the Creative Thursday blog

Tank is in the house

Yesterday he was not. 

That was a scary moment. (for me not for him) 

He decided to take himself on a walk. 

The Lu and I went looking for him.

Then he returned on his own through a hole that we missed in our various yard barricades.

Now he's beneath my feet. 

Just a freedom seeker at heart, gotta respect that.

happy saturday!

{for those of you not familiar with Tank ~ we babysit him from time to time with my Jackson (the weimaraner) too ~ just check out episode 13} ;)

Thoughts on Squam Art Workshops

I'm going to tell you a little story.

About a year and half before Creative Thursday became what you now know it as, before it was earning any income ~ I decided that I would take a trip with Sean to Italy. To be blunt, I wasn't making any money, still had no foreseeable way of making money, had a little bit left in savings and decided that I wasn't going to wait any longer for more "perfect" financial circumstances to appear before taking a trip to Italy which was a dream of mine.

So we went. The trip was an adventure to say the least~ and it was great! On the plane ride home, I was in tears not knowing how I was going to continue with my work when I returned. During our layover in Atlanta, GA ~ Sean and I had a beer in one of those airport "sports bars". A very nice man next to us struck up a conversation about baseball with Sean. We soon learned that this man lived in Los Angeles too. He was in the design business with a specialty in fabric and furniture manufacturing (at the time I was creating my chairs). I was at such a loss as to what my next step was that I just asked this man who I had known for literally 5 minutes if I could contact him and talk with him for some advice. He said "sure!" 

As it turns out this man became my mentor, helped me launch my first children's line of furniture and bedding ~ and his confidence in me and my design point of view forever changed the course of my business and my life.

One trip to Italy. It took going to Italy to meet a man that lived in Los Angeles :)

My point is this: And I feel like I can speak frankly with you ~ because we can talk, you and I, about the "real" things. 

If you are on the fence about whether to take a trip that inspires and excites, to this amazing art retreat for instance. Don't let fear especially financial fears stop you. When you come across an opportunity that gives that you a jolt of "I've gotta do this!" ~ pay attention and be open to what it's about ~ my experience has shown that those kinds of opportunities are a sure sign that you are on your path, and you never know how that will unfold ~ but it's always good!

I know, I know that this might be an especially "scary" time for your to think of doing something purely for the joy and inspiration that it would bring to your life ~ to do something JUST for you. And it would feel strange even inviting you and suggesting that you come to an art retreat this year in particular ~ but it doesn't because I know already ~ life experience has taught me that more than ever these are the EXACT times that you should be doing something that inspires you ~ that supports you in your dreams.

Also, and I've heard this from some of the emails I've been getting from those of you wanting to attend SAW. I know it can feel intimidating to be around people who may have more "experience" than you, who may already be professional artists, who may seemingly be further along on the journey than you. But again, not a reason to stop you from coming to this retreat  ~and here's why. If you are serious about stepping into your creativity and owning it full on, you have to become comfortable around your peers ~ you have to recognize that there is no difference, meaning they are not "above" you and you are not "below" them, between you and someone who has more experience than you. 

We are all here to learn from each other and be in support of one another ~ and again NOW more than ever is the time to recognize this and let our actions reflect this way of being.

I'm sure there will be teachers and students who know way more than me ~ and I look forward to what we will all learn from each other. As a teacher I recognize that my students are there to teach me as well learn from me. I see a retreat like this as a gathering, an exchange between individuals who've chosen, for those 3 days that we will spend together, to put themselves and their creativity first.

With all of that said, I hope you will join me this June. It would be an honor to be part of the encouragement, support and inspiration for you on your creative adventures. 

(if none of the above applies to you and you can fearlessly move through this world with an open heart, rock on!!!)

And FYI ~ here's a link to a lovely interview that Holly shared with Elizabeth the founder of Squam Art Workshops. 

See you there!!!!!

{photo by the super-talented and lovely Denise Andrade}

Mini Prints

 

I know I've been a little bit M.I.A. with the daily paintings and there are a number of reasons for that, one of which is that I've been preparing for a "tiny" show that will open March 1 ~ more details to follow soon.

In the meantime, as you may already know, it's incredibly hard for me to keep creations to myself for long, so today I released three of my new tiny creations in a MINI print format over at the shop. Each one is 5 x 7, and cute as a button. 

