Hello, and good day, creative folks. (With an extra prayer and blessing to all those in Ike's path.)
I'm happy to present more Votre Vray Creative Women today.
Colleen Bronstein
When a woman is told she will probably never have children, sometimes she feels a void, a creative space has been taken from her, and she must develop something personal to fill that place. This is how Colleen Bronstein came to the world of a metal smith.
Little did she know, she would be blessed with a daughter, Juliet, who is now a grown woman. Just when all seemed right in her creative world, Colleen was given a new hurdle. She was diagnosed with melanoma. It may not be a surprise to readers to know that she has a pool and has gone twice a year to the islands for years. Her love of the sun and disregard for sun safety nearly cost her no only her livelihood and recreational activities, but her life as well. Thankfully, she has been cancer free for some time now, and is checked twice a year for recurrence. “There is no reason anyone should get skin cancer,” she says. Her newer company Sunsafe Designs helps others remain skin cancer free.
Back in 2005, after her diagnosis and recovery, Colleen reevaluated the way she did her metal working. “I changed the entire process. I now carve the piece, send it to a caster, have it cast, and have the caster do the finishing.” Her reasoning? “I looked back at (my metal working) and thought there could be a connection to all the chemicals I use for my art and the processes that were used in school. Some used heated tar, and that was extremely toxic.”
So, what keeps her going? “As a parent, I wanted to spend as much time with my daughter as I could. I wanted to give her a parent, a mother at home, to be there for her.” As an artist, she was spurred on by her own determination to make it. “I’m a competitor. If I saw and opportunity to put myself out there, I did it.”
How does she interweave the world of a Sunsafe Clothing and sun safety advocate with her art? “My art has a new focus. The sun, sea and sand. It is connected to my passion. My new work is around those images including crabs, Irish moss, seaweed.”
As a creative woman, how does she recharge and have energy to move ahead? “My ideal, complete and total relaxation, is a beach chair, the beach, the ocean and a book.” In the end, her truest peace comes from knowing who she is, what she loves and what matters most to her. That’s all anyone could ever hope to achieve in a lifetime.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Small Art, Big Idea
TradeArt.org has a project entitled Experimental small works. Artists are asked to donate a work that is 4 x 6 inches, approximately the size of a standard post card. The objective is to help Trade Art do outreach to artists in countries where extreme poverty is an issue.
Visit www.TradeArt.org for more details and an entry form. (Found under "What's New" and the link of "Donations of small art works needed for solidarity project")
Individual Artists may also become a member of TradeArt, a 201 (c) (3) for $60 per year by visiting their site, click on "participate" and then "Become a member." Once you select a membership category, your PayPal bill will pop up in a new window.
Ann Hamilton, Amazing Woman Artist Wins Heinz Award
What is the dream of your creative career? Getting a grant? Juried into a show? A local, regional or national award? Today, Ann Hamilton, Ohio State University Professor has her name in headlines around the world as the Arts category award winner for the Heinz award, named after Mrs. Heinz Kerry's late husband who died in a plane crash in 1991.
Ann was born in Lima, Ohio in 1956. That means, she's not a newbie artist by any means, but a woman who has found her truth and lives it to the fullest. Her artistic signature is creative experiential art that begs and answers many questions about human interaction and space.
Visit her studio site to learn more about this amazing woman who began in textile arts (with a BFA degree) and moved onward to sculpture (MFA degree) before using a variety of media including spoken word to create her artistic surroundings. You'll soon understand why this woman won (2007) the United States Artists Fellowship and many more prestigious awards and grants.
Congratulations, Ann!
Vote for a Creative Woman with One Click!
Britt Menzies, creator of Stinky Kids.com is being considered for a Home-Based Business Top 100. Those who visit this link will cast a vote for this Votre Vray Creative Woman's inspirational enterprise. On top of it all, Britt is also a mentor for Unessalyn Sweet of MyJunkyTrunk.com! This our shot to give to one of our own, for free, and help her reap the rewards of a job well-done.
What does the winner receive?
Britt says "a media storm that includes recognition on local and national TV, radio (coverage) in newspapers and magazines, and on some of the largest, most influential websites" (including MSN and StartupNation)
What do you say, folks? I already cast my Votre Vray vote!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Crash, Slip, Decree - Other Gifts of Destruction
Two Votre Vray Creative Women, Toni Quest (http://www.screamingwoman.com/) and Dawn Clare (http://www.spisebliss.com/) had life interrupted by a devastating car crash. Ketra Oberlander (who will be featured later this week) became blind after years working in print media. Many Votre Vray women received or handed out divorce papers. Sometimes these seemingly destructive events change a person's life for the better. Out of the ashes, so rises our phoenix of personal focus and creativity.
When the message doesn't get through, sometimes you get told more frequently with vehemence. Let me give you a personal example of being too hard-headed to understand the messages. Nearly 12 years go I ruptured my post-tibial tendon (it is the one that runs from the inside of your knee, under the arch, back up toward the outer knee area). I was not a good patient. I insisted upon working when I was told not to. In the end, the doctor said he was putting me in a cast, sending me home for a month and when I returned at to have it removed, he'd not only yell at me, but put me into surgery and keep me out of work for at least six months. Okay, I stayed at home for a month, spent most of the time sitting and knitting, and went back to a job I hated, that was at least 85% rote and lacked creativity.
I realized I needed a change, so I switched jobs within the year, and returned to teaching in public schools. Within weeks I was overwhelmed by all the energy I was giving others, and began denying my own creative needs again. I became a ball of stress, but the next fall, as I began saying to myself, "This isn't working for me," I was given a chance to go for free to the National Storytelling Festival. Once at the festival, I learned of the master's degree program in Storytelling at East Tennessee State University. By the next fall I had resigned my position to be a full-time student of storytelling.
So enthralled with my creative life, I completed all my coursework in two semesters and one summer session. I then spent several semesters writing and re-writing my thesis (a topic for another day). While I worked on my thesis, I returned to public education as a teacher, and again found myself drained of any creative energy because I was giving all I had in the classroom. Soon, I found out I needed a partial hysterectomy due to tumors, one was the size of a tennis ball! (Just this past summer one of the Votre Vray Creative Women, Chris of http://www.boshevo.com/ told me she'd read those same tumors were considered signed of blocked creativity! I've since confirmed this research and heard that several self-help doctors agree.)
After my surgery, I yet again returned to public education, giving more than I had to give mentally, emotionally and spiritually to my students and job. I became clinically depressed. Then, and only then, did I say, "Enough!" and begin living the creative life of my dreams.
It took three hiatuses from work before I realized that loving the students and wanting them to be successful was not enough. I needed to care for my own health and success first. Now that I do that, I'm feeling better than I've felt in over a decade. I'm just sorry I was such a stubborn fool and that it took me so long.
Next time: I'll talk about fear and creativity.
Until then, keep creating!
-Mel.
When the message doesn't get through, sometimes you get told more frequently with vehemence. Let me give you a personal example of being too hard-headed to understand the messages. Nearly 12 years go I ruptured my post-tibial tendon (it is the one that runs from the inside of your knee, under the arch, back up toward the outer knee area). I was not a good patient. I insisted upon working when I was told not to. In the end, the doctor said he was putting me in a cast, sending me home for a month and when I returned at to have it removed, he'd not only yell at me, but put me into surgery and keep me out of work for at least six months. Okay, I stayed at home for a month, spent most of the time sitting and knitting, and went back to a job I hated, that was at least 85% rote and lacked creativity.
I realized I needed a change, so I switched jobs within the year, and returned to teaching in public schools. Within weeks I was overwhelmed by all the energy I was giving others, and began denying my own creative needs again. I became a ball of stress, but the next fall, as I began saying to myself, "This isn't working for me," I was given a chance to go for free to the National Storytelling Festival. Once at the festival, I learned of the master's degree program in Storytelling at East Tennessee State University. By the next fall I had resigned my position to be a full-time student of storytelling.
So enthralled with my creative life, I completed all my coursework in two semesters and one summer session. I then spent several semesters writing and re-writing my thesis (a topic for another day). While I worked on my thesis, I returned to public education as a teacher, and again found myself drained of any creative energy because I was giving all I had in the classroom. Soon, I found out I needed a partial hysterectomy due to tumors, one was the size of a tennis ball! (Just this past summer one of the Votre Vray Creative Women, Chris of http://www.boshevo.com/ told me she'd read those same tumors were considered signed of blocked creativity! I've since confirmed this research and heard that several self-help doctors agree.)
After my surgery, I yet again returned to public education, giving more than I had to give mentally, emotionally and spiritually to my students and job. I became clinically depressed. Then, and only then, did I say, "Enough!" and begin living the creative life of my dreams.
It took three hiatuses from work before I realized that loving the students and wanting them to be successful was not enough. I needed to care for my own health and success first. Now that I do that, I'm feeling better than I've felt in over a decade. I'm just sorry I was such a stubborn fool and that it took me so long.
Next time: I'll talk about fear and creativity.
Until then, keep creating!
-Mel.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Hurricane Season Interrupts Creativity
If you haven't noticed her comment below, Votre Vray Creative Woman, Rachelle Matherne of GreenKangaroo.com is alive and well and just barely returned home after evacuating for Gustav. Now, she and millions of others wait to hear if Ike is on the way.
The question that comes to mind is, how many of us not directly in the path of the storms this season fitter away time as we watch the storm path again and again on the Internet, the news and listen to it on the radio. So often, the craziness of an event grabs at our consciousness and won't let go...unless we do something drastic about it.
Timothy Ferriss, famed author of The Four-Hour Workweek advocates keeping business e-mail to one hour per week, not multitasking (so we can pay attention and appreciate the moments in our days), stopping repetitive tasks (like checking the aforementioned e-mail countless times per day...or in the case of the hurricanes, looking for hourly updates on a storm's progress) and having a brief list of must-do activities per day. [If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend it, especially if you say you have no time to live your creative dreams.]
Even with a hurricane streaking toward your town, you can do ONE thing per day that is creative, even if that means packing a notebook or sketch pad for something to put your ideas and observations in once the storm knocks out your electricity.
May you all be safe, well and peaceful and at ease today, and in doing so, find some space to make your creative sanctuary in times when we have no control but must wait to endure the process and results.
-Mel.
The question that comes to mind is, how many of us not directly in the path of the storms this season fitter away time as we watch the storm path again and again on the Internet, the news and listen to it on the radio. So often, the craziness of an event grabs at our consciousness and won't let go...unless we do something drastic about it.
Timothy Ferriss, famed author of The Four-Hour Workweek advocates keeping business e-mail to one hour per week, not multitasking (so we can pay attention and appreciate the moments in our days), stopping repetitive tasks (like checking the aforementioned e-mail countless times per day...or in the case of the hurricanes, looking for hourly updates on a storm's progress) and having a brief list of must-do activities per day. [If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend it, especially if you say you have no time to live your creative dreams.]
Even with a hurricane streaking toward your town, you can do ONE thing per day that is creative, even if that means packing a notebook or sketch pad for something to put your ideas and observations in once the storm knocks out your electricity.
May you all be safe, well and peaceful and at ease today, and in doing so, find some space to make your creative sanctuary in times when we have no control but must wait to endure the process and results.
-Mel.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Nancy Digman, Votre Vray Creative Woman Joins Gallery
wUG LAKU'S STUDIO AND gARAGE is proud to announce the addition of a new artist to the gallery and studio. Nancy Lee Digman is a metalsmith/jeweler of extraordinary talent and vision. You can see her creations as part of the 'Earth Poems' exhibition during the upcoming IDADA First Friday gallery tour, this week on Sept. 5th from 5-9 p.m.
The STUDIO AND gARAGE is located at 1125 Brookside Ave, Suite C7, Indianapolis, in the Circle Center Industrial Complex. Look for the IDADA banner outside the door, and be sure to tell Nancy that Votre Vray sent you!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Bill Status - Paycheck Fairness Act
H.R.1338 - Paycheck Fairness Act
To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes.
