I created a solo exhibition at Galerie F entitled "You Are Beautiful: the Next Chapter." 10 original works along with 10 prints each looking at the 10 years of the You Are Beautiful project. Also, 30 artists created unique pieces for the exhibition, each with the positive phrase.
Before the crowds, was the preparation.
Before the preparation, the actual work.
And it all starts somewhere. Here is the first sketch for Chapter 1. When I paused, and tried to avoid making a decision, my pencil was taken from me. It reminded me to just get going, and make it happen.
Solid mahogany never looked so colorful.
I then took all the drawings, and imposed them on the colorful mahogany to cut out.
The process is imperfect and handmade. The drawing is just a sketch, the final product comes out when it is cut by the saw.
The drawing is peeled off, exposing the actual piece for the first time.
Later, while cleaning out a birds nest that had been abandoned, I found one of these drawings used as an element of the nest.
Every piece was expertly placed, and perfectly glued down.
Many thanks to Alex, Jessica, & Johnny. This show was a monumental undertaking.
Let's get to the work, shall we!
1
Start anywhere
As long as it’s now
If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, you'll be waiting forever. Measure twice and cut once…but eventually you have to cut the board.
2
Keep going
You’ve got this
Everyone is not going to agree with you. People might not get it. And that's ok. Don't stop yourself short, trust you are doing incredible things.
3
Put your back into it
Get your hands dirty
If you're not going to give it your all - stop what you're doing and walk away. Don't be above any job, you need to be willing to do the heavy lifting.
4
Take action
Embrace risk
At some point you have to brave the climb, when there is no turning back. Make grand gestures, act unforgettably. Do things that scare the pants off you.
5
Create an impact
Do a lot with a little
Do something for a stranger unexpectedly, unapologetically say it's ok to be human. Be audacious, a little dangerous, give gifts and have fun.
6
Start a conversation
See where it leads
Nothing happens when you keep it all inside. Just say hello…something. Your individual voice will change to a dialogue, and nothing will ever be the same.
7
Make it yours
Run with it
Life is open source, it’s for everyone to interpret and rework. Get inventive, contribute in your own way by creating unique and memorable moments.
8
Work together
And invite people into your world
Give someone a chance to shine, give others opportunities you’ve only dreamed of. Lend a hand, and remember that we’re all in this together.
9
Be open
And define your success
Your path is unique, those bruises and scars show how you never held back. You have no way of knowing what lies ahead, and that's the fun part.
10
Be spectacular
Be you
We need you to be larger than life. Be your own parade. Do and create things that leave nothing the same. Let's be human to each other again.
Even more exciting, we asked 30 artists to each create a 12" x 12" You Are Beautiful piece for the exhibition.
Top Row (L-R): LUCX, Brooks Golden, JC Rivera, Mr. Switch, Clam Nation, Chris Uphues, Erik Harris, Shawn Smith
2nd Row (L-R): BWO (Goosenek), Sean Starr , Goons, Starshaped Press, Dan Grzeca, Andrew Lawrence , upso, Nice One
3rd Row (L-R): upso, Alex Synge , Mosher, Anna cf, Sent Rock , Penny Pinch, Annica Lyndenberg, Fugscreens
4th Row (L-R): Wren, Ben Wagner, Ian Ferguson, Adam Hanson, Don't Fret, Blutt, Jeremy Schultz, Sean Mort
Almost every single piece was scooped up on opening night.
These pieces were loved!
Check out the installation I did on the back side of the gallery.
