A Few Sites & Signs of Portland

Mt. Hood from Washington Park

I returned from Portland on September 10th. I am just now getting back into what I temporarily left behind- blogging.
Here are just a few of the pix I took while there.
I wanted to live the "urban" and experience nature and I did. I traveled by myself, and am pleased to report that I did not get on my nerves. Mission Accomplished.

One of many paths I shot. This lead up to the Japanese Garden. Talk about heaven.

A Few Urban Window Signs - Poignant :

There is humor in this somewhere:

The Bad Karma Newstand on street corner

I saw this quote outside a store window and thought how fitting:
My new painting/work mantra.
That is my reflection in the glass. I'm going vain on you now: I really, really dislike pix of me. I am not very photogenic which is why you have yet to see my picture posted. I promise once one passes my litmus test, I'm there. Go ahead, you can start humming You're So Vain. I can take it.

Classical Chinese Garden


A gentle reminder from the Japanese Garden:

Remembered to stop and smell in the Rose Garden

Am I moving???????????? Is Portland "IT?" I don't know- yet.
I'll continue to visit. I'll stay open to signs.

8/08/08-Positively Lovely

One day in Chicago where the power of art, creative brilliance,technology and the beauty of community came together:



I have to thank Chicago Contemporary & Urban Folk Artist Anne Leuck Feldhaus ,and one of my personal artist heroes, for posting this in a tweet and me for clicking.

Going Wayward or Just Pacific Northwest

I would love to fill this space with art, inspiration or something visually worthwhile. I apologize but this week it will simply be words. I am preoccupied with planning and fulfilling a long awaited goal: taking a REAL long overdue vacation.

I am visiting Portland Oregon this weekend for 5 days. I have never been to the Pacific Northwest. Needless to say, I am very excited, eager and ready to explore more unchartered territory. Physically; Mentally; Geographically; Personally. I don't know anyone there - yet. I have been wanting to relocate. Is Portland my "IT" city?

At the beginning of the year, I was in a real quandary whether to apply and invest in more art shows or take a vacation. After much thought and self assessment, vacation won. I'm doing a few smaller, less expensive shows instead. I feel terrific about my decision.

Going Portland. I love Words.

FOOTNOTE 9/1: However, still wayward.... and in need of a vacation. I went to check my airline confirmation online and discovered that I am scheduled to return Sept. 10 (made in June). YEAH!!! I scheduled my guesthouse reservation to check out Sept. 9. YIKES. Would cost me more to change the flight than stay an extra day. Found outI can stay at the inn for one more day made just under the wire. No room after that. Now all I have to do is tell work....

Getting Inspiration from Potato Salad

The pressure to accomplish, fulfill personal "to do's" and get in as much FUN as possible before Summer is over is on. Play. Work. Play. Work. Goals. I have a friend who forwards fun, interesting and entertaining emails to me which I enjoy. Some are better than others. This most recent one contained a video from 1944. As I watched, I was trying to figure out HOW and IF I could possibly use it and keep it relevant to my blog's purpose. It wasn't easy but I came up with something. Desperate times deserve desperate measures.

A relaxed mind is a creative mind.

I mentioned in my previous entry that a few of the participants of Local Market show were in the healing arts; we bartered our services and made light of low turnout with laughter and cucumbers. One of the services I bartered was with a massage therapist for my lower back. I seem to be harboring alot of pain there lately, most apparent when I'm in yoga class or try to touch my toes. It hurts physically, mentally and emotionally in certain asanas and picking things up.

After viewing this video (this is borderline kitsch) , I pined for being flexible again. Having goals is great, but keeping a silly mindset in the process is even better. Especially when trying to establish and achieve the challenging ones.



I will do and try anything, even bend over backwards, to reach a goal... to a point. I recognize, honor and respect some of my limitations...most of the time. Some limitations are temporary, some self-imposed and some are permanent..like I'm getting older!! Perspective and maintaining a sense of humor throughout is key.

I am excited as I plan to introduce my Fall phase for this blog: to have a picture of me up to make this more personal and show more artwork. I'm doing cartwheels just thinking about it. Soon ;)

At this time, I thought about offering a recipe for potato salad, but I think we've seen enough. Besides, it's fattening.

Enjoy a wonderful rest of your Summer.

A Healthy Side of Art

The Local Market show that I participated in this past weekend truly demonstrated the healthy side of art. Personally speaking. I will be totally honest. As the second installment of this newly introduced show, this past weekend was not well attended - at all. The weather was oppressively HOT. We were competing with other venues in the city and other extenuating circumstances. I have complete faith in this new show; believe that it will gain traction and plan to participate in November.

