Evening Of Wonders

Artist Post: Amber Alvarez

Last week's words of wisdom from a talented and loving dad have probably been heard many times by his talented and lovely daughter...

"I thought this was going to be a drawing of a mouse, but once I got going this bunny started jumping up and down in the corner of my brain like, "Draw me! Draw me! I can do it!" I figure what do I know? So I made this bunny instead. After all, if your butt had a perma-poof stapled to it, wouldn't you use it as a cushion to boost you closer to dreams and wishes?"

~ Amber Alvarez

Artist Post: Salvador Alvarez

This week we look back at the humble [re]beginning of one of Provo Studio's finest:

"Nothing says hope to an artist more than blank canvas and a very large studio wall to fill. Cheers."

~ Salvador Alvarez

Before And After Friday

Brought to you by Jed Platt [The Building Whisperer]

Artist Post: Jake Buntjer

"Speak not of the parts undone... for it is in this unfinished mess that often sparks and unravels that needed bit of creativity and electricity.... these moments are special and dear to the artist that is stacking his delicate sticks that make his house a home. And his heart a poem."
~ Jake Buntjer

Artist Post: Haily Mishelle

I've had this deep, longing, yearning, hunger to create. Painting and I ended up on a really bad note last time. (Clearly demons don't want you to create.) *cue tons of fears and doubts about failing* But hey, failing is cool. Failing just points you in the direction of lessons you can learn. Goodness. Painting... painting just feels right... Neglecting art is neglecting my spirit. I was insanely rebuked today because of my neglect. The rebuke was followed by the greatest pep talk I've ever received. God works through other people. Always. And man, God is good. 
-Haily Mishelle

We Are Provo Studio!

This photo holds the record for the most Provo Studio artists gathered at one time. 

Be sure to look for more artists and art at our weekly Thursday Evening Open House, every Thursday evening from 6-9 pm. Also, we are now officially part of Provo's First Friday Art Stroll held the first Friday of every month. Our artists have been working hard to get new work finished for these events, so don't miss out. Stay tuned for info on shows around the valley and beyond featuring Provo Studio artists, and be sure to look us up on Instagram @provo_studio to get a peak at our artists' work in progress and goings on in our fun little studio.

Rights And Licenses And Public Domain. Oh My!

Looking for a wealth of information regarding copyright for visual artists, designers, illustrators and photographers? You should be. 

Pop quiz: how many of these terms do you know and understand the definitions for and differences of?

• Copyright
• Duration of copyright
• Copyright infringement
• Berne Convention
• Trademark
• Patent
• Public domain
• Fair use
• License
• Work for hire

How many of these did you get right? And more importantly, which ones affect you directly? 

If you haven't already clicked one of the links head over to www.visualartcopyright.com and brush up on your copyright knowledge and etiquette.

Homage? Pastiche? or Cryptomnesia?

...or just the same photographer making similar pictures.

Provo Studio Has Arrived

Provo Studio has arrived. We have finished our gallery space and we are on the scene. We have now participated in our first First Friday Art Stroll! And yes, I did say "first" twice. It's an art stroll around Provo, held the first Friday of every month, and this month was the first time we participated in it. We're very excited to be part of the local art scene and aim to soon be a hub of that scene. Don't forget we also open our doors every Thursday evening from 6-9pm to show off our latest and greatest works.

Devoted fans enjoyed work from seven of our talented artists. 

Patrons of the arts of all ages enjoyed the varied display of work.

Damian Pacheco Presents To 1 Million Cups Provo

Damian Pacheco is a fourth generation leather worker, drawn to this work by child hood memories of visiting his grandfather's leather shop. On Wednesday he spoke to 1 Million Cups Provo at The Startup Building - taking the floor right after the Mayor of Provo spoke briefly to the group. Damian talked about starting a small leather working business out of his bedroom, where he had to move his work off his bed to sleep at night, to his recent Kickstarter campaign, which funded the purchase of a new heavy duty sewing machine.

