So many artists seem to have strong opinions about how you should sign your artwork. Some people insist it should be small and discrete. Others recommend a full and very legible signature to help people identify you when they want to google you. Some add only their initials. A few artists don't sign their work at all.
I get a lot of questions about my signature and the goofy little red thing next to my name and I really want to take a moment to fully explain it.
First, I am a big fan of Japanese prints. In most asian prints, the artist traditionally signs his work with a red "chop" or seal. The chop is like a rubber stamp, but it's usually carved in stone. (You can
learn more about this on Wikipedia if you like.) A chop not only takes the place of a signature, but it is an active element that adds balance to the composition and meaning to the artwork. I am not a printmaker, so I paint my seal each time. The color is generally red, like a chop, but I vary the color depending on the palette of the painting. Sometimes the design even varies a bit.
It might also be important to know that I started my art career as a graphic designer doing logos. I have always enjoyed making symbols that try to embody a certain spirit or vision.
The circle in my "chop" is a seed. From the heart of the seed, sprout my initials "C" and "J". My paintings are an attempt to illustrate the power of life, of creation - that same wonder that we each feel when we think about what grows from a small seed. My little red signature chop also reminds me that in everything we do, we plant seeds and sow into the future of our lives, the lives of others, and the world around us.
And of course I still sign my name so you can google me. :)
