Sarah*n*dipitous

2008

As I reflect on 2007, I have SO much to be thankful for. I know many folks tend to think about what goodies the New Year will bring; trying to forget the past and embrace the Fresh New Start.... For me, I love thinking about what the New Year but, I always try to end the year with a list of gratitude so I do not forget to remember the good things that happened over the year which paved the way and laid the foundation for the promising New Year in front of me. 2007 was a "fairytale come true" banner year for me and my career. Did I bring in oodles of bucks or invent that one thing that would change the industry forever...well, no- not even close. I suppose my benchmark of profitability is a bit different (that and my husband has the 9 to 5 that pays the bills...LOL). Most artists do what they do because they are passionate about their craft and are just thankful their art managed to offset the cost of their addiction if we were all straight forward and honest about that...wink.... But, all kidding aside, I did get to Design the Winning Golden Press Kit for PageSage, I did get to work side by side with the Industry's most talented and gifted artists and the Queen of Crafts herself, Carol Duvall, on her groundbreaking Art Unscripted Retreat DVD. I had an incredible year traveling around the planet teaching some of the most inspirational people I could have ever imagined; learning so much about myself and my art in the process. I had the privilege to work with some of the coolest manufacturers by creating projects and samples that tested my own artistic boundaries- it is not every day that you get to dance on the sharp edge of creativity and innovation- it is thrilling, trust me. Life is good. 2007, despite the many challenges and set-backs (local stores closing and a ROUGH economy here in Michigan), was everything I hoped for and then some.

As I sit here just moments from ringing in 2008, it is hard to wrap my head around all the AMAZING things going on in my world slated for their debut in a few more months- things that could not have been even imagined had it not been for my banner 2007 year. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me. Happy New Year!

You Can't Beat them- Join Them....

I am known for making up words randomly- words that totally could pass off as real if you heard them in a sentence and did not listen too carefully...

The term "Vidiot" is a term of endearment I have for my husband and those of his ilk- the folks that LOVE XBox and gaming systems in general and who get this slack-jawed look about them when they stare countless hours at a screen while they play their games.

Stealing a term from Star Trek and the Borg, I have been assimilated. I do not like gaming especially yet, I still play for the sake of the team.... My children and husband love playing and I think I heard somewhere (most likely from my husband) about a study that proves kids actually learn something from them (a study funded by the video gaming industry probably...LOL) So, needless to say, I figured if I *HAD* to play, it would have to be by my terms..... at least their is no question about which controller is MINE.

Cool tools

Okay, I am a gadget junkie- if only I could afford all the wonderful whozits and whatzits I jones for flippin' through the various technology and science magazines I get here at the house. This was the year of the iPhone and yes, I have one- the coolest gadget ever. I have only had this lovely for a week or so yet, I cannot imagine how I got by without one- seriously.

So why would I mention a "techie" thing on a blog that talks about art and the business of making a living creating one might ask??? I know, you are asking right? I think to be successful at business in general, one needs to embrace new technologies and incorporate them into your business plan.

And, for the record, being able to share my website and the new video trailer from Carol Duvall's DVD with one of the owners of a store I teach at via a phone I just pulled out from my pocket..... totally worth the price of admission.

Copyright

I know in many collage artist circles, the issue of Copyright comes up more often that not and the debate can be heated and well, scary. Now that everything is on the web and things are so easily obtained and the sources muddy, to say the least, it is not hard to figure out why so many folks are confused. I had a personal experience a few years ago where I received an image from a very trusted source and presented it to one of my friends not realizing that it was protected by copyright. It was purely by accident and totally innocent. I was thankful that my friend found a hidden watermark which signified a copywritten work- it really got me thinking real quick about how easy it is to acquire an image and how even those who have no intention of stealing, do so without even realizing it. I have had my personal work "borrowed", stolen, copied and sold elsewhere and I can tell you, it is the worst feeling in the world when you discover something like that. I am looking forward to the debate continuing and seeing how the Law evolves to catch up with the technology we already have. Until then, enjoy this wonderful movie- it is long but, worth it.

Resolutions

Well, Christmas is over and the whole New Year's Resolution thing is now on everyone's mind....I received gym memberships, discounts offers on storage and organizational materials, and even an open solicitation to change my life or suffer the consequences warning in my mailbox today.... My Christmas tree is still up in my living room and already I am being told by the powers that be (living in my mailbox churning out these things don't you know) that I am slacking and am behind and in need of some "do-it-yourself" quick fix solution...... I guess I shouldn't mention that I love Christmas lights and I tend to leave them up in random parts of the house all year long....tsk tsk tsk.

Get organized, learn something new, lose weight, pay off whatever, visit a new place, get a new job, finish that scrapbook, make time to create..... what is it about this time of year that compels us to wishful think and set lofty goals that we tend to break shortly after the were conceived?

