Silence in Creativity

"The best of our creativity emerges out of the valleys and mountaintops of the silence inside of us." ~Bruce Davis, Ph.D.

Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of silence.  After living in Chicago for years I've become accustomed to noise and commotion. It was always comforting to know there was life and movement around me. The motion offered a constant supply of creativity and energy to pull from.

But recently, in our hiking escapades out here in California, I have been reminded that there is also a profound source of creative energy when things are silenced. To be in the quiet, surrounded by the simple beauty of nature, brings about a whole new dimension to being creative.  A more personal one.  It's a place that is simple, crisp and fulfilling. It's silent, but at the same time so profound.  We get in touch with ourselves, our thoughts and our dreams.  We tap into the true person that we are...and it is there that we can draw energy.

God made this world which abounds in beauty, and to experience just a slice of it, is refreshing, uplifting and comforting. I believe it's a necessary part of the creative process, where we can give ourselves room to breathe and recharge.  

This holiday season, with all the chaos and noise that may surround us, remember to tap into silence and nature whenever possible. It will do wonders for your soul and be a great reminder that the greatest gift has already been given to us. 

Begin...now.

There are times when we just need to hear the hard truth. We are all creative souls, we all have something to contribute and we all get stuck. Most often we get stuck in our own heads, we stumbled upon our own feet and put the breaks on the things that could launch us forward.

I absolutely struggle everyday to push through the barriers of doubt, expectation and fear. When I put things out to the world, when I share my artwork and my words, I have to work really hard to not listen to the gremlins in my head. There are a million reasons why I could stay silent, mediocre, afraid. There are a million reasons I could put it off till later, I could wait for the perfect moment, or I could mirror someone else to avoid facing myself. 

But if I did that, what kind of life would I be living?

In order to blossom into your true self and believe in the amazing talents that you possess, you must cross the big, scary barriers and just begin. Repeat: just begin.

Here is a great video that expresses just that!

(Thanks to my Made Vibrant Slack community, for sharing this!)

A Month of Photos-October

Oh my gosh, October! Other than being frustrated that it didn't turn cool this month here in SoCal (being hot in October just doesn't feel right), it was a pretty good month! My dad came for a visit, we attended the official opening party for American Tea Room, I launched my website, enjoyed the hashtag #inktober, Henry got all his vaccines so he could finnnnally go for a walk like a normal dog, he wore a bowtie for Halloween and experienced riding in the car with us! Now, if only the leaves would change, we'd be all set!

Where to Buy Good Art

So you want to start collecting art? Perhaps you read my last post and now you have a general idea of what you're looking for. Good! That's half the battle! You are now ready for the fun part...hunting down that perfect piece for your space. So, where do you start? Here are just a few places where you can begin your search:

1. Local Art Walks

Most towns (big and small) will have some sort of art event from time to time. I just found out that my town hosts art walks every 2nd Friday, right downtown. The art stores, boutiques, galleries and local studios open their doors so you can see the latest art happenings.  And my favorite part...free wine and music (emphasis on the free wine).  It's also a great way to explore new stores and galleries without pressure to buy. Super low-key but personal.

2. Art Fairs

When I lived in Chicago, there were so many art fairs to choose from. Just about every month (and every week during the summer) something was happening. These are so fun and relaxed. Most times, the artists have to enter their artwork and pay a high rate to even get a space, so the artwork is usually very high quality.  Artists also have to bring and set up their own tent and artwork and then sit the entire weekend at their booth. I mention this because it often gets overlooked, but artists put a lot of work into these events, so its a great way to support them. Without them, these events couldn't happen.

3. Galleries

An obvious place to find good art. If you are able to make it to an opening, you get bonus points. The artist will be there and once again free wine and snacks are usually available. Galleries will switch out their artwork every few weeks or months depending on their clientele. If you are in a bigger city, there are usually art districts that will have several art galleries close to one another, which makes for an easy gallery hop! 

4. Open Studios

This is probably one of my favorite ways to check out local artists. Artists will open their studios (which are often in their homes) and display their artwork in their work space. When we lived up North, the Marin Open Studios was so much fun.  It was a great way to explore new areas and neighborhoods. You can go at your own pace and choose which artists you want to check out. What I notice with this type of setup is that you'll get a wide range of talent, from very professional artists, to those who enjoy it as a hobby or use a lot of glitter and Elmer's glue (not that there's anything wrong with that)! Either way, its fun to support them and check out where they work!

5. Flea Markets

Oh yes. If you want to do a bit of digging and sorting, flea markets are a really great spot to find artwork. Some may be antiques that are a little rough around the edges, but if you can look beyond that, it's a very budget friendly place to hunt down your perfect piece of art. Be sure to inspect the piece and make sure it's in good condition. Also, this is a great spot to barter with the seller for a lower price.  Also, keep an open mind. Many pieces can easily be reframed and cleaned up, so they can take on a second life on your walls!

6. Etsy

A great place to check out artwork online. Of course its not as personal as seeing it in person, but in general, Etsy sellers do a really good job of listing their pieces, adding plenty of pictures and detailed descriptions to make the buying experience as transparent as possible. I've been pleasantly surprised with some of the artists I've contacted on Etsy. Sometimes I just want to see a different photo of a painting or I have a specific question, and they are generally very happy to send me any information I need. It's also a great way see whats out there before actually "going out there." Couch potato art hunting, perhaps, but its fun!

