I've decided to update this every two weeks at the very least, unless something urgent happens. (How unlikely. )

Firstly, I'm going to be out of character for a moment and announce that I've hit a bit of a milestone as far as dA is concerned... I've recently found out I have over 2,000 watchers! I am more than a little stunned and amazed... A lot of you are re-watches from older accounts, as I recognize more than a few of you (yes, I DO.) And not everyone is active, which is all fine and well. I don't beg to be watched. I actually discourage it. Ha ha! *Removes foot from mouth* Okay, now I've got that out of my system, thanks all of you so very kindly for your understanding and support. Bit by bit, you help me to silence that paranoid, guilt ridden conscience of mine. So hugs.

Speaking of that serious work: Well, I've managed to submit 19 pieces to the MCAD art sale, which takes place next weekend (November 20th and 21st). Due to my regular work schedule, I have both days off and will be making my rounds as an observant, keeping my eye on my work to see whether or not it is sold. I have hopes, as the pieces are smaller, therefor more likely to move. I usually do fairly well at this sale, so that's more hope.

I will also be moving on to something more important... a large painting which I am hoping to finish before the year's end, so that I may submit it to the upcoming Spectrum 17 competition. That's right, I'm going for it! So I am going to try to spend less time bouncing around here on dA and more time tackling that piece. Don't worry, I'm not really leaving. I'm just going to be more quiet until it's finished. (Oh, and here's the initial sketch for the piece, some of you may remember it from earlier. )

Two weeks ago my dear college pal (and best friend) ~feral-fowl came up from Nebraska for a few days to get his work into the upcoming college art sale. We caught up on things, remembered the good times when all of us were at MCAD, and had some art sessions. Not collaborating per se, but bouncing ideas off one another and throwing critiques and suggestions around. It's safe to say we had a pretty good time; we caught up with other friends, and managed to survive working around my obnoxious work schedule and cramped living quarters. I'm such a terrible hostess. But we had SOOOOO much delicious Chinese food, followed by food comas. Very much worth it!

On to other thoughts... this entry's subject is ASSUMPTIONS. Where to start?

Let's start with artists. What do artists assume about other artists, and what are the stereotypes? Whether you are an artist or aren't one, you're bound to have such thoughts cross your mind at some point or another.

I'm amused by the assumptions others have come up with for me. (NOT offended, by any means, because how are most people to ever know?) I should list some of them so you can all smile to yourself, see if you can spot any you might be familiar with. (A further note: These have occurred on and off dA.) : *Are you on drugs/are you an alcoholic???? *Do you play WOW/Magic the Gathering/RPG? *You have some serious mental issues, don't you? *You've been published, I'll bet, where are your books? *Are you a snob? *Are you SERIOUS???? *Are you a real live starving artist? *And what the hell is your orientation, anyway? Those are snippets of things I've either been asked or things I've discerned from others' facial expressions. And of course, there are tons more. Ahhh, how you amuse me. But no matter, I don't know all that much of other folk, either.

My answers to most of the above questions, I've been told, are rather unexpected. For example, I've never had any dealings with drugs, and I very rarely drink. (An ocassional glass of wine or something small is pretty much it.) I like to maintain control of my thoughts and actions, to observe with clarity. As for the games, WOW, various RPGs... well, no, I've never participated, nor felt compelled to do so. I know, that's more than a little unexpected, but there you have it. My co-workers refused to believe me when they heard!
As far as "mental issues" are concerned... Isn't being artistic already an alternative to what many term a "normally" functioning mind? So I can say I am what is to be expected, as I have minor depression, and what seems to be an obnoxious combination of OCD and ADD. It makes it nearly impossible to finish work. I also have an extreme guilt issue. I feel that I am a constant burden to one person or another, or that I am being obnoxious. Naturally, there's also the ever present inferiority complex.

I've yet to be published, I am NOT a "snob," and suffer from an overall lack of culture, I AM serious about my work (mostly) and I am not a true starving artist, as I am managing to survive and am working. As for my orientation, well, I'm in the true minority. You see, I'm mostly asexual. Bet you don't believe me, do you? Try to dismiss it, either way, I can understand. Not much is understood on the subject. I was once asked this question on orientation by a drag queen (out of costume, actually...) and when I told him, he looked like someone had hit him in the face. I felt bad for taking him by surprise. Granted, I look very androgynous and inconspicuous, so I can understand why one would assume otherwise. My mom constantly asks if I've met any guys, as though desperate that I marry before I'm thirty. HA! I'm sorry, but who would tolerate me, that I could tolerate back? In all honesty, I'm already married... to my ART. It's really the only thing that drives me, possesses me. It's what I am, and no more than that. I am but a simple creature.

Thanks for bearing with me there... I just felt like saying. Feel free to say whatever you wish, maybe you've had similar situations. I'm sure we all have.

On another subject quick... does anyone else ever worry themselves sick over the friends or acquaintances question? See, I am slow to call people my friends, but for a reason different than you might expect. I usually only refer to people as friends if they ALSO think of me as their friend, in turn. Often times I may think highly of someone, but only know them a little, and since I do not know how THEY consider me, they remain an acquaintance. It kills me sometimes. Auuuuuuughhhh....

Thanks again, if you've read all of this... Now I'll be silent.

-April


OTHER NOTES: (of interest?)

~Thinking about CSS still... will be consulting with *WhiteRaven90 when we have the time. I have GOT to get my act together! I have not forgotten!!!!!!!


WAITING LIST:

Commission for ~MistingWolf -sketching
Commission for =kalmanen -sketching
Kiriban for ~azngarrett -researching printers (oh dear)
Kiriban for =koshic -sketching
Trade with ~MegaUltima -sketching
Kiriban for ~Omnivorous -sketching
Kiriban for *Araktugage Sketched
Kiriban for ~KJDSTJME Sketching
Kiriban for ~VioletWolf
Collab with ~tschahri 20% finished
Trade with =Jskra
Trade with =Prollei
and I think that =DemonLordOnigawa and I will have a trade in the next few months...
Collaboration in the works with =CricketWings

Various gift arts. I'll note you.

FINISHED LIST:
Commission for ~Y-Esk -Three commissions finished and mailed!
Trade with ~RavingRaven -finished!
Kiriban for *kiraxlee - finished
Trade with *WhiteRaven90 -finished!
Trade with *IridescentSpiritwolf -finished!
Commission for `Saimain -Pieces HAVE BEEN SHIPPED! (finally!)
Kiriban/commission for =Almalphia -SHIPPED!
Kiriban for ~singdrossel -MAILED!

Thank you all for your patience! I apologize for my tediousness....


I am not accepting trades as of now, and am very limited to what I can do. Note me if you are interested, but be prepared for rejection... so sorry, already I'm running out of time. And of course, I would love to do potential work for those that I am watching. God I'm awful, aren't I?

I believe in the collective unconscious. Do you?





~~~~~~~~~People who I admire and/or give me their support!~~~~~~~~~~


and many more!
People that I know and love (offline)