The Music Inspired Blog by binglishART

Mandy Cook: A Vintage Jazz Goddess

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:10:00 +0000

Yesterday I hung out with Mandy Cook, a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN. Over tea and a fruit plate we passed the guitar around sharing our songs. I said, "You are absolutely amazing!" She plays songs crafted with beautiful sounding chords and a voice that is unmistakably Mandy. She has been described as, "The ghost of a vintage jazz goddess picked up a guitar and channeled the world's heartbeat." The lyrics are phrases like, "Mississippi Voodoo" and "Memphis Bullet" -- words that strike you with meanings that run deep.

Her approach to music is right on, "Just play and have fun." Isn't that how we all should approach life? It surely shows in her music. It's one part blues, two parts jazz, and 3 parts completely her. She plays out many nights of the week, sometimes even having two shows in one night. She says, "The more I play, the happier I am day to day. It's a part of me that it is absolutely vital to share."

To see Mandy perform check her out all over town. She plays regularly at Hotel Indigo and will be at Exit/In this Thursday, March 4th.

To listen to her music now, visit her Myspace page at: Myspace.com/MandyCookMusic or watch her on her YouTube Channel. You'll love her!

Thanks for reading about The Music Inspired! If you would like to nominate someone to be featured please email me at beth@binglishART.com. Definitely leave a comment and subscribe!

Music Inspired by Six Pixels of Separation

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:51:00 +0000

I am reading a new book and it is firing me up! I tell everyone I know. The name: Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel, the author of The Twist Image blog. The game: How to effectively brand and connect your business online.

The past two years I pursued online marketing for my art business and had much success. I started a few blogs, a website, and am connected to many social networking sites. I used these online channels to grow my business. However, after reading this book I realized, I'm doing it all wrong. Well not all wrong, but this realization made me slam on the brakes and reevaluate my approach.

In the beginning I thought I'm going to do this the best way I know how, dive right in! Post some pictures of art with links, talk about the paintings and hope people respond. That's not enough.

In this book it explains that selling a product or building a brand online is asking people to trust you. Mitch Joel describes it as a trust economy. In order to build a brand you need people to like you and they aren't going to like you if all you do is self-promote. I thought, oh no! That's what I'm doing because I didn't know any better. So it's time for a change.

My vision is to build a community of people around my brand that are inspired by music as much as I am. I want to promote others and share everything. I want to feature artists, songwriters, musicians, and other professionals that are doing the same thing I am, making a life surrounded by creativity. That's all.

If you like this idea please let me know! If you would like to nominate someone, I’d love your suggestions! I’m ready to start shining the light on the people who are music inspired, just like me!

binglishART Video Debut

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:24:00 +0000

"Today" Performed by Beth Inglish, binglishART

This is my video debut! I wrote this song a few weeks ago, then turned to my co-writer, Chad McMillian to polish it with his flair. He sure does not disappoint.

After completing the lyrics and arrangement I practiced strumming with a pick and finger-picking styles of playing guitar. Taking a more personal approach, I finally choose to finger-pick the song.

This song is especially close to me and my life right now. As the pace of life speeds up it is very easy to forget how to live, for the moment. Everyday is a struggle for many people, but making the decision to live happily is an easy choice. With determination anything is possible!

My goal is to keep creating videos of the songs I have written and sharing them with you. Please visit my YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/user/binglishART to subscribe and you'll be updated when I have new videos posted.

For more ways to stay connected, become a fan on facebook, www.facebook.com/binglishART to follow my life as a visual artist and songwriter. You should also sign up for my newsletter at, www.binglishART.com to receive a monthly email blast of everything binglishART. Thank you so much for your support!

"Today" is an original song written by Beth Inglish and Chad McMillian.

binglishART Ad in Nashville Scene

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:28:00 +0000

FINE ART FLOWERS by BINGLISH

Need a V-DAY gift? Go to binglishART.com to buy the hottest
Nashville Fine Art from local artist, Beth Inglish.
Gifts starting at under $20!
www.binglishART.com

Pick-A-Print: binglishART Online Store

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:19:00 +0000

Check out my online store at binglishART.com to Pick-A-Print for you!

I have many new items for sale and would love your help uniting the world with music and art. I offer professional quality products and services! It just doesn't get any better.

binglishART Promotes Concert at Ole Miss

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:04:00 +0000

The Ole Miss Women's Council is hosting a groovy concert in Oxford, MS to raise scholarship money. The popular Mystery Trip band of Nashville will play their exciting renditions of Beatles hits and award-winning singer-songwriters Rivers Rutherford, Bryan Kennedy and Gordon Kennedy, will also perform. The event will be February 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. located at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

The Beatles tribute band, Mystery Trip, features Saul Zonana, Gordon Kennedy, Rob Arthur, Steve Allen and John Salaway. Tickets range from $10 for UM students and $25 for general admission to $50 for orchestra seating that includes a reception with performers. To purchase a ticket, go to www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter or call 662-915-7411. The UM or the Ford Center Box Office will also have tickets available from 10AM-4PM weekdays.

If you are an Ole Miss fan you will definitely want my fine art print that inspired the poster. You can purchase the print on my website at binglishART.com.

