Burning bright

Do you ever see someone do something or say something that is so amazing that you just get stopped in your tracks?  Something that just makes you say...Wow!

I've had a secret crush on Jessica Swift for a while now.  I mean, how can you not love her patterns, her art?

But this new venture of hers gets me so excited!  You really should read the 5 part story on her blog to see what I'm talking about.  And then be sure to sign up to support her via Kickstarter once it gets launched.  

I tell you, this girl is burning bright.

BTW, Kickstarter is also one of those things that I think is so cool.  Perhaps I will add it to my dreams list.  Now I just need to find a project...  :)

The Lasting Effects of Artfest

So it's been 2 months since Artfest.  Why it's taken me so long to post about it is beyond me - regardless, I'm here now.  It's kind of interesting to reflect on it now though, as it shows what's really stuck with me about the experience.  

Let's start it off with my wine drinking buddy, Mindy Lacefield!  I had such a good time hanging out & laughing with Mindy - it really wouldn't have been the same without her.  And it was such an honour to help her as she debuted at the Artist's Marketplace.  This chick was on fire & practically sold out of everything!  And might I add that Teesha quickly swooped up 3 of her original paintings?  It was so cool watching Mindy shine and it was so much fun watching people swoon over her art!

If you haven't seen it before, you need to go check her out NOW!  

Me and Mindy Lacefield - photo by Mindy

I can't forget to show this piece that Mindy created for me as a thank you for helping her at her table.  It's complete with a camera & my favourite hat...she's so thoughtful!

 Workshops.  Yes, the workshops.  I tried to pick things that I didn't have a lot of experience with...tried to push myself out of my comfort zone.  And I did!  My jewellery making class with Nina Bagley was a tad frustrating because I realized I brought the wrong kind of silver wire, but the encaustic and plaster class with Patricia Seggebruch was so much fun!  She's so inspiring and a great teacher - I will definitely be buying some wax soon.  And then the Wood Totems class with Karen Michel was awesome too!  I actually had a finished piece from the class...which doesn't happen with me often as I like to take my time!    

yummy wax!

Wood Totem example done by Karen Michel

I had a blast hanging out with these ladies below!  They are so creative, hilarious and overall awesome!  My only regret is that I didn't take a class from Sunny.  But I bought a hat from her so I don't feel so bad. She's so talented - go check out her stuff! 

Sunny Carvahlo, Cheryl McCloud, Kathie Vezanni

I only met Michelle briefly - over late night doodling & wine.  I wish I would have taken one of her classes - maybe next time!  But you know when you meet someone & you just know they're kick ass?  She's so creative and inspiring.  And that hat?  Love.  A little secret about me...I LOVE funky hats.  So of course I had to love Michelle. 

Michelle Allen and me - photo by Mindy Lacefield 

Ok, and this is not a very good picture...but notice that bookmark below?  It says Dream.  It's the cutest thing and was generously given to me by Regina as a trade - even though I didn't give her anything in return.  Side note: If you go to Artfest don't forget to bring trades!  I didn't get a chance to chat with her much at Artfest, but since I've been home I've been obsessed with her posts on Creative Kismet.  Let me tell you, there is nothing that this girl can't do!  She dabbles in everything and is bravely going after her dreams.  Another little secret about me...I LOVE watching people follow their dreams.    

Ok!  I better stop there!  You're probably tired of reading by now...  :)

Feeling inspired but using self control

Oh man, I’m in that “feeing so inspired and so eager to get out and conquer the world!” stage.  You know the one.  It comes in waves, of course.  Some days you wonder what to do with your life.  I’ve had many of those days.  Years of those days.  

But today…today I am feeling hopeful.   I still don’t know what I want to do with my life - of course - but I don’t care.  I just want to DO.  Learn and do.   But I am forcing myself to stop learning for a while.  (ok, well maybe AFTER I finish my Kim Klassen texture class)

I just finished reading the wonderful Patti Digh’s Creative is a Verb (which, incidentally, is copyright 2011 but I bought it in 2010 – what does that mean?).  But the last page sums it all up for me right now:

“You don’t need to look for answers outside yourself.  No, you truly don’t.  You’ve enough data and information and knowledge and wisdom in the stories of your own life to keep you busy for a long time, if you can pay attention to them, be mindful of them.” 

I have to admit, I’m a self-help/creative-help book junkie…but I agree with Digh when she says, “perhaps reading them only keeps us out of the doing.  So make it a both/and equation.  For every book on creativity you read, you must spend six months simply creating.  Every single day.”

It’s time for me to just do. And create.

So I'm going to exhibit a little self-control and NOT take another course at this moment (frankly, my latte fund can’t afford it!).  But I thought I would share some fabulousness so that I could live vicariously through you.

Juliette Crane's How To Paint An Owl workshop

http://juliettecrane.com

Self Portraiture classes – Vivienne McMaster

http://www.viviennemcmaster.com/registration/

Be Presents Retreats –  with amazingly talented instructors such as Liz Lamoreaux, Kelly Barton, Mindy Lacefield, Vivienne McMaster, Ali Edwards...

http://www.bepresentretreats.com/upcoming-retreats/

Mondo Beyondo Dream Lab –  with Andrea Sher, Jen Lemen, Brene Brown

http://mondobeyondo.org/dreamlab/

Anything from Jamie Ridler

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

What are YOU working on these days?