It's Fall, Y'all...and that means busy season!

 I look forward to fall every year.  Of course, part of that is relief--summers in Louisiana are brutal.  The heat plus the humidity will sap the strength right out of you in a matter of minutes.  I gave up on outdoor vendor events in the summer years ago.

But as people's thoughts turn from watermelons to pumpkins, the decorating bug sets in.  Fall through Christmas is the biggest time for selling decorations. 

And as an artist, painted decor items are my bread and butter. Sales make up for the other nine months of the year.  And an extra benefit--holiday traditions remain mostly the same from year to year.  You can still sell holiday decorative items painted last year or even the year before; they do not go out of style like many other items do.

I know, I know, someone out there is saying "painted decorations are not real art".  Fine.  I fail to see how putting my designs on a stretched canvas would change them.  I believe they are "real" art (and I price them accordingly!).  They are, however, art that sells much easier than canvas paintings.  Since this artist has to pay the electric company every month, I am going to create saleable items.  I will still paint on canvas. 

But I will also paint on small ornaments, shopping bags or as my husband says "anything that doesn't run away".  And I will cart it all to craft fairs, art fairs, and any other place where artists can sell their wares--because I love

showing my work almost as much as I love creating it.  I love meeting other creatives and getting inspired to try new things out in the studio!  

Is it art, or is it decorative?

 I have heard so many people saying the piece they were looking at was nice, but wasn't "real" art.  I have had that aimed at much of my work over the years.  The fact of the matter is that I began my artistic journey as a "decorative painter".  

I took a couple of brief recreational programs in my early 20's  through the local park system during the height of the bicentennial era's tole painting craze. I painted a few of that era's trademark daisies with strawberries, trying to exactly copy the pattern the teacher gave us.  None of them were particularly good, but I learned a little.  

I dabbled a bit over the years, usually under my mother's watchful eye.  She was a highly skilled decorative painter and active in the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters ( which later became the Society of Decorative Painters).  She bemoaned my tendency to ignore the pattern and instructions, and literally rolled her eyes at my original items.  She sometimes did original items of her own (better than mine by far) but repeatedly refused to be referred to as an artist.  Real artists, she believed, were generally drunken degenerates, at high risk of sending packages containing their ears, and were inevitably suicidal.

Years later, when I became permanently disabled, I saw what should have been a disaster as a new beginning.  I could finally stay home and focus in my painting!  I joined the local chapter of the SDP, and rapidly began to acquire new skills. 

Color theory, brushstrokes, value, contrast...these and other things were my new tools and I worked to develop skill with them.  I studied technique using patterns and designs of others, but always took the next step and incorporated them into original designs.  

I hoarded "big" 16"x20" canvases, saving them for when I was skilled enough to not "waste" them.  When I finally got to that point, I really went to town! 

It was a short step from mini canvas panels to "just gimme a wall". 

At what point does the student become an artist?  I do not know.  I know that when I started painting purely from memories and imagination, I knew I was there.  I was able to share a vision of places that no longer exist, to capture moments out on the lake that for a brief moment were pure magic, to make statements even when I did not speak a word.  And the more I created, the stronger the urge to create became.

I look at anyone creating original work as a "real artist"--skill and experience levels of course vary--and I like some better than others. 

But I will never disparage a piece as not being "real art" just because it is small, or on a Christmas ornament, or painted on a strange surface or functional object.  Art itself began when primitive humans decorated their clay pots and cave walls, and it was the act of creation, as much as the finished results, that gave it added significance.

Artistic outlets take MANY forms

 I am primarily a visual artist.  That gives me a LOT of wiggle room!  Paints, colored pencils, pastels, collage, sculpture...every medium offers new challenges and rewards.

But my maternal grandmother was one of the greatest artists I ever knew.  As far as I know, she never drew, never held a paintbrush, never had any kind of art instruction.  But she created beauty in a dreary, drab world!

"Her Only Vanity"--a painting  of my grandmother's flower garden.  

She was one of a large family, married as a young teen, immediately began raising a large family of her own.  In rural Louisiana during the depression, the world was a dismal place.  Simply surviving took nearly every ounce of energy a person had.  But she made time to tend the most beautiful flower garden to be found for miles.  People would stop in the road and ask to take a picture.  She always had beautiful flowers in bloom, and in back always had fruits and vegetables growing in abundance.  And she crocheted, and sewed beautiful quilts from scrap fabric.  She did not simply survive--she created.  And she passed that creative drive on to many descendants, including me.

