In The Studio

Last week was an extremely productive week. I was able to set aside my previous hang ups about getting into the studio and literally attack my work head on.

While at the last Joose meeting (last week's Wednesday Whoop) I realized that there may have been several things keeping me out of the studio. One being the clutter in parts of my studio, two not having my own space, but the biggest speed bump of them all being my frame of thought. My frame of mind about my work, and warped feeling about my studio.

It almost felt like my enemy...the space that was holding up my creative process. When I got there, nothing would come, and I do mean nothing. No, let's get back to before I got to the space. How about it was hard for me to even get to the space.

So, I took the advice of some of my fellow artist friends. They had some good pointers. I just needed to be in the space. In fact, that may have been the very thing that was holding me back. Not doing! Who would have thought that not doing is what was causing me so much heartache and lack of creativity?

As a result of our conversation, the studio and I have been constant companions in the last few weeks. I now love the feeling I get when I am there. All else doesn't matter in that space. It is just me, my tools, my imagination, and emotions that create wonderful pieces of art work. Thank GOD!

Here is a new series that I am in the process of starting. It is somewhat of a color study, but more about process. Enjoy!

Pearl of Wisdom!

Be not weary in well doing! GOD in heaven can do anything!

Be blessed!

The Wednesday Whoop - SALON JOOSE

As I continue to grow as an artist, I find the importance in learning of other artists' and their techniques. So, in an effort to bring artists to the forefront that I appreciate and that don't often times get the notoriety they ought to, I am starting The Wednesday Whoop!

I will be highlighting a different artist or association every week. I will be primarily focusing on visual artists, but being a renaissance woman means that I definitely will not leave out artists that concentrate on other forms of art.

Welcome to Wednesday Whoop

SALON JOOSE!

I first encountered Tanya Dodd (founder) while serving on the University of the Arts AAP Board about a year ago. At one particular meeting she shared a booklet of her amazing photography and our love for art formed a great friendship from there. We exchanged numbers and email addresses and vowed to keep in touch.

A couple of months later I received an email titled Salon Juice-Fuel For Artists By Artists. It was an invitation to attend what I call an "artist forum."

Well, I decided to attend, and was ecstatic about what I found Tanya Murphy Dodd and Anyta Thomas (co-founder) had going on when I got there.

So what is exactly Salon Joose? Salon Joose is an open arena for artists of all kinds and caliber to come together to share past, current and future creative endeavours. These shared experiences are not kept in the physical realm, but taken viral as well in order to get vital information to artists all over the world via blogs and online talk radio.

Those who attend sessions that occur every 4th Sunday of each month receive honest critiques and suggestions of their work (if wanted) in a comfortable studio/gallery arena. If a discussion groups, workshops, exhibition space, space rental and much more is what you are looking for, then look no further than Salon Joose!

Another honorable perk of Salon Joose is that they have a running calendar of art events that is happening in and around the Philadelphia area noted on their blog.

So get JOOSED people!
For more information about Salon Joose and its founders, please visit http://www.4joose.blogspot.com/.
If you are interested in attending a forum, please contact the founders from the website above so they can put you on their email list. They are more than pleased to have additional artists join!

Thanks folks! I look forward to showcasing another artist next Wednesday!

Pearls of Wisdom:
If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get the work done. ~Dale Carnegie

Be Blessed!

Getting Setup

I am truly on my way to becoming the business woman that I am meant to be. I am sure of it. The road has not been necessarily easy, and I am sure that there are plenty of other snags that will come along the way, but I am so excited about that which has taken place, and that which is to come.

I have made some much needed purchases in order to aid in the proper flow of my businesses. These new items include a AIO printer, and a sewing machine. Yes...I said it...a sewing machine.
Now, I am not fancy with the sewing machine. As a matter of fact, I don't really know how to use one at all. However, there are certain pieces that I need to sew. I have been doing so by hand, and am more than happy to get the precision that I am looking for with the "Brother". I also don't mind the time factor.

