Once I graduate, I would like to acquire studio space in form of a small storefront or garage in East Dallas, within 15 minutes of downtown, that I commute to by bus most days.  This space will include electricity and concrete floor with running water (plumbing).  this would be where I would do the majority of my painting and creating.  This would be nice, but will have to wait.

Being a husband and father of two, with the responsibilities of supporting a home and sustaining the lives of my family and two dogs, the full time artist lifestyle will come later.  In reality, I am going to get a job with benefits.  This sounds so un-artistic, but so does starving.  not being self-employed will remove financial pressure, enabling me to be creative and give me the ability to take risks.  This will be a good time to build a reputation in my community as a Painter.

Until Graduation, I will continue to paint, and become comfortable with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other software commonly used in Graphic Arts.  not limiting myself to two dimensional art, I will also take courses in Sculpture and Drama.

While working it is important to keep Art front and center in my life. I will continue to work with those interested with similar goals, all while meeting regularly. I may keep in touch with those I meet at SMU, or I will meet them at the Creative Art Center in East Dallas, or at other gatherings.  With keeping my hours limited to 40-45 hrs a week, I can do it.  This will allow the time to collaborate and work as much as possible on exhibition pieces.

Within the next 7-10 years my children will leave and I anticipate a raise financially and a big increase in free time.  If I do not have studio space by then, That will be my time to move into one. Apart from acquiring studio space, I intend to become more involved in local charities, such as The Union Gospel Mission and Our Calling (Organizations that benefit the Homeless in Dallas).  I believe that homelessness is a result or cause of a larger spiritual problem.

My plan is to learn my craft, work for money to sustain my art making.   keep in close contact with like-minded people to create a message to be communicated in local exhibitions all while becoming involved in local charities.

Performing my pitch in front of a camera was quite nerve racking, but it was fun once I did it 10 or 20 times.  It is a good exercise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb-tB-_H8PY&feature=youtu.be

The first things that come to mind when I think of “Skills” are the activities I physically do.  Painting comes to mind first.  Creating from nothing, starting with an idea and watching it form is nothing short of miraculous.  Sometimes I start to create with existing items and repurpose them, giving them an extension of their usefullness.  I find a high level of satisfaction when I can have an idea and make it happen.

But I need to expand my skill set.  As the world advances, I need to utililize technology fluently.  To do this I will be attending a web workshop next month, focusing on building websites. Also I look forward to enrolling in a class that utlizes the Adobe suite.  This would expand my capabilities as a painter and enhance my photography.

I do consider myself imaginative, skillful at a number of things, adaptive, a very cooperative collaborator,a good communicator( not wordy, but direct),and dedicated to the things I believe in.  I need improvement in being more flexible with time, social networking, being more technical savvy, and raising my comfort level to fundraise. These will greatly improve my chance for success in the Arts, and I am excited to begin the work to do so.

I remember the day I met 6 year old Jeremiah at a Homeless shelter close by.  His hollow stare reminded me of another, who asked me for change.  As a Husband and Dad, providing a loving home for my family enables me to instill in them a sense of security and self worth, something some are denied at an early age or lost as they grow old.  As an painter, my purpose is to remind people of their personal value to God using large canvas and color. As people have many ideas on how to do this, I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss how I may be of service to anyone in need of my talent. I appreciate your interest and look forward to working with you.(toothy smile)

Edward Saenz  esaenz@smu.edu

I wonder sometimes what really matters to me.  I know what I say, ” It does not matter to me what people think.”  People effect what I do.  Everyone is effected some how by another to do something different.  At times this does not sit well with me.

I do not like the fact that others may be able to motivate me.  It sounds like I can be manipulated into doing something that I otherwise would not do.  If a person asked me to perform a task while praising me, spare me.  I prefer time to consider my options and availability.

I want to make money painting.  That is why I am pursueing a degree.  I want to be marketable.  People trust a degree.  I personally enjoy knowing I can be better next year than I am today.  I believe one of my main motivation to improve is to be comfortable in my process.  I want have fun while I work, and hopefully that will help produce something that came from deep inside me, from a happy place.  I want my work to prove to me that I am supposed to do this.

So first, I need to know what I can do.  I need to be a great painter.  I feel if painting is not going to be my ultimate talent, then I need to go back to digging holes and not complain.  But fortunately, painting fits.  Color feels good, it makes me take notice of the world, and the color of my wifes skin.  Color turns me on, and motivates me to create.

Second, I can help those who need a painter.  Others peoples needs motivate me.  If I know that I can express what they want, in my way, thats good.  Honestly, My paintings are ultimately my product.  I do welcome suggestions, discussion, and inquiries before I get to work, but it is all me once I start.  Complete freedom motivates me to do my best because I know the end product is all me, from my heart.

Things change over time.  People change.  In some way, everyone I know has changed at least a little bit.  Some changes are scary.  What scares me is the thought of my wife looking straight into my eyes and saying ” Who the hell have you become?”  I am a painter, but I have not always been.  I have to think of my purpose as a painter, parent, husband, friend, and most importantly, Gods servant.  That sounds rather self-righteous, but so what.  It is important to me (most of the time).

I do believe that I am here as a result of God answering my prayers.  Believing that, I want my art to reflect his goodness.  I also know that it will be easy to not do that.  I do not want to paint the typical paintings of Jesus.  I value portraits of blue collar people with obvious fears and worries, worn on their faces like an old familiar sign.  As people view them, the painted expressions conjure up the fears and worries of the viewer, as they can relate with their own struggles.  An image of Jesus is subtle, not to force the viewers eye, but to be there for those who look for it.  I fear this desire to serve will fall by the wayside.

Being a Dad to 2 boys and a Husband takes time.  I do not believe that it is acceptable to build a career at the expense of losing a family.  I believe this will also be a challenge when work is steady or additional time is needed for creative thinking and networking.   I believe a dad must be present to have an positive influence on his children, and to exhibit love to his wife.  I must be home to do this.  I should not work my home life away.

I know it happens everyday, lifes demands slowly pulls people apart.  The gaps of time get longer and longer until those gaps get filled with activities.  Saying ” Good morning” and “Good Night” become the typical conversation.  I value God, my Wife,Kids, Friends, Me, and time to rest.   All that requires time.  I believe I can perform well when my life is well balanced.  Serving God in my work and serving God as a husband and Father is my goal. But what is most valuable is having time to soak it all in.

When asked to describe my work habits, I began to share the obvious.  First, I am an early riser.  The earlier in the day I begin work, the better.  The early part of the day is also much cooler which I am more productive during.  Also,I cannot work on an empty stomach.  These 2 points may not seem like work habits but my work is greatly affected by the time of day I work and if I am preoccupied by eating everything in sight.  When it comes to my work enviroment, I find I work best in the midst of other people in their creative process.  I use this time to bounce ideas off others and brainstorm.  This was not always the case.  I used to believe that I was better alone, alone in my studio.  That also has changed.  Sometimes I have to make tracks.   One thing is for sure. whether I am alone or not, I need very little distraction.  the one distraction I tolerate well is music at a low volume.  I do not do well with interuptions.  I also prefer to work for long stretches of time taking an occasional break (10-20 minutes).  These work habits help me maintain a constant creative flow that helps me produce.