Thursday, February 27, 2014

Giving More



Lately (within the last few months) I've been feeling like I deserve the blessings that have been coming my way. Perhaps the word entitled should be used. And today, DAD said enough!

Instead of focusing on me today, I accomplished the things I needed to do and then helped out a dear sister-friend. She is a Community Engagement Coordinator for a local charter school. She does an amazing job and runs a pretty tight ship. Her knowledge of the city of Camden is remarkable and her engagement with the people...well let's just say, they chose the right candidate for the job!

While out canvasing with her, I met another young woman by the name of Kristen that was the Director of a youth program in the city. I was able to talk to her briefly about part of my ultimate goal of opening an youth arts center. She gave me wise council of a few people and places that I should connect with. She told me that I should stay in contact, and shoot her an email. Of course I am interested in staying connected with her, and sending her an email is just the first step. 

From here on out, I plan to use each resource that is presented to me to the fullest. I will pull on people like never before for information that can get me closer to the ultimate goal. I will sit under and glean from those that have already walked the beaten path. I will learn from their failures and successes. 

So today wasn't about me, it was about helping someone else. I gave, and in turn, I was blessed myself! My sense of entitlement today was shot to hell....exactly where it needs to be!

Corner of Gratitude:
Humbleness

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of a soul."
~David Thomas

Your Thoughts:
When was the last time you felt entitled to something? How did you go about turning that entitlement into being grateful?


Until next time...


Monday, February 24, 2014

Transitions



This thing called transition is crazy. It's been crazy. It's been extremely tough and hard for me to grasp.

This post is going to be like many of the previous....me sorting some things out publicly.  That may seem strange to some of you that are reading, but that is the reason for this blog. Writings and works of an artist that sometimes has ups and downs like most in hopes of helping out the next upcoming creative mind on their journey. 

Now that we have that out of the way and transparency can take place...my last few days have felt pretty crappy.  Yup...like the brand that you find unexpectedly on the bottom of your shoe at least once in your life. And although I felt that way, I couldn't for the life of me express exactly what was going on inside or perhaps there were just too many thoughts going on that I couldn't decipher one thought from the other. It may be more of the later than the first, but either way it felt like "oh the horror". 

I have been moving in the right direction. I have been doing those things that I put on my re-vamped plan in previous posts and yet I still feel like movement in the right direction is taking me down an alley that ends unfavorable for me. And yet with tears in my eyes and a heaviness that I would gladly pass off...I continue. What are my other options? 

I suppose quitting is always on a table somewhere, but certainly not on mine. I've never been one to give up, and today, months, years or decades to come aren't the time either! 

So here I am...grinning, bearing and creating in the midst of feeling like I have totally come undone. I'm encouraged in this time that this season won't last forever. 


And this too shall pass...

Corner of Gratitude:
Being well in the midst of feeling chaotic

Pearls of Wisdom:
Life is sometimes unfair, but GOD is fair! 
~Stormie Omartian

Your Thoughts:
How do you handle your transition phases?

Until next time...

Friday, February 21, 2014

Flashback Friday: My Plan B, His Plan A


It's Flashback...Flashback...Flashback FRIDAY!!!

This 2009 memory is about plans. Sometimes the best laid out plans are meant to be changed!

Here goes:

As I sat and spoke to a friend a while ago about some of my insecurities and woes of life, it became clear to me that my plan B may have been God's plan A all along. It's funny sometimes how we plan, set up shop, re-vamp the plan, re-vamp the shop that we set up, and the cycles go on and on, only to find out that plan B is so much simpler an conducive to who we are than plan A in the first place. The plan that made us sweat and toil day and night, cry hours on end, and sometimes compromise our identity was never meant to be so.

His plan A has been here all along. My ticket to freedom. However, although that free ticket is available for me to take a hassle free ride, I have been hesitant about getting on. One foot on the train, the other foot on the platform. 

The foot on the train realizes that I must make a move. I have been created for a time such as this. To carry out that which GOD has gifted me with. If I don't jump on board, I will be left behind trying to find ways to pick up the pieces. 

The foot on the platform questions the moves that I am making. "Are you thinking in an orderly fashion?" "Have you thought about consulting this one and that one before taking this leap?" "Do you really think that you are equipped to make this journey?" "Is this the right time? Maybe you should wait to make sure." If I jump on board, I may have left the station before the cargo has been loaded. 