So...here is what's new

Newsflash...Newsflash...Newsflash
The business cards have been printed and are out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art Front

Painting/Drawing: I am in the midst of starting a new series. The series is derived from a friend. She actually is in need of a painting, and from that I have done some sketching and some purchasing of some oil paints, which I haven't done in a while.

Photography: Buddy and I are about to take some excursions. In order to get the study pics that I need for the new series that I am going to get into, I need to go to some arboretums. I will definitely be doing so in the next couple of weeks in order to get started.

I was also just asked this evening to do a family portrait for some family friends. I am stoked about it.

Jewelry: I have made a couple of new pieces. I have come to the conclusion that I will continue to do business with Elle Bee. I have been saying that I am going to take some more pieces there for the last couple of months, but I will have to do so within the next couple of weeks as they have almost sold all of my inventory.

Massage Therapy Front

I have come up with the name of the business: Enet's Graceful Touch Massage Therapy.

There is a website that is up. It is basic, but will be revamped within the next couple of months. I want it to be just a tad jazzier. www.enetsgracefultouch.massagetherapy.com. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

I have been giving out my business cards, and even have a gig this weekend to do chair massage (with the help of NMTI). I will definitely be networking!

Well, that is what we have folks. I will be sure to post pics to keep you updated as well.

Pearl of Wisdom:
"Beethoven, Wagner, Bach, and Mozart settled down day after day to the job at hand. They didn't waste time waiting for inspiration. The great composers did not set to work because they were inspired, but became inspired because they were working."
~ Earnest Newman

Be Blessed!

My Plan B, His Plan A

It's been a while and no, I haven't fallen off the bandwagon, but have really been needing some time to get some things in order. I have been a tad hesitant about writing since I have had nothing visual to go along with my creative/artistic ventures. As I stated before, I believe I will write anyway; therefore we have this entry.

As I sat and spoke to a friend a while ago about some of my insecurities and woes of life, it became clear to me that my plan B may have been God's plan A all along. It's funny sometimes how we plan, set up shop, re-vamp the plan, re-vamp the shop that we set up, and the cycles go on and on, only to find out that plan B is so much simpler and conducive to who we are than plan A in the first place. The plan that made us sweat and toil day and night, cry hours on end, and sometimes compromise our identity was never meant to be so.

His plan A has been here all along. My ticket to freedom. However, although that free ticket is available for me to take a hassle free ride, I have been hesitant about getting on. One foot on the train, the other foot on the platform. The foot on the train realizes that I must make a move.

The foot on the train realizes that I must make a move. I have been created for a time such as this. To carry out that which GOD has gifted me with. If I don't jump on board, I will be left behind trying to find ways to pick up the pieces.

The foot on the platform questions the moves that I am making. "Are you thinking in an orderly fashion?" "Have you thought about consulting this one and that one before taking this leap?" "Do you really think that you are equipped to make this journey?" "Is this the right time? Maybe you should wait to make sure." If I jump on board, I may have left the station before the cargo has been loaded.

So with that being said, I am vowing to put all anxieties aside and hop on the train. I am ready to take the lead of my Master and go with His plan B, which ultimately becomes my plan A.

On the Art Front

Jewelry: December proved to be a great month for jewelry sales. I am assuming due to the Christmas season. Although I have not had the opportunity to make much jewelry, the store where I am selling items would like me to continue to sell items in their store. I will hopefully be replenishing their stash within the next 2 weeks or so.

Buddy (my camera): Buddy has not been used in a while. I need to take him out to do some product shots. While in school I made a new friend that I coincidentally went to the same high school as I did. He graduated a couple years after I did, but has a great eye for photography. We have not had the opportunity to shoot together yet, but will do so in the near future.

Button Series: I have gotten rave reviews on my button pieces. I completed yet another piece within the last month, and am working on how I would like it to be framed. I have one more that I want to do to complete this series.

Paintings/Other mediums: I have been blessed to have been introduced to many different art circles within the last couple of months. My mother has an associate who she has put me in contact with. This associate has gallery space available for free, and my fellow artists know how much of a jewel that is! So, I will be taking her up on her offer in the very (and I do mean very) near future. My former boss also would like for me to have a show in their work space. Therefore people, I have no excuse not to show and sell work. I will do it!