Rather than permanently moping, getting angry or discouraged, this show put our talents and services to the test. Since the participants were artists, wellness providers and healing services, we really needed and used our creativity and rose to the occasion. We bartered our services for art work. We walked around with cucumber slices on our foreheads to cool off and we LAUGHED. O.K. Some of us did. Some need to take themselves less seriously.

There was a brief Green Spa tutorial from Eleanor Riley who demonstrated how using natural, seasonal, fresh, edible ingredients heals the body, mind and sole/soul. She will be participating in The Local Market in September.
I highly recommend you stop by and visit her website.

Sample recipes:

Refreshing Orange Scrub:
1/2 of an Orange
4 Tablespoons Cornmeal

Squeeze orange juice and pulp into a bowl and add the cornmeal. Mix into a paste.
Apply onto freshly washed face and body. Scrub for 2-3 minutes. Rinse, tone, moisturize*.

* Suggested Moisturizers: Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Almond Oil

Citrus Herb Deodorant
1/4 cup distilled witch hazel
6 drops of lavender essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops lime essential oil

Yogurt-Honey Mask:
1 Tablespoon Plain Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Honey

Add ingredients together and apply to a clean, moist face. Pat this mask onto the skin for a moisturizing, penetrating, hydrating, soothing application that will also help to clear up skin problems.


Sweet Strawberry Tooth Whitener:
Crush a strawberry and use to brush teeth as you normally would. The strawberry removes stains and gently polishes teeth for a sweet, clean smile! Be sure to use a separate toothbrush for this, as it may stain the bristles.


Art is very healthy and very healing.... personally and naturally speaking.

Plugging Local Art & Inspiration

There is a healthy, new approach to shopping this weekend and you are invited!!! I am excited and proud to be participating in The Local Market, a brand new show for Chicago, produced by Mimi's Organic Exchange. Admission is FREE!!

The Local Market

Mimi’s Organic Exchange and The Leeway Room

855 West Blackhawk Street

Chicago, IL 60642 USA

773-991-3835

Think globally, enjoy locally

Transform your world

SATURDAY 8/08 12pm-7pm & SUNDAY 8/09, 12pm-6pm

The Local Market of Mimi’s Organic Exchange’s is the perfect destination for your shopping needs. See how local artisans embrace sustainable living and create hand-made, organic and repurposed products. Find something renewed.

Items for sale include essentials as well as one-of-a-kind. Our vendors have a range of products including clothing and accessories, art, jewelry, stationary and home decor. You can also meet great holistic health and wellness service providers, and enjoy performances by featured local musicians.

A prime location, the Leeway Room on Blackhawk is two blocks between the new REI Store on Halsted and Whole Foods on Kingsbury, off North Ave.

Mimi’s Organic Exchange (MOE) is a business, arts and healing network committed to socially, environmentally and spiritually sustainable products and services. A cornerstone of Mimi’s Organic Exchange is creating community through support of local micro-businesses.

"FEEL GOOD" ART. "FEEL GOOD" SHOW. "FEEL GOOD" CAUSE.

I hope to see you there!! Bring & tell your friends, coworkers, and family.


:)Marilyn

Inspiring Blogs Want to Know

I was browsing along, minding my own blog business when I decided to take a left onto Inspiration Avenue. As luck would have it, I read that there was an inspiration party scheduled for Saturday. The attendees who had already RSVP'd appeared so fun, talented, INSPIRING and interesting. So I invited myself- the nerve!!. The invitation was conditional: I had to provide 5 things that inspire me and share them. I can do that. With great pleasure, I offer my inspiration:

1. Compassion and Sensitivity

2. ARTIsTs: For their talent, creativity, marketing savvy, perseverance and willingness to help you (me) technically

3. Wisdom and Integrity

4. People who don't take themselves too seriously.

5. COLOrful bLoGGInG!

Thank you for letting me to come to the party!! I love inspiration without the perspiration. This was fun.
Inspiration can be so rewarding in so many ways. (Hint: there is a surprise/clue here.) To discover more sources of art and inspiration, please... go ahead, click once and mingle here.

Plugging "O" for Art

In the name of art, art in the home, and jealousy, I am officially plugging the August issue of O Magazine. Yes, That is O as in Oprah. There is a featured article, entitled ArtHouse, that profiles art patron Peggy Cooper Cafritz's home. She is an influential Washington arts and education activist and cofounded D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts. An inspiration on so many levels. I went to Oprah's website to try to establish a link and unfortunately, the article and pictures are not mentioned. Please go to your neighborhood bookstore or newsstand to check it out.

The following quotes and concepts, albeit out of context from Peggy Cooper Cafritz, highlight and reinforce the importance and value of art. Making it. Selling it. Sharing it. Displaying it. When you see one piece or a collection in a home, it inspires and enriches.

• Art must be an integral part of society. In the absence of other things, like money and power, art has been the one thing that we can be enriched by, cling to, support, and celebrate.

