Wednesday, March 31, 2010

So what have I been up to?

Last week I mentioned the "Lecture Demo-Painters: Experience the vast potential and versatility of acrylics", Art Expo 2010, and CoSM Salon as events that I'll be attending. Didn't get to do the demo or CoSM events but I did do Art Expo (can't be everywhere). It was so worth it. I learned so much from the first two days' education panels that the last two I spent just looking around, enjoying myself, and even bought a few prints for inspiration. If I have time and get around to it, I'll post everything on the panels here. For now...

One of the artists I met there was Echo-X.
You can see her work here:
http://echo-x.com



"Pie Cthulhu" was so pro I had to get a print. I even got "Coy" to compliment it on my studio wall. I'm so into works that explore the pin-up girl (done right - so many are fluff), horror, LoveCraft, and Mucha.

Steve Barton was another artist I swooned for. His colors are so intense. Backgrounds remind me of Disney's Lilo and Stitch. And he does this thing (called "the wave") to the frame and canvas that makes it a 3d work. Thinking of maybe doing a concave painting to create illusion of depth.

You can see him at:
http://www.bartonstudios.com



This one is called "Little Treasure."

I even made a friend from Korea whose mother was exhibiting as a Solo Artist as well. There were so many, I wish I can rattle them all off! All and all a busy week. Can't wait to see what next week will bring.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Painting is done!



I will be debuting as an emerging artist on April 23, 2010 @ Amber, NYC!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Update on Digable Art Festival in Hoboken, NJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3U4hiwld7c&feature=player_embedded#

So this weekend I went to check out Kaliptus and 60+ artists display and sell their work at the Monroe Center in NJ (just 15 near the Lincoln Tunnel). It was amazing to see the amount of work generated and crammed onto two floors. One of my favorites was Zofia Bogusz (www.zofiaart.com). I actually purchased one of her fish board prints called "Payara" (original was done in pencil and oils on wood) and learned that this "vampire fish" eats piranhas. I even purchased a little ceramic cup set which screams kawaii. Hoping this event comes back next year - it would be a great new tradition for NJ. If you're looking to submit or volunteer, check out www.dogruncity.com for more info.

How to Research: Discovering Career Opportunities in Your Field

More handouts from last week's workshop. Some may apply to you, others not. But, there's still resources here to consider.

Finding the right career path can be a challenging task. But, with research tools like the internet and social networking, your options are more extensive and versatile to find creative ways to pursue a career in the arts. Here are some suggestions on researching techniques that are available to you.

Step 1: Read about industries, organizations, occupations available in the field

Begin your initial research by reading up on resources listed below. Be flexible and open-minded as you go through these materials. Often, one web site or article will lead you to other sources that will provided you with useful information.

As you read about different types of industries and occupations, keep a running list of professions you find interesting. This will help you narrow down your research and also assist you to identify what type of profession will be the best fit for you.

Resources available online

Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco
www.collegegrad.com/careers/all.shtml
www.successfromtheinsideout.com/resources.html (helpful site for list of websites and publications related to professional development and job search)
Websites listed on SVA's Online Resource for Creative Employment (available on MySVA and SVA Job Board)
Other helpful resources

Publications listed on Associations, Directories and Publications handouts by majors provided by SVA Office of Career Development. They are available on MySVA and Online Job Board
Newspapers, magazines, eZines, blogs, listserves, trade journals
Publications available in bookstores or libraries

Step 2: Expand your research

Once you build a solid foundation, it is important to expand your research by talking to professionals who are already working in the industry. This process will give you hands on information about how to develop your career and will make others aware that you're interested in working in their field.

Suggestions on steps you can take to move your research to the next level:

Talk to business/industry people

Talk with your faculty and chair about opportunities for people with your training
Attend professional development events hosted by your and various departments
Take part in career fairs and internship fairs
Conduct information interviews with people in occupations and organizations that interest you (especially if they work for a company you want to work for)

Notice the jobs around you, especially those done by your teachers, family members, friends, acquaintances and others. Ask them about:

Their career path
How they feel about their work?
What career tips and advise do they have to offer?
How did they get started?

