Egos Galore or Is it just me?

Recently I've collided some egos in the art world. How do I recognize this? because I am an admitted egotist with an inferiority complex.

Here are some examples; while at an artist meeting a lady introduced herself to me like this, "I'm Michelle and speak with a British accent." OK? it's not like my ears can't pick up uour charming British accent. I pass around my mushroom encaustic painting to the group and got a critique. The lady with the British accent said, "does the painting stand out as a painting? why was it painted in encaustic? Is it because I was just seduced by the medium?" What? Was I just insulted?

The other day another fellow artist and former friend (I broke up with her because she is high maintenance) called me to say that she had something to say that has been vexing her. She said my Virgin Mary with Jesus in her belly is very similar to something she painted over 10 years ago and she accused me of plagiarizing her work. OMG does that mean that all icons are plagiarized? Instead of calling her a crazy itch and hanging up the phone. I sought to reason with her but to no avail her mind was set.

Are there any new ideas really or has everything been done before? Years ago when I did my first assemblage I thought.WOW! I invented a new type of art. After researching a little further I soon discovered Assemblage art is definitely not a new idea.

When I picked up encaustic painting 6 or 7 years ago it was unique and new. Alas it is getting more and more popular, main stream and trendy.

I work hard at being a professional painter and artist; improving my skills and techniques, keeping my eyes and spirit open for inspiration and ideas, always striving to learn new things as they apply to my artistic vision.
I am secure with my artwork and I do not need to copy yours.

BTW most of the hits I get on this blog are people grabbing images of my artwork and photographs.

So I implore you readers, is there anything new under the sun or has it all been done before?
Let me know what you think about the questions of intellectual property, plagiarism and egotistical people, I promise not to take it too personally.

Young At Art or Listen To My Rant

It's still August and it's still all about moa. Are you sick of it yet? I found this nice article about me and my show in the Anchorage Press.

Judy Vars is really an artist who is young at heart. “I have been an artist my whole life, because art to me is like playing and I love to play. Art, like playing, is taking risks, letting my imagination run free, getting outside my comfort zone, learning new things and having fun,” she says in her bio.Vars works in several mediums including oils, acrylics, mixed-media and found-object sculpture. Her current exhibit showcases her work in encaustic art. In order to create encaustic art the artist heats beeswax (sometimes pigment has already been added, other times the artist adds their own pigments) and uses the liquid wax in much the same manner as one uses paint, with brushes and other tools used to manipulate the wax.
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Vars uses the wax to create multi-dimensional works of art, often adding found objects to her pieces. “I love encaustic wax for reasons not entirely definable. To me the medium is mysterious. Layers can be built upon layers and the transparency of some pigments let us look through to what lies partially hidden beneath. It can be molded, carved, heated, pushed, scraped, layered, and collaged into. I manipulate the wax and colors with specific results in mind, but ultimately the encaustic takes its own course and the results are always surprising.”The subject matter of Vars’ works is varied. She creates encaustic wax portraits portraying anyone from ancient Greeks to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. She also has several pieces portraying ghostly images, spirits, and skeletons.“Wizened and Natal” encaustic wax creations by Judy Vars. Madd Matters Gallery (105 E. Arctic Ave) in Palmer

But today I have been literally on the verge of a nervous breakdown!! Why? because I have been working on my art and doing other fun things with my life lately and I have not had the time to do any housework much office work either! Now all I can see is everything that needs doin; the walls need washing, the cobwebs, the carpets that need cleaned. Because of my packrat tendencies everything has to be sorted through and given away or thrown away. I cleaned my closet the other day and took out two large trash bags of clothes that I will never miss, like my old pin striped (tryin to be like one of the fellas) business suit worn when I sold cars another lifetime ago. .

To add insult to injury we live on a dirt road in Alaska I have never had to contend with so much dust. Plus my doggies, husband, grown kid, grand kids, the squirrels in the attic all do their part to mess up everything and do very little to keep it clean. YIKES ! DON'T JUDGE ME!

Why is it some lady's have it so together? I want a PA, trainer, agent, coach , secretary, web master, butler and a housekeeper.

Any takers? will trade for art. Where's my fluffer!!

Magic Mushrooms

Magic Mushrooms

These three sweet magic mushrooms were growing in my yard this morning, they were the perfect subject for my encaustic painting today.

Yep it's Monday and I'm back painting on schedule, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I paint, paint, paint.

Thursday I network, Friday I could do office work, Saturday clean and run around and Sunday I play, hang out with family and friends and relax.....Sounds like a plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It's August and Still All About Me!

August is my month! my Anniversary is in August, my birthday is August 20th, and my art show is up all month long at the Madd Matters in Palmer.

Here is a video of the reception last Saturday night, my friends, family and some patrons showed up; Thank God I did not have to stand around awkwardly while nobody showed up: Here are some things people wrote about my art;

Enjoyed seeing your work_ very ethereal and thought provoking Gale

WoW Judy! I love your work Very delicious Dawn

I Love your work and keep coming back for another look Molly

I loved your show you are Great! 10+ Guess what I love the fish

Your surfaces are so very rich! Like chocolate cake, I love it...

You are awesome I always like seeing a little piece of how your mind works I liked your Prayer thingy, Enigmas, the trees were were awesome, the scary stuff was pretty scary, the girl alone, Delphic and your Romans pics..you are the bomb!!! Jeannie

Judy, Your work has evolved - still evolving- as you are!! If I can with permission am proud of you_ Beautiful Artist Great Success Love Fran

Fantastic! Follow your style - Maintain 1 interest at a time. You will sell! Wonderful to meet you Susan