• On how or where to place art in the home: No one can tell her where to put her art; she listens for that silent conversation. (I love that!-mg)

• On how she chooses her art: She is governed by her gut; what she loves, what she thinks is amusing; what she thinks is beautiful. She never buys anything because it matches something else.

When you view her collection, it is warm, fun, colorful, honest, eclectic, and brilliant. Especially in the home environment.

How do I envision my work and art in the home? My personal challenge now is to apply the same approach of how she chooses and places her art to how I create and what I make.

I read and look at a lot of interior design and art magazines for style and decorating ideas. This particular article resonated with me. I encourage you to check out the Art House in the August O issue with banner on the cover: Eat Better! Live Happier! I truly was happier after reading even if I was, and still, am jealous!

Diggin' the Buried Treasure

I am participating in Seth Apter's Buried Treasure AGAIN because 1) it was a such a phenomenal high to be part of such a wonderful project and 2) to actually meet the REAL deadline. I mistakenly missed the collaborative launch by one day; the date blocked somewhere in my brain. Perhaps from too many outside distractions. If it wasn't for the gracious email reminder from Seth, I would have missed out entirely. AHA, not this time. Through the wonders of technology or my stroke of genius, technically speaking, I am pre-dating this so that it posts on time. I refuse to have anything burst my Bubble.

As a true Gemini, I am re-posting two: Blahs, Blocks and Bubbles and What's My Function? The first offers some learned discipline and inspiration that helps my creative process and the second to re-introduce to the intended focus of my blog.

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Blahs, Blocks and Bubbles

Originally posted : March 3, 2009

So much for my goal of writing once a week. It has been almost a month. I had lost some of my groove, my momentum, only to have it be replaced by BLAHS and BLOCKS. UGH. I can attribute some of it to the uncertainty, insecurity, and instability of the economy, the time of year, and the PAST EIGHT YEARS. It is hard keeping my spirits up at times, not to feel angry, defeated and pessimistic. I talk to other artists, retailers and read artist blogs and I know I am by no means alone.

"Every smile is a direct achievement."

'Mazing design, acrylic paint, glitter, on business card box.

I do think it is very important to keep informed and abreast of current events. I do watch, read and listen to alot of news and political programs. My favorite and loyal watching habits include Countdown with Keith Olbermann
and The Rachel Maddow Show on msnbc. By doing so many, I recognize it does become a distraction.

Enter The Bubble. I am not encouraging anyone to live in a vacuum, but there are benefits to living in a protective bubble if you create it right. It can insulate, filter and cushion the self-defeating emotions. It can, and should, keep you on your chosen path, offering inspiration and focus.

I live in an even more controlled bubble since my hours at work were cut and retail sales are down. Even less disposable income than before. I digress for a moment. Ever feel like you're living in a leaky boat? Once you got one leak under control and you're still afloat , you've taken necessary precautions, and then another leak shows up?

Anyway, in my bubble, I attend art venues and exhibits. I recently saw the Edvard Munch exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. His Scream was my scream. Cathartic. I attend world, jazz and classical concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since I work nearby and attend for free. I paint, read, and watch shows like a bio of the choreographer Jerome Robbins on American Masters on PBS. In my isolation bubble I also try to come up with new ideas of things to paint, recycle, repaint; find a new job. I have registered at etsy and Facebook and am getting that up and running soon. I also find additional outlets for my work or they find me.

My new favorite book is The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. The following are just a few resonated thoughts about bubbles quoted from her book:

"When I look back on my best work, it was inevitably created in what I call THE BUBBLE..... Being in the bubble does not have to mean exiling yourself from people and the world. It is more a state of mind, a willingness to subtract anything that disconnects you from your work. It doesn't have to be antisocial.

So for now, I am going to work and live in The Bubble to get me through this and continue to create in and think outside the box.

"When creativity has become your habit; when you've learned to manage time, resources, expectations, and the demands of others; when you understand the value and place of validation, continuity, and purity of purpose- then you're on the way to an artist's ultimate goal: the achievement of mastery."

Twyla Tharp

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What's My Function?
originally posted: Janurary 2009

Creating a blog, like any work of art, is an expression of who you are. I have given a lot of thought as to how I want to fill this white space. Like my work, I want it to be eclectic, inspirational, flexible, and have a function. I also want it to be interesting, fun and effective; used as another vehicle to promote and market my work and others.

When I looked up the definition of function, I found the two definitions that helped clarify my blog objective: 1a: an activity proper to a person or institution and 2a: a social gathering, esp. a large, formal, or important one.

So that is what this blog will be. I made a promise to myself that I would make a blog entry once a week, for now. I also made a promise to you, and myself, technically speaking, that I would incorporate art, visuals, links, and my logo. I promise that will happen and I will continue learning.