Do you by any chance recognize the bottom two? The painting inspires the sewing and the sewing inspires the painting...Miss Fran and Daphne were my last two sewn creations...which speaking of sewing ~ I can't wait to get back to that soon too. Oh so much to create! Somehow I don't think that boredom will ever be an issue for me.

how's your Wednesday going? I got to a chance to catch up with my long time friend who just lives too far away ~ hi Zoolie!!

correction

Remember when I mentioned that Sean reads this blog? (he prefers to be a lurker ~ actually when did we decide to call non-commenting blog visitors "lurkers"...it sounds so creepy!) ~ of course he saw my post from last week and I heard from his office, "Hey, I'm a co-worker too!"

And he's right. 

(If you recognized any different handwriting on the last round of shipments...Sean)

Yet obviously, he is much, much more than a co-worker to me ~ he's my love.

And sometimes he is also Dr. Doolittle, for the other co-workers. 

(especially Garbo who uses our affection as a tool to be let outside ~ I told you my days....inside...outside...inside....outside)

Not today though ~ I was away from the studio picking up Chanin at the airport from her awesome trip to New Zealand, and getting what were quite possibly the last two Orla Kiely cups left in a Los Angeles Target.

hope you had good Tuesday! Now go hug your co-workers again ~ especially of the human kind ;)

May Victory be Yours

I think the reason so many people around the world enjoy watching the Oscars is not because we all want to be in the movies or even win an Oscar, but because first and most obvious, film is one of the art forms that has the ability to connect so many of us worldwide in such a powerful way ~ And second the Oscars are the place where even if only one time a year, we are reminded of the power of believing in your DREAMS.

And who doesn't have DREAMS?

Since the time I was little I have always watched the Oscars and felt that surge of hope that happens when you are re-connected with your dream and the belief that it is POSSIBLE. I've always believed. There was an even a time when I wanted to win an Oscar, and you never know....it's not done yet...but now more than ever watching the Oscars still re-ignites that feeling of what happens if you live your dream. Yesterday I watched the Oscars and I was reminded  ~ that I went for a dream and I MADE it. And even on my cranky days where I'm not at my best, there is still an always present tiny glimmer of the pure joy I have for living I life I intended. There's nothing like that feeling. 

A slight segway, but stay with me for a moment.

Lately I've been saying that now more than ever is a time where WE can help each other. A big part of the inspiration behind the theme of my last painting. And a reason that I am sharing this particular painting with you today. This was also a commission I did for a special Christmas gift ~ and what makes this painting particularly special is that it was commissioned by a fellow artist. Brian has been on my daily painting list for quite some time and he's the kind of person who takes the time to write me a little note in support of almost every one of my newest creations. (thank you Brian)

{Linz with her new painting}

Artists supporting artists. 

This painting is a symbol that represents the power and support that exists right in our own communities.

(Which speaking of communities, did you not love the choice to have other winning actors appear on the stage to personally honor and appreciate each nominee individually? Gives a new meaning to competition and support of your peers.)

It IS a NEW time ~ We have a new administration, a gracious and wise president at the helm, and progress is happening, but we cannot rely on one person or the government to resolve the situation at hand. And we don't have to. Do you realize the power we have in our own hands during this time that we are alive?? It's right here in the internet. And it's right here in the ability to connect with one another. And believe me I will be back to address this point again shortly.

Until then I didn't want to wait another day in saying that now is time for me to do more than offer lip service to my part. And on the heels of the Oscars, and the success of those gracious winners, especially our new best picture "Slumdog MIllionaire" ~ I felt that today was no better time than to say:

My tiny part that I CAN do with this blog is to be a reminder that you can always live your dream. 

It would be an honor for me if every time you visited here, you might experience that feeling I referred to above ~ the feeling that accompanies living a life you intended.

I will always be here to believe in your dream.

Even if we never speak. Even if you never send me an email or leave a comment on this blog. 

You can always know that you have a friend who believes in you, 

right along side you.

{me painting Brian's commission}

"Jai Ho" ~ May VICTORY be yours ~ 

(I knew there was a reason I've loved that song so much... I just learned today what it meant.)

We all fly together

8 x 8 in.

Painting by Marisa, title by Sean. I have a lot to say about this painting, but seeing as how it's Friday afternoon...my lot to say would most likely turn into too much to say ~ and you all are ready for your weekend I'm sure, as am I.

