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

Left Brain Stimulus Package

When it comes to the art of creating, and my approach to life, the right side of my brain gets ALOT of air time. I wouldn't be pursuing and doing what I am doing if I wasn't predominately right brained. I love right brain activities and thrive on them. However, when the left side of my brain screams for air time, I sometimes say, "Later, go away kid, ya bother me." Not this time. The left side now wanted equal time and demanded stimulation. I needed to make a decision and it required that I do an honest self-assessment of a situation. I have a deadline.

I bring this up because, yesterday, I made the agonizing decision not to renew my contract this year to do the
One of a Kind Show & Sale Chicago. As much as I love everything about this show, I really can't afford to do it now. Pride, desire, and ego have to take a back seat. I will still create, paint, and market my art, especially online, and try other venues.

I did not arrive at this decision entirely on my own. I reached out to left- brained dominate friends, and one in particular whose opinion I always cherish, heed and respect. I am now comfortable with my decision. I knew deep down it was the "left" right thing to do. I will apply the would be show money to get my new work shot , redo my website, and MARKET, MARKET MARKET.

There are two sides in a decision-making process. It feels good to have a balanced mind.

Those who can... do. Those who can't ...learn.

I recently spent two afternoon sessions with Jason Loper, a Chicago handbag designer and owner of ZolaJonesDesigns, to help me understand and execute some tricks and shortcuts to setting up my blog. It was extremely helpful. Technically speaking, of course. The process is actually fun when you have a great and experienced teacher. Thai food and sweets help!

Ta Da. Namaste. Hallelujah. A visual of one of my Good Luck hand painted Buddha boxes.
I must admit I am growing more confident and comfortable with all of this. Two four letter words that I definitely like to use now with more frequency are blog and edit. I have a lot of new work to photograph and upload to both my website and blog. In the meantime, get a peek of my new wood bangles at his store. So... get ready and fasten your seatbelts.... there's more to come.

O.K. Jason actually loaded the graphics this time. And the seatbelt is from one of his handbags. But I watched and took notes. As the saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. All you have to do is ask.

Staying and Saying Positive

The Blast Off 2009 class with Alyson Stanfield of ArtBizCoach.com that I started 3 weeks ago has come to end. Yesterday was the last day -ONLINE, that is. Now it is up to me to stay the course, stay disciplined, and stay positive. I want to grow my business, grow artistically, and of course, grow technically!

Just how to do I this? AFFIRMATIONS. One of our initial assignments was to write and create affirmations and share them! I am sharing and saying a few of the ones I wrote on plain, yet soon-to-be decorated, index cards (an little inside class humor) with you.

• I surround myself with creative, nurturing and supportive people.
• I invest in myself and my art with total confidence.
• I release the limiting thoughts that block my prosperity.
• I attract and receive new sources of INcome from my art.
• I accept "what is" for now and remain present.
• I open my heart to love, my mind to new possibilities, and my spirit to guidance and wisdom.

So in these challenging times, lets all try to stay positive. Go on, SAY IT!!

What's My Function?

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.

Marilyn

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!