Monday, December 7, 2009
Wicked busy but...
Just wanted to share a silhouette I just finished with you all. More updates after the new year. I currently have 15 custom pieces I'm working on and expecting (and hoping) the onslaught will continue all the way to Christmas. I'll be back soon with much more regular updates:)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Exciting Development: Acquire Boutique gallery show 2010
Hi all,
First, the lull in interest in papercutting last week is now over, thankfully, and the panicky-aspects of my personality can calm down as custom pieces head out to South Carolina, Illinois, Scotland, and Queens.
So, over the past few weeks I've been poorly keeping a secret about a new gallery opportunity.
Meet Nikki Dalrymple:
Nikki was a producer for PBS and the National Geographic Channel, but decided to follow her passions and started a Brick&Mortar store and design business in the North End of Boston named Acquire Boutique.
The North End is legendary for a couple reasons: Food, food, food, pastries, history, food again, and oh yeah, food. It is also one of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in Boston (Paul Revere's house is still there).
It is also the best up-and-coming retail district of the city and boutiques and beautiful shops are springing up. Beyond a doubt, Acquire, with its quirky mix of vintage and modern decor, is the best! I can prove this better with photos than words, so here's some design "porn":
But don't take my word and beautiful photos (thanks Nikki for letting me "borrow" them), Nikki and her shop have been featured in the following: Lucky, Boston Home magazine 2009, Stuff magazine, New England Home, Daily Candy, the Globe, Home Furnishing Now, Travel and Leisure, The Improper Bostonian, Boston Common, and recently won a Best of Boston award. That's some crazy good press!
Anyway, Nikki posted on her blog back in July 29th looking for interesting silhouette artists/papercutters. Well, during the Boston Arts festival, Nikki just happened to walk into my booth, and after talking briefly handed me a card and mentioned showing my work at her store.
Jen and I visited a couple days later and were BLOWN AWAY by the store, everything in it is beautiful, stylish, and best of all, reasonably priced! Seriously if you are anywhere near Boston, check out her store, buy everything, and afterwards, get a cannoli down the road.
So, it's now official, I will be showing a series of nautical-themed pieces at Acquire from, get this, May 15- August 15. That's the ENTIRE summer tourist season, and the neighborhood is very good for buying local and supporting local stores, so it's the best of both worlds! I'm extremely excited, there will be an opening party, and I be sure to post many times as things develop.
First, the lull in interest in papercutting last week is now over, thankfully, and the panicky-aspects of my personality can calm down as custom pieces head out to South Carolina, Illinois, Scotland, and Queens.
So, over the past few weeks I've been poorly keeping a secret about a new gallery opportunity.
Meet Nikki Dalrymple:
Nikki was a producer for PBS and the National Geographic Channel, but decided to follow her passions and started a Brick&Mortar store and design business in the North End of Boston named Acquire Boutique.
The North End is legendary for a couple reasons: Food, food, food, pastries, history, food again, and oh yeah, food. It is also one of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in Boston (Paul Revere's house is still there).
It is also the best up-and-coming retail district of the city and boutiques and beautiful shops are springing up. Beyond a doubt, Acquire, with its quirky mix of vintage and modern decor, is the best! I can prove this better with photos than words, so here's some design "porn":
But don't take my word and beautiful photos (thanks Nikki for letting me "borrow" them), Nikki and her shop have been featured in the following: Lucky, Boston Home magazine 2009, Stuff magazine, New England Home, Daily Candy, the Globe, Home Furnishing Now, Travel and Leisure, The Improper Bostonian, Boston Common, and recently won a Best of Boston award. That's some crazy good press!
Anyway, Nikki posted on her blog back in July 29th looking for interesting silhouette artists/papercutters. Well, during the Boston Arts festival, Nikki just happened to walk into my booth, and after talking briefly handed me a card and mentioned showing my work at her store.
Jen and I visited a couple days later and were BLOWN AWAY by the store, everything in it is beautiful, stylish, and best of all, reasonably priced! Seriously if you are anywhere near Boston, check out her store, buy everything, and afterwards, get a cannoli down the road.
So, it's now official, I will be showing a series of nautical-themed pieces at Acquire from, get this, May 15- August 15. That's the ENTIRE summer tourist season, and the neighborhood is very good for buying local and supporting local stores, so it's the best of both worlds! I'm extremely excited, there will be an opening party, and I be sure to post many times as things develop.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Slow week!
Hi everyone,
I've been hearing the buzz around Etsy that everyone's sales are starting to pick up. Wish that was the same here! Last month was great, and I ended up sending out TWELVE pieces this Monday and Tuesday! But...only one new customer in a week. Strange how that happens!
Regardless, it's given me tons of time to get little projects done like start applying to grad school, apply for a second job (winter is rough for papercutting if I follow last years trends)
I got my new computer yesterday! I've called it the Beast. Dont get me wrong, the processor is pretty ho-hum but still a huge upgrade from what I had. Apparently if you run a busy business 99% online/on the computer and your six-year-old laptop freezes everytime you open photoshop and gmail at the same time, it's time for an upgrade. The Monitor is the only thing I really splurged on as it makes doing several things at a time very helpful. I split the screen in half and do one thing on the left side, and another on the right. It's like having an employee!
Other than that I've done some geneology stuff, cleaned up my etsy shop a bit, and started Twittering!
Oh, and check out my etsy page, I've uploaded seven new items!
I've been hearing the buzz around Etsy that everyone's sales are starting to pick up. Wish that was the same here! Last month was great, and I ended up sending out TWELVE pieces this Monday and Tuesday! But...only one new customer in a week. Strange how that happens!
