Kozachek Mosaic

Finally, a few days of productivity! I feel as if I accomplished something this weekend. By my puny little standards at least.

Began several works to add to the Rita Smith Gallery, and helped fellow artist and friend Janet Kozachek set up her new blog. She made this beautiful mosaic for me. That's the image of it there, to the left. She created it as I was telling her a bit about my background, my inspirations and hopes. It's solid and textural. The pieces were carefully placed, and each element has more than one meaning. It is already priceless.

This is one artist you will want to know. Click here to see her blog

A Dream Realized

Yesterday was an important day for me. A milestone. I hung my work at my first gallery, the Rita Smith Gallery in Columbia, SC. RSG is a small co-op of very diverse and talented SC artists, who I am looking forward to getting to know. Rita Smith is a real person, a very talented artist in her own right, who has owned and operated several galleries over the years. She genuinely cares about all the artists showing, and has developed long friendships with many of them. I am fortunate and honored to be under her wings.

After the grunt work, Jean Bourque came by & we had lupper (a meal between lunch and supper). We talked and laughed - go to her blog and ask her to describe how she adopted her chihuahua Toffee - it's a story you won't forget! I described a part of my long journey getting to my first gallery. . .

I grew up in a hardworking family whose members had lots of love for each other but very little economic opportunity or education. Having a daughter who wanted to pursue art was frowned upon by almost everyone, except my brother, Ron. Ron was the middle child, I am the baby, with a big age gap in between. I was probably a "whoops". Ronnie moved to NYC soon after high school, and became a successful cosmetologist. He and I stayed in close touch. He saw a latent talent, and encouraged and expected me to ardently sketch and mail him my work. He came home several times a year, with gifts of art supplies for me. He nurtured and cared for me, and respected and understood my dreams.

In my 16th year, Ronnie had an accident, falling from the 3rd floor of his apartment building. He survived, but was in a body cast for 3 months. We talked on the phone every week while he was laid up, sometimes more. We made plans. I was to apply to colleges in NY, and live with him while I went to art school.

I remember him calling with the news the doctors were letting him go home - he was doing well. Would I come and see him? I had never flown, he was making arrangements for a friend to escort me. Hesitantly, I said sure.

3 days later his lungs collapsed. He died in his sleep.

Yesterday was his birthday.

Martha Stewart As Artistic Inspiration Part 2

Continued from yesterday:
6. Quality. This is a cornerstone, and should always be on your mind. Stated simply, do the very best you can do at all times, in all aspects of your work. Choose the best paints and brushes you can afford, the best canvas and frames. Make sure your works on paper are archival - you don't want your work to fall apart within a few years. Take care of your projected image - make sure your business cards and other promotional materials look professional. You are your own brand - If you can't project yourself as knowledgeable about your art, then how can you sell it? After all, your art is a part of you.
7. Allow Others To Help You. We artists are an independent bunch. We think we can do it all - that when it comes to our art only our individual voice matters. Not true. Allow others to give you feedback, and listen to what they have to say. If your work hangs in a cafe, pay attention to not only what the owner and patrons think of it, but what the wait staff thinks as well. Art should speak to everyone. Ask advice from fellow artists, don't be shy. Especially those older than you - learn how they do things.
8. Don't Be Afraid Of Making Mistakes. Face it - you will make them. That's the only way, however, to really improve. Leonardo DaVinci made many - The Last Supper was a huge one. He painted it using experimental paint binding agents instead of the tried and true fresco, and it began falling off the wall it was painted on almost immediately, as well as attracting mold. Imagine if he would have destroyed this "mistake"! The world is still discovering subtleties and new symbolism in this masterpiece.
9. Risks. With life comes risk. To get out of bed every day is a risk. To stay in bed is a risk. There is no safe passage. Expand your artistic voice . . . if you are an abstract artist, try pottery. Send out a query to a gallery, risk being rejected. If you are turned down, so what? There are thousands of galleries. Get some work online - it only requires a little time and a digital camera. Someone in the world needs to see your art.
10. Make It Beautiful. Surround yourself with beauty, and it will make not only your art better, but improve your outlook. Plant some flowers. Paint a room your favorite color. Decorate with objects and symbols you love, that mean something to you. Maybe even get a tattoo, if it makes you feel beautiful.

