Two season I love. Art Fair season and... prepare for Art Fair season.
Each of those are so exciting in and of themselves. During prep time or off time is when all of the magic happens. Its time that you have to sit and focus and feel and create...new bead designs, playing with new glass colors and working on new jewelry ideas. That's is pretty much how I like to spend my fall and winter months. Although, there are times I get so excited about new designs or new line of beads that I can't wait for art fair season to begin. Soooooo, I usually find a show to book around the holidays just to satiate my need to do a show. lol
Things were a little different for us this past year. Moving to California and becoming acclimated to our new surroundings, a half of a continent away from all that we were familiar with, did propose a few challenges at times as well as so much excitement. I love a good adventure and new challenges; I think it builds character and for me, creates motivation and can be so inspiring! Now that we have a found a magical place that we can call home, I am so excited to be booking our first California art fairs events. To me, nothing screams summer more than doing shows. Being outdoors in lovely surroundings and talking with interesting people is just the best. I always learn so much! This year it will be even more fun because all the shows are new to us. I call it "going on a field trip". Field trips in school were the best, I loved going to new places and exploring. I guess that is why I love to travel so much too! Same with art fairs. Visiting new places, learning about the area and connecting with other talented artists gives me such a natural high and brings a sense of calm and happiness!
If you get the chance this year, be sure and check out your local art fairs or create your own "field trips" and plan a trip based around art fairs. There are so many talented artists in this country and like me, I am sure you will be blown away but some of the amazing talent that is out there. Remember, think outside of the "big box" and support local stores, fine arts and amazing handcrafted items that are made in the USA!
Now, that we are on the West Coast, I hope to explore all of the Pacific Northwest by going to art festivals in Washington, Oregon and of course Northern California. Bring it on, I am ready!
February 9, 2011
February 3, 2011
Is it harder than I thought?
I am finding that writing a blog, keeping it going, and making it interesting for the reader is not as easy as I had originally thought. I think that it may be because I am putting to much pressure on myself: to sound witty, or clever or come up with the perfect headline and topic. I guess that would be the case for many people for a wide array of reasons and circumstances, PRESSURE - it can be evil (if we let it).
I know that when I am "trying" to come up with a new glass design or idea and struggle for hours to fulfill that need for a great new piece that it never really comes. Only by accident and alot of patience ( and a few burnt fingertips) do I find what I am looking for. No pressure just leisurely melting glass, experimenting with colors, becoming one with the glass and following "its" flow, brings me closer to that Voila moment. It seems that many Artists work in the same way. We are creative, we have the eye but it is slow and natural progression to works of art...on any level. I hope that through further writing of what is on my mind rather than forcing a thought will prove to be much more satisfying for me. Sharing is something I love to do, and most that know me, know that I wear my life on my sleeve and will share most details without hesitation. Sharing is the best form of creating a bond with someone and isn't that what we all really want...a bond? a reason? a connection?
I know that when I am "trying" to come up with a new glass design or idea and struggle for hours to fulfill that need for a great new piece that it never really comes. Only by accident and alot of patience ( and a few burnt fingertips) do I find what I am looking for. No pressure just leisurely melting glass, experimenting with colors, becoming one with the glass and following "its" flow, brings me closer to that Voila moment. It seems that many Artists work in the same way. We are creative, we have the eye but it is slow and natural progression to works of art...on any level. I hope that through further writing of what is on my mind rather than forcing a thought will prove to be much more satisfying for me. Sharing is something I love to do, and most that know me, know that I wear my life on my sleeve and will share most details without hesitation. Sharing is the best form of creating a bond with someone and isn't that what we all really want...a bond? a reason? a connection?
January 24, 2011
Day 1...you have to start somewhere
Why am I blogging? I find it to be interesting way to share more than a status update or a tweet...although both are wonderful avenues to communicate, share, and keep in touch with so many people.
