Hopalong Hollow....

Hopalong Hollow, where the Blueberries grow sweet, and the moss feels soft beneath your feet.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Art and Decisions....Decisions

      Recently, a comment by reader,Vic, inspired this idea for a post when she asked me " How do you decide what to work on today and how do you stay focused with so many possibilities to choose from?"  Great question!
I will answer it from an artists view point. Most artists that I know, are multifaceted and work in more than one medium. In my case, I write and illustrate storybooks,
 
 
 and paint posters and greeting cards

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and create Scherenschnitte
and paper-cutting (over 30 years)

 I also "scratch" eggs, and do various forms of needlework. Last year, I began re-creating my book characters in 3-d with mohair,needle-felting and stitchery.
 So how does one decide what to work on with so many enticing possibilities?
This is what I do:
I choose whichever art project I am most ENTHUSIASTIC about at the time.  Because I make my living with art, I must also decide how much time I can spend on any particular project. If,in the long run,  the project will not result in some kind income, I must limit the time I spend on it.

 When I work on a book for example, I KNOW the process will take at least 20 months, so enthusiasm AND DEDICATION is a must. I know that the books are profitable for us, so I don't mind the time it takes for completion.
 I have a book in the works at this time with 7 drawings  finished, that is a good start, but it is not my goal at this time to dive headfirst into another book. SO, I set these drawings aside  until I am ready to fully commit.

The common thread in everything I create is Hopalong Hollow. My books take place in Hopalong Hollow,
 My paper-gardens represent our gardens in Hopalong Hollow,

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 My little stuffed critters are inspired by  the characters from my books,
 


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and the eggs I etch were ALL hatched in Hopalong Hollow.

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(Thank you girls!)
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My  painted Scherenschnitte  represent all that I love here, in the Hollow, as well.




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 So, no matter what art I choose to pursue, it all leads to the same destination:
HOPALONG HOLLOW. That is my little world.
Since December, my concentration has been on increasing
 the population of the Hollow with my little Fuzzy folk. My goal is to have at least 30 of them, ranging in size from 6" to 20 ".

 Because I have no idea whether or not my stuffed critters will sell, I am limiting myself to 3 months of production time. and I'm participating in a Fiber show in April,  to test the waters. I am loving every minute of it, but always, in the back of my mind, is the question, " Should I be working on something else?" Many professional artists feel this way, there is always the nagging little voice that says.." Yes, this is great fun, but will it pay the bills?" So that is something I must consider as well.
"Will WE pay the bills???"
I  also know, that before Easter arrives, I will want a large supply of these eggs:


 So, in MARCH, I will set aside my wool and fabrics, get out my etching supplies and begin to "scratch" eggs. I like to work in quantity without sacrificing quality, so it's important to stay in the mindset of your project  because each endeavor requires a different set of skills . I will have around 50 eggs when I am done and that is all I will make for the  year.

When I do settle on a project, I have a goal  and a plan. Working in chapters,staying focused and excited about the art.  Next week I'll take you step by step on the creation of my Fuzzyfolk.


I hope this answered your question Vic. Perhaps  you readers will share your own methods of staying focused and sincere  about whatever is going on in your studio? I think it would be most interesting.

36 comments:

  1. Dear Jeri,
    Yours is a world of wonderment.. It would be impossible I think, to not be inspired by all the charm, beauty and nature.. Full of joyful critters in a place called Hopalong Hollow, where a humble woman creates magic to make the world a happier place... Your art and books have brought much joy into the world... Thank you Jeri.
    I just ADORE your critters! Fiber show? Where will this be held? How exciting for you. I know they will be a huge success.
    Love and blessings dear friend,
    Penny
    .

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    1. Penny, It's a local Fiber show. I did it last year with my books, brought a few sample bun buns and the ladies begged me to sell them at the show. So, I will take them this year. BUT, they will be up for grabs online first!

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    2. Oh how I wish I could come sit with you in your booth. Let me know how it went.
      I just love them all.. I have to say, their little faces are as sweet as can be.
      So they will be on your website, I assume.. I just checked, no buns yet.. But one day soon, I hope... Can't wait to see.
      love ya!