Martha Stewart As Artistic Inspiration Part 1

OK, I know a lot of you will think I've lost it completely after reading that title. "She's been artistically challenged a bit too long" and "Egad, maybe she is a starving artist after all and is not getting enough nutrients to the brain". But wait - let's look at this . . .
I have finished reading "The Martha Rules - 10 Essentials For Achieving Success As You Start, Build, or Manage A Business" and there are parallels. The 10 essentials are passion, having a big idea, examination of your goals, giving back, growth, quality, allowing others to help you along the way, using your mistakes, taking risks, and making it beautiful. Please note these are not the actual names of the 10 essentials; I sorta paraphrased. After all, this is an art blog, and I'm trying to make a point. You will just have to read the book to get the real 10 essentials!

These elements can help us as artists. Here's how:

1. Passion. We all know we must have that, because no one in their right mind would go through all the stuff we do just to create and show our art. Do what you can to keep it alive; go on a trip to a new place, take a class, hob-nob with other artists.

2. A Big Idea. In this case I mean the fact that we deign to create in the first place, that's a Big Idea. Think of a concept and present it in a new and different way. Sketch a different perspective of that still life, paint that portrait from a different angle. I'm reminded of Stephen Spielberg, his Big Idea changed the way movies were made.

3. Goals. We must have attainable goals. And really, all goals are attainable, some just take more work and effort than others. For example, if I have 2 goals, one being to finish a painting by next week, the other being to finish 6 paintings by next week, both goals are attainable, it's just that the first one will be easier to achieve than the latter one. Set a few easier to reach goals. Accomplishing them will spur you on to bigger and better achievements.

4. Giving Back. This is important. We must help others along the way if we are to expect any kind of satisfaction through our work. It can be as simple as showing a child how to draw a tree, or as complex as owning and operating a gallery to further other artist's careers.

5. Growth. We must continually grow and expand as artists. We must look at art, discuss art, and create as much as we can. We should try different mediums and styles, just for the fun of it. Think of a different way to present your art to the world; greeting cards, lampshades - I have a friend who painted a rug on her floor - you should see people trying not to trip on the wrinkle she included!
Well, there you have five. Tomorrow I'll expound on the next five. Until then . . .

Myspace As Artistic Expression

Been doing a little web surfing lately. I checked out Myspace, just for fun. And fun it can be. It can also eat up a good portion of your day, if you're not careful.
Just for curiosity's sake, I looked up Neil Diamond (I'm a fan, and I thought he might be available to chat with, since I'm sure he has nothing better to do on a Tuesday but lurk on Myspace) and would you believe there are 100 + Neils? Pictured is a screenshot of, I'm sure, the real one. It says right there under the caption Who You'd Like To Meet, " I'd like to meet you, baby!" There's his autographed picture and everything!!!
One thing struck me, though - the amount of self expression and artistry involved in this. You can modify your page to fit your personality, showcase your likes and dislikes, like a page out of an old fashioned scrapbook. There are websites that provide code for animations, backgrounds and the like to be inserted on your page. You can have Beavis and Butthead rocking to Metallica or Jesus appearing and disappearing into graphics that read "The Name Above All Names". You can have a glittery seizure-causing flash background, or a serene lake scene.
One thing for sure, people have an innate need to express themselves. I think that's part of the popularity of Myspace - anyone can put a little or a lot of themselves into their pages. The variety and level of customization is astonishing. Regular people are expressing themselves artistically!
Artists will always use the tools available to them, and the Internet and sites like Myspace and YouTube that allow a high level of user interaction should remain popular. From the earliest cave drawings self expression has been a crucial part of what it means to be human. That imperative, that need, won't go away as our technology increases. Human beings will use the tools available, whatever they may be, to create art and make the world a better place.

