In the coming weeks, the portrait painted project will implement some significant changes. First and foremost, the focus will shift from individual portraits (Phase I) to recreating historical paintings with individuals sourced from social networking sites (Phase II).
When I first started this project, I had no idea it would grow to the size and scale it has. But we went with it, setting a soft goal of 200 portraits seemed reasonable at the pace I was going, and since I was funding it on my own I could scale it down if time/money became an issue. As 2009 went on, I started thinking about the idea of recreating historical paintings with a modern twist – still sourced from the same participants of the portrait group - and started fundraising through Kickstarter, as well as seeking out grants to help support this new phase of the project financially. The paintings needed to be bigger and my closet home studio just wasn’t big enough and all the money raised would go towards a larger space.
The fundraising through Kickstarter was successful (thanks to supporters big and small) and I was awarded a small grant through the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) to continue Phase II of the project through 2010. Winsor & Newton came aboard as a materials sponsor and in November 2009, I was able to move into a studio space in Sunset Park. And, and obtained a residency in Vence, France for the month of April at Galerie Myra.
As most of you know, when I started this project, I was also a stay-at-home dad with a gorgeous baby girl (I am of course biased). I must admit, as much as I loved being at home with her and working out of the house, she needed more interaction with kids her own age and we were able to find her a spot in a wonderful little bi-lingual school not far from my studio. She’s learning Chinese and making wonderful friends and trust me when I say that when she runs to greet her teachers at drop off in the morning, I know we’ve made the right choice.
Enough about me, what does this mean for the group, etc? Essentially, I am scaling way back. It’s too much to manage two pages of friends a fan page and a group page. All were created to manage a quick influx of people excited about the opportunity of being painted, and that’s great, but it’s also exhausting. So I’ve had to make a choice. All the individual self-portraits in the project, with the exception of a few buyers, were done for free. Phase II of the project is financially supported (as in 80% of basic costs are covered through Kickstarter, BAC, and Winsor & Newton). As such, I owe it to the supporters to put forth my best artistic efforts to focus on that part of the project and see it to its end.
I have a few portraits that I am working on now, as well as the second painting of Phase II. Once those portraits are complete and posted, I will focus more on Phase II. Of course, if you are dying to have your portrait painted, I would not hesitate to be commissioned for one. AND, the completed portraits are definitely available to buy.
If you’d like to stick around and see how the second phase of the project unfolds, I encourage you to do so. I will still send calls for participation in Phase II through the group and profile page.
This past year has been a great adventure, and I appreciate all the kind words thrown my direction—even the bad words. That’s all for now—back to painting.
-Matt
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
First painting of Phase II complete
I feel like I’ve been living like a hermit for the past few months. Better to save you from my misery and post less than post at all. After nearly three month of languishing over The Feast of Bacchus, it is complete. Nine portraits in one 5’ X 6’ piece, this particular feast is filled with volunteers from the portrait painted project and I’d like to thank each of them for participating. Rather than call them out individually, I’ll just say “you know who you are and thanks for being the first— of what I hope to be many—guinea pigs.”
For those of you who know me personally, you know I really hate waxing intellectual about art. I don’t feel you need a master’s degree to paint (obvious since I don’t have one) nor do I feel you need to know anything about art to appreciate and talk about it. Viewers should be able to look at something and say “I like this” or “this is fucking garbage” and that should be sufficient. However, what I would like for people to take away from any experience of seeing a painting they enjoy is a desire to see more, to learn more, to be inspired more. More. More. More.
History has left behind some fantastic artists and thus fantastic paintings. The original painting, found here, by Velazquez is by far one of my favorites from the Baroque painters. This painting is generally referred to as “The Drunkards” and the reason I chose this as the first painting in this part of the series is that Bacchus, in the world of mythology, is known as the god of wine, propagator of the grapevine and a provider of joy. Alcohol was then (as now) a much beloved rescue for the common man in the street, and as such Bacchus was considered to brighten the lives of ordinary people. It seemed fitting as a first choice for a project focused on painting the “every person” (I know I too grow tired of the quotations, but bare with me) enjoying a bit of rescue.