Regardless, it's given me tons of time to get little projects done like start applying to grad school, apply for a second job (winter is rough for papercutting if I follow last years trends)
I got my new computer yesterday! I've called it the Beast. Dont get me wrong, the processor is pretty ho-hum but still a huge upgrade from what I had. Apparently if you run a busy business 99% online/on the computer and your six-year-old laptop freezes everytime you open photoshop and gmail at the same time, it's time for an upgrade. The Monitor is the only thing I really splurged on as it makes doing several things at a time very helpful. I split the screen in half and do one thing on the left side, and another on the right. It's like having an employee!
Other than that I've done some geneology stuff, cleaned up my etsy shop a bit, and started Twittering!
Oh, and check out my etsy page, I've uploaded seven new items!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Makers Mark
Hi everyone,
For some time now, I have been trying to come up with some unique makers mark or cartouche to put on my work. I find that my signature can be a bit large, especially on silhouettes and other smaller pieces. I also feel like my work falls more philosophically in the fine-craft than the fine art category and I really like the decorative marks on fine furniture and ceramics.
I have studied craftsmen art and furniture for a few years now. I recently had the opportunity to visitn the JMW Gallery in Boston. I've seen the MFA and METs collection of Arts and crafts furniture and decorative arts, and JMW easily has a larger collection- and its all for sale. If you can afford it (I can't).
I've discussed it before (about a year ago on this blog), but I really love the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts (Craftsman) movement, and I am also am blown away be the entire philosophy that surrounds the movement. Essentially, the A&C period focused on a guild-like work structure where masters taught apprentices. The earliest craftsman pieces were extremely medieval in appearance.
Overtime, the movement developed it's own sense of style and focused on the use of simple materials (wood, metal, glass, leather, paper, ceramics) and craftsman skill. The kicker was that their work was so incredibly, unbelievably difficult to make, and they deliberately made things harder than they need to be simply to show that the work of a fine craftsman was something to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. You can see this in Craftsman architecture where beams and support structure are exposed and over-complicated, yet still maintaining a clean look. You can also see this in furniture were joints and pegging is both exposed and emphasized to show the skills of its creator.
At this time (1880-1930) the Industrial Revolution was really moving into high gear producing goods cheaply and quickly. The Craftsman movement was a deliberate reaction to this loss of appreciation for hand-made goods, and presents this idea with an emphasis on exposed skill.
The furniture and decorative arts of this period have clean lines, simple decorations, earth tones, and most importantly, done as difficultly as humanly possible.
I've struggled for some time with where exactly my work falls- is it fine art, fine craft, or folk art? I think it's not really any of them and all of them at the same time. How's that for a cop-out? Seriously though, I find that my work next to paintings will never be appreciated by the general public as an equally-respected medium/style. Also, next to a beautiful raku urn or Roycroft desk my work may seem like simple wall-art. Plus, I have deliberately avoided the traditional folk art styles of historic papercutters.
So, what to do? I'm treating my work as a Fine Craft you hang on your wall like a painting. All great Craftsman artist have makers marks, and I've been wanting to create one that I can use to easily identify my work. I love antiques roadshow, and makers marks are seriously one of the best parts of the show. "Well, this would normally be a simple well-made oak desk, but this "R" in an urn makers mark indicates it was made by the Roycroft Craftsmen and is worth $30,000".
For some time now, I have been trying to come up with some unique makers mark or cartouche to put on my work. I find that my signature can be a bit large, especially on silhouettes and other smaller pieces. I also feel like my work falls more philosophically in the fine-craft than the fine art category and I really like the decorative marks on fine furniture and ceramics.
I have studied craftsmen art and furniture for a few years now. I recently had the opportunity to visitn the JMW Gallery in Boston. I've seen the MFA and METs collection of Arts and crafts furniture and decorative arts, and JMW easily has a larger collection- and its all for sale. If you can afford it (I can't).
I've discussed it before (about a year ago on this blog), but I really love the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts (Craftsman) movement, and I am also am blown away be the entire philosophy that surrounds the movement. Essentially, the A&C period focused on a guild-like work structure where masters taught apprentices. The earliest craftsman pieces were extremely medieval in appearance.
Overtime, the movement developed it's own sense of style and focused on the use of simple materials (wood, metal, glass, leather, paper, ceramics) and craftsman skill. The kicker was that their work was so incredibly, unbelievably difficult to make, and they deliberately made things harder than they need to be simply to show that the work of a fine craftsman was something to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. You can see this in Craftsman architecture where beams and support structure are exposed and over-complicated, yet still maintaining a clean look. You can also see this in furniture were joints and pegging is both exposed and emphasized to show the skills of its creator.
At this time (1880-1930) the Industrial Revolution was really moving into high gear producing goods cheaply and quickly. The Craftsman movement was a deliberate reaction to this loss of appreciation for hand-made goods, and presents this idea with an emphasis on exposed skill.
The furniture and decorative arts of this period have clean lines, simple decorations, earth tones, and most importantly, done as difficultly as humanly possible.
I've struggled for some time with where exactly my work falls- is it fine art, fine craft, or folk art? I think it's not really any of them and all of them at the same time. How's that for a cop-out? Seriously though, I find that my work next to paintings will never be appreciated by the general public as an equally-respected medium/style. Also, next to a beautiful raku urn or Roycroft desk my work may seem like simple wall-art. Plus, I have deliberately avoided the traditional folk art styles of historic papercutters.