When Your Muse Takes A Vacation

I'm in trouble. I have art to do, and can't seem to get going. I know it's in there somewhere, after all I do call myself an artist. That's what I keep telling myself, anyway. And horror of horrors, today I seem to have a waning desire to do any art at all.
I even made a list of what I needed to get done today.
A. I needed to get started on my next piece, which means I
1. Need to get some sketching done, which will help me to
*Work out composition, viewpoint
So on and so forth.
What I got done so far . . .
1. I woke up
2. I had Cheerios
3. I had coffee
4. I did yard work (in Amazon forest- like humidity)
5. Went to The Grocery Store.
Now I'm stuck. earlier in the week, when I was shackled to something else, all I could think about was having today to get to my pencil and brushes. Oh Joy! I thought, I will be able to produce like mad. I will ride the wave of boundless Creativity! I will soar to the heights of Inspiration! Yeah, right.
I am learning, though, that this happens to everybody. The trick is to go on and make yourself take up the pencil. I have, and though it took me doing some warm up work to get going, I did get going. I haven't completed what I thought I would, but making the attempt will carry you further than not making any attempt at all. Having said that, there are times when you just need to relax and give your muse time to catch back up with you. Sometimes you just need to do something else for a while, give your mind a little rest. The more you create, the more in tune you will become with your own unique rhythm. Like waves on a beach that come in and recede, yet the ocean itself stays constant.

Interview with Colleen Patricia Williams

Colleen Patricia Williams is an extremely gifted artist who lives in Portland, Oregon. There she is, on the left. She creates pieces designed to stir your emotions, and make you think more deeply and appreciate color. After successfully raising her children, Colleen felt the need to dive back in to her art. In 2003 she suffered an accident that almost took her life. In nearly constant pain, she courageously continues to paint, gaining from her experience a deep appreciation for life. Here's a few questions I asked her:
1. How did you get started as an artist? According to my aunt, I got my start young, making toothpaste sculptures out of my little brother's hair. From there I progressed to mud on any available wall space.
2. Where can we find your work? I have my own website, www.colleenpatriciawilliams.com, and I also have an art rep, Dawne, of Zebra Creations. I've just signed a contract with Off The Canvas Gallery in Canada, for prints of some of my images.
3. What message(s) are you trying to convey? Well, I'm more into shapes, colors and forms than I am any message. I prefer that the viewer's emotional response come from within them, not from any external statement on my part. I don't want to define the viewer's experience; I want them to define it for themselves. I provide the image, and they take it from there.
4. What artist, work or movement has influenced you the most? That one is pretty easy. Georgia O'Keeffe and Wayne Thiebaud. I love the colors of both artists. And the light from Rembrandt! I can only hope to achieve that level of mastery!
5. How do you find inspiration? I can't get away from it. I have learned that I have to be careful while driving. I can get distracted by something very easily. My husband says I'm the master at the mad right turn, LOL!
I really can't get away from the images. Sometimes they wake me up, and won't let me sleep again until I have them on paper, at least.
6.If you could have any job in the world what would it be? Pagan Queen of my Very Own Universe, LOL! Seriously, I would love to be able to make a living doing my art. I'm lucky, in that I have a very supportive husband, and a very supportive ex-husband. They both are invaluable to the cause!
7. Who are your heroes? That one is also easy. The regular working stiff that gets up everyday, and goes to work to support the family. The moms that raise the kids, and the grammas and grandpas that help out. The average human that forges ahead even when it hurts. I often feel that part of the problems in our society is the undervaluation of the working families. There is too much desire to want to be eternally young, to be "someone". What the average person needs, is to realize that we are all someone special. Just like art, each person is unique and each brings something different to the table.

Art And Fear

Just got finished reading a terrific book titled Art and Fear, Observations On The Perils (and Rewards) of ARTMAKING by David Bayles and Ted Orland. These writers understand the issues we artists face with an uncanny insight, spotlighting them in fine detail. This book addresses the complex internal issues facing artists and gives workable solutions that allows us to reach our full potential. Orland and Bayles reveal the core of the artist psyche, what role talent plays in the equation (you will be surprised) and some good tips on how to avoid falling by the wayside and becoming the cliched "has-been" artist. There's a section on art in the academic world; the unique struggles art teachers and administrators face, as well as the trials and tribulations of being an art student. It draws interesting comparisons between art, science and math, as well as painting, sculpture, writing and music.

This is a book every artist should have at their disposal. Although only 122 pages, it is full of insight, advice, and understanding of what it means to be an artist and the everyday struggles we face, both seen and unseen. It's good to know we are not alone in our struggles. Indeed, it connects us to artists of every age, from the cave painters to Warhol. We are all part of a distinguished and select group of people.

How To Set Youself Apart From The Pack

How do you set yourself apart from the pack? Here's some suggestions:

1. Constantly hone your skills. Buy a small notebook, doesn't have to be anything fancy, doesn't even have to be from an art supply store, and sketch at every opportunity. Buy one small enough to fit in your purse or pocket, and when waiting at the doctor's office, or for the bus or subway, or just waiting at a grocery store, pull it out and start sketching something or someone you see around you. You will be amazed how much faster the time will go when doing something productive. That being said . . .

