Saturday, April 25, 2009

ON MY ODD LITTLE LOGO

Good morning. A couple people asked me this week why I chose that odd little guy with the hat for my logo. Well, here's the answer: the engraving comes from the Netherlands and the title is "The Making of Gelderland in Beeld." When I first saw it (on the most amazing blog in the world, BibliOdyssey) I mistakenly thought it meant: The Making of Money (gelt). I liked that a lot because here was a little dude with a big heart, offering things to the world (books, beautiful places, nature, money, etc), and for my blogalicious and altruistic purposes, that worked for me. But I have since found out that Gelderland is a real place and "in Beeld" means "in a picture." Gelderland is actually a province in the east of the Netherlands, bordering on Germany to the east, Utrecht to the north, Noord-Brabant to the south and Zuid-Holland and Utrecht to the west. Nevertheless, perhaps the title does, in some strange way, mean the creation of money or culture or general goodness (Dutch speakers help me out here). And since I really like the picture, the little dude is here to stay, at least for a while. Below is the full sized engraving where the detail resides, for you archival geeks out there. And speaking of the creation of gelt (as opposed to guilt), a great big thank you to the couple people who sent me donations last night—while I was sleeping! As some of you know from reading my long grant article, I can't work full time anymore so I greatly appreciate any contribution, large or very wee, any book purchase via my site (more books to come eventually), or anytime you simply pass on this site to other people. It is all good, all gelt, and all guilt-free. More to come soon...I'm always thinking of you and how to get you money, time and a place to create. I love doing this blog and when I'm done with my book revision (hopefully the end of May), I will launch some new things I think you'll like. In the meantime, keep making art, have a big heart and toss some good things into the air.

Welcome to Mira's List

This blog provides information on upcoming grants, fellowships and residencies for artists, writers, composers, and media artists. It is for serious professionals only, from emerging to mid-career to established. I also publish information for graduate students from time to time. However, I do not publish information on exhibition or publishing opportunities, nor do I advertise artist retreats and workshops that charge money. At least that is my current policy. For more info on where to exhibit or publish, please see my links section which I try to periodically update. I sift through hundreds of search engines and websites to find opportunities for YOU dear artist. In return, I ask you to pass the information along to those who need it. Also, since this is a free blog, I don't always have the time to weed carefully through everything. If you find a grant or website or residency that is not up-to-date, is dodgy in some way, or is no longer in existence, please let me know! Also, if you stay somewhere at one of the residencies I suggest and have a good experience, I want that feedback too. Please check my FAQs at the top right side bar if you have questions before starting your search. Best wishes and happy hunting!