Posts: 33

1. 

   Untitled by Tecboy

   11.Apr.08, 15:01 EDT
   
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   Hello I was born in New Orleans, L.A; raised in Atlantic City, NJ and Los Angeles CA; so I had my share of left, right and in between, some of the most beautiful cities. I have been drawing and painting since I can remember. That was around the time my mom use to tell me to turn off the t.v. I did'nt really watch it, just used it for light at night while I drew. I have truly been BLESSED with this talent, because I have never went to school for art. Never had the money, just a passion for what I could do. Plus I really like the attention I was getting when I was young. I have landed some very prestigious jobs with my talent, such as some major corporations, Delta Technology (where my brother gave me the name TECBOY it just stuck with me), even some Textile industries (always up and down here in the south). But the corporate isn't really for me. The flight prevligies is the only thing I miss! I have done a lot of t-shirt silkscreen printing, airbrushing and sign work. In between those times I have literally done all kinds of odd jobs, cashier, bagboy, busboy, cook, mover and sales. Almost every other odd job that never had anything pertaining to art. With all the talent as a freehand artist and the technology skills I have developed (web devlopment, graphic designs, animation) over the past 10 plus years, you'd think I'd be sitting on a pretty penny right? BUZZ!!! Wrong. Sorry to say my friends, but I am still struggling after all these years. I... for some strange reason, when I try to take on business for myself, I keep running into these knucklhead clients that don't want to pay me for my work? Is it my calone I wonder? I know it's definately not my work. Not to sound like I'm tooting my own horn. But they take my work and sell it for much more than they have paid me. Is something wrong with this picture? Or is it just me? All that being said, I am glad to have come across this oppertunity to share. I am a little late on submission, but I've just learned about it. All the rest of my artist friends that can relate and know that time is just a mere example of patience that we have learned! It wasn't given to us. It's what gives us peace. This is why we create. So my friends, I hope you enjoy some samples of my work, it's from the spirit, heart and soul. Even at times when I am struggling to pay bills, phone, or wondering just how I am going to keep food for the next day week, month, I have my talent that can take me away for the moment, but I am still HUNGRY with talent! Lol.... not funny. Stay BLESSED my friends and thanks for letting me share.... c'mon say it with me.....'THANKS FOR SHAREING TECBOY!
   
   by Tecboy
   
   

2. 

   Untitiled by bridgetart

   10.Apr.08, 14:46 EDT
   
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   Starving Starving artist? Is there anyother type of artist? I live in Louisiana and my art is transformed by the beauty of my state. My state may have it's flaws, but it's natural beauty is second to none. This painting was inspired by Hurricane Katrina. The vivid colors represent the vivaciousness of the city of New Orleans, while the bend light pole and crooked shutter shows the destructiveness of "Mother Nature".
   
   by bridgetart
   
   

3. 

   untitled by sikchick

   02.Apr.08, 20:26 EDT
   
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   untitled
   Spray Paint and India Ink, 30" x 42", 2008
   
   
   Hi All!
   My name is Megan Kinion. I am from a small town in Arkansas. As a matter of fact our population is right around 500 and we only have a post office & a general store. Yes...i said general store. growing up in the heart of the bible belt my art never fully had a chance to blossom. I grew up in a drug infested environment where my mother; being a devout christian, worked 90 hours a week to provide only the essentials for me & my sister. Even in the midst of all of her worries she encouraged us to be outspoken and always follow our dreams...even if they were as frivilous as being an artist.
   
   I started out 5 years ago going to the local community college because it was all I could afford & even then financial aid paid. I attended this school for 3 years, trying the whole time to get into a very prestigeous liberal arts college in the next town. Finally 2 years ago I was accepted ( with the addittion of a massive student loan). Since then I have been given many opportunities to find myself in my art but it did not happen until about a year ago.
   
   It was then that "life" really started to hit me. My love of 7 years left me for someone else. Already taking 24 hours a semester, working 2 jobs and helping to take care of my five adopted siblings, the stress seemed unbearable and I struggled with thoughts of suicide and began to depend on anti-depressants and thearapy. However in the midst of my tradgeties I began to concentrate only on my art . In turn I have created an entire series based on my struggles & the worse my life gets, the better my art is and for that I am thankful.
   
   I will be graduating in a couple of months and as crazy as it sounds, I am moving to New york to attend grad. school & try to make it!
   
