"Music in Art"-- My first show as curator!

My husband Paul and I are curating our first show together at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria!  Can't believe opening night is only a few days away!  The show opens June 7th and runs through June 30th.

We chose the theme "Music in Art" not only because the two go hand in hand, but because Paul is an artist AND a musician!  Much of his art reflects these two passions!  I on the other hand, am a music appreciator, not a musician!  Embracing this theme has been fun, but a little more of a stretch for me.  I am looking forward to seeing how the other artists interpret this them and explore the relationship between art and music.  

Curating our first show has been a great learning experience for both of us. We have gotten to do everything from writing up the press release, newsletter article, and call for entry to designing and mailing the postcards to choosing, hanging, and arranging the artwork.  Somehow we have managed to do all this while still taking care of our family, working our full-time jobs, and creating our own artwork for the show.  

It seems the process of creating our artwork revealed a bit of our personalities.  Paul focused with laser-like intensity on his one new masterpiece.  He went over the top with his attention to detail as he hand cut, sculpted, and painted a huge cardboard rendition of Jazz Legend Jelly Roll Morton.  I tended to be more scattered and free-form, working on 6 different paintings at a time.  I would start one piece and when I got to a point where I wasn't sure how to proceed, I started another.  Eventually, I finished all 6.

Here is a sneak peek…more to come soon!

Joyful Journey Affirmations!

This series was inspired by the return to my own artful journey and a series of photos I did with my daughters.  This school year, I found myself coming full circle to resume a journey I began several years ago.  I knew then that I wanted to center my life around art and creativity and the same is true now.  Although I am currently working in a full time job that is not art related, I committed myself to resuming my journey and creating an artful life for me and my family.  Lucky for me, my husband and two daughters are on artful journeys of their own--it's so wonderful we can share this passion!  

The first piece in this series is "find your path" which is what I am trying to do (aren't we all?), while maintaining some sort of balance.  In order to find your path, you have to get out there and search!  You may have to try several different paths before finding the one that is right for you!  This image was based on my daughter Autumn who loves an adventure and a photo shoot we did in the woods.

The second piece is "climb your mountain." For me, this piece offered encouragement.  Despite the roadblocks, obstacles, and detours, you can do it--keep going!  You can and will climb your mountain and reach the top! This image was based on my new hiking boots and the mountains and glaciers I planned to (and did) climb in Iceland and beyond.

The third piece in this series is "make a splash." This piece was created to remind myself that when it rains (or when things don't go as planned), don't get discouraged…pull on your boots and go "make a splash!"  Don't take yourself or life too seriously.  Go play, have fun, jump in a puddle! You can still be "sunny" in the midst of a storm. The image was based on photos I took of my daughters jumping in puddles and playing in the rain.

The fourth piece is "jump for joy!" Don't worry…after the rain, sunshine and summer are just around the corner!  It's time to take off your shoes and "jump for joy!"  All the hard work you put into this journey will be rewarded!  The flowers will bloom and so will you!  It's time to celebrate!  This image was based on my daughter Zoe who loves to dance and jump for joy!

Hope these affirmations will be helpful to you on your journey!

Ocean Affirmations!

Here are some new minis I created to go with my "be a star" collage in "Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine!  Each beach inspired piece has an ocean inspired affirmation!  I am trying to practice these affirmations in my daily life..."listen to your whispers," "be open to possibility," "share your treasure," and "be a star!"  The beach has always been a source of healing and inspiration for me!  Hope you enjoy--see you at the beach!

"Cloth Paper Scissors" arrived today with MY art!!!!!

Just got the mail and the day I have been waiting for has arrived!  My painting, "be a star" is published in my favorite magazine, "Cloth Paper Scissors!"  This is a dream come true!  I  made it as a finalist in their "make mine mini" challenge several months ago and have been waiting on pins and needles ever since to see if I made the final cut into the magazine! I am pleasantly surprised and overjoyed to report that I made the cut!  I am now published and it feels great!  My artwork is on page 83 of the May/June issue.  What a way to start the week!  I am SOOO happy, excited, and thankful!

Boutique Bakeshop: A Sweet Deal--WOW!!!

I am so excited to announce that my cards, cakes, and cupcakes are now for sale at the Boutique Bakeshop in Herndon, VA!  I took my entire cake/cupcake inventory over to show the owners samples of my work and they took it ALL!  I have my own little display area!  The Bakeshop is a bright, chic, spacious bakery in the heart of Herndon!  Stop by to try their delicious cakes, cupcakes, muffins and scones or take home a piece of my my colorful cake/cupcake art!  Special orders upon request.  Thank you Stephanie and Evan!  See you at the Boutique Bakeshop!  http://www.theboutiquebakeshop.com

"Cultivating Creativity!"

 "Cultivating Your Creative Life" is a beautiful book written and illustrated by Alena Hennessy, the talented artist and author I met recently in Asheville! I was so excited to get her book in the mail on Friday!  Just wanted to share the joy I had in reading this book over the weekend!  I read it outside with the flowers blooming and the birds chirping.  It is the perfect way to welcome spring and makes a great companion for your creative journey! 

Artful Adventure in Asheville!

Just got back from an Awesome Adventure in Artful Asheville!  Loved this mountain town full of good food, great art, and natural beauty!  My family and I rented a cabin overlooking a private pond.  I was captivated by the beauty of the shifting light and reflections on the pond.  I felt like Monet only with a camera instead of a paint brush.  Our little cabin was storybook cute on the outside and boasted an eclectic collection of local art on the inside.  One of our favorite pieces was a metal chair made by artist Cindy Wynn.  We had fun visiting the shops and studios of the River Arts District and Zapow Gallery!  We talked with a sculptor who makes souls out of clay, a painter who creates beautiful landscapes with gold leaf and resin, an artist who makes mountains and mandalas out of tape, and artist/author Alena Hennessy who wrote "Cultivating Your Creative Life."  We enjoyed a tour of the amazing Biltmore Estate with its impressive art, history, and mountain views.  We hiked through forests and over streams to view breathtaking waterfalls (4 in 1 day).  We ate the best ribs and BBQ ever at 12 Bones and had a delicious meal at Tupelo Honey Cafe.  We had fun exploring "District 12" from the Hunger Games movie and loved coming home to sunset and moonrise at the cabin!  If you like Art and Adventure, Asheville is the place for you!