New addition to our family~

This is our new addition to the family...the kids named her Snowy Angel, Snow for short.

She is a tea~cup Maltese & she only weights 3 pounds, and is fully grown....oh my... is she the cutest thing ever!

I have never been much of an animal person, but the kids have been talking about getting a dog for a long time....she doesn't shed so that was a particular reason I bought her. The kids were so surprized when we got her~

Now I see why people get attached to their animals, she is like having another baby in the house!

My other love....rat rods & fast cars~ Car show in Vegas last weekend~

Finally....some new art to share~

In your light I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest
where no one sees you,

but sometimes I do,
and sight becomes this art.

~Rumi

Throw Yourself Like Seed~

Shake off this sadness, and recover your spirit;
sluggish you will never see the wheel of fate
that brushes your heel as it turns going by,
the man who wants to live is the man in whom life
is abundant.

Now you are only giving food to that final pain
which is slowly winding you in the nets of death,
but to live is to work, and the only thing
which lasts
is the work: start then, turn to the work.

Throw yourself like seed as you walk, and into your
own field,
don't turn your face for that would be to turn it
to death,
and do not let the past weight down your motion.

Leave what's alive in the furrow, what's dead
in yourself,
for life does not move in the same way as a group
of clouds;
from your work you will be able one day to
gather yourself.

~Miguel De Unamunu ~Translated by Robert Bly

Wanted to share this poem from a book I bought yesterday "Poems To Live By In Uncertain Times" edited by Joan Murray
xo!!!

North Light Books~ Artist Trading Cards~ By Bernie Berlin

I have been keeping this a secret, until I knew for sure! But it is official! I received a letter a while ago, from North Light Books stating, Bernie Berlin is putting a wonderful book together with an array of other amazing artists....the book is called "Artist Trading Cards Workshop"~create~collect~swap. It is scheduled to be released near the end of this year!

Each artist was assigned 3 techniques...let me tell you..that was a challenge, using products & techniques I have never heard of, or dreamt about using in my art.

I am still in a state of shock that I was asked to participate in this project, it is such a thrill to imagine going to my favorite book store & seeing it sitting there on the shelf ready to buy!

So as of today, I just finished wrapping the package of art cards to send them on their journey....not sure if they will be used in the book, but will be hoping & praying they will be!

What a silly thing, I was in such a hurry to get them all wrapped up...I forgot to scan them...oh my gosh if they get lost! Oh Lord protect my lil' cards ;)

Also, I wanted to send a special thanks to you...Bernie for giving me this opportunity!!! Thank you for having faith in me that I could accomplish this task ;) xo Check out her new blog
http://aplacetobark.blogspot.com/

I finally got enough nerve to take my art to a small art gallery yesterday, in hopes they would like to jury me into their gallery...... there was no one there, except the lady who was working, perfect opportunity I thought....

We started talking about her art that she was creating (ab~soul~utley stunning!!) she was demonstrating her techniques & she asked if I was an artist...(I don't feel comfortable answering that yet) but I showed her some of my art, she looked at, and looked at some more, flipped the pages back & forth, put some of the pages practically to her nose, as to get a closer look, it seemed 5 minutes until she said something.....what are these!? are these originals? are these images, someone elses photos? did you take these photos yourself? I explained they are all vintage images, in which I painted the backgrounds & aged each piece with inks, stamped .....collaged. She DID NOT get my art...she just handed it back & said this isn't actually original art if you just cut things & glued them! OUCH! I then asked her, if she would like to keep one of my art cards......oh my, another stinging comment....I don't have any extra room in my purse! (her purse was huge!)

So that is my lil' rejection story of the day...I actually find it quite humorous, how some people can be so rude & ignorant, but I am ok with the rejection, my heart was guarded, I felt strong enough to actually bring my art out of my house yesterday, so I guess I was mentally prepared for a possible battle attack....... from the large & scary art gallery lady! :)

So that was yet another baby step in my art journey~rejection makes you stronger, right!?..... now I am off to the next adventure!

Vintage photo's~

This is one thing I am addicted to.... searching for amazing photo's of vintage ladies~

The Painter's Keys~ your primary relationship

Dear Izabella,

Practically every day artists write to let me in on the inner nuances of their personal relationships. Some write with praise--others complain about how things have turned out. Some ask me to suggest something. This is a considerable responsibility--like trying to crit an unseen painting over the phone. Apart from the few who have no close relationships, the people who send these incoming emails often describe one of five types of significant others:

Discouraging, negative or openly hostile
Disinterested, ignorant or mildly oblivious
Amused, tolerant, neutral or patronizing
Encouraging, positive or enthusiastic
Overwhelmingly supportive and totally involved

Funny, artists with partners (or parents) at either end of this spectrum can be complainers. A lot of problems relate to different personality types--introverts versus extroverts, practical versus impractical, or highly sensitive persons living with beer-drinking jocks. "My wife," wrote J.M., "golfs, jogs, frisbees and goes to bars. The only thing she cares about is that the goose keeps laying the golden eggs. I'm the goose." There's a bit of resentment out there. Also writing are artists who welcome the chasm between themselves and their others--perhaps a ploy to get some creative time to themselves.