So with that being said, I am vowing to put all anxieties aside and hop on the train. I am ready to take the lead of my Master and go with His plan B, which ultimately becomes my plan A.

Corner of Gratitude:
Flexibility

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Beethoven, Wagner, Bach, and Mozart settled down day after day to the job at hand. They didn't waste time waiting for inspiration. The great composers did not set to work because they were inspired, but became inspired because they were working."
~Earnest Newman

Your Thoughts:
What makes you afraid to make the leap to your destiny?

Until next time...

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Revamped Schedule In Full Swing

I am getting this post out early today as I have a few things to get done while I am out and about. It is mid-week and all things are working towards the goals that I have set at the start of the week. 

The first thing on the list that I posted last go round was to sketch daily. It's only been 3 days, but I find that I am enjoying the routine thus far. I am very observant, which I would dare to say is the most important part of art. However, in the past I have been very reliant on photos and not pulling on my good ole' noggin (memory) much. 

For those that know me, know that I am fascinated with the human anatomy. I'm not moved by nudity like others may be. I see beauty where someone else may see porn. It's too bad that we have been so conditioned to see the human body as mostly a sexual object. I wish that people could see through the lens of artists more often. They would see that the anatomy of a human being is beautifully and intricately designed. A masterpiece really!

So a lot (not all) of my sketches are going to be me practicing from what I observed and have studied (massage therapist in me) from remembrance. They aren't perfect by far, but I will continue to practice. 



I haven't managed to get any painting in this week at all. I'm not too concerned about this one as I have in mind to get some done before the end of the week. I have a huge canvas that needs to be stretched, and the only thing that is holding me back is finding the correct staples for my staple gun. Vintage items are fascinating, but not so fascinating if you can't find working parts for them anymore :) I suppose I need to update my tools, but I find that the old versions work so much better. You win some and you lose some I suppose!

Social media has been kind to me these past few days. I have been posting on a daily basis. I have to confess...I am not the best at twitter. I am more of a Instagram and Pintrest girl, and Facebook would be my least favorite. I suppose as a visual artist, I am drawn most to images, hence why I like IG and Pintrest.

The search for residencies and juried shows hasn't really happened, although I did see a few yesterday that were worth me applying to in the search for a part-time gig. I'm not too concerned about that process either to be real honest. I am working hard on other fronts that will make this project much easier when the time comes to apply. 

All in all, I am making a conscious decision to show up daily for my purpose. It feels real good, and keeps me motivated beyond belief!

Corner of Gratitude:
Small steps

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Art is a step from what is obvious and well-known toward what is arcane and concealed."
~Khalil Gibran

Your Thoughts:
How are you showing up each day to make your purpose on this Earth count?

Until next time...



Monday, February 17, 2014

Revamped Schedule



It's Monday already. I know, I believe I state the obvious each week, but I sometimes can't believe that the next week comes so fast.

Today I've used the beginning of my day as movie Monday with a dear sister-friend. Of course I ate way more than I was supposed to (I deemed this my cheat day for the week). The later part (before and after this post) is my time to get work done. I seem to do better in the wee hours of the morning after relaxing during the day. 

I am revamping my schedule. I sat with another sister-friend yesterday and created a schedule that I believe I can stick to. As a matter of fact, I will stick to it because I must in order to move forward in my journey. I'm willing to put the part of my list that has to do with my purpose here. I have accountability partners, but posting it here will add an extra layer of assurance that I will complete the tasks I need to.

This is the plan for the upcoming quarter:
  • Sketch daily
  • 1 painting per week (outside of commissioned pieces)
  • Post on social media daily
  • Blog 3x per week
  • Apply to 3 residencies and 3 juried shows

Corner of Gratitude:
Strength for the course

Pearls of Wisdom:
"A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is a scaffolding in which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time."
~ Annie Dillard

Your Thoughts:
Do you have a plan for the next quarter? What strides at you making to ensure the goals you create get done?

Until next time...

Friday, February 14, 2014

Flashback Friday: Chance Encounters


You all know what time it is...you got it...Flashback Friday! 

Today's memory is circa 2010. I met a pretty cool individual that changed my perspective on some things. What I wrote back then holds true for today. In a lot of ways I am still in that place, although this time I am actually carrying out the actions that I speak of.  My process...my journey! A good process and a good journey no matter what comes. 