So, what to do? I'm treating my work as a Fine Craft you hang on your wall like a painting. All great Craftsman artist have makers marks, and I've been wanting to create one that I can use to easily identify my work. I love antiques roadshow, and makers marks are seriously one of the best parts of the show. "Well, this would normally be a simple well-made oak desk, but this "R" in an urn makers mark indicates it was made by the Roycroft Craftsmen and is worth $30,000".
I really wanted to show the craftsman influences and ideas behind my work and was leaning for a while for a picto-gram, but couldn't come up with a plant or animal that significantly meant something important to me. My name wasn't especially symmetrical, however after playing with it for a while and using traditional Craftsman fonts, I came up with my very first makers mark. Drum roll please:
I'm going to keep it approximately 1/2 inch in size on the piece. I usually sign next to the piece, and I really shouldn't do that in case in the future it has to be re-mounted, the signature will be separate from the papercutting. No good. As soon as I get a white archival pen I will start marking my pieces with this mark, and signing the back of the papercut with my full signature. It won't be visible unless unmounted, but I think people always like to know their art holds secrets.
Wow, that was incredibly long and rambling. I need more coffee!
I'm going to keep it approximately 1/2 inch in size on the piece. I usually sign next to the piece, and I really shouldn't do that in case in the future it has to be re-mounted, the signature will be separate from the papercutting. No good. As soon as I get a white archival pen I will start marking my pieces with this mark, and signing the back of the papercut with my full signature. It won't be visible unless unmounted, but I think people always like to know their art holds secrets.
Wow, that was incredibly long and rambling. I need more coffee!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Website Design
I do these too often, but I'm really happy with the new design. It's streamlined, less messy, same content, and lots of fun surprises.
I condensed all the pieces into two major categories (Architecture and Nature) with 15 thumbnails for each.
I also am going to be directing people to my etsy page much more since there's no reason to reinvent the wheel when I have a successful shop already.
Overall I condensed the site from about 15 pages to about four.
I also put in some measures to make sure people can still see the site even if the don't have flash. iphone and itouch do not currently support flash, so when they visit, they will be redirected to a flash-less homepage.
I also am in love with Java especially Lightbox, which does those fun effects when you click on a thumbnail.
Let me know if you find any glaring problems
papercutsbyjoe.com
Let me know what you think:
Here's a screen grab:
I condensed all the pieces into two major categories (Architecture and Nature) with 15 thumbnails for each.
I also am going to be directing people to my etsy page much more since there's no reason to reinvent the wheel when I have a successful shop already.
Overall I condensed the site from about 15 pages to about four.
I also put in some measures to make sure people can still see the site even if the don't have flash. iphone and itouch do not currently support flash, so when they visit, they will be redirected to a flash-less homepage.
I also am in love with Java especially Lightbox, which does those fun effects when you click on a thumbnail.
Let me know if you find any glaring problems
papercutsbyjoe.com
Let me know what you think:
Here's a screen grab:
Monday, September 21, 2009
Two-fer
Okay, finally giving an update,
The Boston Ahts festival went great! There were so many people I went through the over 300 business cards I brought with in the first three hours of the show. Won't make that mistake again.
It sounds like I may be showing my work at a local boutique that has recently gained a lot of national exposure, lots more on that when the details get worked out.
Four pieces went home during the show. Wish it was more, but I was still happy with the results.
Not much more to say, so here are some photos of the show.
In part two of the two-fer, and the reason it has taken me so long to post these, is that Jen and I took our first days off in almost three weeks and went to the-middle-of-nowhere Maine. We were gone all this past weekend and had an absolute blast. Highly recomend it: no tv, no internet, no electricity except from 7-10pm, quiet, gorgeous, and full of moose. Increcibly affordable too! Here's the website of the resort: The Last Resort, Jackman, ME
And some photos because it was that beautiful!
The Boston Ahts festival went great! There were so many people I went through the over 300 business cards I brought with in the first three hours of the show. Won't make that mistake again.
It sounds like I may be showing my work at a local boutique that has recently gained a lot of national exposure, lots more on that when the details get worked out.
Four pieces went home during the show. Wish it was more, but I was still happy with the results.
Not much more to say, so here are some photos of the show.
In part two of the two-fer, and the reason it has taken me so long to post these, is that Jen and I took our first days off in almost three weeks and went to the-middle-of-nowhere Maine. We were gone all this past weekend and had an absolute blast. Highly recomend it: no tv, no internet, no electricity except from 7-10pm, quiet, gorgeous, and full of moose. Increcibly affordable too! Here's the website of the resort: The Last Resort, Jackman, ME
And some photos because it was that beautiful!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Rain rain, go away
Show was canceled today:(
Unfortunately I didn't check until after showering, getting dressed, and getting coffee started. Pouring like the dickens outside now.
Not sure what to do today...
Unfortunately I didn't check until after showering, getting dressed, and getting coffee started. Pouring like the dickens outside now.
Not sure what to do today...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
One day to go!... so I missed a day
Yeah, remember two days ago when I said I had six days worth of work to do and four days to do it. That was before I got seven custom requests in 48 hours. One was an express deal, so I had to set aside everything to work on it. Not complaining, if people want my work, I'll be there!
So I did get lots done yesterday, just flat-out ran out of time and energy to blog.
All morning I worked on a rush-order custom piece, which should be in Florida in a couple of hours (hope you and your husband love it Marisa!)
After that, I really had to mount all the 18x24s or they just wouldn't get done. Since they are the main pieces for the show, thought that was important! My very first attempts of framing on my own. Kudos to Steve for everything you taught me about framing, I think they came out great!