Other Adventures

Massage Therapy: I now can put the letters CMT (certified Massage Therapist) after my name. Although I was concerned about how well I would do, I graduated with honors and perfect attendance. It is just a pleasure to know that I am able to offer others relaxation, and comforts to their physical ailments. I am toying around with a couple of different names for my upcoming massage therapy business. I am up for suggestions!

Becoming Legit

Life is funny sometimes, and God always seems to have an uncanny way of getting a job done through you when you have missed the mark, or have been too stubborn or afraid to get it done. There manages to be the smallest nudge that undeniably forces you to the next stage in life.

I received that nudge about a week ago. It came in the form of a W-9 tax form. I have been successfully selling jewelry items in Elle Bee. It hasn’t been a smash hit, but definitely keeps me receiving a check in the mail every month, which means that my creations are being worn on ears, arms and necks outside of my circle of family and friends.

So, I received this W-9 form, which I have never had to fill out before for doing consignment. I am actually very familiar with the form as I have to get those that do contract work with my job to fill them out in order to get paid. Although familiar, I never really took the time to get familiar with the forms for my own purposes. As a matter of fact, subconsciously I didn’t want to be involved with them, although I knew sooner or later I would need to in order to properly fill out tax forms for my businesses. Notice I said businesses with an s (but that is for a different blog).

The section that got me sweating said sole proprietor, LLC, and some other options besides other, that I cannot recall off the top of my noggin. I was sure that I could pass with checking other until I read exactly what other entailed (nothing that I could subscribe to).

I consulted a great lawyer friend at that moment and asked if it was possible that I would get penalized if I just checked other without an explanation. Of course, she said sooner or later it would catch up with me, and that I should just register as soon as possible. The law may be slow to cash in their monetary reward, but when they do, they manage to try and take you for all you are worth in addition to the pair of draws on your behind.

I took the plunge and did so the next evening. With the assistance of my friend, the process was almost painless and as a result, my business is birthed:

Exo 31 Art LLC

I am blessed to be in such company that can give me advice on how to get these matters straightened out. She did so effortlessly, as if she did it in her sleep daily, and without looking for compensation. The saying “you reap what you sow” is indeed correct. Lord knows that I have been diligent in sowing wonderful seeds, not because I have the intuition to do so on my own, but because the Christ in me demands me to do so. So, I say thank you to all those that sow good for the sake of sowing for the greater good.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Your little hands in the big hands of GOD always equals success, even if that success is not immediately tangible.

Be blessed!

I Rocked My Vote...and You?

People I did it…I have successfully cast my vote for our next President. As a matter of fact, as I pulled up to the polls, I cried as Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” played on the radio. A barrage of memories came to the forefront of my memory…the strongest one being a story shared by my pastor this past Sunday. He shared the story of his great grandmother, and how she walked just to cast her vote. It went something like she walked 12 miles to where she was to vote for them to tell her that she was not from that district. She walked to the next district she was sent…another 15 miles or so. She arrived to her destination for them to tell her, “Nigger, you are too late to vote.” She didn’t get to vote that year, but was sure to be the first in line to vote the next year.

When I think about voting, I think about the above and much more. I think about my ancestors who had to go through so much, just so that I could have this right. I think about their unselfish act of being sprayed with fire hoses, bitten by dogs, beaten by the masses (physically, mentally, and spiritually), lynched, and killed in all sorts of despicable fashions; all for the benefit of me.This was actually the first time casting my vote for a President. One may call it sad, and some may say that I should be ashamed, but I am not. I have come to understand that we all have our downfalls, and I am not at all left out from that category. However, I am thankful that I have understood the error of my ways, and have made the change. This is what life is about….change! A change for the better, and a change for the good.

You may have figured from the paragraph above concerning “change” that I voted for Barack Obama…and yes, you would be right. However, I didn’t vote for him because he is a black man that shares white blood (like most of us), but simply because he has a better regime. He has a better plan to pick America out of the muck and mire that we are presently sinking in. As I listened to the Steve Harvey show this morning, a guest had a good point. We vote for a better America…period. We all must coexist and aside from Barack being black, he is still an American. An American that I believe would make drastic changes for the better if elected into office. Despite all of this, win, lose or draw, this is a big step for America period!