Connect with alumni through the SVA Alumni Directory (Net Community - check with LW for new name, no longer using SVA connect - or just url so they know where to look for it)

What are alumni from your major doing?
What are alumni from other majors doing?
Ask for advise and exchange contact information

Find your own mentor

A mentor can provide you with valuable information and practice advice. Suggestions on finding an appropriate mentor:

Your instructor (from college, high school, etc.)
Your friend who who works in the industry you want to work in
Family member
Your classmate
Alumni from SVA

Step 3: Expand your professional network

Broaden your network; join a social networking site and professional associations. Becoming a part of these groups can generate more contacts and resources that are useful to you. Examples of ways you can build your network:

Join LinkedIn.com, Facebook, Twitter, follow blogs
Join the SVA Career Development Group page on LinkedIn
Use the people search function on LinkedIn to research where SVA alumni are working and solicit their assistance
Add the url of your LinkedIn profile to your email signature and build your contacts
Create an account on College Central Network, post your resume and portfolio
Join professional associations related to the field you want to work in. Many associations offer discounted rates for students. Lists of professional associations by major are available on MySVA and SVA Online Job Board
Attend conferences, events, and programs hosted by professional associations and SVA. Consider joining a committee or volunteer to help at an event. These events are the perfect place to meet industry professionals.

One of the most important skills that you will need throughout your career is how to find information through different channels. Take advantage of all of the valuable resources around you and use them to your advantage.

Stereoscopic imaging or not? Open Discussion.

The not so new fad of creating films (especially 3D animated features) using stereoscopic imaging. Like or hate?

Job Hunting 101 (What I learned from SVA)

So this is from a handout given at last weeks workshop and I thought I'd spread the wealth to those alumni who didn't attend. Enjoy!

Written by Rhonda Schaller. You can visit her blog at:
http://www.spiritsarepresent.blogspot.com/

Informational Interviews

1. Build rapport
2. Gather information
3. Ask for help if appropriate
4. Send a thank you note
5. Stay in touch

Questions to ask:

What got you started in this industry?
What other careers did you consider?
Are you happy in your choice?
What's a typical day like?
What do you like what do you dislike?

DO NOT ask for a job.

Talk honestly and openly about your own career aspirations and why the industry in question appeals to you. If you click, keep the person abreast of your career progress and decisions.

How to arrange the interview

When calling or emailing, make it clear you are not asking for a job. Tell them you are calling because (name), a mutual acquaintance has suggested they are a real authority in their field or an inspiring example, and if they have 10 minutes, you'd like to ask them a few questions.

Do your research ...

Research the company a d the industry before meeting with someone for an informational interview. Try to have an idea of what you want to do and how the person can help you.

Key Concepts:
Tell everyone you're looking for a job
Use alumni resources and internships
Keep in touch with former bosses, co-workers, teachers, peers
Meet people informally through informational interviews and don't ask for jobs directly
Job offer negotiation
Accept and begin new job!

Informational Interview Questions

How did you decide on this career?
What have you found to be the most exciting or challenging part of the field?
Is there any one thing, or one decision you made, that helped propel you to where you are today?
What prepared you most for the career you have today?
If you ha it all to do over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?
What is the best or most exciting thing about your job?
What would you recommend less experienced artist do now to prepare for a career such as yours?
What is the best piece of career advise you've ever received?
What advise would you give young college artists?
Over the course of your career, what have you discovered about yourself?

Friday, March 19, 2010

I was inspired by artist Jeremiah Ketner...

Jason is holding up one of my Mr. Sculpey men I'm making here to look like those vinyls toys.



