How To Live The Artist Lifestyle Even If You Suck

Being An Artist = Being A Kid Again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Why is art always a given for kids?

Perhaps art could help adults chill out a little bit - relax and stop rushing around so much.

Kids have it handed to them.

Kid parties, art in school, kid art kits. Why should they have all the fun?

Why can't an adult have a party where everyone creates an art project? Would it be weird? What if you ended the night with indoor gymnastics and trampoline jumping?

Not fair.

And why can't adults get free art classes paid for by taxes, like kids do in school?

OK we shouldn't go there.

But today I have rebelled. I have purchased 2 kids art kits (for me) and they are going to be fun.

Create Young Authors Bookmaking Project Kit

Creations by You My Masterpiece - Turn Your Drawing Into A Work of Art

Because why not? Results to come.

Make A Music Video Even If You Suck

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:12:00 +0000

OK I am slowly coming back to life after our move so I will show up here more regularly.

I did find the time to create a music video with my friend. We suck, but we had fun and that is all that youtube requires. OK I know that youtube doesn't actually require fun per say... I mean they would be happy to accept the video you hated making.

You could even wear all black and look depressed and talk about sad things the whole time and they would still accept your video. Frankly youtube doesn't care anything about you and doesn't require anything from you accept enough brain power to post it up.

So - because I love looking like an idiot for the general public- here is the video: (Comedy OK?)

Artists Create Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 May 2011 02:19:00 +0000

Something I've been thinking about lately is that most of my happy memories as a child surround fantasy.

For example, the fantasy of Christmas (holidays), the fantasy of pretend play with friends, the fantasy of magical forests (woods near our home), the fantasy of stories (i.e. The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe), the fantasy of wide open fields and flowers and sunshine, the fantasy of waterfalls and swimming, the fantasy of building outdoor or indoor forts, or exploring, or acting in a play or painting a picture, playing games, or making a craft to hang in my bedroom. The fantasy of books, movies and TV. Even church takes on a form of fantasy and magic to a child. As a pre-teen the fantasies move on to boys, and music and a future of happy ever after.

But as we get older we are told to put away childish fantasies and live in reality. We even start watching the news and reality TV.

This can be a bitter pill. Life can become only about responsibility and day to day drudgery.

Artists; however, refuse to give up fantasy. Because they realize that fantasy is the creation of a magical and happy life. They create the stories, the paintings, the fashions, the photographs and these all contribute to the fantasy of the artists choosing. They create a fantasy home through creativity and color. They make people feel certain moods. They continue to act or sing or create music. They create fantasy in nature and in city environments. They make holidays magical again. They create the settings for people to thrive and connect and open their minds. They create limitless possibilities.

Anyone can have this creative outlook towards fantasy even if you are unable to write music or paint a masterpiece. You can still create fantasy by using other people's art or by creating simple projects or reading stories or putting together fashions or taking pictures. You can still hike in the woods or explore new places with an attitude of awe and wonder.

Keeping a mind toward fantasy is an artist lifestyle and one that will keep you floating above the dreary realists, enriching your life and those around you.

Family Talent Show : Mothers Day Is Cool

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:55:00 +0000

I know Mothers Day was a LONG time ago and I'm really behind..

but I've been preparing for the upcoming End Of The World, so I've been busy.

Just Kidding.

I'm really just slow because... (refer to blog post title).

Seriously though, here is an awesome song that my family made for me for Mothers Day. Check it out:

Art Kits and Craft Kits Are Your Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 May 2011 03:51:00 +0000

To live the artist lifestyle art kits are your friend. Your close friend.
Here are some recommendations:

The Guerilla Art Kit
(Do art while saving the world)

(Artterro)Wire and Bead Art Kit
Garden Art Kit

Faber Castell Do Art - Modern Masterpieces (not just for kids)

Jacquard Tie Dye Kit
(Design your own shirts)

Rockler Basswood Carving Blank Assortment, 20 lbs. (Try wood carving)

101 Artistic Relief Patterns for Woodcarvers, Woodburners & Crafters (Woodcarving Illustrated Books)

Dremel 8200-2/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool

Metal Craft Discovery Workshop
(Or how about metal?)