He showed off his current line of products consisting of climber's chalk bags that are inspired and fashioned after several mythical creatures. Several of the attendees suggested he market these through local climbing gear outlets and gyms - he already has. Others suggested he raise his prices to be more of a deluxe product - his chalk bags already are the most deluxe he knows of. Of course most importantly he talked about how wonderful it is to be part of Provo Studio and how it has helped him to grow his business. Go Damian! And go to www.damianpacheco.com to check out "The Jackalope" or "The Sasquatch"!

Shipping out orders for the Kickstarter campaign.

Working with the new machine at Provo Studio.

Just Some Minor Renovations

We're trying to create an atmosphere here at Provo Studio. You know, that sort of urban industrial design art gallery sort of feel. Maybe that comes from being artists working in an industrial neighborhood. Maybe artists just have an eye for stuff that's cool.

Our first attempts to spiffy up the commons space were both noble and humble. Working with old pallets we created some space to hang our work. As spiffy as we thought it was, we knew we could do better.

So we got more pallets, hacked them up, and made them into a wall.

We also used sledge hammers to make our front counter disappear; we didn't really have a receptionist anyway. Next to go will be the old and worn office carpet.

Going green is good...except when you want to display art on your gallery wall; that tends to be more of a gray area.

Artists often hang their work in a coffee shop. Often times someone sits in the corner strumming an acoustic guitar and singing. So we built a small stage for someone to sit in our corner and play music during open studio nights.

We are pretty excited about the space we're creating at Provo Studio. Much of the work is being done by the artists themselves. So basically we're turning our commons space into a work of art. Then we are going to hang and display more art for you to enjoy during our weekly open studio on Thursday evenings.

Déjà Vu

I've seen many photographs taken from The Embarcadero in San Francisco looking over the remains of this old pier towards the Bay Bridge. A lot of photographers have spent a lot of time taking this shot. But this is the first time I've taken this shot. Maybe it will inspire someone else to take this shot . Maybe this shot is just for me. Either way this photograph is my way of connecting to the memories and emotional attachments I feel toward a city that can offer such a serene and peaceful view in one direction yet literally over my shoulder offer the tremendous living pulse of 17,867 people per square mile moving through their day.

As an artist living in the year 2015, I find it a real struggle to create something original. The earliest paintings found on cave walls and ceilings are thought to be around 40,000 years old. There is no way of knowing how many artists have lived between 40,000 years ago and today. Many of those artists were very prolific. Being a photographer adds another aspect to the argument of what is original. Many would argue that anyone with a camera could stand in the same place as I have, hold a camera, push a button, and come out with the exact same photograph as I have.

But as an artist do I need to be completely original? Sometimes the images I create may look to many to be the same as other photographers' images. I've even come across an image on the internet of a popular subject in a popular location and had to look very closely to determine whether it was in fact mine or not. I have to accept that I'm not the only human being with a camera trying to create art. Most, if not all, humans at some point in their life attempt to create art. My desire to create art comes from a desire to connect with other humans. So why should I not want my art to look like someone else's?

Furthermore, what is original? Seeing as nobody has yet experienced the day ahead, who is to say it is impossible to create something totally original in the day ahead of me? And even though countless artists before me may have created a particular piece depicting a scene in the world, real or imagined, when I create a piece of art, it is the first time I have created it. It is new to me. It is my way of connecting to the world around me and the artists who have gone before me. With 40,000 years of collective art experience to be inspired by, who is to say I can't come up with something original? After all, the future has never been done before.

Photographing A Photographer

I don't know how it is in other art forms, but as a photographer I've noticed there can often be a sort of unspoken turf war between photographers that keeps us from being friends or sharing ideas. I don't like this approach and instead I find it very educational and inspirational to work with other photographers and share ideas. I also prefer to have a few friends with similar interests to my own.

Jay Dash is a phenomenal landscape and snow sports photographer. After starting work with him two years ago at a ski resort, I quickly noticed that he was one of those photographers that dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to chasing good light. Nearly every time he went out he came back with a more spectacular landscape image than the last. And if he didn't come back with something spectacular he took good note of why and went back later with more determination. 