The acrylic painter, Jeremiah Ketner, created some custom jibibut creatures for Noferin's show "We Heart Wood" and I just loved them so much that I wanted to do my own fetish totems.

http://www.smallandround.blogspot.com/

Series#1 of Maori Acrylic Paintings

Working on the first five paintings of this series. I've posted two for now.



Tall blue.



Short purple.

Fan Page?

There is now a fan page for "Mani the Uncanny" on facebook. Become a fan today! I will be posting announcements and events. Stay tuned.

CoSMocentric Salon on 3/20/10

Thinking about attending if I can budget time well on Saturday.

Sarah Jezebel Wood sent this newsletter out on facebook so I thought I'd share it:

CoSM is a-buzz with the thought of Spring. The snow has mostly melted and our spirits are starting to lift from the dark greyness that's been abound.

Our very special friend Anthony Ward is here making magic happen in the form of flower arrangements here, there, and everywhere.

The Grey's will be making their first public appearance since their unfortunate accident. Mz Imani will be leading us in ceremony starting at 9 sharp. Then DJ's Znuh, Addam Bombb, The Amazing Baz and Lee Mayjahs? will be bringing the beats. Live Painting with Collyn Gold, Steve Shorts and Sharon Fulcher. Body Painting w/ Brian James and Henna Artist Dena Sewell. Elizabeth Muise and Myself will be bringing some dance of the belly sort and we hope you'll join us as well!

Tickets for this event will $20 online and at the door!
You can purchase advance tickets at
https://secure.cosm.org/np/clients/cosm/eventRegistration.jsp?event=127

Doors at 8
Ceremony at 9
Dj's from 10 on
Bellydancing at midnight

Painting, Fire performance and other crazy goodness all night long!

Closing at 2:30

Love to all!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Digable Art Festival opening in Hoboken, NJ

What: Digable Art Festival
When: Galleries - Sat., March 20 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and
Sun., March 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An Equinoxx party begins on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Where: Monroe Arts Center, 720 Monroe St., Hoboken, NJ

Kaliptus Arts will be displaying an interactive media arts installation among the 60 artist showcased at this event. I am dying to see it.

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2010/03/digable_art_festival_opening_i.html

Lecture Demo-Painters: Experience the vast potential and versatility of acrylics.

Another event I'll be crash- I mean attending. "Is for fun." - Nacho Libre

(Ran by Roy Kinzer I believe.)

Date: March 26, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

The GOLDEN Artist Colors lecture/demo is a two-hour presentation on acrylic paints, gels and mediums. It covers the different types of pigments and paints, viscosities, grounds and color mixing, with demonstrations of various gels and mediums. I use an example of my own work to discuss a wide variety of products. Learn how to use gels to extend paint and create unique textural surfaces, as well as how to create surfaces for watercolors, graphite, charcoal, pencil, and pastels. Two exciting new product lines will be introduced: OPEN, a slow-drying acrylic paint; and Digital Mixed Media products that allow you to merge digital printing with paint. The lecture also covers the lightfast properties of pigments, proper acrylic priming techniques, and health and safety concerns. Free packet of literature and paint samples.

Details:
East End Arts Council
133 East Main St.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Fee: Free
Event Open to Public

Info grabbed from their main website:

http://www.goldenpaints.com/artist/wap/artist.php?uid=35

One more week 'til Artexpo NY 2010!

Why am I excited for a fine arts expo? For the education panels and events, that's why.

http://artexponewyork.com

If you like to learn more about art in general in this economy and where trends are heading, I suggest attending. I'm looking forward to their discussions on PRICING 101, SELLING ART IN A CHALLENGING ECONOMY, and SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ARTISTS AND GALLERIES on Thursday. If anyone else is interested or free, let me know and let's make it a day out and network.