Here goes:

Yesterday an encounter that almost failed to occur because of my sometimes (which I use loosely, as most times I am fancy free) planned ways. A short note that consisted of five or six words sparked a light yet deep, joyous yet intellectual, insightful and truly inspiring conversation. It was just what I needed to thrust me into the realm of getting back on track with some things that I had put on the back burner. 

He was an artist (visual), lover of music, and avid reader, and a family man. Although I had known him only a short while, his character exuded integrity that is rare these days. There were no sexual overtones that so often occur with friendly banter that is exchanged between females and their male counterparts. It was truly conversation that really made me ponder more things than a few. 

As I laid my head on my pillow to catch up on much needed beauty rest this morning, I thought about my work and its progress. And based upon our conversation, here are a few reminders and revelations that came forth:
  • Continual education is paramount. There should never be a point in life where I think that I have become the 'creme de la creme' when it comes to my craft. It's okay to be confident, but pride comes before the fall, and it is the lack of further educating myself that could point to the demise of that which I have been gifted to do.
  • It is my responsibility to get my work out there...to tell my story. I have a moral and social responsibility of finding that happy medium of being vulnerable enough to allow my audience to see the real me without taking them to a place of misunderstanding my point. 
  • I create how I feel! I grow attached to my work, but am (and have been for some time) in the space where I am able to let it go. I have to be open for my audience to interpret my work as they may. I must allow them to have their own experience apart from what my connection has been with the piece. 
  • I am a product of my environment, but I am also someone who creates the environment in which I choose to live. My parents genes were definitely passed down as they both were/are creative individuals. They gave/give me the space to be unique, and fostered/foster that uniqueness. My mother is my biggest advocate to this day! However, I am so wonderfully happy to be me apart from others. I make my own rules sometimes and often view life slightly skewed...chock full of optimism!
  • Last, but certainly not least, there are others that share my experiences with sometimes having a love/hate relationship with their craft. There are others that struggle daily to make room for their passion to create in the midst of their daily grind to make a living.
So there you have it my good people...the story behind  a new beginning. A new beginning that is going to be marked by excellency and greatness! Not only because it is new, but because this time I welcome the journey instead of an expected end. 

I named this post "Chance Encounters", but in fact I don't believe encounters are at all chance, but rather divine. They happen for reasons sometimes that are unable to be explained. Their purpose perhaps never to be understood fully (or at all), but making an impact far beyond our understanding.

To that gentleman, I pray that I continue to meet individuals that further ignite my passion for my craft, the arts, and life in general. Our divine encounter meant more than words could express. Thank you!

Corner of Gratitude:
Those who force me to think deeper

Pearls of Wisdom:
Let us make a conscious decision to make beautiful waves where the crest connects with the trough to envelope and nurture others throughout this journey called life!
~Me

Your Thoughts:
When was the last time you met someone new that gave you a different outlook on your life or purpose?

Until next time...

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Every Day...



Cheryl Crow said it best in her song Every Day Is A Winding Road. Yes! Every day is in fact a winding road over this way. I sometimes don't know whether I am coming or going. It's a constant battle. I realized in the midst of this back and forth battle that I have going on within myself and this journey, I am getting a little bit closer every day when I push forward. 

Pushing forward hasn't looked like anything tangible in the last few days. I've done little sketching, and painting hasn't happened at all yet this week. Although tangible evidence is almost non-existent, the ideas that are ruminating in my head are plentiful. I can't seem to think one through totally before the next one rolls in.

So while I work on those ideas, I am posting some preliminary sketches for pieces in the past weeks/days and look forward to Flashback Friday this week!

Corner of Gratitude:
The winding roads that make me better

Pearls of Wisdom:
"A career path is rarely a path at all. A more interesting life is usually more crooked, winding path of missteps, luck and vigorous work. It is almost always a clumsy balance between the things you try to make happen and the things that happen to you."
~Tom Freston

Your Thoughts:
How do you successfully move forward when you are in the back and forth battle within?

Until next time...

Monday, February 10, 2014

Copyright Talk





In the the last few days I have been hearing a lot about copyrights. You know the little c you see inside a circle. Yes, that little c in a circle may seem to be insignificant, but it means so much to artists and creators alike. It's the stamp that keeps others from stealing original work. 

If you have read my blog for some time, you know that I like to include definitions. I thought this was a subject that needed more than just a definition, so I am referring you to the U.S.Copyright Office frequently asked questions page concerning copyrights. It's a good place to start your research about some of the issues surrounding copyrighting.  

