5 Things that Make me Smile - Sept 2010

So many things have been making me smile lately, here are just 5.

Happy Marriages
(happy 1st wedding anniversary to my brother and Eva)

Photo taken by me - London, September 2009

Cards picked randomly, knowing they were meant for my eyes, reminding me.

Peacock Images back in my life

(there was a time earlier this year where I was seeing peacock designs EVERYWHERE!)

Card handmade by Shannon

Thank You notes from a kind hearted artful friend
(Thanking me for running the Creative Color Challenge in August)
Shannon you are a sweetheart.

Surprise yummy gifts in the mail from a kindred spirit.
(also wrapped in handprinted paper she made at Squam)

Beth, I'm so happy you are in my life and someone I call "dear Friend"

Thank you to all, making me smile. Thank you universe too. :-)

What has been making you smile lately?

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Community, Tribe and Flying High

Photo taken by Thea Coughlin

A week since I said farewell to fellow Squam friends and I still feel a strong connection to that time and the outstanding people I met. This past week has been all about community, reflections, connections, letting go, finding more of my artful 'tribe' and soulful flying.... I cannot begin to describe how wonderful it has been to meet all of the kindred spirits who have crossed my path with kind words and smiles during this time.

Brown Betty Cabin: Alison, Meghan, Louise, Pat, Jess, Tammy.

Our Brown Betty Cabin Family at Squam. Fireside chats into the night, smores and wine, good company, laughs and friendships that will only get stronger as we continue our creative journeys.

It was so great to see Lorrie and Lindy from the February edition of An Artful Journey again and spend lots of time with lovely Beth at Squam, Portsmouth, NH and in NYC these past few days also. My heart has felt such joy being around you all.

Beth and I also met up with Jess from Squam again in NYC (a quick bite to eat and drink before she spent 2 days at the Maker fair in NY) and Anna-Marie (another artful journey sister) also came down from Rhode Island to spend the weekend in NYC with us (it was like an arty pyjama party at my place!).

Then if you thought it couldn't get any better, this Saturday, I organized for some of our fellow flying sisters to get together for brunch, chats, art swaps and lots of laughs in Hoboken, NJ. Some traveled over 2 hours to join us into the early evening.

Flying Sisters of the North East: Silvia, Ivy, Nelly, Heather, Heidi, Beth, Beth, Louise.

We all took Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons this past June and after a local 'flying sisters' group was set up on facebook for all of us in the NE part of the USA (thanks Helene!), a meetup was a great way to start off the special bond we all have in addition to taking the class together - to celebrate art, love and life. So great to meet you gals! (Actually Nelly, Heidi and I met at Artfest in April too!).

A truly amazing couple of weeks, feeling fuzzy inside, mentally and soulfully rested. What a feeling. :-)

I'll be posting more about the classes I took at Squam, later this week :-)

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Falling for Fall

Still reflecting on my own Vision of Squam. I'll be posting some more photos and reflections soon, but in the meantime, here is a poem I wrote whilst in this wonderful place to finally let go of something.

Falling for Fall
That's what I will do
By falling for Fall
I hope to feel feel less for you.

The colors so warm
My heart feels so cold
I long for new beginnings
For a new life to unfold.

I’m falling for fall
Oh yes I am
My favourite time of year
Have to get out of this jam

Just cant seem to break
From this foolish mistake
Of trusting so much
and letting you take....

My soul it just knows
That we’ve lived before
And will soon meet again
Through a new lifetime door

So I’ve fallen for Fall
It’s my new best friend
Can see the wood through the trees
And am now on the mend. :-)

Crunchy leaves
Cool fresh breeze
Wearing long boots
And not give 2 hoots
About moving on, singing a new song and falling for fall so my heart can say...so long.

Happy Fall Equinox everyone. Equal Day, Equal night, rebalance yourselves, feast on your harvest, share and give thanks.

Tonight is a full moon and also the super harvest moon. For the first time in two decades, the Sun will sink as the full Moon rises exactly opposite to it on the day the summer ends, creating a strange 360-degree twilight show. Then at 11.09 EST, Jupiter will be its brightest sitting right next to the moon.

Below is my Full Moon Dream Board I created to set my intentions for the coming month ahead. Not everything is in here, but I think it captures the essence and direction I want to go in pretty well.

Did you create one? if so, post a link below. (The next new moon is Oct 7th with full moon on Oct 22, so you can join in again then, if you didnt get a chance this time around)

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Artist Interview - Jason Gluskin

Welcome to my first interview in a new series. I'm pleased to introduce you to Jason Gluskin, a painter/fine artist based in Hoboken/NYC area originally from Boston. Check out this short intro video. (music is also by Jasons talented dad) View in youtube also here.

