Sunday, May 31, 2009

How to Use the Web for Artists OR a Lifeline for the Technologically Reluctant


I am doing a blog workshop this Wednesday at the Maleny Artworks Gallery. This post is also part of a panel I am taking part in at the Australian Ceramics Triennale in July this year.

Blogging can give people greater insight into the artistic process, most particularly how entwined the process of inspiration and making is in everyday life. I encourage all artists to find their own little corner of the internet, reading blogs, posting comments on others blogs and posting images to established blogs are all powerful ways of connecting with other artists and the wider community.

I heard an amazing statistic the other day...98% of web content is written by 2% of web users. Many people feel that blogging is something they just can't get into because they haven't got time. I maintain that artists can use the internet better, to meet their peers, learn technical information, gain inspiration and promote their own work. With this in mind I've compiled a list of links (or as I like to call it a lifeline for the technologically reluctant) This will enable you to dip your toe into the sea of blogs and wade out as far as you feel comfortable- who knows some of you may become addicted and venture off beyond the breakers!

Art and design
These blogs are good for inspiration browsing and researching names of galleries/markets etc that might be worth approaching personally.
Moda Muse- Australian Contemporary Craft and Design
Handmadelife- an artists blog featuring work from Ramona Barry and Rebecca Jobson and exhibitions around Melbourne, Australia.
Dear Ada- amazing art and design blog based in America but featuring international artists.
Design Sponge- design and interiors based in America, if you can get your work on this blog you will definitely recieve approaches from galleries- it is very widely read.
Udessi- Brisbane based artist and business woman Kim Wallace's blog connected to her online store, beautiful art and design.

Illustration Art- drawing and illustration blog.
High up in the trees- Gracia Haby, illustrator, zine writter and bookmaker extraordinare.

Fashion

Kris's Colour Stripes- fashion designer photography and colour swatches. Isolates the colours from his photos, excellent resource.

The Sartorialist- pure inspiration from fashion photographer Scott Schuman. Street shots from European capitals and New York.



Food
101 Cookbooks- cookbook author and photographer San Francisco based Heidi Swanson's cooking blog.
Not Quite Nigella- cupcake queen and food blogger from Sydney, Australia.

Recipe on Not Quite Nigella Blog


Photography

Simply Photo- Jennifer Causey excellent photography blog featuring international photographers.
Simply Breakfast- Jennifer Causey (professional photographer) beautiful photo blog of her breakfasts.

Jen Causey's latest breakfast.

Textiles
Kirin Notebook- Lara Cameron, Melbourne artist and textile designer gives insight into her studio and inspiration.

A shot from Lara Cameron's studio
Mantua Maker- Ruth Singer UK based textile artist and fashion designer.


Ceramics

Six Hundred Degrees- Sophie Milne, Australian ceramicist
Musing About Mud- Carole Epp's wide ranging ceramics blog. A good place to start.
Sawdust and Dirt- Michael Kline, a wood-firin' , country livin', dad from Carolina, beautiful pots and insights into the potting life.
Euan Craig- Australian born potter living in Japan and working with a top Tokoyo chef to create tableware and food that combine as one.



Australian Ceramics Triennale- Information about the Australian Ceramics Triennale and a comprehensive overview of the many exhibitors, speakers and ceramics. An excellent resource for those who can't attend in person.

6 comments:

Ann Ferguson said...

Hi Shannon,
I am a Maleny quilt maker and blogger. Really like your blog and your work. I have a piece in my studio. I also posted about the Maleny Show and your husband happened to appear there too!
Ann.

Mieke van Sambeeck said...

wonderfull information, wil take some time to look at all of them.
love it!!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Thankyou so much for the shoutout Shannon! I love your ceramic work, the bowls in the main image are just stunning! :)

Anonymous said...

i totally agree that blogging is conducive to the life and work of ceramics people... have talked to friends who are frustrated because their job isn't well-suited to having a blog because it isn't process oriented, there's less creativity involved and it's not integral to their non-work life... so if you're a potter, blog on.

Jay Dee said...

I'm a printmaker and for me, blogging and checking out other blogs is a way of expanding my knowledge in the field. Australia still seems to have a long way to go in its appreciation and knowledge of paper based art so it is great to connect with artists overseas via blogging and take heart from their experiences. It keeps me motivated to continue in my chosen field.

Kim Wallace :: Udessi said...

Thanks Shannon for including Udessi in your list! It can be very daunting and time consuming, but I have found it so valuable having a blog and more so reading other blogs such as yours - I just love finding out more about artists and their creative processes!