I thank God that I have been able to take part in this smidgen of history. I am grateful that I have not continued to take for granted that which my ancestors sweat, bled and died for. I am thankful for being able to understand the importance of praying for the will of God to be done over my own with this election, and continuing to pray regardless the outcome.

Be blessed!

The Perfect Kiss!

It has been a while. It seems like the more I declare I am going to do this thing more frequently, the more it lingers and falls into this lull. The funny thing is, I have so much to say on a daily basis.

Anywho...I wanted to post some responses that I have received from the prior post, asking what the perfect kiss felt like. Not to my surprise, all of the responses were great and unique in their own right.

LoveBabz: Ahh the perfect kiss feels like I am flying. Like I am weightless. Like the whole world is standing still waiting for me to catch my breath. It is like heat that begins in your toes and moves up your back exploding from your lips. It is passionate and gentle all at the same time. It is sweet and salty (sigh).

Kora: I have been kissed. It was by a lover and it was romantically. I was coming home from a long day at school and he just opened his arms and gave me a hug and a kiss, to tell me he was there and whatever happened is all over.

Kristen S.: It takes your breath away. You are not even where you were when the kiss first started. Everything around you is in a swirling blur.

Monique: Makes you feel like you are in la la land.

Nina W.: Not too long, not too short, a little bit of tongue. It has to be meaningful, fresh breath, and not sloppy.

Mackenzie C.: Small, intimate, not sloppy, like the... I don't even know how to explain it. I am so picky.

Gene C.: It has to be meaningful. I don't know, I never though about this.

Evan: I like kissing shorter women. To have them stare into my eyes and look up at me, and for me to share the same experience. I can embrace her as she leans in. You have a different vantage point. From my perspective, their eyes almost always close first. I like that. It is indicative of how to proceed. I like to open my eyes while kissing to see their reaction. Lots of tongue action. Long, passionate, and sloppy!

Renee' D.: Meaningful! Soft lips, open mouth, tongue but not too powerful, and hands behind the back of the neck.

Peg: Soft, tender, not wet and sloppy, lingering. You have to experience the perfect kiss to know it. I am a sucker for a good kiss!

As I thought about writing this entry, I struggled with answering the same question that I have asked others to answer. At times my imagination is rather vivid and descriptive to say the least. Of course I am being candid and whenever one is candid, there is exposure into the innermost thoughts of parts of who they are.

Again, this is my thought of an ideal kiss, and/or the scenario and emotions that go along with it. I don't carelessly give kisses away. In my mind, they are intimate and to be shared with someone special. However, when I sat down to write this short piece, I did have a particular individual in mind. An individual not from the past, but one that is in my present...one that I am intrigued with getting to know more about.

I'm not sure I can handle the soft, unspoken grace of your lips upon mine at this moment.
The distinct sweet aroma of your breath, slightly salty taste of your lips, and honey dipped flavor of the tip of your tongue.

Your lips lay ground work for impure and unholy thoughts
If I am completely honest, it is liable to encourage actions beyond the simple exchange of affection from my lips to yours, and vice versa
You accepting the natural juices that emanate from my oral cavity and even deeper, the mingling/sharing of our spiritual beings

Time halted, almost ceasing to exist
Oblivious to that which is around us deeply engaged and focused on that which is taking place between us

We create a melody

One that is all our own
Varying rhythms, changing tempos, diverse degrees of moisture
Icy cold, steaming hot, temperature difference

Soft, tender, and passionate
Suction and nibbles releasing endorphins
Blocking pain receptors turning an otherwise unpleasurable experience into a gratifying one

Too much to lose
Perhaps something to gain
Too many dormant feelings that stand to be exposed
Too many years past of silent kisses kept between me, myself, and I that have begged to be free

There you have it folks. I truly thank those that have given their input. I look forward to reading more of your responses. Keep them coming...they are very much so appreciated.

Be Blessed!