In art as in life, relationship difficulties can be turned into convenient scapegoats for perceived failure. Whether in a state of true love or not, an artist has to realize that when push comes to shove, most of us are pretty much on our own. Art is generally not a group activity, nor does art always profit from the input of a close being. On the other hand, I get good reports from broader-based divisions of labour such as the creator-distributor duo where she paints and he talks. Or where he writes and she edits, she carves and he ships, or he weaves and he embroiders.

It may take considerable effort, empathy and fine tuning to balance a life in art with a relationship--to my knowledge there's no weekend workshop. Living internally and working for the love of it makes us a unique study. And while we can be difficult for many folks to understand, it's not their fault. We have chosen to be this way, but we are not chosen people. There are no chosen people. Sometimes it may be okay to golf.

Best regards,

Robert

PS: "What great artist?" (Reportedly said by Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce, to a journalist who knocked on their door in 1932 and asked, "Is the great artist at home?")

Esoterica: Several recent letters have described an ideal partner as being "self-amusing," or "having their own itinerary." This may be all the support some artists need. Their partners may intuitively understand the fragility of the muse and the potential pitfalls in an individualistic, ego-based effort. I'm not going to make a case for this because, as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the value and the joy of true connectivity and creative like-mindedness. But there is still something to be said for just being left alone.

My note...my primary relationship~ my answer from above statement would be.....the first 2.....

~Discouraging, negative or openly hostile
~Disinterested, ignorant or midly oblivious

How about you!?

www.thepainterskeys.com

2005 Artist Choice Awards!

Wow! I can't believe I actually did win! I won 3rd place in 2 categories! I am still in shock....among all those entries & hundreds of amazing artists' I actually won! This is such a huge, phenominal event for me, I am so honored!!!

~Inspirational (small format) 3rd place
~Best Craftsmanship 3rd place

Check out the Awards page with all the artists' you will be lost in art for hours!
http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=artistchoiceawards

Easter~

May It Not Be Forbidden~

These images do not do justice for this piece, it is so intricate & detailed~ the other side has vintage reddish leather & it still smells of his french cologne! ;) I am still in shock that I am in possession of this amazing piece~

to see more of Keith's work, check out his website www.lobue-art.com

The Journey~

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice~
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do~
deteremined to save
the only life you could save.

~Mary Oliver


This poems speaks loudly about transformation, mirrored reflections of my own story~
How does it speak to you?!

Keith Lo Bue~

Have I ever shared why I am so awed by Keith Lo Bue?!

A lil' over a year ago, I never knew art really existed, well, in museums & such, but it was NOT at all a part of my life. One day I was at a tag sale, in Seattle, and I came across a magazine called "Somerset" ( a back issue) which I had never seen before~ when I came home, the first page I opened to was the most amazing art I have ever laid my eyes upon...I read the article & gazed on the images of Keith's work, I was so moved by his art, it brought me to tears, I was literally sobbing...not sure why at that time, but later discovered why.

I immediately went to the computer, hoping to find something about this man's work, I found his website, and again was blown away & overwhelmed by all his work! I was crying uncontrollably....it was the most amazing, awakening website I have ever seen~ from that moment on, I was distangled I was AWAKE! it was as if I were sleeping all these years, my eyes were opened to a whole new world~the vintage feel of the sad souls in his art, the past, the future, the now, the process, the detailing, the dissection, the categorizing, it was unmistakable evidence, plain & coherant.....it was all reeling around in my head. What was I doing! nothing! to represent a part of my living here on earth, I couldn't sleep that night & practically every night since...I dreamt of all the images I saw, I dreamt of creating my own art~

The next day I went out on my first art journey, I bought so much stuff, I didn't know what I needed, what I was buying, I just knew I HAD to create something! I started with paper, and have been creating paper art ever since.....collages, artist trading cards, altered books, altered anything! my life will never be the same!

