Buried Treasure 2014

Seth Apter, from "The Altered Page", has called on the art bloggers to help him celebrate "Buried Treasure" day!

Welcome to Buried Treasure: an online, collaborative project that invites art bloggers to go into the depths of their blogs and dig for buried treasure...

6th annual Buried Treasure - A Call for Collaborative Participants!

In his words, Seth explains:

      " Buried Treasure is about digging deep to uncover some hidden gems. The premise is simple. On Thursday, June 12th all participating bloggers will re-post one (or more) of their favorite posts that ever appeared on their blog. As you might already know, I don't like too many rules when it comes to art. So anything goes. "

Hello and a warm welcome to the Uneek Art blog, written by Martice Smith II! I'm so glad you made it this far because I have a few wonderful gems to introduce to you. Get ready to experience a soulful interpretation of my art life. I hope you enjoy! Let's get started...

Last year, November 2013, I started my blogging adventure. It was a way to "put myself out there" by becoming more transparent for those who follow my art journey. (My word for that year was ACCOUNTABILITY) and I tell you what- I studied every sense of that word! Ha!


At the beginning of this blogging adventure, I announced my very first 30 day illustration challenge, which proved to be a GREAT success!!

So, today, I bring you a post from November 3rd, 2013 -------- (edited to include more photos!)

From this challenge, this post and VIVA! (pictured below) were tributes to my Grand Mama V.; a woman who harnessed the most spiritually awakening peace that I've ever felt. I was compelled to share it...in doing so, my healing process began.

This illustration was an extremely personal one, considering how private of a person I, typically, am. I really wanted to make this one shine...

DAY 3/30


Title: "Viva!"
Media: graphite, acrylic, cut paper collage, watercolor paper, white gel pen, ink pens; digital collage
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

PRINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! inquire here

here are some close-ups...

detail pic of my maternal Grandmother's vintage shoe clip. Unique textures help build up the narrative and gives a greater, visual appeal.

-This was a very sensitive subject for me to share with the public because my emotions are still raw and I still feel vulnerable- yes, even after (nearly) 4 years of my maternal grandmother's passing.

On the brighter side of things, I can say that I've healed and have already taken action in preserving my memory of her! Please take a step closer and notice a few elements that reveal personal sentiments of our relationship:

♫ ♪ Can you see the blue music notes? ♪ ♪♫

Did you find her age embedded in the illustration?

Oh, look at the scribbles in the upper right and middle areas!! It's a hand-written note I wrote to her!  (It's illegible and mainly used to give some visual weight to the bottom of the illustration.)

   

the cardinal bird is a strong, personal symbolic reference of mine. It stands for the abundance of faith and peace; it also represents my prayers being heard from God.

I'm forever grateful to have such a positive and wise woman to help guide me along the right path. Her legacy will not be forgotten.
It was an honor to share my memory of her with you.
 
 -----------

I want to leave you with this quote as you venture off to the next participating blogger's blog haven:

"Live life and love strongly." ~ Vivian Smith, aka Grand Mama V.

So...what do you think? Go ahead, leave your comment! 
Don't sit there behind the scenes. I'm here waiting for ya! Step up, Brave One, and reach out... ;)

Here I am!

3 Times the Charm!

celebrating 3 years of business! Woo-hoo!

HIP HIP HURRAY!!!!

Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe that my company, Martice Smith Fine Art +  Design, is celebrating 3 years of being in business!

As I walked across that stage, back in 2011, college diploma in hand, I set an intention to go forward with my dreams of sharing my art, owning an online boutique and to turn what I do into a service - not to glorify me, but to glorify Christ.
 

I remember that day so vividly...I remember feeling my spirit soaring above all expectations, limitations, and discouragement. Creating art was no longer optional- if I was to continue thriving, it was something that MUST be done.

That's why it's so natural/intuitive for me to incorporate inspirational and motivational words or phrases in my artwork. I LOVE what I do for a living!!!


Every month, I write down a list of accomplishments. Whenever I feel, even a little discouraged, I whip out that list and read every line (out loud!) to motivate myself and to re-establish my purpose. I went back to visit some of these and re-discovered achievements I'd lost track of...


To name a few: 
* I've had over 50+ art exhibitions (mostly solo and a few juried ones)

* 15+ speaking engagements (via demonstrations of my art process, private workshops, elementary and college events, mentoring & tutoring programs, radio, film, and online interviews...)