What if we collectively resolve not to resolve for the sake of putting together a resolution? You know, make no promises to do anything in a fancy list but rather, just do them without any declaration or pomp or circumstance- create commitments on a daily basis as a process of self-evaluation not some yearly ritual. I think having goals and ambitions are something we all need and that yes, they should be written down lest we forget them however, to make some arbitrary list out of guilt or because the rest of the "herd" is doing and New Year's Day is the day to do it mentality, is pure poppycock. Every morning (not just the first day of the year) we should get out of bed with a set determination to do something amazing and worthwhile, to approach each choice and decision we have knowing that there are consequences- if we eat that jelly filled, sugar coated lovely on the table, we will have a wonderful dimpled whatever to show for it..... if we chose to spend our money on things that clutter our studios and aren't a "need" we may indeed have debt that we'll pay for later on..... if we do not set aside time for ourselves to be inspired and to create, our muse may just dry up and our colorful and vibrant world may end up an all too familiar shade of drab. As this year draws to a close, I have been thinking about the amazing things I have been a part of (things I could have never dreamed up or imagined on my welcome to 2007 list....) and I am excited about what 2008 will bring. My hope is that, as the year draws to a close, you will set a time to re-evaluate the things that worked for you as an artist this year and how to improve upon them not because this is the time of year folks tend to do this but, because in your core, you want to do something incredible and take your art, your business, your whatever it is, to the next level.

Christmas Eve

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house,
the cats were chasing the children's little altered toy mouse
Ink pads, stamps, trinkets and trash were hidden with care
Afraid that my husband would see that Christmas arrived early in the studio down there

The kids were all nestled secure and snug in their beds
Die Cutters, Gel Mediums, Acrylics, and Paper dreams danced in my head
Me in my slippers and my husband with XBox controller in hand
I figured now was as good as any to make something grand

When from down in the basement there arose such a clatter
My husband dropped Halo 3 to see what was the matter
Smoke poured out from the studio after the flash
Not to worry, I had a fire extinguisher there in my stash

Who would of thought that ink would be so flammable and touch off so quick
perhaps I should have not spread it on so thick
Nevertheless, it could not have possibly been the portable torch set on high
or the smooth glass like finish I was trying to achieve with the dye

The house was awake, the fire alarm blared way too loud
Drat! How to convince the kids that the smoke is some dreamy cloud
They needed to go back to bed, not be awake and ready to unwrap toys
It is so hard to explain to 1 anxious little girl and 2 little boys

For Christmas, Crafters and Artists alike, mind my words and take heed
The night before Christmas is a time of peace and rest not for giving in to some late night arty need
Spend time with your family, friends and loved ones alike
To all a Merry Christmas and to all a good night.

Virtual Masterpiece

Ever wonder if folks like Leonardo Da Vinci had tools like we do now what amazing things he would have come up with? Folks who know me, know that Leonardo is one of those high ranking "who would you want to meet from history at a dinner party" type folks in my world. I am fascinated by the guy, challenged by his amazing intellect and motivated to live my life always asking those what if types of questions that he asked each and every day. My grandfather gave me a book when I was younger with an inscription, "May you be like Leonardo". How cool that would be....

Hey Susan Reynolds

Okay, I know many of you who have "online" friends.... folks you have spoken to and interact with here and there but have never met in "real" life.... Susan is a person I met online in an art group (waving to the Holy Moly Mackeroly folks), ended up meeting in real life during a retreat and have just recently reunited with her on Second Life.... By the way, not only is she an amazing lady (featured on the TypePad featured blog list.....see here), she is an insanely talented artist as well. I just wanted to give her a shout and mention to you all that you should check out her blog...... And, by the way, I will never think of frozen peas in the same way ever again....and that's a good thing.

This too shall pass....

I made this piece for a friend of mine who is battling cancer- it seems way too many folks are nowadays..... It is a reminds me of the fact that life is an evolving type thing in that each day is something new and has it's incredible rewards even when at the moment, they do not seem to be rewards. It is sometimes difficult to see things in that perspective when things are tough and we feel down trodden and without hope. We had two more stores here in Michigan announce that their doors will be closing at the end of the year (read about one here). Times are tough- no doubt about that but, in times of uncertainty, there are amazing opportunities as well, we just need to keep our eyes open to see them when they present themselves. This piece is called New Jerusalem and it is a reminder that there is hope in the times ahead.

Simpler Days

I am an estate sale/flea market/ ebay JUNKIE!!! I love finding random stuff and adopting relatives and familial heirlooms that never were a part of my personal family tree and high-jacking them for my own. I can't help but wonder about when I am dead and gone what my grand-children or great grand children will say (or deduce) about the random things they find in my collection- what fantastic stories they will make up about our imaginary relatives.

I showed this picture I had found between the pages of a book I had in my collection to my Grandmother. I sincerely cannot tell you where I acquired it, whether it came with the book or was part of a collection I picked up somewhere and had stashed for safe keeping. In small talk, I said something to the extent that it must have been wonderful to live in simpler times. My Grandmother had a twinkle in her eye when she made the off-handed remark that living in the shadow of War and Depression made everything simpler- it was life or death. With little or no money, you made do and there really were not many choices to think or ponder about, you just did the task at hand. She said, simple is what you make of it and that things get "unsimple" when we give ourselves too many choices that distract us from the basics. Profound. I love my grandmother.