2. It ain't all about talent, baby. In these days of global connectivity, you must have a bit more. Educate yourself in marketing of some sort. It has been said creating art takes about 40% of your time, promotion takes the other 60%. Go to events and gallery shows in your area, no matter how insignificant you may think they are. Have good quality business cards printed (no, DO NOT print them yourself on your desktop printer!) and pass them out. When going out to a restaurant, leave one with your tip. You never know who will see it. Post them on any bulletin board that will let you ( I've posted mine at my vet's office and doctor's office).

3.Use the resources of the Internet. This is a wealth of information right at your fingertips. If you need to know how to do encaustic, or even what encaustic is, all you have to do is look it up. Never before in the history of the world has there been such a wealth of information so available to so many people. If you don't have Internet access available in your home, most libraries readily do. And speaking of libraries . . .

4. Use your library. There are so many books, all for free! They're books with fantastic color plates on many major artists and their works. How to books on watercolor, drawing, oil. They're books on marketing, finances, how to write a resume - on and on. All good tools to further your career.

5. Get to know other artists. I know as an artist myself, we have to have a certain amount of time alone to create and to think about creating. But we must not overlook the value in getting to know our peers. We need to bounce ideas around, expand our knowledge and deepen our connections with each other. Don't be afraid someone will "steal your idea" - that's simply not possible. If 10 artists paint the same apple, it will have 10 different looks. Don't let jealousy and other negative emotions rob you of enriching yourself. Social connections make us better artists.

6. Get out of your comfort zone. Try a different medium from time to time. If you are an oil painter, try acrylics. If you are a fabric artist, try pottery. It's good to keep your brain constantly stimulated, and your creativity flowing in different directions.
(photo courtesy of Mirko Tobias Schaefer)

Animal Crackers

After what seems to me to be an unusually looong time, I finally finished my latest piece. This one seemed to be a bit more of a struggle than usual. Could be I've had too many distractions. I had to purposely carve out time for this painting, do a little here and a little there, think about it then think some more. Here it is, Animal Crackers, 16"X20" acrylic on canvas. Thoughts and comments are welcomed.

Peaceful Discussion

Met with our local sketch group today for our monthly meeting. As always, it was good to see everyone and talk about what's going on in each of our lives and careers. Today we had quite a spirited discussion on politics, religion and abortion. Now, in today's climate, the combination of any one of those subjects could become quite explosive. You have to be careful, folks are stressed out and sometimes a little crazy. I've been around a lot of different people, from all socio-economic and educational backgrounds, but I have to say I believe artists, as a group, are some of the most socially conscious and intelligent people around. No, I did not agree with some statements that were made, but we were able to discuss, not argue. I am appreciative of my friends' point of view; I understand but don't have to agree.
Maybe it's because artists, in the process of creating, have to think broadly. I don't think it's possible to be an artist and be narrow minded. Of course, I could be incorrect, I don't know all people of the earth. But I think I'm more right than wrong.
Artists can change the world, one sketch at a time.
Oh, I did get a little work done - here's my sketch of a wood duck nesting box on the river^^^

I Have To

Do you ever feel just, well, beat up?

Have you ever had a vision of a piece - an idea, an inspiration that comes with unexpected force? You dream about it. Maybe you need to research how another artist approached certain elements. You go to the library, or look online. maybe you sketch out your composition, maybe you go directly to canvas; the one you painstakingly stretched and primed. You mix your paints, prepare your cleaning solutions, turn on the answering machine, load your brush and make the first stroke.

After soaring highs, basement level lows, much cursing, your piece is done. If you're lucky, and have gallery representation, your piece goes there. You wait and hope someone will understand your struggle, hear your voice, and pay money for the privilege of having it speak to them in their home. If you don't have a gallery you still wait and hope, maybe put the piece online, hit the streets with it.

The beat up part comes with the waiting, waiting, hoping, praying, critiques from friends and family who overnight have become art experts. Why continue this self torture?
Speaking for myself, the answer is simple. Maybe too much so. I have to.
The smell of the paint, the feel of the brush in my hand - the work that sparks to life. . . this is in the cells of my body. Even if no one else appreciates or can see what it is I'm trying to express, I must try, I must.