See you next week.

********************************************

THANK YOU SETH FOR A SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A VERY REWARDING AND ENLIGHTENING PROJECT. AND TO ALL THE AMAZING ARTISTS AND BLOGS WHO ARE NEW OR PARTICIPATING AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR SOOO MUCH INSPIRATION AND FOR SHARING YOUR TALENT. I AM ENJOYING EVERY LAST TREASURE. :)Marilyn

THERE IS MORE BURIED TREASURE, NOW GO FIND IT:

Treasure Found in Buried Treasure

My Rainbow

Your rainbow is shaded violet.

Visualize a spectrum of colors here

(technically speaking, graphic didn't copy)

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Take the Rainbow test yourself

I just received a comment from an art blogger, who like me is relatively new to blogging, and who also participated in Seth Apter's collaborative art blogger project, Buried Treasure. I visited the commenter's blog to discover a little more about this artist and her blog. What a fun treasure to find!!! I want you to find her too so I will provide a clue: priti.lisa.

In the guise of personal growth and self-awareness, I am an admitted target and gullible for the Color of My Rainbow test. Back in my 20's I used to go to psychic parties with friends from college and usually believed what was told...for the most part. I have matured and rely on my intuition now.

I think my rainbow results are accurate. Who am I to quarrel with technology? At least in this case. I personally added the violet color to the text.

The artist blogs that I have read, all the new art and artists I have been exposed to, as a result of the Buried Treasure project, along with some personal research, have been extraordinary, inspiring and empowering.

Needless to say, I am very pleased with my trove. I am excited that I am violet, having just received further validation to stay on the artist path. If it would only now show me to the pot of gold
.....personally and financially speaking. :)

Calling all psychics. Kidding.

Comment to Lisa: Thank you!!

Past Present Full Circle

You can usually find hidden treasures should you take the time to look. I am participating in Seth Apter's BURIED TREASURE online collaborative project that invites art bloggers to revisit a post from their past. Being relatively new to blogging (January 2009), I chose to re-post two:
PAST, PRESENT, FULL CIRCLE AND NO ARTIST LEFT BEHIND ACT..., which was my very first entry. I have come a long way technically, artistically and personally speaking.

I INVITE YOU TO CLICK ON THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM TO FIND PARTICIPATING ARTISTS WHO ALSO CHOSE TO SHARE THEIR ART, THEIR WORDS AND THEIR GROWTH. IT IS A TRUE TREASURE.

Past, Present, Full Circle was originally posted: May 2009


Sheesham wood reversible bangle set, acrylic, texture paint, non-toxic polyurethane gloss varnish

Transitions at any stage of life can be stressful, challenging, exciting and welcome. The "ol' out with the old in the with new" syndrome. The rewards usually result in personal and professional growth. Many of those rewards have yet to reveal themselves. There's only so little I can control!

I am presently in the process of phasing out one place of employment for another, with much overlapping and crossover between the two until June 6th. That is when I leave the "old" for good. My art has taken a temporary backseat :( . One location is ALL new, alive, and exciting while the other is seeing a rapid decline. This scenerio is not new to me. My past experience has prepared me well to recognize warning signs. I am SO incredibly grateful that the new position came when and WHERE it did.

I have observed and learned so much about myself and the collective of seeing the new restaurant, Terzo Piano in the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute, take form and shape since opening 10 days ago to the public. I am applying those observations and knowledge to grow my own business. Some things I already knew and other concepts I humbly needed to be reminded:

• Remain flexible because some of the initial systems and ideas may not work
  
• It does take a village; don't be afraid to learn, delegate or ask for assistance
  
• You can please most of the people most of time and please some of the people some of the time, you can't please everyone
• Like an errant brush stroke, there are just some things you can't control
• Continue to work and push toward your goal especially when you are utterly EXHAUSTED
• I am not perfect
• Pace myself and do not bite off more than I can realistically handle
• There are always solutions
• ALL in due time
  

It has been surprising and fun to see friends and relatives who I haven't seen since childhood, former employers, and acquaintances from my past enter my new "present". It is also exciting to meet new people and make new connections.

I have come full circle with my past and present. I look forward to future creations.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The No Artist Left Behind Act

Technically Speaking......

I started 2009 with a goal and a Blast Off. Actually, many goals but one that really needs to be met...SOON! TECHNICALLY SPEAKING @#*!?#, I am not good. And because of that, my lack of skill and knowledge is impeding the growth of my online presence. It was no truer that a few minutes ago. I accidentally deleted my first blog entry going through and deleting the drafts. Scream.