I should know because I am a self proclaimed face book junky! Who knows where blogging will take me and as I get the hang of this I hope that it intrigues you to keep coming back and hopefully sharing your thoughts with me as well.
As a full time Artist keeping focused and determined is something that is a conscious part of my every day existence. Finding the balance between creating and the "work" end of things is a daily struggle but I am learning everyday how to streamline, become more efficient and all the while keeping my "creative juices" flowing. Regimen is something that keeps my interest for a while but it is in my nature to explore, wonder, and dream...finding a way to incorporate all of what has-to-get-done and what you want-to-do is a tricky balance but I think that slowly, that is becoming easier. Regimen...what an ugly word but its what you need to get it all done. I am not someone who follows the clock but rather my inner rhythm that is what drives me...I have always been that way, I think it drives my dad crazy but hey, he's coming around. lol. My regimen is not one that is measured in the same daily activities but rather what the flow currently is. Each day, thankfully, is filled with so many wonderful blessings that sometimes that regimen needs alteration...that's OK, as long as you always have focus on a "bigger" picture. I see an amazing picture of my future and taking the path to get there will be just as amazing....I am sure of that!
My inspiration for most of my work comes from nature and the beauty that surrounds us on this amazing planet. I guess when I first started out as a glass artist I was finding my muse...you know, what drives you and keeps you motivated. I found my muse not only in my most amazing husband Darby but, through many cross country road trips we have taken. The first one was from Chicago to Tuscon. In that trip we both were completely moved by the amazing beauty of our country and the planet in general. That was it right there for me. Right there is where my style was certainly defined. I am not a very symmetrical person so for me it is all the spaces in between of nature and the rich organic colors of this planet that drive me! Trying to recreate an amazing sunset or the way the light shines through a pine forest is where its at. The way the sunbeams dance off the water and the way a bird flies across the treetops...it is all so amazing! Glass is the medium for me to recreate and share with others.
Here is a photo of Scott's Flat Reservoir that serves as an inspiration for a future bead.
I should know because I am a self proclaimed face book junky! Who knows where blogging will take me and as I get the hang of this I hope that it intrigues you to keep coming back and hopefully sharing your thoughts with me as well.
As a full time Artist keeping focused and determined is something that is a conscious part of my every day existence. Finding the balance between creating and the "work" end of things is a daily struggle but I am learning everyday how to streamline, become more efficient and all the while keeping my "creative juices" flowing. Regimen is something that keeps my interest for a while but it is in my nature to explore, wonder, and dream...finding a way to incorporate all of what has-to-get-done and what you want-to-do is a tricky balance but I think that slowly, that is becoming easier. Regimen...what an ugly word but its what you need to get it all done. I am not someone who follows the clock but rather my inner rhythm that is what drives me...I have always been that way, I think it drives my dad crazy but hey, he's coming around. lol. My regimen is not one that is measured in the same daily activities but rather what the flow currently is. Each day, thankfully, is filled with so many wonderful blessings that sometimes that regimen needs alteration...that's OK, as long as you always have focus on a "bigger" picture. I see an amazing picture of my future and taking the path to get there will be just as amazing....I am sure of that!
My inspiration for most of my work comes from nature and the beauty that surrounds us on this amazing planet. I guess when I first started out as a glass artist I was finding my muse...you know, what drives you and keeps you motivated. I found my muse not only in my most amazing husband Darby but, through many cross country road trips we have taken. The first one was from Chicago to Tuscon. In that trip we both were completely moved by the amazing beauty of our country and the planet in general. That was it right there for me. Right there is where my style was certainly defined. I am not a very symmetrical person so for me it is all the spaces in between of nature and the rich organic colors of this planet that drive me! Trying to recreate an amazing sunset or the way the light shines through a pine forest is where its at. The way the sunbeams dance off the water and the way a bird flies across the treetops...it is all so amazing! Glass is the medium for me to recreate and share with others.
Here is a photo of Scott's Flat Reservoir that serves as an inspiration for a future bead.
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