It's that time of year when all of Saipan's local artists come together for a weekend celebration of their creative talents. Last year I added my brand of art to the festival and enjoyed the harrowing experience of letting the public judge my work.This was the first time that I had attempted to sell anything that resembled art, much less anything that I made. To my surprise, people validated my effort through the purchase of some of my work!
My friend Gil said that I should probably have more confidence if I hope to be taken seriously as an artist. He's got a point, I'm sure. Still was nervous that people would cast their vote on my worthiness with their feet and continue their stroll past my tent.
Lots of people stopped in for a visit, many of whom were my friends who were surprised that I had any art to display. I don't know what most people think of me (which is probably a good thing), but I'm pretty sure that none of them imagined that I produced art in any form.
The stuff I produce is the result of block printing. It's a multi-step process that involves planning the image, drawing the image, tracing the image, redrawing the image backward over carbon paper to transfer the image onto a linoleum block, carving the image into the block, applying ink to the block, transferring the ink to the paper, and framing the finished product.
It sounds like a lot of work and it is but I enjoy listening to music and creating images that represent my love of the Mariana Islands.
Well, my art will be on display once again this weekend and I've got some new pieces to unveil when I set-up shop tomorrow afternoon at booth A-29. If you find the time, stop down and check out the fruits of my labor!
*Speaking of the fruits of labor, thanks to Gus Kaipat for the use of the photo at the top of this post! I "borrowed" it from his blog post in April of 2007.
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