Monday, December 31, 2012

lessons from 2012

So, Officially, Today is still 2012, at least for a few more hours... I had high hopes of one of those cute blog posts that so many of the beautiful blogs do, celebrating each and every holiday and major social event...um....yeah, well...about that...

Ok, so, i don't have that...what i do have is what i learned this year.....

I keep hearing that 2012 was a really hard year for a lot of people. And, truthfully, there were some rough patches for us as well. But, i guess the thing that keeps things in perspective is the life lessons along the way...

The big lesson, for me, this year was to simply be present...When things feel weird, just go with the flow, believe that things will get better, be fine, and roll with it... I can't say I always do this...in fact, I have to be reminded of this quite often....

So, instead of coming up with a bunch of resolutions I think I'm just going to stick with one thing...

Be Present...If i can stick to this, i'm pretty sure everything else will fall into place...

Sunday, December 30, 2012

The life of a dress...

You see a vintage prom dress....i see art supplies....

And then there are lists and things to do....













  Hair bobs and fascinators come into life...

And then it is part of an art show/sale....


Friday, December 28, 2012

let it go, and go with the flow, don't worry about a thang

yesterday i had to drop the boy off to spend time with other his other family members for a week.
I am never happy to see him go.
He has been under the weather for a few weeks now.
There was still ice on the roads in our area.
And the youngest is quite spirited...

.let's face facts....
this combination made for one grumpy Moma....

After a series of ridiculous events....resulting in a 35 minute drive that normally takes 10-15....only to have to turn around and go all the way back home (because we forgot the all-important-medicine the boy needs)...then we were all starving....so we made our way through an inexpensive drive through(not my first mom choice but sometimes it is just about survival)...then we had to text the family members who were waiting for the boy...and get the kids set up with their nutrient lacking food...

and with this.....
i said out loud....

"i give up...."

the boy: "what do you mean?"
me:" well, we just spent the last hour doing all of this stuff, trying to push forward and look where we are....so, i think the lesson i'm supposed to get is to simply "give up."
the boy: "NO! you have to be POSITIVE!"

I must admit that this is the first time i have heard him say something like this in quite a while...usually i am the one telling him this...and i realized that he actually is listening to me....

Reality washed over me as i realized i wasn't really saying what i meant....he thought i meant in a negative way...and i didn't...what i meant was....that i had spent all morning being nervous and grumpy and trying to force things to work...and sometimes...i just need to let go...and GO WITH THE FLOW....

once i explained that...he said...
"yeah...that's it...our family motto...."don't worry about a thang."

With that we ate our crappy fast food, drank our sugar dense drinks, and headed back down the road...we spent the next hour and fifteen minutes entertaining each other by pointing things out the the youngest,and singing and talking.


Thursday, December 27, 2012

3 days of snow is my limit


True to my Texas roots and expectations of snow...
I'm over it today...
It snowed on Christmas Day, here.  I wake up this morning with the white still all around.  In my book, that is officially 3 days...I count the day it snowed...and all of today, even though it just started...The roads are clearing, but not enough for my liking. (especially when driving is involved) I have decided that when it snows no one should be forced to drive in to work. I HAVE SPOKEN! MAKE IT SO!  Texans do not drive well in ice or snow....let's just face facts here. 

Right now, my kidlets and I are snuggled up in the den watching the youngest's cartoon obsession of Alice in Wonderland...The oldest will be leaving us today for a week to visit other family. I silently bide the time until he has to go.

I have an art sale this coming Sunday. And I could possibly be outside. You know how I feel about that. But, this is my job. Bills to pay and such. (just like everyone else) My mind, as usual, is full of ideas of treasures to make for this show. The question is, will I have time to complete them successfully? THAT is always the question. The other question is...Will the treasures sell? 

The youngest just jumped from the arm of the couch, bounced off the couch cushion landing on her feet to the floor, hopped on the coffee table, jumped to the ottoman, and said, "TAAA DAAAA!" she looked like a super hero....Now she dances to her favorite Sesame Street Classics....She is my beautiful fearless daredevil...i admire her moxy...and i have learned to NOT PANIC!

The oldest laughs in his maniacal (Muh Wah HAHAHAHA) manner as he apparently scores some big points or levels up or something like that on his electronic device...He is my Einstein and i admire his brilliance.

