Kaleidoscope Art

In any setting where folks gather around a table to discuss what is art and what art is not I must admit I have my own views of what art is and what art is not.  Yes I have bias's just like anyone else.  I do try to keep my mind open to a wide variety of options and types of art.  I diffidently have likes and dislikes.

I like abstracts, modern, classical, primitive, landscapes, flora, just about anything. From pencil drawing to oil paintings, from photography to metal sculptures.

I do have a hard time liking a painting by an adult that looks as if a three year old child painted it.  I would rather have the child's painting than the adults.  To me if an adult has not progressed beyond that stage; it just leaves to many unanswered questions floating in my head.

Which brings me to my latest creations ... Kaleidoscopes.  It is not as easy as I thought.  One must have a good photo to make a good kaleidoscope.  Believe me when I say 'out of focus only makes it worse'. 
 
I'm finding various items make for very unusual kaleidoscopes.  Single items to a collage of items can add different dimensions.  Just pressing a button does not make it a beautiful kaleidoscope.  In the last two weeks I've had some really ugly things pass in front of my eyes as I play with the Photoshop Kaleidoscope filter controls on one of my photos.

Are Kaleidoscopes art?  To me they are...but one needs to wonder about a group of critics around a square table to what their verdict could be?

Copyright Law

Today I want to mention a law that is very important to anyone who creates an image.  By creating this item it’s an expression of you; so therefore you have a right to this item being covered by the copyright law.

A Federal law:***Copyright of all images stated by the laws of the United States (January 1,1978 Title 17, U.S. Code and further in Section 106 of the Copyright Act) T...here is a fine for this copyright infringement per image involved and another fine per image to the person/and or business that reproduces, copies, or prepares derivative works for another person. "No images on this site are to be reproduced or copied in any way. Infringement will be prosecuted in an Alaskan court of law".

I create photos which I call art.  They are covered by law just for the mere fact I created them as an expression of myself.  All my online shops mention coverage of the copyright laws to all my products.  

A watermark ‘AS2Designs’ is on each of my photos that I put online so anyone looking knows this is copyrighted. 

I charge a price for my art.  I expect a payment for my art if you wish to display it anywhere in your home, office, school, or mode of transportation.  This also means your computer, your cell phone and any other device that is connected so that you can download a copyright item or place onto these devices.

Most folks are not aware of copyright laws.  Nor do they understand the law and how it pertains to art.  And gasp big time - many do not care about the law.

I will tell you dear readers this – the times are changing - folks who create items are tired of those stating they are not aware of the law, and especially about those who do not care about the copyright law and Artist are fighting back very strongly against those who just help themselves to our creations.

Permission is needed if you wish to put one of my photos on your blog either just for displaying or discussing the photo.  Permission is needed if you want to share it on a social network (example I’m on Facebook but you are on Myspace and want to show your friends my photo there)…written permission covers both you and the artist Do It the Right Way!  

All art must also define (acknowledge) who the artist is if displayed.  A good example would be ‘Blue Moon over Anchorage’ by AS2Designs you would list next to photo or under it so that all who look know who actually created the piece.  It’s even better to say: with permission by artist AS2Designs ‘Blue Moon over Anchorage’, that eliminates any doubt to viewers.

My advice is simple: 

Do Not download photos for your personal use as a wallpaper or anything else on your computer it’s a Super Big No No!  And do not download to use to create another piece of art!! 

Pay for the item is the correct and moral thing to do.  Remember you were raised better than to steal and be labeled a thief. 

Do it the right way instead of the wrong way so that you never have to worry about being contacted by a lawyer, charged as a criminal, and paying huge fines.

Dinosaurs, Butterflies and Grant Application

 It’s not easy being me.  Some days I’m happy and some days I’m cranky.  Pretty normal I do believe for a person of my age and temperament.

In the mornings I check my emails, visit my social networks, view my online shops to see if an item sold, and then work for a while on my art my main excitement and a fulfilling job in my otherwise boring life as a semi-retired person.  

If errands need running or visit to grocery store needs to be done that is the afternoon highlight.

The last couple of weeks I’ve been working on a grant application for an Artist Project Award.  The Rasmuson Foundation offers each year three types of grants that various artists may apply to receive.  The first is for $5,000 called a Project Award.  Then a Fellowship Award for $12,000. The third is a Distinguished Artist Award of $25,000. 

 

As that my career is in the beginning stages; I am applying for as an ‘Emerging Artist’.  Not to give away my game plan of what I shall be doing; but I’ll say this if given the award I will taking lots of photos in the central and south central region of Alaska.

I have giant butterflies in my stomach.  They feel like dinosaur eggs.   

I hate to admit but I work myself into a frazzle at times over the simplest of things.  I’m happy to say this is my first application.  May the ones that follow become easier. 

I can only imagine what those applying for the larger grants feel as they turn in their application with their project written out in blood, sweat and tears (well that’s it felt for me while working on the 5 required sections that must be submitted).

This is the first of many steps I have set as goals for my career as a Fine Art Photographer.  I am keeping my toes and fingers crossed in hopes of being selected as a recipient and also acknowledge that the competition is stiff.  Alaska has a wonderful bounty of artists in many disciplines. When I went to the website to see past artist projects and the awards I was in awe of my fellow Alaskan’s.