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  2. Thank you for the wonderful post
    Your work processes are an inspiration. I look forward to the day your books are animated.

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  3. Good morning dear Jeri ~ There is no doubt in my mind that your felt critters will sell.

    This post was very inspiring to me, VERY. I thank you.

    Love and hugs to you and your hubby and all your critters that at Hopalong Hollow.

    FlowerLady

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  4. OK, where in the world do I even begin......

    Number one: I needed to read this. I needed to confirm that my plans for the weekend would include another round of searching out my best blog posts, taking out the photos, and dumping them into a special folder for revisions. 20 MONTHS it takes you? Though I will not be drawing for my book, I will be taking photos, so as the warmer months approach, I will have a lot of photos to take! Time, time, time.

    Secondly, YOUR CRITTERS WILL SELL! HECK, I'm waiting in line for one! Oh Jeri, you are one of the most prolific artists....when I see the detail (love the wavy roof of the cottage in the painting), I just think to myself, "I know now why I never pursued painting or illustrating!" I simply do not have the patience...but with words? I feel my fingers flying under me and that is where I painstakingly (with my poetry) revise and edit.

    Thank you for this window into your wonderful, wooly and wild world of magic. I WANT A JERI LANDERS CRITTER!

    Have a productive and giggle-filled day! LOVE! Anita

    PS, thank you so much for the support via email!

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    1. Anita, You will find the journey of creating your book one of the greatest pleasures and it will be marvelous!

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  5. I found this most interesting, Jeri. I have always loved your work and cherish my pieces from Hopalong Hollow. Sending a hug, Deb

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  6. it is so impressive to see all your fun and gorgeous arts!
    fun too that they are inspired by your life in the hollow and all your friends.
    it must be endless entertainment around their, either by your arts or all your critters.
    thank you for sharing beautiful you.

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  7. Thank you for sharing this, Jeri. Terrific insight into the discipline and planning that is required to actually make money with a creative career. I am inspired by the way you manage it all!

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  8. Your talents are amazing! Your love for life shows up in your beautiful art. Thank you for sharing your joy. I'm thinking of getting geese or ducks. I've never had them before, but I have had chickens, goats & sheep. Just don't know about geese or ducks, fun to dream! Enjoy Your Day Jeri! ~All My Best, Kimberly

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    1. Kimberly, If you have a water source, be it a creek or a pond, you must get geese and ducks. Ducks are the busiest and happiest little characters I have ever known! Geese are noble and beautiful, they can be noisy, but that's because they are ever watchful and good guardians.

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  9. Thanks so much for your answer. I can see how each facet intermeshes with another and how figuring out what most needs your attention and focus at any one time. I just don't see how you fit everything into a 24 hour day and a seven day week. I spend way too much time wandering around trying to decide what to work on today (and I don't have the endless possibilities that you do). Making a list the day before does sometimes help and absolutely having to get this one thing or other done is also a helpful goad.

    I simply can't imagine that your fuzzy creations wouldn't be snapped up a minute after their unveiling. Hope the fiber show goes well for you. How could it not???

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    1. Vic, I thank you for giving me the idea. Oh, I DO make a lot of lists as well, I also keep little notebooks on each subject full of ideas and sketches. I am a love of lists!

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  10. I loved this post-loved seeing your beautiful work, and reading about the process and all the thought behind it. I don't think you need to wonder about your critters selling-they are incredibly beautiful, Geri. I am just stunned by your talent. It is so good to know you are still down to earth and love holding a goose! :)

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  11. You know you've hit on a great post idea when your reader (me) reads all the comments, too! I love reading about your process and gleaning ideas for myself--like tying all your creative endeavors together with the common thread of Hopalong Hollow. This must be how you can manage your time so well--if it doesn't fit into your world of Hopalong Hollow you aren't tempted to give it any of your precious time.

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  12. Interesting! I'm not surprised to hear that enthusiasm is one of your touchstones. That passion and excitement is why Art happens!

    Your critters are gonna get snatched up as fast as you can make them, as our comments make clear. Love them!