The dog, curled up beside me, taking his loyal spot and warming my leg. I have grown use to him being stuck to me like glue when i sit down.

This is winter in our house....snow days....





Wednesday, December 26, 2012

White Christmas in Texas

So, something weird happened here in Texas yesterday. WE GOT A WHITE CHRISTMAS! It isn't unheard of here...just not our normal holiday weather. We are currently in a winter wonderland.  Right now, my family and I are warm and snug in our den, with views of white from every window.
 We did venture out into the snow for about 20 minutes yesterday. It took about 20 minutes to bundle up for the excursion...and another 25 to unbundle and clean up the wet mess on the kitchen floor. That's White Christmas in Texas. 
So, to everyone, and for every holiday or none at all that is celebrated this season, I would like to wish you many warm hugs, well wishes, and good vibes for you and yours. 




Tuesday, December 18, 2012

too many ideas, too little time

Sometimes i find that my mind is overrun with creative project ideas....

For example: RIGHT NOW!
At this very moment i want to make a lot of stuff...here is my list:

1. crowns
2. hats
3. tiaras
4. tutus
5. crocheted head wraps with attached scarves inspired by the mother in "a Christmas Story"
6. a new blanket for my daughter
7. christmas cards, valentine cards, and glittery cards
8.  mini art dolls
9.  mixed media art houses
10. mixed media art purses
11. watercolor paintings of all of the stuff i pick up
12. painted shoes
13.  sewing projects: too many to list
14. framed dioramas: too many idea to list
15. art cards
16. block prints
17.pocket warmers
18. pillow cases
19. fairy houses
20. ceramic sculptures
21. backyard raku kiln made from a grill
22. christmas ornaments
23. more christmas ornamentswith my kids
24. christmas cookies with my kids


and soooooooo much more....

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Whirlwind art weekend

I learn something new everytime i go to an art show. This weekend i had four! Here is what i learned this weekend.
1. Small inexpensive chotchkys rock! People just want to feel like they got something cool. I tried an experiment this weekend and was very pleasantly surprised by the results. I am very excited to see where this experiment may take me.

2. Simple is better. The more clean, clear, organized, simple, i keep things, the less stress i have. This is best.

3. If you have a bad vibe, go with your gut. I had a bad vibe about a show all week. I should have listened to that. Live and learn.

4. Get to know people. People appreciate when you remember them. I know i do. Let them know.

5. When you find something that works, go with that. I will be thinking about what was the most positive and successful parts from this weekend and going forward.

6. Be able to talk about your work. I still struggle with this, but it is getting easier. And people really do want to know about your work.

7. Surround yourself with good people. You know who the good people are. Stick with them. There is always a debbie downer...avoid them.

8. Sometimes people can't be won over. Let them go. No one wants to be the person that isn't liked. But, sometimes it is what it is.live and learn. Don't judge yourself based on someone else's issues. Your karma belongs to you. Theirs belongs to them.

9. There really are starving artists. I worked with several this weekend. No less than three times did i hear this statement: " i can buy groceries now." And those words weren't a joke. I for one, did that as well after my show on Saturday. And much-needed jeans and a belt for my son.  It really surprised me to hear other artists did the same. There are some hard working creative spirits out there.

10. Artists are usually willing to:  haggle, barter, do layaway....why? Read #9 again... and sometimes, all you have to do is ask. I tell you this not so you can get a good deal....i tell you this because of #9. 

11. Working outside in extreme temps really sucks.... it got really cold at my last show. If i had worn boots, it would have been fine, but i didn't. So, i am not a fan of outdoor shows with extreme temps and wind...i really don't know anyone who is.

12. I still want to live on the coast....have a coffee house/bookshop/art workshop/studio/yoga studio/vintage clothing shop...only work there 3 days a week, and work on my art four days a week...  i don't think that is too much to expect...  ;)

13. You can only do so much: how could i forget this lessons?   I simply cannot be everywhere, do everything, be everything, or please everyone...no matter how hard i try....this weekend alone, unexpected health issues for myself and then for my son threw my plans out of whack...such is life. I am certain people were disappointed...especially myself...but, such is life...go with the flow...that's the best we can do. Understanding this and actually  allowing myself to accept this are two different stories.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

routines, quirks, and methods





The older I get, the more I understand that there are a few things I have to have in order to get work done. I have read about other artists who have their little routines, quirks, or methods that help them feel centered. I never realized just how important my quirks, routines, methods, were to my process until I wasn't able to do them...(this is life with a two year old...adjustments must be made....)

