CHRISTOPHER B MOONEY STUDIOS
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To enhance people’s lives through fun, inspiration, creativity and self-expression!

3/29/2016

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To provide exceptional quality work, infused with a spirit, visual images of excitement the connection between one another, and to be exhibited and purchased through gallery representation and online distribution channels.  At the same time I live to serve my talents as communicator, and independent artist.  I create balance in work, play, and community. I inspire those I interact with.

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My mission and purpose is about connection.

3/26/2016

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How we connect.
I want to share what is a better way to see things better than what we would normally see.  Stepping off the side-walk and getting a different perspective of the view how couples play I unleash dynamics of reflected light on subjects' undertones to reveal true natures and subtle imperfections. Removing masks with light captures vulnerability, expression, affection, and glimpses of intimacy.
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Eroticism

3/16/2016

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                                   Inner exploration of the self through erotic art
Hello art enthusiasts!
Dust off your sexy because I want to tap your inner erotica this week. You know it's in there! And it's time to take a fresh look.
It's really no secret that authentic sexual expression inspired from within brings energies of freedom, self-acceptance, sensuality, and joy. But how often do you remember to feel these energies – to remember they are even living within you? Have you stamped your inner sexy down? Or do you celebrate this part of yourself? Triggered erotic energies awaken feelings capable of transforming your daily experience, health, well-being, and the quality of your life. Sounds like a good reason to dust natural instincts off to me!
REALLY, what could be better than finding a deeper self-acceptance that comes from nurturing a personal connection with your own sexual essence? We are all sexual creatures. But we sometimes repress our natural desires and resulting expression. Yet these very desires fuel inspiration and creativity to unimaginable levels. These desires give us amazing energy to be and do – to simply breathe and feel alive!
I am excited that two of my erotic art pieces will be displayed at the Seattle Erotic Art Festival running April 22-24. This fascinating three-day event takes place in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall and includes a curated selection of the finest erotic art in the world. This will be my second time displaying art at the event. I sold one naughty piece last year. Expect live shows and music. And many sexy people attend dressed to impress with sensual energy in tow. This magnetic erotic energy encourages heightened creativity, art purchases, and sparked conversations that ignite personal and cultural evolution. This event alone could change your view of art and turn you into a connoisseur. http://www.seattleerotic.org/

Erotic freedom
Freedom of being – of inner sensuality -- is what I try and capture in my erotic art. I want to inspire a release of inhibition of the self. I want to spark dormant passion and show the intense connection this energy gives to us. When I am working on erotic depictions, I strive to bring out the subject's inner way of being, sexual essence, and energetic light. I mimic the old masters style using dark shadows and highlights with a contemporary approach. Connection through snuggling, an embrace, cuddling, kissing, laughing, singing, or just pausing for a cup of coffee are among ways to encourage freedom of expression. For me, my art is a true exploration of my inner self. Passion and erotica – exploring your sexuality – is healing to your being. Achieving peace and acceptance of your natural sexual energies allow release and give comfort in a world filled with uneasiness while enhancing the natural unfolding of your life. Erotic art images also reflect our dreams and aspirations in the face of our rapidly changing and uncertain future. The rawness of such beauty in erotic art reveals how we deal with the passing of each day while quietly exposing moments of our vulnerability. 
A little history
Some people think erotic art in America is part of a new genre. It isn't. Among the oldest surviving examples of erotic depictions are Paleolithic cave paintings and carvings. According to historical literature on the subject, recently discovered cave art in England is thought to be more than 12,000 years old and includes symbols that might be stylized versions of female anatomy. Other historical depictions include sculpture and photographs – along with dramatic arts, music, and writings – that show scenes of a sexual nature throughout time. Ancient Greeks painted sexual scenes on their ceramics. Many of these Greek renderings are famous for being some of the earliest portrayals of same-sex relations. There are also numerous sexually explicit paintings on the walls of ruined Roman buildings in Pompeii. In fact, Picasso brought back the basic guts of erotica since the days of Pompeii. There are numerous examples of erotica and sensual images that have been created by nearly every ancient and modern civilization. It is fascinating to dive into past origins of erotica and the influence of passion in our lives.
Thriving today
While some circles might still resist the genre of erotic art, during the last few centuries, society continues to broaden its view to the value erotic art brings to our experience and lives. Erotic art is indeed thriving today. Many erotic art shows are happening around the United States. A few examples include Nude Nite in Tampa and Orlando Florida, an annual celebration of the naked form, The Dirty Show in Detroit, Michigan, now one of the largest erotic art exhibitions in the world. I recently discovered the 6th Annual Creative Nude Art Festival, Art Undressed, in Miami, Florida, happening in May. This one looks quite good. These exhibitions all unveil high-level portrayals of erotic art that will stimulate and inspire your senses and imagination. 
Erotic power
Art is the embodiment of the great spiritual core around which any society is built. It is not pornography – far from it. Pornography is not tame and pure like erotic art. Porn is abrasive and delivered harshly depicting male aggression and domination toward women. There are a few rare exceptions, however, when pornography could be appealing if it is created with humor and erotically delivered. Erotic art, by comparison, continually explores the natural essence of our sexuality. Erotic art of our time is how future generations will come to know and see glimpses of our inner experience in today's cultural landscape. More importantly, erotic art might help us to know and understand ourselves on a deeper and more intimate level.


