Sarah*n*dipitous

Stone Army

The Great Chinese Emperor had an army constructed in preparation for his life beyond his existence here on Earth. The artistry and time it took to create these masterpieces is staggering. Seeing them in real life, quietly standing in line and at attention awaiting their orders is almost eerie yet completely awe inspiring at the same time.

What I found breathtaking is the fact that those who want to be remembered in History resort to the arts and craftsmen to preserve that legacy. Every great monument, the works in cathedrals, crowns and jewelry, clothing, and even the bound and masterfully illuminated books from times gone by were all made. The way people are remembered is through the things people DID to leave a lasting mark, a constructed and created impression that the sand in the hourglass could not erode away from the minds of men simply because they were *that* grand and unforgettable. What boggles me more and more is how the arts in general are the first thing cut when funding and budgeting becomes and issue. My question is who will be the Makers, the Craftspeople, that are equipped and enabled to create History if we as a society no longer deem their education and apprenticeship worthy of a line in the final budget sheet?

Playful

The spirit of play is something we all need in order to continually feed the create muse and keep it healthy. Just as good food and exercise are good for the body and staying in shape, our Muse needs to be exposed to laughter and just old fashioned play and experimentation in order to grow. Many working artists lose track of time designated to just "new" work, retreats or even classes due to the busyness of trying to run a business and make a living from their creations. It comes to a point where many artists are spending more of their time staring at paperwork than blank canvases full of possiblitites waiting to be given a new life and exiestence.

In my studio, play is important, it is part of my job. My role as an innovator encompasses using existing products and materials in new unexpected ways for my clients; this by proxy means, I must get my hands dirty and machines are sacrificed for the greater craftiness good. The point is, I learn more from these playdates than I do with the set appointments I have more times than naught simply because there is no agenda, it is come what may. I encourage those in the creative community, be it in art, music, writing, theater, or dance to make sure to schedule play time and make it a part of the routine...

Lantern

There are many quotes, books, sage tidbits, and art dedicated to the premise that light shoos away dark; it is one of those things I think we take for granted. Today I was thinking about how it is easy to always want light, to never have dark moments, to always be happy, cheerful and full of life. I kept coming back to, even though I am a positive person by nature and gravitate towards folks who tend to be more of a Tigger than an Eeyore (taking from Winnie the Pooh), my art would lack dimension if it were not for those dark shadows adding depth and understanding to the composition. I guess what I am saying is that we need the dark to appreciate the light, we need the dark and even intensities of light (very bright lasers versus an old candle flame) to help us see the variations as well. I know in a dark cavern, a high powered LED Maglight heavy enough to whack some unsavory scary lurking in the shadows is optimal however, I won't scoff at an old lantern with a flicker flame if it means the difference between not seeing and seeing a little bit.

The misconception is that being positive or optimistic by definition means there are no bad days or stormy weather and all is nothing but rainbows and fairydust. Being positive in outlook and/or optimistic does not mean it dismisses negativity or the dark but rather, is about seeing the darkness in it's proper "light" and function... as a needed element to fully understand the composition and a tool to accurately portray and see your subject material... life included. The positive and optimistic person does not allow the dark or negativity to surround or define themselves but rather allows it to bring out the details that shine and stand out when the shadows of life are put in their proper place, behind the light. They choose to carry a lantern and let the glow light up their face as they walk into unknown and sometimes darkened corridors of life. 

Nature's Playdoh Factory

There are times in life where the Universe is just trying to tell you something. Flipping through family photos of a vacation we took this Summer, I came across the "safari series"... This personal joke in our family is the "butt" of discussion in that every time we saw an animal, it was ALWAYS it's backside. It was almost as if once we were in the position to snap the picture the animal would dutifully turn and show us it's tail end. Now, for those with young boys, you will totally understand where I am going with this and how absolutely hysterical they thought this was. The crowning shining moment was when we reached the Elephant habitat. This massive creature was eating it's breakfast and like a giant playdoh factory, our now accustomed view of the animal, started spouting off one of the foulest sights I do believe one should ever have to see in a telephoto lens (I will spare you the extreme close up) 

The funny thing about this is, we can all relate; every person reading this understands. Why? Because it is a function of life. The stuff we put in one end, travels through and comes out the other. It is something so basic and so sometimes in your face, that it is hard to not laugh when you see it close-up and have the full 5 senses type experience one gets with a telephoto lens. What was so special about this moment was that the people we were sharing a vehicle with were not from the United States and did not speak English as their primary language yet, they laughed too. We all got it... kids, adults, people from different walks of life, languages and economies... we all got it. Good design, good art, good branding, good marketing, good communication and people skills, being a good friend, being a good human, it all is based on the things that transcend and speak to us all in a ways that connect us. And sometimes it is the most primary bodily function that sparks the conversation.