Hi Jason, can you tell us a little bit about your art and what inspires you.
Like most artists my work is an extension of myself. I like to think I’m a pretty positive guy and hopefully that transcends through my work. I’ve been creating since I was a little guy… but have only been painting seriously for about three years or so now. People say my style is musical, whimsical and colorful. I'll take that! I’ve had the creative bug since I can remember. I need to keep putting my energy into some artistic outlet or otherwise a big part of me feels suppressed. I’ve tried various channels but right now painting seems to be working. I play guitar for fun, have a creative day job, listen to music all day, read a lot… I need all those things to keep me inspired.

What kind of art education did you have growing up?

I did not go to art school but I was raised in an environment that was full of culture and learning. My grandmother is an artist, my dad is a really talented guitarist and songwriter, mom is a reading teacher and was always feeding us with books and history. Jimi Hendrix, Dali, Kurt Vonnegut, Worhol, Keith and Mick Spielberg, that was all around the house… it was a blast!
I minored in studio art in college but studied marketing and business which seemed like a practical outlet for my creative juices. I also have a Master’s degree in integrated marketing. Part of me wishes more focused and rigorous about my art back when I was 18, but I was more interested in partying, my friends and girls than getting into a gallery. Actually, I never had any ambitions to be a painter. That just happened. I’ve been getting my real art education in the past few years and love learning about new styles and the history behind the masters.

Congratulations on your recent press coverage. What would you say is your one biggest piece of advice to get press coverage and then dealing with interviews?
Journalists are looking for interesting stories. Figure out a way to tell yours in a unique way and get it to them. Check out Jason's recent interview on WMBC's News below or on youtube here

You also work a hectic fulltime job. How do you manage to keep the balance between work and being creative? Do you ever sleep? :-)

By day I work in the music industry in marketing and business development. I’ve held positions at Rolling Stone, Live Nation, SIRIUS XM and currently an awesome company called TuneCore that allows artists to distribute and market their music digitally without a label. I love my work, feel good about it and it pays the bills. I feel very fortunate that I’ve found a wonderful path and balance in career and passions on the side.

I also love painting so it’s never a chore. I’ve found that as soon as I put myself in front of the canvas it just comes out and relaxes me… no matter how tired I am at the end of the day. And, no. I don’t sleep a lot haha.

What is your biggest challenge as a creative person – and how do you overcome it?

Good one. There are many. First off I’m most always full of energy. With that I have high aspirations and a lot I want to accomplish which can get exhausting. I’ve learned to slow myself down a bit, let things unfold at their own pace and enjoy the process. Also, being an artist does make you more sensitive to things. You feel, see and dig a bit deeper and have to learn how to balance that out in a healthy way. I was raised Jewish but have embraced Buddhism and meditation over the past few years to keep myself chill and in check. It’s the best drug I’ve found. That and running.

What advice do you have for people just starting to explore their creative dreams?

Follow your dreams and your heart, man! Do what makes you happy. Nothing in life is easy and happens overnight. Study the greats in all fields. They’ve all worked their ass off for years before a big break (with very few exceptions).
I’ve been developing this thing of mine since I was 5. Its so much fun but I always feel like I need to learn more and develop. You have to love it and you can’t measure success on selling your work or getting shows or you’ll be utterly depressed. You just have to do it because it makes you happy or is an expression. If other people dig it too that’s just icing on the cake. And if you can sell your work… well that’s a whole other thing that you need to manage internally. It can be both complicated and awesome. We’re all very emotionally attached to our art.

Leverage the internet and communicate with your fans. I am always flattered when anyone compliments me. No matter who they are. Art is so subjective… it’s so amazing when somebody gets it. Also there is no definitive path for being an artist. My biggest challenge is I don’t want to be trapped in my style. In life we tend to go back to what worked in the past before for success. But that’s mundane. Pushing yourself is scarier but more rewarding. I hope I can just keep growing and developing as an artist and person and just enjoy the ride. It’s pretty awesome.

Thanks to Jason for taking the time to share with us. You can also view more artwork and prints on Jason's website and get the latest info/connect with Jason on facebook.

Everyone... which is your favourite piece of artwork? I adore the cityscapes :-)

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Off to Squam I go!

Woohoo, its finally here!

