It’s SLART and The Weekly Art Practice of an Outsider Artist

The Outsider Artist known as SLART: Weekly art practice number 58.

📌 NEW HERE? WHAT'S THIS WEEKLY ART PRACTICE ALL ABOUT?

Every Saturday, I share my weekly art practice journey. I'm captivated by the whole process – not just the finished pieces, but everything from influences to materials. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes peek at an artist's world.

[If this masterpiece is too long for email, you can read Cream of the Crop in Substack. Or download the Substack app.]

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💡 SLART’s | Insight Of The Week

"We all have 24 hours in a day but it’s how we experience them that matters"

I'll elaborate on this one. You may have heard the quote, "We all have 24 hours in a day; it's how you spend them that matters." I somewhat disagree, hence my adaptation. We all try to do our best every day, but often feel as if there isn't enough time, preventing us from using it wisely; we're exhausted. So, it really goes back to HOW you experience that time.

I realised this yesterday. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve set an alarm four times daily with the message prompt "How am I experiencing time?" as advised by Beth Raps. Often, I’ve snoozed the timer, which speaks volumes. Time, for me, is moving too quickly, and I feel like everything is rushed.

Simply being aware of how you experience time can be enough to change your paradigm.

How are YOU experiencing time?

⏳ Memento Vivere Art Exhibition Update (Coming in September 2025)

I am working my way through my contacts list, basically, everyone who has either bought my art, been to an exhibition or supported my work. This is the third person I’ve emailed, as I said last week, I’m taking my time with it, crafting emails carefully, and not rushing, and this time I got a swift NO. Which is fine, I’ve got to navigate these feelings of rejection as it’s not personal, so then I move on.

“Sorry, but I don't feel able to help with your exhibition. Hope all goes well.”

My mind tends to get a bit defensive at first, then it goes… “What do you mean specifically?” “Can’t we even discuss this?” “WHAT ARE YOU SAYING HERE?” LOL but I refrained, the subtext here is that they aren’t interested in helping, and that’s ok. I replied politely and that was that.

Global Zine Collaboration Project: Part 6:

I’ve completed my page and I’m really happy to see 11 more pages submitted. Reminder: Deadline 28th Feb. I’m eager to share some of these beautiful pages, but you’ll have to wait! Sorry!

I can say that I printed the text, scanned it with my face in a scanner, edited it in Canva, printed it out, wrote on it by hand, and took a photo of me holding the printout. It’s odd when I write it out here, but I like the final result!

Here’s a cryptic blurry version of my page for the global collaboration zine project.

priya

shared their finished piece for the Zine, so here’s the sneak peek:

🎨 This Week in My Art Studio

I’ve been in there briefly to drop off some bits and bobs. We’re in the process of moving home closer to the studio, so I’ll be able to go over there at 4am if I wish as it’s 2 mins walk away!

Here’s a little video of me in my studio.

Update: I’m pleased as punch that I am specifically 3 minutes 30 seconds away from the studio in my new home! (Sad I know! I timed it on my phone!)

Art Open Calls

Thanks to

artplace

I’ve applied for the Saatchi Yates Fellowship Prize. It’s a simple process, they say you can submit anything but…

“A list of things we avoid: Needs an essay to explain it Art; Follows trends Art; Sits in the middle of the road Art; Unoriginal Art; Uncommitted Art; Unpassionate Art; Adverse to taking risks Art; Doesn’t provoke a reaction Art”

I can’t remember where I saw this one, but I’ve applied to have my art on the cover of The Agora Magazine. If you’d like to apply, please do, good luck!

Swindon Arts Fringe 2025

Yes, I am mad for taking on something else, but the way I see it, if I can do some smaller exhibits before Memento Vivere it can be used as a build-up and a way to get the word out. That’s how I see it anyway!

I’ve applied to curate an exhibition of outsider art in Swindon. I’ll leave it at that for now until I hear whether I’ve been accepted. (Check out SWAF)

Here’s my exhibition proposal:

Dear SWAF

I’d love to curate a show this year.