This morning I read an article by Harriete Estel Berman, who happens to be an excellent resource for artists. The article is called Alibaba and the Copycat Thieves. It brought up issues of IP (Intellectual Property). She was dealing more specifically with the craft community, but made good points for all creatives alike. I absolutely agree with some of her points, but there were a few that had me thinking. Here is what I mean...

In one portion she states, "The wonders of the internet have also fostered a culture of copying where less creative individuals copy and sell work based on tutorials, instructional materials, or Pinterest images. Let's be truly honest: Ethical boundaries are crossed when amateur and casual makers rationalize copying with naive compliments like, 'I love your work so I made my own copy' or 'I want to make something just like this.'" And in another portion, "Designers should not be surfing Pinterest or the web for ideas. Products 'inspired' by original artists and makers are derivative copies and unethically pirating IP."

In every (and I do mean virtually every) art class that I have formerly taken, I was taught to study and learn of and from the greats. I studied and learned their techniques. I learned to find inspiration from them and make it my own. It wasn't something that I necessarily wanted to do at the time. I was always afraid that studying the greats would affect the originality of my own work. However, it was a requirement in my training. 

We learned by observing those that came before us. And I would venture to say that even when we aren't surfing the net for ideas, we are subconsciously inundated with the ideas of others on a daily basis. Our human brains seem to work that way. We see and hear things long enough they become part of who we are without even meaning for them to. And often times we mistake and think we have come up with the idea ourselves.

I am also somewhat confused as to why images from others can't be used as long as the proper documentation is being used, and that particular image is not being used for monetary gain. I am all about getting a piece of the pie if someone is capitalizing on your creation. I am an artist and would be furious beyond belief if reproductions of my images were being sold without my knowledge or without me getting a cut (if money was being made off them) of the proceeds as the original artist. However, I also know that there are some arenas that I am in because others have properly shown my work to others. Meaning, I was mentioned by a fellow blogger or facebook friend that passed on some of my images to their followers. Did they ask before doing so? No. Did they give me credit as the artist? Absolutely yes! And isn't that all that we are looking for anyway as artists...to be recognized for our work? Isn't that the ultimate compliment? It is in music and writing alike. One always wants to create a song that can be covered by other artists,  and in it is a wondrous thing when other authors reference writers that have inspired them. Is there any reason why the visual arts follow can't have the same mind frame?

I have been extremely blessed by those that have chosen to properly pass on my work to others. It has gotten me commission jobs that I wouldn't have otherwise gotten if my work hadn't been passed on..shown. 

I truly believe that there is nothing new under the sun. Yes, it is biblical, but we would be fools to think that we aren't influenced by those that have come before us, and aware that there is always someone behind us that is better. That is what we want right...to learn from the greats and become greats ourselves so that future greats can teach others. It's called leaving a lasting legacy!!!!

I could go on and on, but in an effort not to bore you, I won't. I often remember a concept from a great play that I once saw. In short the play was about clothing designs that were stolen and sold without the designers consent. The designer was reminded that although her designs were stolen, she had the ability to make new ones. 

That is what I hold onto as an artist. I always have the ability to create new things. Those that steal aren't! They copy, but aren't able to come up with anything original. That's the reason for them copying in the first place. 

I am sure that I was created by God with this incredible talent. And if He has given me this talent, I am secure knowing that ideas will be abundant. The well may run low, but never dry! He has equipped me with all that I need to be successful at what I know to be my purpose.

Fellow artists of any capacity, please be encouraged. Take the necessary steps to protect your creations. If you've been burned, take proper action...you have every right to. Last but not least, be open to those that want to showcase your work properly. It may open up a world of opportunities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise!

Corner of Gratitude:
A never-ending supply of ideas from the Ultimate Creator

Pearls of Wisdom:
Innovators are like finding a needle in a haystack, but duplicators come a dime a dozen.

Your Thoughts:
Are you flattered when others show your work with proper documentation or would you rather they not share your work at all?

Until next time...





Friday, February 7, 2014

Flashback Friday: Definition of a Friend

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Hey hey hey folks! It's time to take a look back into the vault of posts as it is Flashback Friday!!!


I have been thinking lots about my friends and family that mean so much to me. So today I thought I would post about why I am so grateful for them. 

Here goes.....