Made a run to Target to get a tablecloth for my the huge 6' table they are supplying me for the show. Still not sure what to do with it, or where to put it, but figured I should at least make it look good. I was completely shocked at how expensive table cloths were, so I ended up buying a flat sheet which happened to be on crazy sale due to college season. Saved me $15 so I was happy.
I also got a box of huge clear bags, which I will use to transport the pieces and wrap them up when people purchase a piece. Looks like it may rain Friday and a bit on Saturday, so I'm determined not to ruin all my work!
Also designed all my "bookmark" pieces for the 8x10 frames. Hate waiting until the last second to do these, but they don't take too long and sell like hotcakes so they're a must. Here they all are unmounted.
Still have to pack everything up and make sure I have everything I need. Also need to mount and frame all the little guys above and two other smaller pieces. My biggest worry about these shows isn't the art, but doing something stupid like forgetting to bring anything to hang the artwork on the wall with, or forgetting my business cards or some other small detail that completely derails the whole thing.
Okay, back to work. I'll try to post again this evening to make up for the lack of post yesterday.
Cheers,
Joe
So I did get lots done yesterday, just flat-out ran out of time and energy to blog.
All morning I worked on a rush-order custom piece, which should be in Florida in a couple of hours (hope you and your husband love it Marisa!)
After that, I really had to mount all the 18x24s or they just wouldn't get done. Since they are the main pieces for the show, thought that was important! My very first attempts of framing on my own. Kudos to Steve for everything you taught me about framing, I think they came out great!
Made a run to Target to get a tablecloth for my the huge 6' table they are supplying me for the show. Still not sure what to do with it, or where to put it, but figured I should at least make it look good. I was completely shocked at how expensive table cloths were, so I ended up buying a flat sheet which happened to be on crazy sale due to college season. Saved me $15 so I was happy.
I also got a box of huge clear bags, which I will use to transport the pieces and wrap them up when people purchase a piece. Looks like it may rain Friday and a bit on Saturday, so I'm determined not to ruin all my work!
Also designed all my "bookmark" pieces for the 8x10 frames. Hate waiting until the last second to do these, but they don't take too long and sell like hotcakes so they're a must. Here they all are unmounted.
Still have to pack everything up and make sure I have everything I need. Also need to mount and frame all the little guys above and two other smaller pieces. My biggest worry about these shows isn't the art, but doing something stupid like forgetting to bring anything to hang the artwork on the wall with, or forgetting my business cards or some other small detail that completely derails the whole thing.
Okay, back to work. I'll try to post again this evening to make up for the lack of post yesterday.
Cheers,
Joe
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The road to the Boston Ahts Festival: 4 days to go
Hi everyone,
In my quest to be fully prepared for the Boston Arts (Ahts) Festival I'm going to be posting what I'm working on each day. I have four days to go and about six days of work left to do, so this will be interesting.
Over the long weekend we found out where the tent will be, which happens to be right in the middle of everything. This is great, because I've noticed tents on the ends seem to get passed up as people first arrive or leave. Also got some orchids for the tent. We decided that when you decorate your tent, it looks like you were so prepared that you even had enough time to bring in flowers. Gives a very good effect, and really instills confidence in people viewing your work. Also got a couple people to come in my tent in South Portland just to see the flowers. Can't hurt!
Here's the view from my future tent spot:
I found out we're sharing a 9x20 tent, which has me a bit scared because I want to hang a wall on three sides and I'm not sure my tent-mate will appreciate a wall hanging between us. I had thought we'd each be getting a 10x10 tent and we wouldn't have to share any walls. Hope it works out because I'm bringing three walls worth of stuff to hang regardless!
Today, my goal is to get the custom pieces that were ordered over the weekend done so I can focus on the Boston pieces. That was quite a task! Two were extremely difficult pieces with tons of very fine cuts with very little support. The hardest part is going from finished cut to mounted piece. Today I had to take this:
And make it look like this:
Took forever!
I just got my very first order of 15 frames, all the framing supplies, and glass. I hopefully will be offering my custom pieces with custom framing options:)
I also have to finish my series of Boston pieces I created just for the show. These six pieces are the highlights of the show. Only one is not quite finished, but that should happen today or tomorrow. Here they all are unmounted.
It looks like it might rain Friday but will be great the rest of the weekend. Hope it isn't too bad! Three days is going to be a looooong time to stay outside.
I'm a bit worried I'm putting too much hope into this show. Don't want to be disappointed. The Art in the Park show went so incredibly well, and this show is three times longer with five times more people, so I'm really crossing my fingers!
Okay, back to work!
Tomorrow: the 8x10s and some framed work.
In my quest to be fully prepared for the Boston Arts (Ahts) Festival I'm going to be posting what I'm working on each day. I have four days to go and about six days of work left to do, so this will be interesting.
Over the long weekend we found out where the tent will be, which happens to be right in the middle of everything. This is great, because I've noticed tents on the ends seem to get passed up as people first arrive or leave. Also got some orchids for the tent. We decided that when you decorate your tent, it looks like you were so prepared that you even had enough time to bring in flowers. Gives a very good effect, and really instills confidence in people viewing your work. Also got a couple people to come in my tent in South Portland just to see the flowers. Can't hurt!
Here's the view from my future tent spot:
I found out we're sharing a 9x20 tent, which has me a bit scared because I want to hang a wall on three sides and I'm not sure my tent-mate will appreciate a wall hanging between us. I had thought we'd each be getting a 10x10 tent and we wouldn't have to share any walls. Hope it works out because I'm bringing three walls worth of stuff to hang regardless!
