Over the last couple of weeks, I have heard this quote or one similar from several different people. While I was gracious and said “Thank you” I later thought, I should have said “Fuck you.” Seriously, what does that even mean?

What it means is, I am going to continue to get my hair buzzed until society/the media gets over itself and accepts that all people are beautiful and no person should be judged, valued, loved or even liked based on their appearance alone. Now I totally understand that I will probably die of old age with a buzzed head but I am content to let that happen as long as it empowers me to keep the conversation going about society’s obsession with appearance.

After the last person said “I am so glad you are growing your hair out” I didn’t shrink in the corner and wonder if I look that bad with my hair short (Ok I did wonder a little bit) Instead It made me want to change people’s minds, their perception of themselves and others even more. It did empower me to fight the good fight and continue my work on body image and self acceptance.

Did I tell you I was posing nude for a friend of mine? My good friend Rikki asked me one day if I would want to pose nude for a portrait. She thought it may be a great addition to my body image work. I thought so too, and said sure, without flinching. I have sat for her twice now and while I haven’t felt any different personally or emotionally it has been a lovely experience. We will see how I feel with the portrait done. It’s still a work in progress but here are a couple early shots…

I am also planning a couple of performance art pieces where I will be in the nude… stay tuned!!

On to the next step of my projects… I have been looking at new mannequins for my “A comfortable skin” project. What an arduous task. (I’ve been wanting to say arduous for a while now…LOL) What an expensive task too. I have found they will be at least $300 each. My plan is to do at least 11 more so I am looking at $3300+.

If you have been thinking about purchasing one of my paintings now is a perfect time. Your contribution will help go towards my body image project which I hope will be inspirational to women (and men). I am planning on showing the Avatars in an installation with the Second  Life Avatars projected along side them. After their debut at the Brewery Artwalk last weekend, I know they will be a big success. I had some amazing comments about my work with body image and the idea to be yourself. “Be an individual.” I felt empowered and motivated to continue this work. I am so excited to move on the the plus size Avatars!!

If you would like to purchase a painting to help support this project you can check out my paintings here or on Facebook. You can send me an email kristineschomaker@gmail.com to inquire about pricing. I also do layaway/payments.

If you would like to donate directly to “A comfortable skin,” I have a paypal account through my email address: kristineschomaker@gmail.com

Thank you so very much for your support and generosity.

It’s been a tough couple weeks. I have received a few different rejection notices about grants and shows that I had applied for.

I know that because I put myself out there more and more I am risking being rejected more and more.

Of course because I am putting myself out there I am also taking the chance that I get accepted. But while I wait for those acceptance letters, it does get old and depressing getting rejected.

Yesterday I had checked out this very cool site that showcases a lot of new media artists… The work is stellar. I was a bit depressed I am not on the site. Sooooooo of course, I submitted a video. LOL I don’t think I submitted the right video though, but we will see. Maybe I’ll submit something else.

I realized I have to up my art game. Especially if I am to compete with so many other talented, amazing artists. And of course, I know that in the grand scheme of things, art is subjective. Jurists, collectors, gallerists, curators will chose art they like or that is cohesive to a whole show. yadda yadda yadda

So what should it matter. I should do art because I love to do it and because I am communicating my ideas and expressing my passion. Right?

Rules of rejection:

1. Look to your support system.
2. Don’t give up.
3. Work, create, do more art
4. Listen and sing to Violent Femmes (worked for me last night!!)
5. Don’t give up.
6. Don’t give up.
7. Don’t give up.
8. Don’t worry about other people. Who cares what they do or think. You work is singular. Your reasons for doing your work are your own. No one else can take that away from  you.
9. There will always be other photographers, painters, new media and performance artists, but there will not be another… you. Be yourself! Be an individual.
10. Keep going. Accept rejection for what it is and embrace acceptance each time you receive it!
11. Don’t give up!!!

After I was feeling kinda meh yesterday I went to the “Radical Stimulus” opening at LAAA/Gallery 825. This was a show I was rejected from. The show is really fantastic. After seeing  the amazing artwork in the show, I realized that my work wouldn’t have fit in the grand scheme. (Damn i should have still talked to the juror!!) Congratulations to my friends who did get in, they so deserve it!!!  Campbell Laird, Seda Baghdasarian, Monica Wyatt, Barbara Kolo, Randi Hockett and new friends Richard Slechta and Robert Nelson. Here is a selection from the show.

Then I met my friend Nicole at Phillipes for a damn fine French Dip sandwich. I got home and relaxed with the newest episode of Doctor Who and slept better than I had all week!

So at the Brewery Artwalk last weekend, I sold one of my favorite paintings “Cool as a Cucumber.” It’s always sad to see my work leave the next.  They are my babies after all but I can’t keep them all. I do have a few that I can’t ever sell.