Saturday, October 15, 2011

3 Common Traits of the Introverted Artist

Yesterday I was at my niece's bridal shower and my "crowd" personality took over. While I'm generally OK one-on-one or with small groups of people I know, I'm often uncomfortable at social functions, even with friends and family. I have a tendency to turn into the blob in the corner who seems intrigued by the wallpaper. I avoid people, not because I'm intentionally snubbing them, but rather because it is easier for me not to interact with people. When engaged in conversation, I sometimes supply short answers to questions and do not actively seek out people to converse with. It's weird because I never have had this problem at any job I've held. At work, I'm able to communicate effectively. You probably know someone just like me.

This is the result of what I find are common traits of introverted people, particularly extremely creative types of the artistic temperament. These three characteristics are:

  1. Social Anxiety: Introverted people often function best doing things which don't involve others, so having to deal with things like parties can cause great anxiety.
  2. Depression: With me, is an underlying feeling of meloncholy, even when laughing. This is an innate character trait, not just a fleeting emotion.
  3. Inability to converse in small talk: Introverted creatives dwell on different ideas and it is difficult to focus on things that others may be interested in. When we do speak, we are often misunderstood by people who are not of like mind.
I guess I'm writing this because for years I've tried to overcome my "negative" personality traits with little success. So instead of continuing to struggle, I'm going to give in to myself. The next time I turn you down for a social event, it's not about you. I simply feel better when I'm alone creating.

    Tuesday, October 4, 2011

    Vibrant Concepts of the Billboard Art Project

    My artwork is being featured as part of the Billboard Art Project. This is a public art event which is happening on digital billboards across the United States. The program explores and promotes the use of LED billboards as an artistic medium.

    Following are images of my digital work for this event. I combine sections of my original artwork with positive messages. My objective is to inspire conscious thought in the viewer.

    Note: These images are all copyrighted by me. Using them without my permission is in violation of copyright.











    These images will be on display in Chicago, Illinois, from October 8-16 and again on October 22-23. Each will be shown for 10 seconds interspersed between 5-6 frames of advertising,  along with the work of 82 other artists. I don't have an actual time when mine will appear. The Billboard Project has a Facebook page where people can upload their pictures of the billboards, so hopefully someone will be able to take a picture of one.

    The digital billboard can be seen on the east bound 1-90 Expressway just after it crosses over Oakton Street. Here is a map of where the billboard is located. I drove past it on I-90 and I was only able to glimpse two ads in rotation. It is best viewed from a stationary position on Hamilton Street in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights.