Coming Together

I don't have a whole bunch of words to write. I don't even have an exciting picture to share. I just have a few simple Pearls of Wisdom that sums up where I have been and what is happening in the last month.


"And we know that all things work together for those who love God, and to them who are called according to His purposes."
~ Romans 8:28

"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together."
~ James Cash Penney

"Some say if you want success surround yourself with successful people. i say if you want true and lasting success surround yourself with people of integrity."
~ Charles F. Glassman

Corner of Gratitude:
Letting go and being okay

Your Thoughts:
What are you okay with letting go of and knowing that things will work out just fine?

Until next time...

Proper Preparation

It's been amazingly beautiful outside...a mixture of clouds and sun, and even perhaps a sprinkle here and there.

It's a day that reminds me that life sometimes takes these incredibly different turns from one minute to the next, and even though those turns are unexpected...all is well anyhow.

I don't necessarily say this to say anything other than this is how I am feeling at the moment. There aren't any super drastic changes or turns that have occurred since the last time that I spoke to you. All is going really well...Steady Eddy to be exact.

And that is what I need...

In this season of stability, I am watching the roses grow from seedling up in great anticipation of smelling them when they blossom. I'm not rushing the process. In fact, it's the slowness of the process that is allowing me to dig deep into self introspection and love the journey!

I'll be ready for what comes ahead because now, I am properly preparing myself for the journey!!

What a wonderful feeling!

In the meantime...here are a few things that have been birthed creatively in the last few weeks:

Corner of Gratitude:
Understanding me

Pearls of Wisdom:
"True stability results when presumed order and presumed disorder are balanced. A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed."
~Tom Robbins

Your Thoughts:
What are you okay with today? What does your stable place look like today (if you have one)?

Until next time...

The Art of Stability

This last month has been interesting. I am learning that as an artist I must be stable. Even dreams deferred need legs to stand on. I've been taking the last month to do exactly that...strengthen some things that have been weak for some time.

The first step in becoming stable is to have a steady stream of income coming in. That has started. I am in no way in the place where I need to be with this, but I am grateful for the jump start.

I have been working as an advocate to young ladies, which has been both rewarding and trying. I am seeking to understand to be understood with them. I am looking to be the Godly example in action...one they see instead of just hear. I am looking forward to seeing them finding the root of where their discomfort lies and watching them cut it off at the root for it never to grow again.

Then comes what this blog is about...my art journey.

The SquashSmarts mural that was started about 2 months ago is making good headway. It's amazing to see something go from thought to fruition, and from paper to wall. I will be visiting them one more time for some finishing touches, but the students and the young lady in the picture (that I love dearly) have done an incredible job of getting the project done.

 

 

Art never stops. Creativity doesn't stop...even when I do. My body sleeps, but there is forever thoughts ruminating in my mind of what is, what could be, and what is to come.

They are almost all consuming...thoughts of art that is.  Sometimes they are released, sometimes they remain until they are finished being developed, and other times they just stay put. They never seem to go away though.

I wouldn't have it any other way though. They make me feel...

Corner of Gratitude:
A mind for the arts

Pearls of Wisdom:
"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a piece of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web."
~Pablo Picasso

Your Thoughts:
What makes you feel?

Until next time...

An Unpredictable Journey

Hola ladies and gentleman! I do pray that your Memorial Day was spectacular because mine surely was!

It's been about a week and a half since the last time that I posted and things are moving along pretty smoothly. I am still getting adjusted to my new job working with young ladies, and my art outside of the mural that I have been working on with SquashSmarts has taken on a different meaning for right now. 

Let's start with the mural. 

I worked on the bulk of the largest wall of the mural last week. Since this is a project that I am working on with the students, I am getting the design down and the students are working on the painting part. I used a projector for most of the project after I came up with the design that the company was pleased with. It makes it easier and faster to get the project done. However, for this portion of the mural I needed to do things free-handed. And I would have to say I surprised myself! The space is huge and at an awkward angle. I had to stand on my tippy toes to get some of it taken care of.

I have one more week working with the students, and then they will be flying on their own. I believe that they can do things on their own and do it great! I will go back when they finish painting so that I report how it has come out here. 

In other news, I have been revamping a few things. I saw a few movies in the last few weeks that have sparked some thoughts of mine. I am moving in the direction of having a non-profit youth arts center. I haven't talked about this much here, but it has been a dream of mine for some time. It ties into what I have been placed on this planet to do. I am super excited about it. 

In order for me to get this project off the ground, I need to do some research of my very own. I need to obtain a place to house who I will ultimately call "my art kids". It's the funniest thing. I'm not quite sure how that is going to happen. I really don't. I don't have the funds at this point. I don't have a monetary backing option or grant at this point. I don't even have a laid out plan at this point. 

What I do have though is a crazy faith that this is what God is leading me to do. I am well aware with this crazy faith that if God has given me this purpose that He is also able to bring it to pass. So I give the charge to Him. I don't know what that looks like and that isn't my concern at the moment. My concern is being available to make the moves that He needs me to make in order to make my purpose come alive. 

What a journey....a journey that is so unpredictable, but sure!

Corner of Gratitude:

Trusting without knowing the next steps

Pearls of Wisdom:

"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens."

~J.R.R. Tolkien

Your Thoughts:

What is your purpose? What steps are you taking/making towards your purpose?

Until next time...

Doing Some Juggling

This weekend that just passed wasn't really filled with much art related things, but Monday was piled high with expressions of creativity. I went back to the SquashSmarts camp to do some more mural preparation and even a little bit of painting. 

I had a few students that were on the roster to help me! They were absolutely wonderful, and excited to get to started painting as much as I was. My mentee who does a phenomenal job as the Director of squash at SquashSmarts explained that they were sad that we weren't able to start the week before (due to me needing to get my car fixed). So here we go...

There they are doing a job well done! I had the opportunity to show them a few tips and tricks when it comes to successfully painting murals. They took the instruction well and looking forward to the next steps. And truth be told, I am looking forward to showing you all the finished product!

In other news:

Getting acclimated to my new job is going pretty smoothly. I am enjoying being able to impart a bit of wisdom into the lives of other young ladies. It's such a big part of what I believe my purpose is. I have overcome a thing or two...some self-inflicted, and some just bumps and bruises from life being a bit unfair. All in all, there are some things that I hope to share with these young ladies that will allow them to be better than I was when I was their age. I hope to share acts and words of wisdom that will allow them to see and hear what productive members of their communities look like. 

Now for me to get my creative grind on in the midst of my new job. I know that I am able to do this now. I have grown and am able to juggle being stable and working on my passion. I just have to figure out the best way to get the two done effectively and efficiently!

Corner of Gratitude:

The ability to surrender my way for the best way

Pearls of Wisdom:

"Do three things well, not ten things badly."

~David Segrove

Your Thoughts:

What is the best way for you to juggle your stability and passion?

until next time...

Adjustments

It's been two and a half weeks since I posted last. I haven't abandoned ship or my creative endeavors and purpose. I'm finding that I must make a few necessary adjustments!

Life is happening! That's a really good thing! In the last 2 weeks I have been working, working, and working some more. Some were creative projects, and some not. 

On the creative end:

My art kids had their exhibit! They did an excellent job, and were super proud to see their work displayed last Tuesday. While I was hanging the show, the excitement of them seeing their peers work was priceless. They oohed and ahhed, and it just tickled me so. The night of the exhibit didn't have the turnout that I expected. It was rainy and cold after days of beautiful weather, and I suppose parents were happy just to have a night in. Whatever the case, the interaction with the parents that did come was encouraging. I found out things about my kids that I wouldn't have known unless I spoke with their parents. 

I haven't been able to do much on the mural for SquashSmarts since I posted last. My Emmy (my car) needed to go to the doctors this week. I'm scheduled to go back on Monday to do some more work. I'm excited about that too!

The large painting that I started still has yet to get a stroke of paint, and sketching has all but stopped in these last few weeks. It surely is not something that I like to admit, but it is the sheer truth.

In other news:
I have started a new job! I will be working with a company called Youth Advocate Program. It's a pretty amazing program that works to encourage youth to be productive members of society. I am a youth advocate, which serves almost as a mentor of sorts. I will pick up a whole host of young ladies that I will also call "my girls". I am looking forward to that. I believe that every young child deserves a fighting change to be all that they were purposed to be, and I am glad that I can help. 

The position right off hand doesn't seem like it falls in line with my purpose, but oh the contrary! This is just the beginning! There will be more on that in the future!

So with all that I have going on, I am knowing that I will have to adjust my blogging schedule. That means that I will no longer be blogging 3 times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri.). I am looking forward to committing to posting at least 2 times per week. I know taking away one post doesn't seem like much, but in the grand scheme of things, it will help me from feeling overwhelmed. 

