[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"app-navigation":3,"blog-category-arties-eight":138,"posts-5-10-arties-eight":142},{"tree":4,"leafs":137},[5,30,47,64,77,133],{"uid":6,"label":7,"to":8,"children":9},"MTM0","Custom Frames","/ctg/custom-frames",[10,14,18,22,26],{"uid":11,"label":12,"to":13},"MjI3","Custom Wood Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/wood",{"uid":15,"label":16,"to":17},"MjI2","Custom Metal Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/metal",{"uid":19,"label":20,"to":21},"MjI4","Canvas Floater Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/canvas-floater-frames",{"uid":23,"label":24,"to":25},"MjI5","Stretcher Bars","/ctg/custom-frames/stretcher-bar-frames",{"uid":27,"label":28,"to":29},"MjMw","Frame Samples","/ctg/custom-frames/frame-moulding-samples",{"uid":31,"label":32,"to":33,"children":34},"MjMz","Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic",[35,39,43],{"uid":36,"label":37,"to":38},"Mjk0","Non-Glare Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/non-glare",{"uid":40,"label":41,"to":42},"Mjky","Standard Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/standard-glass-acrylic",{"uid":44,"label":45,"to":46},"Mjkz","UV Filter Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/uv-filter",{"uid":48,"label":49,"to":50,"children":51},"MjMx","Matboard","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board",[52,56,60],{"uid":53,"label":54,"to":55},"MjY0","Custom-Cut Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/pre-cut-mats",{"uid":57,"label":58,"to":59},"MjM2","Full Sheet Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/full-sheet-mat-boards",{"uid":61,"label":62,"to":63},"MjM1","Matboard Color Samples","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/mat-board-samples",{"uid":65,"label":66,"to":67,"children":68},"MjMy","Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board",[69,73],{"uid":70,"label":71,"to":72},"Mjg5","Custom-Cut Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/custom-foam-board",{"uid":74,"label":75,"to":76},"MjM3","Full Sheet Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/full-sheet-foam-boards",{"uid":78,"label":79,"to":80,"children":81},"MTM1","Framing Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies",[82,107,120],{"uid":83,"label":84,"to":85,"children":86},"MTM1-group-0","Assembly & Mounting","/ctg/framing-supplies/assembly-and-mounting",[87,91,95,99,103],{"uid":88,"label":89,"to":90},"MjQz","Adhesives & Glue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/adhesives-glue",{"uid":92,"label":93,"to":94},"MjQy","ATG Tape","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/atg-tape",{"uid":96,"label":97,"to":98},"MjQw","Hinging Tape & Tissue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/hinging-tape-tissue",{"uid":100,"label":101,"to":102},"MjQx","Photo Corners & Strips","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/photo-corners-strips",{"uid":104,"label":105,"to":106},"MjM0","Picture Frame Spacers","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-spacers",{"uid":108,"label":109,"to":110,"children":111},"MTM1-group-1","Hanging & Finishing","/ctg/framing-supplies/hanging-and-finishing",[112,116],{"uid":113,"label":114,"to":115},"MjQ0","Hanging Hardware","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-hanging-supplies",{"uid":117,"label":118,"to":119},"MjQ2","Cleaning Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies/cleaning-supplies",{"uid":121,"label":122,"to":123,"children":124},"MTM1-group-2","Protection & Storage","/ctg/framing-supplies/protection-and-storage",[125,129],{"uid":126,"label":127,"to":128},"Mjk4","GalleryPouch™ Art Bags","/prod/gallery-pouch",{"uid":130,"label":131,"to":132},"Mjc4","Photo Storage Boxes","/ctg/framing-supplies/backing-and-protection-supplies/clear-bags-and-storage-boxes",{"uid":134,"label":135,"to":136},"Mjgx","Sale","/ctg/picture-frames-discount",{"MjI3":10,"MjI2":14,"MjI4":18,"MjI5":22,"MjMw":26,"Mjk0":35,"Mjky":39,"Mjkz":43,"MjY0":52,"MjM2":56,"MjM1":60,"Mjg5":69,"MjM3":73,"MjQz":87,"MjQy":91,"MjQw":95,"MjQx":99,"MjM0":103,"MjQ0":112,"MjQ2":116,"Mjk4":125,"Mjc4":129,"Mjgx":133},{"id":139,"name":140,"description":141},"dGVybTozMzc=","Artie's Eight","In this series, we'll be spotlighting different artists, designers and photographers each month, digging deep into their creative and artistic processes. Whether you are just starting in your creative journey or a seasoned professional, you'll find inspiration at Artie's Eight.\r\n\r\nWith each interview, we will be asking 8 thought-provoking questions, ranging from their personal motivations to their go-to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/framing-supplies.html\">framing supplies\u003C/a> like \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/framing-supplies/mat-board.html\">matboard\u003C/a> and favorite \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/picture-frames.html\">frames\u003C/a>. The best part is, the answers will come straight from the artists who have real life experience in the topics.",{"posts":143,"total":265},[144,157,167,180,193,206,219,232,245,256],{"id":145,"title":146,"uri":147,"content":148,"excerpt":149,"date":150,"modified":150,"categories":151,"image":154},"cG9zdDo0NzI1","Meet Fine Art Photographer Charles Santora","/arties-eight/charles-santora-spotlight","\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Growing up in Pennsylvania and flanked by Philadelphia and New York City, Charles Santora has long felt at ease navigating big cities. His urban comfort zone is now his life’s work, as he travels the world to photograph the human experience in urban landscapes.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">Global Perspective\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">His assignments have taken Charles to London, Paris, China and many American cities. Using a signature point of view and processing style, Charles captures the essence of each scene in-camera, then digitally finesses these unique moments. The results range from crisp black-and-white streetscapes to colorful sunsets to painterly infrared portraits of Austin, Texas, where he now resides.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">Gallery Hopping\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">Whether Charles is photographing street dancers catching air in Oakland, California, or opera singers in Wuhan, China, his goal is to “reveal the soul of the city.” As a way to transport his work, Charles has become fond of Frame Destination’s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/gallery-pouch/gallerypouch.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>GalleryPouch\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. “I have bought 19 large size gallery pouches and have several more on order,” says Charles. “They are awesome! I now have a safe way to store my work at home and move my work safely between art fairs and galleries. Worth every penny.” Even though Charles expects 2021 to be all virtual art shows owing to the pandemic, like all of us he is waiting to see how the year pans out as more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations. In the meantime, he’s invested in his website with augmented reality and other cool experiential features.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/Gallery_Pouch_Santora-1/Gallery_Pouch_Santora-1.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-post-4725 wp-image-4729 aligncenter\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_300,h_225,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661679126/blog/Gallery_Pouch_Santora-1/Gallery_Pouch_Santora-1.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661679126\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">See More of Charles’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">Charles shares his latest work (and before-and-after-retouching videos) on both \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/charlessantoraphotography/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Instagram\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/csantoraphoto/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Facebook\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. His \u003Ca href=\"https://www.charlessantoraphotography.com/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>online portfolio\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> is a great place to peruse his photo galleries. And keep reading the Q&A below to discover Charles’s personal guidelines for connecting with viewers, his latest project, and even his astrological sign.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p1\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Charles Santora …\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>It started out as a hobby, an intended distraction from a very stressful job when I was working on the Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Project. I needed something to take my mind off of the work at nights and weekends. I had always enjoyed and appreciated photography, but had never dabbled in it on my own. Then my wife got me my first DSLR, and I was hooked. I fell in love with photography. As I educated myself on all aspects, I found the niche that really spoke to me. I had done portraiture, corporate headshots and even a wedding, but what I really enjoyed above all other niches is creating fine art prints. After building a portfolio of fine art images, I left the corporate world to become a full-time fine art photographer. It took some confidence-building to gain the courage I needed to make this huge move. My friends and coworkers encouraged me to have exhibitions. They love my work and that has been huge for me. I am so critical of my work, so opening up to accept and believe what others tell me about my work has really given me the confidence to do this full time.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>2. How important is it for a photographer to \"connect\" with their subject?