February 2012

Leigh Mauze Armstrong

In the history of the John Ross Palmer Escapist Mentorship Program, I've never once fact-checked an individual's application.  If they stated that they had this degree or that award, I always took them for their word and presented their written applications to the jury panelists "as is."  Well, something different happened this year.  In reviewing the application of Leigh Mauze Armstrong for completedness (ok, I admit, sometimes I read a little bit more because I'm just so curious...), I noticed that she stated that she had received an early acceptance to the Art Institute of Chicago and had been awarded an eighty thousand dollar merit scholarship.  Oh, wait a minute, I forgot to tell you, Leigh is 18 and a senior in high school (making her the youngest Escapist Artist in the history of this program).  My head spun when I read those words and I told John, "I mean, I'm going to have to check this out!"  So, I e-mailed Leigh, gave her a big Congratulations on the award, but also told her that it was my annual job to fact-check on applications (remember I told you I've never done this before...) and if she would kindly fax me a copy of her acceptance and award letter that would be much appreciated.  Leigh responded that it would be no problem whatsoever and I should receive the fax on Monday morning.  Well, first thing on Monday morning, I got the fax.  Sure enough, her massive accomplishment was right there in black and white.  Amazing.

In tabulating the scores and seeing that Leigh was in fact a Finalist, I did think for a minute that this decision might stem some controversy.  I mean, some of the artists that have applied and were not accepted for this program in the past have decades of experience as a professional artist.  But, then I just read, and re-read, this one essay response from Leigh.  She had framed it in the form of a direct letter to John--so genius.  Then I decided and validated in my mind--no matter how 'controversial' this might be, I didn't care in the slighest.  As in one jury panelist's comments to the judging, "She gets it."

How can the Escapist Mentorship Program benefit you?

"Dear John,

I want to remind you who I am -- the girl who came to your open house and was very shy about my work.  You kindly gifted me with your time and a wonderful book about the Escapist movement.  It was a 'moment' and I am grateful.

The Escapist Mentorship Program would allow me to work with an artist who has the experience, passion and knowledge I need to make art my career and lifestyle.  My days are currently lived in high school.  Many don't understand the desire inside of me and the amount of courage it takes to paint and create and hope to one day call it my life's work.  Your love of sharing your art, your attitute, your vision -- all that I saw when I met you sealed the deal for me.  I must follow my dream.  I must.  And this mentorship would be a wonderful place to start.

After watching the videos of the past mentorship programs, I can't help but feel intimated because of the age difference between me and the past participants.  I am only eighteen.  I don't have a lot of experience.  But each year I have grown so much in my work that there is no saying where I could go if I had this opportunity.

So please choose me -- I can promise you that no one will get more of this than I will.  You will never regret your decision.

Sincerely,

Leigh"

It just gives me chills.  Leigh, honestly, I think I am intimidated by you.  You not only are a world-class artist but you have a gift with words that I admire tremendously. John and I want to give you a huge Congratulations and we cannot wait to help you as much as humanly possible this year!

                                 
                                                                     Untitled
                                                            Artist: Leigh Armstrong
                                                                  89 x 49 inches
                                                     Acrylic, Oil and Assorted Fabrics
                                                                       2011

Anita Varadaraju

September 13, 2011.

That was the date that the 2012 Escapist Mentorship Program Application of Anita Varadaraju was postmarked--more than three and a half months before the Deadline.  I've described on the John Palmer Art Blog that one of the scoring aspects of the written applications is "Discretionary."  For me, this was a definite factor.  It showed me personally that she was hungry, ready and anxious to work with John and take her career to the next level.

In Anita's own words (perfectly hand-written in blue ink...),

"There are times in life when we feel an incredible pull towards one person or thing.  When everything else seems to disappear but that need.  But then our senses kick in and help us decide if achieving itself is as important as how it is done.  Then, we slow down, we analyze, we edit and we prioritize.  This clarity is Escapism."