   I am entering the fine arts category. The painting above is untitled but is a self portrait. It is 30" x 42" and is done with spray paint, india ink & polyurethane.
   
   sikchick
   
   

4. 

   Painting Funkytown by funkytown-art

   02.Apr.08, 14:45 EDT
   
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   I'm a struggling starving artist living in a small Texas town. Money is so tight that I often paint over old paintings in order to create new ones.A customer came to the gallery where I exhibit to buy a Russian cityscape painting he had seen, a painting that I had just painted over days before. It would have sold. I'm a single Mom of an awesome 3 year old boy, we live with Grandma while I try to make enough through my art to support him and move out on our own. When we finally do, I've promised him a puppy which we haven't been able to have here. It's been a hard 3 years financially. I will say this though--- we're poor but we're happy and I've been able to both be with my son and do what I am most passionate about, which is creating art that makes people smile.
   
   This is an abstract Dallas Skyline acrylic painting I'm entering in the fine art category for the starving artist contest.
   
   by funkytown-art
   
   

5. 

   Untitled by Ryk

   01.Apr.08, 13:33 EDT
   
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   So, I'm following directions, as I usually end up doing in regards to what I hope to do with due courtesy and proper effect for the result I hope to end up attaining. I need to include a short story about the piece so here it is:
   
   I used to win art contests, if you would be so gracious to call 5-7 year old "coloring" contests to be art competitions. I stayed inside the lines, for the most part, and both literally and figuratively, I got great results. Eventually a couple years passed and I had won some recognition and gift certificates with the decorative ribbons.
   
   The spoils of my artistic endeavors was always the process, the outlet for my accumulated frustration, elation, and whatever else lay in the recesses of my childhood mind and body after school.
   
   The above piece signifies the depth of my knowledge into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the flourescense of light or "knowledge" for the seemingly unnatractive, yet docile, agile, and predatory of hunters, whom are fishing for truth in the vast, darkness of reality.
   
   The kind of grouper above is rare, as I feel transience with fortitude to feed ones needs over desires has an affectation on one's survival.
   
   Hope you like it, yet that is loaded. How do you like it? I'm open for suggestions.
   
   by Ryk
   
   

6. 

   Namaste by Far I Shields

   31.Mar.08, 18:36 EDT
   
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   The painting was visualize during a deep trance jam session with mystical musician. The yougest member of the three people in trance comes out of trance and whispers "Namaste". When she said that I was shown the above image. It is Three people who have been fasting, praying and meditation in the mountain and they are on their way to the city to share what they have learned.
   
   The words are written in the Sanskrit Language. Top left it says OM- which is the verbal chant to connect to the vibration of universal peace, enlightenment and oneness
   
   Top Right - NAMASTE - The sanskrit greeting which means the best of me acknowledges and honors the best in you.
   
   by Far I Shields
   
   

7. 

   Bubba by wyleycoyote

   31.Mar.08, 13:46 EDT
   
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   Bubba
   Commissioned ~~~ portrait of a Rottweiller
   
   
   I am entering "Bubba", an 8"x10" portrait of a Rottweiller that was painted for a client a few years ago (that is what the client wanted it painted on). I used acryllics. I am primarily self-taught, though I did go to college as an Art major. I dropped out after the first year, and that was a long time ago.
   
   I began painting these portraits around the time I first got sick three years ago. I had so much trouble breathing and was in such pain I had to quit my job. For a while I even stopped painting. I am now back to work, employed as a kennel attendant, though I am still struggling to make ends meet. We have a farm here, I have two aging parents I am trying to help out and not enough money to go around a lot of the time. A few were painted before I became ill. At that time I had been considering trying to make a business out of it, but it all came to a screeching halt once I got sick. My illness still flares up, but I still try to paint and work.
   
   In all, I have painted 10 of these portaits, though it has stretched out over more than a few years time.
   
   I have 4 dogs that I support along with other animals. And all I have been painting, when I do paint, is animals. Having to work puts a time limit on how often I can paint, and I have been painting to try to bring in extra money to survive. Some of them are featured on my MySpace page, though I have not come right out and tried to sell through MySpace.
   
   Any vote for me would be appreciated.
   
   by wyleycoyote
   
   

8. 

