The OKC SMUG meeting took place at Baker’s Learning Center, with the meeting starting off with a discussion about some articles about the most expensive photograph ever sold, and the 15 most expensive photographs in history prior to the sale of Rhine II. We then discussed the infamous Space Shuttle Twitpic, and how it was very well known, highly viewed, and the photographer was hardly compensated for the photo.
Our guest speaker, Romy Owens, was then introduced to us as an accomplished fine artist. Her art is like nothing I have ever seen before. Romy mentioned that she wants the viewer to pause and pay attention to what they are viewing, which she accomplishes in her work.
She began creating art while she was studying for her photography degree. She wanted her work to be big but did not have the resources to make such giant images, so she started overlapping and somewhat scrap booking images together. Then, eventually, she decided that she could sew them together and highlight the seams.
Romy spends 50-60 hours sewing photos together to complete a single piece of art. One time she spent 2 months sewing one of her projects together. It was 4 ft tall by 56ft long. Romy refers to her art as non-functional quilts. As Romy hand stiches each piece she will write comments on the back. It could be something about the movie she is viewing or something that she was doing in life at the time. Looking at the back of her art work was amazing to see the words, detail, and precision of each and every stitch.
Romy talked about finding your own style and challenged the group to not be afraid to step out of the box and create something different. An attribute that you will need to possess is a thick skin. When you find those who do not like your work, don’t let it get you down. She also talked about how you should value your work and include the cost of your time into your pricing.
Romy is a very active member of the local art community. She finds that by helping to promote others she in turn gets promotion. Participating in community activities helps to be seen and get your name out there. Romy suggested that folks get involved with Oklahoma Visual Arts Council. OVAC does more for Oklahoma visual artists than any other organization.
Submitted by the OKC SMUG Scribe: Sherri Smith.
Sherri loves to photograph families, high school seniors, and weddings. Sherri loves the OKC SMUG meetings because of the learning experience, and the people who attend are great to network with. Stop by and check out their next meeting. You will not be disappointed!
Thanks for the useful information. I actually learned something out it.