Although I never have any Escapist "favorites," Anita is already one of my 2012 Gold Stars because she maintains an active Website and Blog.  She has a dedicated Facebook Page and, yes, she Tweets.  Unfortunately, I was in South Carolina during Anita's Skype Interview on Saturday, January 28th, but, John did send me a clip of her speaking via an Iphone video text message.  Her voice alone is marvelous and projected so well in the art studio.  I remember her saying at one point that she didn't want to earn recognition or income from her art "posthumously."  Anita, I'll tell you one thing, Mr. John Ross Palmer has that exact same desire.  It is the goal of the Escapist Mentorship Program to teach artists how to self-promote, sell on their own and not be tied to the traditional art gallery system when they are alive!

In her own words:

"I have a life long commitment to this skill (art).  It seems like I can talk about my work non stop.  I wonder if I even realize that not all audiences want to hear about my work.  But it keeps me immensely happy and always hooked to be with, and be my art."  Anita, that last clause, "Be my art" is classic J.P.  The man is incapable of separating himself from it, and, I love him for that passion.  You should never feel uncomfortable if you think you're audience might not be interested in you or your art.  Don't change yourself.  If anything, change the audience.

Anita, we are so proud of you!  Congratulations on being a 2012 Escapist Artist--it's going to be a simply amazing year and I can't wait for John and I to begin helping you  in every way that we can!

                                     
                                                  The Mansion at the End of the Street
                                                           Artist: Anita Varadaraju
                                                                  48 x 60 inches
                                                              Latex Paint on Canvas
                                                                        2011

Sonya Cuellar

Today's featured 2012 Escapist Artist is Sonya Cuellar of Houston, Texas.  She is the first-ever Escapist Artist whose talents are equally strong in both painting and photography media.  I definitely encourage you to visit her beautiful Website and most definitely read her thoughts on her Blog.  After her selection as a 2012 Escapist Artist, I read her latest Blog entry entitled "The Big Escapism Interview."  Her humble words are so terribly inspiring.  It gave me chills to read about her joy combined with humility in even making it as a Finalist.  Most definitely my favorite part was the closing to the next-to-last paragraph when Sonya states, "I resisted applying in the past out of fear, but this year my desire to be successful as an artist was bigger than my fear and look what happened!"  

In Sonya's own words:

"I loved the idea of 'destroying the stereotype of the struggling artist.'  Every time I tell someone I am an artist, the first thing they say is, 'but what do you do for al living?' Escapism to me means, living my dream, pursuing my passion and having the life I always imagined."  Sonya, just so you know, the Hardest Working Man in the Art Business still gets this same inquiry on a very regular basis!  And, now he and you combined with all of the Escapists are going to do absolutely everything in our power to change that "first question."  Rather, that question should be:

"Where is your studio or gallery?"
"What is your website and can I purchase directly should I love the work?"
"Who do you believe is your most influential collector?"
"Since you're clearly a success, what are you doing to give back to the art community?"
"Do you know John Ross Palmer?"

Ok, that last one is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but, John himself would most definitely prefer any of the previous four as to the typical question described above.  Slowly but surely, through all of our hard work, this will change in our world.

Sonya goes on to say,

"I think self-promotion is of the utmost importance.  My good friend, and Escapist, Edgar Medina, has shown me that you are your biggest advocate.  You have to get out there and promote because no one is going to do it for you.  It's the main reason I took the plunge and decided to open a studio and also decided to apply for the Escapist Program.  I would love to learn more about how to self promote."  Spoken like a true Escapist if I've ever heard it before!  No "P.R." specialist, gallery owner, art dealer or broker will ever promote you with the honesty and intensity that you possess within yourself.  The aforementioned entities are literally interested in one thing and one thing only--making money for themselves and taking care of their business.  The artist is but a conduit for their success.  Take the initiative, sell on your own and have more authority in your own destiny.  Be an Escapist!

Sonya, John and I are both so proud of you.  We look forward to helping you as much as possible this year.  "Taking the plunge" to apply to be an Escapist is only one of a limitless number of future chances you will take to achieve success.  Sometimes we'll fail.  But, we'll learn from that.  Then, we'll try again.  And again.  And again.  There's no stopping an Escapist.

                                      
                                                                           Rust
                                                                  Artist: Sonya Cuellar
                                                                     20 x 16 inches
                                                                   Acrylic on Canvas
                                                                             2010

Archive Blog Entries.