7. Instagram

Another place to find artwork! Just using the hashtag #art can allow you to see some pretty amazing (and sometimes scary) artwork.  If you want to get a more narrow focus, use #abstract, #landscapepainting, #acrylic, #linedrawing, #oilpainting, etc. You may have to weed through some questionable things, but once an artist catches your eye, check out their website and see what their all about. What I like about Instagram is, if done well, it allows the artist to tell a story and show their process of how their art has evolved time. Here are a few of my favorite insta-artsits: @katyanngilmore, @emilyjeffords, @jennyprinn

8. Art Brokers

I don't have experience working with art brokers, but I know they can be a helpful tool when searching for artwork. Art brokers can be beneficial to artists because they have a network of contacts and first hand experience in buying and selling artwork. I would say this would be a more high end service, so probably not ideal to someone just starting an art collection.

Remember, art is all around you, you just have to go out and find it!  Don't ever feel pressured to buy a piece if you are not 100% comfortable with it. However, some art sells quickly, so once you know what you want and it's within your budget, be ready to pull the trigger. Be sure to get the artists information in case you ever need to contact them or want to refer them to a friend.

Best of luck my friends, go grab yourself some amazing artwork (and a few glasses of free wine)! You'll love it and your walls will thank you. Promise!

Photo Credit: The Other Art Fair

10 Reasons to Start Collecting Art

For most of us, collecting art may seem out of reach. But I'm here to tell you that collecting art can be a really fulfilling and worthwhile thing to do. It can also be a really good investment. And you don't necessarily have to break the bank to do it. Here are my top 10 reasons to start an art collection:

1. Tell a Story

Collecting art is similar to collecting any other thing...it begins to tell a story over time and thats the beauty of it. We remember where we bought it, the artist, the circumstances and the connection we made with it. We can literally build a story on our walls. And as the collection builds, we can see how our personal narrative evolves over time.

2. Remember Places We've Been

We all have memories of the places we've been in the past. Whether its a house we lived in, our favorite vacation spot or the place where we fell in love. Finding artwork that captures these places and moments can bring so much warmth and memories into our current space. Even a simple landscape can provoke a profound memory.

3. Add a Personal Touch to a Space

Sometimes we come across artwork that is just "so us." As if the artist had our personality in mind when they created it. These treasures are worth collecting because they add personality and meaning to our space (even if no one else understands it). They may even spur some creativity and ideas for us in our personal work.

4. Capture Memories and Emotions

Art has a way of provoking emotions...we all know that.  And sometimes a particular piece of artwork can trigger a memory or feeling that we want to cling onto. Artwork like this, for example, can make us feel happy or hopeful. While this may remind us of a stormy, yet pivotal time in our lives.

5. It Looks Really Good 

Obviously, we want to buy art that fits our style.  So sometimes collecting art is simply a matter of looking for pieces that complement our space and give it a personal touch.  

6. Support Local Artists

There is something special about saying that you've collected artwork from a local artist. Having a hand-signed piece of art is something that brings life and connection to the piece. Artists have to work really hard to put themselves out there. A lot of their own time and money go into sharing their work, applying for galleries and shows and being their own salesperson. Supporting local artists is a win for everyone, so if you truly like what they've made, make an investment in them.

7. It's Time to Grow Up

Gone are the days of push-pins and posters.  It just isn't cool once you hit 30 (and perhaps long before). Going from a wall covered in outdated posters to a wall filled with unique pieces of artwork can do wonders. It brings the space up a level, refines it and makes it feel current and alive. Remember, you're a grown-up now.  The simple upgrade to using framed pieces and thick canvases can truly transform a blank space into something beautiful and intriguing. 

8. Art Lasts Forever

Art collections are something that can be passed along from generation to generation. Having something tangible (and beautiful) that can be passed on to future generations can really be special. Whether passing artwork to family members or trading with other art collectors, its an heirloom that will last and sometimes even go up in value. Take care of your art because we want it to last though many lifetimes.

9. Its Fun

That's right, collecting art can be fun! Searching for the right piece to fit into your collection is like going on a treasure hunt. It can really make visiting artist studios, galleries and art fairs an interactive and fun experience. The intention of adding to your collection is a great conversation starter with local artists and other art collectors.

10. Invest in the Real Thing

Sure, there are other things we could spend your money and time on. But starting an art collection is something that we can cherish for a lifetime. With so much digital stimulation these days, its good to get out and see that people are still creating by hand. They are relying on their craft, which in most cases, have taken them years to perfect. Rather than spending less money on a high volume of reproductions, why not spend a little more money on a few high quality, hand made pieces?   

And remember, art comes in many different forms.  Jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fiber, etc...it's not just for your walls. So let your world become a little more artful and experience all the beauty it brings to your life.2

Photo Credit: http://www.mychicadventure.com/creative-gallery-wall-ideas-transform-your-home-into-a-stylish-place/

Expand, Explore, Never Stop

It's been a while since my last post thanks to our recent move to Southern California. We've been focused on unpacking, settling in and exploring our new territory.  But now I am excited to come back to my writing, my artwork and my time. I've very much fallen in love with my new pen and paper drawings, which stem from years of doodling during classes and meetings. I swear I can focus and hear more clearly when I am doodling, even though it may not look like it!  I like to say that this new style is all about simplicity and surrender.  I've learned that in the process of art making, there is a fine line between being in control and letting go of control and it's in that space between that the magic happens. When we can produce something that is un-trying, cohesive, imperfect and intriguing all at the same time, we reach the ultimate artistic high. Using pen and paper has allowed me to refine my style a bit in a clean and simplistic manner. It's brought new light and energy to my work and to my soul.  

I am reminded that in order to evolve, we must expand and explore and never stop trying new things.