What I will say is that I LOVE this painting. I know, I know ~ I pretty much LOVE all of my paintings, each one is one of my favorites, (and you'll know this if you've ever bought one from me ~ because I'll almost aways respond by saying "this is one of my favorite paintings")  but this one holds a special place in my heart ~ so much so that I almost did not release it for sale, but I did and here it is. And you can also find it as a print in the shop. Also, I must say that the pink balloon and the neutral coloring of this one is totally inspired by some of the loveliest engagement photos I've seen maybe ever, by photographer Max Wanger.

Assuming that I continue to get caught up this weekend ~ I'll be back next week with more to say on this here blog along with an introduction to some new times for Creative Thursday!

Wishing you a very happy weekend.

(original is sold)

bunny boy + white boy

I'm almost always working on commissions in the "background". And this is one I've been meaning to share ~ inspired by some very dear childhood toys. One of my FAVORITE paintings I did as a gift for Christmas 2008.

My appreciation for my co-workers

All this talk about Lulu and I realized I don't really have a clear picture of her here in recent blog history. And she's cute as a button. 

This photo above is how she looks at me through the door to my studio when she either a) wants to come in or b) thinks we are going on a walk soon...
Let's just say that a fair portion of each day, especially since my studio connects to the outside, is spent letting certain co-workers in and out. Does anyone else out there have that in their job descriptions?

Really, truly with the Lu being sick on Sean's party just a week ago (she's better now, thank goodness) ~ I would have it no other way. I realized just how much I adore and appreciate her. She seriously is one of the most loving dogs you'll ever meet. A rescue from a Denver Animal Shelter 9 years ago now, it's like she's never forgotten that she was given a second chance and a home.  Even with the shenanigan's that go on here in our home every day ~ the humor, the affection and unconditional love (except from Garbo...she's conditional) we get from these hooligans is as they say "priceless" ~ so I wanted to honor them in this post today ;) You know my other co-workers, Garbo and Riley...

And speaking of appreciation of our dog friends ~ you've got to head over to Leigh's blog and check out her project for 2009 ~ I've been a long time fan of Leigh and her beautiful portraits and now you get a chance to have her paint one for you!

hope you had a good Tuesday ~ and be sure to hug your co-workers!

Valentine's day "stinks"

Speaking of "magic moments"...

I'm not sure if this is appropriate blog etiquette, but this is life, especially when you live among 3 animals. And it made us laugh so hard, I thought you might get a chuckle too. Unless it's one of those "you had to be there" moments...Either way I want to remember it, so in the blog it goes.

You know those times, that you try so hard to make "special" ~ Right? You know what I mean? Valentine's day is one of those days. People usually try too hard. Everything has to be romantic and accompanied by candlelight. Although the longer I live, the more I realize that special and perfect (whatever perfect is anyway) lies in a moment just as it is. And in this moment, Sean and I were at our Valentine's restaurant of choice/our home ~ (we prefer to avoid the crowds and the too much romantic hoopla on Valentine's day so we usually stay in ~  but what am I saying? We do still totally give into the romantic hoopla of the "day of love", of course, just minus the crowds.) ~ I did also make a traditional Valentine's fare, cheese fondue...can you say delicious...with champagne, flowers and candlelight, Frank Sinatra playing in the background. While enjoying our fine evening of romance, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, an ominous smell came wafting over us and were forced to put our "gas masks" on. Lulu didn't realize that it was Valentine's day...

Maybe a restaurant is in order for next year :)

magic moments ~ Ali + Olive

"sometimes….when you are a mom….you come across *magic moments*…and you say to yourself “this is a moment i will want to remember ALWAYS*…and sometimes….if you are lucky….there will be a camera nearby…" ~ Jen Wilson

Yesterday I got an email from my friend Jen and she wrote, "You have to see the photos of Ali on my blog....I think you will like them....."

Like them is an understatement. I LOVE them. First of all Jen is one of the BEST children's photographers, ever.  Her photos are beyond gorgeous. And these photos of Ali are no exception. Then I see that Ali is reading Olive. I've heard from so many of you that the story of Olive is really resonating with you and especially your children, that it is even their favorite book, but to actually SEE it ~ I'm so touched.

There's this way when you make something that means so much to you, that you hope it will be meaningful to others ~ but once you send it out, it has a life of it's own and you never really know who it's connecting with until your friend tells you to visit her blog :)

Here's me wishing you a very happy "LOVE" day ~ single or not, made up by Hallmark or not, Valentine's day is about LOVE ~ and in my world there's no better sentiment.

{photos by Jen Wilson ~ thank YOU Jen!}