Introduced: March 05, 2007
Status: Voted on by House
Next step: Voted on by Senate
Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sponsor: Rep. Rosa DeLauro [D, CT-3]
View Bill >>News Coverage Blog Coverage
Powered by OpenCongress
Votre Vray is not a political site, but the Creative project this site is focused upon is all about women, creativity and living the life you desire based upon your truth. No one can tell you how to vote, what to think, who you should put your trust in or follow politically. That said, I thought many of the participants and readers here would be interested in knowing about this bill, who has passed it, abstained or voted against it. Please do your own research, and come to your own conclusions. Then, remember how it all turned out when it comes to election day. May you exercise your write to vote and may that vote mirror the image of the world you want to come to pass.
Until next time,
keep creating.
-Mel.
To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes.
Introduced: March 05, 2007
Status: Voted on by House
Next step: Voted on by Senate
Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sponsor: Rep. Rosa DeLauro [D, CT-3]
View Bill >>News Coverage Blog Coverage
Powered by OpenCongress
Votre Vray is not a political site, but the Creative project this site is focused upon is all about women, creativity and living the life you desire based upon your truth. No one can tell you how to vote, what to think, who you should put your trust in or follow politically. That said, I thought many of the participants and readers here would be interested in knowing about this bill, who has passed it, abstained or voted against it. Please do your own research, and come to your own conclusions. Then, remember how it all turned out when it comes to election day. May you exercise your write to vote and may that vote mirror the image of the world you want to come to pass.
Until next time,
keep creating.
-Mel.
Secret Passion become Creative Goal
For many, following a creative path does not manifest as organically or easily as you might expect, or hope. A person can be born with an interest or affinity for creativity and never see that creativity as more than something he or she does for themselves. Sabine Garvey was no exception. She kept her work to herself, away from all friends and her own husband, for most of her life. “I wrote my first poem as a young teenager and shared it only with my mother. My writing was kept secret from the world for many years. Approximately fifteen years later, I wrote my second poem and again shared it with only her.”
Sabine admits her faulty perception kept her work in the shadows. She felt that poetry didn’t seem like an accepted form of self-expression and she feared others would laugh at her work. “I came across a website of poetry and then I realized there was a bigger community.” Community is what sustains everyone, in some form, knowing we are not alone in our hearts and minds and that others find joy in some of the same creative pursuits that we do. Once community has been found, the path becomes a bit easier. “While writing is my passion, it is not currently the main means by which I make my financial living. It is my ambition, however, to change this sooner than later. It is my passion, my dream and my destiny.”
Best wishes to Sabine, and all other creative souls who walk the same path.
-Mel.
What is art?
Some of the women who have participated in the Votre Vray Creative Women project are fine artists (painters, sculptors and the like) with a lineage of forbears that easily come to mind. The invention and subsequent mundane use of the personal computer has also opened up a world of creative forms not previously available. Purists say, “Anyone who has then fingers, a mouse, and good software can call themselves an graphic artist, but that doesn’t meant they can draw.” This argument doesn’t make many friends in the world of graphic design, advertising and media promotions.
Michelle Poe began in charcoals and photography and then grew into her graphic design business. “I started with high school yearbook photography and learned page layout. I believe you have to be born to do this type of work. It is demanding. I went to the Art Institute in Phoenix and then transferred to Vegas.” After serving as intern at a large agency, she realized this was the right path for her, stress and all, even though photography is still a source of passion for her.
Michelle is now co-owner of Kherize5 Advertising and Marketing Agency of Las Vegas. She may be reached via www.kherize5.com
Monday, September 01, 2008
Gustav Impacting Votre Vray Artist
Dear friends of Votre Vray,
I know of at least one Votre Vray Creative Woman, Rachelle Matherne of GreenKangaroo.com that is directly impacted by the potential threats of Gustav. Her home was flooded and she lost her entire business during Katrina. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, as well as all others in the storms path (days past, and present).
I have personally messaged Rachelle that if she needs anything after the storm to let us know. I believe this community would reach out to her. Creative women are the kindest, most empathic women I know.
-Mel.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Upstate Women's Show Reflections
Are you an artist that is thinking of being in a weekend show somewhere?
Do you have any idea what the traffic pattern for the event will be like?
What sort of giveaways will you have?
What is your main purpose in going -- sales? recognition? launch a new project?
What I got out of the show: Recognition for Votre Vray and Shout: Kiss My Art, and several new artists who filled out questionnaires for the Creative Women project book.
What I would have liked more of: Sales.
Will I attend again next year? Perhaps, if they make some changes and let me exhibit near other creative folks, and if I have a new Votre Vray project ready.
All in all, I met some great people, gained a new friend or two amongst the other business owners, and learned how to best meet a non-creative crowd in future events.
Until next time,
keep creating!
-Mel.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Votre Vray Newsletter Launched
Greetings, from a really wiped out booth constructor. (I don't know how you visual artists do these shows so many times and not crumble with frustration and melt into a puddle of persiration.)
The Votre Vray newsletter was launched yesterday, with a special edition going to my old writerly and storytelling pals this morning. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not able to get the interviews posted to the blog as quickly as I conduct them. Perhaps I'm a bit overbooked trying to manage such a huge project solo,but I think it is more of a matter of wanting to do quality over quantity. However, I kid you not that my July phone time topped 2,300 minutes! (No wonder I haven't posted as many interviews as I would have preferred by now!)
Sincerely,
-Mel.
The Votre Vray newsletter was launched yesterday, with a special edition going to my old writerly and storytelling pals this morning. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not able to get the interviews posted to the blog as quickly as I conduct them. Perhaps I'm a bit overbooked trying to manage such a huge project solo,but I think it is more of a matter of wanting to do quality over quantity. However, I kid you not that my July phone time topped 2,300 minutes! (No wonder I haven't posted as many interviews as I would have preferred by now!)
- If you didn't get the newsletter, please e-mail me and I'll make sure you get the next one.
- If you sent in interview launch question answers but we ran out of time and didn't get to your interview (or I was unable to reach you at the time I had you on my schedule) your answers are still part of the project and will be used where they work best.
- If you interviewed and you do not have a website, I will be contacting you to see if you'd like me to publish your e-mail address so potential art clients can reach you.
- If you did the launch questions and the interview, but haven't seen your work on the blog yet, please know, as I stated before: I cannot use the same exact information in the blog that I do in the book and in the show, otherwise no one would buy the book or see the show. As time permits, I will make sure everyone is mentioned at least once on the blog, and those with websites will have those sites listed as friends of Votre Vray. My goal is to make this a win for all of us, and the blogs I pounded out in a hurry turned out to be filled with typos. I don't want to do that ever again, as it makes us all look bad.
Sincerely,
-Mel.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Remembering Artists Hit by Floods from Levee Breaks and Katrina
It has been three years since Katrina ravaged the south and the weakness of the levees became a nightmare for those in New Orleans. Votre Vray artist Rachelle Matherne, of www.greenkangaroo.com, lost much to flooding. Still, when the flooding hit the mid-west this year she was certain to do what she could knowing the experience all too well. Rachelle told Mel Edwards' Votre Vray that some sent her basic art supplies though various organizations. She could have received more, including funds, but she had not been in business long enough.
With this post, I've included a link about how the Getty Foundation is helping the world of arts post-Katrina. Knowing most of us do not have these same resources to help, perhaps you should buy a little something from Rachelle, or any other artist you know in the area. (See www.neworleanscraftmafia.com for ideas.) The struggle isn't over yet, as the road is long indeed.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Votre Vray Creative Women Survey - Reply here OR via e-mail
Below is the basic survey I'll be using at the Upstate Women's Show this weekend (August 22-24) in Greenville, SC.
You can either reply here in the comments section or e-mail me at:
MelEdwardsConnnect [at] Yahoo [dot] com.
Please know, any comments you make may appear in this blog, in my one woman show (entitled Shout: Kiss My Art) or in the Votre Vray Creative Women book.
I look foward to your input.
-Mel.
*****
Votre Vray Creative Women Survey/Input
My Creative Life (select as many as apply)
1. I am a full-time (or at least half-time) professional artisan/crafter
2. I craft or create art for a hobby/pleasure and sell my work (for less than 50% of my total income).
3. I craft of create art for a hobby/pleasure and give my work as gifts to loved ones.
4. I craft or create art for a hobby/pleasure and keep my work to myself.
5. I used to be full-time professional artisan/crafter but ....(include explanation why you are no longer a professional, please).
6. I used ot craft/create art but I let my roles (relationships/children/career) stop me.
7. I used to craft/create art but my health/age prevents me from doing my art.
8. I used to craft/create but I gave up on it...(if so, please explain why).
My advice/Comments to Women about living a creative life:
(insert your comments)
Monday, August 18, 2008
47 Links to Creative Women and Growing!
If you haven't noticed, down the right hand side of this blog are web addresses. All 47 of these links belong to Votre Vray Creative Women who have been part of the interview process and have shared their story with me, Mel. Edwards, so that I can pass on the word to all of you, dear readers.
Please visit these sites. Learn from each other. E-mail them and tell them you saw their site listed here. If you're also a Votre Vray Creative Woman, send them a message to introduce yourself. You may just find a new best friend in art!
Until next time,
keep creating!
-Mel.
More Amazing Women You Should Know
Wowee! What a ride this Votre Vray Creative Women project has been! Every day I've met several women who have the power to change the world with their verve, spunk and drive to be their truest selves, following their authentic path of passion to create a life they love living.
Here are some great ladies I've met and you should get to know today:
Sian (pronounced Shee-ahn) Lindeman, Creativity Coach and creator by her own right as well. What do you think it would cost to build an internationally known, money marking, artistic career from scratch? $100K? $1M? Think again. Sian can get your career on the launch pad with three months of intensive work at a mere $5,000! Try getting anyone to devote three months to your business for less! Visit www.siandesign.com for more information.
Ever dream of "the good old days" and want to return to your roots? You should meet Rosalea Hostetler, founder of the Prairie Connection and the Balmer Fund to preserve the prairies. She's fiesty, outspoken (just search for her on YouTube!) and controversial as she aims to put an end to "good ole boy" networks and "bullying on the prairies." Visit her website: www.prairieconnect.com to see her Liar's Pavillion and what the ruckus is all about.
Does music inspire your soul? Look no further than Judy Rodman, singer, songwriter, and powerhouse behind Runaway Home ~ The Musical. Judy addresses the tough issues of being a runaway, the human needs of safety and connection, all while inspiring others through teaching and her own entertainment work. Visit JudyRodman.com to learn more about this lovely lady today.
Is paradise only something for the after-life? I don't think so, and if you meet Elin Pendleton, you'll agree. She lives on a nature preserve with a menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, and goats. With a mother who had her pilot's license in the 1930s it is no wonder Elin is such a vivacious gal. She made laugh when she said, "I'm no Van Gogh...thank G-d!" You may see her work and her blog by beginning at www.elinart.com.
More brief profiles will be up as I move through the week and prepare for the Upstate Women's Show, here in Greenville, SC. If you're in town, please do visit my booth!
-Mel.
Mel Edwards Featured On Internet Voices Radio
http://internetvoicesradio.com/Arch-ToniQuest.htm
What goes around comes around...at least that's what I believe.
Toni Quest (aka Screaming Woman) is one of the Votre Vray Creative Women, and also a host on Internet Voices Radio. August 11th Toni returned the favor by generously having me (Mel) on her show.
To listen to the 30 minute program, select the link at the top of this message. (If you're having trouble with the link, visit InternetVoicesRadio.com, and go to the archives of Toni Quest's interviews.)
Thank you, Toni, for being such a lovely host and thank you to Lillian Cauldwell, the woman behind Internet Voices Radio!
