Life happens

I always start blog posts after long breaks with some comment about how I have been away. Then I erase those comments because that stuff is annoying and doesn't matter/ is uninteresting. 

HOWEVER. 

This time I am not going to go back and erase all this. Part lazy and part- 

I CANNOT HIDE. I HAVE NOT WRITTEN IN SO LONG. 

sometimes things take a back seat.
 and if it isn't due tomorrow, it takes a back seat. 

no matter what it is. 

except that does not apply to WHO it is. 

People always trump things. 

So I spend time with my people. because it is the most important thing. 

in the world. ever. 

My dad used to ask me to sit on the porch and look up at the sky when I was on my way somewhere. And I did not always do it. In fact. I probably rarely did. 

So. I am forever going by that now.  

SITTING with people IS A PRIORITY. 

This post

feels like you can see my floor covered with laundry on it and the spider web that is directly to the left of me
under my vanity. 

SPIDERS ARE FRIENDS. and it was just Halloween so.

Why am I on the floor? Because it is after midnight and I had a project due at midnight which involved video taping myself and for some reason I get the best results sitting on the floor and placing my laptop on a bucket. 

(I am back in school to become an American Sign Language Interpreter) 

One of the only subjects that requires you to not turn into a pumpkin late at night because you are visible in your homework.

I just reapplied makeup at 11:45pm because there was a zit on my chin distracting from my work. 

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Halloween just happened and I spent more time on my new niece's costume than my own because she was just born
 and hung the moon. 

Since she worked so hard to put a giant star in the night time sky,
I made her Alice in Wonderland outfit. 

Best part about my sewing is the inside of it. There may as well be a village of tiny gnomes holding the garment together. BUT. 

LOOK AT HER.

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And I did dress up. of course.
Donatello and Raphael.











made me wish I was a ninja more days out of the year.

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oh,

I have been painting.

Those people who are imaginative see many more dangers than perhaps exist; certainly many more than will happen; but then they must also pray to be given that extra courage to carry this far-reaching imagination. 

title is a Winston Churchill quote. 
2' x 2' oil on canvas $785.00
SOLD















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I am also heavily consumed by LIVE ART classes. HAPPILY. 

I genuinely love that job. and the students. 

LIVE ART LINK HERE

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Also I am busy with MILK RIVER ARTS. more about that soon. but here one of the artists talks about why ....

CLICK HERE FOR HER THOUGHTS

I walked around a museum with this artist last week where she said over and over that she could look at art 24/7. and when she sat in front of pictures she went "inside" of them. 

I was inspired a lot last week. 

And challenged.  

I am constantly challenged by experiences in class and in the studio that change how I think. how I act. and how I appreciate life. 

It sounds cheesy if you weren't there. But, if you were, you would be like... mmmm. 

Yeah. 

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I am focused more on connecting with human beings.
When I remember my priorities.

I work with a population of people in many different aspects of life who face different challenges.

and by challenges I mean, they communicate differently, they have different physical needs, etc.

I also cannot always talk directly about specific people I work with which makes it hard to explain how powerful things are some days.

That is the only reason I want to share everything. Because the people I work with are fantastic.

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 I work with an artist who has no arms and legs.

And if that sentence doesn't move you to a different place in your mind right now, then go back and read it again. 

I say that because he is faced with the opportunity to overcome a challenge almost every minute. 

and that challenge often is patience. because when I am pushing him around to look at art, I am constantly asking him what he wants to do and where he wants to go and how long he wants to be there. 

So, patience... with me!

But man. He is a talented artist with more patience than many people I know. And, that shows in his line work and his rhythmic style.

His work is detailed and crisp.

And

Last weekend I was drumming on a bucket in a class that I get to teach with on Saturday. And I was smiling the entire time to the maximum amount of smile I have in me. 

12 students at a time were drumming while the rest of the class danced. 

For a second we were all totally consumed in the moment.
And that is hard for young students to do.

but they do it.

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And school for me is at night during the week.

It is overwhelming because it is fast moving and it is challenging. 

But I feel like it is the right place for me.

Uncomfortable feels normal at this point.

And I like wearing a backpack.

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today. I had a lot due and I stopped by my friend's house.
And I stayed a lot longer than I planned. 

And that was on my to do list. 

I just didn't know it yet.

Sometimes you need to connect. and support each other.
just by being around.

Most people are fighting something pretty significant.

and time is precious.


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So 1 am can just simmer down.

LIFE IS CRAZY. alice in wonderland. and THINGS ARE TURNING BLUE.

My best friend went on a date with Jafar. 

No really. 

We worked at Disney World and she met him at the bus stop. 

I think she went out with him maybe two times. Because. 