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  13. Jeri, thank you for taking the time to prepare this post. I found all the information very interesting, and helpful. I think that lots of the rest of us might learn a lot from your experience and advice.

    xo

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  14. Jerri,
    Came over from my friend Linnie's blog. I just love your illustrations, so beautiful. Your handmade critters are incredible! Have you ever thought of making marionettes, like Tasha Tudor and Marjorie Tudor? Those creations of yours would be perfect. Your a very gifted artist and I shall enjoy many more visits to your enchanted world.
    Suzanne

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    1. Susanne, thanks for your visit. I don't think I have the skills to make a marionette, it's pretty complicated. But you never know.....

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  15. You are a great artist Jeri, with nimble fingers. I love your artwork. I know your fears and author illustrator...it is not always easy, but what a wonderful job !
    Hugs

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  16. Nice reading the insights on how you decide on work. For me I feel like I have two full time jobs. One the weaving and the other the soft sculpture. I have never been able to pick just one so I do both. Usually I weave when my stock is getting low but with the soft sculpture I follow my heart.
    I love your stuffed critters and I know they will do well!

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    1. Oh I understand what you mean.l feel as if Illustration is my full-time job and everything else my part time job... and that on top of doing around 20 shows per year. It really can be a lot of work, as I am sure you know!

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  17. Jeri, Wow! This post struck me with visual awe!! Everything is "Hollow" connected and just beauty-beauty-beauty to the eye!! Gosh you sure manage to keep a flow of creativity constant!!! And it is all JOY!!!
    I just kept scrolling up and down and looking and admiring and admiring!!! :-)
    Many many Blessings and Joy,love and warmth, Linnie Lou

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  18. Geri-You will giggle when I tell you how I made my bird's beak. I was all set to whittle one out of my birch stick-then I thought-why not try sharpening it in the pencil sharpener?! And it worked like a charm! I used about a quarter inch stick and sharpened leaving a bit of the bark still showing. Hint-if you do this, it's way easier to turn a longer stick in the sharpener, then snip off the length you want for the beak after sharpening it.

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    1. Now why didn't I think of that! That little bird is darling.

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  19. Here's a question for you my dear Jeri. What doesn't sell or make use of your time that you create? I bet on nothing. Everything is exquisite. I love that you are so dedicated and have it planned out to how much time to spend etc. No wonder you are so successful. I'm waiting for a PBS special on you. By the way, my blog is still effed and I am starting to think it will never get back to normal. Almost all of January has been a nightmare trying to do something to get it back, so I now know for sure it is blogger/Google, not me or my computer.

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    1. Donna, Believe me, I've had my share of ideas that went NOWHERE, In fact, I have much art hanging around my studio that just didn't pan out. But, since I only make things I like, I don't mind keeping the stuff in my studio.
      Sorry about your blog, darn!

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  20. Gosh Jeri, you are so productive and so talented! I don't know which I like best, everything you do is magic.

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  21. This is my first time on your blog. To say the LEAST I am blown away by all that you do!!! so much talent! Keep making beautiful special things for the world! :)

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  22. Hello dear Jeri! Oh, I am loving your new header....gorgeous, as is everything you create. A new book, you say? Yes please! :)
    Your darling critters...how can people not fall in love with them? Wishing you much success at the fiber show!
    You are extraordinary.
    A very happy week to you!
    Love and blessings,
    ~ Irina ♡

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    1. Thanks Irina, You haven't posted in ages so I am glad to see you here. It will be a long time before a new book is finished, i am having too much fun with the critters. See you soon I hope!

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  23. Dear Jeri - thank you so much for sharing how you decide what and when to work on something. Your talent always inspires me and I realize that there is so much time needed to just focus and work. You do it so well friend. I don't make my living with art...perhaps someday. For sure I would like to follow your example of discipline - it certainly shows in all you do. Hugs

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  24. This was a really wonderful post. I love the world you create there in the hollow.

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  25. Jeri,
    This is such a great post…topic…as this HAS to be the hardest job of all! What comes first…how much time…distractions…income..yes, that word that has to be taken into consideration. Thank you for relaying your process. Once again, you are the mentor extraordinaire.
    Many thanks, dear kindred sister!

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