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>It's huge! I have done a ton of portraiture and corporate headshots and its critical for the subject to feel comfortable and confident during the shoot. When subjects feel that connection with the photographer, they are more apt to relax and enjoy the moment; this will lead to portraits they love and are proud of. When the photographer and subject feel that connection, the subject will undoubtedly refer the photographer to others. This word of mouth generates more paid work for the photographer. For my fine art work, I want to take that “connection” in a little different direction. When I choose a photo to be exhibited, it’s one that I feel will create a connection with the viewer. That’s one of the test questions I ask about each proposed photograph when deciding if it should be made available for sale. Will the viewer connect with it emotionally? Will the viewer see themselves as the person (subject) in the scene? Will they feel they are part of the scene and actually want to be there? It has to pass this connection test.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Zero in and fine tune your area of expertise by shooting what you truly love to shoot and have that be the focus of the art you create. I was shooting portraiture and headshots but what I truly enjoyed shooting was fine art images. And the fine art images that I truly love to create is urban portraiture and cityscapes. This will lead to the artist being known and recognized as an expert in that specific area. Art buyers interested in a specific genre of fine art images will better connect with artists who are known specifically for a particular genre and not an artist who is a jack-of-all-trades (good at many things but not great in any).\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I was born in Philadelphia and spent much of my life in New Jersey, nestled between Philadelphia and New York City. Living in close proximity to these two metro areas influenced and inspired my appreciation for architecture and city life. I feel a strong connection to documenting the relationship between man and structure — the coexistence with architecture and infrastructure that city life necessitates. I've been told that my work is clean, modern and well composed. I like to think my work as being well organized and fitting tightly into a specific genre as well. This is very much modeled after my personality. My wife tells me its because of my Virgo traits.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I do indeed get creative blocks. I overcome them by getting out and shooting. I will walk around a city exploring and collecting ideas for fine art images that stimulate me. I try not to pressure myself before I head out by insisting on a quota for great photos. In fact, recently I’ve been teaching myself to be more deliberate and more picky with the shots I take. This has helped me to be under less pressure to achieve great images, and to be more patient. This patience leads to more creativity. I also like to look at other photographers' work to get inspired. It's not that I strive to be better than anyone (that's just silly), but it motivates me to be a creator with my own signature style. It's a great way to take a break from your work and appreciate the work of others and this in itself can get your creativity back on track.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Tripod. The tripod allows me to get more creative with my images while also being more patient and thoughtful when composing a scene. As a rule, I try to achieve as much of my creative process in the camera as I can, and the tripod allows me to do this.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I have recently moved to Austin, Texas, and I am currently working on a portfolio of Austin city scenes and architecture. I am also planning to do some abstract fine art photography. This has come about due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to stay sheltered. I am looking for ways to do photography while bunkered-in at home, exploring ways this abstract work can complement my urban photography.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What \"fad\" gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>My work is on paper and metal prints. Recently I had a couple images printed on lustre paper and face mounted to acrylic. I just do not like the look of acrylic prints as much as I do as metal prints and paper/frame. It's also very heavy, expensive and more tricky to hang.\u003C/p>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Cp>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated February 22, 2021\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Growing up in Pennsylvania and flanked by Philadelphia and New York City, Charles Santora has long felt at ease navigating big cities. His urban comfort zone is now his life’s work, as he travels the world to photograph the human experience in urban landscapes. Global Perspective His assignments have taken Charles to London, Paris, China […]\u003C/p>\n","2021-02-22T13:07:45",[152],{"name":140,"slug":153},"arties-eight",{"url":155,"label":156},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FD-Arties8-Hero_Charles_Santora-1.png","",{"id":158,"title":159,"uri":160,"content":161,"excerpt":162,"date":163,"modified":164,"categories":165},"cG9zdDo0NjY3","Horses by the Sea: Meet Photographer Jessica Cardelucci","/arties-eight/jessica-cardelucci-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Growing up in California, Jessica Cardelucci was never far from ocean waves or wild mustangs. Both are subjects of her artistic endeavors, and horses are especially near and dear to her heart.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Subject and a Cause\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although America’s mustangs are protected by federal legislation, population control efforts have led to removing horses off public lands. It’s a controversial issue, and Jessica is devoted to preserving an equine legacy through her photography. She even spent a year volunteering at a seaside horse ranch, ending each day’s shift roaming the ranch and capturing imagery of these noble animals. As a fellow four-legged mammal, I appreciate her efforts!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Platinum Parallel\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Jessica uses a 19th-century process that produces one-of-a-kind, handmade platinum prints. The medium is intentional: The rarity of platinum is Jessica’s way of paralleling the fleeting moments she has spent with wild horses, whose future is far from certain. The photo above, titled “Bolt,” is presented in our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/metal-profile-11.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>Metal Profile 11 in Frosted Black\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. “Frame Destination has made framing my artwork so effortless … while using the highest quality materials,” says Jessica. “The frames have always arrived professionally packaged in flawless condition.” We’re happy and honored to have a part in Jessica’s beautiful work.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Jessica’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Explore Jessica’s photography through her \u003Ca href=\"https://www.cardelucci.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>online portfolio\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> and on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cardelucci/?hl=en\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>Instagram\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. Beyond black-and-white imagery of horses, you’ll find black-and-white seascapes along with candy-colored ocean images whimsically titled “Salt Water Taffy.” In my Q&A with Jessica below, she shares what she’s been up to while sheltering in place in California.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Jessica Cardelucci …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I've always had a passion for photography as long as I can remember. As a kid, my favorite part of family trips was exploring the outdoors with the disposable film cameras my mom gave me. My love for photography never faded and I continued to explore the art. I am mostly self-taught from my personal projects and natural drive to create.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>2\u003Ci>. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>It is important to connect with your subject to tell your story. If you don\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>t understand what your work is about, you can\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>t expect others to understand.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Failure is part of success, never stop learning.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>My personality is very vibrant and outgoing, whereas my photographs are more intimate and express what moves me. They are opposites that complement one another.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>m currently stuck in a creative block as we speak. I\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>ve been forcing myself to join Zoom artist talks and get outside to create new images even if nothing comes of it. I overcome these hurdles by continuing to push forward.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Adobe Photoshop! I grew up in the digital age and even though I have a love for printing and the handmade platinum processes, I also love the digital workflow.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>ve been playing with cyanotypes while sheltering in place. I\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>m not sure if I will complete a body of work in this medium but it\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>s been fun to get my hands dirty while stuck at home.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>An underwater splash housing. I love our oceans and my husband surfs, so I had a vision of diving into underwater photography. It turns out I\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">’\u003C/span>m not the strongest swimmer and should really stick to the things I know best, like horses and seascapes — from the shore!