For more years than I want to admit to, I denied the artist within, and was miserable. I was like a fish thrown up on a high bank, gasping, struggling to get back into the water.
Of course, I still struggle, but in many ways the path is much smoother. Art has done that for me. Given me a voice, my voice.

(Image courtesy Darwin Bell - Click to see his fantastic photos)

Holiday Departure

The Independence Day holiday is here and a lot of my friends and family will be at the beach. Sadly, I won't be among them. But here's a little something for them all.

As a dog lover and an absolute beach fanatic, I thought this was perfect. People with kids - I feel for you all! Everybody have a safe and happy Fourth!
The cartoonist is Paul Gilligan, the name of the strip is Pooch Cafe. Enjoy!

Noteworthy Blogs

OK, I've been "tagged". I'm it. Got nominated for the "Thinking Blogger Award". My mission is to nominate five other noteworthy blogs that make me think. Here's some that I read regularly and enjoy:

Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog - this guy is very positive and really makes a lot of sense. His blog is full of great advice, from starting your own business to how to cook brown rice.

Arts & Stuff by Susan Borgas - Susan is an Aussie artist who gives step-by-step instruction on how to create art, and when I say step-by-step I mean really detailed and helpful, like how she arranges her pastels to enable her work to flow, which causes her to not waste time looking for a certain color, as well as the struggles we as artists all experience. She has taught me to look in unexpected places for inspiration.

Art News Blog - I'm a news addict, but in todays world, and with today's headlines, being a news addict can drive you batty. This is a good alternative. You learn about what's going on in the world of art, the latest trends and what some of the major galleries are showing. Just don't let that Damien Hurst skull get you down . . .

Finding Yourself Despite Yourself - This is just plain good, funny writing. The author is a mother of 3 and writes about her life and thoughts. Think Erma Bombeck of the 21st century. Sometimes you just need to laugh - this fits the bill.

Winsome Gunning Artwalk - OK, if you want to think, I mean really give those neurons a workout, this is the one for you. This blogger thinks deeply about art and life in general, and connects art with the spiritual side of things. She uses poetry and images to get her message across.

Well, there you have my five. I could list more, as I'm discovering great blogs everyday. I'll do an update from time to time.

So, numbers one through five, I'm passing it to you! If you accept your mission, your task is below.

Oh,

and I have to break the rules and list one more: Artsails1 - This blog has become absolutely indispensible for up to date news and info about everything art related in South Carolina. It makes me think of different venues and ways to promote myself. Any artist anywhere can benefit from this blog, not just Sandlappers.

The participation rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn’t fit your blog).

Risking It All

To what lengths would you go for art? Do you live, breathe, exist for art?
I saw a piece on television about a group of men who, during World War II, risked everything to preserve great works of art and keep them out of harms way during Hitler's nefarious reign. There is also a book written by Robert Edsel called Rescuing Da Vinci (there's the picture at the right) I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet, but it has some really good reviews. These approximately 400 enlisted and civilian men and women formed an organization called Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Program, or The Monuments Men for short. Comprised of members from the countries of France, Russia, China, Britain and the United States, they sought out priceless works that had been stolen by Hitler's army or hidden away for safekeeping. Upon finding a treasure, they spent countless hours cataloguing, removing and packing, and safeguarding the works. Some of the plundered pieces include works by Michelangelo, Jan Van Eyck, Da Vinci, Bellini, and Botticelli.
Can you imagine not having these master works to receive inspiration from? I can't.
If not for the bravery of these men and women, we may not have the privilege of looking upon a Da Vinci or Van Eyck. Can you imagine never having seen David's veined hand or Mona Lisa's smile?
After the war, many members became employed, and became involved in building, some of the greatest art museums in the United States. The National Gallery of Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are just two such institutions.
So go out on that limb, take a risk. It will probably not be required of you to go to the incredible lengths The Monuments Men did. But you can do little things; teach a child watercolor, show an older person how to take a digital photograph. All these things add up, and can have a positive impact on our world.

Interview With Jean Bourque

The following is an interview with artist
Jean Bourque

1. How do
you express
yourself
through art?

i.e. what medium
do you primarily use?