Of course, the other relevance I see is that as the individuals in the original are depicted congregating to eat, drink and be merry, so do we congregate daily on such social networking sites as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Yeah, yeah ok, so we don’t exactly eat or drink online, but in a figurative sense, we do. Coming together on a daily basis with people we may or may not know in life and soak up the excesses via an online social networking so to do we feast.
For those of you who know me personally, you know I really hate waxing intellectual about art. I don’t feel you need a master’s degree to paint (obvious since I don’t have one) nor do I feel you need to know anything about art to appreciate and talk about it. Viewers should be able to look at something and say “I like this” or “this is fucking garbage” and that should be sufficient. However, what I would like for people to take away from any experience of seeing a painting they enjoy is a desire to see more, to learn more, to be inspired more. More. More. More.
History has left behind some fantastic artists and thus fantastic paintings. The original painting, found here, by Velazquez is by far one of my favorites from the Baroque painters. This painting is generally referred to as “The Drunkards” and the reason I chose this as the first painting in this part of the series is that Bacchus, in the world of mythology, is known as the god of wine, propagator of the grapevine and a provider of joy. Alcohol was then (as now) a much beloved rescue for the common man in the street, and as such Bacchus was considered to brighten the lives of ordinary people. It seemed fitting as a first choice for a project focused on painting the “every person” (I know I too grow tired of the quotations, but bare with me) enjoying a bit of rescue.
Of course, the other relevance I see is that as the individuals in the original are depicted congregating to eat, drink and be merry, so do we congregate daily on such social networking sites as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Yeah, yeah ok, so we don’t exactly eat or drink online, but in a figurative sense, we do. Coming together on a daily basis with people we may or may not know in life and soak up the excesses via an online social networking so to do we feast.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
An honest, top 10 list of lessons learned in 2009
2009 really was an amazing year for us at Held Studios, but it's always important for me to reflect on the things learned along the way in order to keep perspective on where we are today.
Let me set the stage for this post with a nod to a girl who's name I can't remember. She emailed us about half way through the year to ask Matt for advice on how to become a successful artist.
Right. Ok.
I am sure the response went something like this: "Paint everyday, and everyday you can't paint draw. Network. Do something that is relevant and will get people interested in your work. Seek out criticism from others, it's the only way you'll get better. And then, tell me what you think being successful means."
She wrote back, said thank you and that she would do just that. I don't think we heard from her again, but that's not why I make the reference. All the things mentioned above are true for most artistic endeavors - just substitute "paint" for write, dance, act...But defining success is really the most important piece of it all.
If you define success by consistently selling work, or being represented, or getting published, landing a part you really wanted, receiving a grant, or a performing in a solo show, then strive for that "success".
Some people may think this list is too honest, or maybe unproductive, but it is what it is. The reason I put it out there is because of one little virtue my parents tried to instill in me: humility. So take it for what it's worth, but here is our honest top 10 list of lessons learned from our success in 2009.
1: All the press in the world does not put food on the table. People have to buy your work in order to make money.
2: The art world is a fickle, fickle planet.
3: Even famous artists still have laundry to do on Saturday mornings, most of them do it themselves.
4: Trying to make money making art is not for the faint of heart.
5: Asking your fans for money can be incredibly rewarding and really frustrating.
6: The goal you set forth a month ago that seemed so easy to achieve might fail - not because it was easy, but because you can't control the universe and it's important to know that's ok!
7: Creativity is only half the operation. Remember you are a business, even when people treat you like you are twelve, you are still a business.
8: Everybody wants something for free. (see lesson #1 for emphasis)
9: Sometimes it's better to go to bed, wake up and start over.
10: Success is not defined in the same way for everyone, you have to define it for yourself.
I am sure there is much more I could add to this list. It would never be fully comprehensive or exhaustive because as we go along, we learn more and more.
2010 could be better than ever, but not if we don't set forth a new set of goals, keep lessons learned at an arm's reach and remember that success is measured by ones own ideals, not those of others.
Best of luck and good fortune to all of you this year!
Let me set the stage for this post with a nod to a girl who's name I can't remember. She emailed us about half way through the year to ask Matt for advice on how to become a successful artist.