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Jessica_-Cardelucci-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Jessica_-Cardelucci-1.png\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_534,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661524763/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Jessica_-Cardelucci-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Jessica_-Cardelucci-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Jessica Cardelucci\" class=\"wp-post-4667 wp-image-5028\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661524763\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\u003C/div>\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan>\u003Cb>Last Updated January 21, 2021\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Growing up in California, Jessica Cardelucci was never far from ocean waves or wild mustangs. Both are subjects of her artistic endeavors, and horses are especially near and dear to her heart. A Subject and a Cause Although America’s mustangs are protected by federal legislation, population control efforts have led to removing horses off public […]\u003C/p>\n","2021-01-19T16:46:33","2023-01-30T15:22:49",[166],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"id":168,"title":169,"uri":170,"content":171,"excerpt":172,"date":173,"modified":174,"categories":175,"image":177},"cG9zdDo0NTk3","Mother-Artist Balancing Act: Meet Megan Rowley Stern","/arties-eight/megan-rowley-stern-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Megan Rowley Stern spends her days balancing art with motherhood. The two aren’t so different, really. Both require nourishment. Each brings untold joy. Sometimes Megan’s oil paintings are a direct nod to motherhood as she captures this fleeting season in real time.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tale of Two Talents\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Growing up, Megan showed talent in both art and music, choosing the former for her profession and graduating with Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art from Brigham Young University. These days she paints landscapes, still life and maternity portraits from her studio in Provo, Utah. Her more whimsical creations include \u003Ca href=\"https://www.meganrstern.com/archive-installation-art.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>“Dream,”\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> an installation of paper airplanes at her son’s Montessori school, and a new passion project featuring oil painting interpretations of her son’s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.meganrstern.com/tinytrucks.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>truck drawings\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the Sun Comes Up\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Megan’s body of work gave us lots of options, but we couldn’t resist featuring “I Know When the Sun Comes Up,” painted during the hazy days of caring for her first-born child. She framed the painting in one of Frame Destination’s new \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Canvas Floater Frame 797\u003C/b>\u003C/span>. “I love how Frame Destination’s floater frames showcase my paintings,” Megan told us. “Simple and sleek, they are just the most practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for me.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Megan’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Megan’s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.meganrstern.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>online portfolio\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> is the easiest way to appreciate her work. Check out my Q&A below to learn about her fondness of goal-setting, sketchbooks and her indispensable nitrile gloves.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Megan Rowley Stern …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I remember in sixth grade, my art teacher said she wished she could have a class full of me. She was so encouraging. As I moved on to middle school and high school, however, I got into music, and art took a bit of a back seat for a while. I played all sorts of instruments, but when I finished my freshman year I found that I missed making art. So I took biology over summer school and made room in my schedule amidst my music classes. One of my high school art teachers, Mrs. Adams, sat me down at some point and told me I had a decision to make: Would music or art be my passion? I didn't know. I moved across the country and started college, with both art and music classes in my schedule. It honestly wasn't until I missed the beginning of one of my musical performances to submit my art portfolio for the visual arts program that I realized I had chosen art! And I don't regret it one bit.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>2\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I think artists help society process the human experience. Art has been an integral part of human history. Since before written records, we have evidence of art. Artists take what's happening in the world and help people digest it.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Set goals. And then do the work. Someone recommended that I write down goals for where I want to be in my career in six months, in a year, and in five years. I did, and having that clear direction has been a huge blessing for me.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I am a seeker of order and balance, so that comes through in the composition of my paintings. I like my work to feel grounded and stable.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Creative blocks are actually fairly rare for me. As a mom, I am usually bursting with ideas and creative inspiration that comes from watching children grow and discover the world. But when creative blocks do happen, I always know I have sketchbooks full of other ideas to work on for a while. I can put the problem piece on hold for a bit and come back with a fresh perspective later.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Nitrile gloves are a must! I don't want to accidentally get solvents or paint in food that I cook for my family after I come home from the studio.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I am starting a series of \u003Ca href=\"https://www.meganrstern.com/tinytrucks.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>tiny paintings inspired by my son's drawings of trucks\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> and other vehicles. I love the raw expression in kids' art — how nothing is perfectly rendered, and yet the subject is portrayed so honestly. That's something I want to bring back into my work.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is the name of your favorite paint color?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Prussian blue. It's deep and rich, and I think it's just gorgeous.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Megan-Rowley-Stern2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Megan-Rowley-Stern2-1.png\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1269,h_662,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661518683/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Megan-Rowley-Stern2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Megan-Rowley-Stern2-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Megan Rowley Stern\" class=\"wp-post-4597 wp-image-4599\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661518683\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\u003C/div>\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated October 27, 2020\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Megan Rowley Stern spends her days balancing art with motherhood. The two aren’t so different, really. Both require nourishment. Each brings untold joy. Sometimes Megan’s oil paintings are a direct nod to motherhood as she captures this fleeting season in real time. Tale of Two Talents Growing up, Megan showed talent in both art and […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-10-27T13:03:52","2023-05-31T20:18:21",[176],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":178,"label":179},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FD-Arties8-Hero_Megan-Rowley-Stern-1.png","Megan Rowley Stern",{"id":181,"title":182,"uri":183,"content":184,"excerpt":185,"date":186,"modified":187,"categories":188,"image":190},"cG9zdDo0NDk0","Breath of Fresh Air: Meet Portrait Photographer Angela Navarette","/arties-eight/angela-navarette-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Angela’s optimistic-meets-realistic take on life serves her well as a portrait photographer. Connecting with her subjects is important, and when you’re photographing joyful high-school seniors one day and corporate executives the next, you need to adapt your personality accordingly. It also helps to slow down and breathe.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bringing Out the Best\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Having received her first digital JamCam in 2012, Angela has been shooting and learning ever since, and she’s now a PPA Master Photographer as well as a Certified Professional Photographer. Angela blends natural light and strobe lights to create the best imagery for her clients. She also is a big believer in taking her time and allowing herself to create.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texas State of Mind\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Angela is a fan of Frame Destination’s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/wood-frame-profile-852.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Wood Frame Profile 852\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> with \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/mat/crescent-8ply-ragmat-museum.html\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Crescent 8Ply RagMag Museum\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> mat boards and \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Non-Glare Acrylic\u003C/b>\u003C/span>. “It is my favorite presentation for custom fine art portraits, giving that museum-quality touch,” says Angela, who lives in Plano, Texas, not far from our headquarters in Dallas. She adds that her frame orders are “processed so quickly and cut so perfectly, all I have to do is put it together into a beautifully finished product.