Happy Redbubble’Versary!

Wow! It’s been a year since I opened my Redbubble shop. I really can’t believe it!

It took a long time to find the best platform for me to use. I looked at Society 6 and really tried to make it work...it just didn’t. But Redbubble has been great! And I thank all of y’all for supporting my endeavors. Mmmwahhh!

If I could I would send everyone a gift card or special coupon code or something...unfortunately Redbubble won’t allow that.  I created this store so that more people would have the opportunity to live with (and in!) art. I know my paintings don’t fit into everyone’s budget, but most folks can treat themselves to a $2 sticker or a new mug. 

Again, thank you thank you thank you!

Stay tuned for more designs to be added to my shop. 

What should I add next? Taking suggestions!!

Xoxo

Filomena

“A Seat At My Table, Red”
1 of 2 of my pieces that you will see at the upcoming group Sanctuary Show at the Evelyn Peeler Peacock Gallery in Corning.
Reception Feb. 23rd 5-8pm. Join us!

Wow! There is A LOT of art going on! My mantra/dream/re-occurring hope was to have a Life Full of Art. I can say that I have accomplished just that. I find that I have to force myself to step away from all things art every few days (weeks?). Between teaching, preparing to teach, arting, publishing about arting, consulting with other artists, watching art documentaries, reading arty books, listening to arty podcasts...

Let’s just agree...it’s a lot. And I love it! Mostly. Like 98%. The other 2%? Grown up stuff like taxes, technology issues, and (ugh!) framing. I feel proud that I’ve been able to extend my arty reaches and look forward to where the future takes me.

...Like to residencies! I just applied to my 1st one, and will be applying to more. One day I will be able to host other artists on my lovely land. Cabins full of people doing creative stuff!! Woot!

LOVING my studio space!

"There are always flowers for those who see them." --Henri Matisse

And I want to see A LOT of flowers! 

One of my artist heroes is Ashley Longshore. Photos of her studio in New Orleans always show huge bouquets of exquisite flowers. I'm following her lead in my studio. How can you NOT be inspired with these lovelies lookin' at you all day?


I am having a great time working in my new studio space in Hornell. I feel really lucky to have found it!

 Here are a couple of paintings I started working on during my art trip in Lucca Italy. I want to create more works like this, on paper with lots of paint. My dear friend MG (also a fabu artist) says (something like): "People don't use enough paint!" She's right! Let's use ALL THE PAINT people!! (oh, and my scarf is one of my creations that can be found on my Redbubble shop)


What have you been up to? I've been busy with happy art stuff and teaching fun classes...please do check out my Instagram feed to see more...it's purdy over there! :)

Solo show announced!

I'm happy, excited, proud, and just a bit anxious to announce that I'm having my first solo show in the spring :)!

The show will open in April at the Peeler Peacock Gallery on Market St. in Corning NY. The other amazing artists listed above have set the bar very high and I have a lot of work to do. Luckily I am working with a patient and talented mentor and have a strong vision for the show. 

Stay tuned for more updates :)

Show dates are April 18 to May 11. 

Artist high!

Yesterday was a great art day. I hung 75 of my photographs for a project almost a year in the making, and I delivered a customized guitar (to be used as art) that made my customers happy.

Woot woot!

I wish everyday could feel like this!

I can't help but sing "Don't Stop Believin'" in my head :)

Art tent tour in Hammondsport

Here's my video on YouTube...just a short tour of my tent at the Hammondsport arts fair.

My booth took 3rd place in my division. Nice!!

Thanks for watching and please subscribe for more video fun :

xo

Filomena

I'm taking a class!

I live near Corning NY where luckily we have a few galleries and museums for me to loiter about in often. :)  One of my favorites is the West End Gallery. WEG showcases some of the region's best painters, including Martin Poole.


Sigh. I heart his work so much...and now I'm getting to take a class with him!


Yay!!!  The class is June 4th and 5th at 171 Cedar Arts...there may still be room if you're interested in signing up.  This 2 day class is called: The Portrait: Heads on a Textured Surface.   2 things I love a lot: heads and texture! Woot!


I have a bit of the "nervous-tingle"...there are sure to be some really fine painters in this class...let's just say, I'm going to find an easel in the BACK of the room :) 


I'm also feeling a bit of the "pride-tingle"...a few years ago I would have NEVER even had the courage to sign up for such a class...even though the class description says it is appropriate for all levels...I have the feeling I wouldn't have felt ready. Now I am ready to expand and learn and shake off the "I'm not good enough" feeling.  Ack! Excitement!


Stay tuned to see what comes from this experience. :)
Cheers!
Filomena

Upcoming Gallery Opening

I entered a juried show a little while back hosted by 171 Cedars Arts in Corning NY. The theme presented was "Freedom". I had a good time thinking about this topic and felt grateful that my work already used the idea of personal freedom as a major component. Here is the artist statement I presented:

• For the last year I’ve been painting a series of modern idols and investigating religious iconography. I am full of gratitude that I live in a time and a place where I can develop and explore my own personal spiritual practice, especially via my art work. I am not required to celebrate or pray to a particular deity or in particular way.  I believe that this freedom should be shared with every person, regardless of country of origin, sex, or status.

Thankfully, I was accepted into this show and have 1 piece on display alongside about a dozen other truly talented artists. 


Hope you can come check it out. The opening is Friday January 15 at 171 Cedar St. in Corning NY. 5-7pm.


After the show I'll add a photo but for now, let's all be surprised :)