The title, To be a Functional Artist ...and the decision whether to continue was about my coming off the 2008 One of a Kind Show Chicago. This was my second year doing a show of this magnitude and quality. I had been an Emerging Artist in 2007. I was wiped out from the show on every level but what better time to write when the emotions are raw. I was really questioning and doubting whether I wanted to, or could, continue creating functional art and do everything it takes to make it grow. How bad do I really want this? With the looming recession and not making my all my expenses this time, I was disappointed and somewhat discouraged. Breathe.

The artist lifestyle is HARD work, long hours, lots of sacrifice, not much money- at least in the beginning. But it can be fun, rewarding and very fulfilling. I spoke of the beautiful, passionate, and talented artists I had met (my new heroes); the overwhelming respect, awe and inspiration I felt being surrounded by them and by the incredible art they produced. I listened and spoke to artists who could not pay their bills, had their utilities turned off, had not sold anything the entire show. They offered words of encouragement, and insight with regard to booth layout and design, respecting the process, that it takes time to really grow. Anyway, it was really good and it ended with an astounding YES!! I will continue to paint, create, grow, learn and market my art. The riches I took away were not in my checking account this year, but instead with the people, the experience and artists I met.

Now that you are caught up and I'm not crying anymore, I will begin No Artist Left Behind... technically speaking. Because technically speaking, no artist or any business can afford to not understand, be up to date, literate, skillful, and technically adept in this day and age. It is necessary and I do not want to be left behind. That is one of my goals for 2009- to have greater vision, motivation, organization, and promotion, remove blocks and have confidence to grow my art. Grow from part time to full time.

So how am going to do this? Well, first, I signed up for Alyson Stanfield's Blast Off online class at artbizcoach.com. Technically speaking, I would create a direct link to her site but don't want to take any chances...The course assignments are all online, provides you with online insight and marketing tools and venues, you post comments and are accountable. Technically speaking, how perfect is that? I am in Day 6 of the course and so far so great.

I am a little embarrassed about what happened. But just think, pretty soon, in the not too distant future, you will see beautiful and fun pictures of my work and others, links to other people's websites (ARTISTS! and retailers) and maybe a few technically speaking #@@?!$. O.K. I am going to post this. Who's laughing know?
Please let it be me.
Thanks for reading!

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FIND MORE BURIED TREASURES AT
http://www.thealteredpage.blogspot.com/2009/07/treasure-chest.html

Twitter-ly Speaking

Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I signed up several days ago to begin yet another new relationship with technology. This time it is with Twitter. A challenge, not in technology, but with content and intention. I read tweets and think, REALLY? Growing up, I was taught to believe, and/or strive, to be a leader (your own person) rather than a follower. With Twitter, I really need to follow to lead. I realize, much like brussel sprouts, if you keep on eating, or in this case tweeting, you'll grow to love it, IF you have the right seasoning. I hopefully can achieve both.

I have truly embraced the blog, a website, and have the rudiments of Facebook and Etsy (have more to do on both.) I truly understand and read about the necessity and value of all. I will do it, follow it, and like it. So, I hope you will follow me. I promise to grow my following list. I will try to make my tweets news worthy,fun and interesting. My tweets also appear on my blog.

Twitter-ly speaking, one tweet, two tweet, three tweet,....MORE!

P.S. From most recent tweet: I woke up to a REALLY BAD HEADACHE from the fruits of the earth, but I will not tweet or even blog about that. REALLY!!

Did You or Didn't You Know?

Summer is a fun time... a little lazy, a little hazy. With that in mind, I offer another youtube video, not to show off once again my technical ability, or even cover up my current writer's block. You probably know that is not entirely true - I really am :). You also probably know that art and inspiration comes from many sources and resources. Right now I am into videos.

This time I want to share some fun facts, technically speaking, that I discovered. You know, you are free to share this information at your next summer outing or cocktail party, you know, when the art of conversation has hit a desperate low. So for fun's sake, or art's sake, let's suppose you didn't or........

You know, when all is said after viewing, thank heavens for art!!! I feel much calmer now.

How Grows My Garden

I do not have a green thumb. Or even a garden. However, I do have great taste (translation: expensive) and a grand imagination. Honestly, should I ever have a garden, it would be a place of refuge and beauty; a place to go SHOULD I EVER FEEL CREATIVELY BLOCKED. As if! I would grow edible and organic items. But artistically speaking, this garden would really be alot of fun. And have a much better chance of living...in my dreams.

I actually saw this exhibit in Chicago a couple years ago at the Garfield Conservatory. It was as beautiful, organic and gorgeous in person as it was in the video. Yeah, I could live with this. Couldn't grow it but I sure could live with it. I think I'll start planting seeds now.

Dreeeamm, dream, dream dreeeeaaaaammmm.

