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Ideas, inspire, collaborate and share.

Plexified Course, Sales, 180 Degrees and Life

9/21/2011

6 Comments

 
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 I am loving this group of students. They are so creative and the artworks they have produced for this course so far have been fantastic! 
I don't want it to end and I know most of them feel the same! 
I am looking forward to putting together a little slideshow at the end for everyone to see the amazing works created by this talented bunch of artists. Not one artwork is a like or similar and not only have the students learned a few things, but I have learned a lot from them as well. What I especially like about this group is that there is no pressure to be the best or to create the most works, everyone has been so forthcoming and they have been willing to share their creative ideas with each other. As a result the amount of artworks produced and the quality and diversity of the work has been wonderful. 
Plexified is a 4 week online course teaching you the many possible ways to incorporate Plexiglass/Perspex into your art. If you are interested in find out more information about this course, click on the blue link.

Sales this Month on Etsy

It has been a great month of sales on etsy with these 4 works finding new homes. I have to say these are some of my best and newest works to date and I am extremely grateful that what I am creating seems to be sellable. I always have to pinch myself with every sale because it seems hard to believe i get paid for doing something I love. Great feeling and I am always humbled by the generosity and support of 'Gary Reef' collectors/patrons! 

180 degree turn

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My latest artwork is definitely a new direction for me and I have to say I surprised myself. Being an artist who loves to create lots of layers and textures this minimal approach is a 180 degree turn for me. But I have to say I like it. 
They say an artist's career goes through many stages, you start out putting everything into your work and as you mature you begin to take away and simplify everything down...ok i know this is a bit of an overkill and its too early in my career to do minimal but hey what fun. 
The story behind the image - One trip to Australia I was at the cemetery and I came across this grave stone with a black and white faded portrait of an old Italian woman. Anyway the grave looked unkept and forgotten and so I decided to photograph the woman and use her image in my own art, as I wanted to give her recognition, a new life and hopefully a place in someone's home to be remembered. And so I called this work 'I matter' because to me she did.

My life upside down up

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Just when you think you have everything worked out and planned life kicks you in the guts to remind you of how fragile, harsh and unforgiving she can be. 


As cher says 
Well, love don't need a reason
She can pick you up
Or leave you bleeding


We all get thrown a curl ball in our life from time to time and non of us are immune to chance, fate and destiny. We can make plans but really most of us don't know the outcome.
Change is scary especially when you have been stuck in a routine for a long time, but change is also freeing, exciting and good for spiritual growth. 
One thing i have realised about myself over this past month is that I am a lot stronger emotionally and spiritually than i thought. Things are not easy and i kinda feel a little lost in darkness at the moment but i can see where the light is, and so I am going to take one step at a time until i can see again. I owe it to myself to be happy! 

6 Comments
Laila
9/21/2011 06:34:22 am

Hei Gary...så hyggelig du skriver om kurset og om oss kursister...:) Jeg er veldig glad for å være en av dem. Du gir så mye av deg selv og gir meg mot til å stå på...har selv hatt en del problemer de siste årene. Så jeg sier bare stå på. Vi har fått utdelt dette ene livet...så gjør hva som er best for deg ut av det. Lykke til. Klem fra Laila

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Loryn link
9/23/2011 04:46:46 am

Even darkness has it's own beauty. Just remember to let the light in every once in awhile. It is within your grasp. xo

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Carol link
10/12/2011 02:51:10 pm

Hey Gary, you have so much to offer, and you give so generously - don't let the bad times get you down too much. You have a world full of friends out here, all on your side. XO

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Julia
10/14/2011 06:25:09 pm

Hey Gary, so sorry to hear of your life upheaval. So sad when something like that happens. I had to start all over again after 33 years of marriage and ultimately I am a better person for it. If I can restart my life, anyone can and I'm sure you'll do fine. Remember all the support you have in your artistic community and we look forward to having you back in Oz ..much love xx

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kruse link
10/20/2011 01:48:29 am

Hey Gary. I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling down and going through the break-up with your partner. Can I just take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU! for making all your lovely videos and sharing your artwork and generally being an inspiration to me and many other artists. I really enjoy your videos and websites and I just wanted you to know that even people who have never met you think you are great because of your work and because of your lovely warm personality that comes across in your videos. Keep going Dude, we loves ya!

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Jay
10/22/2011 06:14:07 am

Hey Gary-

I know its not much comfort now- but you're an amazing guy and have so much to offer. We've never met, but just watching your vids makes me think of you as a friend. I've learnt so much from them. You're so fantastically generous in sharing your art knowledge, and you have such a great open, supportive personality, that I'm sure you'll do wonderfully teaching back in OZ.
I too had a relationship end after 7 years- its rough, no doubt about it, but its definitely survivable. Best of luck - I know you'll find someone wonderful again.

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