"Simply Swank" Complete Craft Jewelry Soldering Kit - Tools & Materials

Bead Bazaar Sofista Bead Kits - Mountain Peak

Handmade Cards: Simple Designs for Beautiful Cards (Klutz S.)

The Paper Company, 2010063, Girlfriends Card Making Kit

The Paper Company, 2010010, Mediterranean Summer Card Making Kit

Microwave Flower Press Is Fast And Easy To Use! (Frame some cool flowers)

American Girl Pencil Toppers Sewing Kit (They are supposed to be for kids, but I like them)

100% Beeswax Candles - Make Your Own Candle Kit - Do It Yourself!

Stained Glass Mosaics Coaster Kit (These look great)

Stained Glass Mosaics Trivet Kit, Easy as Glue, Grout & Clean!

Sublime Stitching Craft Pad

Stitch Graffiti (Unexpected Cross Stitch)

Creative Studio Kit: Ceramic Art Vases

Creative Studio Kit: Ceramic Tile Art
Also see:

Famous Art Kits

Oriental Trading Company has some great kits

Pictures I Took Today Of Cute Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 May 2011 04:21:00 +0000

Awesome Art : Some of My Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 May 2011 08:16:00 +0000

I recently attended a Chagall show so I am temporarily biased. I am also thinking of painting some of our chairs, so again there is a bias. I am not very good at making pottery, but I think painting my own dishes sounds cool. Maybe this? I'm not even joking.

Cool Tip: Something I recently found- if you fear talking to artists about art there are cool cheat sheets here and here .

Cool Places For Artists To Live or Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 May 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Truthfully you can be an artist anywhere, but many artists like to live near other artists.

They like to live where there is a vibrant art scene.

Most people know that wherever artists congregate they raise real estate prices (ie San Francisco). They move into low-rent areas, fix the area up and turn it in to a thriving and beautiful community with prices that go up each year. Many investors look for new places where artists are moving to so they know where to invest money.

So any time you improve a home or a community you are being an artist. Still, it is much more fun to do this with other artists around.

Off the top of my head the best places for artists to live or visit would include:

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
TriBeCa, New York
San Francisco, California
Berkeley, California
Los Angeles, California
Boulder, Colorado

As far as around the world I would suggest

Bali, Indonesia
Tokyo, Japan
Sydney, Australia
Anywhere in Europe (especially England, France, Germany, Italy)

But I don't have extensive experience with world travel, so the list is mere conjecture.

One thing I do know is that I am moving to the least Bohemian city in America (please refer to title of blog).

We did contemplate moving to the much more artsy area of Fells Point in Baltimore, but I have kids and schools got top priority (Howard County schools are amazing), so what can you do?

Enter a lot of PTA reflections contests I guess. Sigh.

A Short Clip of My Kids High School Band Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 May 2011 03:06:00 +0000

OK so it wasn't the best part of their performance, but I finally got my little Nikon cool pix with almost zero memory to record a short clip of my kids performance last night. It was for their guitar 2 class.

My oldest son is singing and my next oldest son is in brown t-shirt on the left.

Artists Love Music : Album Recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Artists love music.
Artists love many different kinds of music such as classical, jazz, opera, etc., but today I am going to focus on rock music (and similar genres).

I will share some (not comprehensive) of my favorite new(er) group albums and some of my favorite all time classics. I will end with albums I look forward to listening to. Click on the picture to see more information. Who do you like?

Classics

Looking forward to checking out:

Artists Make Friends With Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:11:00 +0000

One of the easiest ways to live the artist lifestyle is to make friends with artists.

For the most part artists will still like you even if you suck, as long as you have other redeeming qualities.

Like if you smell nice or if you own a car to drive them around. Some will even like you if you are simply a nice person.

There are various ways to meet artists.

For example, I just joined a meetup group called- Soul Art Stories: A journey of self discovery. A fun way to explore through assorted visual mediums, workshops, and gatherings.You do not have to be an artist or creative to participate in the process. This group offers a non-judgemental, respectful framework to allow you to experience the art process for yourself.

Notice the underlined portions are key.

My husband and I have also met artists by just stopping by their gallery or watching a performance. Many artists have an interesting outlook on life and are worth your time to get to know.