-Mel.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mel Scheduled to Present at SCAAE
The South Carolina Alliance for Arts Education has notified Mel that she will be a presenter at their annual conference. The conference is slated for September 25-26 in Charleston and Mel's presentation is entitled Spark a Wildfire in the Classroom with Storytelling.
SCAAE is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and SCAAE receives funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission.
To register or learn more about this year's conference, please visit Lander University's website at: http://www.lander.edu/scaae/
SCAAE is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and SCAAE receives funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission.
To register or learn more about this year's conference, please visit Lander University's website at: http://www.lander.edu/scaae/
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Votre Vray Creative Women Update
Well, folks, if you have been following the blog about Mel Edwards' Votre Vray Creative Women project you probably have noticed that not a whole lot has happened blog-wise in almost two weeks. Here's the latest.
1. The Votre Vray Creative Women interview process has ended. If you sent a release form and answered the six interview launch questions and did not get a chance to be interviewed for Volume 1 of the Votre Vray project, have no fear. Your information will still be included in the final product. However, since the project is already one month behind, I just had to stop the interviewing process. I can't create a one-woman show and write a book at the same time, and certainly can't do either while talking on the phone. If you have something to add, please e-mail me by this Friday, August 15th so it can be added to my notes for the final piece.
2. Mel has been in the recording studio! I've recorded nineteen poems, four songs and four stories this past week, and have enough material for TWO cds! I'll be sure to alert you when they're ready for sale.
3. Shout: KMA (Kiss My Art!) T-shirts are for sale. Buy a shirt for $15 for sizes S-XL, $18 for sizes 2XL and 3XL and $5 will go to arts organizations to help offer free or reduced-price classes in the arts for women.
4. Upstate Women's Show is August 22-24 at the Carolina First Center in Greenville, SC. Mel. will be there with Shout: KMA (Kiss My Art!) shirts, poetry chapbooks, and cds for sale. Also, local Upstate SC women artists can fill out a questionnaire for inclusion in the Votre Vray Creative Women project statistics and brief response sections of the book. (If you've done the interview launch questions, you've already done this, so don't worry about missing out.)
5. Mel's been on Internet Voices Radio! Toni Quest, Votre Vray Creative Woman herself, interviewed Mel last night, August 11th. Go to www.internetvoicesradio.com, click on archives, and then select Toni's name. You then can listen to the interview.
6. More Votre Vray Creative Women profiles are coming! Several profiles will be added to this blog by the end of the week (August 15th) with the final round by the end of August. Once your profile has been added, I'll notify you immediately by e-mail.
Thank you ever so much for your support in this project. You can continue to make it a success by telling all your friends, relatives and business associates about Votre Vray. Ask them to subscribe to the blog. Add a link to the blog on your web pages and personal RSS feeds. Buy a Shout: KMA (Kiss My Art!) shirt to help other women follow in your footsteps. E-mail Mel and tell her where in your community you can envision her doing her one-woman show. Together, we can make an impact and improve the lives of women artists everywhere.
Let's become the Oprah show of Creative Women!
Until next time,
Keep Creating!
-Mel.
p.s. Mel's big dream is to have the Votre Vray Creative Women one-woman play become an HBO special. If you know anyone who may know anyone with HBO productions, please e-mail Mel! (MelEdwardsConnect [at] Yahoo [dot] com)
Jo Wester, Artist, Signs with Publisher!
Sanmar Publishing works with galleries and general licensing to offer the impressive and unique work of artist with broad appeal. Joey Wester, of www.JDWDesign.com has just signed with Sanmar.
Check out this site to see more about this Votre Vray Creative Woman and her new publisher:
www.sanmarpublishing.com
(You'll also get to see a picture of Joey when you click on the link to her name...and guys, last time I checked she was single...;-)...not that she necessarily gave me any permission to say that, but girls who are hitched love to point out any single gals we know. Please forgive me, Joey!)
-Mel.
Leisa Rich Fiber Artist Updates
Hi, folks. Leisa Rich of www.monaleisa.com, was interviewed by Mel Edwards for Votre Vray Creative Women, and has sent the following updates:
"The stunning exhibition, Mining the Surface: New Sensibilities in Art Textiles at the Swan Coach House Gallery in Atlanta is open and is really worth seeing for those of you in the area. Leisa has a large work in this fabulous showcase of current works in surface design, textiles and fiber. The exhibition was curated by Marianne Lambert and Junco Sato-Pollack. Artists reception is on Thursday, September 4th from 6-8 p.m. and Leisa will be there.
In addition, Leisa's piece "Liquid Force" has been chosen to be in the 2008 National Juried Exhibition at the Atlanta Artist Center. It is the only fiber piece in a primarily painting and photography centered show. The exhibition runs from August 26-September 30th, 2008."
Please support all Votre Vray Creative women!
-Mel.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Go To Work Every Day
The following is an excerpt of an interview with Robin Koehler, fiber artist, for Votre Vray Creative Women by Mel. Edwards.
There is no magic pill for achievement or artistry. “Whether your life is a creative one or a 9-5 office life, the basic principles apply to us all. If you follow those principals, success should follow,” says Robin Koehler. “Go to work every day. Don’t stop learning, and don’t be afraid to try anything.”
Speaking of trying anything, many creative people will put their hands and hearts to work in a variety of mediums, loving some more than other. “When I found fiber arts, I walked away from all the other mediums I had attempted over the years. I can’t imagine doing anything else since I am able to combine mediums with the fiber art.”
What keeps Robin going? “I know I should be empowering myself and not rely on others’ feedback but I grow from it. The bigger impact comes from having a stranger tell me that they like (my work).” Does she believe in her own work? “Yes, but I constantly compare myself to other artists in my field and the first reaction it to say I’m not good enough. I need to override that with positive self talk which can be exhausting. Self-help only works if you do it. I put that little voice to the back. Each time your try, it makes it easier the next time.”
Doing her art isn’t the only nerve wracking aspect of getting her work out there. ‘I do door-to-door sales of my patterns to quilt shops. I like selling via my website better because you don’t have to see the look on the potential customer’s face when you discuss price.”
Marketing and selling is a well-known challenge of creative people of all mediums and modalities. Most of us do not create to become wealthy, but for the joy of the art. In the end, the joy will carry us through.
*********
You can enjoy and purchase Robin’s work by visiting www.nestlingsbyrobin.com.
There is no magic pill for achievement or artistry. “Whether your life is a creative one or a 9-5 office life, the basic principles apply to us all. If you follow those principals, success should follow,” says Robin Koehler. “Go to work every day. Don’t stop learning, and don’t be afraid to try anything.”
Speaking of trying anything, many creative people will put their hands and hearts to work in a variety of mediums, loving some more than other. “When I found fiber arts, I walked away from all the other mediums I had attempted over the years. I can’t imagine doing anything else since I am able to combine mediums with the fiber art.”
What keeps Robin going? “I know I should be empowering myself and not rely on others’ feedback but I grow from it. The bigger impact comes from having a stranger tell me that they like (my work).” Does she believe in her own work? “Yes, but I constantly compare myself to other artists in my field and the first reaction it to say I’m not good enough. I need to override that with positive self talk which can be exhausting. Self-help only works if you do it. I put that little voice to the back. Each time your try, it makes it easier the next time.”
Doing her art isn’t the only nerve wracking aspect of getting her work out there. ‘I do door-to-door sales of my patterns to quilt shops. I like selling via my website better because you don’t have to see the look on the potential customer’s face when you discuss price.”
Marketing and selling is a well-known challenge of creative people of all mediums and modalities. Most of us do not create to become wealthy, but for the joy of the art. In the end, the joy will carry us through.
*********
You can enjoy and purchase Robin’s work by visiting www.nestlingsbyrobin.com.
Boys and Girls, in the Center Ring, An Amazing Architect!
The following is an excerpt of an interview of architect Mary Cyr conducted by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
Many people “oh” and “ah” over artwork and glamorize the technical skill and hard work that goes into creating a piece. The same goes for the effort that is required to be an architect. Many artists often are astounded when non-artists exclaim, “Oh, I could never do that. You’re so talented,” completely discounting the fact that anyone good at her art must show up at the drawing table again and again, ready to work, regardless of inspiration. “They make you sound like a lion tamer or something. Then I wonder why my life isn’t as glamorous as they think.” Mary Cyr was guilty of such feelings as a child, “I felt like I couldn’t do math. I think only teachers make less (than artists and architect).”
Still she made the leap with a little help from those who fostered her spark. Who supported her dream? “I had several ‘angels’ come into my life as I needed them. The first was my undergraduate Art History professor, Dr. Rosa, with whom I did an Architectural History tutorial in contemplations of a career in Architecture and who saw that my sculpture was definitely growing towards an architectural expression. I had two professors in graduate architecture school, Professor Adele Santos and Professor Urs Gauchat, who saw value in my word and encouraged me to nurture it. I had wonderful employers. My first job (at the now defunct The Architect’s Collaborative), my mentors were Vick Madera and John Weigel, who encouraged me to take on more responsibility in my first foray into the ‘real’ world. Oliver Egleston, the former president of Shelley Bullfinch & Abbot supported me by showing me that midlife transitions are nothing to be afraid of. Most recently, Bill Quatman, FAIA who is an attorney practicing construction law in Kansas City has been a great fan of mine as I sought his support in my establishment of my Architect-led Design/Build company.”
Mary states, “The life of an artist is a real lone existence. At age 20 I knew that I wanted to be more deeply connected to the community. What I do now has the self-discipline of art but much of my work is for non-profits. I’m doing an RFP this morning.” Mary has spent twenty-five years as an architect and ten of those years running a sole proprietorship. I’d like to grow and have multiple streams of income that all are intertwined: an art gallery in my office, a small non-profit studio/artists incubator for emerging artists, my design and build company, and ideally, I’d like to go back home to Boston.”
“I’m ready to step out of my profession, not to abandon it, but to take a chance and see what happens when I allow more into my creative life. Not only does that not scare me, it makes me excited about my future.” Little does she know, her passion excites others too.
********
Mary Cyr’s business can be found at: http://www.cyrarchitects.com/
Many people “oh” and “ah” over artwork and glamorize the technical skill and hard work that goes into creating a piece. The same goes for the effort that is required to be an architect. Many artists often are astounded when non-artists exclaim, “Oh, I could never do that. You’re so talented,” completely discounting the fact that anyone good at her art must show up at the drawing table again and again, ready to work, regardless of inspiration. “They make you sound like a lion tamer or something. Then I wonder why my life isn’t as glamorous as they think.” Mary Cyr was guilty of such feelings as a child, “I felt like I couldn’t do math. I think only teachers make less (than artists and architect).”
Still she made the leap with a little help from those who fostered her spark. Who supported her dream? “I had several ‘angels’ come into my life as I needed them. The first was my undergraduate Art History professor, Dr. Rosa, with whom I did an Architectural History tutorial in contemplations of a career in Architecture and who saw that my sculpture was definitely growing towards an architectural expression. I had two professors in graduate architecture school, Professor Adele Santos and Professor Urs Gauchat, who saw value in my word and encouraged me to nurture it. I had wonderful employers. My first job (at the now defunct The Architect’s Collaborative), my mentors were Vick Madera and John Weigel, who encouraged me to take on more responsibility in my first foray into the ‘real’ world. Oliver Egleston, the former president of Shelley Bullfinch & Abbot supported me by showing me that midlife transitions are nothing to be afraid of. Most recently, Bill Quatman, FAIA who is an attorney practicing construction law in Kansas City has been a great fan of mine as I sought his support in my establishment of my Architect-led Design/Build company.”
Mary states, “The life of an artist is a real lone existence. At age 20 I knew that I wanted to be more deeply connected to the community. What I do now has the self-discipline of art but much of my work is for non-profits. I’m doing an RFP this morning.” Mary has spent twenty-five years as an architect and ten of those years running a sole proprietorship. I’d like to grow and have multiple streams of income that all are intertwined: an art gallery in my office, a small non-profit studio/artists incubator for emerging artists, my design and build company, and ideally, I’d like to go back home to Boston.”
