Artistic Musings

The world seems to be speeding up with the variety of projects I'm involved with. There is so much that still needs to be done, and I have a feeling that will be a common quote from me. The Romancing the Arts Show is up at the Phillip S. Miller Library - the dates for the reception and the announcement of the winners is Friday February 13th from 6-8:30. I anticipate this is going to be an awesome night! We will have food, people dressed in costume talking about the ancestor famous artists, violins and fun. I can't wait to see how my Iris fairs. I'm just happy to be there. I see the show like a handful of diamonds - they all glitter beautifully when gathered together in one place. There are 61 artists that were accepted and 98 pieces hung - and it's truly a beautiful show!! As for me - I'm just running around so busy doing things and being part of things. I'll write more about it when I have time. For the moment though I'm headed to a re-grand openi...

I had an incredible experience on Sunday. I decided that I wanted to go through the Artist Way 12 week program again, but this time I wanted to do it in a face to face group. So I sent out emails, got a room at the library for 14 weeks, and showed up on time. We had a group of 10 people and it was fantastic. I've also sent them a link to the yahoo group I belong to, and I can't wait for discussions and topics as we focus on the chapters. Artist Way is a creative self help book written by Julia Cameron. I picked it up the first time in 2004, and have been an advocate ever sense. I have faced alot of my childhood fears and hangups and am a better person all the way around for it. The tips and techniques can be applied to creatives and non creatives alike. 3 pages of journaling a day to dump all the mental clutter and be able to see clearer and focus better. One 30min - 3 hour trip on your own doing what you enjoy - as a an artist I refer to them as artist dates straight...

In the past public speaking, heck the thought of public speaking, would make me shake in my boots and start stammering "um,,, ahhhhhh" Not sure what changed this time. I was asked to give a 30 minute speech on the ornament and guild and gallery and not only did I keep in my time limit - not over or under - I recieved complements on content and presentation. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I did miss some key points, and with some practice I can be less "stiff" and more charismatic. It was the oddest thing, it was like my speech teacher from college was saying "stand here, cover these points, look around the room, now move here and use a prop" it was kinda neat actually. I'm not afraid of public speaking anymore. I have also started a local Artist Way group - and the interest is blowing me away. I hope we get a nice solid group that everyone - myself included - can benefit from. It starts January 18th - I'm excited! I am hopin...

New years eve has come and gone, and the New Year has started - a beautiful and creative 2009 to everyone! So far, on the agenda, is alot of clearing. Basically cleaning and getting rid of the things that just don't fit the person I've grown into now. Old negative objects that only hold bad memories that hold me down, or colors that don't jive with what makes me zing. In my attempt to clean my art room I have found 12 projects half finished or just ideas on paper. At this rate I'll have enough to keep me busy clear into next year :) Always good to have a variety or projects to fall back on when I need a break from a tough part, or a change in creative focus. On friday I was asked by a Rotery Club to speak for 30 minutes about the ornament and the guild I'm in. I'm nervous but really excited. This is such a great opportunity, not to mention really good practice for future public speaking. I've spoken to alot of the people involved with the guild and t...

So 2009 us upon us as of 12:01 last night. A time for new years resolutions, plans and various other goal setting events. I believe my motto will be "Plan for the Unexpected" combined with "Carpe Diem" With a family like mine that has a tendency to need or want things unexpectedly usually at the last minute my rhythm gets knocked off balance alot. For example I spent the last two days helping my 9 year old brother and sister n law work on a massive school project. I have to say - I am really proud of them. They stuck to it the whole time, and believe me it was ALOT of work. The project was to research, plan and build a midevil castle on a 12x12 board with all the parts labled. We all learned a great deal!! I helped them with minor details like real metal portcullis's out of wire, and nicely printed labels in their chosen font. The rest of the work they did themselves. My plans had included getting the house spottless so I could do some guilt free crea...