Right. Ok.
I am sure the response went something like this: "Paint everyday, and everyday you can't paint draw. Network. Do something that is relevant and will get people interested in your work. Seek out criticism from others, it's the only way you'll get better. And then, tell me what you think being successful means."
She wrote back, said thank you and that she would do just that. I don't think we heard from her again, but that's not why I make the reference. All the things mentioned above are true for most artistic endeavors - just substitute "paint" for write, dance, act...But defining success is really the most important piece of it all.
If you define success by consistently selling work, or being represented, or getting published, landing a part you really wanted, receiving a grant, or a performing in a solo show, then strive for that "success".
Some people may think this list is too honest, or maybe unproductive, but it is what it is. The reason I put it out there is because of one little virtue my parents tried to instill in me: humility. So take it for what it's worth, but here is our honest top 10 list of lessons learned from our success in 2009.
1: All the press in the world does not put food on the table. People have to buy your work in order to make money.
2: The art world is a fickle, fickle planet.
3: Even famous artists still have laundry to do on Saturday mornings, most of them do it themselves.
4: Trying to make money making art is not for the faint of heart.
5: Asking your fans for money can be incredibly rewarding and really frustrating.
6: The goal you set forth a month ago that seemed so easy to achieve might fail - not because it was easy, but because you can't control the universe and it's important to know that's ok!
7: Creativity is only half the operation. Remember you are a business, even when people treat you like you are twelve, you are still a business.
8: Everybody wants something for free. (see lesson #1 for emphasis)
9: Sometimes it's better to go to bed, wake up and start over.
10: Success is not defined in the same way for everyone, you have to define it for yourself.
I am sure there is much more I could add to this list. It would never be fully comprehensive or exhaustive because as we go along, we learn more and more.
2010 could be better than ever, but not if we don't set forth a new set of goals, keep lessons learned at an arm's reach and remember that success is measured by ones own ideals, not those of others.
Best of luck and good fortune to all of you this year!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy New Year! and goodbye to a great decade!
As we wrap up Christmas and look into the new year, there are a few things I wanted to say. First of all, 2009 was filled with firsts, all of them great and too many to mention, but I will say that the most important first is that right now, I am more pleased to be in New York than I could have imagined.
Four years ago, my wife said: "Let's just do it. Let's sell the house and move to Brooklyn." I admittedly thought she was kidding, but if I know my wife at all, her most solid quality is that of conviction. Once she sets her mind to something there is no stopping her.
We met in 2000 at a bar (she was dating an acquaintance who later set us up after their breakup). We married after a quick courtship and my life has been all the better since (I hope she says the same).
She is the driving force behind the success of this project and so aside from thanking all of you for the support and kind words over the past year, I need to thank her for her undying support, unwavering faith in my ability to be a successful artist and most of all, loving me. I look forward to another decade of firsts for each of our careers and our children.
Happy New Year!
Four years ago, my wife said: "Let's just do it. Let's sell the house and move to Brooklyn." I admittedly thought she was kidding, but if I know my wife at all, her most solid quality is that of conviction. Once she sets her mind to something there is no stopping her.
We met in 2000 at a bar (she was dating an acquaintance who later set us up after their breakup). We married after a quick courtship and my life has been all the better since (I hope she says the same).
She is the driving force behind the success of this project and so aside from thanking all of you for the support and kind words over the past year, I need to thank her for her undying support, unwavering faith in my ability to be a successful artist and most of all, loving me. I look forward to another decade of firsts for each of our careers and our children.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Squirrels
I am sitting in the rocking chair that I have so poorly taken care of over the years since Otto was born and staring out the window. Why is this significant you ask? Well, it's important because the chair is in the exact position as Matt's easel was just a week ago. This room was his studio, but now, it's my reading room. I LOVE my reading room. You will not find me out of this room for weeks, maybe months even. In the years since Matt and I have been together, he has controlled any extra space with his paintings, painting tools, easels, paints, you name it. I know you feel bad for me right? You should. It's hard to be a dedicated wife, supporting every act of creative reach your husband desires.