“I’m ready to step out of my profession, not to abandon it, but to take a chance and see what happens when I allow more into my creative life. Not only does that not scare me, it makes me excited about my future.” Little does she know, her passion excites others too.
********
Mary Cyr’s business can be found at: http://www.cyrarchitects.com/
Warm-hearted Crafter Becomes Fiber Artist
The following is an excerpt of an interview of Bailey Earith for Votre Vray Creative Women by Mel. Edwards.
Every day in crafting stores around the world, a child spies a kit that looks fun an interesting. Begging ensues. Parents either foster the creativity (“You want to make that? Okay. Put it in the cart.”), site financial obstacles (“Not today. We can’t afford that.”), demand shared ownership (“How much of your allowance do you have left?”), or shoot down the request (“No. You have plenty of toys at home. You don’t need that. It’s junk anyway.”). Bailey Earith was lucky enough to have a family that encouraged her creativity. “I started with kits as a kid and my work developed from there.”
“Growing up, waaay back I used to just consider myself a crafter. My original training was occupational therapy, which developed from a post-WWII program for shell-shocked veterans. I had to learn ceramics, woodwork, mosaic, knitting, crocheting, etc. so I could teach others. I wanted to take it to the next level. Then I read a book that stated the words you use affect your life. I decided from then on to take the title of artist and the change was immediate.” Bailey’s favorite quote? “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t you’re right.” – Henry Ford “I so believe that. My special passion is empowering mentally challenged people to help them create arts and bring it to market. I also teach arts at retreats to help people with their personal journeys. We make spirit dolls.”
Bailey adds, “I’m not religious, more spiritual, more Dr. Wayne Dyer and honoring American Indian traditions. So, when I say this, it may not be what religious people think of, but I say, do what makes you happy. Be true to who you are. Believe. Then you will (be able to do create your vision).”
*********
Bailey’s work can be found at: www.BaileyFiberArt.com
Every day in crafting stores around the world, a child spies a kit that looks fun an interesting. Begging ensues. Parents either foster the creativity (“You want to make that? Okay. Put it in the cart.”), site financial obstacles (“Not today. We can’t afford that.”), demand shared ownership (“How much of your allowance do you have left?”), or shoot down the request (“No. You have plenty of toys at home. You don’t need that. It’s junk anyway.”). Bailey Earith was lucky enough to have a family that encouraged her creativity. “I started with kits as a kid and my work developed from there.”
“Growing up, waaay back I used to just consider myself a crafter. My original training was occupational therapy, which developed from a post-WWII program for shell-shocked veterans. I had to learn ceramics, woodwork, mosaic, knitting, crocheting, etc. so I could teach others. I wanted to take it to the next level. Then I read a book that stated the words you use affect your life. I decided from then on to take the title of artist and the change was immediate.” Bailey’s favorite quote? “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t you’re right.” – Henry Ford “I so believe that. My special passion is empowering mentally challenged people to help them create arts and bring it to market. I also teach arts at retreats to help people with their personal journeys. We make spirit dolls.”
Bailey adds, “I’m not religious, more spiritual, more Dr. Wayne Dyer and honoring American Indian traditions. So, when I say this, it may not be what religious people think of, but I say, do what makes you happy. Be true to who you are. Believe. Then you will (be able to do create your vision).”
*********
Bailey’s work can be found at: www.BaileyFiberArt.com
Monday, July 28, 2008
Votre Vray Interviewee Earns Rave Reviews
Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz, M.S. Ed., author of Sputter, Sputter, Sput has sent links to
two solid reviews. Please check them out and know that an excerpt of Bab's interview for the Votre Vray Creative Women project is coming soon!
-Mel.
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/kirkusreviews/search/search_results_taxo.jsp?startDate=04/25/2008&endDate=07/24/2008&cf=&ct=&cu=&rpp=10&sb=REFERENCE_DATE&so=DESC&ti=2&tp=vnuTaxoPool&numRet=200&src=&showAbs=true&srchMeta=true&shwTotal=true&metaSrchNum=250&numMeta=20&pi=&pubList=Kirkus%20Reviews&kw=sputter&au=&mt=&mv=&esindct=false
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sputter-Sputter-Sput/Babs-Bell-Hajdusiewicz/e/9780060562236/?itm=1
two solid reviews. Please check them out and know that an excerpt of Bab's interview for the Votre Vray Creative Women project is coming soon!
-Mel.
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/kirkusreviews/search/search_results_taxo.jsp?startDate=04/25/2008&endDate=07/24/2008&cf=&ct=&cu=&rpp=10&sb=REFERENCE_DATE&so=DESC&ti=2&tp=vnuTaxoPool&numRet=200&src=&showAbs=true&srchMeta=true&shwTotal=true&metaSrchNum=250&numMeta=20&pi=&pubList=Kirkus%20Reviews&kw=sputter&au=&mt=&mv=&esindct=false
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sputter-Sputter-Sput/Babs-Bell-Hajdusiewicz/e/9780060562236/?itm=1
No Negativity in a Passionate Process
The following is an excerpt of an interview of Anya McManis, painter, conducted by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women Project.
What is your heaven on earth? Anya McManis’s version is painting. “It is a dream, a wish, that has come true.” Many of McManis’s graphic design clients may have no of idea the artistry that lives within Anya’s soul. When I asked her how she felt about being called an artist she said, “Now, I feel that that’s me. My father was a painter but he had to get ‘a real job’ instead of following an art career. For me, becoming comfortable with the term was a growing process, to finally realize that is who I am. Now, it resonates with me.”
So often, those of us who realize our creative path as a second career or a new found love born anew later in our adult lives, artists are often overly self-critical and fearful of putting our work, hearts and souls on the block for others to evaluate. I asked Anya if it was ever, often, or always a fearful process to put her work out there for the masses. “Surprisingly, no, not at all. I’ve always gotten a good reception, and that helps. I never had a fear because if I did what I loved, I felt I just had to do it. I enjoy it so much. There just is no negative. As I work, I’ve always felt I was becoming myself more than ever before.”
How does she balance a full-time graphic design business and her art? “Sometimes, it is not so easy. I’m very busy, but always looking, trying to find that balance. I ride my bike to the office, and try to get to the gym.” Still, her love for her art is so powerful, it is hard to imagine she wouldn’t be willing to live an unbalanced life for a long time just so that she can paint. “Deep inside there is more I can do with it, and I’ve looked into a (business) space that was more like a gallery in front. It can encourage others and help them get their art out there too. Remember, the process is the most rewarding part. Being in a creative zone, a space where you do your art, is just wonderful.”
*********
Anya can be found each day at her other creative passion: http://www.kreativekeystrokes.com/
What is your heaven on earth? Anya McManis’s version is painting. “It is a dream, a wish, that has come true.” Many of McManis’s graphic design clients may have no of idea the artistry that lives within Anya’s soul. When I asked her how she felt about being called an artist she said, “Now, I feel that that’s me. My father was a painter but he had to get ‘a real job’ instead of following an art career. For me, becoming comfortable with the term was a growing process, to finally realize that is who I am. Now, it resonates with me.”
So often, those of us who realize our creative path as a second career or a new found love born anew later in our adult lives, artists are often overly self-critical and fearful of putting our work, hearts and souls on the block for others to evaluate. I asked Anya if it was ever, often, or always a fearful process to put her work out there for the masses. “Surprisingly, no, not at all. I’ve always gotten a good reception, and that helps. I never had a fear because if I did what I loved, I felt I just had to do it. I enjoy it so much. There just is no negative. As I work, I’ve always felt I was becoming myself more than ever before.”
How does she balance a full-time graphic design business and her art? “Sometimes, it is not so easy. I’m very busy, but always looking, trying to find that balance. I ride my bike to the office, and try to get to the gym.” Still, her love for her art is so powerful, it is hard to imagine she wouldn’t be willing to live an unbalanced life for a long time just so that she can paint. “Deep inside there is more I can do with it, and I’ve looked into a (business) space that was more like a gallery in front. It can encourage others and help them get their art out there too. Remember, the process is the most rewarding part. Being in a creative zone, a space where you do your art, is just wonderful.”
*********
Anya can be found each day at her other creative passion: http://www.kreativekeystrokes.com/
Lady, Your Kid Looks Like a Monkey
The following is an excerpt of an interview of Laura Glusha, artists and human mom of sorts to an endangered DeBrazza monkey, by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
“I had been working for the movies (making posters) and it was never fulfilling. The studio takes all the credit for your work. Your name is off everything that you paint. I worked like a dog but in the end, you are nothing. I was in a complete depression, so I’d go to the zoo and sketch. One day, I went to the children’s zoo, where I never went, and there was this human incubator. I had a background in sketching for medicine, so I knew what it was. There was this baby monkey, only six inches long, sucking his toe. He had the most beautiful eyes I had seen in my life ever. He looked at me as he knew me. I walked around and could almost feel his eyes piercing me. I went back the next day and every day for five days. It was quiet then, in 1972 the kids were at school, not on trips to the zoo. During that time I just watched and drew him.”
Laura’s connection with the infant did not go unnoticed. A zoo worker said, “We’ve been watching you.” Then they told her the sad tale. The baby had been found in the arms of its father at two days old. The father was throwing him against the side of the cage and when he was spotted. He was almost dead. The zoo workers dropped a net into the cage and hosed down the male until he let go of the offspring, and the workers pulled it to safety. That was the day Laura met him.
“He thinks you’re his mother.”
Laura smiled, “I feel as if he’s my child.” The truth is, Laura and her husband, who helped her gain great skill as an artist, never did have human children.
“We don’t think he’s going to make it but we want to name him. We were thinking either Harold or Suck-a-toe.”
Laura still laughs, 36 years later, saying, “That’s all he did. So, Suck-a-toe it was.”
Although Laura is an artist by nature, her adventures in visiting this little guy every day for nine months brought her along two other colorful paths that were wholly unanticipated. She found an author for Suck-a-toe’s story by discussing it with her chiropractor and his nurse. Laura had no idea the nurse was a published author, but Sister Mary Dorothy knew a good story when she heard it. She handed Laura a sketch pad and said, “We’re going to write a book and you’re going to do the pictures.” Laura also began sharing her stories of Suck-a-toe as a public speaker, visiting schools for free just to talk about her beloved. “It has become the most important thing in my life. I don’t know what made me go the other way that day into the children’s zoo. But when I got in, there he was right in front of me.”
Sometimes love is at first sight, and lives change in an instant. Gratefully, Laura’s life blossomed and the depression went away, as she sketched Suck-a-toe day after day, played peek-a-boo with him in his incubator, and then shared his story with the world.
“I believe everyone has a purpose in this life and if not pursued that person will never be happy,” says Laura. Perhaps without a mother’s love there would have never been a thriving monkey named Suck-a-toe.
********
Please visit Laura’s website and her amazing animal artwork: http://www.artsonstone.com/
“I had been working for the movies (making posters) and it was never fulfilling. The studio takes all the credit for your work. Your name is off everything that you paint. I worked like a dog but in the end, you are nothing. I was in a complete depression, so I’d go to the zoo and sketch. One day, I went to the children’s zoo, where I never went, and there was this human incubator. I had a background in sketching for medicine, so I knew what it was. There was this baby monkey, only six inches long, sucking his toe. He had the most beautiful eyes I had seen in my life ever. He looked at me as he knew me. I walked around and could almost feel his eyes piercing me. I went back the next day and every day for five days. It was quiet then, in 1972 the kids were at school, not on trips to the zoo. During that time I just watched and drew him.”