Since then I've been lucky to tag along on many trips chasing light with him. He will often even ask for my advice and feedback on his images. But the wisest thing for me to do is watch and take good notes of what he does to capture such great landscape images. I have to say much of my landscape work of the last two years is a result of not just listening to my own advice but being open to what he has to offer.

As I said, it's always good to work with other photographers, especially when they agree to spend some time in front of your lens. It's a great opportunity to pick each other's brain and learn from each other. But mostly it's just a lot of fun building ideas off each other and coming up with some cool stuff...and good laughs.

The image above was made as part of a project Jay is working on that builds on a concept gleaned from yet another photographer. I'm looking forward to seeing his finished product and I'm glad to be part of the effort. In the mean time we had a lot of fun during our recent photo shoot at Provo Studio and I even have a fun new picture of myself thanks to trading time in front of the lens with Jay.

Photo by Jay Dash

This Week At Provo Studio

First off, the studio will be open to the public this evening for our Thursday evening open house from 5PM to 8PM. Come on by to see some great local art. Support our local artists and pick out a unique gift for your loved ones.

Our very own Sabrina Jill had a birthday this week. You can make her day by purchasing some of her Christmas work, either in person at the studio on Thursdays, or at sabrinajill.com/christmas-items/

Damian Pacheco has finished some new custom bags. Talk to him about a truly unique Christmas gift  for that special someone or check out his chalk bags for climbers on display at the studio or at www.damianpacheco.com

"Your job is not to figure out how it’s going to happen for you, but to open the door in your head and when the door opens in real life, just walk through it. Don’t worry if you miss your cue. There will always be another door opening. They keep opening."

Take 1.8% of your day and go watch this speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80-gPkpH6M
Trust me, it's a worthwhile 26 minute investment. The payoff is a lifetime.

Music-Loving Artist And Illustrator To Show Work

To say that Kristin Gulledge is a multi-talented artist is an understatement. It also understates her sheer talent of art. Her website describes her as "a music-loving artist and illustrator as well as a graphic designer specializing in print design [that's] also been known to wield a camera as a photographer." She is a busy artist. Apparently any time "she's not drinking fancy hot chocolate, she is decorating her wall and selling art."

Most recently she has been burning the midnight oil preparing work for this season's Art Market in Salt Lake City. This is a marketplace event that happens four times a year and features local artists. It is held at the Sugar House Garden Center. It runs this Thursday through Saturday. Check out www.utahartmarket.com for times and more details. And be sure to check out www.kristingulledge.com to see some of Kristin's diverse and talented work.

Creating A Community

Here is a short video of our lovely landlord, Zenobia Taylor, discussing our fledgling art community:

Provo Studio's Resident Leathersmith

Provo Studio's resident leathersmith, Damien Pacheco, has a new website up. Go check it out to view his talented work. Also come visit us in person at our open studio, any Thursday after Thanksgiving, to see many of his beautiful pieces in person. His chalk bags are sure to make a great Christmas gift, because here in Utah you're bound to have at least a climber or two on your Christmas shopping list.
www.damienpacheco.com

Provo Studio Weekly Open Studio - TODAY!!!

Provo Studio is continuing it's weekly open studio today. The studio will be open to the public between 5PM and 8PM every Thursday (okay maybe not Thanksgiving). Artists will have artwork on display and for sale in the commons space. Provo Studio is located at 189 W 500 S in Provo. 

Also going on at the same time is the Provo Food Truck Roundup, just around the corner, in front of the Startup Building. Get some food, check out some art.

www.facebook.com/pages/Provo-Studio
www.facebook.com/provofoodtruckroundup
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Startup-Building

Mythical Leather Chalk Bags Kickstarter Campaign

Damien Pacheco of Damien Pacheco Design has a Kickstarter campaign going for his Mythical Leather Chalkbags. There's an hour and a half left. Spread the word!