   Barry by nas1234

   26.Mar.08, 14:54 EDT
   
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   Barry
   Ebony Pencil
   
   
   I have always thought of my self as a talented artist, but until recently I haven't been able to showcase any of my work. At one time I was THE most motivated person when it came to getting the word out about myself and my work. Then Katrina struck the coast of Mississippi and took all of my passion, drive, and most of all my work. But I have recovered and I have replenished my work, and now I want to show every one how talented I am. I am Nason, and I am an artist!
   
   by nas1234
   
   

9. 

   Pink Sunshine by Jusdenny

   24.Mar.08, 20:30 EDT
   
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   "Pink Sunshine"
   Fine art entry
   Watercolor and pastel on linen panel
   
   I've heard it said countless times that an artist should paint the world as he sees it. When I look on a flower, or a face, or out on an open landscape I notice every subtle, exquisit detail. My passion, compulsion, and overwhelming joy is to communicate the part that just grabs you and makes you say simply; "Oooooo..."
   
   If could jus' pay the rent with that.
   
   by Jusdenny
   
   

10. 

    Untitled by painterphil

    24.Mar.08, 14:23 EDT
    
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    I was walking the road to babylon when I met a prophet on a hill. Everyone in the neigborhood warned me that the lady was crazy but as a college student going door-to-door selling books as a summer job, I had to knock on every door or I'd miss a sale. I introduced myself as customary, "Hello Ma'am, my name is Phil and I'm all the way from Florida.." The gray haired woman was in her nightgown and smoking cigarette through red-stained lips. Her eyes never left my face. She listened at my rehearsed spiel and waited till I was finished before she spoke, "Why are you here?"
    
    Taken aback I replied, "Well its a summer college job program where I sell these educational books.."
    
    She interupted, "No. Why are you here on earth? God put you here to do something, and its not sell books. What is your passion?"
    
    By now I was becoming a bit more hesitant. Her property on a hill consisted of a mini-junkyard, an old worn down house, and a few mangy dogs and cats sunning in the lawn. Although I was in Michigan, it could have been the set of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
    
    I muttered a reply, "Uh art. I study art in college." As to almost say to myself I added, "I want to be an artist."
    
    With her steel grey eyes and eerie voice she told me, "Then go, why waste time here. Go. Go and be."
    
    Our conversation ended as she wandered off in her slippers back into her dark worn down house and I walked back to my car. The next day I left Michigan and my summer job forever.
    
    Flash forward four years later. I was still a salesman but at least I was selling art. I was a French Quarter artist in New Orleans and I sold my painting on the street. It was the most glorious office in the world. Set up on St. Louis Cathedral's back fence, me and a bunch of other weirdo artist hung our painting in the sun and sat in lawn chairs until the tourists wandered down the street tipsy and feeling good. The air was always fresh, the birds would sing for our morning arrival, and the money that poured into the hotels and jazz clubs trickled down to the artists, buskers, and street poets across the quarter. For the next two years of my life I sold painting on the street and loved it. Sometimes I'd have a good week and make a couple thousand dollars. Some weeks would be so bad I couldn't even sell blood to a vampire. But that was life and it was mine.
    
    Before New Orleans I was a graphic designer in NYC. I thought that made me a professional. I thought I had made it. But I was wrong. The work was boring, the pay was paltry, and the city bred hostility as much as opportunity. When I left NY I went to find something pure in the arts. And that's how I ended up in New Orleans.
    
    As the adage goes, All good things must come to an end, my days in New Orleans were numbered. The season before Katrina hit, I had gotten my heart broken, my best friend was leaving for Taos, and I was starting to feel more and more as if my time here was coming to a close. Everyone knows how Katrina went after that, but here is my story:
    
    My studio was in midcity. I fled the storms wrath early in the morning with only my laptop, my rotweiler, and my well-earned wad of cash from my sales. When I came back two weeks after the storm the mildew line on the walls implied that at one point it was under 8 feet of water. Every brush, scrap of canvas, and painting I had in my studio was destroyed. My brand new Mac computer and Epson 9800 printer were also destroyed. Basically everything I had fought and worked for was gone.
    
    With nothing left to do or to claim, I moved around for a bit, visiting friends, crashing on couches, until I ended up in Florida and got a part time job doing substitute teaching. This led to a full time job teaching art at a high school. After two years I had my own place, a steady paycheck, and my art studio was back in action.
    
