Thoughts & Opinions

Book Review: Living the Atrist's Life - Sept/Oct 2005

Details: Created: Friday, 02 September 2005 03:42

This review was sent to us by Sharon Gottula of Hillstead Publishing, and was written by Mary Lou Martin.

An acclaimed guidebook for artists, Living the Artist’s Life is  written by the gallery owner and novelist Paul Dorrell. This book, now in its 2nd printing, has struck a nerve with artists nationwide. For sample chapters and endorsements, go to www.livingtheartistslife.com.

The book explains how Dorrell helped a group of unknown artists gain national recognition. It covers subjects from pricing your work, getting into galleries, and gaining publicity, to landing commissions. It also covers topics such as depression, self-doubt, rejection, and snobbery. The Rhode Island School of Design and several other universities have endorsed Living the Artist’s Life.

Dorrell has worked as an art consultant for the National D-day Memorial, the Mayo Clinic, and hundreds of private collectors. His monumental projects have included a presidential dedication, and a monument in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. He is on a tour of 60 cities, and recently spoke at Yale, the Chicago Artists’ Coalition, California State University, and RISD. His tour this fall will include the Art Students League of New York on September 20, and the Westchester Arts Council on September 21.

Reflections of My First Camp Brotherhood Symposium - Sept/Oct 2005

Details: Created: Friday, 02 September 2005 03:37

Early this summer I learned of the 18th annual NWSSA symposium at Camp Brotherhood, near Mt. Vernon, Washington through my sculpture instructor at the College of Southern Idaho. This was the first time I had heard of the symposium or NWSSA, and all it entails. With short notice, I began to make last minute arrangements to attend. After tying up loose ends with family and work, I made the trip to Washington State with a couple other gals from Idaho State University.

From the very first day that I arrived, I was greeted with warm and helpful guidance from the staff and other participants. I found the teachers and fellow artists to be very talented, knowledgeable, and sharing in their knowledge, and a very creative and fun group. The event was well organized in the presentation of the many workshops and the sharing of invaluable experience by fellow artists. Two examples are MJ Andersons’ insight regarding working with marble, and Tom Urban’s wealth of knowledge of both hand and power tool tips that make the job much easier. It would be impossible in this limited space to mention the whole amount of help, assistance, and instruction that I received from so many other wonderful people for my personal projects. And to all who contributed to my experience, I must say a giant “Thank you.”

The workshops were invaluable, and the field trips to the river memorable and rewarding. The meals and evening camaraderie were fun, and led to getting to know a wonderful array of lifetime friends and compatriots.

Any artist who would like to expand their personal knowledge of stone sculpture would benefit greatly from the experiences at this symposium.

Again, my heartfelt thanks to all of those who attended and helped in every way, and I look forward to seeing you all next year!

On the Arlington Centennial Trail - Sept/Oct 2005

Details: Created: Friday, 02 September 2005 03:31

Editor: We hope to have more in-depth information on these sculptures next time.

This picture was in the Arlington Times and is about the best affirmation and the greatest compliment for my art. This is the reason I make art.

On the Arlington Centennial trail are sculptures by Reg Akright, Nicky Oberholtzer, Pete Welty, Lance Carlton, and me.

The sculptures are on loan to the City of Arlington for one year. The sculpture in the photo is of gray andesite, about 6 feet high. Two vertical ribbons of Rune writing are inscribed on it. The runes are English words written in rune format, readable to folks after a moment of contemplation.

The inscription reads: “Dedicated to the Beauty of Earth.” A leaf is chiseled on the other side of the sculpture.

The little boy came by, stopped, and was really interested in the work. One of the park workers captured the photo; it was entirely spontaneous.