HE WAS JAFAR.

but

LIFE IS HYSTERICAL. 

and things that are super surreal happen if you let them. 

or maybe some of us attract crazy. I dont know. 

I try to.

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Lately things have felt very full. In a really good way.
and also
in a sleep-till-1-middle-schooler-tired kind of way.

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I went to Roanoke VA. for a conference on placemaking.

It is a thing you guys.  Making places.


CITYWORKS (x)po 2015 was basically a series of talks back to back for three days.

There was a violinist that captivated me on the last morning and I thought... How do I end up at these places?

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I was eating homemade doughnuts by a man who placed every one of them
carefully
on the table in the back.



And I had coffee and some fruit and was listening to the violin guy talk about creating an orchestra for students who may never have this kind of opportunity.

He got on a plane. one way. and figured out his calling.

Got it. and came home and has been

tearing it up.



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There were also several people who I heard speak or who I met that were most interested in stepping in where people. adults and youth. are under connected.

They are interested in connecting.


SO AM I.

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I learned so many things that will spill out over time I am sure. But mostly I appreciated the hearts of the people there.

It usually boils down to that.

Identifying authentic hearts.
Thats what makes great people.

People I like to be near.

People I like to eat doughnuts with.

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Also, I went to New York to meet and love on my niece.

ALICE THEODORA.

best name right?

And She is
The Best.

Babies are reminders that
everything is so exciting.


We took her to Mood as soon as appropriate to get fabric for her Halloween costume.

I am the luckiest in the sister-in-law department.
Mine are extremely cool and love fun things.

They are both also very hard working and smart and I look up to them.


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ALSO.

projects are picking up.

LIVE ART has started our new season.

THIS YEAR:

Classes literally started this week. And it is crazy to see how we start and how we finish.




I have a couple other projects that are going on simultaneously.

But the big part of my life right now is

SCHOOL.


There is something very empowering about putting on a backpack.
Reading books.
Getting better at something.

It just fits in all of the spots I can squeeze it into.

School for me is an Interpreter Training Program
that will culminate in becoming a Sign Language Interpreter.


Insane.


Life is so crazy.

I hope it keeps proving that to me.


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Tonight in Vienna VA: ELEPHANT SESSIONS

Queen of too many things at once. 

late notice.

Tonight in Vienna VA:

tickets and more info here: 

https://jamminjava.com/event/821617-elephant-sessions-robbie-vienna/

Hosted by Robbie Schaefer (Eddie From Ohio), The Elephant Sessions are live musical gatherings that, at their heart, endeavor to explore our shared aliveness. Each month features music, a special guest, and Q & A with the audience. Special guests are curated from a broad swath—yogis, coffee shop owners, artists, and organic farmers all stop by to offer up insight gleaned from lives lived passionately and fully. Interviews are recorded for the monthly Elephant Sessions podcast.

Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:30 pm

TICKETS: $15.00

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When someone I respect has an idea, I will usually trust them. and Robbie has a lot of  them. He is a musician and also a champion of the arts and reaching communities that may not otherwise have amazing exposure to what the arts can do. 

See his work with ONE VOICE.

http://www.onevoicecommunity.org

He wants to change the world too. 

yeah. ok

THE VALUE OF ART. AND WHAT IT SHOWS US ABOUT RISK AND REWARD.

  

THE VALUE OF ART. AND WHAT IT SHOWS US ABOUT RISK AND REWARD.

Dedicated to the mystery graffiti artist. 

Thank you for the platform. 

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I have a mural in Richmond, VA. 

on the side of a restaurant- FOO DOG. 

shout out to that restaurant. their ramen (add an egg). and the Hey Joe (delicious drink).

I designed the dining room but also have two murals on the outside of the building. 

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My rant is about the value of art.

and mostly about respecting YOURSELF as an artist. 

It parallels respecting your potential. In life.

So. this is not just for people who consider art their career. their calling. their blood.

It's what I talk about all the time - but theres more reason to do so today because look

I am interested in graffiti. 

It can be beautiful. 

 I will admit my eyes welled up a little bit. 

only because this mural happened at an important time in my life and represents a season for me. 

so for a second, the graffiti hurt me. 

 I may not know your face, but I know how tall you are. sorry. this is so funny to me. 

but here are some fun additional thoughts that come to mind 

inspired by a little scribble 

~as it pertains to life- GET SCAFFOLDING. or like in my situation someone saw me on a ladder and got some for me. if you cant ignore a limitation on your own find a team of people who believe in the crazy thing you are aspiring to do. if you are alone. think of the wildest alternative to the limitation and you know what- TRY IT. you may be the only one.