    And yet, here I was at 28. A teacher of the arts, which is as close to being an artist as you can be without actually starving. But this was not for me. I gave it all up. I sold all my unneccesary junk(books, winter clothes, Legos, etc) and moved to Miami to try again to be a full time artist. And this time I won't stop till I succeed, or anothor catagory 5 hurricane fucks up all my plans.
    
    However here is why I should win: Im 28 years old. I have a laptop and a pickup truck to my name. I dropped all my savings into a small 800 foot studio, a new Epson printer, and a couple hundred T-shirts with my art on them. I live with my grandma, which is not a cool place to live. She's great, but its kind of hard to bring home a girl to your grandma's crib. I haven't travelled anywhere except art shows in the area. And my friend that worked with me in the graphic design firm in NYC is making 70k a year, but hates his life. I may be starving, but at least I'm on my own terms. And that's why I am your Starving artist.
    
    by painterphil
    
    

11. 

    two worlds by nikmend

    21.Mar.08, 16:16 EDT
    
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    I like to enter my new work "two worlds" in Fines arts because in was done by hand. I hope you like and plzs leave comment (if u got time)why you like or not. That way in know what to do better next time. thxs for your time reading and view the art work.
    
    
    
    This my 6th everending line drawing. all by hand 11"x14" . I like the bold black/sliver and green/redish/blue side by side. like night and day. it my best so far i hope you like but can you if it is 2D or 3D?
    
    by nikmend
    
    

12. 

    LOWRIDING DRAWING by MR.MAYA

    19.Mar.08, 21:02 EDT
    
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    HELLO IM GABRIEL, IVE JUST ENTERED IN THE ILLISTRATION CATAGORY.IVE BEEN DRAWING SINCE THE AGE OF 6 AND HOPING THIS GOD GIFT PAYS OFF SOMEDAY. IVE BEEN IN A RUN OF SOME BAD TIMES THIS PAST YEAR, JUST RESCENTLY IVE LOST MY JOB AND HAD MY LISCENCE SUSPENDED. ITS HARD LOOKING FOR A JOB WITHOUT GETTING PULLED OVER WITH SUSPENDED LISCENCE. I LIVE WITH MY MOTHER-IN-LAW AT THE MOMENT, SO YOU SEE ITS PRETTY HARD RIGHT NOW. IVE ENTERED MY ART IN LOWRIDER ARTE MAGAZINE AND BEEN SUCCESFUL , BUT THEY DONT GIVE THE CREDIT SOME PEOPLE DESERVE. IM JUST STRIVING TO BE ONE OF THE BEST, BEFORE MY LIFETIME IS THRU. IVE AM A DIABETIC SO EITHER WAY WHEN I GO I WANT TO LEAVE SOMETHING MEMMORABLE BEHIND. I DONT HAVE A NICE DRAWING TABLE OR EXPENSIVE ART PENS, MARKERS OR TOOLS. I DONT EVEN HAVE SPECIAL ART PAPER TO DRAW ON, ALL I HAVE IS A KITCHEN TABLE AND YOUR USUAL GROCERY STORE PENS. I WANT TO GET MY GED BUT DONT HAVE THE FUNDS, MAYBE GO TO A ART INSTITUTE ONE DAY. IM REALLY TRYING TO GET BACK ON TRACK FOR MY DAUGHTER SHE MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME IN READING THIS AND HOPE TO GET YOUR VOTES! THANKS.
    
    by MR.MAYA
    
    

13. 

    Untitled by Ladder4

    18.Mar.08, 18:12 EDT
    
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    This entry is for Fine Art. Living through art is a struggle. I thought when I got out of art school, that my degree would open up so many doors, but I was naive. I find myself working jobs that pay the bare minimum, because having creative skills and an artistic background means nothing to most employers in this country. Last month, in the grocery store, I had only enough money to buy bread or water because I had just paid rent. I chose water because it was cheaper. This happens every time I pay rent. I'm angry and frusterated, but I'm not going to stop painting, even if it is only for myself.
    
    by Ladder4
    
    

14. 

    Who Am I? by Happiharry

    18.Mar.08, 18:06 EDT
    
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    I believe anything creative is possible only by nature. As for me, I am like a singer who sings others songs and at times I write my own poems when I am in touch with my inner self. That's a short note on my work.
    
    by Happiharry
    
    

15. 