Today, my goal is to get the custom pieces that were ordered over the weekend done so I can focus on the Boston pieces. That was quite a task! Two were extremely difficult pieces with tons of very fine cuts with very little support. The hardest part is going from finished cut to mounted piece. Today I had to take this:
And make it look like this:
Took forever!I just got my very first order of 15 frames, all the framing supplies, and glass. I hopefully will be offering my custom pieces with custom framing options:)
I also have to finish my series of Boston pieces I created just for the show. These six pieces are the highlights of the show. Only one is not quite finished, but that should happen today or tomorrow. Here they all are unmounted.
It looks like it might rain Friday but will be great the rest of the weekend. Hope it isn't too bad! Three days is going to be a looooong time to stay outside.
I'm a bit worried I'm putting too much hope into this show. Don't want to be disappointed. The Art in the Park show went so incredibly well, and this show is three times longer with five times more people, so I'm really crossing my fingers!
Okay, back to work!
Tomorrow: the 8x10s and some framed work.
Friday, August 21, 2009
South Portland Art in the Park
Art in the Park was waaaaay back on the 8th, but as soon as we got back, we both had to dive straight back into work and this is my first chance to finally share what happened.The event was about 500 feet from my family's home in South Portland, so we had free housing during the weekend. My mother happened to be in a store while we were driving north from Boston and found a white EZ-up tent for less than half I've ever seen it, so I got her to nab it for us. Now I had a great white tent, which, unfortunately, has been proven to attract more people to your work than a blue tent. Weird.
Anyway, on Friday we had to frame the 19 pieces that still needed framing before the show the next day, so that took nearly the entire day but came out great! We also had the opportunity to borrow 8 segments of grid wall to hang the heaviest pieces (thanks Harriet!)
The day of the show went incredibly smoothly. Most of my family was there to help set up the tent, and the rest were able to stop by throughout the day.
Weird story- My sister had been on a whale watch tour in Portland the week before the show, and it turns out the boat she was on, was the same boat featured in my piece, Odyssey. She called the number on the brochure for the tour and got a hold of the woman who used to own the boat and invited them to the show with out me knowing. Soon after the show started she arrived, introduced herself and told me she used to own the boat and loved the piece. After leaving, she apparently called the current owner of the boat, who came to the show soon after, and purchased the piece! I'm so happy the piece will really be appreciated!
So after that great start, tons of people stopped by to view my work, and were incredibly kind and supportive. We had a great time. Jen told me that at one point there were 19 people in the 10x10 tent! Not bad considering there were 184 other artist at the same show!
Ten smaller pieces went home after Odyssey was purchased.
At the very end of the show, many people started breaking down about a half hour early and I refused since there were so many people that expressed interest in pieces that were still remaining. Literally five minutes before the end of the show, my mom, who was helping break down the display,grabbed the largest piece, Hand, off the wall and began carrying it out to the truck.
A woman and her daughter stopped her and asked if someone had purchased the piece as they were interested in buying it.
Turns out the daughter is completely redesigning her bedroom and wanted a piece of art for it. Her mother agreed and out of the 185 artist there, she chose my piece for her room! I was incredibly excited. Two of my largest pieces found great homes that day.
In the end, 12 pieces went home, and I sold most of the remaining 2008 Christmas ornaments (have to start designing the 2009 ones soon!) The weather was perfect, the people were great, the other artist were kind and had incredible work on display. Didn't go home with any prizes, but my stuff is too "not-a-painting" to get much interest by judges, but I bet I sold more than almost anyone at the show.
Now, as a somewhat odd consequence, I have to really crank out some new pieces for the Boston show. It's three days long, so I really need to pack the tent incase stuff sells as well as it did at the Art and the Park. Wouldn't want an empty tent on the third day. Acutally, that would be nice:)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Support Papercuts by Joe!
Hi everyone, I'm nominated for the Shine A Light competition through American Express and NBC. I would greatly appreciate it if you read the story below and voted for me! Your endorsements get me to the next stage, so I greatly appreciate your support. Winners receive $100,000 and marketing service from American Express
From the nomination:
Each year 2.2 million couples marry in the US. This means there are approximately 4.4 million people looking for a first anniversary gift each year. Paper is the traditional first anniversary gift. Joe Bagley and his wife, Jen, found a perfect way to use Joe’s talents as a paper artist to create unique and personal gifts for these couples.
Facing a double layoff in the fall of 2008, Joe and Jen had a choice, enter a competitive job market with dwindling openings, or get creative. Joe had been dabbling in the art of papercutting for several years as a hobby, but the sudden explosion of free time allowed him and his wife to explore the possibility of creating a career from his art.
Joe creates his art by hand-cutting hundreds to thousands of holes in a single sheet of black paper. His art has been shown in museums and galleries along the east coast. Papercutting, as an art form, has existed as a folk art around the world for over 5,000 years.
Jen found, online, that paper is the traditional gift for first anniversaries. With this inspiration, they together set up an online business where Joe works directly with his clients to create papercuttings for couples celebrating their first anniversary together.
One year later, Jen has found work in her field of expertise, and Joe has a successful online business that he runs out of his small home studio in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Using the most cost-effective forms of marketing and advertising (online ads, word of mouth, and the hand-made goods website Etsy.com) Joe and Jen have managed to create and grow their business from scratch during these tough economic times.
Papercuts by Joe Bagley now adorn the homes of happy couples in almost every state in the US, and eight countries abroad. By far one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is hearing the stories of couples receiving their Papercut and knowing the piece will be passed down for generations.