So super excited to be off to Squam for the next few days. Relaxation, nature, painting and most of all meeting some familiar and new creative souls. I'm traveling up from NYC with Beth, then Lindy, Lorrie and Pippin will be there amongst many other creative friends. YAY!

I'm going to be taking Nature of Klimt on Thursday - I'm so looking forward to revisiting my love of Gustav Klimt's imagery and trying out some new techniques to build upon some of my existing Klimt inspired work. Friday is Bloom True which I'm really excited about as I can work on expanding my new style that's been emerging and super excited to be meeting Flora Bowley. Then Saturday, have the lovely Marisa Haedike for her Go Go Gocco session. WOOHOO!

Lots of loveliness planned, also checking out an art show on Saturday afternoon and lucky to be participating as a vendor at the Squam Art fair on Saturday night.

Then Beth, Lindy and I are off to Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth Sunday afternoon to check out the Enormous Tiny Art Show and the town. Cant wait!

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone.

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Long Breaths

"Mystical Garden" Acrylic on canvas

I've been trying to let go
Cultivating the sense and belief that something is almost here

Quieting the mind, seeing the bigger picture, allowing wounds to be healed

"Botanical Bliss", mixed media on canvas

There's a new beginning
I do not know what exactly
It's around the corner, over the hill, under the trees, through the forest

"Tranquil Garden", acrylic on canvas

Something bright, blissful and welcoming
Knowing friends and past life encounters that nourish the soul are close by.

New artwork is emerging and flowing more freely
A door has been opened.

"Lotus Bloom". Acrylic on Canvas

Will I now uncover the secret I already knew
Yes, I believe I'm finally listening....

I went to yoga this morning and took some long breaths.
Do something for yourself today, just you.
Something that makes you shine inside and smile to the world.


I'm preparing myself for Squam. Being re-united and meeting new creative souls
So excited and ready.

Also forgot to announce the randomly picked winner from September's First Friday Giveaway! (sorry) Pleased to say it's: Kelly From Kellys Art journaling/Sharing the journey. Kelly please email me your address: info[at]louisegale.com

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New Moon, Fresh Start & Dream Boards

There are many wondrous things about this world that inspire and enchant me.

The moon is just one.

When I re-arranged my Art Studio recently, I positioned myself at my workdesk, so I could look out onto tree tops and sky during the day, then have full sight of the Moon at night.

Starring at it, Basking in its Energy
Knowing it has some kind of Pull on All of us
Finding myself Completely Mystified by its Light and Magnetism

Tonight marks a new moon in Virgo leading us to the Full moon on Sept 23rd which is the Autumn Equinox.
It is also the start of Rosh Hashana - the Jewish New Year

The New Moon (and up until the moon is full) is a time to begin new things, to be spontaneous. Time for a New Start.

So over the next two weeks, I'm going to be thinking about what I'd like to invite into my world for the remainder of the year, reflecting on my vision board from January and preparing myself for the new season later this month.

Here I am with my 2010 Vision Board

So please join me to take a moment over the next few days to sit quietly, recognizing all the amazing experiences and memories we have formed over the summer and start afresh - whether it be a new project, new outlook, new morning ritual, to listen or to allow ourselves to let something or someone go. Now is the time for the next amazing step in our journey.

Think about what you would like to invite into your life over the next few months - you can even collect images to help identify and capture them if you are a visual person like me! So on this New Moon, I'm starting a new ritual to align myself and activities with the phases of the moon and I'll be making a "dreamboard" to help me focus and listen more closely to natures rhythms.

I have had so many serendipitous moments when I'm balanced and listen to that universe, that I cant wait to see what presents itself. I'll post mine around the time of the full moon (Sept 23), so if you'd like to join me, please do.

"All you long for will lie curled warm in your palm if you lay yourself open and surrender to the shape of things." excerpt CV Trimmer 2006

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It's a Wrap - Our August Color Extravaganza!

I have had such a wonderful month creating, sharing, being inspired, getting messy, learning new techniques, being brave, smiling, and exploring color with you all. I hope you have had as much fun as I. I have met some lovely new creative souls through this process, so I look forward to following your journeys further, connecting and creating together.

With so many outstanding creations and talent who joined in, I wanted to do one final wrap up. I put together this movie to celebrate what we have all accomplished, whether it be creating just one piece or many. (Not all 400 photos are in the movie but everyone who participated is credited at the end).

ENJOY - This is the start of the Color Challenge Revolution!

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for" 
Georgia O'Keeffe

Please visit the Flickr Group and leave some lovely comments for all the new creations. I have collated all the information on the Color Challenge Page and would also LOVE to hear your final thoughts, so please either comment below or feel free to send me a personal message at info[at]louisegale[dot]com. The flickr group is ongoing, so please continue to add related creations as you explore further with these colors.