Back to Moving Forward-Artistically Speaking

I am definitely back in my art groove and it feels great! Updates to my website are almost done-some copy tweaking, and adding pricing and product descriptions. It was in such desperate need of an update I couldn't stand looking at it anymore. Purge old products, make room for the new. Make room for even more new. Introduce and learn new software. THANKS NAT SOTI!!, my collaborative web designer; interMedia designer and principal of zero one projects , for your brilliant solutions and zyrtec (discovered I had a cat allergy-gasp). Please check out his site to see the vast scope of his talent and services. But only after you finish reading my blog!!! :)

I did sign up for 2 shows and applied to one other, with more in the works, and even booked a trip to Portland, Oregon for September in time to attend the Pearl District Art Fair. I have never been to the Pacific Northwest so I am very excited.

In an earlier entry, I wrote about what I had learned while in the process of observing and watching goals, dreams, a new restaurant, and a new museum come together. I am now seeing the results of all the individual and collaborative efforts come to fruition. A labor of love for art. I am also mastering the ability to work with and through delays with greater flexibility, humor and patience.

As I continue to move forward, I am more open to learn what I don't know or resisted (technically speaking) now that I have more RAM in the brain, become more social (personally speaking) which my new schedule allows, and surround myself with terrific and supportive people (artistically speaking).

There is no looking back now (occasionally speaking.)

Time is of the Precious

Oh my goodness. I can not believe how much I have missed filling this white space, painting, writing gratitudes, and yes, even going to yoga class. I have been working and transitioning so much, which is a GREAT thing, however it has left me so burnt out and depleted. Not on every level, just artistically, creatively and a tad physically. That is about to change starting today. I am back to giving my right brain and my soul the attention it craves. I have some new time.

So hello white space! Here is my official return which I have neglected much like my apartment. You can see my blog, not the other. I apologize for lack of pictures for this entry. The apartment is being tended to today, tomorrow and the day after! Scheduled plans to revamp and rewrite my website are also in the works after mucho mucho postponement.

I do feel fortunate, even with all the goodbyes and hellos I have experienced these past 5 weeks, that I already have established something wonderful to occupy my time. With my new schedule, I don't have to run around worrying what should I do, what can I do to fill this extra time? I can (and better!!) create, make, market and sell my art. I can also worry but I am going to try not to go there. Wasted energy, I hear. And besides, who has time for that?!!

A Cultural Escape

I am taking a detour from my usual to share an incredibly beautiful work of art. It's not mine :). The medium is much different. I am awestruck by the beauty, culture and performance. I love Eastern culture, philosophy, and choreography, which made it all the more stunning. The only other thing I am slightly awestruck by is that I embedded a YouTube video for the very first time! So without further ado, please click and enjoy:

Observing It All Come Together

One of the best decisions I have made was to leave the world of media production and become a functional artist. I don't say that lightly. Or live it lightly. I live it mentally full time and physically part-time.

I recently started a new job at the soon to be open Terzo Piano restaurant located on the third floor of The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Modern Wing is the new home to the Art Institute's 20th and 21th Century art collection. It opens to the public May 16th. The building is energy efficient, constructed from recycled and environmentally safe materials and water is recycled. 264,000 square feet of space for me to get lost. Very, very exciting.

"Naturally 'Mazing " Box
13"x4"x4"
Wood, Acrylic, texture paint, polyurethane varnish

I have observed the exterior progress of the construction since 2005. Now that I am actually inside the building, learning security procedures, navigating and dodging all the internal construction still going on, I am progressively seeing it ALL come together. The less than glamorous side to the soon to be chaotic and rewarding side.

Especially at Terzo Piano. With 4 days under my belt, I have seen a white canvas, literally as the restaurant is very white, very open, begin to transform itself into a contemporary masterpiece. I have seen the Director and President of the Art Institute, the restaurant designer, the building architect, building maintenance, electricians, engineers, art installers, the Executive Chef and his staff, restaurant staff, and media, all come together dedicated to creating and making something fantastic. With a deadline.

"Fame" Buddha Box
Wood, Acrylic, texture paint, Chinese coin, non-toxic polyurethane varnish

As I observe all of this coming together, I also see how by changing my direction, living my values, and persevering, I have created exactly what I wanted. And I will be surrounded by people and an environment that will nurture my decision. So I guess I can say I'm sitting, or standing as the true case will be (I'm a host),
pretty happy.

P.S. Thank You Paul!!!

Fulfilling Some I O U's

I Owe You Some Personal Observations

When I decided what my function and content would be for this blog, I chose showcasing my work and others along with highlighting the rewards, challenges, and lessons of pursuing my passion. Also included were inspiration and personal observations in this process. This is an opportune time to address the last two areas. First, because I need something to write about as I am behind in my "once a week" entry goal. Secondly, I recently experienced what is, and should have been, an exciting and rewarding recognition of my work and fulfillment of a goal . Instead it has left me feeling a little less so.