This last month I was able to finally meet Keith at Artfest, I wanted my first art class to be with him, since it only be fitting, that he, in reality was the first to introduce me to this art world! not personally but through, what it now my favorite magazine Somerset~ Well his class is indescribable, and I left his class with a great knowledge & priceless information, in which he freely shares. He is funny, silly & loves teaching & he feels like a long lost friend you haven't seen for a long while~

So now you know a little....why I am in awe of Keith, it brings me to next chapter of the story. The first time I layed eyes upon a neckpiece he created, that was on his website, I immediatley fell in love with it & new I wanted it. While at Artfest, Keith let me touch & gaze upon the art pieces, he so lovingly created.. holding them in my hands was indiscribable, I was shaking like a leaf, afraid I would drop one. I told him which one I wanted, he just stared at me for a second not saying anything, then he said "Oh Izabella! I had decided, if this one didn't sell in the states this time, I was going to donate it to a museum!" Then I was speechless! we hugged. It is the most intricate, beautiful, womanly piece I ever seen. When I first saw the piece, it reminded me of womens' womb, ovaries, I thought this is crazy I would think of that...but when I bought it, Keith mentioned "ovarian" I wasn't thinking crazy at all, I am on the same page as he ;)

To me it is just money for him, but I have an amazing & priceless piece of his art forever to hand down to my family. It was a bittersweet feeling. I am forever indebted to him for the introduction to art which has changed my life, he has no idea how I feel, but in no way could I ever repay someone who has made my life feel......like I actually feel alive for the first time and for a reason, not just to create art, but that it has opened up my eyes to so many emotions, healing & restoration in my life. Making something is just plain theraputic & creating with your hands is such a gratification....I just can't explain it~

pics of the beautiful neck piece "What Is Not Forbidden"
www.lobue-art.com

also thanks to JoAnnA for lending me some pics of Keith!
www.mosshillstudio.com

Life changing~

My mind is still reeling from Artfest, it's been 9 days since I have been home & I just unpacked my bags last night!

The whole artfest experience was something to behold, it is beyond what words can describe, a million different feelings, so many emotions, artists, teachers, new friends. I still haven't comprehended all of it, but enjoying every new baby step I am taking, not knowing where it will lead, is the best part, exciting & scary at the same time~

I was pondering why I was feeling so blue, on my return home, it brought back memories of camp in grade school, the comradery of your fellow student, the sharing of new experiences, the journey of it all, then comes the last day, the time to leave this new loved environment & all you can do is hold your new friends tightly & a kiss them on the cheek, and whisper in their ear.....until next time, crying when you turn away.

Coming home for me, was awkward & uncomfortable, not a single soul to share your discoveries, they look at you with this glazed look over their eyes, trying to understand, but they can't. I have came to the realization, that "my tribe" is somewhere else, a gathering of like minded souls, so.... I await patiently for next year, to be with my people again~

I walked away from Artfest with so much, filling my heart & soul to the brim, not knowing where art is leading me, or if my art will change, but I do know it was worth every penny I saved, to get there~

I can't wait to get back into my art & try the new techniques I learned~

Check out www.teeshamoore.com for info on artfest~

Artfest~Keith Lo Bue

Here are a few pics from Artfest, that I managed NOT to delete from my camera! I lost tons of them~

Pictures of the lovely Keith Lo Bue in his kilt ...and oh! those cozy sweaters, he is just like a teddy bear, you just want to cuddle up in his sweaters!! :) His classes are beyond words, you just can't describe it, you have to experience it firsthand...it was ab~soul~utly magical....if you comprehend it...I could tell some people didn't understand the whole concept that he was teaching. A genius mind he has!! and the sweetest, down to earth guy, a rare gem he is~

I met some amazing talented artists & teachers at Artfest & ladies that were in Keith's classes, I have lost many email addresses of people that I wanted to keep in touch with, if you are reading this & we exchanged emails, pleaz oh pleaz email me ;)

The other pics are of the James House, where I stayed~ heavenly!

Legacy~

Last night I was looking through the Legacy magazine & just about to put it away, it flipped open to the last page, how shocking it was to see my art on the page!! I forgot all about Chel, (founder of ZNE) mentioned she was going to use my art for the ZNE ad~

When I was thumbing through the mag...I was pondering, like I have been for a year now...wanting to send something in, to get published...you know that inner critic always yelling in my ear...your art isn't good enough, nobody would publish your art, your art sucks....ya know I really love her (my inner critic) I am always trying to prove her wrong! ;)

Thanks Chel for using my art!!!

My return from Artfest~

My return from Artfest is oh, so bittersweet....so many events that occurred, still have not been able to comprehend it all.

It was scary to be there alone, yet exhilerating in the sense of traveling alone for the first time~

My mind is jumbled with a million ideas, yet scared, to start~

Many unpleasant situations were awaiting me, in my emails, just waiting for my return from Artfest~ it has stunned & froze me. I just want to create new art, but life has taken me in another direction~ I will be waiting to unthaw~

Broken heart~

Today I found this heart in a parking lot...it was trampled on, ripped, scarred, torn, abused, ran over, stepped on & left abandoned~ it was clearly a message just laying there for me... I couldn't resist picking up this broken heart.

It so describes many situations in my life at the moment, for the people involved, my heart is aching~