Summer is coming and the weekends will be jam packed. I will probably stick with a weekend wrap up and a mid-week post, but that is not set in stone as of yet.....STAY TUNED!!!

Corner of Gratitude:
Freedom from guilt

Pearls of Wisdom:
No work or love will flourish out of guilt, fear or hollowness of heart, just as no valid plans for the future can be made by those that have no capacity to live now. 
~Alan Watts

Your Thoughts:
When was the last time you recognized the need to adjust some things in your schedule to accommodate changes in your life?  

Until next time...

SquashSmarts Mural

I failed to post the way I am supposed to last week. As a matter of fact, I only posted once. I have been doing really well for the past few months. 

As I have been posting, these past few weeks have been busier than busy, and last week was no exception. However, enough about last week and on with this week.

I started the beginning phases of the mural for the SquashSmarts Program in Philadelphia. The sketching took longer than I expected because I was working in a relatively small space. I had to do a lot of maneuvering with the projector....not my favorite thing to have happen while working. Overall, things went well. 

I will be making a few more trips. I have more designing to do, and then (my favorite part), I get to show students exactly how to fill in with paint. That is the exciting part! I get to teach them what brushes to use, how to thin out the paint if it needs it, and small tips and tricks to make sure that the brush strokes are invisible. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to the collaborative effort!

That's it for this evening...a short and sweet update!

Corner of Gratitude:
Community

Pearls of Wisdom:
"The beauty of collaboration between older and younger generations is that we combine strength with wisdom-a surefire way to accomplish more for the glory of God."
~Brett Harris

Your Thoughts:
When is the last time you collaborated with someone?

Until next time...

Over-Committed

You never really realize that you are over-committing yourself until you've already over-commit yourself. It's an oxymoron I know, but the absolute truth. 

Yes...I am aware it is Tuesday. However, like I told a friend, I have been under the gun, and I have no one to blame but myself. It's a combination of things. I have told others that I will be able to help them with things not realizing that there are only so many hours in a day. 

There are multiple projects that I have going on. There is a mural, an art exhibit, working in the community, and getting prepared for a new job. Oh and let's not forget me applying for residencies and juried shows. So needless to say, there are plenty of things to juggle.

If I stay on my p's and q's things would be just fine and the feeling of being overwhelmed wouldn't happen. Problems start to arise when I get stuck too long on one project. It's time management issues. I'm working hard on fixing it!

Here's a gander at some of the above mentioned projects:

Corner of Gratitude:
Greater organization

Pearls of Wisdom:
"First comes thought, then the organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning as you will observe, is in your imagination."
~Napolean Hill

Your Thoughts:
Where are some areas that you could become more organized?

Until next time...

From My Mom

It's FREEDOM FRIDAY!!! It has come again so fast! 

Since this week has been such a busy week, I decided to pull from an old post. It is from a few years ago and it highlights my mom's creative side. Who I get it from!

So here goes:

You may be wondering where my artistic prowess comes from. I get it from my momma y'all! I won't snub my dad either, he could sketch with the best of them.

My mom is super creative when it comes to interior decoration. Me...not so much! She has the ability to look at a space, take yours, hers or anyone else's idea and make it pop. She tells me the story of when she was younger and was excepted to an art school in Philly. She went one day, got lost on the bus, and made up in her mind that she wouldn't go back. My grandparents didn't do anything to fuel her passion at the time. Art wasn't a big money maker, and as most folks see it today, just a hobby for my grandparents. It's okay...I was happy to go on and finish something that she started, getting my bachelors degree in Fine Art. 

Thanks mom and dad for believing in, and paying for my passion!!!!!!

Corner of Gratitude:

Loving parents

Pearls of Wisdom:

"I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies."

~Pietro Arentino

Tell those that you love the truth, and set them free. Hate or great dislike lasts momentarily for most, and love is never ending!

Your Thoughts:

When was the last time you told those you love the truth?

A Busy Week

This week is simply flying by too quickly. It's been an extremely long day. I'm fighting to get this post out since my eyes feel like they want to have a mind of their own.

The art show for my art kids is approaching quickly and I have so much to do. Tonight before taking it down I managed to get almost all of their artist statements typed up. There were a few statements that I couldn't read (As you can imagine with little ones).

The statements are really warming and in some instances wise beyond their years. The designing of the program comes next. I hope to have that done tomorrow at some point.

