Friday, June 17th

Atlanta Magazine

Here are some pictures of the Atlanta Magazine article check out Riccardo sitting in between two of my large sculptures on the bottom left.

The deal

.I got a surprise in my inbox last night, I have a little mention in Atlanta Magazine. The did a feature on my friend and client, Restaraunteur Ricardo Ullio's home, which I must tell you, is definitely a place I envy!!!! He has an amazing kitchen, but also a pretty extensive art collection and many furniture pieces that I absolutely covet. I will post a picture of the article soon!!! They even took his pciture with my sculptures, pretty darn awesome!



And here's the current show at Little Tree Gallery, we are having a closing reception, I will post dates soon!

editing & the self critique

I amazed myself and my friends by not obsessing about, talking about or doing any actual work for an entire week. But a topic came up in regards to art in general that I am finding especially relevant as I start experimenting with new work, that is editing and the art of self critique.
I find it especially important to revitalize my critical eyes, I haven't had very much time to make fresh work or experiment since starting the studio a few years ago, and I am feeling kind of rusty. I put out some work that was not fully fleshed out in recent months, and though it is important to acknowledge that immature work happens and has its place, it isn't really an excuse.
I think the conversation could be boiled down to this sentiment: after you garner some success in the art or music world, it could be very easy to think that everything you make is gold. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Everything an artist makes is not amazing, in fact it has been noted that my "recycle bin" is usually overflowing with more work than my shelves. New ideas take years for me to flesh out.
It is important to look at your work periodically, to think about your intent and craftsmanship at the very minimum. I have noticed that even in my production work, a periodic self critique can come in quite handy. Subtle changes take place over time, and some aren't visually pleasing or useful.
I am currently asking myself these questions in regards to new work:

is it pleasing to me and why?
does it fit cohesively with my work, or does it call for a change in direction?
(in other words, if someone else looked at it, would they be able to tell heather knight made it?)
what was my intent and did I achieve it?
how could I improve this piece?
am I interested in pursuing this idea further?
technically, did i use the correct process, if not, what would that be?
who or what was I inspired by? am i copying or drawing inspiration? how can i make this idea more or my own?


***here are a few shots of the beginning of the first maquette for some installation work I am planning***




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little pretties

I am still settling back in after my trip into the wilds of music festival culture in Tennessee.... meaning my mind is still on vacation and I am not really ready to commit to work yet.
Here are some pictures of the inspiration behind some new, more personal work I am doing on the side..

ART-B-QUE

While I am running of to party at Bonnaroo all weekend, the lovely folks in Avondale Estates will be rockin out at the Art-B-Que.
Check out a killer lineup of 10 bands on Friday Night at the launch party, and then come out to see 100 + artists, more music and barbque on Saturday.

Check out Little Tree's website for more information, and remember to go check out the gallery, where you will find work by myself and 4 other talented artists...

Also Check out Bart Webb's website for more information.

and the beat goes on

I am so excited about all of the comments from the last blog entry... maybe I am on to something here.
Its a difficult thing, making your way as an artist. I was so determined in school to, " practice, practice, practice" and that was what they drilled into our heads. But nowhere along the way did I ever hear about what happens after school. they told us not to worry about the business side of things, to not worry about selling work, but when I walked into the burrito joint one fateful day and was greeted with a flying jar of garlic.... well, I took the leap without looking. At first, I felt like I was going to have to beg people to buy my work, and with low prices... well, thats what I did. I had no idea what my work was worth, and the only comparisons I had.. well, they were traditional pots and drastically under priced in their own right. I had no idea how many $20 pots I would have to sell to break even.
What I have come to understand through experience is that I screwed up right out of the gate by undervaluing my work and not understanding the cost involved in running a business. I don't feel it is ethical to just decide to double my prices overnight, but I have chosen to implement incremental increases over time driven by demand. (somewhere between 20-30%)
I have many concerns about my business,1) I don't want to be an employer, 2)I want to maintain the handmade aspect of my work,3) I want the quality of my work to remain high, 4)and I want to pay myself a liveable wage. These are goals and sticking points that have taken a few years to cultivate. Whenever I feel pushed to deviate from any of these points, I know it is time to reevaluate and raise prices.
I really wish I had more experience with the business side of things, and had been more prepared when I decided to pursue this full time, but we live and we learn. No matter how stressful this path is at times, it is absolutely worth all the struggles.