While taking a much needed break, to contemplate how I could possibly get more work done...I came up with list of things I need in order to operate...


 1. A place to work. While I am able to work almost anywhere, and always carry supplies with me everywhere I go...(something i learned to do over 11 years ago with my oldest so i could take advantage of any possible moments of free time)...I find that I have gotten to the point where I need my own space to be able to create. In the last two years I have moved my "studio" from our formal living room that we never used (and we do now as the family den)....to the formal dining room. And now, I simply work wherever I can...whenever...But, this is no longer working out. I am desperate for my own space. I need the freedom of being able to come and go from projects without worrying that they will be ruined by the dog, or curious hands. I also need to be able to walk away from a project and come back. The freedom of having one's own space sounds amazing. I am currently renovating the garage...IN MY MIND....for my next studio space...either that, or i'm going to get rid of our clothes and move into our closet...desperate times call for desperate measure...

2. I need peace and quiet....when I am working on a project, it is like a form of meditation. I need to be free of interruption for a block of time in order to fully comprehend the process... (i'm pretty sure i'm going to have to either completely lose my hearing, or wear earplugs for the rest of my life for this to happen...)

3. I need limited supplies...when I have too many supplies to choose from, my brain gets overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities...so, I have learned to purposefully limit myself when that  that overwhelming feeling comes on. Usually limiting myself two three items max at a time. 

4. Time....I need time to myself that no one else has dibs on..... while I can get things done in that super-mom-multi-tasking sort of way, I do not enjoy it. I need time to myself to be able to fully focus. This is something I really struggle with as a stay-at-home-mom. My time is never my own. In fact the last few months that I have been working more, have been filled with great frustration for me because I have not figured out how to manage this yet. I am still working on it. 

5. Rest:I used to be able to stay up all night working on a piece...not anymore...I have to rest or my brain and body shuts down.  I feel mandatory nap times becoming more and more mandatory.

 6. Health: if I don't feel well, nothing will be created. So, doing yoga, eating balanced meals, resting, taking my vitamins, are all imperative to my creative process. 

7. My overalls: the overalls I wear are hand-me-downs from my father over 15 years ago. They are covered in paint and falling apart. I just realized it might be time for a new pair...

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Constantly Amazed



So, like many artisans, at this time of year, I have been pretty busy. It has been quite a blur at times. I can honestly say that the last few months, have been a  learning experience. I have learned a lot about myself as an artist, a wife, and a mother. I have also learned a lot about other people

Here is my list as of today!


1. There are good people out there! In the last few months I have met so many wonderful artists, collectors, and appreciators that it has revived my hope in humanity. 

2. There really are people out there who appreciate art, artists, creativity, and hand made items. 

3. Negativity is a killer. STAY AWAY FROM IT! It seems that it only takes one negative comment to pop a bubble of happiness. And it seems to take a LOT of positivity to erase one negative pause. So, STAY AWAY FROM ALL NEGATIVITY! 

4. I DON"T LIKE DOING Commissions....there i said it...I was trying to keep this one to myself because, well, I'm actually working on a few RIGHT NOW....but, i have decided that commission work is not my thang....it isn't that they are awful to do....it is that i get very bogged down in them because  of life, over thinking, and, well,  life. I have the ability to create absolutely anything a person may want. I can figure out how to make anything. i just don't have the space, the tools, the time. So,i have decided that it is just best for me to not do them anymore. (no worries though...i will finish what i have right now!)

5. I still don't know where my work fits in....and I'm OK with that....

6. I'm starting to see what i "do".....for so long people would ask me..."what kind of artwork do you do?" and i had no words...now, I'm starting to see it...Something to do with "being present"... :)

7. My family (husband, son and daughter) are my biggest fans. No one has ever had faith in me like my husband. I could expand so much on this, and will at a later date. My son, has started to show a huge interest in art in ways i never expected and my daughter seems to think this is just what people are supposed to do. I love this!

8.There is always another art show! There are art shows every weekend, and even when I'm not looking for one, another one seems to find me. I LOVE THIS!

9. BALANCE is important.  For me, i have to be able to juggle it all. I have numerous responsibilities. I have my family, and i have my art. This means that any shows I do have to work with my life. Otherwise, it won't happen. Everything has to balance. AND IT ALWAYS DOES! 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

tomorrow is Cyber Monday....




So, Tomorrow is Cyber Monday!



And if you don't find something that fits your fancy in http://www.etsy.com/shop/bradshawmeadows, please buy from another artisan or craftsperson

(When you buy from small business you are helping that artisan buy food, clothing, and shelter for their family.) 

Please support those you know, and those around you. 

You will know that your money is supporting real people with real lives in your community.

CYBER MONDAY!!!


Use coupon code (CYBERMONDAY) for additional savings off total purchase!

Friday, November 9, 2012

the importance of being present


This is my piece that is up for auction, Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Art Con 8 in Dallas. This piece is 18x18 on primed furniture grade plywood. It is a combination of acrylic paint, graphite, and collaged with coffee splattered paper. Oh and I should not forget it is also collaged with rumpled brown paper lunch sacks. It took me two of the four hours allotted to the artists to make it. I note this fact because i am usually one who would nash my teeth and wring my hands and work on a piece for ages. The fact that i did not, with this one is just one more confirmation for me in the life lesson this piece is about.
The title of this piece is "Be Present 8",
an obvious homage to Art Con 8 and to the life lesson of "simply be present" that I am taking as my own personal mantra. 

The images in this picture are images i have worked with for years.....and i do mean...YEARS....
It is only in the last few months that the meaning behind the images finally made sense to me.
houses, city skylines, lotuses, birds, chairs,trees, atoms, intersecting circles....all to simply remind me to "be present" in every moment, every day, every second.
Right here, right now, this is all we have. Enjoy it. Find the beauty. Find the joy. Find the love. It is there. If we choose to see it.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Art Con 8!

This  Saturday, November 10, 2012, will be my third time to have the privilege of participating in Art Conspiracy

What is Art Conspiracy?
(in a nutshell) 
Art Conspiracy is a charity art movement that gathers 150 artists, some bands, a bunch of people who love art and love helping their community, and has a big auction/party/ to raise funds to help local charities. 

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!

I wish this was my JOB! I would feel like i died and went to heaven if i could do this all the time. I"M NOT KIDDING!




 Trying to keep mini entertained for as long as possible......






This guy, right here, DAD OF THE YEAR! Just sayin'.....

she had to paint on mom's pants too...just like mom..



trying to finish because mini was getting tired...
she got a cupcake ...which i hear were the most awesome cupcakes ever....provided by Iris Candelaria of Candelaria's Bakery 

here is a link to a beautiful photostreams of last Saturday's Artist Workday as well... 
(by Brian Hamm)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhamm/8156131868/

and a cool one from the Dallas Observer! (we're on slide 10!)

http://www.dallasobserver.com/slideshow/behind-the-scenes-at-art-con-8-38109177/10/?fb_action_ids=4915339285879&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582


And if you are interested in attending ART CON8  Here is your link!!!
All artwork starts at 20 bucks!

http://artconspiracy.org/

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

the sky


Come Celebrate Day of the Dead at Latino Cultural Center

 October 27th through November 3rd
My painting "Be Present  Calavera" will be at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas for ONE WEEK ONLY!!!!
Come see my painting and the wonderful of other area DFW artists this Saturday, October 27th from 11 a.m.- 4 a.m. 
There will be Dancing, Sugar Skulls, Face Piainting, Dancing Skeletons, Cigar box altars and a lot of family friendly fun!
 4 p.m



Friday, October 19, 2012

sneak peak

I have been working on this piece all day long. ALL DAY LONG!.....sometimes i just can't seem to juggle everything the way i would really like to. If i had my "Drothers" this piece would have been done a few weeks ago. But that is life in my studio. For example, in order to complete this piece, i had to work on the floor of the living room before the youngest woke up and my other two guys had left for their days...then after the youngest woke up, i had to work on the kitchen table while she ate breakfast, and ended up having to give her her own supplies as well (she loves to paint).  Then, we went and played in the back yard, me with this piece on the makeshift table created from a wood pallet. Once outside did not hold the youngest's attention, we moved into the den for some much needed learning related video time...today we worked on colors. ( figured that was appropriate)  Next came lunch, and then nap time...which, considering that nap time has been ellusive for the last few weeks, imagine the chorus of angels i heard when youngest actually did take a much needed nap...admit it, you can totally hear the angels...this gave me a solid two hours to work on this project...