Good night folks! The steam in this little teapot is running out.

Corner of Gratitude:
Each step that gets me closer to a goal

Pearls of Wisdom:
"I'm so tired...my tired's...tired!!!"
~Unknown

Your Thoughts:
What has been your mid-week success!

Until next time...

Weekend Review

It's such a gloomy day here in the good ole' state of NJ. Rain has been falling nearly all day and not quite helping me get things done. If the sun could shine everyday, my soul would be ecstatic. I digress...

This post is less about the weather and more about the weekend that I had after a dismal week.

Spring has sprung and that means so have 1st Friday's in Philadelphia. This 1st Friday was not the typical though. Instead of going to Old City, there were a few galleries that I wanted to check out the Fishtown and Kensington area.

Our first stop was the Art Dept, which is run by two UArts alumni (one a photographer and the other textile designer). The quaint gallery was celebrating their one year anniversary.  It was a party equipped with the quirky and playful art of Katherine Pulido (also a UArts alumni), the works of various jewelry and clothing designers, kombucha tea, hats and noise makers.

Kelly-Ann takes a good look at the pieces. She purchased a piece!!!

It was live...it was inspiring! I spoke briefly with one of the owners to find out what their process was for accepting work. It seemed pretty simple, but they have exhibits already schedule for a year out. No biggie! I will keep my eye on them though.

Our next stop was certainly unexpected. We were trying to get to another gallery we had seen on our way to the Art Dept. Instead of landing in the proper place...or what we thought at the time to be the proper place, we landed at The Circle of Hope. I would say it was a coincidence, but I don't believe in luck. Everything happens for one reason or the other, and this was one of those times.

The small paper sign on the glass door read, "Join us in worship." I gave it thought for a second and went on. I was interested in the art. We walked around for a bit and then decided to leave. Before we left I mentioned to my friend that this may be a church. A young woman approached her as she looked around, and what do you know...it was!

Kristen was exceptionally friendly and an artist herself. She explained that the gallery was part of the church. They desire to make visual arts as much a part of worship as they do music. She gave me a brief idea of what Circle of Hope was about, gave me a few names of some galleries that I may be interested in submitting pieces to, and a hug for the road.

How amazing to know that there are others in this world that are on the same page as I am. I don't know what things will happen from this meeting, but I look forward to finding out. I'm on target to visit in a few weeks. I'll report back here then.

The rest of the weekend was filled with rest and work (other than art). I started to feel a bit convicted, but quickly recognized the need for both.  

I'm learning how to juggle things well and becoming a well rounded artist in the process!

Corner of Gratitude:
Being able to multitask successfully

Pearls of Wisdom:
Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly
~Langston Hughes

Your Thoughts:
What was the best part of your weekend?

Until next time...

Sunday Catch Up

It's Sunday and an off day for me to be posting. I'm making up for not posting on Wednesday last week. I have some new things on the horizon and I wanted to "catch" you all up!

As I posted on Freedom Friday, last week was extremely exhausting and not very productive in terms of actually doing. While I didn't do, there was plenty of meetings being held in order to conceptualize for some projects that will be coming up in the near future.

My Art Kids:
Two weeks ago was my last week with my art kids for the school year. I knew that my stint was coming up soon, but it came too fast. I am preparing an art extravaganza for them later this month. The kids did an excellent job, but with so many snow days, there are projects that need to be wrapped up. Since they have moved onto their 3rd trimester, I have to finish where they couldn't.  I am excited to show off their work!

Mural Project:
A few years ago I did some volunteer work with an organization called Squashsmarts. I wouldn't have known anything about the program if it weren't for my men tee who has been involved since she was a preteen. They are re-vamping their building in North Philly, and wanted to add a little pizazz to the walls. I went over for a meeting on Friday, and will be doing some sketches in the next few days. Of course I will be showing you all.

Tomorrow I'll post again...on the proper schedule. I'm excited to tell you all about my weekend!!!!

Corner of Gratitude:
A better day

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
~L.M. Montgomery

Your Thoughts: 
What was your new day thought before your feet hit the floor to get out of the bed?

Until next time...

Freedom Friday: Back Posting

I hardly ever back post here. I've done it a time or two, but for the most part, I don't. 

I could make up a whole host of excuses for why I am choosing to back post this go round, but it wouldn't matter. The reality is...life happens...always! That means regardless of what goes on, the job must still get done. 

