- The Bucket Digest -

If you ask a creative person if they feel they're creative, they might hesitate to answer because what really qualifies creativity? At its core, creativity is the ability to solve problems in a unique way. Even when you're creating an art piece, you're solving some sort of problem- a blank canvas, craft pieces you have lying around... Whatever it is you're creating, the initial problem was that something needed  to be created- Now, on to the main topic of discussion: how has creativity helped my career? I think it's best to first explain what my career is.  In technical terms, I'm a freelance copywriter.  My duties range from creating SOP templates to emails to even website copy.  It's a job that requires creative outlooks on a daily basis.  And I'd be nowhere in my career without it. Life without creativity is simply trudging along. My career without creativity would be no career at all, but just a job.  There would be no opportunity to voice my opini

I always found the announcement of a new artwork an interesting thing, simply because a finished artwork is never really "new" but rather just "completed." If you're anything like me, a "new" piece is actually an artwork you've been staring at for weeks on end (although there are some exceptions to this i.e. sudden inspiration that motivates me to complete a painting in as little as two days' time.) In any case, a finished artwork is an exciting thing to announce. Speaking of, here's my latest: It's titled, "Where Darkness Can't Breech," and it's about how even on our darkest days there remains a sliver of hope within us.  It's currently being showcased in Kent, OH at the FJK Gallery for their "Celebration of Light" exhibit. It's my first time having a painting in a gallery, so I'm really quite (but humbly) proud that it was accepted.  Speaking with the organizer was rewarding as well. Hearing his

    (Warning: 18+)       I t's 3:00am and my brain is mush. I've beat it to a pulp, running ideas back and forth on how I should start today's feature (lead-ins have never been my forte in writing ). Admittedly, I find myself rather doubtful of my capabilities today. Will I be able to complete every feature in the time I allotted for myself to do so? I am unsure. I am uncomfortable not knowing what the future holds--all of-- and even this small part of it. I am uncomfortable about feeling uncomfortable. Yet, here I am still, having a go at it. It's hard to accept, that the future can't be controlled-- simply lead.       A t least there are the artists . They rely on me to continue what I promised to fulfill. They cheer me on. I've been thanked. It's an amazing feeling, knowing that others are happy with my work and they feel I have represented them well. So, no giving up; not today or ever. Not just for these artists that deserve recognition, but for me as

 I love writing about other artists. "But Sky? Aren't you afraid of pushing people towards the competition?" Afraid isn't the right word. I feel more helpful than anything.  Because if someone doesn't resonate with my art, but resonates with another- why convince them to buy from me? In other words, the Art Community (at least the one I want to build) is about lifting one another up. Any of us trying to make a living from their art could very well use a new customer.  And I know the work it takes to become skilled as an artist.  The hours of study, the years of practice, the cost of materials... via GIPHY It's a LOT.  Besides,  My collectors are out there somewhere. All I require of myself is patience and persistence.  I'm in no rush on my journey to success.  Nothing wrong with taking my time :) You can see my artwork under the portfolio tab, or this link: https://www.artbyfib.com   But feel free to check out the Artist features on this site to see other

"You never know what might resonate with someone" It's something I once overheard at a vendor event. Something a mother was saying to her daughter (who was also an artist) - but something relevant to the both of us.  And I'm writing it now, so I don't forget.  It will stand as a quote to give me courage. Reminding me to put ANY of my artworks out into the world, even (or especially) the ones I don't think anyone would like.  Like this painting: An oil painting I made for fun, which sold once listed.  And then a commission request came in following the sale.  "A birthday gift to me" She loved it, and I was happy to see her happy. 

"She'll never make money at these vendor events..." At first, that statement sounded rather harsh, but then he said,  "Because she's a fine artist, and her work needs hung up in galleries, where people go to BUY art." Until I heard that, I had only briefly considered hanging my art up in galleries. I thought vendor events would be the best way to go-- they're local and lots of people attend the events.  But there's a "tough love" reality about that statement that has inspired me to search for galleries in my area and submit my artwork for consideration... Just to see where it leads. It's a new endeavor, so no luck yet- but I'll keep looking, and update you when my works gets accepted somewhere.  Perhaps the Riffe Gallery in Colombus, OH.  Or Ginko Gallery and Studio in Oberlin, OH.  I have a lot of research to do...  But stay tuned for details of the process and acceptance.  I'm rather excited to share the experience with you. 

