A whole new look -- art + movement & music -- I like it

Kiss, Organic Zen
Diana Campbell Rice

Talk about inspiration...revamping my art website renewed my art spirit.  Funny how that works!  I have an amazing web designer who is not only creative, but actually cares about what I think.  Seeing my art and fine art note cards displayed on my sales site with movement and music made me see them in a new way.  It was so refreshing to view my work in an updated format.  

The purpose of any sales website is, of course, sales.  As an artist, the entire image of the web site matters to me -- from the words, to visual, to ease of purchase.  I wanted to delight visitors with my art work and cards...and create a site that helps them move from image to image easily.  I especially like the purchase page on this site featuring mini-versions of each of my current collections -- it is so helpful for purchasers.

Thanks to the Rice Agency for capturing my work beautifully and designing a site with visitors in mind.  If you are interested in a website, I recommend Rice Agency -- 661.588.2488.  Here is the link to my new website:  www.dcrdesign.us -- take a look. I would love your feedback.

Sincerely,

DCR

Abstracts and Self-Value...a learning experience



Sunset Geo, Organic Zen Note Cards, Diana Campbell Rice, 
Note Card or Small Print

 Watercolor abstracts have been holding my attention for awhile.  There are times when I just love the freedom abstract impression gives me.  I am free to let my mind wander and my hands along with it.  This one, Sunset Geo, is one of the images in my latest line of fine art notecards, Organic Zen. 


A friend, CJ Jones, recently shared a post from social media guru, Jim Kukral, with the advice to stop devaluing what you know -   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSIJipEhUhY  I think many artists do just that -- they depend upon others to tell them their work is "good".   So many times we view our pieces as successful only if someone buys them.  I know, I have been there.     

This past year I have had the opportunity and time to explore, express and value -- value my own artistic ability and let it be expressed.  Yeah, I appreciate sales as much as anyone and depend upon them.  But what I have learned in this past year isn't about trending my art toward sales...it has been about loving the expression in the form it takes.  For me, art is sometime loose, casual drawings finished with watercolor and ink.  Sometimes my art is totally whimsical, with a simple, structured, and focused charm.  

Lately, the wildness and freedom of abstract design is all about trusting myself as an artist.  I love this new sense of value...so Jim Kukral's post resonated with me.  I hope you view it -- only a few minutes -- and take it to heart.  Thanks, CJ, for sharing -- I will pass on the message -- it is a good one.

Cheers...and...thinking of sales...the website to purchase my work is found at http://www.dcrdesign.us/

Best,
DCR

Jody Hollier, photographer, artist, writer...an introduction...

I am pleased to feature artist and colleague, Jody Hollier, on this week's blog.   A talented professional, Jody's photos are insightful, warm and relevant. She captures images we probably all see... but somehow don't register as significant of touching beauty.  I recommend you visit Jody's sites and support her as an artist.  I asked Jody to talk about herself and her work in an Artist Statement.   

Side note: Jody is the daugher of Judy Salamacha, a well-known community member, now living on the central coast

Jody Hollier
Artist Statement

After the rain, 8x8 photograph, JA Hollier

I grew up in Bakersfield, California, and at 18, life's adventures led me to Louisiana, where I attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts.

My artwork reflects my fascination with details- the varied colors and forms of metal, the grace of a rain drop clinging to a berry and the many images that surround us and often go by unnoticed in the hurry of living. It is my intent to draw attention to these details, elevating them from a fleeting glance and to offer them some permanence in this world.

The link to my Etsy site (direct to the photography): http://www.etsy.com/shop/jahollier?section_id=7136262

and to my FB page is http://www.facebook.com/jodyhollierphotography

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I borrowed this quote from Jody's facebook page...I think it speaks to the heart of every artist:

“I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is - Who in the world am I? -- Lewis Carroll

Linked In...artists...connect!


  As a professional artist, if you haven't joined LinkedIn -- you may want to do so...soon.

You will need to create a free account to get used to using it, then can upgrade from there as it fits your needs.  Go to this link http://learn.linkedin.com/what-is-linkedin/



Photo courtesy of Rice Agency



LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 80 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. 

In the groups section, you can join groups that pertain to the arts community -- it puts you in contact with people in your specific area of interest.

Take a look...I am so glad I did.

Best wishes,

DCR