TWO GLORIOUS HOURS OF SILENCE....
UNINTERRUPTED FOCUS TIME...
NOTHING BUT ART TIME....

you heard them again, didn't you? (angel chorus!)

You would think in that time i would move to a better work area...nope...i stuck to the kitchen...in fact, at one point the 24x24 painting was on top of my stove...perfect height to work on this size...once all of the painting was done, i sat in the middle of the kitchen floor to do the tiny details...
yup! you guessed it...

ANGEL CHORUS!

anyway, i finished it...now, to figure out how i am going to get it where it needs to be by tomorrow...good intentions meant for it to be where it is supposed to be TODAY!...Last night was my intended studio time, because normally that is the only time i can work without the fear of distraction and little hands and feet ending up in my work. But,upset stomach last night made me work on it today instead...and well, you know the rest...

Tomorrow, HOPEFULLY, I will have more full shots of the piece and where it will be displayed.



Sunday, October 7, 2012

Smoke and Mirrors Garage Art Sale


Garage Art
The Best of Dallas' Rest!
Sunday, October 14th 4-8pm
 
Smoke and Mirrors Gallery
406 South Haskell Ave. Dallas, TX 75226
 
 
Inline image 1
Once again, some of Dallas' best artists are clearing out their unsold works at Smoke and Mirrors' "Garage Art Show." The event is free and all art is priced $200 or less, with most under $100. There are over 10 artists participating, with no shortage of eclectic works, with diverse mediums, sizes, and styles.  DJ Hammertimez will be setting the mood for us again as we enjoy the great weather in the courtyard, and as always, there will be refreshments. 
 
FEATURED ARTIST:
 
CLAY STINNETT
 
Inline image 2
 
 
 
 
ADDITIONAL ARTISTS:
 
ALISON WELSH
CHRISTIAN CASSIDY
JACKIE DUNN SMITH
CHRISTOPHER TRANQUINO
ISAIAH PERKINS
DIANA ALMAND
KIMBERLY MEADOWS
KRIS SWENSON
SARAH ZAMORA
LANNY QUARLES
JUDAH HOAG
JUNKIE BRAND

Thursday, October 4, 2012

keep it simple silly



When i work on new pieces, the process goes through many stages...artwork transforms and evolves from where it begins until i finally feel like it is complete...

Sometimes, works are very complex...
Other times...i have to remind myself that complexity is not always necessary...in fact, sometimes complexity just makes things more confusing...and when this happens...i go with the reminder that keeping it simple is OK....

As an artist, I think there is a certain amount of over thinking that happens...at least for myself...and for several others that i have talked to...over thinking colors...ideas...processes...the artistic possibilities are endless...

sometimes  i find that i could have several paintings on top of one canvas....it is quite ridiculous at times really...
And when this happens...here is what i do...

1. Take a break: getting some fresh air and clearing the mind is a great way to to gain some perspective.

2. Clear the clutter: i put away excess supplies, ad limit my color pallet..i find that by giving myself a limit makes it much easier to stay on track and focus

3. Choose 1 idea: write the rest down...focus on ONE idea...and the rest will come together...

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Looking inside

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. -Carl Jung

Today i am trying to figure out what life lessons i have been missing...it is a "groundhog day" kind of day...


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

dia de los muertos

I am a little obsessed with Calaveras and Dia de los Muertos....
it's true... 
I have done work for and about this particular observation for several years...I have collected various pieces as well...and in fact decorate my home in calaveras...which, to some may seem a little...well, ...
weird...
but, eh, what else is new...? 

I have at least three shows i am participating in that is about the theme of Dia de los Muertos
I love it!

So, here are a few batches I am working on RIGHT NOW!

Some of these babies are 2x2 inches and great as fridge magnets! Others are 4x4 and perfect for shelves or niches that need a pop of color. These will be availble both in the Etsy shop and at local venues and shows.









Monday, October 1, 2012

Beginner Block Printing Workshop!


Have you signed up yet?

                              

What are you waiting for?


I am so excited! I will be teaching a workshop October 20th at MidTown Arts Academy October 20th!
This is an adult art class  and runs from 1-4.  I love printmaking! I love making my own block prints, and stamps. And I can't wait to share this with others! If you are interested, please sign up right away! 
here's your link!




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