* Landed my first, commissioned project to illustrate Sneaky Snakes, my 1st children's book (I loved it! I hope to do more, soon)

* Designed and completed 3 large murals

* Initiated and COMPLETED my very 1st, 30-day illustration challenge AND was approached by a gallery director to have an exhibit, showcasing each one!! (I'm thinking about doing this challenge again, this year...stay tuned...are you willing to join me, if I do???)

Needless to say, I am "proud as a peacock" of my many accomplishments and goals!
photo credit: Ariel-Rose Mattive

So...how did I achieve all of this? I'll share with you my

3 Success Tips:

  1 * Accountability is important! I find that it helps to run ideas by my creative tribe and get feedback on my projects. Don't isolate yourself! You'd be surprised just how many people are genuinely curious about what you're doing! Explaining your process could help restructure or clarify your initial idea(s). Try it!


2 * * Establish deeper connections. Embrace the opportunity to develop new friendships with kindred spirits in other career fields than your own. I've made it my priority to know a little bit more about my collectors, fans, and followers of my art.
 
Great places to start: Online art groups (Facebook, Flickr, Yahoo, etc.), community outreach programs, church events, or simply, get to know your neighbors!
 
It can be exhilarating when someone proclaims their love and appreciation for what you do and propels you into more opportunities you probably wouldn't have explored. ( Like the time I assisted in a photoshoot and got to meet the legendary Mr. Harry Belafonte!! Yeah, true story ;) )

3 * * * Continue your learning quest. I'm so thankful to have an abundance of sparkly creative desires! I've learned how to 'sift through' and decide on which projects complement my current focus.

Be curious about the things that interest you; seek out people who you think might help you on your learning quest OR point you in the right direction. Above all, KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!

I've been following CreativeLIVE during my career as an artist, designer and photographer. (I use this site, often, to cultivate myself as an entrepreneur to develop and master a wide-range of skill sets.) Their free broadcasts and workshops brings the experts to you, no matter what skill level you may be at. (I recommend this as a great resource (and no, I'm not getting paid to say this!), if you don't mind taking online workshops, which typically, lasts from 2-3 days.)

Another resource I like to utilize is smART History: a multi-media web-book about art. I can't get enough of Art History...

I want you all to know that I'm very grateful for all your comments, well wishes, love, generosity, feedback, etc. you've given me to help make my business what it is today. THANK YOU!! I appreciate y'all sooo much and I'm blessed to have God's favor upon me.

In essence: 

"Be clear about what drives you. Don't succumb to external definitions of what success is supposed to look like. Rather, dig deep to uncover and honor what truly fulfills and serves you." ~ quote by Jennifer Lee, artist coach

Go ahead and claim YOUR bragging rights!

What are some of your accomplishments/goals/intentions YOU are most proud of, so far, this year? Share away! I read every comment ;)...

Graffiti Charm Bracelet Tutorial

For all you mixed-media jewelry lovers, washi tape lovers, gelli plate enthusiasts and the like, listen up 'cause this one is for YOU!


     "Lately, I’ve been experimenting with creative ways to incorporate more color into my wardrobe and accessories. I shopped around my local art store’s jewelry section and I had a serendipitous moment: why not transform my art into ‘wearable art’? I grabbed up some fun-sized, canvas ATCs and some basic jewelry making supplies and imagined infusing them with my own..." click here to read more


Learn how to create bold Graffiti Charm Bracelets with ATC-sized canvas sheets and basic jewelry making supplies. Transform your art into a focal piece that’s sure to strike up a conversation!
 

 article + tutorial is up on the Mixed Media Art.net website...check it out here.

detail view of a Graffiti Charm Bracelet

What kinds of creative projects do you create from your paper, canvas, or fabric scraps?  Add a link to your comment to show it off!

Mixed Media May GIVEAWAY!

What's up, lovelies!! 

Just in case you missed it, I was one of the featured artists on the Mixed Media May blog on May 6th. It was such a great and fun opportunity to share my artwork and my story with other people who appreciate my God given abilities.

To top off the success of this year's Mixed Media May blog celebration, there will be a GIVEAWAY!!! Yes, you heard me right...Be sure to check out which of the artists are participating in this. 

 Just for fun, I created two collages that feature my favorite pieces from each of the participating artists (in no particular order). Needless to say, I am blown away by all of these eclectic styles and techniques! WOW!

 

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, head on over to the Mixed Media May blog, read the interviews, enter the giveaway and most importantly, I hope you enjoy the richly inspiring artwork!!!

You can read all about my creative process ( like my meditation practices, what inspires me, and other motivational bits ) right here.

Did you discover a favorite artist? Which artist's interview resonated with you the most?