~EXPAND YOUR MATERIALS. try new things.

challenge yourself a little.

 if everyone is using spray paint. in life- use materials no one else is. maybe your message is similar to someone else's but the new perspective could be pivotal in how your message is received. 

~STAND OUT. a scribble could be anyone's. find your own style. This doesnt mean you cant learn from other artists or people and reference them. Thats smart. do that. 

~GET BEHIND MEANING NOT COMPETITION. This is off subject slightly but artists compete too much. all kinds of us. we should be working with, not against. and if you value your work and what you are doing- you arent going to miss out or lose an opportunity.

~DONT BE A JERK :). 

~RESPECT WORK (ART). You make art look silly when you just color on someone elses. 

design and art is worth someone paying. dont undersell the power of art. 

~DONT PUSH SOMEONE ELSES CASTLE OF BLOCKS DOWN. it is not cool to go around in the night and ruin something someone else worked hard to make.

to be vulnerable.

is an adrenaline rush. 

~take a risk. one that means you could win something or lose something. if you lose you have the experience. you learned something. maybe you cried or screamed or hurt. but feeling those things means you are alive.  

if you win... 

sigh.

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thank you for the chance to reflect on some things!

I am going to fix that mural tomorrow. 

today I felt like writing about it.

Sunscreen you guys.

I have just been outside in dirt because it is summer time

 or working. 

And I cannot get my act together. 

Nor do I think I totally should. 

BUT I wanted to remind America that my current art show stops on AUGUST 8. 

which is soon.

someone just told me it was Saturday.

Instead of posting everything you will see there I will just post this one. It is 4' x 4' oil on canvas.

The sun shines today also.

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Show is at:

HILL GALLERY

GALLERY HOURS

Wednesday - Friday 11:00am to 5pm
Saturday 12 - 5pm
(also by appointment or chance)

hillgallery.net

for more information. 

Also. high five to this gallery for being in the latest issue of Southern Living. 

Cool by association. 

only.

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Life Plans.

THINGS KEEP HAPPENING IN REAL LIFE.

This is significant because when you have a wildly unabashed imagination, Churchill says double the amount of things happen to you- blessing and a curse really.  so as opposed to the things that I THINK happen.  

several actually do. 

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LIVE ART HAPPENED JUNE 8. 

and I can never do it justice in words. 

It is hard. 

It is busy. 

It is beautiful to work on. 

and then when it is over there is a major weight lifted off but it's kind of like carrying a baby on your hip. and then someone takes the baby. 

Yeah. I just used kidnapping as a metaphor. 

So when it was over I had some other major projects start up immediately.

One- MILK RIVER ARTS

and 

Two- THIS IS WHAT WE SEE:  A HILL GALLERY ART EXHIBITION

MILK RIVER LAUNCHED AND I PINCHED MYSELF A HUNDRED TIMES BECAUSE I FOUND PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO GREAT THINGS AND ACTUALLY. DO THEM. 

And I am three thousand percent behind organizations that elevate human beings. and their hearts.

(Milk River Arts is a vocational arts center/gallery/place of business and adventure for adults with special needs. If you know of an artist in the area who has developmental disabilities and a passion for this kind of career, do tell. )

AND THEN 

I will take the caps lock off. 

My art show happened last night. 

So naturally I had a dream about some girl dragging me into a museum exhibit of large taxidermied animals. And the nightmare lasted basically the whole night while I fought to get out of the door. 

the horror. 

anyways.

cheers to LIVE ART happening. I will eventually reflect and post about it, but it takes me a while because that project takes everything out of me.

and my art show.  thats next... please hold.

LIVE ART IS COMING.

 I am on another planet. 

Normally yes, but particularly now. 

LIVE ART HAPPENS ON JUNE 7 

and therefore it takes over my life- HAPPILY until then. 

If you do not have tickets. you are missing an experience. 

LINK TO FINAL TICKETS LEFT.

get them now and just go by yourself

and be inspired by the power of the arts and of a community that unites.

these students are risk takers. brave fighters. quiet. loud. happy. nervous. loving. troublemaking. authentic. clever. smart. funny. 

they have different abilities. 

they see things and understand things in ways that inform my life. 

and we get to share that. 

on JUNE 7. 

LIVE ART is a concert/show/performance... but it is like that book you read and when it is over it affects the following days and you want to tell everyone about it but they didn't read the book and you wish they had because it swallowed you up.

lucky me. 

lucky you.

While painting the set last week I told one of my coworkers that I seem to speak really flowery about this program and wonder if that kind of gets old and people dont realize how amazing it is. 

maybe I am making people numb to the words I use...

BUT I WILL CONTINUE TO DO IT. 

