Hi guys,
As many of you may have noticed, Coffee and Pen Art has moved. I had been considering this change for a while, but with all the things going on in the past year (more on that later), just did not have a chance. I wanted a site that would give me a chance to change, evolve and expand as an artist and a person. Its difficult to let go of the past and embrace the change in the future.
Growing can be an unconscious decision, or a conscious decision. Unconsciously, you are growing from your squiggly circles of a 3 year old (darling daughters current obsession) to an adult-ish 'something' year old with a little knowledge of colors, lines and materials. Conscious growth is using that knowledge and expanding on it, through challenges, classes and experiments, whether you are a 3 year old, or a 'something' year old.
As an artist, your art is always growing and expanding. My art from 3 years ago, is completely different than my art today. The experiences that have gained through taking classes and self experimentation will always be the most valuable source of growth. Through experimentation, I found my current obsession with acrylics and resin, along with using watercolors in new and different ways. Through challenges, such as the #100daychallenge (by Elle Luna), you see how your art evolves within those 100 days. Your moods, your surroundings, your materials, all impact your art and challenge you to show how you feel through your brush or pen onto a nondescript material. These challenges force you to stay true to who you are, to show up every day, even when you don't have the energy to and to experiment.
Your confidence in your work also grows as you get more feedback and start submitting it to pieces. This past year has been a tremendous growth for my confidence in my art. Submitting my portfolio to the Annapolis Art and Wine on the urging of a close friend, I was shocked to see the acceptance in my email one morning. At a general conversation, I openly described myself as an artist, not only as a passion but also as a professional. This willingness (although often times fearfully) have led to commissions and collaborations that when I first started Coffee and Pen Art, I would not have imagined.
Look for more information, product launches and items coming soon on this new website. In the meantime, I leave you with these parting words;
“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ~ C. JoyBell C.