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! 

LAST SALE OF THE YEAR IN THE ETSY SHOP!

tomorrow is Cyber Monday....

So, Tomorrow is Cyber Monday!

 Please take a moment to browse through my Etsy shop. 

I have lots of cute prints and one-of-a-kind artwork that  make beautiful gifts! 

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!

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.

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/