"Tobi-ishi v.2", ink on Claybord, 20"x60", ©2021 (from a commission series)
Greetings and Happy New Year!
Like many of you, my life and career has turned upside down over the past two years; both are keeping me super busy. While I have not exhibited my work recently, my career has gone in some unexpected new directions. I am also now co-locating between Austin and Baton Rouge to help with my parent's care and well being.
I do have a number of things in development for the new year including a more focussed licensing archive for art consultants, interior designers and also for residential collectors. I've taken a concierge approach to selling original work, commissions and custom made prints because it's important to me that a buyer gets exactly what they want for their own space, especially now that many people are working from home. If there's a project I can help you with, feel free to run your ideas past me. I'm now using a virtual placement software that can help visualize my work in the space you have in mind.
Stepping back, I have been taking extra time to experiment with new materials since this is what I love to do most. Through the experimentation process, I've found out more about what's important to my work and I highly recommend my artist friends do the same. "Make some playtime". I've always hated this phrase in reference to art making, but now I understand how meaningful playtime in the studio really is and how it kind of takes the pressure off; it's liberating in many ways.
"Roundabouts 1-3", watercolor on panel, 8" and 18" in diameter, ©2021
I've developed a healthier lifestyle by taking daily walks, eliminating alcohol and am now following a vegetarian diet. As life carries into work, I've been looking for ways to make my paintings more environment friendly and spiritually connected. I will continue to use alcohol ink as needed, but my focus and rekindled love affair with water-based paint is likely going to continue.
Because producing mural and large size work is becoming more frequent, I spent a lot of time upgrading my photography process and learning new skills to improve my digital graphics. And I did not expect to take on more roles as a designer this past year, but I really enjoyed working on a few international and commercial projects that I hope to share with you in coming months. There have been lots of postponements and hoops to jump through to make these projects happen, I never know quite what to expect.
"One Love", ink on Claybord, 5"x7", ©2021
Day to day, every single thing is taking longer to accomplish and I've learned to be extra patient which pushes me back into the moment and into awareness. Good things come to those who wait, right? There's plenty of new work to see on the website, in situ photography, work for sale and more. Many heartfelt thanks to my collectors, business associates, friends and supporters. I feel beyond fortunate to survive in the art business given what's happening in the world. I know I've asked for extra time and flexibility given all that's happening in my life and for that, you have my sincere gratitude.
Stay warm and healthy this new year and best wishes to you. Try and look for the good news in the challenges you are facing.
— Andrea Pramuk