Currently; I am expressing myself with a series
related to interior spaces. I am using mainly acrylics & pastels on
pre-stretched canvas.In  this series, I have doors, walls and windows
and the question of which way to  go. While one thing remains a
constant in my work is my unusual perspective, partly due to bad
visionand partly due to having my own perspective on the world;
which many find unusual. I am finding my paintings are more open
and less cluttered, I am more free  and less critical.

2. What galleries are  currently showing your work?

I have my work at Ward-Nasse Gallery in  Manhattan, NYC.  I also am
showing in SC at The Enchanted Forest in West  Columbia, SC,
Seven Oaks Park in Columbia, SC; The Earth Fare, The Bank of 
America at Richland and Main in Columbia and I have an
upcoming show at The Starving Artist in West Columbia starting
June 30th for the month of July. In  addition; I will have an art
reception in Orangeburg at Thee Matriarch on Tues. July 17th
from 5-8 pm; during the Top Chef Tuesday Monthly event.
I am on about ten web sites all over the world.

3. What motivates you?

I  am motivated by challenges which offer an opportunity for
self expression, to explore and grow intellectually and to lead
others in the same. Artistically; I  get motivated to create
around other artists, art events, music, plays, at the  beach,
in the mountains, seeing an abstract pattern in nature,
contemporary  designs, buildings, skylines, city views,
getting new art materials and when I want to solve
a personal dilemma.

4. Who are your heroes? Please include at least one artist.

I look up to the artist Frida Kahlo and admire her  very much.
She was her own person which was unusual for a woman,
during her life  time. She was able to use her art as a way
to of overcoming a very traumatic experience and then
progressed to tell her life story through her art. I also
admire Vincent Van Gogh. Even though people laughed
at him; he did his art  anyway. He was true to
his self and in that the world has come to know the
genius that no one knew back in his day. I see myself in
both of their stories  and although I am not exactly like
either of them; I may be a combination of  both of them.
Frida, Vincent and myself all have been driven to paint.
I have  that passion, they both had.

5. If you could have any job in the world, what
would it be?

Being a friend of the universe is the most
important job I have.

6. What single work of art has inspired you the most?

This answer will change from time to time. At one time;
I would have said "Water Lillies" by Monet. Now, I would
say I am deeply inspired by a piece of artwork by Kandinsky.
I have three of his prints and any one of  them would be
the number one. Other times; I may say something by
Peter Max, Miles Batt, Georgia O'Keefe, Salvadore Dali,
Picasso, Matisse, Frida Kahlo, "Starry Starry Night" by
Van Gogh, works by Miro...the list goes on and on. I
sold framed art on the road; so I have seen more
art than most people.

7. Finally, the Barbara Walters question - if you
could be a tree what kind would you be and why
(Sorry, I just had to!!)

Although I love the redwood trees in California; I
would have to be a Palm tree. Since I was a little kid;
I always thought they were the most beautiful.

Thank you Jeanee! If you have not met this talented,
warm individual, you should, and as you can see she
is all over the place, so there are lots of 
opportunities to bump into her and enjoy her beautifully
expressive work in person. You won't be sorry you did!

Want To Achieve Your Dreams?

Want to achieve your dreams? Start by shunning negative thoughts and deeds. Yep, I think it's that simple.

I'm firmly convinced nothing of any importance will be gained through negativity. Say, for instance, you work hard at a job you hate all day, or night, one that sucks the life right out of you. When you come home, what do you do with your time? Sinking in front of the TV, vegetating for a while, though tempting, will not get you away from where you are in your current situation, to where you want to be. The only thing that will put you on a path to a better life is to use as much of your free time as possible to get positive. What do I mean?

One thing to do is to break up your free time into blocks, say 30 minutes or one hour, and in that time do something positive that will get you where you know you need to be. Take 30 minutes a day and sketch a tree or a face, honing your skill. Take 30 minutes or an hour to read a how-to book on a subject you're passionate about; take 30 minutes or an hour to connect with people online who know more than you do about a chosen subject.
You will immediately feel better about yourself. Notice I didn't say soon or someday. The reward of doing something positive, no matter how small it may seem, will have an instant effect. You can't get that kind of satisfaction from watching "Desperate Housewives". And the really neat thing is that one positive thing leads to and attracts other positive things and people to you, just like a refrigerator attracts magnets.

