Director of Community Relations
:Table of Contents
1. Art is Personal
2. Volunteer Openings in Community Relations
3. Community Projects
4. Official Contests
5. Project Educate 2014
6. News from the Chats and Forums
7. News from the Galleries
1. Art is Personal
Every day, daily deviations are featured, artist interviews are posted, and countless journals of thumbnails published. Every single day, community members, volunteers and staff, all come together and share in a love of art. It doesn't always go well and sometimes a piece of artwork I adore, strikes the wrong chord with someone. However, regardless of the message received the artwork achieved the goal of becoming personal and striking an emotion and there are no rules that state this emotion should always be happy and fluffy. I'm personally inspired by a different kind of image, one that challenges my feelings and ideals and sometimes, ones that make me uncomfortable. It was 1995, at the Guggenheim in New York City, that I stumbled across the work of Joel- Peter Witkin. It was his work that inspired me to pick up a camera but to say that his work is globally appealing, would not be valid. For me, it was the beginning of a great journey that would eventually lead me to this community. For others, I imagine they would rather not view his work, as its controversial and uncomfortable for them.
As an artist, my art is very personal. Every image I create tells a story and what I've learned is that even when I feel the intent or message is obvious, it might be completely lost on someone else. Does that make them stupid? not at all, it just means that my art spoke to them differently and that happens for a number of reasons. It could be about what they were feeling that day or it could be speaking to something that happened in their past or it could very well be the paragon of their greatest fear and while it is my artwork and my intention, there is nothing wrong with someone else seeing something completely different.
Every day I look through comments on articles or Daily Deviations and I'm always amazed by how vastly different the opinions are. Some people love it and others absolutely hate it, some feel it's about one thing while another is on a completely different track. The point is that these feelings are all valid and, assuming the commenter has shared their feelings respectfully, there's nothing wrong with that.
If a piece of artwork manages to elicit an emotion - be it positive or negative - in my opinion, it has more than earned it's place. If you feel differently, that's okay. No one will react to one piece of artwork the same way. In fact, you could probably go back through you favourites gallery and look at selections you made years ago, and find those pieces may not make you feel the same way about them as they did at the time.
Conversely, if your piece of artwork manages to accumulate a wealth of negativity, remember the silver lining - Your art made people feel - Then pat yourself on the back and go create your next masterpiece.
Art is a personal journey of mind, body and soul - both to create and to experience and we'd all do better as a community to consider that.
Feel free to share your favourite artists or pieces of artwork in the comments below
I'd love to see the variety of tastes and styles that exist in our community!2. Volunteer Openings in Community Relations
If you're interested in learning more about being a volunteer on deviantART please read
To see current openings on the Community Relations volunteer team please go to this journal. If there isn't a spot open please consider helping out from within the community. Read How to be a guiding light and shining example by the awesome EveryNextDream
3. Community Projects
Check out any of the projects below to get involved or, if you are feeling inspired come up with a project of your own and contact CRCommunityProjects for help in getting started!
fella - deviantART's Official Mascot Group Fella's Dictionary Update Fella's ArtFest Contest deviant365 - deviantART's Official Weekly Task GroupTo get support for your Community Project, please read this post
4. Official Contests
The Transformation Challenge - Deadline June 24, 2014 SuicideGirls Fan Art Contest - Deadline June 27, 2014 World of Water - Deadline June 30, 2014 AnthroChallenge #108 - Thank a Mailman - Deadline June 30, 2014Please note that all contests end on the deadline stated at 11:59:59 PM PST
5. Project Educate 2014
There are plenty of ways to get involved with many of projecteducate's upcoming projects! Check out how to get involved with Community Weeks here and check out the Schedule to see what's coming up. We've also introduced an exciting new project called 'Hints and Tips' and you can get involved by reading this journal!
We've recently had a fantastic Traditional Art week and you can read the roundup here. We've also had Artisan Crafts week and the recap can be found here!
6. News from the Chats and Forums
The chat and forum have been busy for both the Community Volunteer team and the deviantART community these past few months! If you are interested in either the chat or forum, be sure to read the Chat & Forum Newsletter: May, June!
7. News from the Galleries
3-Dimensional Art Anime/Manga Anthro Artisan Crafts Customization Wallpaper deviantART related Digital Art Fractal Photomanipulation Vector & Vexel Fan Art Film & Animation Literature Fan-Fiction Photography Abstract & Surreal Animals, Plants & Nature Photography Artistic Nude Conceptual Photography Fetish Photography Horror & Macabre People and Portraits Pin-Up & Glamour Still Life Photography Urban & Rural Photography Resources & Stock Images Science Fiction & Space Art Text Art & Typography: Do you want to take part in Typography Challenges? Give your input here! Traditional Art Body Art Sculpture
The Community Relations department exists to facilitate and develop the relationship with our deviantART community. Our goal is to nurture our community by encouraging artists to create, collaborate, and participate in a friendly, safe, and supportive artistic environment. Watch communityrelations for up to date news and to learn how you can get involved in projects and events!