Along with his art, Joe has volunteered with the Boys and Girls club teaching children the ancient art of papercutting. He has toured numerous local libraries presenting a lecture on the Art and History of Papercutting. Joe has also donated numerous pieces to local charity auctions.
From the nomination:
Each year 2.2 million couples marry in the US. This means there are approximately 4.4 million people looking for a first anniversary gift each year. Paper is the traditional first anniversary gift. Joe Bagley and his wife, Jen, found a perfect way to use Joe’s talents as a paper artist to create unique and personal gifts for these couples.
Facing a double layoff in the fall of 2008, Joe and Jen had a choice, enter a competitive job market with dwindling openings, or get creative. Joe had been dabbling in the art of papercutting for several years as a hobby, but the sudden explosion of free time allowed him and his wife to explore the possibility of creating a career from his art.
Joe creates his art by hand-cutting hundreds to thousands of holes in a single sheet of black paper. His art has been shown in museums and galleries along the east coast. Papercutting, as an art form, has existed as a folk art around the world for over 5,000 years.
Jen found, online, that paper is the traditional gift for first anniversaries. With this inspiration, they together set up an online business where Joe works directly with his clients to create papercuttings for couples celebrating their first anniversary together.
One year later, Jen has found work in her field of expertise, and Joe has a successful online business that he runs out of his small home studio in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Using the most cost-effective forms of marketing and advertising (online ads, word of mouth, and the hand-made goods website Etsy.com) Joe and Jen have managed to create and grow their business from scratch during these tough economic times.
Papercuts by Joe Bagley now adorn the homes of happy couples in almost every state in the US, and eight countries abroad. By far one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is hearing the stories of couples receiving their Papercut and knowing the piece will be passed down for generations.
Along with his art, Joe has volunteered with the Boys and Girls club teaching children the ancient art of papercutting. He has toured numerous local libraries presenting a lecture on the Art and History of Papercutting. Joe has also donated numerous pieces to local charity auctions.
Monday, August 3, 2009
30th Annual Art in the Park - South Portland, Maine
We're excited to be gearing up for our first art show of the summer! This is a big event for us for a couple of reasons:
Firstly because it is the 30th annual Art in the Park in South Portland (Maine supports the arts!).
Next because this event is less than a quarter mile from where Joe used to live.
And finally because a few years ago this was Joe's very first art show! The first go-around was a huge learning experience, but now that Joe's doing art full time I think we've fallen into a better groove. We're really excited to show off everything that he's been up to since he last presented at this art show.
Hope some of you can make it!
Firstly because it is the 30th annual Art in the Park in South Portland (Maine supports the arts!).
Next because this event is less than a quarter mile from where Joe used to live.
And finally because a few years ago this was Joe's very first art show! The first go-around was a huge learning experience, but now that Joe's doing art full time I think we've fallen into a better groove. We're really excited to show off everything that he's been up to since he last presented at this art show.
Hope some of you can make it!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Accepted! Boston Ahts festival 2009
Woo-Hoo!Just got a weird letter in the mail from the city of Boston (parking ticket?). No, it's an acceptance letter from the Mayor for the 2009 Boston Arts Festival! I applied back in March and pretty much forgot about it. I had a string of rejections lately so this was very nice to hear.
I was one of 60 artists accepted, so I'm damn proud of that alone. I think it didn't hurt that I was in the deadly-competitive paper category (ha ha)
The festival is located between the North End, Quincy Market, and the Aquarium in Downtown Boston, so TONS of people will be walking by. Last year, they said 50,000 people attended!
Blue Man Group, the Boston Pops, the Boston Ballet, the Opera, etc. have performed so there should continue to be a big turnout. Here's the official website: www.bostonahtsfestival.com
I would love to see some of you if you happen to be in the area!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
New space, and a new papercut!
Anyway, I'm just posting now that we are completely unpacked and back to work. Below is my new work space. I just hung up a ton of art and pretty much filled the book cases so it looks a bit busier now, but I now have an entire 12x12 room for my papercutting!
I've been doing between 5-10 custom papercuts every week since May so that's the biggest reason I haven't been posting much lately. It's definitely been my busy time of year with anniversary present requests rolling in. I haven't had much time to do more my-style pieces, however I did get a spare half-day yesterday to finish the piece below that I've been working on for about a month. It's of the Second-Empire building that housed Boston's City Hall from 1869-1965. Below are images of the city hall, the papercut, and just some shots to show scale and that it truly is cut from paper:) I haven't mounted the piece on its white background. Right now it's on a green cutting board and still has the support pieces I cut into the design to keep it's shape while I'm mounting. I cut them off when it's done.
That's all for now...
Monday, June 1, 2009
Some good news
Okay, haven't posted in a very long time, and I'm tired of the depressing post sitting pretty at the top of the blog, so here's some good stuff.
First, the custom papercuts for anniversaries has completely taken off! I'm shipping 3-4 a day and it's fun but challenging to keep up.
In other news, we are moving back to Boston, right next to Jen's work, and I'll get an entire 12x12 room to use for my business, complete with views of Boston's skyline.
I'll be doing an outdoor show in Maine this August, which is the same place I did my very first show, this time, things will be much better though! I'm finding I'm a bit late for many of the show deadlines, and I only seem to hear about shows when they're being advertised a few days before the main event!
Okay, enough for now, I actually have to get back to work as I need to get a piece that's going to over to the UK finished before the post office closes!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Some bad news...
So Jen and I went to Maine for Easter with my family. While there, we decided to drive up the road to the Old Crow Gallery where I am having my solo show in June. When we got there, we found the gallery empty and a For Rent sign in the window.