I certainly felt energized, passionate, tranquil, growth and spirituality throughout the past 5 weeks and see the world (and myself) a little differently than I did before. So excited to explore further with new color ideas.


Continuing the Color Challenge.

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions on continuing this particular challenge. I think challenging ourselves to do this on a weekly basis really helped keep us focused, and I love the sense of community this has brought us, so I've decided to host a month long challenge again in February (then every 6 months if you want to continue). Now if you cant wait that long, that's okay! I plan to be throwing an extra color challenge and holiday/Christmas ornament swap out there end of Oct/early Nov, so you wont have to wait too long to get your teeth into another fun challenge with your new found creative friends. Just ensure you are signed up to my newsletter or a follower to get the scoop. AND, the lovely Beth is also planning to host another one of her Stitched Postcard swaps Oct/Nov so get yourselves ready for lots of creative fun over the next few months!

Congratulations!

As promised....I put all of the participants names into a random selector and I'm pleased to announce that Judit of "Pilgrim of the Moon" is our winner to get an extra special color related prize. Judit you have won a set of 36 oil pastels. Please send me your address (info[at]louisegale[dot]com) and ill pop those into the mail for you. CONGRATULATIONS!

Everyone: It has been an absolute joy. Stay tuned for more creative content to help us connect with each other and our inner selves over the coming weeks.

Love, friendship and Creativity my friends. Xx

"Color has taken possession of me; no longer do I have to chase after it. I know that it has hold of me forever... Color and I are one. I am a painter.
" Paul Klee

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Week #5 Wrap Up!

From top left across: 1.LoveandPeas , 2. Just Jax, 3. Gumnut Logic, 4. Carola Bartz, 5. Dana Barbieri, 6. Kristin Dudish, 7. BostinStuff, 8. Jamie Barks, 9. Regina Lord , 10. JustMelanieJune, 11. CreativeBeast, 12. BeckyV.

When I set the Lavender Purple challenge, I wasn't sure how this would pan out this week as this color really did scare me a little, but I have to say i think this was the most fun week. Maybe because we could add the other colors if we wanted with that little extra freedom or perhaps because i was in the swing of creating as part of this challenge. I hope you all enjoyed your final week as much as I did. Please check out the rest of the fabulous entries in the flick group here.

Here's my final entry. Mixed Media on 8x8 stretched canvas. i used collage papers, ribbon, buttons, pen, plaster. Really loved making this piece. I incorporated all the challenge colors except for Raspberry red! The scan is a little blurry because of the raised objects.

What an absolute joy to see all of the purple colors mixed in when I took a look at flickr today. So much purple divineness. Thanks again everyone for taking the time to create and be part of this. So many creative souls. :-)

So yes this is it! The Creative Color Challenge is over for August. I will be posting a final wrap up in the form of a little screenshow movie tomorrow night which will also be posted on youtube, so I hope everyone is okay with me including one or many of your creations to showcase what a great experience this has been. (if you do not want to be included for some reason, thats okay just email me asap). Everyone who has participated will be credited in the movie. Ill also be announcing the randomly selected participant who wins a little colorful goody for taking part on tomorrow nights post.

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday everyone and please check back tomorrow for the final Creative Color Challenge Wrap Up. I'd also love to get your final comments and reviews on taking part then too. :-)

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First Friday Find & Giveaway - SEPTEMBER

Welcome to First Fridays Find and Giveaway for August. A monthly feature where I'll post some fun, inspirational or useful finds and also offer a fabulous giveaway from myself, sponsors or the universe in general!

This months FIND is the fabulous "Craft Sanity" podcast! WOW I've had so much fun listening to Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood interview some wonderful creative souls as I've been working on my Creative Color Challenges. I've heard some amazing creative journeys, stories about fibre arts, starting a creative Biz and getting a book written and published. You can subscribe through itunes too. I'm so glad to be sharing this with you as I just know you will get as much out of these as I have. ENJOY. :-)

First Friday GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the closing of August's Creative Color Challenge, this months giveaway is this wonderful book I read a few years ago (you will get a brand new copy!) called COLOUR: Travels through the Paintbox.
It has some fab stories about color and paint pigments from around the world. A really interesting read.

All you need to do is leave a comment below adding in a great resource you have found on color, a color story of your own or just something lovely and colorful to say. :-) I'll pick the winner randomly and announce next Tues/Weds.

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