Keep Out

I was driving along one of the many back country dirt roads in the are and came across one of my neighbors working in the yard. I waved from the car and she of course waved me into the driveway. From the corner of my eye I saw this old tree on the side of the house with the warning sign posted and felt myself hesitate a bit. Perhaps it was unconscious but, I think most of us are trained to heed warnings especially signs painted in someone's hand (those are the one's they wanted done right away and made in letter that mean business). I walked up her driveway and, like neighbors do, we said our "how are yous" and "how ya' beens". I mentioned the sign. She said, "What sign?" I pointed to the tree and she laughed. "I never noticed it before but, it explains a lot." Our conversation went on about how people gave her odd looks when she waved as they went by and how this sign, the one she was unaware of, had been sending mixed signals to strangers ever since she moved in.

Of course I marinated on that on the way home about how folks who acquire businesses or even books of business may not be aware of the signs the previous owner sent out and how now, the signals could be mixed. It's true too for people who outsource their work to third parties- what are those folks saying about your business when you are not their managing it? This sign was out of my friend's line of vision and much higher than either she or I could have placed without a ladder and, had I not commented on it, how long would it have been there sending out mixed messages to neighbors, friends, and business contacts (she has a home based business)? What signs are you unaware of that could be sending an inconsistent message?

CHA Orlando

CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Summer Convention here in Orlando is turning out to be a promising event. Many things caught my attention during my first walk through. Here are snippets from the show floor.

FloraCraft... styrofoam decor gets a new look and more contemporary upscale vibe with cloth, faux finish and beads. 

Art exhibit made from a million tiny ironed together plastic beads we all played with as children. This amazing presentation was compiled of segments made from children and adults (even a blind person contributed) that were fused together and put on display. Despite one's political views, no one could dispute the amount of time and energy that went into creating something very cool.

My friend Claudine Hellmuth doing her collage thing in the Ranger booth

I always love visiting the Maya Road booth... liked the new little scalloped envelopes but, totally Jonesed the CANVAS book covers. Why? Sketchbooks and Mixed Media folks are going to love the surface and the fact that it is set up to hold pens and such for doodling on the go... 

Kaiser is another company I always gravitate towards. I love the clean lines and ease of the work surfaces they provide. They had a lot of interesting surfaces I could totally imagine playing with.

I Love to Create (Duncan) had a wonderful display again this CHA. Crafty Chica, Traci Bautista, Maya Cano-Murillo (Yes, the Chica's amazing daughter...) were in the booth. Traci demonstrated a new spray can (non-aerosol) that I was really impressed with. Now I can teach kiddos using "spray paint" without the liability of using the real aerosol variety in the class... very cool.

The Gala event by Provo was hands down the coolest event during CHA. They unveiled and announced their new Gypsy- a hand held so you can create on the go, welding tool that allows the user to basically download the content of their cricut cartridges into the portable unit, create a lay-out and then cut it out from home later. Each person who attended not only received a Gypsy and cartridge, they also got a copy of Faythe Lavine's book Handmade Nation as well. Very cool.

This would be the infamous aluminum tin foil tree we made for MercArt (thanks again to Stephanie... the wispies ROCK!!!) For folks outside of the loop... the real metal tree was confiscated in Ohio while I was driving from MI to FL... due to the Emerald Ash Borer parasite. This was the sole reason I drove from MI to FL mind you- the tree could not be sent. So, as all Designers know, last minute projects are the stuff of legend at CHA... thankfully there was a 24 hour Walmart near by and copious amounts of tin foil to be acquired. 

Behind the curtain backstage at America's Top Crafter with Terri O, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Margot Potter, ad Marisa...

Fiskars

Fiskars is one of those companies I can't imagine my studio working very well without. It's not only about the scissors (and I have many), it's about the tools I use outside and around the house, in the workshop, and carry with me in my emergency kit (no, they do not pay me to say that... I only endorse stuff I have spent my own money on folks). What many may not know is that they are celebrating their 360th birthday this year. Incredible yes, considering our Country isn't even that old. It was an amazing honor to attend their birthday party at Epcot and meet all the wonderful Fiskateers that showed up and shared their stories with me. It was truly a Magical evening and I was thankful too that Carol Duvall and Danielle (the Craft lounge Diva herself) opted to let me be sidekick as well. A special thank you to Stephanie Hamen... not only did she make sure I had a special set of scissors, she made me feel like royalty and is a dear and special friend.

