Hello, all of you beautiful people of the interwebs! Yes, we’re still here. Long time, no post! Just because we haven’t been vocal in this space doesn’t mean we aren’t still actively working behind the scenes to keep EBSQ moving forward. We have a lot of plans in the works for 2019, including a revival of EBSQ’s exhibition calendar. Keep watching this space!

Onward & upward!

-Amie on behalf of Team EBSQ

EBSQ is accepting entries for Waxing Lyrical through 29 February 2016.  The full prospectus can be found here. The Member’s Choice winner will receive $100 cash! So what are you waiting for? Find a song whose lyrics inspire you and get creating!

This year, EBSQ is continuing its commitment to supporting its member artists by hosting monthly exhibits with a $100 cash prize for the winning entry voted upon by you.

Take a look at this year’s schedule. Maybe a theme or two will catch your eye. Try something new. Revisit something old. Be brave and enter an exhibit. I can guarantee you’ll be in good company. And perhaps you’ll be the one who takes home the next prize.

Swimmer by Alessandro Andreuccetti from January 2016’s Go Figure exhibit

A bit of history:

Ripped Off was started back in 2001 as a direct response to a slew of copiests ripping off EBSQ member art on selling it on eBay, the same venue where they discovered it. We decided to create an event where permission was given to riff on another member’s art to create something new that still related strongly to the original inspiration. We’re hoping this annual event has brought some awareness to how critical PERMISSION is, and a reminder that it’s not cool to simply “borrow” another artist’s vision and repackage it as your own for profit.

How Ripped Off works:

It’s actually pretty simple. EBSQ Artists are encouraged to look for one (or multiple) partners, and gain permission to create something based on a previously existing work done by their partner. The new piece should not be an exact copy, but rather an expansion of the original. In addition to generating new work, we’re hoping new friendships are formed as well.

What happens to the new work?

It’s up to the partners. Some people swap originals or provide a reproduction for their partner. Some people sell their new pieces. It’s completely between the two of you.

How do I find a partner?

You can either contact an EBSQ artist you already know, or put out a call for partners either on the EBSQ in-house forums or in our Facebook group.*

What do I need to include with my show entry?

In your accompanying artist statement, make sure you cite the name of the artist whose work you’ve ripped, the title that served as your inspiration, a write a bit about why you were attracted to the inspiration piece. Optionally, you may include a jpg of the original source work as one of your detail images to give others context for experiencing your work.

What about awards?

It pays to get involved! The Member’s Choice winner receives $100 cash and the artist whose work was ripped off receives $50 cash, simply for serving as inspiration!

What’s my deadline?

All Ripped Off entries must be in by 11:59 EDT on 31 July 2015. Voting starts the next day. Winners will be announced on 8 August 2015.

Speaking of exhibits–entries are still being accepted for Portrait of the Artist through 11:59 PM EDT on 30 June 2015. We’re looking for portraits of artists in the following genres: visual, literary, and musical. I personally know at least a dozen of you have perfect pieces just sitting in your portfolios–go on and enter! It doesn’t have to be brand spanking new to be eligible,simply never used in a previous exhibit.

With gratitude,

-Amie on behalf of Team EBSQ
http://www.ebsqart.com
Supporting living artists since 2000

* Not yet a member of our private EBSQ Facebook group? It’s already proving to be the easiest way to connect with your fellow artists and EBSQ staff. Simply apply through the page itself or reply to this message, indicating your interest in the FB group if you’re a paid member, and we’ll make sure you get an invite!

We often recognize the art, but do we recognize the artist? This month’s challenge is to celebrate the artist via portraiture. Artists may be visual, literary, or musical. Please make sure to let us know the subject of your art and a bit about the artist in question. Oh–and since we’re all artists here, self-portraits are welcome as well!

Deadline to enter is June 6th!

Congratulations to our Naturally Blue Flowers exhibit winners!

Member’s Choice:

Hydrangea Bouquet by C.E.S.

Member’s Mention:

Forget-me-Nots by Patricia Lee Christensen

Cloud Awards:

To be announced soon.

This short talk from Dar Williams is full of truth and creativity goodness. Williams is a singer-songwriter, but her experiences and advice apply to anyone working a creative field.

Last month’s exhibit was restricted to photography only. This month we’ve opened the door! You can paint/draw/ photograph your entries but they must be naturally blue flowers, like forget-me-nots. Other examples include hydrangeas, salvias, and Himalayan poppies.

Deadline to enter is May 31st!