Laura’s connection with the infant did not go unnoticed. A zoo worker said, “We’ve been watching you.” Then they told her the sad tale. The baby had been found in the arms of its father at two days old. The father was throwing him against the side of the cage and when he was spotted. He was almost dead. The zoo workers dropped a net into the cage and hosed down the male until he let go of the offspring, and the workers pulled it to safety. That was the day Laura met him.
“He thinks you’re his mother.”
Laura smiled, “I feel as if he’s my child.” The truth is, Laura and her husband, who helped her gain great skill as an artist, never did have human children.
“We don’t think he’s going to make it but we want to name him. We were thinking either Harold or Suck-a-toe.”
Laura still laughs, 36 years later, saying, “That’s all he did. So, Suck-a-toe it was.”
Although Laura is an artist by nature, her adventures in visiting this little guy every day for nine months brought her along two other colorful paths that were wholly unanticipated. She found an author for Suck-a-toe’s story by discussing it with her chiropractor and his nurse. Laura had no idea the nurse was a published author, but Sister Mary Dorothy knew a good story when she heard it. She handed Laura a sketch pad and said, “We’re going to write a book and you’re going to do the pictures.” Laura also began sharing her stories of Suck-a-toe as a public speaker, visiting schools for free just to talk about her beloved. “It has become the most important thing in my life. I don’t know what made me go the other way that day into the children’s zoo. But when I got in, there he was right in front of me.”
Sometimes love is at first sight, and lives change in an instant. Gratefully, Laura’s life blossomed and the depression went away, as she sketched Suck-a-toe day after day, played peek-a-boo with him in his incubator, and then shared his story with the world.
“I believe everyone has a purpose in this life and if not pursued that person will never be happy,” says Laura. Perhaps without a mother’s love there would have never been a thriving monkey named Suck-a-toe.
********
Please visit Laura’s website and her amazing animal artwork: http://www.artsonstone.com/
So…What happened to that story???
The following is an excerpt of author Carol Hoenig’s interview with Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
Why does someone purposely get up each day and face a blank page or computer screen with the intention to write fact or fiction? For Carol Hoenig it was a matter of self-preservation. “Growing up, I was never a debater. I’d just fumble unless I really knew my stuff. I question my verbal choices when spoken. When I write I can say, ‘Okay. That’s what I was trying to get at.’ Something in me tells me what I have written is right, and then I know I’m done. Still, if I know it isn’t finished, it keeps niggling at me. Even now when I blog I try to give it an hour to set before I put it out there.”
Leading such an exacting verbal existence may seem exhausting so many, but not for Carol. “I grew up in a little town north of Plattsburg, NY, and I learned early one that when I wrote poetry in school people would laugh at my quirky humor (in a positive way). So I kept at it. I never called myself a writer before I was published, but when I was being taken by the industry, I knew it was time.”
Who inspired her? “I know it is cliché but I had a home economics teacher in 7th grade that I showed a story I was working on. She was interested in it. Then, I saw her again when I was in the 12th grade and she asked about my character (Tommy). I was mortified, because I didn’t want to let her down. I told her I was working on it even though I hadn’t touched it.”
Her high school influences apparently went much further than one teacher’s interest. When Carol’s first book was published one review compared the novel to To Kill a Mockingbird. “It was my first review, and I waited for it to come out. Three hours later, I learned they downsized my job. I looked at the review as a signpost, took my severance and put the word out that I was going to try going it on my own. I got my first freelance job the same day.”
The rest, we hope, will make her-story!
*****
Please visit Carol's website: http://www.carolhoenig.com/
Why does someone purposely get up each day and face a blank page or computer screen with the intention to write fact or fiction? For Carol Hoenig it was a matter of self-preservation. “Growing up, I was never a debater. I’d just fumble unless I really knew my stuff. I question my verbal choices when spoken. When I write I can say, ‘Okay. That’s what I was trying to get at.’ Something in me tells me what I have written is right, and then I know I’m done. Still, if I know it isn’t finished, it keeps niggling at me. Even now when I blog I try to give it an hour to set before I put it out there.”
Leading such an exacting verbal existence may seem exhausting so many, but not for Carol. “I grew up in a little town north of Plattsburg, NY, and I learned early one that when I wrote poetry in school people would laugh at my quirky humor (in a positive way). So I kept at it. I never called myself a writer before I was published, but when I was being taken by the industry, I knew it was time.”
Who inspired her? “I know it is cliché but I had a home economics teacher in 7th grade that I showed a story I was working on. She was interested in it. Then, I saw her again when I was in the 12th grade and she asked about my character (Tommy). I was mortified, because I didn’t want to let her down. I told her I was working on it even though I hadn’t touched it.”
Her high school influences apparently went much further than one teacher’s interest. When Carol’s first book was published one review compared the novel to To Kill a Mockingbird. “It was my first review, and I waited for it to come out. Three hours later, I learned they downsized my job. I looked at the review as a signpost, took my severance and put the word out that I was going to try going it on my own. I got my first freelance job the same day.”
The rest, we hope, will make her-story!
*****
Please visit Carol's website: http://www.carolhoenig.com/
Free Ways to Promote Your Art
Hello, everyone.
As I work on this Votre Vray project I talk to more and more women who don't promote their art outside of their communities, or those who put up a website and just hope someone finds their work.
I've started this post to invite you to share how your promote your work and get business. Please add your tips to the comments section.
Here are a few of my tips from what I do now:
1. Start a blog, and update it regularly. Each post can end up a topic people search for. I love Blogger because it is easy, the templates match my style, it is FREE and Google owns it, so when someone Google's my name or my project, you bet you see a bunch of links pop up. (RSS feeds help too.)
2. Send out a press release for each new venture and event to people who have the option of writing about your work, including to your dream venue/gallery/theatre etc.
3. Participate in statewide and national shows and get your name placed in their advertising for free as an exhibitor/vendor. (I'll be in the South Carolina Upstate Women's Show August 22-24 and I'll be listed for free as one of their exhibitors/vendors.)
Here are some things I'll be doing in the next month:
1. Begin a free newsletter/e-mail list with easy opt in and opt out.
2. Sell related merchandise via an online store such as CafePress, eBay, etc. or use automatic checkout via PayPal for your merchandise. (www.ShoutKissMyArt.com will be using the PayPal invoices as soon as I set it up this week.)
3. Participate in free marketing workshops and networking groups to let people know who you are and ask for their tips and tricks.
So, what do you do?
Please share with other Votre Vray readers via the comments section below. Feel free to add links to your websites and blogs in your comments. This community is all about promoting you and your true creative self.
Until next time,
keep creating!
-Mel.
As I work on this Votre Vray project I talk to more and more women who don't promote their art outside of their communities, or those who put up a website and just hope someone finds their work.
I've started this post to invite you to share how your promote your work and get business. Please add your tips to the comments section.
Here are a few of my tips from what I do now:
1. Start a blog, and update it regularly. Each post can end up a topic people search for. I love Blogger because it is easy, the templates match my style, it is FREE and Google owns it, so when someone Google's my name or my project, you bet you see a bunch of links pop up. (RSS feeds help too.)
2. Send out a press release for each new venture and event to people who have the option of writing about your work, including to your dream venue/gallery/theatre etc.
3. Participate in statewide and national shows and get your name placed in their advertising for free as an exhibitor/vendor. (I'll be in the South Carolina Upstate Women's Show August 22-24 and I'll be listed for free as one of their exhibitors/vendors.)
Here are some things I'll be doing in the next month:
1. Begin a free newsletter/e-mail list with easy opt in and opt out.
2. Sell related merchandise via an online store such as CafePress, eBay, etc. or use automatic checkout via PayPal for your merchandise. (www.ShoutKissMyArt.com will be using the PayPal invoices as soon as I set it up this week.)
3. Participate in free marketing workshops and networking groups to let people know who you are and ask for their tips and tricks.
So, what do you do?
Please share with other Votre Vray readers via the comments section below. Feel free to add links to your websites and blogs in your comments. This community is all about promoting you and your true creative self.
Until next time,
keep creating!
-Mel.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How to Become a Votre Vray Profiled Artist - Volume 2
Those who have been following the blog know I have about 100 women already who have answered the six interview launch questions and filled out the release form (posted June 25th). The deadline for submissions for Votre Vray Creative Women, Volume 1, has passed.
NOTE: If you filled out the documents and haven't heard from me, you'll get an e-mail from me within the next few days to do your follow-up interview.
If you've not filled out the six questions and release form, you can be considered for Volume 2, set to go through the interview process later this fall IF you do at least TWO of the following:
1. Subscribe to the blog and wait for a call for submissions for Volume 2.
2. Post positive comments to the blog and profiles of other artists between now and then.
3. Come to a Votre Vray event.
4. Buy something from a Votre Vray artist (and have the artist e-mail me that you came to them because of the Votre Vray project).
5. Write an article about Votre Vray on your own website or print media and send me a copy (and I'll cross-promote it).
It is my mission to promote women and the arts. We can only do it by working together, reaching out to each other, spreading the word and, holding up our heads to:
Shout: Kiss My Art!
Keep creating!
-Mel.
NOTE: If you filled out the documents and haven't heard from me, you'll get an e-mail from me within the next few days to do your follow-up interview.
If you've not filled out the six questions and release form, you can be considered for Volume 2, set to go through the interview process later this fall IF you do at least TWO of the following:
1. Subscribe to the blog and wait for a call for submissions for Volume 2.
2. Post positive comments to the blog and profiles of other artists between now and then.
3. Come to a Votre Vray event.
4. Buy something from a Votre Vray artist (and have the artist e-mail me that you came to them because of the Votre Vray project).
5. Write an article about Votre Vray on your own website or print media and send me a copy (and I'll cross-promote it).
It is my mission to promote women and the arts. We can only do it by working together, reaching out to each other, spreading the word and, holding up our heads to:
Shout: Kiss My Art!
Keep creating!
-Mel.
Support Votre Vray Artists!!!
If you see an article to an artist you're interested in, go to their site. Buy their work. Become their best advocate and post comments here....but DON'T STOP there!
If you're a friend or family member of a Votre Vray creative woman, please read the articles and see the work of the other artists. We're not competitors here. You can love the work of several artists, even in the same medium, and not be disloyal to the one artist you came to see because you already knew her or her work.
Votre Vray can only be a success if you reach out to each other, tell everyone you know about the artists here, and about my work to be an arts advocate. Kudos are great, but in the words of Carla Sanders, the sincerest form of appreciation is when someone pulls out their checkbook.
Also, if you are interested in buying work or seeing more work from any of these artists, please visit their links directly. I don't make a single red cent in promoting anyone here. The artist make the money when you visit them and buy from them directly.
Thank you again for your patronage, and please:
1. Tell 10 people today about Votre Vray
2. Subscribe to this blog
3. If you want art, buy something from one of the wonderful women who've been profiled here, or whose links appear on this page.
4. Create your own art for your own pleasure, or to share, and join the Votre Vray family!
5. Put a link to Votre Vray on your blog or website.
Keep creating!
-Mel.
If you're a friend or family member of a Votre Vray creative woman, please read the articles and see the work of the other artists. We're not competitors here. You can love the work of several artists, even in the same medium, and not be disloyal to the one artist you came to see because you already knew her or her work.
Votre Vray can only be a success if you reach out to each other, tell everyone you know about the artists here, and about my work to be an arts advocate. Kudos are great, but in the words of Carla Sanders, the sincerest form of appreciation is when someone pulls out their checkbook.
Also, if you are interested in buying work or seeing more work from any of these artists, please visit their links directly. I don't make a single red cent in promoting anyone here. The artist make the money when you visit them and buy from them directly.
Thank you again for your patronage, and please:
1. Tell 10 people today about Votre Vray
2. Subscribe to this blog
3. If you want art, buy something from one of the wonderful women who've been profiled here, or whose links appear on this page.
4. Create your own art for your own pleasure, or to share, and join the Votre Vray family!
5. Put a link to Votre Vray on your blog or website.
Keep creating!