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Angela’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For a peek at Angela’s full body of work, visit her \u003Ca href=\"https://angelanavarette.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>online portfolio\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. For a glimpse into how she got started and which tool is her favorite on a sunny day, read on.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Angela Navarette …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I was a stay-at-home mom with two kids after a long career as a technical writer in the Dallas area. My automatic film camera broke and my husband bought me a small digital JamCam when digital was just emerging. I just kept getting better, more advanced cameras as they came out. My kids were my models as I learned how to shoot manually and understand light. People started noticing my artist’s eye and asking me to take their portraits. I thought to myself, “If I’m going to take portraits, I need to learn how to do it right.” I took my first professional photography class in 2012 and I’ve been taking portraits ever since!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>2\u003Ci>. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Oh, it’s so important to be able to make a connection with your subject. Often I have very little time with my subjects, but need to be able to evoke who they are in those few moments. I do my best to make them feel at ease while gauging their personalities. Eyes, posture, and expression are important to the subject’s friends and family in making an instant connection with the portrait.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>The best advice I have received is to slow down and breathe, haha. It seems silly but it is so true. There are so many things we have to think about as photographers, including the technical use of our equipment, the artistry of composition and color harmony, and connecting to our subjects. It’s a lot to take in all at once, and you can’t do any of it if you don’t slow down, breathe, and allow yourself to create.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I think my work shows that I am a generally happy person. I love bright, saturated colors. I like smiling — I smile a ton! I crack of lot of jokes. I’m easygoing and optimistic, but realistic, too. I think my work also shows that I have a serious side, and it’s quite all right to show your serious side now and again.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I DO have creative blocks and I try to combat them by looking at works of others I admire in this industry. Attending an art show or watching a movie helps me to get creative. Going for walks and exercising helps, too.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>At this point in time, it is my Hoodman Loupe. I need to make sure my photos are CLEAR when I take them, or we have just wasted a ton of time together! I love my loupe, especially when shooting outside on a bright day.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I’m always learning and striving to do better for my clients. I am currently enjoying working on lighting techniques in my studio and using gels in my portraits. It’s fun to add those pops of color.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Hmmm, I don’t really buy equipment based on fads. I buy for need, so I constantly make calculated choices that I know will help me do better for my clients. I know that sounds boring, but it’s true — especially for a generally animated, spontaneous person like me!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Angela_Navarette2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Angela_Navarette2-1.png\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1269,h_662,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1662566322/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_Angela_Navarette2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_Angela_Navarette2-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Angela Navarette Photo\" class=\"wp-post-4494 wp-image-4496\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1662566322\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\u003C/div>\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003Cbr>\u003Cspan>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated October 27, 2020\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Angela’s optimistic-meets-realistic take on life serves her well as a portrait photographer. Connecting with her subjects is important, and when you’re photographing joyful high-school seniors one day and corporate executives the next, you need to adapt your personality accordingly. It also helps to slow down and breathe. Bringing Out the Best Having received her first […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-10-19T11:07:49","2023-02-08T17:11:54",[189],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":191,"label":192},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FD-Arties8-Hero_Angela_Navarette-1.png","Angela Navarette",{"id":194,"title":195,"uri":196,"content":197,"excerpt":198,"date":199,"modified":200,"categories":201,"image":203},"cG9zdDo0NDM4","From Darkness to Healing: Meet Painter Christopher Johnson","/arties-eight/christopher-johnson-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>For many of us, bright colors can be a healing balm to a battered spirit. This is especially true in the artwork of Christopher Johnson, a self-taught abstract oil painter from Nyack, New York, who left a 20-year advertising career to pursue fine art full time.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hope Unfolds\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Prompted by his recovery from addiction, Christopher was 47 years old when he decided to pour into his passion. He uses vibrant color palettes and precise line work to inspire serenity, joy, courage and most of all hope. Christopher begins each project on the right side of the canvas with one or more marks. From there, the creative process unfolds organically.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Miami Art Basel\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The painting we’re featuring here is titled “Bruised, Battered, But Not Broken,” framed with our \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Canvas Floater M014 in Matte Black\u003C/b>\u003C/span>. Christopher was exhibiting this very painting at Miami Art Basel in autumn 2019 when he realized some framing hardware was missing. (Yes, we’re human!) Christopher explains, “I waited to assemble one of the frames the night before I left for Miami only to realize that some of the hardware was missing. I called Frame Destination the next day. They overnighted the hardware I needed to my Hotel in Miami allowing me to put the frame on the piece I wanted to show. They were super friendly and there was no hassle at all getting what I needed, quickly.” We’re just happy he was able to display his work elegantly at such an esteemed art show.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Christopher’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>You can follow Christopher’s journey on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/chrisjohnsonartist/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Instagram\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. In my Artie’s Eight Q&A below, discover Christopher’s most indispensable tools, and why his work is \u003Ci>not\u003C/i> a reflection of his personality.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cb>Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Christopher Johnson…\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>From my earliest childhood memories, I was always a creative and visual thinker. I loved \"making\" things: painting, ceramics, sculptures, etc. However, I did not pursue a career as an artist due to fear. It wasn't until my life completely fell apart that I finally decided to pursue my true passion and be true to myself. At age 47, I walked away from a career in advertising to pursue my artwork. The passion for abstract oil painting was first lit in high school when I realized I had a knack to express myself in bold, colorful and thoughtful ways. I have nurtured this passion for the past three years, and my career as an artist is unfolding in ways I never thought it would.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>2\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>As artists, our role is critical. Creative expression is vital to a healthy and open-minded society. Artwork inspires people, gives them hope and can touch a soul in a way that words cannot. The artist has a unique skillset to influence, inspire and help others.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>The formative experience for me was going through the pain and horror of addiction and then finding a way out through a recovery program. That program required deep self-discovery and change. Through that process I found the courage I needed to pursue my art, but also discovered the full extent of my passion.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>My work reflects my experiences and gratitude more than it does my personality. I'm a very quiet, laid-back, calm and introspective person. My work is vibrant, bold and full of life. The one area that my work reflects my personality is the thoughtfulness of the ideas behind my paintings.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>My mental health issues can cause blocks. I have severe depression, anxiety and OCD. Those can be extremely debilitating and block me from my creative process. Another issue I face is my need for perfection. It can paralyze me mentally making it difficult to even start. There are a few things I do that have proven helpful to overcoming creative blocks. One is guided mediation; it clears my head and puts me in more relaxed mindset, allowing me to just let go and create. Exercise and stepping away from it all is another. Lastly, when I’m really stuck, I will just pull out a new canvas, grab some blue oil paints and simply start with no idea in mind.