I cannot always put in time in my studio.  But instead if mowing a lawn in Louisiana's unbearable summer heat, I have turned the entire lawn into mulched beds.  I scavenged bricks for free to create winding paths through what was once flat grass that required a haircut at least once a week.

  I mixed perennials and annuals, planted flowers, veggies, and herbs, threw in a couple of scavenged trellises and statues...now my yard requires much less maintenance.  And we get a good deal of food out of it!  That garden us a constantly growing, changing art project in itself. And it is a creative outlet for me year round as well!

I think my grandmother sees it and smiles down in me when passers-by stop to look.  I share produce with my neighbors.  I have even given spare plants to complete strangers who stopped by to comment.  I am sharing my gift in multiple ways, and she always did the same.  My world is not affluent.  I will never be featured in a magazine.  But I am creating something unique. And am teaching MY granddaughter in it. 

Because the need to create is very strong in our family; we all begin to feel stagnant without some outlet for it in our lives.

Wearing So Many Hats: The Intersection of Art and Activism in Progressive Politics

In the world of art, wearing many hats is more than a metaphor; it’s a reality that artists navigate daily. For those of us who are deeply entrenched in political activism, the challenge becomes even more pronounced. As I balance my identity as an artist with my passion for progressive politics and leftist activism, I find myself grappling with how to express my beliefs through my work while still trying to survive in an economy that feels increasingly hostile to artists like me.

The Art of Activism: Finding My Voice

Artivism—the powerful blend of art and activism—has become a crucial outlet for me. It is through my art that I channel my frustrations, hopes, and dreams for a better world. Each stroke of the brush or click of the camera serves as a form of protest against injustice, inequality, and oppression. However, this commitment comes with its own set of challenges. While I aim to inspire others to engage in political activism through my work, I often face backlash from potential buyers who may not share my views.

Living in a deep-red state can feel isolating at times. The community around me may not understand the urgency with which I create politically charged pieces.  And some are extremely angered by my artwork.  Yet, I believe it is essential to make strong statements in political art, even if it means alienating some audiences. My work reflects not only my personal convictions but also a collective struggle for social justice that transcends geographical boundaries.

Creating Amidst Chaos

Finding time to create while actively participating in activism can be daunting. Between attending protests, writing letters to representatives, and engaging in grassroots organizing, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to devote to my artistic practice. Yet, I’ve learned that integrating these two aspects of my life can be incredibly rewarding.

I often draw inspiration from the events happening around me—whether it’s a rally for climate justice or community discussions on racial equity. These experiences fuel my creativity and deepen the messages embedded within my artwork. In this way, activism spills into my art naturally; they are not separate entities but rather intertwined threads that shape who I am as an artist and activist.

Navigating Economic Challenges

The current economic climate poses significant hurdles for artists striving to make their voices heard while sustaining their livelihoods. With many potential buyers facing financial constraints, selling art has become increasingly difficult. This reality forces artists like me to consider how our political messages resonate within an audience that may be grappling with its own economic struggles.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to creating art that speaks truthfully about our times. While some may shy away from politically charged topics out of fear of alienating buyers, I believe staying true to one’s convictions is paramount. It’s important for us as artists to engage with our communities honestly and authentically—even if it means sacrificing short-term sales for long-term impact.

Inspiring Change Through Artistic Expression

Ultimately, the goal of merging art with activism is not only about self-expression; it's about inspiring others to take action. When people encounter art that challenges their perspectives or provokes thought about societal issues, it has the power to ignite change. By boldly addressing political themes in our work, we invite conversations that can lead individuals down their own paths toward activism.

And quite frankly, I want to leave a record that shows exactly where I stood during these incredibly frightening times.  If my record involves a work of art, that's even better!

As artists living in politically charged environments, we have an opportunity—and perhaps a responsibility—to use our platforms for social good. We can reach hearts and minds through our creativity while urging others to join us in advocating for progressive values.

My activism has become so much a part of my art that I have an Etsy shop purely for protest items.  I want to share my work and want other people to be able to share our message.  You can find it at Feminist Fashions--A Woman's Place is In Your Face

Embrace Your Inner Activist Artist

Wearing many hats as both an artist and activist is no easy feat.  But it is one filled with purpose and passion. Each piece created becomes part of a larger narrative—a tapestry woven from shared struggles and aspirations for justice. If you’re an artist grappling with similar challenges or feeling isolated in your beliefs, remember: your voice matters.

Join me in this journey! Share your thoughts on how you incorporate activism into your creative process or explore ways we can support one another as we navigate this complex landscape together. Let’s inspire each other to keep pushing forward!  And most importantly, stand up and fight, and NEVER GIVE UP!