To provide a brief history, I began 2009 technically challenged when it came to marketing on the internet. One of the areas was blogging. I am proud to say I have since learned, grown to enjoy it and have received many accolades thus far. I visit and read many artist blogs for style, content and inspiration.

One of my absolute absolute favorites is Created by Hand. This blog, which also goes by the name onlyhandmade, features talented artists of diverse mediums, styles, backgrounds and countries! A different and terrific blog to introduce and expose your art to others. Three examples of the chosen artist's work are shown and links to the artist's website and blog are provided. The brilliant woman behind this blog finds and personally selects the artists herself. She does not take solicitation and writes about them using information from the artist's website, blog and supplemental information (translation: personal) provided by the artist. New artists are introduced every three days.

I mention this because I was featured on Created by Hand May 2!! bringing in the month of May. I said in an earlier entry I was ready to blossom. Only 4 months out of the blogging gate, I got my wish. I also just said I should have been enthusiastically ecstatic and that I wasn't quite feeling it. I will now share why.

I was notified Saturday morning via email that I was "UP." I immediately went to the blog. I read it. My personal life, (another translation: singledom) took dominance rather than the art, my influences, my creative process. At least to me. As soon as I read it , I felt uh oh. I did not think like an artist with the personal information I provided. I had a single moment instead. AND I KNEW IT! So did the creator of the blog, inside truth be told :)

Can you get a second chance to make a first impression? I hope so. I know so. Technically speaking, let this be a lesson to me as I continue to navigate, learn and respect the wonderful world of blogging and online ART marketing. Personally speaking, of course.


To Nancy, the grand creator behind the Created by Hand and Every Photo tells a Story, Thank You!!

I Get the E-Message

I love positive reinforcement and reminders. I appreciate irony. No sooner had I blogged about a return to my yoga mat, I received an email blast from the yoga studio where I practice. I have been going there for 5 years. I have acknowledged my sporadic, winter practice habits. Coincidence or not (not!), I got this:

Thank you for attending your first class at Moksha Yoga Center. We offer the highest quality yoga instruction in a safe and sacred space. We hope you will enjoy practicing, learning and growing (yoga sadhana) under the guidance of our experienced and inspiring teachers.

You will find that you become stronger, healthier and happier with a regular practice. Moksha offers incredible weekly classes with 30 unique teachers. Our friendly staff is always available to help you choose a class to develop your practice.

Note: There was a Moksha graphic here. Instead, I'll use this white space for visualization. Internally, here's a yoga mat calling for my return. Externally, a canvas wanting to be painted.

Moksha, I am coming back! I promise. I appreciate the reminder, irony, and positive reinforcement.

When you do receive emails, you don't always get what you want, but sometimes you just might find you get what you need. I get it!

P.S. Thank You to all who came to The Spring Walk!!

Ready for The Spring Walk

The Spring Walk Show at Architectural Artifacts**
Sunday April 19th 10am-5:00pm

I respect and understand the attributes of each season. Winter is a time for hibernation; going within; eating heavier, seasonal foods for warmth and comfort. Now I am ready to put the weight of winter behind me. The layers: coats, hats, sweaters and the five extra pounds I gained. Nothing comforting about that. Can't hide that under heavy clothes anymore. I am not heavy but on a petite frame, it feels AWFUL. Another repercussion of missing yoga classes!

I am ready to put more of a spring to my step. I am ready to bloom and blossom. I am ready to sell my handpainted functional creations: boxes, bracelets and wall art. And Sunday, April 19th seems like the perfect time to start.

I invite you to come take a Spring walk at The Spring Walk Show at Architectural Artifacts where I will be exhibiting at Booth 26. This is a juried one day event featuring an artisan collective of jewelry, mixed media, ceramics, paintings and more.

The Spring Show
Architectural Artifacts
4325 N. Ravenswood
Chicago, IL
773-348-0622
Booth location: 26

New season. New art. New me. Happy Spring!
**Mention this blog and you'll receive 10% off your purchase

Deep Inside the Bubble

"Balance"
4"x4" acrylic and stone on canvas

Just one more thought about Bubbles and I promise to move on. In the process of creating my personal bubble, I became aware that most of my aforementioned stimuli came from external sources- art venues, exhibits, books, television, paint supplies etc. I seem to have forgotten the creative process requires internal stimuli as well. Mea culpa. Where do find my internal stimuli for my creative bubble? On a yoga mat.

I recently revisited my yoga mat after taking a work and winter-related hiatus. It's so easy to do and I'm good at it . I really hate it when I miss classes for any stretch of time. So does my body, mind and ego. It can be humiliating, humbling, and sometimes the guilt is unbearable. Yet it keeps me present. I have to respect that a pose I now find myself stuck or used to be able to do with such ease takes time to rebuild after an hiatus. I could practice at home but it's just not the same.