    Bottles with Black Inlay by Justyse

    18.Mar.08, 14:16 EDT
    
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    Wheel thrown stoneware bottles.
    Handcarved with black glaze inlay in geometric designs.
    Varying sizes.
    
    My entry is for the Fine Arts catagory.
    Stoneware bottles with black inlay.
    As for why I need the award?...
    
    I am the last of my kind.. well at least here in Pot Town. My name is Barbarah Robertson, and I am the last Strasburg potter. Strasburg is a small town that has a long history of clay work and pottery. But in recent years, the rest have all moved away, leaving me to keep the kilns burning and the clay turning.
    
    My work focuses on contemporary design, tattoo art carvings, the fusion of clay with other natural materials, and clay sculpture.
    
    I'd like to be able to continue to represent contemporary clay art in the Shenandoah Valley area, especially Pot Town due to it's history in the medium.But a girl's gotta feed the family right?
    
    Thanks for your consideration.
    www.DragonflyArtsGallery.com
    
    by Justyse
    
    

16. 

    Untitled by Lynette

    17.Mar.08, 13:57 EDT
    
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    I am a starving artist because all the galleries seem to be full, too far away or asking for too much money. I would love to be a full time artist but it just seems impossible now a days.
    
    by lynetteslape
    
    

17. 

    Illustrations by booters

    14.Mar.08, 13:58 EDT
    
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    I would like to add a submission to the "Starving Artist" contest. My entry is for illustration These are my pencil drawings. I draw for a hobby but since the automotive industry sucks so bad and I dont know if Im gonna have my job that Ive had for 21 years (since the company I work for went from a work force of 200 people to less then 50 I look to be laided off at the end of the month or the next) & my hubby came home today and informed me he got laided off.I really need to win this to pay my house payment.
    
    by booters
    
    

18. 

    Tupac Shakur by the artist

    11.Mar.08, 21:44 EDT
    
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    here is another one of my drawings....its of Tupac Shakur..in memory of him. i use all mediums but my favorite is oils. im also a poet. heres a poem i wrote,titled R.I.P.PAC, TWELVE YEARS AGO. ON THAT SAD,SAD DAY A GUNMAN TOOK YOUR LIFE AWAY. HE PULLED THE TRIGGER, WE DON"T KNOW WHO, ALL WE KNOW IS WE LOST YOU. ONLY 25 TOO YOUNG TO DIE, WHY:D THAT GUNMAN MAKE US CRY? TUPAC SHAKUR, YOUR FACE WILL NEVER CHANGE, FROZEN IN TIME YOU DID'NT DIE IN VAIN. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU,YOUR VOICE IS STILL HEARD, ON THE STREETS, ON THE RADIO IN HOMES AND IN WORDS..R.I.P PAC.......C.P.M THE ARTIST
    
    by the artist
    
    

19. 

    Illustrations by kimberlykeyosha

    11.Mar.08, 21:41 EDT
    
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    I would like to add a submission to the "Starving Artist" contest. My entry is for illustration. I use strictly pencil and paper as a medium. Sometimes I will use a fine tip black marker, depending on the effect that I am going for. So many artists, including myself, seem to let their talent go down the drain because there are not many platforms or contests to allow individuals to display their art. The talent that I've seen thus far is remarkable.
    
    by kimberlykeyosha
    
    

20. 

    WHITE TIGER by widdamkr2

    10.Mar.08, 13:34 EDT
    
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    I am who I am, and know who I am, and I know my worth, that's the best part of life, I am here one time only, and I will be me, and not anyone else. The secret of life is time, and we are all bound together in that secret, a moment, a split second, a glimpse from the corner of your eye caught but never forgotten. a face that passes with a wisp but comes back to haunt you when you least expect it. A tear, a smile. That one little second, when you wake and feel the sun on your face letting you know you are still alive. Or that first drop of cool rain that sends a chill through your soul. That one second touch of warmth passed from one to another that binds you in your heart. it is a touch, a thought, a sound, a sight or insight, or feeling, it is something not even a picture can always capture and even though you cant go back and change it. It is still there. If we do not realize that, one brief moment in time is what we are here to enjoy, absorb, to keep, and pass on in our memories then we will all miss the point.I will not miss mine, nor will I waist it.
    
    -WHITE TIGER-
    AIRBRUSHED ON ILLUSTRATION BOARD WITH DR MARTIN DYES
    WIDDA
    
    by widdamkr2