Oh, you want to know about the new studio space? It's pretty awesome! And it's not in the house. It's conveniently located over the hill and on the other side of Greenwood Cemetery in Sunset Park. We got an amazing deal on rent and the size is just perfect. Phase II has started and if you haven't been following along it works pretty simply. Matt posts an idea for a painting on a status update, you email him at mattheldproject@gmail.com if you'd like to participate and either he "casts" you for the project, or doesn't. If he does, you do as he asks with your camera and creativity and submit a photo by the deadline. Then he gets to put the pieces of the random people posing together and make it a masterpiece. Sounds simple right? Cool.
Well, while all you folks are chomping at the bit to be a part of it, I will be staring out my reading room window at the squirrels climbing up the tree across the street!
Oh, you want to know about the new studio space? It's pretty awesome! And it's not in the house. It's conveniently located over the hill and on the other side of Greenwood Cemetery in Sunset Park. We got an amazing deal on rent and the size is just perfect. Phase II has started and if you haven't been following along it works pretty simply. Matt posts an idea for a painting on a status update, you email him at mattheldproject@gmail.com if you'd like to participate and either he "casts" you for the project, or doesn't. If he does, you do as he asks with your camera and creativity and submit a photo by the deadline. Then he gets to put the pieces of the random people posing together and make it a masterpiece. Sounds simple right? Cool.
Well, while all you folks are chomping at the bit to be a part of it, I will be staring out my reading room window at the squirrels climbing up the tree across the street!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Posting Light
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Matt and I have been busy with getting so many different things organized - lecture in Savannah, finding a new studio space, making daycare arrangements for the youngest, getting organized for a spring show, finishing up the details from Kickstarter, finding a printer for the rewards. Phew! We have lots to tell you and I promise to post something interesting, witty, and shocking soon! Stay tuned Internet!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Kickstart my heart
So internet - I have not been neglecting you but various new things in my life have taken precedent over updating this blog such as planning for Phase II, submitting two grants for Phase II, fund raising on Kickstarter.com for Phase II, applying for a NYFA fellowship for Matt, planning a school fund raiser, planning for a trip to France in the Spring (Matt got invited to do a residency in Vence for the month of April), working full time, trying to find studio space that is "affordable", sleeping, and loving on two kids. The last mentioned being the most important because for every little thing we do - the driving force is those two little faces.
"Matt Held: facebook portraits" at Denise Bibro Fine Art, comes down this Saturday at 6:00PM. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, you should do so, like now. You could ask us if the show was successful. I would say yes, and no. We've received some wonderful feedback, but the economy still sucks and nothing has sold. That's part of the reason for launching the Kickstarter project, but also because the budget for this piece of the project is much larger. It will require a larger space for Matt to work in and more volunteers from the group.
Kickstarter is a web platform for creative types looking to fund projects - kind of like a micro-patronage networking site. Artists are quite limited to either sales of work, grants or both and let's face it - when sales are down, more people are competing for the same grants. Kickstarter gives us a chance to connect directly to people who can spare $10, but not a $1,000 in support of an artist working on a project they believe in. Sounds good right?
So yeah, Phase II needs space, much more space, but if you pledge your support, you also get some cool stuff in return, like an exclusive print, or a drawing from the portrait project. Check it out - pledge period ends October 14th.
"Matt Held: facebook portraits" at Denise Bibro Fine Art, comes down this Saturday at 6:00PM. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, you should do so, like now. You could ask us if the show was successful. I would say yes, and no. We've received some wonderful feedback, but the economy still sucks and nothing has sold. That's part of the reason for launching the Kickstarter project, but also because the budget for this piece of the project is much larger. It will require a larger space for Matt to work in and more volunteers from the group.
Kickstarter is a web platform for creative types looking to fund projects - kind of like a micro-patronage networking site. Artists are quite limited to either sales of work, grants or both and let's face it - when sales are down, more people are competing for the same grants. Kickstarter gives us a chance to connect directly to people who can spare $10, but not a $1,000 in support of an artist working on a project they believe in. Sounds good right?
So yeah, Phase II needs space, much more space, but if you pledge your support, you also get some cool stuff in return, like an exclusive print, or a drawing from the portrait project. Check it out - pledge period ends October 14th.
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