My illustration idea for a book of essays
Ego tells me to wait, pretend it never happened, if my picture isn't chosen. It might be too different from the other concepts, they might not like the colors, the font, someone else's idea is too similar.... Ego makes a ton of racket. But I try to listen to a wiser voice, so here it is. I sent in a contribution to Patti's 37days crazy idea, partly because I wanted to honor anyone who puts herself out on the line like that, partly because I wanted to see what I might come up with. I like what I did with the original a lot. And I wouldn't have gone there without the request for collaboration.
This guy would say I'm crazy for giving it away, that the publisher can afford to pay. But can I afford to pass by the opportunity to participate in another artist's journey, because I didn't see an almighty dollar attached? I didn't do it out of fear that someone else would get the job, or out of shameless self-promotion. I did it because I can afford to be generous, with ideas, time, spirit, and that's what Patti's book is all about. Go do a search on her page for the essay, "choose your seatmates wisely" and see what I mean. If I only have 37 days, I'm glad I made one more piece of art, even if a dollar never touches my hand again.
Comments (4)
I love your Challenge Card, and I love what you had to say about it. When trying to get permission to use a certain photograph in one of my own Challenge Cards, I was indeed told that "It sounds like the publisher is just looking for free art work." So what? I decided. It gave me a chance to be a part of something I could love. I had so much fun these past few days. I worked hard and turned out art that I can be proud of. Like you, I try to detach from the outcome ... But I really want in that book! LOL!
Good luck to both of us :)
Posted by Cindy Jones Lantier | November 30, 2007 10:35 PM
Posted on November 30, 2007 22:35
Right on! Your work is wonderful. I'm so glad Patti's blog brought me here.
Posted by Kikipotamus the Hobo | December 1, 2007 3:20 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 15:20
Ann - this had been an adventure for all of us, and what I have found so delightful is the encouragement and support that we have all received from one another. Your work is beautiful! I have so enjoyed seeing the interpretations in so many varied mediums. Since I am a fiber artist, I love to see photography or painting . . . . which I also enjoy, but feel that my strength is my work with fabrics and fiber. I am so happy for Patti that she is having this opportunity to share her inspiring words with so many others. I'll be watching for your work in her book! Nina
PS I'm in the Rocky Mountains, so we are kind of neighbors!
Posted by Nina | December 2, 2007 8:34 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 08:34
Ann -- I love what you did with the inspiration of the essay.
My own effort was pretty primitive--I don't do any sort of visual artwork at all, other than playing with my Canon digital Elph. Yet, I was inspired to contribute to Patti's collection of challenge cards, anyway.
Talk about ego chatter! I honestly came close to chickening out, but I hit the Send button with the card attached and mailed a printed copy to Patti the next day.
I can't wait to see more of the cards--the ones on Flickr are so much fun to view!
Love your work, and I'll be back to peruse more of it!
Posted by Rick | December 3, 2007 1:07 PM
Posted on December 3, 2007 13:07