Fine Art Prints For Sale by binglishART

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:44:00 +0000

My custom collage, Carambola, is now for sale. If you can't make it to the beauitful Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, then bring it home to your living room. You can purchase this fine art print on my website at binglishART.com.

I created this custom collage while living in Frederiksted, St. Croix in 2007. I lived on the island for a year and made many collages that reflected my life there. The print will fit a standard size 11x14 frame and is printed with archival inks and paper.

Buy it now for only $28.00, binglishART.com

binglishART Writes A Book

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000

The last 72 days have been great. I started a project called, the afternoon project, a daily haiku and drawing online post. I draw the pictures on an iPhone app, Sketchbook Mobile. The biggest challenge: keeping up on the daily assignments, especially since I don't own an iPhone.

I have already noticed a change in my writing and drawing in the past couple months. This has been an amazing exercise to keep creative and to challenge myself to make a difference as an artist.

The posts are generally upbeat, optimistic, spiritual, and just fun in nature. They are truly a reflection of who I am. Here is an example of my posts, an entry from day 72:

A pretty flower - Is God's way of showing us. - Life is beautiful.

My goal: At the end of this project I want to publish my posts in a book.

If you'd like to follow this project you can become a fan on facebook.

Or subscribe online at: the afternoon project.com

binglishART "Captured Music City"

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Music City captured like never before:

880 photographers, 22,619 photos, 1,111,993 votes.

About this book.

Capture Music City is the most unique book project ever conceived. It started with a simple idea: lots of folks take lots of pictures of the Nashville are - many of which would be worthy of publishing in a fine-art, coffee-table book. Knowing that thousands of photos would be submitted, the question was then posed: how do we pick the best from the rest? The answer was genius. We put the editing power in the hands of the people. Local people. People that know Nashville. People just like you. Through an immersive online experience, we asked photographers, doctors, union workers, musicians, moms, right-handed people, pants-wearing folks, or anyone from any walk of like to vote for what they considered to the the photos that best capture Music City. From 22,619 photo submissions to the pages of this book, more than a million votes helped shaped what you hold in your hands. It's something that's never been done before. Publishing, by vote. Enjoy it. (text from book)

In 2007, I submitted photos to this project. I had only lived in Nashville a few months, but in those months I was discovering this city with unfamilar eyes. The photos I submitted were inspired by the natural beauty found in Nashville. In February 2008, we had over a foot of snow and I couldn't wait to get outside with my camera. It was melting fast, but I made it to Percy Warner Park and took the photo published in the book, Nashville Snow.

Nashville Snow, "Capture Music City." Page 30.

You can purchase the book at bookstores around Nashville or order online at:

capturemusiccity.com

binglishART: Fingerpickin' Guitar

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:35:00 +0000

http://www.bethinglish.com
Watch it on my YouTube Channel for best quality:
http://www.YouTube.com/User/binglishART

binglish ART: Kinda Like That Video

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:31:00 +0000

http://www.bethinglish.com
Watch it on my YouTube Channel for best quality:http://www.YouTube.com/User/binglishART

"Music & Art United" at Billups Art

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:28:00 +0000

The "Music & Art United" show was a huge success and it was great to see everyone. I sold art, played music, and had a wonderful time. There was a handful of incredible singer/songwriters that played original music all throughout the night. Thank you again for always supporting me!

Billups Art is located at Five Points in East Nashville, just behind Beyond The Edge. It is a great space for art events and parties. For more information you can contact gallery owner, Anthony Billups at billupsart@gmail.com.

For the show Anthony and I mixed our work together and displayed a variety of music inspired artwork in oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, and mixed media. If you missed the show last Saturday you still have many opportunities during December to preview the artwork. For a complete schedule of events visit binglishART.com.

Become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/binglishART

Advertising in The Nashville Scene

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

The "Music & Art United" show had tons of advertising, check it out:

PRINT

Ad in The Scene December 4, 2009

ONLINE

Nashville Scene Email Blast

NashvilleScene.com

NowPlayingNashville.com

Facebook Invitation

You Are Invited: Music & Art United Show

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:53:00 +0000

You Are Invited To

"Music & Art United"

Saturday, December 5th 5-10 PM

Billups Art Gallery

1008-C Woodland Street

Nashville, TN 37215

Please help me unite the world with music & art! I will be showing my collection of music inspired art pieces and performing original music. This is a dream come true! I've been working so hard since I arrived in Music City to pursue my passions in art and music. I am thrilled to share for the first time a collection of art and music together.

I will be performing all orginial music using vocals and guitar. My songs were inspired by my adventures in the Caribbean, Mississippi Delta, and Nashville. I'm very excited to be performing them with the amazing Catfish Mac. He will be accompanying me on guitar and harmonica.

iPhone Brushes App: Making Fine Art

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

This is a great video explaining how the iPhone Brushes App is being used to create fine works of art. I use a similar application to create my artwork for my daily project, the afternoon project.

Our tools for creating art are forever changing!

