Hello 2012

The beginning of each year, historically, invigorates me. I’m full of hope and the idea of an entire year stretched out before me gives me a sense of ease.

I’ve always been fond of new year’s resolutions: it’s a chance to refocus on what is actually important to me, to clear away any mental clutter that has accrued throughout the previous year and to put the past behind me. Last year I set three pretty serious goals for myself, and excelled at one of them: participate in one art show. I need to keep a log of shows I participate in, but I think last year I hit at least 5, which is quite good, I think, considering I’ve not been in one before! My other goals were to lose 30 pounds and to take significant strides toward opening my own business. Well, I did lose 5 pounds! I also learned a lot about myself, which is invaluable.

This year I’ve decided to set more realistic goals: show some of my photography, aim for a healthier lifestyle and do something every day that benefits my art and developing that as a career. Pretty reasonable, I’d say. One unofficial goal I have is to revive Post Revival. Most of my recipients have moved and I haven’t kept up with their addresses. If you’re interested in receiving some artsy post cards, drop me a line!

So, in the spirit of the new year, I present the first piece finished this year, began two weeks ago:

As Yet Untitled
© 2012 Kelly Jacobi
5″ by 7″
Graphite on Mat Board

Grazing upon sprouts,
Nimble, deft and naïve,
Down, sent from roots and
Eyes lit by sun,
She takes what she feels due,
Her grace lost amid brambles and thorns.

Years have passed since I last did a piece in graphite and I was feeling a little nostalgic, so I broke out my Koh-I-Noor mechanical pencils and got to work. The preliminary sketch was incredibly simple and extremely small, so outside the general composition this was improvised. Very slowly improvised, but improvised none the less!

Here’s to a new year!

A Bit of Hibernation

The cooler weather has inspired a great sleepiness in me that has taken over my productivity. I’ve been such a slug!

I’ll get back to arting soon… yes, soon.

Been Inking

This morning was the Art Con 7 artist workday. It was a lovely morning and a lot of fun. I’m really excited about the show tomorrow evening.

In other news: I’m going to refocus on my health goals as well as on upping my creative output. I’m hoping that teaming up with my good friend on an exercise and health plan as well as participating in Illustration Friday and the Sketchbook Project will help me be successful with both!

A detail of a couple of ink paintings I’ve been working on.

Winter Inking 2011

I’ve been struggling with a creative block lately but have managed to create a couple of things I like.

Creative Allies Lights All Night Poster Design

Submitted a poster design for the Lights All Night New Years Eve party.

View my entry here: http://creativeallies.com/creations/kpr!

Exciting Fall Ahead

I’m going to show at Art Con 7 on November 12! From everything I’ve seen they do awesome events and a portion of proceeds benefit Musical Angels. Be sure to buy your tickets: http://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/22058230578448943!

This past weekend there was another Bolivar Arts & Music Collective show. Unfortunately, this one was put together in a hurry and had a far smaller turn out than their previous shows. It was still a lot of fun and I’m glad Justin and I participated! I displayed the same pieces shown at Premiere 23, so to save you the repetition I’ll just post some of the more fun shots from the Bolivar show.

My handsome fellow.

Photograph of me by my wonderful fellow.

My boyfriend, Justin, enjoying one of the bands.

Justin took a picture of me well into my marathon of a day.

Tree Plaques Available For Sale

Check out my Etsy shop for more details and to purchase.

Tree 1

Tree 2

Tree 3

Tree 4

Tree 5

Tree 6

Tree 8

I currently have 7 remaining.

Art Conspiracy Call for Artists

Art Conspiracy is having an open call for artists that ends tonight. I recommend signing up; there’s no guarantee you’ll be chosen in the blind raffle, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Premiere 23 Follow-Up

Premiere 23 logo by the glorious Alexis Ann Boots.

The show was great! It ended up being an elegant and fun evening that earned a sizable contribution for the North Texas Food Bank. I’m glad to have been a part!

Unfortunately, nearly every picture I took turned out blurry or out of focus so there aren’t many images from the event.

Mandi of Bead Circle and myself, dressed to the nines!

One of the large paintings I showed. Acrylic and colored pencil on wood panel.

Acrylic and colored pencil on wood panel.

Some of the tree plaques I made for the event. Acrylic and card stock mounted to stained and sealed pine.

My boyfriend also showed at Premiere 23. Pictured above is one of my favorite photographs of his.

He gave away some of his CDs, too. I recommend checking out the Schaefers Recording Cooperative Web site for more information on his various musical projects, all of which are very good. :)

I designed some mini-cards for him. We were able to feature different photographs of his on the backs of the cards.

The other artists in attendance all had wonderful collections on display and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next Art Gala event brings!

Premiere 23 Artists

Premiere 23 logo designed by the splendid Miss Alexis Ann Boots of Red Kru Productions.

Taken from www.alexissutra.com:

23 Spetember 2011: Premiere 23 a night for artists to display their artistic skills and be able to give back to the community. The evening will host several artists who will have their works for sale throughout the evening and each artist will donate a work for auction to raise funds for the North Texas Food Bank.

I’m incredibly excited about participating and grateful for the opportunity afforded me by Alexis. I’m also grateful for a chance to flex my creativity and give something back to the community, hopefully helping someone in need.

There will be many artists featured at Premiere 23 and the diverse crafts, styles and talent coupled with delicious food, wine and a great atmosphere promise to make this evening amazing.

Julie Brochu

Beadwork by Julie Brochu.

Painting by Julie Brochu.

Julie’s art features abstract figures, vivacious colors and interesting textures. She also creates intricate beaded jewelry. I met her briefly at Gala 13 and look forward to seeing her again at Premiere 23.

Nika Brochu

Painting by Nika Brochu.

Painting by Nika Brochu.

Nika is the talented daughter of Julie Brochu and will be showing at Premiere 23. She uses highly expressive colors and strokes and works in both the abstract and non-objective realm.

Austin Hanks

Art by Austin Hanks.

Art by Austin Hanks.

Austin is a fashion designer who will be selling his finished sketches at Premiere 23. I’m looking forward to meeting him at Premiere 23! Maybe he’ll be so kind as to give me some fashion pointers.

Michael Lewis

Painting by Michael Lewis.

Painting by Michael Lewis.

I’ve only seen two of his pieces but I’m already a fan of Michael Lewis’ work. I’m very excited to meet him and see what else he has to show at Premiere 23!

So that’s as much as I know of Premiere 23. The rest will be a delightful surprise!

From the Premiere 23 Facebook event page:

The evening is by invitation only, so if you wish to come email Alexis Boots at: artgala13@yahoo.com. There will be a $20 door fee and raffled items in addition to the auction which starts at 8:30. The attire is cocktail, the event will be catered and have beer and wine, children will be happier left home, so arrange your sitter ASAP and we all hope to see you there!