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Minami is a wonderful local artist we have represented for over five years and she has become our friend. She is VERY local, living on top of Queen Anne, so we frequently get to see her and her adorable dogs and her husband, Danny. I’m sure many people know and love them in our community.

I recently read this book and thought it was very enlightening. The short 1 paragraph to 3 page chapters gave his thoughts on the struggles and nature of creativity.

He starts by explaining the various resistances faced by creators, including fear of failure and fear of success. Artists need to set aside time and space, often at the detriment of relationships and other responsibilities.

Since I moved downtown two years ago my world is full of incredible murals. I live on the newly finished Seattle Waterfront where the city has made use of the expanse of building backs that are empty canvases for mural artists. I watched artists painting on tall scaffolding as I walked to work.

What Is Art?

The dictionary definition:

Art is the class of objects that meet or are subject to aesthetic criteria; objects considered beautiful, imaginative, skillful, and meaningful collectively, such as paintings, sculptures, or drawings:

We have a long history on Queen Anne Hill and I have been a part of it since 2008, but we go back much further than that.  In May of 1989 Philip Amdal opened McGraw Street Framing at 618 West McGraw Street.

In the early 1900s, Seattle was a buzz of activity. The gold rush had brought wealth, ambition, and people from all parts of the world to the young city. Expanding past the downtown core, with a vast network of trams, Seattle was growing rapidly, solidifying its role as a maritime and rail hub.

In the spirit of parenting teens who have just told me something I’m not quite sure of…OK, tell me more?

My small apartment is filled with art that I have collected over the years, and each piece has a story.  Mostly they are by artist friends and colleagues, who gifted them or gave me a smoking deal.  I also like to find interesting art when I travel. In the last month I purchased (full asking price) art from a local artist, Graham Francoise.  I follow his Morning Coffee Painting series, a time lapsed video of him painting in watercolor.

Last weekend was the Seattle Art Fair’s 9th Edition at Lumen Field Event Center. I’m a little disappointed in myself for never attending before, but never again will I miss it! (As a Seattle Art Museum member, I received free passes, so there’s another reason to become a member) 

Have you visited the Ai Weiwei exhibit at The Seattle Art Museum yet?  You still have time because it closes September 7. I just experienced it for the second time and I could go back for more!