Three years ago I was in a dead end job, thinking there wasn't anything better. Someone put "The Purpose Driven Life" in my hands, and it was one of the things that changed my life. I began to think differently, began to abolish negative thoughts. Maybe I did have value - maybe my talent and love of art was no accident, it could become my vocation. My best friend had a birthday coming up - I drew her house as a gift (positive step) She liked it and told alot of people (positive leads to positive) Other people started giving me commissions (like refrigerator + magnet).

Amazingly, your dreams will begin to come true. You can have the life you want - it's right there - ready for you to take hold of it.

Nuclear Vision

Last Tuesday evening I was honored to be one of the artists involved in Top Chef Tuesday's, an event hosted by Rachelle Jamerson at a wonderfully restored historic house called Thee Matriarch. People came from all over to sample fantastic cuisine, fine wine, and listen to the soulful jazz of Del Rae. I was privileged to meet artist, art marketer and blogger Jean Bourque, who I suspect really has 8 arms; how else can she do all the amazing things she does?

That in itself is good enough, but what is really worthy of writing and talking about is the fact that it happened in the first place. You see, Orangeburg, where the event took place, is a very small town, with very little art presence. There are plenty fine, accomplished artists around, and many people who love and support the arts, and sacrifice time and money to make sure at least some art "happens". But as far as I know, and Lord knows I don't know all that takes place, this is the first event where so many distinctive artists have gotten together under one roof. So many beautiful and interesting people were there, colors and textures everywhere you looked. All because one woman, who has as much energy as a nuclear reactor, knows that art is essential, has the power to unite a community. There she is, in the top picture, with guest Omar Benjamin, beaming.

In the picture bottom left is the treasure known as Del Rae, making beautiful music. Bottom right is Orangeburg County Library Director and hat afficionado Paula Paul (yes, that's her real name!) with a hat by Christopher's Originals.

Rachelle Jamerson is a rare bird. She is a woman with a vision, and with enough energy and ideas to carry it out. Few things are guaranteed in life, but one of the things that is, if you ever meet her, you will leave inspired.

Tenacity

It's amazing what one can accomplish with a little tenacity. I recently read an article on Art News Blog about Nathan Sawaya, an artist who uses Lego bricks as his medium of choice. He is currently having his first solo show at the Lancaster Museum of Art in Lancaster, PA , to sold out crowds. He received his first set of Legos as a Christmas present, and the passion began. He went to work making a model city, eventually taking up the living room of his parent's house. As he grew older he continued to "play" with his bricks. He graduated law school, became a lawyer, and in the evenings would come home and unwind by building things.

In 2004 he entered the competition for a nationwide search for a Lego master builder, and won. He gave up his lawyering, and became a full time Lego artist.

Who would have ever thought you could make a career out of something like that? Many times I get discouraged at how my art career is going, and every artist I know has similar struggles. But here's a guy who continued on. I'm sure a lot of people thought he was/is nuts. Didn't matter, he had determination and drive, and was adament about expressing himself on his own terms.

So I'm going to be thinking about Nathan those times when it seems nobody gets what I'm saying, when it would be so much easier to just clean my brushes and go to bed, when selling a painting is equivalent to climbing Everest.

(Photo compliments of Windell H. Oskay, www.evilmadscientist.com)

Out of Nowhere

Sometimes the most wonderful opportunities come seemingly out of nowhere. You can be going along, conducting your day to day routine activities, and along comes mysterious chance. This happened to me week before last when I was approached about being at a reception featuring other diverse artists, for one night only. The others include jazz vocalist Del Rae, author Barbara Randall Clark, and a food artist, myself being the sole painter. This may not sound like such a big deal to a lot of people, but I live in a very small town with very small opportunities for artists of any kind, much less for others of different disciplines.
The brainchild of this enterprise is local business owner and former Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Rachelle Jamerson. Her business, Rachelle's Island, houses an eclectic array of unique goods, from clothes she has designed herself, to handmade jewelry, even a travel agency (I suppose if you can't find it at Rachelle's she'll send you where you can!) This soiree is going to be held in a historic house that Rachelle has lovingly restored and dubbed Thee Matriarch, Tuesday June 19 from 5-8 PM. There it is above ^^ Isn't it beautiful? If you find yourself anywhere close please drop in.
As artistic opportunities in smaller towns and cities seem to dwindle, it is heartening that there are people still around who see the necessity of art, and are willing to bring it to the forefront. Art encourages, art inspires, lifts us up from the mundane and allows us to touch the clouds.