• Working Title of your exhibition

ART B.R.U.T [Bold Raw Untrained Talent]

• A summary of your exhibition idea (max 200 words) mood board images Welcome!

"Art B.R.U.T" showcases vibrant works by Swindon's self-taught artists, inspired by Jean Dubuffet's term 'Art Brut' meaning Raw Art. The exhibition features bold, raw, and expressive pieces, offering insight into the unique perspectives of artists unconstrained by formal training. An immersive experience with audio descriptions and interactive elements complements the art, inviting visitors to engage with the spontaneous creation process and challenge their perceptions of art and creativity, inspiring action in the dormant creativity that sits within us all.

This exhibition is not constrained to any one medium and showcases all media, from painting and sculpture to digital art and installations. Each work serves as a testament to the unbridled creativity and diversity of expression found within the self-taught community. By bringing together a wide array of materials and forms, "Art B.R.U.T" fosters a dynamic dialogue between the artists and the audience, enriching the cultural fabric of Swindon and offering a profound celebration of artistic freedom and innovation.

Best wishes,

SLART

Update: Since then, I’ve been accepted to curate my show! I’m over the moon!

Good Morning Steve,

Many thanks for your submission to SWAF, we like the idea and would be very happy for you to be part of SWAF this year.

Once the curators have all submitted we will arrange an initial meeting to discuss the festival and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks again for your submission.

SWAF team

My soul had a bidding war and sold for £100.10

What a lovely surprise, two people fought to buy my soul on eBay and the winning bid was £100.10. I sent them an A3 Art Print with a personal message on the back, a bonus A4 art print and a printed zine of this blog post. Strange isn’t it? Did I feel the need to give extra as the bid is higher than ever? Maybe, but it doesn’t hurt to give a little extra!

Work is weird

I trademarked SLART™

Fuck knows why I did this, it’s another thing that I thought to do in my brain, and then just did it. But in retrospect, a trademark is good for…

• Legal Protection: Prevents others from using your brand name, safeguarding your unique identity.

• Brand Recognition: Enhances the visibility and distinctiveness of your work in the art market.

• Monetisation Opportunities: Allows for licensing and collaborations under your protected brand.

• Market Presence: Strengthens your position and credibility within the art community.

• Long-Term Security: Ensures continued protection for your brand as your career develops.

That’s SLART™ to you.

SLART’s Muses of the Week

Check out

Durty Beanz

and their Michelin Star Farts.

Creative Visionary

for their powerful declaration.

Shout out to

L. E. Mullin

for being my hype man this week. It’s nice to see him pop up a lot in liking my posts and notes, he’s become a familiar face. Who says you shouldn’t like more than X times on someone’s feed?!

Check out his comics below…

A prison made of snow and mountains

Documentary Legend

Michael Moore

for sharing Roger and Me for free!

Roger & Me

This quote from Artist John Currin. For you artists who work a day job.

“I think it’s very important for people to work at their art—even if they have a job, to work at night. And try not to get too wrapped up in your day job—try to stay full of shit in your day job and full of ambition and seriousness about painting.”

Yasir Khan

for sharing his dream for a better life… Please read his post and share your words of support to help make his dream come true.

How can I move to Malaysia and make $6,300.75 per month?

This post from

Amie McNee

got to the heart of how I feel about going full-time as an artist.

To the artist who wants to go full time.

All of the amazing new creators who have just started here. Please check out their work in this thread!

And that my friends, is all for now.

Have a great Saturday.

Best wishes,

SLART.

P.S. One more thing, could you please leave a 4 or 5-star (Hopefully not 1,2 or 3) review on my SLART Google page? I'm looking to enhance my online presence as an artist, and this small, straightforward, and swift action would be immensely beneficial. Cheers!

Oh, Here’s my last Drei Fragen post, if you missed it.
It’s with Fowsachi:

DREI FRAGEN with Fowsachi

Hi, I'm SLART, an Outsider Artist based in Swindon, UK.

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