Flush

Toilets have got to be the one thing we never think of until we need one I suppose. I found this grouping particularly humorous considering they were outside of a Sorority along the brick wall and out of general sight. I had wished I would have had my camera out when we first drove by as there was a workman of some sort sitting on one reading a magazine and another eating his lunch- the whole thing was completely funny to me.

The interesting exchange afterwards though, was the most thought provoking and daresay interesting. My son mentioned that his absolute best thinking happens in the bathroom... he is 8 years old. Truth be told, I have to agree with him. The toilet, the shower, the bathroom in general, is somewhat of a sanctuary to almost every Mother I know who has young children around... it is the one place where you can go to have quiet. I have to admit too, I have sought solitude in the bathroom without having to use the facilities as simply an excuse and reason to escape. 

In art, as well as life in general, every person needs a place where they can think unfettered. The reality is, we seldom slow down and just to allow those thoughts to matriculate and end up documented somewhere. Oftentimes, we think of something and before we can write it down, it has escaped us never to be heard of again. The thought is, where do you slow down enough to actually ponder and, is there a pen and paper handy nearby to jot it down?

Play

I don't know when it is that adults forget how to play. Even the signs seems to warn us, "Watch Out, there are kids playing you better be careful..." I know that this is to raise awareness but truly, how often do we actually think about the other side of the equation... what other side you ask? I bet you thought those signs were for you to slow down and pay attention because children are little and unobservant  and therefore, could be hurt if you were not warned to be aware right? Yes, I guess that is one way of thinking about it, probably the best one as well afterall, I don't want anyone to mistakenly run over my kids when they chase the rocket they just launched across the street I suppose... No, the other side is a warning as well but, for your benefit not theirs. You see, one should exercise Caution when watching children go about playing unfiltered and unfettered by adults forcing them to conform. They may, afterall, rub off on you and get you thinking grand impossible thoughts. They may dare you to be more serious about playing and tinkering, and daresay, oblivious to those around you while you dig deep into those wonderful unanswerables the universe just puts out there begging for folks to question and try to wrap their noodles around. Playing is serious business folks, and one who chooses that course of business must exercise extreme caution for the mere fact, one never knows when they will discover something that will change the world. Kids know this by the way, it's the adults that have to be shown signs to actually get it.

Libraries

I adore old books. I love the way they feel, the way they smell, the almost sacred way the words dance on the page and reveal their secrets to only me while I read them. I have a secret sweet spot for old Children's books especially Mother Goose, Fairytales from around the world, and wise old Aesop. My collection has grown over the years and many of my books are the only ones in existence.  My books however, do not sit collecting dust on the shelves, they are meant to be enjoyed. Even my rarest books are handled and read.

How many people in your world, simply sit on a shelf as a part of some preconceived collection... you know, they are sitting there in the "work" section, or the "church friends" section, or the "online friends" section... How many of them have you read cover to cover? How many have you marked in the margins and marinated on the amazing things they revealed to you long after the conversation ceased? How many are in different languages... languages you are trying to learn so you can read in their native tongue (this includes "teen speak", "text speak" and "abbreviated license plate language") ? How many are simply there so you can show others you have them there on *your* bookshelf as a lovely little specimen of what a wonderful collector you are? How many are there because of their cover and not because of the information within them? How many are resources books you constantly find yourself coming back to? 

My point is, what good is a library/rolodex/Facebook Page/ Twitter following, if you never revisit it? If you never use it, glean from it, go back to it time and time again, add to it and make it a point to have it a living, breathing and active part of your world, why do you have it in the first place? Artists, Musicians, Writers, and even Chefs cannot live without new resources and information to inspire them at their fingertips to spur them on. Surround yourself with amazing new things and your work will expand and take you to new understandings within your artistic journey.

Clinging

The times I struggle the most are the ones when I insist on doing things on my own I think. As an artist, the moments where a blank canvas stares at you daring you to pick up the paintbrush, can be some of the most intimidating times especially when you know darn well you have absolutely no desire to do so. I was in one of those, "not feeling inspired" moments, feeling completely sorry for myself and decided to go for a walk. I hadn't gotten to the end of the driveway before I decided in my head that not only was I uninspired, but that the deadlines on my desk were things I just could not get done as a result of my creativity drying up... funny how things jump like that from a small negative to a bigger one once we allow the little one to toggle around and wreck havoc in our noggin' like that. By the time I did reach the end of the driveway, I had convinced myself that I was a complete failure and in way over my head... Rather than clinging to the things I knew, the things I believed in, the things that made me want to chose art in the first place, they seemed to disappear and fade away and resemble that intimidating blank canvas that started this whole thing in the first place.

