Art-A-Gogh-Gogh.

Yesterday Rabbit got us into the Art-A-Gogh-Gogh art show in Tempe for their Final Friday Art Walk. It was a great experience. It was my first art show since arriving in Phoenix and I must say it was definitely the boost I needed. I had mentioned before about some artistic struggles I have been experiencing prior to moving out here and I was having similar thoughts about art shows. Having gained more motivation in my artwork lately, I felt compelled to hit the shows again. I'm super thankful that I did. It feels good to connect with people through art again. Patrons, other artists, musicians..I had begun to forget how good it feels. Last night I felt this resurgence in a sense and was able to relax, have fun, and simply show people what I do. I got great responses from my works and met some interesting artists.

Phoenix is a place where it's citizens seem to be comprised of many transplants. So it's been cool meeting people from Minnesota, California, and other states in this hot little mountainous region. Be it at the skateparks, the shops, or the art shows, I love getting to hear peoples' stories about where they came from and how they got here considering I am in those same waters. The artists here seem to be frustrated with the culture (or lack thereof depending who you ask) and it's lack of art appreciation. However having been here two months and exposed to many different areas and avenues, I can't say I agree with them. Appreciations is everywhere, it's a matter of finding it. I had similar thoughts in San Antonio and though this appreciation we all seek may seem minimal at times, it doesn't mean it is nonexistent. I have found appreciation literally all over the world for my work. That's what is so wonderful about the age we live in, the Internet Age. It is so easy to not only show your work across the globe, but to get it in their homes as well with enough work, patience, and caring.

I have mailed off work across the nation to people who have only seen my work on the internet and it's a great feeling to know that someone miles away likes your work and wants it in their home enough to support you financially, allowing us to continue the artistic life. This isn't a hobby for me. This is my life. My livelihood. Something people forget or simply don't understand. I guess that's the area where I feel I am slipping in--not communicating those ideas enough. Not working enough to get people to understand that it takes more than putting a pencil to page or a brush to canvas. It takes energy. Emotion. Thought. And sometimes that cannot be quantified into dollars. But I digress..

I am looking forward to doing more shows in the area and surrounding states. It feels good settling in and developing roots here in Arizona, making connections with it's people. I didn't get any photos at Art-A-Gogh-Gogh last night, however I was able to work on some new drawings! Follow me on Instagram (@blue_731) to see them or wait for the next Delayed. Sleep. Phaze. coming out sooner than you think. It is something I am excited to create for you all once again.


Stay Creative,
BLUE731.