Big time bummer...
I was quite panicked, actually, because I had thousands of dollars worth of art currently at the gallery and I had no idea where any of the piece were.
I eventually got in touch with the gallery owners, whom I love to death, and they explained how it happened. Long story short, the owners of the building were unreasonable and they had to leave shop in an extremely short amount of time and didn't have a chance to call all the artists to get their work.
So, as of right now, there will be no solo show:( Perhaps if the owners get the gallery and frame shop back up and running, I may be able to show later in the year, but for now it's all off. My pieces are going to be moved to several businesses that appreciate art and may help get my name out and possibly sell the piece off the wall.
I'm pretty bummed. I've been planning this for seven months now and had all the pieces ready to go. I've actually avoided applying to shows and galleries in June so it didn't conflict with the show. I'm also worried because most galleries are booked for the year (or more) so I may have to wait over a year for another opportunity to show my work.
Le Sigh.
Regardless, I'm now looking for shows and events locally to get the word out about my papercuts in town. We just decided to not move out of town, and found a beautiful tiny house to rent with a great finished shed (more of a separate building/room with windows and heat and everything) that will become my studio.
Not all bad news, but still pretty bummed about the show.
Oh, I'm on twitter now too. Terrifying, but maybe it will drum up some support or sales?
Big time bummer...
I was quite panicked, actually, because I had thousands of dollars worth of art currently at the gallery and I had no idea where any of the piece were.
I eventually got in touch with the gallery owners, whom I love to death, and they explained how it happened. Long story short, the owners of the building were unreasonable and they had to leave shop in an extremely short amount of time and didn't have a chance to call all the artists to get their work.
So, as of right now, there will be no solo show:( Perhaps if the owners get the gallery and frame shop back up and running, I may be able to show later in the year, but for now it's all off. My pieces are going to be moved to several businesses that appreciate art and may help get my name out and possibly sell the piece off the wall.
I'm pretty bummed. I've been planning this for seven months now and had all the pieces ready to go. I've actually avoided applying to shows and galleries in June so it didn't conflict with the show. I'm also worried because most galleries are booked for the year (or more) so I may have to wait over a year for another opportunity to show my work.
Le Sigh.
Regardless, I'm now looking for shows and events locally to get the word out about my papercuts in town. We just decided to not move out of town, and found a beautiful tiny house to rent with a great finished shed (more of a separate building/room with windows and heat and everything) that will become my studio.
Not all bad news, but still pretty bummed about the show.
Oh, I'm on twitter now too. Terrifying, but maybe it will drum up some support or sales?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Introducing: Make
Make
16x28 mounted to 20x30
Single Sheet of Black Paper
Single Sheet of Black Paper
Inspired by my previous work, I, I have continued experimenting with texture and scale with this papercutting of my left hand. I was sitting at my desk working on some custom pieces when I noticed my hands were extremely dry. When I looked at them up close, the sun was coming in through the window behind me at the perfect angle. I could see all the wrinkles and grooves in my palm and I wondered if I could capture it with a papercut. This is the result of a very long design process. I really fought for this one! I'm very happy with the outcome and I really love the bold graphic in-your-face quality, but it also has a tranquil side...somehow. Hope you like!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Boys and Girls Club continued
So earlier, I mentioned that I had worked with the amazing kids at the Boys and Girls Club in South Portland, ME. I just found out that several of the papercuts were chosen to go up for auction! The pieces are being sold to raise money for the Club. This is a major fund raiser and I'm really hoping they make tons of money. The kids did such a great job!
You can see the pieces here, and even purchase them!
You can see the pieces here, and even purchase them!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
An homage to Tord Boontje
I had a wonderful person ask me to make them a paper chandelier through Etsy a few weeks ago. After playing around with designs and construction ideas, I came up with a two-layered paper lamp.
I used paper, since the lamp will be lighted with CFL bulbs exclusively. I have had it on for several hours and the bulb is still cool enough to hold your finger directly on it, and the paper is barely warm.
What do you guys think? Sorry for the terrible photography. I just snapped a few photos to get the point accross. If I continue to make these (hopefully) I will definitely spend a bit more effort on the staging!
Anyway, there are obvious similarities to Tord Boontje's incredible lamps. Didn't want it to look that similar, but I definitely used my own technique and trademark branches design. Not too many ways to make a paper lamp without doing some sort of conical shape. Hope he won't mind. I've been a HUGE fan of his work for many many years.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think? Sorry for the terrible photography. I just snapped a few photos to get the point accross. If I continue to make these (hopefully) I will definitely spend a bit more effort on the staging!
What do you guys think?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Not So Fast...
So after much reflection about my previous post, I realized one major issue: Is my custom page actually ready for an increase in interest? Will more people actually request a piece I don't have a well developed site that actually presents my pieces well?
The answer is no, I don't. Or atleast didn't. I hope I do now!
I spent pretty much the entire weekend reading about marketing, and all of today redesigning my custom anniversary paper art page: papercutsbyjoe.com/custom
There's a lot more words on the page, which I realize is a bit of a minus, but it lays out everything I have to say on one page and doesn't require anyone to travel through three pages before the actually know what I'm selling. I'm surprised they actually did before!
I added an About the Artist page, a fun jpg of where my pieces have found a home, completely re-did the Gallery page, and added a FAQ section.
I really want to get across the fact that I personally work with everyone, and that the piece I create for them is both worth what they are paying for, and will last generations. I hope that got across, please let me know if it didn't!
There has been a steady increase in hits from my google Adwords advertising. Hopefully things will start to pick up. Not expecting miracles, just something. Anything!
