Last Saturday I took part in my third “art marathon” event. This event was called PULSE. It was used to raise money for the Children’s Heart Foundation which funds research for children with congenital heart defects. Unlike the other two art marathons I have participated in, this one lasted what was supposed to be eight hours (1pm-9pm) as apposed to 4hrs for the Printathon or 24hrs for COCA’s artathon.
Anxious artists were allowed to set up and start working earlier than 1pm if needed. Although, I was one of those anxious artists I wasn’t able to make it to the event till 12:30pm. For some artists 8hrs is a long day of painting. For me, just coming off of my two week residency during which time I really pushed myself to paint for long hours, and having done this kind of event before, I was prepared and excited (and a little nervous).
It took me about a half an hour to set up shop. I came prepared to work with watercolor, gouache, pencil and paper for collaging. The plan was to create paintings with a nautical theme – mainly because the image of mine they chose for marketing was a painting I did called “Ghost Ship.” PULSE organizers provided me with two sheets of watercolor paper for my project. I provided the rest of my supplies.
The event took place in a large warehouse building. All of the artist spaces where sectioned off with large hanging sheets of white paper. They were very small cubicles. I had a small table to use for my materials and work area, but I ended up needing to utilize the floor also. Good thing for me that I brought my easel. This came in very handy. One of my fellow artists also let me borrow her knee pad – also very handy. Although I started a total of four paintings I only ended up with two finished ones. I finished the last one just under the wire. I was surprised that they didn’t come and just take my paintbrush away from me.
Some artists only completed one painting while others, mainly the printmakers, created several works of art. Not all of the artworks sold, and many looked as if they sold for about half the asking price, but still it seemed like PULSE did pretty well. I managed to sell both of my paintings. All but 10% of the proceeds from art sales went directly to the organization. That 10% went to the artists, which helped reimburse us for material costs, etc.
There were a few artists using some pretty interesting materials. Most notable were two artists. The first was an Etch-A-Sketch artist, Jonathan Liu, who managed to create three works. The most memorable to me was an incredibly detailed image of a map with a rather large graphic heart in the center. Another artist, Gabriel Liston, created artworks using recycled vintage children’s paperback books which he sealed together, erased the cover image of, and drew simple blue line drawings of figures in various narratives situations.
After doing the PULSE event I realized that it takes a certain artist to subject themselves to something as intense as this. The job description would look something like this: excellent pre-planning skills (You need to visualize art work to be created at the event and the materials that will be used), ability to create artworks quickly and efficiently, ability to create under pressure of deadline, fearlessness about creating art in front of people, ability to engage public in conversation while making art, security in your own ability as an artist (sometimes I have to put blinders on so I don’t compare myself to other artists), ability to let go of artwork when it sells, ability to handle rejection if work doesn’t sell for as much as you thought or if it doesn’t sell at all.
There are, of course, a lot of great reasons for artists to participate in these “art marathons.” The main reason I do them is because they are a lot of fun and I really like the challenge of being under the pressure to produce. Another reason is because it’s a great way for me to help non-profits that I care about even when I don’t have a lot of monetary resources. Some other more selfish reasons are because it’s a great opportunity to connect with other artists that I normally don’t have the time to see or ones that I haven’t even met before. It’s also helpful for me in getting my artwork viewed by audiences that might not normally see it.
After my painting time was up, the artwork had sold, and the party was over I went home with my car full of art supplies feeling tired but grateful to have taken part in this year’s PULSE event. Perhaps I will be asked to do it again next year…
Below are photos from PULSE 2008
Enter the world of PULSE 2008
People were already working hard when I arrived. Dig those wooden hanging shades.
Here are the rows of artist booths, yummy snacks, and the music stage.
This was my little cell setup.
Two works in progress. I didn’t finish the painting on the bottom.
Tools of the trade, and Starbucks coffee for fuel.
Both of my paintings included words from a song called “Ships” by Ian Hunter.
Wine break. I was almost done with painting #2.
Jennifer Mercede and Chris Haberman working diligently.
Kelly Neidig busting out some juicy landscapes.
Linda Womack working her encaustic magic.
This is a finished watercolor by artist Michelle Ramin.
Of course there was a fair share of Obama art.
Kelly Neidig and Jennifer Mercede.
Gabriel Liston’s paintings on recycled books.
Neidig by her portrait done by Mercede.
Neidig and I enjoying the PULSE party.
Chris Haberman chatting with Mark Woolley (the curator of this event) and wife Angelina Phelan Woolley.
Patrons placing a bid on one of my paintings aided by my “artist rep” for the night, Mary K (in the fancy skirt).