 

Art's political side

Art has been a political tool for centuries.  Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt saw many examples (usually political leaders "tooting their own horn").  Medieval artworks frequently were used to reinforce the authority and dogma of the Roman Catholic Church.  Renaissance greats often used political symbolism in their art--sometimes subtly, sometimes not--and were hired by the rich and powerful to create art with specific meanings.

In more modern times, who can forget the heart-wrenching impact of Picasso's "Guernica" in response to Nazi bombings?  Or Goya's "Third of May"?

In our current political climate the arts are under attack.  Funding for the arts has been all but eliminated.  The Kennedy Center, once a shining example of the arts in America, has been taken over and subjected to draconian censorship.  But the world of artists refuses to be silenced.  Politically charged messages are often turned into memes, tshirts, and other items (how much of that qualifies as "art" is open to debate, but in the 21st century technological media they can be shared at lightning speed with huge audiences).  And political art is being created.  Songwriters are turning their attention to our dire circumstances. One I really enjoy is Jesse Welles , who has a lively and entertaining YouTube channel of his own.  And I have been creating political pieces

fairly often.  My latest, "The Spoke Into The Wheel" is a rather large 4ftx4ft canvas, combining collage with pallette knife painting.  The collage elements are cut out of prints of The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and The Bill of Rights, and is full of political and historical symbols and references.  I may have trouble finding a place to exhibit it (I am located in a very red area) but I am sharing it online.  And I have prints available for sale on Feminist Fashions, which is my outlet for my resistance creations.

If you are an artist, there has never been a better time to take a political stance in your work. Your voice is needed in this crisis.  Whether you put hours into creating a huge physical work, or just play with the computer to create something digital to share, or something in between--get active!  Artivism is activism!  And courage is contagious.  The time to share yours is NOW.

If you have a new creation, or a favorite one, encouraging resistance, feel free to post it in the comments!  And don't forget to participate in protests and rallies near you--now is not the time to be silent!!

Whatever happened to turkeys?

Halloween sales have gone by, Christmas sales are in full swing--hey wait a minute!  What became of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving was a BIIIIG deal when I was growing up.  There was a ton of cooking and cleaning, homemade cornbread dressing to fix, the good tablecloth had to be ironed, all the silver serving dishes had to be polished!  I remember the huge deal made over the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV (which was black and white), and watching it went hand in hand with the smell of all the delicious food cooking. We had a relish tray of pickles, spiced apple rings and olives to nibble on while we watched and waited.  And there had to be at least 3 different kinds of pie for dessert!  We might even be playing host to relatives for the day--a plus, since grandmothers always let you have seconds of pie!

The fall and harvest themed stuff has been marked down since Halloween.  I have sold some Thanksgiving decorations at my booths--
mostly to people who comment on how seldom they see stuff for Thanksgiving at craft fairs. 

Soooo, I will clear all the Christmas sale stuff off the table, polish the silver serving dishes, tart up the stovetop cornbread stuffing with some sauteed green onions and celery, and try not to make anyone sick with the turkey.  Thank heavens for a turkey roaster that accepts frozen turkeys, since I will probably remember too late to take it out of the freezer. Now I get to be the grandmother that allows seconds on dessert.  And then, back to last-minute Christmas ornaments for upcoming sales.  

 Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Painting, y'all!

I''m MELTING, MELTING! But painting anyway...

Well, it is time to be selling Halloween and Fall items while painting Christmas items (and I am doing some for Kwanzaa and Hannukah as well).  But it is hot enough to roast a turkey just by leaving it in a closed car.  Maybe even  just wrapped in foil in the driveway!  Difficult to get all holiday cheery when you are melting from the heat.

But starving artists must persevere...

I am super stoked about having one of my paintings in the 54th Annual River Road Show--a national juried exhibition put on by the Art Guild of Louisiana.  The reception is a four hour drive from here.  That means renting a car since my a/c is balky.  I have no wish to arrive at the State Archives Gallery having a heatstroke.  The road trip through the state will be nice, though, giving me a chance to snap a lot of scenic photos to paint from later.

And I just finished doing some lettering in an entry foyer.  The word Lasata is a Native American word meaning "place of peace".  The clients are moving into their new home and making it into  a unique and lovely residence, and I was so happy to be a part of it!

Hope everyone is staying out of the heat and looking forward to cooler times.  Hey, post pictures or comments--tell me what YOU are painting!  Or drop me an email -- betsylevels@gmail.com --if you have something you want painted.  I paint canvases of course, but will paint on anything that doesn't run away!