A few months ago I began making videos for my blog. Soon afterwards I also embraced my bilingual childhood by starting to video blog and write in French as well as in English.

This is an example of my new video blogging. I love to discuss feminism as well as art history and the complex nature of portraiture, and this video addresses all of those interests!

Recently I was named the BlogHer Voice of the Week:

“This [blog] post melds words and images, creating a thought-provoking embodiment of the BlogHer 10 session ‘Transforming Online Places into Art Spaces.’ Each image and each thought is more interesting than the last. It’s a consistent theme in [Seemel’s] work.”

Apple Pie the book includes images from the series as well as statements by the subjects which explore what it means to be an American from their unique perspectives. Inara Verzemnieks provided the introduction for the book with her essay “Do You Consider Yourself An American?”

The catalog is available for $25. Email me if you would like to purchase a copy.

Just like the series, Subjective the book juxtaposes my work with the work of my collaborator Becca Bernstein. Dr. Richard Brilliant authored the introductory essay for our exhibition’s catalog. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Brilliant has received many honors, including the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Fulbright grant.

The book is available for $20. Email me if you would like to purchase a copy.

I had heard that there are foundations which give money to artists experiencing financial difficulties, but, until I spent three days in the hospital last year, I didn’t fully appreciate them. Thank you to the Haven Foundation, Artists’ Fellowship Inc, and Change Inc for helping me to pay my medical bills!

In January 2010, my work was featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Art Beat! The segment was filmed in September 2008 and it features Apple Pie as well as part of the interview behind these two portraits.

 

I caught the miniature portrait bug when I painted this special diptych in 2009 for a wedding, but, at first, I wasn’t sure it was something I wanted to do on commission. After experimenting more with panel and some seriously small brushes, it’s safe to say that I have fallen in love with the infinite possibilities of tininess.

If you’re interested in a compact version of you or of a loved one, look for this new option on my pricelist.

Courtney’s is just one in my series of You Bags, canvas totes which leave no doubt who they belong to. The bags are an important part of my work. They emphasize what I think is best in art: they emphasize the way that art can be integral to everyday life.

Do you want your portrait on a handbag?

HOW TO MAKE A LIVING AS AN ARTIST:

              1) Make a lot of work.

              2) Show a lot of people the best of that work.

              3) Be friendly.

              4) Repeat.

For more information about how I earn a living doing only what I love to do, visit this article on my Face Making blog.

“Few artists are as gifted at self-promotion as Gwenn Seemel. The Portland artist has an ingenious knack for letting the world know what she’s up to and when to expect her latest exhibit—but in a charmingly winning way that suggests she’s not solely in marketing mode.”

Please email me at gwenn@gwennseemel.com if you would like to be added to my mailing list for notices about upcoming shows and events.