-Mel.
Follow the Sparkle
Excerpt of an interview with Violette, folk art painter, by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray creative women’s project.
Ever want to just go wild with color? Have you seen the houses in other nations, like Jellybean Row in Newfoundland (http://www.flickr.com/groups/jellybeanrow/), and dream of transforming out of the beige that seems to have captivated much of America? Let me introduce you to Violette, a wonderful Canadian woman as colorful as her palette. Her house is purple, van is multi-hued emblazoned with creativity quotes such as Joseph Campbell’s “Follow Your Bliss,” and her home is so vibrant that it has been profiled on an episode of Weird Homes.
You may have noticed she doesn’t give a last name. “When you’re a girl, you have your father’s name. You get married and have your husband’s. I’m happy with just Violette.” A bit of research reveals that Violette and several friends were so set on claiming their own identities that they each had a wedding ceremony – to marry their own true selves. That for feminine identity independence that goes a lot further than calling a woman "Ms." instead of Miss or Mrs!
I asked what her neighbors thought of her home. She said a gal friend asked an older gentleman from down the street when she first painted it. His reply? “It sure is colorful!” Violette laughs. Still, she keeps moving forward adding personality to her belongings and her art to the world. “I used to get embarrassed when friends would go with me to art supply stores and tell people I was an artist. I found it hard to accept the title because I’m not a fine artist. I’m a folk artist. Now I think it is great and I’ve grown into it. Still, as women we’re trained to think about others (first) and to not get a big head. It is a process.”
When you’re an emerging artist, others often offer advice whether you ask for it or not. Violette’s friends were amazing, “They kept saying, ‘Oh, yeah. That’s a great idea. Go for it,” and her grown children also gave their seal of approval. However, other artists weren’t always so encouraging. “I like glitter. I have it on my van, and my floors, and my work. The worst advice I have ever been given was from an artist who said, ‘Wait ‘til you’re established, then add your glitter.’” The artist advised to do what appeals to others first and be eccentric in her style later, even though to do so would have been a denial of part of Violette’s essential self. “I ignored it. I use glitter everywhere. I just love it.”
**************
You may see Violette’s home, her art van (including instruction on how to paint your own), her pieces for sale and the video of her home by visiting her website: http://www.violette.ca/
Be sure to tell her Mel. Edwards’ Votre Vray sent you.
Ever want to just go wild with color? Have you seen the houses in other nations, like Jellybean Row in Newfoundland (http://www.flickr.com/groups/jellybeanrow/), and dream of transforming out of the beige that seems to have captivated much of America? Let me introduce you to Violette, a wonderful Canadian woman as colorful as her palette. Her house is purple, van is multi-hued emblazoned with creativity quotes such as Joseph Campbell’s “Follow Your Bliss,” and her home is so vibrant that it has been profiled on an episode of Weird Homes.
You may have noticed she doesn’t give a last name. “When you’re a girl, you have your father’s name. You get married and have your husband’s. I’m happy with just Violette.” A bit of research reveals that Violette and several friends were so set on claiming their own identities that they each had a wedding ceremony – to marry their own true selves. That for feminine identity independence that goes a lot further than calling a woman "Ms." instead of Miss or Mrs!
I asked what her neighbors thought of her home. She said a gal friend asked an older gentleman from down the street when she first painted it. His reply? “It sure is colorful!” Violette laughs. Still, she keeps moving forward adding personality to her belongings and her art to the world. “I used to get embarrassed when friends would go with me to art supply stores and tell people I was an artist. I found it hard to accept the title because I’m not a fine artist. I’m a folk artist. Now I think it is great and I’ve grown into it. Still, as women we’re trained to think about others (first) and to not get a big head. It is a process.”
When you’re an emerging artist, others often offer advice whether you ask for it or not. Violette’s friends were amazing, “They kept saying, ‘Oh, yeah. That’s a great idea. Go for it,” and her grown children also gave their seal of approval. However, other artists weren’t always so encouraging. “I like glitter. I have it on my van, and my floors, and my work. The worst advice I have ever been given was from an artist who said, ‘Wait ‘til you’re established, then add your glitter.’” The artist advised to do what appeals to others first and be eccentric in her style later, even though to do so would have been a denial of part of Violette’s essential self. “I ignored it. I use glitter everywhere. I just love it.”
**************
You may see Violette’s home, her art van (including instruction on how to paint your own), her pieces for sale and the video of her home by visiting her website: http://www.violette.ca/
Be sure to tell her Mel. Edwards’ Votre Vray sent you.
A Needle Pulling Heart
Interview excerpt by Mel. Edwards for Votre Vray Creative Women’s Project
Janet Perry, of http://www.napaneedlepoint.com/, loves needlepoint. “I adored it from the beginning. It took me a long time to satisfy me and make me money, but in ’97 I claimed it. I get enthused. I now see images in stitches and it is a joy to turn the image in my head onto canvas.” Because of her love of her craft, she has a patience with it that many non-stitchers do not. I asked if it was difficult for her and she said, “I have MS but it doesn’t hurt my stitching at all. I have great attention to detail.”
We talked about how the world of needlepoint was compared to other needle arts. “Needlework is very conservative endeavor. It is way behind the curve compared to quilting. The consumer doesn’t understand (always) where you want to go, and your methods of marketing. You must be willing to educate others to be able to accomplish what you wish.” I asked for an example. “I have been doing virtual book tours. My first book came out last August and I did some tours that way. Then, went my second book came out in May, three people said, ‘You were here already,’ and weren’t interested in having me do my tour with them again.”
I was stunned with Janet’s story. Imagine someone telling a fiction writer, “Gee, you wrote one book. Why do we care you’re developing new characters and stories? We know what you’re all about already.” Certainly no one would say that to Stephen King. My ire rose and I really wanted to knock someone in the head. Luckily, Janet is classy enough not to share which three people in the world of virtual book tours said this to her.
Janet advises, “Don’t expect returns for five years. That was advice to me that has turned out to be true. I was told to stick with it and wait for the returns on my work investment. I’ve been persistent. Make sure people know that you’re there. The returns will come.” I wish many happy returns to Janet for many books, project and years to come.
***********
Visit Janet’s site to order Needlepoint Trade Secrets, Bargello Revisited, and a variety of needlepoint designs and supplies.
Janet Perry, of http://www.napaneedlepoint.com/, loves needlepoint. “I adored it from the beginning. It took me a long time to satisfy me and make me money, but in ’97 I claimed it. I get enthused. I now see images in stitches and it is a joy to turn the image in my head onto canvas.” Because of her love of her craft, she has a patience with it that many non-stitchers do not. I asked if it was difficult for her and she said, “I have MS but it doesn’t hurt my stitching at all. I have great attention to detail.”
We talked about how the world of needlepoint was compared to other needle arts. “Needlework is very conservative endeavor. It is way behind the curve compared to quilting. The consumer doesn’t understand (always) where you want to go, and your methods of marketing. You must be willing to educate others to be able to accomplish what you wish.” I asked for an example. “I have been doing virtual book tours. My first book came out last August and I did some tours that way. Then, went my second book came out in May, three people said, ‘You were here already,’ and weren’t interested in having me do my tour with them again.”
I was stunned with Janet’s story. Imagine someone telling a fiction writer, “Gee, you wrote one book. Why do we care you’re developing new characters and stories? We know what you’re all about already.” Certainly no one would say that to Stephen King. My ire rose and I really wanted to knock someone in the head. Luckily, Janet is classy enough not to share which three people in the world of virtual book tours said this to her.
Janet advises, “Don’t expect returns for five years. That was advice to me that has turned out to be true. I was told to stick with it and wait for the returns on my work investment. I’ve been persistent. Make sure people know that you’re there. The returns will come.” I wish many happy returns to Janet for many books, project and years to come.
***********
Visit Janet’s site to order Needlepoint Trade Secrets, Bargello Revisited, and a variety of needlepoint designs and supplies.
Kay Ryan - New US Poet Laureate
If you haven't heard, this October, the US will have a new woman poet laureate! Read more about her here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/17/MN8411QTIU.DTL
My favorite part of the interview/story is this line:
"But when I was 30, I realized I wasn't going to avoid being this poet thing," she said.
Ryan happens to also be an English teacher, like yours truly, and she's 62. So, all you women out there who haven't "made it" in your field yet, know the big prize can come at any time. I've got 22 years to go! I'm so excited about how much I can do in that much time and feel a whole lot better about the fact that I "wasted" so many years suppressing my art trying to fit in to the world of public education when I really wanted to shout and run around like my hair was on fire.
Question of the day: When could you no longer avoid recognizing your art?
Let me know your story! Either post a comment below or e-mail me directly at Mel Edwards Connect [at] Yahoo [dot] com.
Until later,
keep creating!
-Mel.
My favorite part of the interview/story is this line:
"But when I was 30, I realized I wasn't going to avoid being this poet thing," she said.
Ryan happens to also be an English teacher, like yours truly, and she's 62. So, all you women out there who haven't "made it" in your field yet, know the big prize can come at any time. I've got 22 years to go! I'm so excited about how much I can do in that much time and feel a whole lot better about the fact that I "wasted" so many years suppressing my art trying to fit in to the world of public education when I really wanted to shout and run around like my hair was on fire.
Question of the day: When could you no longer avoid recognizing your art?
Let me know your story! Either post a comment below or e-mail me directly at Mel Edwards Connect [at] Yahoo [dot] com.
Until later,
keep creating!
-Mel.
Votre Vray Preview Set ~ Barefoot Annie's, October 1st
Votre Vray preview night, October 1st, 2008 will be held at Barefoot Annie's Coffee House and Tapas Restaurant on Main Street, Simpsonville, SC. http://www.barefootannies.com/
Kim, proprietor, was the first woman to submit her story to the Votre Vray process, so Mel felt she should be the first proprietor to benefit from the show.
Please be a patron at Barefoot Annie's long before the show, and long after. You'll love the atmosphere in the new location, Kim is feisty woman who won't hold back her humor or her love for what she does, and the fare is fab.
Preview is free and open to the public. Annie's opens at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. giving you plenty of time to come eat, drink and be merry. Come meet Mel., wear your "Shout: Kiss My Art" T-shirt, and donate to local artists and arts organizations to help them offer FREE arts events to women looking to find and honor their artistic spirit.
Kim, proprietor, was the first woman to submit her story to the Votre Vray process, so Mel felt she should be the first proprietor to benefit from the show.
Please be a patron at Barefoot Annie's long before the show, and long after. You'll love the atmosphere in the new location, Kim is feisty woman who won't hold back her humor or her love for what she does, and the fare is fab.
Preview is free and open to the public. Annie's opens at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. giving you plenty of time to come eat, drink and be merry. Come meet Mel., wear your "Shout: Kiss My Art" T-shirt, and donate to local artists and arts organizations to help them offer FREE arts events to women looking to find and honor their artistic spirit.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Shout: Kiss My Art !!!
Mel has launched a new website to promote the Votre Vray show.
Visit: www.ShoutKissMyArt.com and see preview and Opening Night dates, and order a T-shirt that says:
Shout KMA!
(Kiss My Art)
[in white letters on the front]
Votre Vray
Your Truth is Your Way!
www.VotreVray.blogspot.com
[in white letters on the back]
Additional details on ShoutKissMy Art.com.
Mention you saw this blog posting when you order the shirt and Mel will give an extra $1 to the arts and send you a FREE ticket for preview night!
Visit: www.ShoutKissMyArt.com and see preview and Opening Night dates, and order a T-shirt that says:
Shout KMA!
(Kiss My Art)
[in white letters on the front]
Votre Vray
Your Truth is Your Way!
www.VotreVray.blogspot.com
[in white letters on the back]
Additional details on ShoutKissMy Art.com.
