Author Archive
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You’re As Good As Goaled
07 Nov 2014Many years ago, I opened a volume of poetry and prayers and a colourful, folded, Post-It note fell out. On this paper I had written 5 things I wanted to accomplish. I’d written them, tucked them into the book and forgotten all about them. They incubated on the bookshelf for 2 years, then, voila, were […]
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Reclaiming Simple Pleasures
31 Oct 2014My life is abuzz with energy…and it’s not good. It’s election season and people are fervent with the passion of their ideologies. The media is trying to capitalize by sensationalizing every. Little. Thing. We should be afraid of Ebola, terrorists, politicians (that goes without saying) and apparently, one another. It’s getting thick and deep out […]
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6 Steps for Surviving the “Angsty Middle” of the Creative Process
17 Oct 2014Change is like an Oreo cookie. There’s a crispness to the beginning and end…but the middle is sticky and gooey. I suspect it’s the same with the creative process. It doesn’t matter what you create… There’s that angsty little bit in the middle. It’s sticky and gooey, but it isn’t all that sweet. Our creative […]
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Illuminate Your Fear
10 Oct 2014Donald Neale Walsch said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Several years ago, I began a quest with a pledge of “fearlessness.” When I segued from the corporate world to work full time as a writer and artist, I made a pledge to do my work courageously and without care for what […]
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Techno-coloured Funk
03 Oct 2014Some people respond to technology very well. Some people stink at it. I’m going to have a nice, brief, honest rant here… Those of you who don’t use email, text or turn on your phones DRIVE ME NUTS! We have business to do here… Don’t. Be. Difficult. I realize being technolocially challenged can be a […]
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A Gypsy Soul
26 Sep 2014I have a gypsy soul. I want to live in Virginia…Charlottesville to be exact. It boasts historical, white-spired buildings, beauty abound and some nice culture. I can also picture myself in Paris, sipping espresso at a café. I’d write in my journal and nosh on a croissant in the morning…take in a museum in the […]
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Lessons from the Classroom
12 Sep 2014Lessons come in all forms. I’m a big believer in lifelong learning and occasional breaks, so we can recharge. I believe we should pursue “continuing education” no matter what type of work we do. Here’s a repost from a time I spent at an art retreat – when I learned so much more than art. […]
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Don’t Say It! – 10 Things NOT to Say to Artists
29 Aug 2014Artists are a sensitive bunch. Recently, the following list of “10 Things NOT to Say to An Artist or Crafter” has been circulating on the Internet. These comments may be considered insensitive or crass to those of us in the art field. If a potential buyer were to say some of these things to you, […]
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What’s Your Problem?
22 Aug 2014What’s your problem? Yeah, I know you have one. Or you ought to. I currently have an issue I’m working out….more often than not, I work on it in front of you all! Not this one…not yet. Cat got yer tongue? Truly, we all face different challenges at different times in our lives. Full-time artists […]
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5 Ways to Market Your Art While Remaining True to Yourself
12 Aug 2014Marketing should be a 4-letter word. At least that’s what many artists think. Generally, artists dread marketing their art. It feels so manipulative, challenging, word-driven, competitive…the list goes on. It cuts into studio time. As an artist, part of the deal is you have to market your work. Few of us have agents beating down […]
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Cheap and Easy
08 Aug 2014I give it away. I’m more than cheap and easy…I’m free. Sorry, Mom, probably not what you wanted to hear. I volunteer… a lot. Wednesday I offered to help a friend install his first solo show. After arriving and finding there was considerable framing to do, I realized what I thought would be a 3-hour […]
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The Art of the Portfolio
01 Aug 2014Authenticity.
It’s the most important thing about your art portfolio, beginning with your artist statement.
I know, you’re thinking – how could my art NOT be authentic? I created it! Well, it goes deeper than that. I know you can’t fake what you create (mostly not), but is it aligned with you? How about the rest of your portfolio? Want an awesome portfolio?
Nearly every month I deliver a professional development workshop to artists at a local arts center. Everyone there wants to be successful and happy, but some don’t want to be SEEN. We are an insecure, tender bunch, like little baby spring lettuce. Egos get easily bruised, hearts are on our sleeves, we wish for respect but don’t feel entitled to it. I get it. I’m one of you. (Please click to continue reading...)
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Fair Weather Thinking – Part III
18 Jul 2014(This is the last of a 3 part series on “Fair Weather Thinking” that will be published in the month of July. “Fair Weather Thinking” is designed to help you identify possibilities in your life by helping you clear the path of mental and physical debris that can cloud good decision-making. Think clearly, because your […]