I started thinking about how it is that this time of the year seems to be so complex, so hurried, so stressful and so well, the farthest possible point from simple. I crave simple. The problem is, rather than guarding my time and energy, I give myself too many choices and pencil in commitments that keep me from accomplishing the basics. Focus on what Christmas is about- everything else, the shopping, the travel, the schedules, the relatives that insist on throwing monkey wrenches in the best laid plans, the silly light that burned out and just made half of your outside decorations unlit.... that is all the extra stuff that gets in the way of simple. Just a thought.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Leave it to me to have to travel home in a snow storm.... All in all, I am thankful that I got home safely and without being stranded in some airport far away from my family or in some ditch on the drive home from the airport. We were blessed with 8-10 inches (depending on what part of the yard you are walking on) of snow prior to my connecting flight taking off from Salt Lake City (I left Pacifica California at 3 AM to get to San Francisco Airport where I left for Salt Lake City to catch the last leg of my return trip). When all was said and done, I crawled into bed way after midnight knowing that I would not have to get up early to get the kids ready for school due to the snow day proclamation.....they were bummed because they love school, I was delighted to be able to sleep in "a bit" (children have this thing built into their genetic code that refuses to let their parents get any sleep...) So, yes, my trip was successful, I returned safely and all is well.

Christmas Spirit

A friend of mine emailed me the link to this video and I thought it was just too good not to share! I think my husband and I have watched this at least 10 times now. These folks are just way too talented and, I hope you get a kick out of it as we did. If this doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit well, how can it not?

Bazaar Bizarre

The Baz Biz, as it is lovingly referred to, attracts crowds...and I mean crowds of visitors from everywhere. The Baz Biz is held in a number of cities across the Country and, I was fortunate enough to catch this one in San Fran.

The moment you walk in, you can feel an energy and vibe that immediately tells you that you are in for something incredible. The sights and sounds are coupled with wondrous color and unique items all handmade and created by someone with passion about what they do. This go around, I was impressed by quite a few folks. Right as we walked in the door, we met up with a lovely woman named Missy (member of the Craft Mafia....Wahoo!). She made these wonderful little sock monkeys (among other loverlies) and we were smitten.... Suzanne bought one for someone special (I am not showing you all a picture or mentioning for whom it was for because I do not want to wreck the surprise.... but, you can read about it here... SPOILER ALERT) Missy was just so cool.....if you read this Missy, you are welcome here ANYTIME!

I invested in a piece from this magnificent illustrator for my daughter's bedroom....seriously folks, this lady is wickedly creative and insanely talented. Jaime Zollars has a whimsical style yet, it is so complex. I bought her rendition of Little Red Riding Hood because well, it was a children's story (I love anything fairytale or Mother Goose) and, it reminded me of my own daughter. I would LOVE to see her illustrate some children's books down the road. Go on to greatness Jaime.

We poked around a bit more here and there and took in one of the most incredible lunches I have ever had... I think I am going to have to just break down and order their recipe book from Amazon. I had these "nachos" made from dehydrated carrots and flax seeds topped with the most AMAZING salsa and avocado creations. For those who do not know, I have a severe thyroid disorder that keeps me on a strict diet and I try to eat organic and locally grown produce whenever possible- this stuff was in it's purest form and absolutely delicious! I am going to make it a point to visit Cafe Gratitude the next time I visit San fran!

Lastly, we ran into an editor over at CRAFT magazine (hands down one of my favorite magazines) and chit chatted with her a bit (hi Natalie!). One of the things I love about this magazine is the fact that they speak the language of the indie crafter in a unique way and always have projects that speak to me and inspire me to create. Check out the blog for a snowflake my sons totally LOVED and a nifty tree my friend The Crafty Chica Made

I can't wait for the next Baz Biz and I hope you are inspired to look them up and take a road trip.

Flax

By far the most AMAZING art store ever is FLAX. If you are a paper junkie, you will think you have reached the pearly gates and are in paradise. Although, in addition to the paper (LOVE IT ALL), they have all sorts of supplies you would never think you needed until you see them and then, you know, you can't live without them.... I was impressed with their Golden Paint Selection, the aisles of journals (SWEET!) and most of all, a really cool area dedicated to just kids. I very seldom run across a store that caters to the 14 and under crowd in such a way. I was struck by how many things they had available for children and the various mediums represented- it wasn't about the kits folks, it was about equipping and feeding the natural curiosity kids have when it comes to art. Flax is an amazing destination and seriously, I could have EASILY spent an entire day there.

Imagiknit

Okay, I know for a fact that there are fiber and yarn junkies out there in cyberworld.....when in San Fran, you MUST visit this store! I was just overwelmed by all the colors and textures from the moment I walked in. Kurt was just a fantastic tour guide of the store itself and a crazy amazing knitting artist in his own right. I met a lovely gal originally from Milford (hugs from Michigan love!) and well, I scored the coolest clear boots on clearance that were so begging to be altered! Yeah for me! Suzanne took advantage of a sale they had on Noro yarns and with heavy bags and a huge hill to climb back to the car, we left very happy. Imagiknit is definately a spot you should visit- it is worth the trip.