Movie Night: Secret of Kells

As a way to celebrate animation and St. Patty's Day, (on the weekend of the Nor'easter) we set out one morning to have breakfast at a pub in the city followed by a matinee showing of Secret of Kells. For those that don't know, it is an irish animated feature film set in the ninth century about a twelve year old boy named Brendan who desires to illustrate and complete the Book of Kells while making friends with fairies and dodging vikings. Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey (founders of Cartoon Saloon), the film has received awards and not to mention an oscar nomination. After seeing the film I can see why some may feel the style over powers the story. There's so much eye candy and visual information, you actually forget why the characters are even there. Loved the character design and animation. It was very reminiscent of Samurai Jack and Thief and the Cobbler. Somewhat not kid friendly, so leave the babes at home if they can't handle scary vikings and bloody battle scenes. Overall though, I would definitely recommend this film to anyone. A-

Friday, March 12, 2010

I've added the highlights to monster...

for a nice wet look.







Creating a look for princess and dragon idea...

TaW#13

CoSM founders need your help!

Alex & Allyson Grey, famous mystic/visionary artists, on March 7th were in a collision. Everyone is fine and recuperating. If you wish to send love, prayers, help, or donate, just click on the link below. Spread the word!

http://cosm.typepad.com/cosm_blog/

http://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/cosm/viewOnlineEmail.jsp?emailId=760359

Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Format

I have decided to create two visions with sub-categories for my work to fit my multiple personalities and talents. This site which has been renamed (www.manitheuncannyspice.blogspot.com) will showcase all of my gothic, punk rock, fetish, strange to macabre works. Another site will feature candy-induced landscapes and whimsical creatures/characters from La La Land where children can come and play if they liked. I will update everyone with a post of the link as soon it is setup.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Social Media Art Camp @ the Roger Smith Hotel in NYC

This past weekend I had hoped to catch my favorite fine artist, Natasha Wescoat, speak about social media as a tool to promote oneself in the art world. Tickets sold out fast for Saturday's events, so me and Jason opted for Sunday's Boot Camp special instead, missing her panel all together. The experience was very enlightening and enjoyable. We came away with many ideas, solutions to problems we didn't even knew we had and made a few friends along the way. I would definitely recommend SMart Camp to anyone looking to update their knowledge of business, web marketing, copyrighting laws, engaging your audience and so much more. The topics covered are just too many to list and discuss on this one blog so I will be adding the link to their site.

http://socialmediaartcamp.com

http://maryanndevine.typepad.com/smartsandculture/

Check it out!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Maid Animation

My sister, who is a graphic and motion graphics designer, (Christina Joy Cunningham) created this vector character. Background was by the artist: http://www.pinkland.ru/

Animation was all me. Needs tweaking on the arms and sliding feet. Update coming soon.

Maori Manaia Symbol Painting?

As a side project that me and Jason decided to undergo (taken from J. Cameron's The Artist Way), we created this image on the fly. We were planning it as both an oil and acrylic painting to hang in our bedroom. Today, my sister pointed out that the fire symbol we created was a Maori symbol called Manaia. Huh.

Update on oil painting...

I spoke with Alex Grey around this time last year about being blocked and my "artistic" depression. He then spoke of his struggle and something during our conversation clicked inside of me. He told me, "If all you have is the shadow self ... capture your demons on canvas." So this is what came of it a year later.

Not finished yet but here's what I got thus far.











This is the "Before" picture!

Everything's Wonderful!



My sister (Christina "oh joy" Cunningham) designed these Japanese Pop characters for her music video. I animated them in flash for the intro which was then edited in After Effects. Nice loop.

SpaceShip Interior TaW#12

Jason 1870 TaW#11



Jason: He looks like money.

Me: Well when then the Price is right...

Jason: Your puns destroy precious brains cells.

Me: I try.

Monday, March 1, 2010

SpaceShip TaW#10

Revised Backgrounds






Finalized versions of previous backgrounds. Tongues were scary and phallic and not at all funny or age appropriate for age 3-7 year olds. Top hat table didn't mesh well either. Also made the stove more accessible and the head a fan instead of a back drop.