Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Apprentice me?

I've been busy the last couple of days.  I answered an ad from a fine artist in Oakland who was looking for an apprentice.

This artist has had 18 apprentices and was asking for a year commitment.  Along with learning all the inner workings of the fine art world [publicity, setting up shows and open studios, interview tips, setting up photo sessions for slides, making frames and studio tips] I saw it as an opportunity to rub elbows with artists outside my wonderful group of blogoshpere pals.

I'm there for a month trial period and the artist is asking for a commitment of 8 hours a week.  In the two days I've been there, I've already learned safety and storage tips.  The artist owns a huge studio in downtown Oakland where there are three other areas to rent out so I'll get to meet other artists who paint there.

This artist also makes glass beads, and teaches enameling.  I was able to make this little 2 inch square dish last night.   It was so cool!!  I am suppose to help out at the 12 artist open studio at the artist's site this weekend.  I'll let you  know how that goes.

29 comments:

The Bull said...

Wow very cool! Congrats, wish you all the best!

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

This sound great.
Good luck and enjoy.
Big hug, Irit

Linda said...

Fantastic opportunity, how wonderful.Lindax

Aveen said...

Oh it sounds fascinating, I'm very pleased for you! Keep us updated, I want to know how it goes.

I love your little dish too, it reminds me of the sea. (Is it pathetic that a little 2" square dish can make me homesick?!)

L.Holm said...

Wow. that sounds like so much fun! (and now I see why I haven't 'seen' you lately!) Congrat, Sheila. sounds like a really fun opportunity that could lead to more conacts.

Gwen Bell said...

Shelia, this is so COOL! How exciting...you never cease to amaze me! And what a great education. Really invaluable. Of course, it took your ingenuity to see the opportunity and grab it.

You are such an inspiration to those of us of a "certain age". You just keep growing and growing and trying out your ever changing wings. You are the most interesting person with the most interesting history I've ever known.

Dana Cooper said...

Yeah! That sound like a lot of fun as well as a learning experience!!
That 2" inch dish is neat.

Edward Burton said...

Sounds GREAT, Sheila! Cool dish too!

Angela Elledge said...

Wow, what an outstanding opportunity. Keep us posted; I'm looking forward to hearing all about your experience. Take care.

Unknown said...

You go girl! Congratulations on the great opportunity and I love the glass work, beautiful!

gh said...

Great for you! One can never stop learning and i know he will learn a thing or three from you as well. Mutual benefit

Sheila Estep said...

Wowie, what a great opportunity! Have fun with it!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

What a cool opportunity! Can't wait to hear more. Enameling--wow!

Lauren Maurer said...

Oh how fun! I can't wait to hear more about it!

Linda O'Neill said...

Good idea, Sheila...that's always a great way to soak up knowledge and have fun at the same time. Hope you enjoy the time there!

Mary Paquet said...

Sheila, you are so resourceful! What a wonderful opportunity to learn and mingle with artists. the dish is really sweet -- great for holding your earrings a the end of the day. There is no end to the ways you get to express your artistic nature.

christine said...

Congratulations, Sheila! I know you will learn so much in this apprenticeship, and your mentor is lucky to have you! Have fun, and keep us posted as you have the time.

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

What a wonderful opportunity Sheila! I would have looked to have been someone's apprentice. So cool!

Christine's Arts said...

Wow, this is such a cool opportunity and I hope you learn a lot and can't wait to hear about it.

Karen Hargett said...

You go girl!

Tracey Clarke said...

You are amazing! There is nothing standing in the way of someone with such humble determination and willingness to learn and try. I am thrilled about this opportunity for you! And that piece is just lovely!

Manon said...

Great Sheila! This is fabulous for you! Love the dish!

artbykarieann said...

oh I am so jealous, what a fantastic opportunity Sheila, make the most of it, I'm sure you will, but how lucky you are.

Stephen Gardner said...

I really admire your commitment, I'll look forward to hearing more about it

Dean H. said...

Wow! That is really exciting news, Sheila! I'm jumping up and down with you...Lol! I know that you will excel!

David Larson Evans said...

it sounds great, I'm happy for you. keep us informed.

Unknown said...

Well done Sheila, I bet you will learn all sorts! Have a great time:)

Dean Grey said...

Sheila!

Why does the title of this post instantly make me think of Donald Trump!

I think the apprenticeship would be a wonderful thing for you.

I'm sure you'll learn a ton.

Now I want to be someone's apprentice!

-Dean

Diane Hoeptner said...

Sheila, your industriousness, cheerfulness and general goodness never ceases to amaze and inspire. You'll be an amazing apprentice!