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2010 :: New Chapter… “The Blog” Post created Friday, January 1st, 2010 by Maite Benito Agahnia. 3 Comments »

Here I am, on the first day of 2010 with a blinking cursor and a blog ready to be started. I have thought about  how to write this first entry, what to write about, and I think that’s just what’s blocking me, so I’m just going to start typing. A good exercise in spontaneity, I guess.

I need a place where I can talk about my work, about new things I’m experimenting with, about photography, about my family and about how sometimes I would rather paint than cook dinner or how guilty I feel when I’m sitting doing homework an a random afternoon and I’m daydreaming about new things to try in the studio, or finishing a piece. But also about those days where I would rather drive to karate or bake cookies and hear some bickering than face an empty canvas.

In trying to find how to start this blog-writing-thing today, I came across Alyson Stanfield’s entry for yesterday on her ArtBizBlog.

______________________________________________________________

A big question:

What is the single best thing you did for your art career in 2009 and why?

It might be related to any of the following. Or not.

* Art lessons, trying a new media

* Business classes or workshops

* Joining a group or organization

* Using a new social media site

* Starting a blog

* Exhibiting your art

* Using your mailing list

______________________________________________________________

Art career? aren’t we just supposed to “make” art? When you are in art school, nobody tells you about the “business of art” at least when I was in art school they didn’t teach you that part. You painted, you expressed yourself, you created, but most of us don’t realize that’s not enough to be found and recognized and you have to take charge and make your voice be heard. Technology today has simplified this step.

Reviewing the above list, my first reaction is:

WOW!

I did great! I accomplished almost all!

I continue to paint under the guidance of my mentor  Reed Cardwell. I have studied with him for over 10 years, and I can say, without a doubt, it is the day I look forward to all week. I am looking into business workshops and have joined several art organizations in San Diego. I am most excited about Art6 a salon of artists I am so proud to be a part of; an amazing mix of talent, strength and creativity. We have wonderful happenings in the works that I can’t wait to share with you.

I have updated my website and started a Facebook fan page as well as a twitter account, and with this entry I have started my own blog…yay me! I’m on my way.

Things really were in fast-forward in 2009 as I had a solo show and participated in a few group shows. I expanded my studio, my sales and production have  increased, and wonderful things are continuing to happen.

Not bad, I say. So with a smile on my face I move forward into 2010.

About the author: Maite Benito Agahnia

Maite currently lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. She is active in the Art Community in Southern California, and volunteers her time to help children and give back to the community.