It's rare that you have friends that have the ability to tell you just how it is, whether that "is" is lovely or not so great. They care about your feelings and take measures to make sure that they express their care for you in a multitude of ways. They are honest and although the truth they state may hurt, they are looking out for your best interest...always. 

I am truly blessed to have an arsenal of friends that have my back. They speak the truth in love and desire to see me flourish into what God desires. 

Thank you all for being who you are! My prayer is that I give and sow into you as much as you give and sow into me. 

Corner of Gratitude:
The love of others

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Much of the vitality in a friendship lies in the honouring of differences, not simply in the enjoyment of similarities."
~Anonymous

Your Thoughts:
What makes your bonds with friends and family invaluable to you?

Until next time...

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Feeling of Trepidation


It seems as if this journey is taking off on a track all of its own and I'm not necessarily on the train. That sounds odd, but here is what I mean...

Within the last few days I have had more inquiries for commissioned pieces than I know what to do with. Of course this is a good thing. I mean, who wouldn't be excited that people want a piece of creativity that only you could create?

The reality is I am excited! I am elated, overjoyed, thrilled, delighted, turned up...you get me! I am blessed beyond measure, but the flip side of all this excitement is the feeling of trepidation. Notice I said "feeling". I am not totally ruled by my feelings (God has taught me better). We all know that feelings can deceive us. So while I never allow my feelings to dictate whether I do or don't (anything), I am aware that they are hanging around.

My feelings say that this new arena that I am stepping into is a scary thing for me (true story, by the way). I am being pulled and stretched in areas that I don't feel completely comfortable in. Yes, I am an artist and yes, I am more than capable of completing what my soon to be collectors are asking for. That still doesn't negate the fact that I shiver in my boots every once in a while or marvel at the opportunities that I am being afforded.

Listen...I have a constant whisper in my ear that reminds me that I can do none of this on my own. I said yes to my gift. I said yes to my purpose and it so happens that it has to do with me being creative. I am doing my part on a daily basis...showing up that is.  

I realize all of that means nothing without the Creator having a hand in things. Will things be super easy? Probably not, it hasn't been thus far. There are plenty of feeling of doubt, fear and shortcomings swirling around in my head.  But with each mark of my pencil and stroke of my paintbrush, I become more sure of why I decided to say yes to this journey!

Cheers to saying yes to all that you have been called to do!

Corner of Gratitude
Facing my fears...head on

Pearls of Wisdom
"Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother."
~Khalil Gilbran

Your Thoughts:
Does stepping into something new scare you? Is that fear a healthy fear?

Until next time...

Monday, February 3, 2014

A Night of Painting

                           

My very first paint party happened on Saturday! It was one of the many highlights of my weekend. I told you all in previous posts that I was a tad nervous, and I was. However, when I got there and started, my nerves calmed and it was like I was meant to be there. I was in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing. The thing that I was destined to do. It seemed natural!

I didn't really paint like I expected. I gave lots of verbal instructions and was able to go around to everyone individually to lend a helping hand when necessary. Although they were all painting the same picture, each persons interpretation of the verbal instructions was different. There were varying compositions, colors, and textures on each canvas. 




                                                                    
Everyone did an excellent job! As the night went on there was a mixture of laughter and intensity as they made their very own masterpieces. There was a good time being had by all, but I'm sure I had the most fun by far. It was amazing to see their end result from a blank canvas. 

It made me think of our lives as human beings. When we are born, we are virtually blank. Life's events are painted strokes that create a finished masterpiece. There are some strokes that we have control over and others that we don't. Of the strokes we do have control over, we can choose to strategically place them on the canvas creating a beautiful portrait or we can choose ill thought out strokes that will make the portrait "muddy"...unpleasant to the viewer. 

I could go on and on, but I'm sure you catch my drift! 

This was the first, but definitely will not be the last. As a matter of fact, if you are looking to have a great night of fun with friends and family or a combination of both...consider having a paint party. There isn't a better way to explore your creative side, while being inspired by others! For inquiries, please feel free to contact me at:

 exo31art@gmail.com

There you have it folks! The weekend full of exciting things has gone fast. Monday is almost over, yet there is still so much to be done before my eyes close this evening, beginning with this post! 

Corner of Gratitude:
A life lived in forward motion

Pearls of Wisdom:
Be determined to live a life in drive. Forward motion is the only sure way to get to your desired destination. 

Your Thoughts:
What type of strokes are you creating on your canvas of life?

Until next time...