Art Board at the Health and Justice Building in Provo, UT. While enjoying the beautiful art I was hanging I also visited with some of my artist friends.
By asking a few questions I began to understand the climb, defining moments and strength that each of them needed to prevail in the art world. The guidance and inspiration form these artists that I call friends helps me figure out how to forge the creator's path. It's not too late to try new ways and discover why you do what you do. Role models bless our lives and our careers.

Marilyn and Bill Brown

     "Marilyn is my inspiration" says Bill as Marilyn smiles in her petite and demure way. This delightful couple lives in Hobble Creek Canyon and gleans creative muse from the beauty surrounding their home. Marilyn reads about western artists to find her own voice in her paintings. Her advise to aspiring artists is "Keep painting. If you don't like how it's turning out, paint over it and start again." When it comes to naming a painting the location comes in to play. Sometimes a name comes first and the painting follows. When asked about their favorite quotes, these were mentioned. The Glass is half full and An Elephant can be eaten one bite at a time. Creighton Abrams

Winter Water by Marilyn Brown

Old Man and The Sea by Bill Brown

Jolynn Forman

     The reason Jolynn loves being an artist is the freedom it provides. There is also a social camaraderie where artists become friends. Our work is different but the same. Some favorite inspiration comes from Richard Schmidt , Daniel Keys and Alla Prima. 

     Her advise to artists is "Expect to take time at your craft. Develop a style. Don't expect to get rich quick. At times it can be lonely." Her go to quote is Every child is an artist. The trouble is how to remain one as he grows up. Pablo Picasso 

The Walk Home by Jolynn Forman

Marilyn Hayes

     Being an artist teaches me how to see the world in small ways that most people don't even notice. She learns to love the land around her. Being outdoors is the perfect way to be inspired. She names her paintings by the location or the feeling it evokes. Her inspiration comes from the Lord. He makes the beauty she paints. 

Linda Paulsen

     The thrill of creation is the ability to see things differently. Linda is inspired by the Supreme Creator. Her artist library consists of children's books and collections of classical artists such as Monet, Renoir and Matisse. 

   Her advise to budding artists is "Don't give up. Sometimes you have to go back to basics to find your own voice. You are not the same as other artists. You are you. Learn from others but be true to your own style."

     Linda is also a writer and a poet She has a passion for words. Finding the right title for a painting is part of the joy. It is the final touch even though sometimes the title comes first.  You want the viewer to connect with the painting and not be left out so the title is an important component. Her favorite quote is "Beauty is not optional" Terry Tempest Williams.

Finding Gold by Linda Paulsen

     Speaking with these lovely artists reinforces my resolve to continue creating. I hope it had sparked a fame for you too. 

If you are in Provo be sure to visit the show and look for my glass mosaics. All works of art in the exhibit are for sale. I might see you there. 

Glass Parade

You never know where you will find a glass parade. If  you are really looking you can find quaint little galleries that carry some amazing local art. On the other hand you may find a performance center with a street side exhibit space that lures you into an artist paradise. And if you are really searching you may find a tucked away gallery in a, let's say, government building.
In Provo, Utah, where we live, there is a darling store/gallery called "HERE". You will know when you are there because you will be HERE. So clever.
The owners, Jedd and Scott, are kind and talented entrepreneurs allowing local artists to be showcased in their establishment. David and I are lucky to be invited to teach glass classes and to exhibit in their shows. The current presentation is "Relationships". Couples have been encouraged to display their art done apart and together. If you see something you like, be sure to visit. You can find them at 26 Center St. Provo, UT.  www.hereprovo.com/

Our two windows are "Aurora of the Morning" and "No Regrets" They look lovely next to the other works of art.

This piece is made with plates I found at the antique store.

I love the way they display my work. This just is a hint of Spring.

Stars are always a welcome decoration for a window. They let in just a touch of color.

The Covey Center for the Arts is a performance center and gallery in the center of town, 425 W. Center St, Provo, UT to be exact. They have been generous with their window and wall space to artists of various mediums. We are involved with the Utah Valley Artist's Guild show hanging now in the Eccles gallery space until the end of April. Be sure to wander around the spacious building in search of more stained glass beauties.

This mosaic is called "Argo". It's about the story of Jason and the Argonauts. I like how the curators displayed the piece. 

This is a fun shot because our window is next to the poster of "Barefoot in the Park" and we attended that play the same night I took this picture. It's not blurry on the big screen but looks a little fuzzy on a smaller one, Sorry.

Here is a shot of both pieces.

These windows hang along the stair case. My favorite is the one second from the right. The red circle is an old truck tail light we found at an antique store. 

Here's a close-up.

I wish the light was on behind this one but it's still cool.

You will be surprised at the quality of art work that hangs in the Health and Justice Building (151 S. University Ave). There is an early Spring Fine Arts show hanging now until the end of March. When I went to take photos I was pleased to see I had won the "Board Choice Award". A lovely purple ribbon adorns the window "Skiing is Believing". The show changes periodically during the year so stop by often even if you don't need immunizations.  Their website is utahcountyart.com. 

I was able to hang some windows and mosaics. They even look nice without back lighting. 

Here is just a part of the hallway where the art work is displayed.

One more place I want to show you is the Ambank building. They have a yearly show that just came down this morning but I got a photo for you just in time.

I was impressed with the way these were hung. They had "Gorilla" hangers attached to the windows that held the chain but also the windows rested on the sill at the bottom for more support. They were very thoughtful to be careful with the glass.

There are surprise exhibits all around. If you know of any, let me know. Be sure to contact me or one of these galleries to purchase a piece for your home. There will be more shows coming up so I will keep you posted. ❤