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003Cspan class=\"s3\">I would definitely say patience. I work solely with oil paint. Blending and line work are two major elements of my style. As a result, my pieces take a long time as I have to wait for sections to dry at varying lengths in order to achieve the desired blending and precise line work. My other must-haves are phthalo blue \u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">oil paint and my #12 bright natural bristle brush.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Yes, in 2020 I am working on a new series of works that tell the other side of my story. To date, my works have focused mostly on the positive experiences and feelings associated with finding recovery and what recovery has done for me — concepts like hope, perspective, harmony, etc. This year I will be focused on expressing the more painful part of my story and what led me to recovery.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Phthalo Blue. Blue is my go-to favorite color, and for some reason it allows me to blend and get different hues more than any other color.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherJohnson2-1-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherJohnson2-1-1.png\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1269,h_662,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661896841/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherJohnson2-1-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherJohnson2-1-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Arties8 Christopher Johnson 2\" class=\"wp-post-4438 wp-image-4447\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661896841\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\u003C/div>\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003Cbr>\u003Cspan>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated October 27, 2020\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>For many of us, bright colors can be a healing balm to a battered spirit. This is especially true in the artwork of Christopher Johnson, a self-taught abstract oil painter from Nyack, New York, who left a 20-year advertising career to pursue fine art full time. Hope Unfolds Prompted by his recovery from addiction, Christopher […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-09-24T09:02:59","2023-05-31T20:16:03",[202],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":204,"label":205},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherJohnson-1-1.png","Arties8 Christopher Johnson",{"id":207,"title":208,"uri":209,"content":210,"excerpt":211,"date":212,"modified":213,"categories":214,"image":216},"cG9zdDo0NjY2","Listening to Color: Meet Artist & Muralist Charles Andrade","/arties-eight/charles-andrade-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Charles Andrade (pronounced ahn-\u003Ci>drah\u003C/i>-day) is equal parts artist and thinker. From his early endeavors as an art therapist to his more current passion for chalk pastels and custom wall designs, Charles gives rich, meditative thought to his work. Especially to color.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Theory that Changed Everything\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although Charles studied painting and art therapy in England, his fascination with color began when he was introduced to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The 19th-century German writer’s ideas inspired the young artist to study the interplay among light, darkness, humanity and spirituality. These principles have impacted his entire art career, including teaching positions from Aspen to Auckland.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fine Art, Murals and Workshops\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Charles currently lives in Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado, where he creates fine art on canvas using pastels, watermedia and digital mixed media. For the chalk pastels piece shown here, titled “Mother Worries,” Charles used Frame Destination \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/wood-frame-profile-502a.html\">Wood Frame Profile 502A\u003C/a>\u003C/b>\u003C/span> in Graphite, along with \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/mat/papermat-wc-4ply.html\">Papermat-WC 4-Ply\u003C/a> \u003C/b>mats\u003C/span>. “Frame Destination was very helpful, offering a wide selection of different sizes and colors for mats and frames to complement my artwork — as well as excellent customer service,” Charles says.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In addition to his fine art, Charles owns and operates Lazure Custom Wall Designs, a mural and decorative painting business specializing in a European glazing finish called Lazure. He also teaches, lectures and offers workshops around the world.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Charles’s Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Much of Charles’s work is featured on his \u003Ca href=\"https://lazure.com/site/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Lazure\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> website. He posts current projects (and even some guitar strumming) on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVeLWnpgvv/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Instagram\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/lazurebycharlesandrade\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Facebook\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/andrade3629/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Pinterest\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3i3DL8mYW28S9KcUDHcmw\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>YouTube\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. As a black-and-white furry mammal, I thoroughly enjoyed being schooled on color by Charles during our Q&A. Check out his responses below for an inside peek into a new passion project and his favorite paint color name (hint: his wife made it up).\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Charles Andrade …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Artistic activity was always in my childhood growing up. I did cartoons for our middle school along with another student. In university I majored in art (watercolor painting) but found it lacking in proper classic instruction of the basics of color, value and form. (It was the ’70s, what can I say?) During post-grad work in art therapy in England, I discovered Goethe's color theory and everything changed. His concept of color mediating between light and darkness opened up a world of new and more objective understanding of light, color and darkness related to human thinking, feeling and will. It set me on a new path to discerning my role as an artist and the creative process. It is a richly rewarding and still evolving relationship as I learn to listen to what color has to say to me. I am definitely a better person and artist for following this new approach to the world of color as it breathes between the polarities of light and darkness.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s3\">\u003Cb>2\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I believe that Western culture has pretty much exhausted the psychological underpinning of what is needed to create art. What I see too often now in galleries and museums is the same as what I saw 30 years ago working in mental hospitals in America and England, only now it has the stamp of financial approval. Historically, art has been a mediator between the spiritual and the corporeal in guiding humans to a more balanced and informed approach to life and what it means to be human. In our current cultural milieu, that has pretty much been lost as we continue to troll through the detritus of our narcissistic self-image for inspiration. The arts need a renewal: we need to become more objective and compassionate toward the elements we work with. For me as a painter, color is my medium, so the nature of color — the expansive quality of yellow, the dynamic power of red and the distant healing nature of blue — are the moral qualities (as they relate to human psychology) that I need to listen to in order to gain new inspiration to paint. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe understood this as he studied the phenomenal nature of color and its intrinsic relationship to human psychology. Only by listening to the spiritual foundations of nature can humanity arrive at a more objective and morally compassionate orientation toward what is needed to be created for the self and for society. We have detached ourselves from nature for too long; this damaged relationship has harmed us both, and now we need to mend the break before it is too late for healing.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>My entire artistic career pivoted on my learning Goethe's color theory and the wealth of knowledge his approach held to bridging the increasing gap between man and nature. Further investigation into the work of his most prominent student, Rudolf Steiner, solidified my philosophical orientation as a human being AND an artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I hope my work expresses the continued striving into nuanced color relationships that are based on an informed and more objective understanding of light, color and darkness.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I've discovered that time and distance (physical and soulful) are great remedies to creative blocks.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>While new mediums offer delightful distractions and sometimes clever insights to my work, it is more important to simply be observant and to listen to what the colors ask of me. This approach rarely disappoints.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I recently taught a painting course on “Imaging the Feminine,” and the research I did for it offered a wealth of material for me to create from. Currently I'm working on a series of interpretations of the iconic Lady of Guadalupe and her mystery. Very eye-opening material as I wrestle with the spiritual force behind this inspiring spiritual figure.