Mention you saw this blog posting when you order the shirt and Mel will give an extra $1 to the arts and send you a FREE ticket for preview night!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Dance Today, Knit Tomorrow
An excerpt of Ann McCauley's interview by Mel. Edwards for Votre Vray Creative Women.
Ann McCauley is late coming to her knitting career, by way of 20 years of dance at the Denver Center Performing Arts, 14 years of choreographic adaptation of a Christmas Carol. “I joke that I’ve been in the arts and now I’m in the crafts,” laughs Ann, although knitting has been part of her life since the 1980s. She notes knitting and dance have a good deal in common. “They’re interrelated: shape, content, rhythm, design. They are similar. There is order, repetition. It is all about movement -- even if knitting is more intrinsic and less athletic.” In 1995 Ann did her last major dance performance, and now at age 56, she’s still in “really good physical shape.” Ann admits that “I knew one day I’d be in another market. Still, I have a vision of doing a dance about knitting. I can see it….” She goes on to describe her vision, but I will not steal her thunder here. Instead, I fully expect she will develop it, and when she does, I will let you know.
Ann says her creative spirit is given information at those soft moments that are connected to her truth. “It may not inform on the literal level, but maybe in some abstract way. You must learn to get out of the way. Open yourself to the deeper reservoir inside. Focus away from the daily routine. Let surface thoughts fall away. That is when I know I’ve found it.”
Where ever you find your joy and life’s work, it is not too late to learn to knit, or be creative in another medium. Whatever you do, Ann says, “Be true to your inner self.” So she is.
************
Ann McCauley has been a knitting author since 2003. More about her and her books can be found at: http://www.annmccauleyknits.com/
Ann McCauley is late coming to her knitting career, by way of 20 years of dance at the Denver Center Performing Arts, 14 years of choreographic adaptation of a Christmas Carol. “I joke that I’ve been in the arts and now I’m in the crafts,” laughs Ann, although knitting has been part of her life since the 1980s. She notes knitting and dance have a good deal in common. “They’re interrelated: shape, content, rhythm, design. They are similar. There is order, repetition. It is all about movement -- even if knitting is more intrinsic and less athletic.” In 1995 Ann did her last major dance performance, and now at age 56, she’s still in “really good physical shape.” Ann admits that “I knew one day I’d be in another market. Still, I have a vision of doing a dance about knitting. I can see it….” She goes on to describe her vision, but I will not steal her thunder here. Instead, I fully expect she will develop it, and when she does, I will let you know.
Ann says her creative spirit is given information at those soft moments that are connected to her truth. “It may not inform on the literal level, but maybe in some abstract way. You must learn to get out of the way. Open yourself to the deeper reservoir inside. Focus away from the daily routine. Let surface thoughts fall away. That is when I know I’ve found it.”
Where ever you find your joy and life’s work, it is not too late to learn to knit, or be creative in another medium. Whatever you do, Ann says, “Be true to your inner self.” So she is.
************
Ann McCauley has been a knitting author since 2003. More about her and her books can be found at: http://www.annmccauleyknits.com/
From Corporate Fast Track to Natural Arts and Healing Path
The following is and excerpt of an interview from Dawn Clare, www.spisebliss.com, conducted by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
What would you do if you were on the fast track to CEO, Harvard MBA under your belt and full of energy? Would you honor your creative gifts outside the boardroom? Imagine for a moment, impact of metal on bone, and flesh, pain and your vehicle is demolished beyond recognition. Regardless of your fast track reality, just moments ago, you’re now immobile, allergic to pain killers, trapped in a brace – and you’ll stay that way for months. Do you dream of returning to corporate America? Or does the muse haunt your dreams?
Before Dawn Clare’s accident four years ago, she knew she was creative and had healing skills. An Indian shaman had shared his awareness of her gifts with her more than 10 years earlier. After the crash, “my gifts are now at a higher level,” Dawn admits. She’s helped parents previously unable to conceive find their truth in the process. Some have walked away knowing parenthood wasn’t what they wanted after all, and perhaps had blocked all along. Others, who had wanted to be parents most sincerely, now are.
Dawn says, “People are often afraid about their life gifts. I say, be open internally about what your gifts are, and what they are not. Once you understand that, it (your truth) becomes your anchor. If you have a core passion, your truth will come from it. No one can tell you what it is. Go internally to find your truth. Then find people who support it and they will become relationship anchors.” Her mantra? “Do what you love, be with those you love, and the rest of your life falls into bliss!”
What is her artistic passion? “Sunsets. To me, they are nature’s smiles.” Dawn began taking sunset photos from the same location each week for over a year. “I now have over 2000 sunset photos,” she beams. From what I can tell, she has every reason to smile back at Mother Nature, night after night.
**************
You can find more information about Dawn Clare and see her sunset photos via her website: www.spisebliss.com
What would you do if you were on the fast track to CEO, Harvard MBA under your belt and full of energy? Would you honor your creative gifts outside the boardroom? Imagine for a moment, impact of metal on bone, and flesh, pain and your vehicle is demolished beyond recognition. Regardless of your fast track reality, just moments ago, you’re now immobile, allergic to pain killers, trapped in a brace – and you’ll stay that way for months. Do you dream of returning to corporate America? Or does the muse haunt your dreams?
Before Dawn Clare’s accident four years ago, she knew she was creative and had healing skills. An Indian shaman had shared his awareness of her gifts with her more than 10 years earlier. After the crash, “my gifts are now at a higher level,” Dawn admits. She’s helped parents previously unable to conceive find their truth in the process. Some have walked away knowing parenthood wasn’t what they wanted after all, and perhaps had blocked all along. Others, who had wanted to be parents most sincerely, now are.
Dawn says, “People are often afraid about their life gifts. I say, be open internally about what your gifts are, and what they are not. Once you understand that, it (your truth) becomes your anchor. If you have a core passion, your truth will come from it. No one can tell you what it is. Go internally to find your truth. Then find people who support it and they will become relationship anchors.” Her mantra? “Do what you love, be with those you love, and the rest of your life falls into bliss!”
What is her artistic passion? “Sunsets. To me, they are nature’s smiles.” Dawn began taking sunset photos from the same location each week for over a year. “I now have over 2000 sunset photos,” she beams. From what I can tell, she has every reason to smile back at Mother Nature, night after night.
**************
You can find more information about Dawn Clare and see her sunset photos via her website: www.spisebliss.com
If Birth to a Loving Mother isn’t Enough of a Gift…
The following is an excerpt of an interview of Tisha DeShields, www.OriginalBellyWorks.com, conducted by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women Project.
For some women, pregnancy is pure joy at the expectation and anticipation of a new life. Tisha DeShields was one such mother, four times over. “I wanted to leave something tangible but unique for each of my children, something that I could pass on the hopes and dreams for each child in a displayable or creative form.” Thus, the belly cast was born.
When Tisha began, she used plaster kits and sold those. Then, one day while she was in the dentist’s chair, a little voice inside her said, “Mass produce.” Knowing this was the step she needed to grow her brand, she rushed home and began using the power of the Internet to look at what options were out there. Soon she discovered a man who made fiberglass mannequins. “He was willing to do them in small number, and I won’t say they are indestructible, but I will say they don’t crumble (like plaster does). They bounce.” That made her idea less fragile and the options expanded from there.
Who would buy these fiberglass bellies other than expectant mothers? “I had a man buy one and put the family tree on it and give it to his grandmother for her birthday. Adoptive mothers can buy them too.”
What do her children think of the decorated belly casts? “The kids can’t wait to show them off to their friends. Now they help me design new ideas.” I’m not sure she needs much help in that area, as she goes on to explain, “DeAngelo (one son) has his covered with angels. DeLino (her other boy) has a baseball theme on his, and the girls, Diamond and Denim, have crystals and patchwork on theirs.”
So, if you could design a belly like a scrapbook to show the world who you are, and where your ancestors have come from…what would you put on it? Tisha can help you there as well. “This fall we have belly charms, and charm bracelets coming out. I’ve also designed a belly cake pan and cookies for celebrations.” Oh, mama! What amazing and fun show of love will you dream up for your babies next?
********
Tisha DeShields is the founder of the Original Belly Works and can be found at www.orignalbellyworks.com
For some women, pregnancy is pure joy at the expectation and anticipation of a new life. Tisha DeShields was one such mother, four times over. “I wanted to leave something tangible but unique for each of my children, something that I could pass on the hopes and dreams for each child in a displayable or creative form.” Thus, the belly cast was born.
When Tisha began, she used plaster kits and sold those. Then, one day while she was in the dentist’s chair, a little voice inside her said, “Mass produce.” Knowing this was the step she needed to grow her brand, she rushed home and began using the power of the Internet to look at what options were out there. Soon she discovered a man who made fiberglass mannequins. “He was willing to do them in small number, and I won’t say they are indestructible, but I will say they don’t crumble (like plaster does). They bounce.” That made her idea less fragile and the options expanded from there.
Who would buy these fiberglass bellies other than expectant mothers? “I had a man buy one and put the family tree on it and give it to his grandmother for her birthday. Adoptive mothers can buy them too.”
What do her children think of the decorated belly casts? “The kids can’t wait to show them off to their friends. Now they help me design new ideas.” I’m not sure she needs much help in that area, as she goes on to explain, “DeAngelo (one son) has his covered with angels. DeLino (her other boy) has a baseball theme on his, and the girls, Diamond and Denim, have crystals and patchwork on theirs.”
So, if you could design a belly like a scrapbook to show the world who you are, and where your ancestors have come from…what would you put on it? Tisha can help you there as well. “This fall we have belly charms, and charm bracelets coming out. I’ve also designed a belly cake pan and cookies for celebrations.” Oh, mama! What amazing and fun show of love will you dream up for your babies next?
********
Tisha DeShields is the founder of the Original Belly Works and can be found at www.orignalbellyworks.com
Monday, July 21, 2008
Attention All Votre Vray Artists ~ Call for Give-Aways
Dear Friends,
As mentioned in the blog the other day, I will be at the Upstate (SC) Women's Show August 22-24. In addition to promoting my poetry chapbook and cd, I will be focusing upon the Votre Vray stories of creative women. In doing so, I'll be asking local women to participate in the Votre Vray Creative Women project and telling them about you and your work. If you have any items you'd like me to give away as part of that show: books, business cards, cd's, dvd's, magnets, bookmarks, fliers, pens, prints, T-shirts, etc. please snail mail them to me at:
Votre Vray
P O Box 1106
Mauldin SC 29662
I will make sure every item is given to potential customers and encourage them to tell you Mel Edwards' Votre Vray sent them. All give-aways must be received by August 20th, 2008.
Until next time, keep creating!
-Mel.
As mentioned in the blog the other day, I will be at the Upstate (SC) Women's Show August 22-24. In addition to promoting my poetry chapbook and cd, I will be focusing upon the Votre Vray stories of creative women. In doing so, I'll be asking local women to participate in the Votre Vray Creative Women project and telling them about you and your work. If you have any items you'd like me to give away as part of that show: books, business cards, cd's, dvd's, magnets, bookmarks, fliers, pens, prints, T-shirts, etc. please snail mail them to me at:
Votre Vray
P O Box 1106
Mauldin SC 29662
I will make sure every item is given to potential customers and encourage them to tell you Mel Edwards' Votre Vray sent them. All give-aways must be received by August 20th, 2008.
Until next time, keep creating!
-Mel.
Why Votre Vray Creative Women Entire Artist Interviews and Images Do Not Appear Here
I, Mel., would like all participating Votre Vray artists and visitors to the blog to know that only artists or businesses profiled that do NOT have a full website available at this time will have images in this blog. Once all interviewees have been profiled, if time permits and there is no conflict with the publication, images will be added to profiles that already have working business web addresses. Please note any image in this blog or any part of interviews that appear here cannot reappear as is in the Votre Vray book, as the book contents must be unique. The same artists may appear in the play or the book, but additional information from the interviews would be used for that purpose.