I'm sure I've got some major tweaking to do with the wording, but overall, I think I'll try this on for size for a bit. What do you all think of it?
The answer is no, I don't. Or atleast didn't. I hope I do now!
I spent pretty much the entire weekend reading about marketing, and all of today redesigning my custom anniversary paper art page: papercutsbyjoe.com/custom
There's a lot more words on the page, which I realize is a bit of a minus, but it lays out everything I have to say on one page and doesn't require anyone to travel through three pages before the actually know what I'm selling. I'm surprised they actually did before!
I added an About the Artist page, a fun jpg of where my pieces have found a home, completely re-did the Gallery page, and added a FAQ section.
I really want to get across the fact that I personally work with everyone, and that the piece I create for them is both worth what they are paying for, and will last generations. I hope that got across, please let me know if it didn't!
There has been a steady increase in hits from my google Adwords advertising. Hopefully things will start to pick up. Not expecting miracles, just something. Anything!
I'm sure I've got some major tweaking to do with the wording, but overall, I think I'll try this on for size for a bit. What do you all think of it?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Going for it
Friend-of-the-Blog ArtSnark, whose work I greatly admire, suggested in one of my recent posts to seek out publicity at various magazines and media outlets.
This has worked out well for me in the past, and I feel stupid for not doing it again sooner, but I definitely will! This past fall I wrote the editor of the local newspaper, and within two hours I had an interview. Within a week I was on the cover of the newspaper and had an online video interview and feature! Good fun!
So, because I am COMPLETELY incapable of holding back on anything, I'm really going for it this time. I have three major components to my "business": Fine art, Local Art, and Custom Anniversary Art. Therefore, I will be customizing several digital and printed press releases and harassing (politely) editors until I get some attention. All tastefully, respectively, and humbly done of course.
Here's the lineup, feel free to suggest others if you know of any:
Fine Art:
Crafts Arts International
Art in America
The Artist Magazine
Cloth, Paper, Scissors
Paper Crafts
Elle Decor
ART News
Paper Creations
World of Interiors
Local:
Down East
Portland
Boston
Maine Home Design
Port City Life
Custom Anniversary Art:
Rachael Ray
O
InStyle
Readers Digest
Better Homes + Gardens
Real Simple
The Nest
Lucky
Martha Stewart Living
(took FOREVER to get all those links!)
Frankly, if I get even one of these to so much as mention me in a footnote, I'll consider it successful. I have to believe that my work is the best thing ever or nobody else will think so. I've definitely learned that if you wait for things to come to you, often they never do and you have to sometimes show people what you are worth in order to get any attention. It's pretty much the only way I've gotten jobs, interviews, offers, gallery shows, displays, apartments, internships, articles...
I'm going to look into papercutting classes at Michaels too. I've got the Boys and Girls club workshop as experience and that was SO much fun.
One question for all of you to help out with: Should I send an 8x10 "custom" anniversary papercut to all the major magazines as a good visual (O, Instyle, Rachael ray, etc)? Lots of work, but might be worth it? I figure the more fine-art oriented publications can work with just images since that's really what they do anyway.
I'll share the stuff I'll be sending with the package with all of you when I make them (soon)
Thanks again ArtSnark!!!!
This has worked out well for me in the past, and I feel stupid for not doing it again sooner, but I definitely will! This past fall I wrote the editor of the local newspaper, and within two hours I had an interview. Within a week I was on the cover of the newspaper and had an online video interview and feature! Good fun!
So, because I am COMPLETELY incapable of holding back on anything, I'm really going for it this time. I have three major components to my "business": Fine art, Local Art, and Custom Anniversary Art. Therefore, I will be customizing several digital and printed press releases and harassing (politely) editors until I get some attention. All tastefully, respectively, and humbly done of course.
Here's the lineup, feel free to suggest others if you know of any:
Fine Art:
Crafts Arts International
Art in America
The Artist Magazine
Cloth, Paper, Scissors
Paper Crafts
Elle Decor
ART News
Paper Creations
World of Interiors
Local:
Down East
Portland
Boston
Maine Home Design
Port City Life
Custom Anniversary Art:
Rachael Ray
O
InStyle
Readers Digest
Better Homes + Gardens
Real Simple
The Nest
Lucky
Martha Stewart Living
(took FOREVER to get all those links!)
Frankly, if I get even one of these to so much as mention me in a footnote, I'll consider it successful. I have to believe that my work is the best thing ever or nobody else will think so. I've definitely learned that if you wait for things to come to you, often they never do and you have to sometimes show people what you are worth in order to get any attention. It's pretty much the only way I've gotten jobs, interviews, offers, gallery shows, displays, apartments, internships, articles...
I'm going to look into papercutting classes at Michaels too. I've got the Boys and Girls club workshop as experience and that was SO much fun.
One question for all of you to help out with: Should I send an 8x10 "custom" anniversary papercut to all the major magazines as a good visual (O, Instyle, Rachael ray, etc)? Lots of work, but might be worth it? I figure the more fine-art oriented publications can work with just images since that's really what they do anyway.
I'll share the stuff I'll be sending with the package with all of you when I make them (soon)
Thanks again ArtSnark!!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Introducing: Jen
Jen 2009
20x20 inches
20x20 inches
Black Paper on Illustration Board
I was staring at a profile silhouette I cut of my wife, Jen, when I had the idea of combining the very traditional profile with my new branch pieces. This is the result: One of my most detailed pieces yet. By far one of the most difficult pieces I have ever cut. DELICATE! but still bold and very graphic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