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>“Vermillion Velvet.” This is a custom color we had made for our DIY Lazure painting kit. My wife came up with the name!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight\u003Cbr> \u003Cspan>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated October 27, 2020\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Charles Andrade (pronounced ahn-drah-day) is equal parts artist and thinker. From his early endeavors as an art therapist to his more current passion for chalk pastels and custom wall designs, Charles gives rich, meditative thought to his work. Especially to color. The Theory that Changed Everything Although Charles studied painting and art therapy in England, […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-09-03T14:26:48","2023-02-10T14:13:56",[215],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":217,"label":218},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FD-Arties8-Hero_CharlesAndrade.png","Charles Andrade",{"id":220,"title":221,"uri":222,"content":223,"excerpt":224,"date":225,"modified":226,"categories":227,"image":229},"cG9zdDo0MzE0","Making Visible the Invisible: Meet Artist Lauren Aczon","/arties-eight/laura-aczon-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>When Lauren Aczon’s parents gave her office supplies to play with as a child, she transformed them into mini works of art. In fact, she still has the drawings, hole punches and color-coded dot labels she created as a kid.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mapping Out an Artful Life\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These days, Lauren channels her artistic talent into hand-crafted 3D nautical charts and historic maps. Drawn to the unseen layers of the ocean, her paper portrayals range from the Scottish lochs to the Cancun coastline to the Hawaiian islands. The artwork featured at the top of this page is a depiction of the San Francisco Bay Area in 1974. “I just love the classic typeface and line styles from that period,” Lauren says.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stories Beneath the Surface\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Lauren enjoys working on commissions that have a personal connection. One family requested a 3D chart of the Aegean Sea as a surprise birthday gift for their sailor father. Another patron commissioned a chart to celebrate a rock climber’s favorite bouldering spot at Palisade Head, Minnesota.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Framing with Care\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Lauren’s process is painstaking. She builds layer upon layer of paper and craft foam, cutting the paper with an X-Acto knife and the foam with a hot wire cutter. She frames each work in her Oakland, California, studio, using Frame Destination’s \u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>UV glass\u003C/b>\u003C/span> to protect the intricate work. “The glass you offer lets the work shine through so crisp and clear!” Lauren says. That makes our day.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See More of Her Work\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As a globe-trotting panda, I enjoyed perusing Lauren’s artistic maps from all over the world. You can do the same by visiting \u003Ca href=\"https://www.neptunemaps.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Neptune Maps\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/neptunemaps/\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Instagram\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/neptunemaps\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>Facebook\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. Don’t miss my Q&A below, where Lauren shares her perspective on the artist’s role in society, her most important art tool and more.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Lauren Aczon…\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I have always been an artist. Recently I bought a business from someone who was aligned enough with my goal that I decided to run the business as is for a few years to learn the industry, then start substituting my own content.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>2\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I think artists have an opportunity to invite people to slow down, get closer and take notice. We play a unique role: to bring lightness or introspection to topics that can be heavy and impersonal; to make personal or singular what feels global, immense and collective; and everything in between. My own artwork likes to bring viewers closer in order to notice and wonder.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>It came from a large book titled \u003Cspan class=\"s3\">In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs\u003C/span> by Grace Bonney. In that book, Northwest artist Sarah Nauman reminded me that people aren’t just what they do or images on a page. They are energy; we are all energy.\u003Cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\">   \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>It is multi-layered, carefully composed, comprising parts to make a whole. The presence of maps and travel imagery evoke my own wanderlust, yet everything is oriented toward the fact that I am grounded in myself, no matter where I’m going.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Of course I do, and I’m not sure that I ever overcome them! I take a break, drink a hot beverage, call my mom, or take a walk with a friend. Then just keep going.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>Masking tape.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I want to create a series of houses in Oakland, rendered in multiple layers like the work I already do. There’s some pretty compelling stuff happening with housing in Oakland. I think it’s the right moment for this project, which I have been formulating for many years now.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\u003C/i>\u003C/b>I don't know about favorite, but there's a paint color name I'll never forget. A few years ago I was browsing colors for our spare bedroom and came across \"Lauren's Surprise\" — a pale blue — which tickled me simply because my name is Lauren. I was new to Instagram at the time, and posted of a photo the paint chip thinking it was cute; when, lo and behold, everyone read between the lines and thought I was pregnant! (I was not.) The likes came flooding in! Needless to say, we ended up picking \"Fleur de Sel,” another pale blue.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_LaurenAczon2/FD-Arties8-Hero_LaurenAczon2.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_534,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661443546/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_LaurenAczon2/FD-Arties8-Hero_LaurenAczon2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Lauren Aczon\" class=\"wp-post-4314 wp-image-4315\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661443546\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u003Cem>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated September 18, 2024\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\n","\u003Cp>When Lauren Aczon’s parents gave her office supplies to play with as a child, she transformed them into mini works of art. In fact, she still has the drawings, hole punches and color-coded dot labels she created as a kid. Mapping Out an Artful Life These days, Lauren channels her artistic talent into hand-crafted 3D […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-07-29T15:01:56","2024-09-18T13:51:01",[228],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":230,"label":231},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FD-Arties8-Hero_LaurenAczon.jpg","Lauren Aczon Artist",{"id":233,"title":234,"uri":235,"content":236,"excerpt":237,"date":238,"modified":239,"categories":240,"image":242},"cG9zdDo0MzAx","Where Nature and Art Intersect: Meet Nature Photographer Christopher Morgan","/arties-eight/christopher-morgan-spotlight","\u003Cp class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">As a panda, I’m a fan of nature. I’m also fond of people who can capture landscapes in a way that calms my mind and thrills my heart. Enter photographer Christopher Morgan, whose colorful images of beaches, rivers, mountains and waterfalls are like bamboo for the soul. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Here Comes the Sun\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">If Christopher had listened to one of his college professors, his subject matter might be entirely different. The instructor criticized a sunset image declaring his student didn’t “have an eye” for nature photography. Fortunately, the unkind remark only lit a fire in Christopher to learn more and work harder. Looking at his body of work now, you’ll find no shortage of striking sunsets.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Nature on Display\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Christopher lives in Matthews, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. He created “Like A Moss,” shown here, at Fort Fisher Memorial Park in the southeastern part of his state. “What We Are Left With” was captured at Washington Oaks State Park in Saint Augustine, Florida. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">See More of His Work\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">To view more of Christopher’s work, take a peek at his \u003Ca href=\"http://www.apple.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">portfolio\u003C/span>\u003C/a> or his \u003Ca href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pixelthisimages\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Facebook page\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. If you’re in the Charlotte area, check out his exhibit at \u003Ca href=\"https://vanegallery.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Vane Gallery\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. He’s planning to donate some of his work to benefit the Charlotte Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala in the fall.