I got it! 

With that being said, it's FREEDOM FRIDAY!!!

With that being said, it's been a tough week. I had to witness a client of mine had to put to rest her son. I didn't know her son, but I know her. A sweet woman who seemingly lives a quiet life...handling her business. It effected me more than I thought it would. A mother burying a son, when the natural order of things is the other way around. 

I've gotten nothing much done in the last few days. I managed to sketch a bit, and had a few meetings and am working with a Program on a mural project (I'll post about that soon). By far I didn't get as much done as I needed to. 

The good thing is today is another day. I have the opportunity to start afresh with a new attitude and mind frame about things. So here is to a new start!

Corner of Gratitude:
The thought of a new start

Pearls of Wisdom:
"You may have a fresh start at any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."
~Mary Pickford

Your Thoughts:
What have you started fresh today?

Until next time...

The Power of Hello

There is so much in a smile and a hello. It's simple, yet so powerful!

A sister-friend and I sat in my office (Starbuck's) tonight and struck up one conversation after another with those that sat down next to us. I honestly can't take the credit. She opened up the conversation with all of them, and I asked the multitude of questions to keep the conversations going. 

As a result of doing some conversing, I shared this blog and even gained a massage client. I didn't have any of my business cards on me. I know...shame on me. So instead I put my blog information on a napkin. I told Jerry that he may want to keep that napkin because in a few years it is going to be worth a plenty. It rolled off my tongue so easily and I meant it with my whole-heart. He mentioned that artists didn't make it big until they died. I explained that that happens in lots of cases, but there are plenty of artists (including myself) that are deemed successful before death. 

The plenty won't be for me alone, but for the youth that I have such a passion for. I look forward to being able to provide a safe haven for children and young adults to be able to learn about all aspects of the arts. I'm not sure how it will materialize, but I am so sure that it will! 

I finished adding the final touches on the small painting that I was working on. It's hard to see the copper details added, so I added a close up picture. I'm pleased. It's a colorful piece that reminds me a bit of stained glass. 

I was supposed to have some sketches for today for the large piece I am working on. While I don't have any sketches, I am sure of how I want to execute the project. I have the concept and the color scheme to some degree. I won't make any more promises as to when I will have sketches. They will be posted as soon as possible. 

Smiling and saying hello to the average stranger proved to be a good thing today. If others are receptive, then I am open to starting a conversation and allowing things to progress from there!

Corner of Gratitude:

Pleasant conversation

Pearls of Wisdom:

"The last thing I'd learn, well into my career, was how to get on, how to say hello, how to get in with the audience."

~Phyllis Diller

Your Thoughts:

When is the last time you smiled and said hello to a stranger?

Until next time...

Freedom Friday: Paintings For Sale

FREEDOM FRIDAY!!!

Good Day Folks! You may have noticed that I took the time to change things up a bit on Friday (because I can)! Instead of Flashback Friday (we worry about the past too much anyway), from now on Friday's post will be FREEDOM FRIDAY!!! This means that I can post whatever on Friday...new or old. Whatever I fancy!

Last post I made mention that I was going to be making room for new creations. Since I don't have a website yet (I'm working on that), I decided to post what I am selling here. Everything that is posted is 50% off. I don't frame my creations. I like the unframed look a lot better. However, every piece can be framed if you fancy to do so. I will ship these items if you need me to, but please know that shipping and handling costs are not included in the sale price. If you are interested, I will also send you a document on more information about the piece including the size and medium. 

INQUIRIES:

Comment on this post with your information

email: exo31art@gmail.com

I also said in the last post that I would be showing you all the progress on the other two paintings that I have started. And I am sad to say, I won't be able to do so today. Yesterday was more hectic than I planned. Your artsy gal filled out an application, which was very lengthy. More lengthy than I expected. I look forward to the potential opportunity. There will be more to come about that.

So since I didn't get to share that with you all today, it looks like that will be on the docket for Monday's post. It's the weekend, and it looks like it will be a lovely one. Enjoy the time...each moment of it. Choose to smile instead of frown, and look at things with the glass half full instead of half empty!!! Remember...life is always worse for someone else. Enjoy the side of grass that you are on :)

Corner of Gratitude:
Blessings in disguise

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better."
~Albert Camus

Your Thoughts:
What are you going to enjoy today in your new found freedom? If you aren't free, what steps can you take to get to that place of sweetness?

Until next time...