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March 05th, 2016

3/5/2016

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Artistic Competitions
Judging quality paintings
"Do a large piece of smokestacks, Chris," said David Passalacqua, one of my favorite teachers during my senior year at Parson's School of Design. What? I thought. I just looked at him feeling a bit awkward. I didn't really like the feeling, and I wasn't sure why he said that. I looked at my work in progress. I had a decent, albeit slightly boring, illustration going. I wasn't ready to give up on my illustration. I looked at David. He was an excellent teacher – so extroverted. David's friendly eyes had an uncanny ability to bore a hole into your soul just by looking at you with the surety he had for the mastery of his craft and literally yank the guts of your creative instincts to the fore. That is what happened to me when I looked at him. He simply kicked my ass – as he was known to do with students – using a mischievous smile and an electric energy spilling from his deep knowledge of illustrative art. He made it his mission to challenge students to higher levels. "OK," I said to him calmly while my energy surged through my body. Something central changed that day for me. My journey as a painter became a passionate adventure -- a mission to capture the unimaginable.   
 
While striving to create the unimaginable with realistic and abstract art, I still had to face the reality of competitive judgement and juried shows. I wanted to be a part of these things, of course, but it does conjure feelings of vulnerability, and well, a subtle fear of the unknown. I knew I had to be courageous to put my soul on canvas – to present my art – to discover if my work could inspire and move other people in some way. I want people to see something more than just what is before them and to feel what I do – a beauty and a great spaciousness that holds the mysterious connection living within us, and among each other, within our landscapes, and inside our communities.
 
Facing the judgement beast
I've been fortunate during my career to be on both sides of the judging coin. I've been a show curator, a panelist for a local event, and I've also been a Regional Artist Culture Council (RACC) for project grants. There are so many competitions. And you can expect to get rejected at least 90 percent of the time. Don't let it stop you from entering competitions though. Think of competitions as a fabulous opportunity to network and immerse yourself in the art world. Welcome rejections. You will develop a competitive strength and a dedication to total authenticity. You will stand behind your art with confidence and stay steadfast on your artistic path. You will take artistic risks and follow your intuition. You will find yourself excited and free to create. Just follow your heart and believe in your art. The audience will come. It happens.  
 
Noteworthy elements judges seek
Edward Jonas, the vice chair, for the Portrait Society of America once told me that the standards for judging works of art will include originality, theme, uniqueness in the concept and design, technical proficiency within the potential of the chosen medium, aesthetic sophistication, and fundamental skill development. Always remember: Your artwork has an impact in general or as part of a whole. This means regardless of the competition you enter, your work needs to stand on its own as a complete and outstanding work of art.
 
On top of the above realities, judging is also ideally approached without subjective or stylistic prejudice under the mantle of holding an honest and fair assessment of artistic works. This, of course, begs the following "judgy" questions:
 
  1. What is the artist's message? Is there inherent meaning? Is the work unique?
  2. How successful does he/she communicate the essence of the message?
  3. Does the artwork follow a high-level aesthetic appeal?
  4. How successful is the art within its chosen stylistic direction?
  5. What skill level is demonstrated and executed throughout the work itself?
  6. Consider the presentation and framing. Is there movement and flow in the work?
  7. Does the art communicate well on a visual level and/or on an expressionistic level?
     
    Stepping out
    If you are just starting out on your artistic journey and want to compete at shows. I suggest entering all your local shows. This is a great way to get your feet wet and learn the ropes, including what to expect. A few of the following things are good launching pads:  
     
  1. Read the application carefully. Follow all the instructions and guidelines.
  2. Research the show.
  3. Talk with other artists about theme and subjects, as some shows are open to all genres.
  4. Just try and get a feel if you are a right fit for the show.
    Prestigious & elite shows
    Ah, the trickery of the rich . . . well, sometimes. I do like fine things – even excellent wine at a show with no intention to actually sell your art. It's always good to build rapport with people. Consider all possibilities when looking at competitive options or places to build rapport, network, and show your art. Regional and non-regional shows are good options. I was once part of a show in Florida. Yes, I avoided the crocs. And it was definitely an adventure. I learned, however, that striving for recognition in my own community feels the best to me.
     
    Community connection through your art
    Sometimes buyers will travel from out-of-state and purchase your art right off the wall. This is a great feeling! And when you get a chance to talk to travelers who purchase your art, you feel like you have traveled without actually going anywhere. Staying within your community and building a following is exciting and enhances your feeling of community connection. This is key, I feel, because your art brings something valuable to others in your own home town or city.
     
    So get out there and rock your art! Just begin – Dream – and fly!  
     
     
     
     

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    Christopher B Mooney

    REALLY: My Blog.
    ​Welcome to my Blog called Really!
    ​I want to inspire you about the intricacies of the art world, its forms, and people. And I want to share the fascinating -- and somewhat mysterious -- aspects of my journey as an artist.

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