If you have been interviewed and you do not see a link to your site, or information about you at this time, please be patient. I have about 80 interviews in queue as of this morning, and I'm trying to close on a house, find a new home, prepare for the Upstate Women's Show, conduct more interviews, and move my office before August 7th.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and best wishes in all of your creative endeavors. Remember, it is my mission to promote your work as well as create a play and a book that will benefit us both. Please be patient as I strive for the highest quality work possible.
If you have been interviewed and you do not see a link to your site, or information about you at this time, please be patient. I have about 80 interviews in queue as of this morning, and I'm trying to close on a house, find a new home, prepare for the Upstate Women's Show, conduct more interviews, and move my office before August 7th.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and best wishes in all of your creative endeavors. Remember, it is my mission to promote your work as well as create a play and a book that will benefit us both. Please be patient as I strive for the highest quality work possible.
Respect Your Dream and Others Will Too
An excerpt of an interview of Deborah Argyropoulos, oil painter, by Mel. Edwards for Votre Vray Creative Women project
Some of us know from an early age what we want to do for the rest of our lives, but those who love us often work hard at diverting our passions to make sure that we’ll be provided for in all social and economic climes. Deborah’s parents were no different. She knew from age 4, with a drawing of a horse, what her truth was. She was a visual artist but her folks made her go to a four year college. “They were worried for me,” she explains.
When asked if she’s do anything else for a living, she admitted that although art is her passion, she is also interested in health, fitness, yoga and nutrition. Her bottom line is that she has no interest in working for someone else’s business.
At age 39, she’s already thinking about her legacy. Her Big Dream? “Make a bunch of money and have a farm for animal rescue. Then leave something behind that will outlast me.”
To me, Deborah sounds similar to several artists: passion and altruism, first, and money enough to live on but not a life of excess, second. “Money is the hard part. I am kind of a pimp when it comes to selling my work. There is only one piece I’ve ever made that I won’t sell, but everything else is up for grabs.” When asked what the one piece is, she gushed, “A painting of my cat. That’s the one.”
Deborah is also quick to add that the work she sells she refuses to give away. “People don’t value or respect what we do. We should be paid more (than most think) because there is no formula. We need to show them, teach them, to respect the artistic process. Invite them into the studio and hand them a brush and say, ‘Go ahead. Paint,’ and then they’ll know.” She also admits making a living and being a success as an artist is an imbalanced system. “Just because you’re good doesn’t mean you can make money. But I’d kill myself (if I tried) to work for somebody else. There is no point in living if it means nothing to you.”
Although non-artists and people who haven’t found their truth may find Deborah’s statement to be grim, it is one that has come up continually through the Votre Vray project. Many women agree to do “it” (meaning your truth/passion) without concern of others’ opinions, guarantee of income or censorship of your spirit. I asked Deborah if her parents have come around, she said, “Yeah. Dad got a painting I just did called ‘Sisters’ of my nieces for Father’s Day. He was so overcome with emotion that he cried. I was a bit in his face and said, ‘Now? Now can I be an artist?’” Evidently, he considered it a rhetorical question, and so do I. Deborah Argyropoulos IS an artist, through and through.
*********
Deborah Argyropoulos can be reached at: dmcart@mac.com
She would also like you to know that the above image is of "Sisters" and measures 36" x 48" and took about 140 hrs to paint.
*********
Failure - Not an Option
An excerpt of an interview of Carla Sanders, www.CarlaSanders.com, by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
When Carla Sanders began following her truth, her husband was afraid for their future, and he said, “You can give it a year and then you’ll have to admit you’ve failed and you can get a job doing something else.” Sanders knew he had done his job for years with plans of retiring and handing the earning reigns over to her when the time came. He never banked on her choice and wasn’t prepared. It came down to Carla having to select her passion or give up her spirit by doing something else. Her spirit won, even if her marriage didn’t. “I like the line that Tom Hank’s character says in Apollo 13, ‘Failure is not an option.’ I’ve adopted it as my motto.”
I asked if it was scary for her to honor her truth. “Yes. If I said it wasn’t I’d be kidding myself. I’m mature, in my 50s, and I’ve been doing this for a long time now. Some busy years, and some light years when no one sees me. Is that fear?” I offered that her slower years maybe she was filling the well. “Maybe. That’s it. I need to fill the well.”
Still, Carla likes to keep her work around her, “to prove I’m an artist. Once I had a business card, and a one woman show, I still didn’t believe it inside. I had to learn it from the inside out.”
It also helps that Carla has had plenty of others support her path. “The director of the Temple of Women is my biggest collector. I have a lot of friends who support me, and my greatest feedback comes from people who are not yet my friends (strangers) who say, “You don’t know what you’ve got.” It is all important, regardless of how it landed on me. Still, the sincerest form of appreciation is when they pull out a checkbook.”
How does she stick with it now that she’s an adult orphan, and her marriage is gone? Sometimes it is a fight through a thicket with a machete or it is like rising to the surface for air as you challenge yourself. Sometimes it can be very fragile, with everything seemingly stacked against you. I just know now that it (my truth) is written on my heart. I have something treasured to give and what I offer means a lot to them (her customers). My work has transformed, inspired, healed.”
When she falls down the rabbit hole, how does she climb out and get back into her groove? “I give myself permission to create really shitty art. Some pieces I’ve just made (in silver) are going back to the refiners. I just work in fits and starts. Then, it just happens because you’re in the flow somehow.”
Carla also is willing to share the flow of her passion in other ways with women artists. “I’d love to see…love to hear, what you perceive your struggles are right now, and hear your triumphs. They go hand in hand.”
************
Readers may reach out to Carla through her blog, and view a 39 minute video of her titled “Love Medicine” located in the upper corner of her front page of her website. Tell her Mel Edwards’ Votre Vray sent you.
When Carla Sanders began following her truth, her husband was afraid for their future, and he said, “You can give it a year and then you’ll have to admit you’ve failed and you can get a job doing something else.” Sanders knew he had done his job for years with plans of retiring and handing the earning reigns over to her when the time came. He never banked on her choice and wasn’t prepared. It came down to Carla having to select her passion or give up her spirit by doing something else. Her spirit won, even if her marriage didn’t. “I like the line that Tom Hank’s character says in Apollo 13, ‘Failure is not an option.’ I’ve adopted it as my motto.”
I asked if it was scary for her to honor her truth. “Yes. If I said it wasn’t I’d be kidding myself. I’m mature, in my 50s, and I’ve been doing this for a long time now. Some busy years, and some light years when no one sees me. Is that fear?” I offered that her slower years maybe she was filling the well. “Maybe. That’s it. I need to fill the well.”
Still, Carla likes to keep her work around her, “to prove I’m an artist. Once I had a business card, and a one woman show, I still didn’t believe it inside. I had to learn it from the inside out.”
It also helps that Carla has had plenty of others support her path. “The director of the Temple of Women is my biggest collector. I have a lot of friends who support me, and my greatest feedback comes from people who are not yet my friends (strangers) who say, “You don’t know what you’ve got.” It is all important, regardless of how it landed on me. Still, the sincerest form of appreciation is when they pull out a checkbook.”
How does she stick with it now that she’s an adult orphan, and her marriage is gone? Sometimes it is a fight through a thicket with a machete or it is like rising to the surface for air as you challenge yourself. Sometimes it can be very fragile, with everything seemingly stacked against you. I just know now that it (my truth) is written on my heart. I have something treasured to give and what I offer means a lot to them (her customers). My work has transformed, inspired, healed.”
When she falls down the rabbit hole, how does she climb out and get back into her groove? “I give myself permission to create really shitty art. Some pieces I’ve just made (in silver) are going back to the refiners. I just work in fits and starts. Then, it just happens because you’re in the flow somehow.”
Carla also is willing to share the flow of her passion in other ways with women artists. “I’d love to see…love to hear, what you perceive your struggles are right now, and hear your triumphs. They go hand in hand.”
************
Readers may reach out to Carla through her blog, and view a 39 minute video of her titled “Love Medicine” located in the upper corner of her front page of her website. Tell her Mel Edwards’ Votre Vray sent you.
Driven by the Beat of Passion
An excerpt of an interview of Joey Wester of www.jdwdesign.com
by Mel. Edwards of the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
What would you do to get a shot at following your truth? Would you risk being arrested? Joey Wester of JDW Designs began her career with such a risk. “I snuck onto a major movie and television studio lot in Culver City and asked some of the master artists working there if they’d like to see my portfolio. I was so lucky the owner wasn’t around that day. After most of them rolled their eyes, one agreed, and he liked it. They weren’t hiring, but a few weeks later I got a call. I was the first woman they’d hired in seven years!”
Chutzpah is Joey all around. Other than covert self-promoter, she was in a rock band as a drummer for thirteen years. “I say, let people know who you are. See who bites.” It obviously worked in Culver City.
Now Joey works for herself. Her former employer was great in giving her exposure to the world of possibilities, and her pieces are in prop houses ready to be picked up by film and TV studios looking for art, but she seeks more. It is no surprise that Joey works on all kinds of subject matter and mediums including charcoal and pencil (many images of rock and roll figures in her online portfolio), florals, portraits, abstracts. Regardless of the piece,“I aim for balance and to keep it interesting. If I accomplish what I set out to do, I can step back and say, ‘Oh my G-d, that’s really cool.’ But if I’m frustrated, I can end up with a mess. You can just look at it and tell. It shows.”
Being a gutsy artistic woman can have its downside. When I asked who has encouraged her to move forward in her creative path, she admits, “Nobody specifically. They’ll just say, ‘That’s nice. That’s cool,’ but most of my friends don’t even ask about my work. No significant other ever has shown an interest.” So how does she keep going? “I don’t really think I have a choice. I have no time when I didn’t have a pencil in my hand as a child. Once you’ve found your passion, know you’re given it for a reason. You should do it. You have a responsibility to do so. It would be a shame not to use it.”
And it would be a shame to not know Joey Wester. Check out Jo and her work at: http://www.jdwdesign.com/
by Mel. Edwards of the Votre Vray Creative Women project.
What would you do to get a shot at following your truth? Would you risk being arrested? Joey Wester of JDW Designs began her career with such a risk. “I snuck onto a major movie and television studio lot in Culver City and asked some of the master artists working there if they’d like to see my portfolio. I was so lucky the owner wasn’t around that day. After most of them rolled their eyes, one agreed, and he liked it. They weren’t hiring, but a few weeks later I got a call. I was the first woman they’d hired in seven years!”
Chutzpah is Joey all around. Other than covert self-promoter, she was in a rock band as a drummer for thirteen years. “I say, let people know who you are. See who bites.” It obviously worked in Culver City.
Now Joey works for herself. Her former employer was great in giving her exposure to the world of possibilities, and her pieces are in prop houses ready to be picked up by film and TV studios looking for art, but she seeks more. It is no surprise that Joey works on all kinds of subject matter and mediums including charcoal and pencil (many images of rock and roll figures in her online portfolio), florals, portraits, abstracts. Regardless of the piece,“I aim for balance and to keep it interesting. If I accomplish what I set out to do, I can step back and say, ‘Oh my G-d, that’s really cool.’ But if I’m frustrated, I can end up with a mess. You can just look at it and tell. It shows.”
Being a gutsy artistic woman can have its downside. When I asked who has encouraged her to move forward in her creative path, she admits, “Nobody specifically. They’ll just say, ‘That’s nice. That’s cool,’ but most of my friends don’t even ask about my work. No significant other ever has shown an interest.” So how does she keep going? “I don’t really think I have a choice. I have no time when I didn’t have a pencil in my hand as a child. Once you’ve found your passion, know you’re given it for a reason. You should do it. You have a responsibility to do so. It would be a shame not to use it.”
And it would be a shame to not know Joey Wester. Check out Jo and her work at: http://www.jdwdesign.com/
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