Health, diet and preventative practices are numero uno in my life, with art a close second. I have been practicing and studying yoga for 9 years. The styles have varied -hatha, bikram, ashtanga, and mysore. Throughout this time, I was, and still am, excited to learn, be challenged and have options. Personally, I crave and need a deeper, richer practice beyond just the physical. I want to integrate philosophy, breathing, meditation, purification techniques and ayurveda into my life and practice; tools to help restore and balance the emotional ups and downs of the creative process and daily life. It also helps to Know Thyself.

Four years ago, I found what I needed. I now practice tantric-vinyasa and tantra hatha under the rich and inspiring tutelage of Jim Bennitt and most recently, James Tennant at a weekend Yoga and Ayurveda workshop. Both teach at Moksha Yoga, and other studios in the Chicago area. They also conduct workshops nationwide. If you are ever in the Chicago area, I encourage you to take their class or workshop. In an earlier blog entry, I mentioned I have artist heroes. Well, these are my yogi heroes.

"Om"
4"x4" acrylic on canvas

External stimuli is terrific. Just make some room and arrange time for the internal as well. Your creative bubble will thank you for it. Mine did.

Living The Bubble Bliss

I must say living in the bubble has it's rewards. Ever since I became more disciplined, I have received some welcome and rewarding bliss. Since my last entry, I received notification of my acceptance into the Architectural Artifacts Spring Show held April 19th; a benefit show in Chesterton, Indiana in May; and an Employee of the Year bonus check at work. No, it was not from AIG, I promise! My etsy shop is almost done.

In keeping with one of my blog objectives- offering inspiration from other sources, I have a quote and a video link. The Winslow Homer quote below is taken from a Winslow Homer/Edward Hopper exhibit I attended last year at the Art Institute. As a career switcher and self-taught artist, I listen and write down everything that gives me artist insight, quiets the why's and keeps me plowing through unchartered territory. The patience aspect is what really resonated with me.

"This is the only life in which I am permitted to mind my own business. You must not paint everything you see. You must wait, and wait patiently, until the exceptional, the wonderful effect or aspect comes.

Winslow Homer

As for the video, entitled Historia de un Letrero, Story of a Sign, please click on the link. That's all I'll say but I guarantee you'll love it. Oh yes, perhaps have a tissue ready.

Blahs, Blocks and Bubbles

So much for my goal of writing once a week. It has been almost a month. I had lost some of my groove, my momentum, only to have it be replaced by BLAHS and BLOCKS. UGH. I can attribute some of it to the uncertainty, insecurity, and instability of the economy, the time of year, and the PAST EIGHT YEARS. It is hard keeping my spirits up at times, not to feel angry, defeated and pessimistic. I talk to other artists, retailers and read artist blogs and I know I am by no means alone.

"Every smile is a direct achievement."

'Mazing design, acrylic paint, glitter, on business card box.

I do think it is very important to keep informed and abreast of current events. I do watch, read and listen to alot of news and political programs. My favorite and loyal watching habits include Countdown with Keith Olbermann
and The Rachel Maddow Show on msnbc. By doing so many, I recognize it does become a distraction.

Enter The Bubble. I am not encouraging anyone to live in a vacuum, but there are benefits to living in a protective bubble if you create it right. It can insulate, filter and cushion the self-defeating emotions. It can, and should, keep you on your chosen path, offering inspiration and focus.

I live in an even more controlled bubble since my hours at work were cut and retail sales are down. Even less disposable income than before. I digress for a moment. Ever feel like you're living in a leaky boat? Once you got one leak under control and you're still afloat , you've taken necessary precautions, and then another leak shows up?

Anyway, in my bubble, I attend art venues and exhibits. I recently saw the Edvard Munch exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. His Scream was my scream. Cathartic. I attend world, jazz and classical concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since I work nearby and attend for free. I paint, read, and watch shows like a bio of the choreographer Jerome Robbins on American Masters on PBS. In my isolation bubble I also try to come up with new ideas of things to paint, recycle, repaint; find a new job. I have registered at etsy and Facebook and am getting that up and running soon. I also find additional outlets for my work or they find me.

My new favorite book is The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. The following are just a few resonated thoughts about bubbles quoted from her book:

"When I look back on my best work, it was inevitably created in what I call THE BUBBLE..... Being in the bubble does not have to mean exiling yourself from people and the world. It is more a state of mind, a willingness to subtract anything that disconnects you from your work. It doesn't have to be antisocial.

So for now, I am going to work and live in The Bubble to get me through this and continue to create in and think outside the box.

"When creativity has become your habit; when you've learned to manage time, resources, expectations, and the demands of others; when you understand the value and place of validation, continuity, and purity of purpose- then you're on the way to an artist's ultimate goal: the achievement of mastery."

Twyla Tharp