The Business of Being an Artist for a Living....

Well I can't believe we are already well into January...Happy BELATED new year and 2013 greetings to all....

As I begin to feel the winter hibernation starting to lift, (well I say that somewhat optimistically, as it has been EXTRA FRIGID cold around here)...Today I did take notice of how the sun was shining and the daylight hours seemed longer....so Spring is just around the corner....That makes me a happy gal !

On another note, lately, I have been exploring 'marketing' ideas, blogs, ...Since as an artist, the work of making art is just one part of the equation.  To actually make a living from the creative art making process..there are many other parts of a successful art career ....too many to list here...Perhaps, that can be the focus of another post sometime...For now I wanted to share something I stumbled upon that I thought was absolutely brilliant and cool...

It was a very thought provoking blog post on Jim Connolly's blog site...

A simple yet powerful way to help you overcome procrastination...Posted by Jim Connolly

This blog post shared an interesting way to tackle decision making....I loved it...thanks for sharing this with the world Jim Connolly.

Here are some art and career updates from my world and the things I am so grateful for:

• Renting a brand new art studio - 50 First Line, Elora....I began working in there steady these last few weeks and flow seems to be coming once again...this I owe to my creative muse....Great industrial space where I can teach and make lovely messes, while I create from 'heart space'
• I have been accepted into The Toronto Artist Project 2013...so excited about being part of this event...dates are Feb. 21st to 24th.  Opening Gala nite is Thursday Feb. 21st.  Check it out.
• Teaching at Homer Watson House and Gallery, encaustic classes over the winter and spring
• Involved in the Tarot Project...very exciting project birthed by the lovely Shelley Carter
• On another front, my creative wellness business is moving forward well, working on several contracts for Sheridan College...to learn more about that side of my life and career,  visit here
• I have also been invited back to the Gather at the Gallery art program in April for the Alzheimer's Society of Kitchener-Waterloo, working with people living with dementia

Here is wishing you all new year full of wonder, laughter, fulfillment and peace....

Exciting Updates

It is has been a while since I posted any news - so I thought I would do an update, things that are current and upcoming...

Currently, I have pieces at some great Holiday shows:
Homer Watson House & Gallery, end of season group exhibit and sale in Kitchener, Ontario.
I will be teaching there again in the Winter, on Friday Jan. 25th 10-4 and then again in the Spring, April and May 2013.
Strata Gallery , a fun new, funky, quirky gallery, worth a visit in the heart of Elora, Ontario.  I am pleased to announce that my solo exhibit, "Spirit House"  will be opening there in March 2013.
UpTown Gallery in Waterloo, Ontario.

I will be showing at the TORONTO ARTIST PROJECT (TAP 2013) February 21- 24th for the first time this year..and I am very excited to join this fine event.

"Me, Myself and I - In Pursuit of Meaning", Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage, 30 x 26 

Recently sold at UpTown Gallery, Waterloo.

Danse Macabre Opens Today at Strata Gallery, Elora

Opening Reception tonight, at Strata Gallery, 62 Metcalfe Street

Elora ON N0B 1S0, 1-226-384-5454

Come for a dance....visit, mingle and be merry.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Great Opening tonight of "Beyond the Cover, A book arts exhibit" at Whitestone Gallery, Guelph, ON.

It was so lovely to celebrate with Patrice Baker, our first two person showing of 'things that open', "Beyond the Cover, A book arts exhibit", running until September 27th, 2012 at the Whitestone Gallery, Guelph, ON.   Here are some more photos of the exhibit..I hope to get some of the gathering that attended..it was a lovely opening with so many supporters, friends and family..thanks to ALL OF YOU for attending...

Above By Patrice Baker

"Oracle", Encaustic Mixed Media Book Assemblage by Supria Karmakar

"The Broken Bud", Encaustic Mixed Media Book Assemblage By Supria Karmakar

"House of Numbers", Encaustic Mixed Media Book Assemblage By Supria Karmakar

" Maitri, Loving Kindness", Encaustic Mixed Media Book Assemblage By Supria Karmakar

"Time Traveller", Encaustic Mixed Media Book Assemblage By Supria Karmakar

Above and Below: By Patrice Baker

Above and Below: By Patrice Baker

Beyond the Cover, A Book Arts Exhibit - A Two Person Show Patrice Baker and Supria Karmakar, Opening Reception Thurs. September 6th 7-9 p.m. at the Whitestone Gallery, Guelph

Patrice Baker and Supria Karmakar invite you to a two person exhibit "Beyond the Cover, A book arts show", Opening Reception is Thursday September 6th, 7-9 pm. at the Whitestone Gallery, 80 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON.
Exhibit runs from September 1- 27th, 2012

Cycles of Time, Altered Book, Encaustic Mixed Media, 2012

Artist Statement

Beyond the Cover, a book arts exhibit  is a show of works that open, using old books, either in their sum or their parts.  In this series, the concept of ‘home’ is explored; where home like structures are created using book parts, found objects and collage materials with encaustic medium.  The structures are created to symbolize the notion of things that make up ‘home’ on a spiritual and/or emotional level.  

The ‘home’ symbolizes the ‘self’ of deeper consciousness outside of the ego center.  During a time in my life where great change is unfolding, the identity of self is questioned, explored and being reckoned with.  Places where we might feel a sense of brokenness, also opens the doors to a place of “Maitri”, loving kindness to self and a place where new stories to live by can be written, or created to be a guidance, such as in the “Oracle”.

In my artwork, I use found objects, antique findings, Bengali letters, personal iconography to explore visual narratives about life’s ever changing experiences and tell them here as stories, in a book, with chapters paying most attention to the spiritual aspects of life, feminist politics and cultural concepts.  The process and practice of visually creating allows me to delve into the mystic, experience intrigue, find solace, comfort and connection within my day-to-day human experiences.

Happy August 1st - Congratulations to Queen B 2 U

Happy August 1st....My draw for "The Wax Book: Altered, Repurposed, Remade" catalogue announcement for today goes to Queenb2u.....Congratulations on winning this great catalogue which showcases thirteen incredible artists working in the book arts and encaustic medium.

Email me to let me know your contact information, so that I may send it out by snail mail to you.

Congratulations again.  For more details about this great exhibit and catalogue visit this post.

email: supria@supriakarmakar.com

August 1st give away for "The Wax Book" and New Website....

In my last post, I asked for your comments or feedback regarding what you like to see on blogs - what keeps you coming back....in return for your comments & feedback, I will draw one name from the pool of those that left comments/feedback and the winner would receive the new "Wax Book, Altered, Repurposed, Remade" catalogue.

I will be making this draw August 1st..so there is still time to leave your comments on what you like to see or read about on art blogs....and what you might like to see from this blog site.

Also, I wanted to announce my new website is up and running www.supriakarmakar.com  check it out and let me know what you think.   I am grateful to 'Trademarksdesign' for their design and working on this with me.