It got me thinking on the things we should condition ourselves to reflect on when those nasty little doubts creep up in the first place. I saw this amazing massive Oak tree and lo and behold, there was ivy clinging to the bark and climbing the trunk. The Ivy could not bask in the sunlight creeping there in the dirt, it needed to cling to something immovable and stronger than itself to reach the heights it needed to thrive. Are we not any different? What Oaks do we have in our lives that we can cling to and depend on to support us when we are groveling there in the shadows rather than reaching for the sunlight? I went back into my studio and looked at the things I had around me, the things that inspired me, the things that spurred me on and challenged me to take my art to the next level, the constants in my world that reminded me that the one blank canvas was something that was temporary rather than a defining moment. Although my paintbrush is not made from Oak, it was strong and wrapping my fingers around it gave me the courage to make that first mark that transformed a blank canvas into a work in progress.

Building Nests

Nests are easier to build when one has the proper materials to do so. Building a studio is no different. One must be discerning in the materials one invests in and exercise care when thinking about what they need to actually do their work in an effort to stem runaway costs. Birds search around for the things they need for the immediate task at hand, they use the items that fit the bill and get to work. I sincerely doubt they flit around price comparison shopping and hemming and hawing over color swatches especially when eggs have to be laid.

I met an interesting lady today who was flipping through a publication that highlighted workspaces for artsy types. She and I lusted over the put together happy places others create in. She was busily writing down all the things she needed to purchase in order to have a place to create in. Now, I have known this woman for many years and, because we have this kind of relationship, I asked her point blank whether having the perfect surroundings and materials were going to have any impact on whether or not she'd have the time to create anything in the first place. Her sheepish grin said it all. Here she was planning on spending tens of thousands of dollars on the perfect furniture and I can tell you, she still has the kiln and soldering tools still in their boxes from her last grand adventure.

The point is, buying things are not going to make you creative, the perfect work space isn't going to insure that you will actually use it, and thinking back on our bird, sometimes it is just the bare essentials we need to get started. 

Weaving a Story

There is something about a good story that draws us in. I remember as a child sitting by the feet of my Great-Grandfather as he spun yarns about magical places and made up characters. I would sit there completely entranced hanging on every word that came from his mouth. In my eyes, the things he said were absolutely true. I think I believed him because he spoke with such authority on the subject, with such certainty and in such a way, with that wink and nod, that if one did not believe, it was because they were not in the know. There was nobody on the planet that could tell a tale like my Great-Grandfather and, if I close my eyes and concentrate hard enough, I can almost still hear his voice.

Art is about weaving a story, a story that resonates and sticks in one's mind long after the telling has ceased. A good artist knows that it isn't so much the picture or end piece but, the story around it that gives it life. There is the story behind what the artist thought, where the catalyst for the creation came from and then, there is the story about how it was acquired and what it meant to the owner. Each story, a separate thread, a part of the tapestry that is woven. 

Woodgrain

Wood is amazing when you think about how much it tells us about itself and how it lived simply by the rings and knots it leaves behind. When I was a child, my Father would point out how certain rings spoke of draught while others perhaps of a colder winter. He'd show me where the branches came forth from and even where they split. Each event in the Tree's existence was marked in it's grain, it was a part of the patterns housed in it's inner core. I have always told my students that they have a story to tell, a unique set of circumstances that leave their mark on their lives and make them like no other. I saw this beautiful display of various pieces of wood in my Grandmother's garden and it reminded me of any given classroom.... full of amazing specimens of the same elemental composition yet, completely different in texture, grain, size, and shape. Each piece with a story to tell and a lesson to learn from.

Growing

Wildflowers need not be told where to grow, they just do. One of the many things I enjoy about living in the country is the fact that wildflowers abound and their bold colors just pop out of nowhere just because they can.

The truth is, we do not determine whom our parents will be, where we will be born, or what conditions we will be predisposed with, we just show up. The interesting thing is that the conditions around us indeed dictate certain things but, ultimately the choice to grow and thrive is purely our will to do so. In business, we are not all given the same things (start up capital, ideas, locations, customer bases, technology, etc....) and therefore, we cannot expect our business to be like anyone else's. We get the cards we are dealt and we make the choice to thrive in the place we were planted. How we grow determines whether or not we get another season like the hearty perennial or whether we will fade away whence the Summer goes like the annual.