Vendor events are quite scary to be a part of.  At least at first. Music On The Square in New Philadelphia was my third vendor event in the last two years, and I had a great time.  But the initial fear was still there.  Until I met my vendor neighbor. His name was Joey.  He was friendly and I enjoyed talking with him, and he helped me relax.  * Setting up was a fairly easy process this time.  I was running late initially, but was lucky enough to find a parking spot close to my vendor area so unloading was easy, and Joey was nice enough to help out.  Setup was easier this time around as well. I didn't bring everything with me.  By "everything" I mean the paintings I have hung up at the  Artisans on Canal  shop in Bolivar, OH.  My cars a bit too small to handle a 2' x 4' painting safely. 😅 But I still had plenty to show.  The event was from 3pm-10pm, so I took an old painting I had stuffed in my closet and worked on it to help the hours pass by.        I figured 7

If you've read, I'm a Bucket of Eccentricity , then you know this site isn't the most focused when it comes to content.  I suppose when I think about my writing, most of my articles come from everyday experiences. And as much as I'd like to gain blog traction by simply writing whatever my heart desires, it seems you cannot grow much doing so.  I need to become an expert at something.  If I had to choose, then my focus would absolutely, 100% be Art and anything art related.  Maybe I'll make a journal blog for my random things, but I'm going to refocus this one, and: weed out any articles not related to art (transferring them to another blog)  plan content ahead of time This may take some time, but it's all for the sake of further progress.  As to what you can look forward to on this site: Bi-Weekly Artist Features My Artwork Art Tips/Tricks Vendor and Shop Experiences Famous Artists and Their Work  So, if you: are interested in discovering unique artists love

    "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist" -Pablo Picasso      What are the rules, per se ? If you've ever taken an art class in middle or high school,  I'm sure you're familiar with the terms used to describe a painting, perhaps in light of a critique or just a regular lesson.  These phrases, once learned, direct us in how to go about creating an artwork in a way that makes sense not only to us as artists, but to our viewers as well.       Drilled into us at every project and learning  opportunity, words such as "balance, color theory, value,  foreground , background," are the most basic of terms. Then, there are the more complex descriptives, giving for a more specific take on a subject matter. Take for instance the term juxtaposition, which is used to describe the result of an artists' intentions  to bring out a specific quality of an artwork or to create a particular effect by placing contrasting or opposing elements

If you've been following this blog, then you're probably wondering why I have been inactive lately.  As many of you know, life has a way of... changing.  And well, there's been a lot of changes.  The biggest change is that I've started a new job.  My main job for the last 1.5 years was as a stay-at-home-mom.  If you don't consider this a job, consider the housely/wifely duties and how they'd transfer into the real world. i.e.  cooking (personal chef-  $31k - $101k yr ) cleaning (maid-  $27k yr )  taking care of the children's needs (caretaker-  31.4k yr ) tracking the bills/payments (accountant- 64k yr) setting appointments (secretary- 40k yr) etc.. etc... Anyways, that aside, I've recently taken up as a freelancer for a company called EarthMade.  My titles vary from copywriter to creative specialist, and I am currently writing daily for the EarthMade product newsletter.  www.earthmadeproduct.com I've always wanted to work from home, and I'm trul

      As an Acrylic painter, I truly admire the patience it takes to work with watercolor.  In terms of how fast a medium dries, the following list is from slowest to fastest: Oil, Watercolor, Guache,  Acrylic:       For all the love I have of painting, I am often impatient with it at times, so Acrylic has always been my go-to. It's also what I grew up using, so I've mastered it much further than I have its cousins.       Although, alternatively, there is a method that exists  that can speed up the drying process of any medium: via GIPHY  ^ the Blow Dryer     As easy as it seems, I don't know many artists who do it. Perhaps it's because most of us find ourselves wanting to take a break from a piece; to refresh the mind and encourage rest for next-day motivation. Perhaps too, one uses a medium's dampness to their advantage; with oil, to blend seamlessly, and with watercolor, depending on whether you paint wet on dry paper or wet on wet paper, its dampness can accomp