Scott Menaul's Weblog

Abstract Jungle

Abstract Jungle is a new piece I created this past week. It is a modern abstract that has a feel of Africa. The color and patterns are reminiscent of Africa, inspired by a photographic safari I took to Kenya a while back.

I like the juxtaposition of new and old, future and past with the contrasting style and elements. I'd like to know what others think of this new piece. Also, I started putting this new frame (shown here) on my  artwork. I've been doing gallery wraps for the last three years. Do you like the the new frame? Please feel free to respond here or by email (scott@menaul-art.com). Thanks!

Scott J. Menaul • scott@menaul-art.com • www.menaul-art.com

When Should One Select the Artwork?

Artwork is a very important element of any home decor.  It adds a human and aesthetic touch that can tie the other elements of the room together and make it extraordinary. It's unfortunate, however, that most people leave the artwork as the last step in the decorating process.

If the selection of artwork is left as the last step, it can be very difficult to find. I often talk to people who spend years trying to find the right piece that will fit with the colors and designs already in place.

As a result of this, fifty percent of my artwork sales are custom pieces. A client will first pick a piece they like from my collection; and then send me fabric or paint swatches to match. I will also custom size the piece to fit precisely in the intended location in the home. This works out well, but it would be better to do it the other way around.

Ideally, one would be looking at artwork at the beginning of the design process. Unfortunately, many people are already overwhelmed by the process at the very start and can't even think about one more thing. Buying a new home, condo, or even re-decorating and be a huge endeavor. However, if one can take into consideration the artwork from the start, they are more likely to get an extraordinary result of which they can be proud and enjoy every day.

Some of my clients will design their home or room around a particular piece of my artwork. They will request color swatches that I can provide from the artwork from which paint can be mixed to match. It is much easier to color match paint than to go out and find artwork to match the paint.

In conclusion, the next time you decorate, do yourself a favor and consider the artwork at the start of the design process. You may actually find it much easier to pick paint schemes and fabrics when you already have a theme in place based upon the artwork.

Scott J. Menaul • scott@menaul-art.com.com • www.menaul-art.com

Find Your Calling

I receive many compliments from people about my artwork during art festivals and via email. While reading some of the emails recently, I realized that I have been very fortunate to have found my calling; something that I really love to do and something that I am good at. It took about five career changes, a lot of risk and some gumption, but it was totally worth it. The journey has been enriching and has helped me to build the skills and experience to do what I do and make me who I am.

I believe that everyone has one or more special talents or abilities. Many have not discovered theirs yet, nurtured it, or brought it to a professional level. I would advise you to look for your special talent. Follow your interests, try new things, seek out new experiences, new perspectives, and think "outside the box."

Don't limit your search by preconceived ideas of how you think things should be, or, be unduly influenced by others. Observe everything, question everything and be creative. You might be surprised what you'll discover. You might just find your own calling.

Diet and Health

Good health is important. Otherwise, one is distracted from living life to the fullest by lack of energy, physical pain, illness, etc. I've spent many years reading books on the subject of health and managing weight. I've finally found the answer. It is too simple for most people to accept. The real answer doesn't make anyone rich. What is the answer? Eat real food! Eat fruit, vegetables and meat (if your body does well with chicken, fish or red meat). Try it for two weeks for every meal and see how you feel. Eliminate sugar and all processed foods. Most health problems seem to dissappear when the body is properly fed and nutritional deficiencies are remedied. It may take some discipline, but it is well worth the effort.

Scott J. Menaul • smenaul@aol.com • www.menaul-art.com

Fear, Art and Passion

I had my grand piano tuned a few weeks ago. Hadn't had it tuned since I moved to Clearwater four years ago. The tuner I telephoned, Glen, turned out to be the same guy that tunes for Chick Corea! He'll tune Chick's piano every morning on recording days. He did an incredible job on my piano. It sounds like a new piano. I didn't know that there was a significant difference in tunings between different piano tuners...apparently, there's a huge difference.

I mentioned to Glen that I had been a frustrated musician. My personal barriers had gotten the best of me. Glen had the same problem. Chick told him that is was only fear. Just ovecome the fear.

I realized that it's true...fear of making mistakes, fear of disappointment, fear of failure, fear of appearing foolish in front of others, fear that you won't amount to anything after years of hard work, fear of becoming a starving artist, etc. Fear is the enemy of the artist. Having a real passion for what I do gets me through those fears. I love to create something out of nothing, and then get real excited about it. I love it when others get excited and passionate about my abstract artwork. Knowing that I'm making others happy and helping them to improve their state of mind drives me to create. And that drive is stronger than my fears.

Artwork is much more than being about the artist, it is about humanity. It involves personal communication from the artist to an audience. It's a communication that moves another person spiritually via material means. The material world in the hands of the artist becomes elevated and imbued with magic which seduces the observer into higher states of existence.

I recommend that you get passionate about doing something. Fuel that passion and rise above your own fear of accomplishing it. You might try this out on some smaller things at first and have success at those before tackling major things. Marvel at your successes and ignore the failures and frustrations. You are your own worst critic. Lighten up a bit. Don't court failure because you haven't yet achieved a professional level. Think of what you are doing as planting seeds. Nurture it without suffocating it with expectations and criticisms. Do more of what creates the good results and less of what creates the bad results and you'll steadily and rapidly improve. Anything is possible.

Scott J. Menaul • smenaul@aol.com • www.menaul-art.com