in an in-between stage as i (we) always seem to be in. moving into a new direction that encourages creativity, giving me a world of limitless possibilities. in the new that is fast approaching i know there will be comparison, criticism, and growth (the difficult kind i'm sure) waiting for me. i'm afraid, but its the good kind of fear, the exciting, expectant type of fear. like learning to ride a bike for the first time - there's so much fear of falling, but that must be overcome to truly enjoy such a joyous thing. and along with that, i know there will be beautiful, wonderful people holding me up as i take my first ride. and. when i inevitably fall, they will be there to pick me up once more. this is to learning how to ride a bike. this is to adulthood.

with so much love and joy,

sarah.

hey hey. those are my dramatic words. yay. learning to write in my own kind of way (don't know if that's good or not. grammar? eh. whatever.) getting ready to move away to the big bad world of college and so excited to grow into a little kid adult. so full of excitement. so full of what ifs, maybes, and who knows. also in the process of maybe, just maybe retiring this space for something more um i don't know "me"?

AOTM // MATISSE

It's the end of the month and you know what that means... another AOTM! March's artist of the month is a rather famous one: Henri Matisse. You've heard of him, you know what he did, and you've definitely seen some of his work somewhere, sometime whether you realize it or not.

Matisse was and is mostly known for his use of vivid colors and naked ladies (funny but true) in paintings, but his art also ranges in drawings, sculpture, and more. Matisse was a French artist in the early to mid-1900's. Although his art wasn't immediately seen as classic French art, it grew to be loved and admired by many. In fact, Matisse was one of the main artists who began the artistic movement of Fauvism, which is basically an artistic style that uses a lot of vibrant color and has somewhat of an impressionism vibe.

When I went to New York earlier this month I was able to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I seriously recommend going to (the Met is freaking insane), and see his artwork in person. It was such a cool experience seeing it in real life - so much so that my heart actually started beating faster when I saw Matisse's Odalisque with Gray Trousers. 

Odalisque with Gray Trousers (right) and Nasturtiums with the Painting "Dance" (left)

To think that he had truly painted it, held it, worked on it and I was looking at it and could just reach and touch it (which I didn't... happy small accomplishment) was mind blowing to me. Above, you can see my terrible photos of his Odalisque painting along with a sliver of another one of his paintings called Nasturtiums with the Painting "Dance."

below are some of my favorite Matisse pieces

Nude Resting on One Arm

Les Toits de Collioure

The Goldfish Bowl

What really stands out to me about Matisse is the fact that he was a renowned painter for being messy and colorful. Messy art seems to move me the most because it's imperfect, flawed, and totally not what you would expect from a so-called "classic French artist." Matisse's art is fun and playful and I love that. It's a nice reminder that art doesn't always have to be so serious, existential, or dramatic.

Landscape, Nice

Girl by a Window

Matisse has been one of my many inspirations for a long time now and finally being able to see his work in person and appreciate it in a new light made that even more true. Who are some of your favorite "classic" artists? Van Gogh? Monet? Fragonard?

Thanks for reading another AOTM! It's always exciting to learn more about the art world and see how it changes and adds to my perspectives and inspirations more and more.

Until next time, deuces.

AOTM // GEOFF MCFETRIDGE

It's funny how most of the time monthly articles are released at the beginning of each month. In my case, they are not; they always come at the end. I suppose this is my way of being "quirky", but also my way of making an excuse for my own laziness. So, with that being said, here is February's long-awaited artist of the month: Geoff McFetridge.

I first found McFetridge through an online magazine called The Great Discontent. Each edition captures a new and inspiring artist by interviewing them and asking them a variety of questions like "Where did you grow up and how did that influence you as an artist?" "What did you study in college?" and "What advice would you give people who are looking to work in the same field you do?" If you haven't read any stories from this magazine, I highly encourage you to do so. 

While I was researching and finding out more about him, I realized what a massive porfolio McFetridge has accumulated over the last few years. He has produced art for huge brand names like Patagonia, Vans, MTV, Oreo, and more.  

here are some of my favorite commercial pieces (they are black and white, of course)

One of his pieces for Patagonia's Surf Line

One of his titles for "Where the Wild Things Are"

Although McFetridge has done numerous projects for different companies, what really grabbed my attention was his studio art. His simplistic style is evident in his commercial work, but it's truly revealed in his paintings and drawings. I always appreciate when an artist can make something so visually pleasing, without overcomplicating it. I think there is an advantage in simplicity, not only in art, but also in life itself.

here are some of my favorite paintings/drawings

ALL TIME FAVORITE. LOOK AT IT. HIS HEAD IS A RECORD AT THE SAME TIME. LIKE WHAT?!

Geoff McFetridge has quickly become one of my favorite artists due to his simple, yet impactful approach to studio art (I especially suggest looking into his project "Meditallucination"). He seeks to tell a story in a minimal way and I find that so cool and interesting.

McFetridge has also become one of my biggest inspirations. Many times when I think about making a living as an artist, I imagine barely scraping by and always being worried about finding work, and although this is true in many circumstances, McFetridge makes me think otherwise. He's had so many different opportunities to use his art. He's created for books, movies, musicians, magazines, short films, clothing companies and more. Being able to revel in the success of other artists is such a great feeling. Art brings people together. Art makes people think. Art is rad.

If you'd like to check out more of McFetridge's work click here, or here, or here.

Thank you so much for reading February's AOTM! Hope you are having a wonderful humpday!

xx. Sarah.