Local Find: Interview on The Creative Jar

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:14:00 +0000

First tell us a little about your self - a little bio.
I love to create... painting, writing songs, playing guitar, singing and dancing. I am an artist. It is not just an occupation, but a way of being. I believe every day is an opportunity to explore my potential and I fully embrace this challenge.

I grew up in Texas, received a BBA in Marketing from UT (Longhorns not Volunteers), and studied in Paris. But it was not until I lived in the Caribbean that I discovered what I really wanted to do. I created my Caribbean Collection on St. Croix, USVI and have been creating art ever since.

When or how did you start creating?
It began with small things...redecorating my room, setting the dinner table, arranging a bouquet of flowers. I always saw the things in every day life as a canvas. It was not until college that I started taking drawing, design, and art classes.

What is your favorite thing that you have created?
Carambola, a collage I created on St. Croix of the Carambola Beach Resort. When I finished I felt completely confident that I could be a successful artist. It was the first time all my fears seemed to just disappear.

What inspires you to create?
Creating something from nothing. I’m addicted to that feeling when you can physically see and touch something that was thought up in your head. It's amazing.

Do you use recycled goods in your creations? If so what?
Yes! I use paper, magazines, and household items. I made a guitar sculpture from toilet paper rolls and a Trader Joe's mailer that turned out really cool.

And one the easiest questions where can we find your creations & more about you?
I update my facebook and twitter daily, facebook.com/binglishART and twitter.com/bethinglish. My website, binglishART.com has a portfolio of my work. I send a monthly email newsletter and you can sign up for it there.

Also do you sell in any physical locations?
The Delta City Club and The Pilkerton Building in Green Hills. I have been very successful with these two locations and they keep me very busy. I sell online on my website and through my collectors and their contacts.

Check out my interview on Jodi Reeve's blog, The Creative Jar.

Newsletter News

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

My newsletter just had it's 6 month birthday! I sent my November issue on Monday and it was packed full of stuff that happened over the course of October. Every month I worry about what I will write about, but by the time of it's release I have to edit out information.

Thank you so much to my subscribers and followers. I'm so grateful I have so much support! If you know of anyone that would like to follow my art, please send them to binglishART.com to sign up for the monthly newsletter.

And if you really want a large dose of binglishART news, sign up for the blog on bethinglish.com.

binglish ART at Parlor Productions Recording Studio

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! I made these two 4x8 ft panels for Parlor Production's Halloween party. They will function as the backdrop in the interviewing area. The interviews will be filmed and made into a video.

The studio is great and it was very clear that everyone there is family. We were hanging spiderwebs, carving pumpkins, and of course piano playing/guitar picking was somewhere in the background. Check out the Grammy Award winning studio online at ParlorProductions.com.

Left to Right: Robin Ruddy, Beth Inglish, Larry Sheridan

binglishART in the Nashville Scene

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Check this week's issue of The Nashville Scene and you'll see a picture of me painting on page 8. So cool! The Nashville Scene is the definitive source of information for news, music, movies, restaurants, reviews, and events in Nashville. Visit them online at NashvilleScene.com

binglishART Paints Live

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:48:00 +0000

LIVE Painting SOLD

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Guitar Land, 48 x 48, Acrylic on Canvas

I painted this giant canvas live at the event, "Land of Cause" hosted by redpepper marketing. During the 4 hour performance I was inspired by the music as well as all the amazing people I met at the event. A big thanks to redpepper for inviting me! 20% of the proceeds were donated to benefit redpepper's Foundation.

New work: "Underwater Overture"

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Underwater Overture, 16 x 20, Mixed Media

I was commissioned to create a "flamingo and guitar painting." That was all the buyer asked. I created a unique texture with tissue paper and cardboard. Then I gessoed the entire piece to create a new hard surface. I used acrylic paint and sealed with a matte varnish. It's already out the door and in the buyer's hands, and he LOVED IT!

If you would like to commission me to make a painting, please CLICK HERE to hire me!

LIVE Painting at The Cannery Ballroom

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Are you ready for this?!? I will be painting LIVE at the Cannery Ballroom for the event, "Land of Cause" hosted by redpepper marketing.

October 23 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Cannery Ballroom

There will be great food, beer and wine, live music and nonstop fun. Your friends at redpepper request your presence to celebrate nine very worthy not for profit organizations and the creative work just completed in a 24-hour marketing marathon called CreateAthon.

The Afternoon Project

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

The afternoon project started from a facebook status update. Now it is a year long project! Every afternoon I write a haiku and draw a picture inspired by the poem. The poem's purpose is to capture a moment in my day.

It all started with the haiku I wrote yesterday afternoon as my facebook status update. I'm playing disc golf. Walking around in the woods. Acing lots of holes.

Then I drew a picture of it on Sketchbook Mobile on the iPhone. This project occured to me out of nowhere and I thought, ok I'll do it!

Today I created a blog to post the daily poems and pictures, then a facebook fanpage, and a twitter account. I have my bases covered. The triangle of success: facebook, twitter, blogger.

Check it out at http://www.theafternoonproject.blogspot.com/ and start following. It's going to be great year!

The Making of a Mosaic Table

beth@binglishart.com (Beth) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Please rate the video and leave a comment!