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Get to Know Him Better\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">See my Artie’s 8 Q&A below, where Christopher reveals past intimidations, present favorite tool, and future project musings. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Christopher Morgan…\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/span>\u003C/strong>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I have always been fascinated with photography, but I was actually intimated by it growing up. My earliest memory of how I became the photographer I am today is seeing those minimalist, long-exposure seascapes with old pier pilings. I thought to myself, \"I want to create that!” It wasn't until I took my first film photography class in my freshman year of college that I began to understand how the camera functioned. By junior year, a digital photography course was offered and that's where the world of photography grabbed me and I was just along for the ride! I didn't want to just take cool shots, I studied and researched photography in order to fully understand the technical aspects. I am always inspired by other photographers, which continues my drive to learn this art.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>2\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">As a nature photographer, there is a different type of connection than taking photos of people. I have always been inspired and intrigued by nature and feel drawn to the details that nature has to offer. Sometimes I feel connected to the colors, other times the light reflections or movement of water. Whether it be a pier, or a simple rock in the scene there is something that draws and connects me to the image I'm creating. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">An experience I had that made me determined to succeed in landscape photography was my professor junior year of college. He told me not to do nature photography. I had submitted sunset images for a project and he harshly critiqued them, telling me that I did not have an eye capturing the sunset. This infuriated me because while taking these photographs I felt a sense of inner peace that was not present in my other work. The experience made me want to work harder and improve my skills with the goal of bringing the escape I felt to others via photography. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">My work tends to capture bright colors which represents the creative side of my personality. I also love to stay active which is represented in my love for capturing movement in my photography, including water and clouds.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I suffer from anxiety and depression which are the main causes of any mental blocks I experience. I have to remind myself that going out and capturing images or working on a project will benefit my mental confidence which will reduce the creative block.\u003Cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  \u003C/span>Photography provides a therapeutic perspective by giving me a sense of purpose and bringing an emotional balance to my life. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Aside from my camera I would have to say my \u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s3\">tripod\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\"> because it provides the stable base needed to create sharp images.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I am currently trying to find a way to bring\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s3\"> awareness to mental health \u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">through my images. My goal is to bring peace and calmness, but I also want to inspire others to go out and find what brings them to a more stable place like I have found in photography.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p4\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I recently purchased a photography drone because I noticed they are increasing in popularity however, I quickly realized that is not my specialty. Luckily, I was able to return it and use that money towards other equipment that plays off my strengths.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherMorgan2/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherMorgan2.png\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-post-4301 wp-image-4303\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_534,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661512358/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherMorgan2/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherMorgan2.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Christopher Morgan Photographer\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661512358\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>As a panda, I’m a fan of nature. I’m also fond of people who can capture landscapes in a way that calms my mind and thrills my heart. Enter photographer Christopher Morgan, whose colorful images of beaches, rivers, mountains and waterfalls are like bamboo for the soul. Here Comes the Sun If Christopher had listened […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-07-29T15:01:25","2020-09-03T12:25:11",[241],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":243,"label":244},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FD-Arties8-Hero_ChristopherMorgan.png","Christopher Morgan",{"id":246,"title":247,"uri":248,"content":249,"excerpt":250,"date":251,"modified":251,"categories":252,"image":254},"cG9zdDo0NjY1","Therapy for the Soul: Meet Visual Artist Stacey M. Torres","/arties-eight/therapy-for-the-soul-meet-visual-artist-stacey-m-torres-2","\u003Cp class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Gazing at Stacey M. Torres’s vivid, whimsical paintings, you might never guess that she battled depression most of her life, and cancer more recently. In fact, it was out of desperation that Stacey, at age 61, started sketching as a means of therapy. Turns out art helps calm her turmoil, and no doubt aficionados of her art have had their spirits lifted, too. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Perfectly imperfect.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Stacey is a folk artist specializing in ethnic art, especially women of color. She enjoys taking liberties with human form; for example, her females always feature one eye that’s higher and angled. That’s simply part of her unique perspective, and when critics complain, Stacey has a healthy response: “What people think of me or my art is none of my business.” Let’s all get that printed on a T-shirt!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Color brings her happiness.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Acrylic paints and colored markers are her favorite mediums, but she also creates with watercolor pencils. Her subject matter goes beyond females to exotic birds and “fantasy gardens” — all swirling with bold, beautiful shades that reflect her Caribbean roots. Fun fact: Stacey’s work has been featured in season 10 of the CBS show “Criminal Minds.” \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">See more of Stacey’s work.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">You can peruse more paintings by this New Castle, Indiana, artist on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StaceyTorresART\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Facebook\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/StaceyTorresART?ref=shop_sugg\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Etsy\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, or her online \u003Ca href=\"https://www.staceytorresartstudio.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">portfolio\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. Check out my Q&A with her below and discover Stacey’s take on an artist’s role in society, along with her favorite artist tool and hue that makes her happiest.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Stacey M. Torres …\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I studied art over 50 years ago, but never shared my work with the world until six years ago when I had a very personal calling — or need. It began as therapy for myself, but I quickly learned it was helping others as well. So, I've grown into a prolific artist, creating large bodies of work when the passion hits. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s3\">\u003Cb>2\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">While I do sometimes respond to “calls for artists” that are politically and/or socially based, it is not personally MY calling. Many artists feel that their art speaks for them with today's social issues, and some of their work is tremendously powerful. I, on the other hand, feel my art speaks through me, not for me. So, it's always a very personal thing. I'm at a stage in my life where art is a very peaceful, soothing and comforting form of self-care. People use the term \"self care\" way too much these days, but it's truly just that for me. I've had collectors tell me they love my garden paintings because it takes them away from the stress and harshness of the world. Well, it does the same for me, and if they feel the same calmness and peace from my work as I do, then I am happy. That is my goal.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">I've learned how to navigate my way through the landmines of critics and opinions of those who have no idea where my art comes fro\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">m. I am a folk artist. But, I also love creating abstracts and expressionist type works of art. My folk style does not resonate with everyone, and it certainly shouldn't. In the beginning, I was bothered by people who didn't understand how I create, or why I paint short arms on my female landscapes ... or that the left eye is always slightly higher and at an angle than the right. It's really funny, but that's just how I see them, and it does not offend me in the least bit. Thus, I've learned that what people think of me or my art is none of my business. I work in a realm that is pleasing to me, where people — as most of us are — perfectly imperfect. This is how I do what I do when I do wh\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">at it is that I do. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I'm Old School Bohemian, and live and dress in a chaotic array of colors, textures and styles. Color brings me happiness when life feels challenging and difficult. My art reflects that loose expression and vibe. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">I do get them from time to time. Becau\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">se I have suffered from chronic depression for much of my life, it sometimes drags me down in the worst possible way. What's maddening is that I didn't even know it was depression until I was almost 60. Well, because I love to paint with and surround myself with color, one would think I would immediately turn to my art when I am anxious or depressed. On the contrary, it shuts me down to the point that I freeze, and all my creativity is locked down. Recently, I went through a bout of cancer, and could barely function mentally, physically and emotionally. While I am gratefully in remission, it did take me almost six months to pick my brush up again. I had to make myself do it, and once I started, I threw myself into one of those passionate, madcap marathons painting for days/nights at a time. But, I can't really \"overcome\" these blocks. I can only come out of them when it's run its course with me.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Watercolor pencils. They can work for me under any kinds of conditions when needed.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Currently, I'm doing a series of fantasy gardens, as well as a few exotic birds.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Prussian Blue.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1.png\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-post-4665 wp-image-4233\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_951,h_497,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661536633/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661536633\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Gazing at Stacey M. Torres’s vivid, whimsical paintings, you might never guess that she battled depression most of her life, and cancer more recently. In fact, it was out of desperation that Stacey, at age 61, started sketching as a means of therapy. Turns out art helps calm her turmoil, and no doubt aficionados of […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-06-16T16:24:41",[253],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":255,"label":156},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres.png",{"id":257,"title":258,"uri":259,"content":260,"excerpt":250,"date":251,"modified":261,"categories":262,"image":264},"cG9zdDo0MjMx","Therapy for the Soul – Meet Visual Artist Stacey M. Torres","/arties-eight/therapy-for-the-soul-meet-visual-artist-stacey-m-torres","\u003Cp class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Gazing at Stacey M. Torres’s vivid, whimsical paintings, you might never guess that she battled depression most of her life, and cancer more recently. In fact, it was out of desperation that Stacey, at age 61, started sketching as a means of therapy. Turns out art helps calm her turmoil, and no doubt aficionados of her art have had their spirits lifted, too. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Perfectly imperfect.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Stacey is a folk artist specializing in ethnic art, especially women of color. She enjoys taking liberties with human form; for example, her females always feature one eye that’s higher and angled. That’s simply part of her unique perspective, and when critics complain, Stacey has a healthy response: “What people think of me or my art is none of my business.” Let’s all get that printed on a T-shirt!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Color brings her happiness.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Acrylic paints and colored markers are her favorite mediums, but she also creates with watercolor pencils. Her subject matter goes beyond females to exotic birds and “fantasy gardens” — all swirling with bold, beautiful shades that reflect her Caribbean roots. Fun fact: Stacey’s work has been featured in season 10 of the CBS show “Criminal Minds.” \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">See more of Stacey’s work.\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">You can peruse more paintings by this New Castle, Indiana, artist on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StaceyTorresART\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Facebook\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/StaceyTorresART?ref=shop_sugg\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">Etsy\u003C/span>\u003C/a>, or her online \u003Ca href=\"https://www.staceytorresartstudio.com\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">portfolio\u003C/span>\u003C/a>. Check out my Q&A with her below and discover Stacey’s take on an artist’s role in society, along with her favorite artist tool and hue that makes her happiest.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 class=\"p1\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Stacey M. Torres …\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p3\">\u003Cspan class=\"s2\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>1. What is your backgrou\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>nd; how did you get started?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I studied art over 50 years ago, but never shared my work with the world until six years ago when I had a very personal calling — or need. It began as therapy for myself, but I quickly learned it was helping others as well. So, I've grown into a prolific artist, creating large bodies of work when the passion hits. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s3\">\u003Cb>2\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">While I do sometimes respond to “calls for artists” that are politically and/or socially based, it is not personally MY calling. Many artists feel that their art speaks for them with today's social issues, and some of their work is tremendously powerful. I, on the other hand, feel my art speaks through me, not for me. So, it's always a very personal thing. I'm at a stage in my life where art is a very peaceful, soothing and comforting form of self-care. People use the term \"self care\" way too much these days, but it's truly just that for me. I've had collectors tell me they love my garden paintings because it takes them away from the stress and harshness of the world. Well, it does the same for me, and if they feel the same calmness and peace from my work as I do, then I am happy. That is my goal.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">I've learned how to navigate my way through the landmines of critics and opinions of those who have no idea where my art comes fro\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">m. I am a folk artist. But, I also love creating abstracts and expressionist type works of art. My folk style does not resonate with everyone, and it certainly shouldn't. In the beginning, I was bothered by people who didn't understand how I create, or why I paint short arms on my female landscapes ... or that the left eye is always slightly higher and at an angle than the right. It's really funny, but that's just how I see them, and it does not offend me in the least bit. Thus, I've learned that what people think of me or my art is none of my business. I work in a realm that is pleasing to me, where people — as most of us are — perfectly imperfect. This is how I do what I do when I do wh\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">at it is that I do. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">I'm Old School Bohemian, and live and dress in a chaotic array of colors, textures and styles. Color brings me happiness when life feels challenging and difficult. My art reflects that loose expression and vibe. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s4\">I do get them from time to time. Becau\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">se I have suffered from chronic depression for much of my life, it sometimes drags me down in the worst possible way. What's maddening is that I didn't even know it was depression until I was almost 60. Well, because I love to paint with and surround myself with color, one would think I would immediately turn to my art when I am anxious or depressed. On the contrary, it shuts me down to the point that I freeze, and all my creativity is locked down. Recently, I went through a bout of cancer, and could barely function mentally, physically and emotionally. While I am gratefully in remission, it did take me almost six months to pick my brush up again. I had to make myself do it, and once I started, I threw myself into one of those passionate, madcap marathons painting for days/nights at a time. But, I can't really \"overcome\" these blocks. I can only come out of them when it's run its course with me.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Watercolor pencils. They can work for me under any kinds of conditions when needed.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Currently, I'm doing a series of fantasy gardens, as well as a few exotic birds.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p6\">\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">\u003Cb>\u003Ci>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003Cbr>\n\u003C/i>\u003C/b>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan class=\"s1\">Prussian Blue.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1.png\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-post-4231 wp-image-4233\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_951,h_497,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661536633/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1/FD-Arties8-Hero_StaceyTorres2-1.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661536633\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply \u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight\u003C/p>\n","2020-07-14T10:46:51",[263],{"name":140,"slug":153},{"url":255,"label":156},65]