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ok picture how you feel if you are a barefoot sweaty kid covered in sticky rainbow hands with pieces of a lollipop in your hair and running around with your favorite friends. 

(that is a literal picture of one of my favorite LIVE ART helpers last week) 

Anyways. That is how we sincerely feel working on this project. 

Because it takes your insides. and sets them -  in a very aesthetically beautiful way - on the outside.

hmmmm

yes. 

I geeked out when I drove by this. I took pictures and pulled over and people stopped to see which famous person was on the sidewalk. 

No guys.. hes on the marquee. 

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And when it is over. you can find me. 

creatively exhausted. 

and missing my people. 

Because the coolest thing about this is that it's a show. but it is a realistic representation of a program that happens all year. 

A way that human beings are valued. and elevated. 

And loved. 

I am an artist because I am interested in the important. real. and deep stuff. 

and this... 

This is it.

Thankful.

My little city garden is life affirming: and how being outside makes life feel: good.

So I have been really busy which is kind of annoying to hear and awfully subjective. and me just trying to justify any delay on anything. 

really sorry about my delay in mailing prints lately. you would think it is rocket science....it sometimes feels like it. 

I think the post office enjoys the apologetic rabbit illustrations all over the packaging. 

especially this one lady who makes zero attempt to react. 

I am onto her. 

THINGS:

ART SHOW OPENING JULY 9. details to come. ( thursday. mark your calendars. my friends are playing music. my sister is making bacon wrapped dates. 

my art and the art of Claire Hill will be on display at Hill Gallery. 

again, that's july9. a thursday. come have a drink. and look at things) 

but before that!

In June, my rabbits and birds and such are hanging in the lobby of Theater Lab. 

in conjunction with their show 

white rabbit red rabbit

June 8-21 

I support theater making, art moves, and experimental voices- so: http://www.theatrelabrva.org/

but before that!

LIVE ART is coming on June 7. 
buy a ticket NOW.

It is the biggest deal. 

I am a teacher and the art director for LIVE ART- an inclusive theater arts program for students of all abilities. 

And I mean all. 

I am particularly in love with... 

each of them. 

I can honestly say that
because we teach the value of every human being and we genuinely feel it there-
which is why it is my great passion and feels like my purpose on this planet. 

to work with human beings that are unique. genuine. honest. fighters.  and did I say genuine? 

I think that is what I crave most when I really think about what attracts me.

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I am currently in school for American Sign Language- English Interpretation

and. lets have a small dance party for the fact that I just finished my first semester.

surreal.

But I already bought my next set of books and am of course already anticipating the craziness as it continues. 

I adore school and love to learn.

but I do not love balancing the work load

- HOWEVER-
there is something extremely empowering about sacrifice
and doing things you dont love... to get somewhere you will... love. 

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But
this post was originally supposed to be about my garden.  Which I planted a few weeks ago and am always standing in. 

I am obsessed. I am 90 years old.   

I love Birds. 

Gardens.

I am also 12. 

I love Dirt.

Sun. 

today I literally stood at a bird feeder down the street for a good fifteen minutes. 

and if you think- 

I DONT HAVE 15 MINUTES. 

yes you do. 

calling your bluff. we all make time for what we really want. 

anyways. 

my point is-

I have a garden. and I like to stand barefoot in it for far too long. 

This is a bookcase I got from the alley by the trash can. Turned it sideways.

and the mint and cilantro are doing really well. I put mint in everything now.

I wanted an outdoor bar. and, being 90. I love yard sales.

 and this guy was selling a white and faux wood cabinet thing.

It is not white and faux wood anymore.

The power of turquoise.

I almost died when I saw these things.

I also just discovered that rose bushes are on my list of the greatest things ever.

This year the one in my yard is particularly incredible. 

please. 

I watch every one happen. 

this small chair is in case a fairy wants to sit.
it was also a yard sale find.

if it sits still. I plant something in it.

Today I gasped outloud at this one and I have no idea what makes it so amazing except that I have been waiting for it for so long.

and I dont know how big this marigold think it can get. But its out of its mind.

so far, there is a direct correlation between work load and garden size.

I have cilantro for the whole block.


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I am acing the warm weather this year.

I am outside 90% of the time. either in my yard. or


packing paints in a backpack and adventuring.


more on that soon.
on how being unprepared means nearly fainting at a waterfall.
how lizards feel about oil paint.
and how you should apply sunscreen behind your knees.


P.S.

there is a new art center in town.

it is providing vocational opportunities to adults with special needs
who have a passion for a career in the arts.


So. I am working with them now.

That was a no brainer.

and it is BRAND NEW. so please hold for more information.


enjoy the music while your party is being reached.

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