We met an artist in Malaysia who was quite interesting, bordering on strange which is not something you get to do every day. One thing the artist taught me is that any time I bring an idea of mine to life I am being an artist. Wow, I felt more artistic than ever.

My husband with strange awesome artist man

Many communities have art fairs and other art events- these are good places to strike up conversations with artists and ask them to hang out with you.

Don't feel bad if you get rejected. Its all about numbers. Eventually someone will take you up on your offer.

And if not, you will probably become a better artist due to your depression and brooding self-image.

My Son's Band : Anomaly - New Music - Alternative Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 06:08:00 +0000

Listen to my 16-year-olds son's band "Anomaly" (my son plays the base):

Note: They have a new singer lined up.

Pretty good for a first song I think.

Don't Try This At Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:27:00 +0000

So here I am acting a little star-trecky at Cirque du Soleil showing off my new hair color.

Actually my hair doesn't look that different in this photo than in my last photos. Hmmmm. I think I got ripped off $120. No worries because there is always boxed "non-permanent" dye for $8.00 which is a sure-fire route to darker hair that will never wash out. That is my next step.

This show was Varekai which was pretty good. My favorite Cirque du Soleil is Alegria. A must see if you ever get the chance. Both shows have a lot of great music, amazing acrobatics and creative costume designs. I love it when many art forms are combined to give you a great show.

However, they really need to add a big sign somewhere that says: Don't Try These Dazzling Acrobatics at Home....They Are Only For People Who Don't Suck.

I really hurt myself trying to do a double back quarter turn split curl bounce flip off of my bed that night. It looked so easy on stage.

Sigh.

Anything Can Look Good If You Get Far Enough Away

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:27:00 +0000

So I finished my assigned painting in art class.

I'm thinking about putting it on eBay.

What do you think? No one can get enough yellow and brown and green colors these days. Especially of odd shaped boats murky water, and amateur trees. Oh and don't forget about that yellowish looking square cottage in the background. Now that is detail. Wow.

I have to tell you how my Asian art instructor responded to my masterpiece.

"It is not very outstanding...

but look..." she took the painting and backed up to half way across the room.

"Now what do you think?" she asked completely serious.

Recovering from a burst of spontaneous, incredulous inner laughter I responded. "I mean... ah....Yes! You are right! It looks MUCH better from that distance." I squinted to see it. "Thank you!"

She looked pleased.

I shook my head. That was too perfect, but I won't get anymore blog topics from my art class because today was my last day as I am getting ready to move. You know.. bohemian artists move around a lot.

O.K.... I'm lying.... its a work related move. I'm just trying to make it sound more romantic. So if posts seem spotty over the next couple months, then that is the reason. I will try to keep up- I mean I can't lose my artist lifestyle just because I move to a new state!

Maybe I can doodle on the packing boxes...

or sing to the movers.

That will speed them up.

Malaysia : Artists Travel To Cool Places

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:27:00 +0000

Why does real life hit so hard and fast when you return home from a leisurely beach vacation paradise?

One second I'm laying out under a palm tree reading a book while a nice man brings me a cold, tropical drink and the next moment I'm doing...

Laundry.

Emails.

Cleaning house.

Completing and planning tasks.

Working on last minute kids school projects.

Getting to the grocery store.

Etc.

I don't know, but what I do know is that its worth it to take the time out to explore new places. Southeast Asia is a great place to travel because everything is so inexpensive, so look for travel deals and try to get there if you can.

There is nothing like traveling that helps open your eyes and get your creative mind working... plus there are a lot of opportunities to practice your artistic photography skills. You may think that you aren't a good photographer, but it might be that you just don't have any interesting subject matter. Traveling offers it up on a silver platter.

Here is a photo essay of my trip to Malaysia:

First stop: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and The Petronas Towers

China Town In Kuala Lumpur

Birds in Kuala Lumpur

Next Stop: Penang, Malaysia;and The Snake Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia

Botanical Gardens: Penang, Malaysia

Two love birds at sunrise outside our hotel

Leisure time in our hotel room

Fort Cornwallis in Georgetown, Penang

The Tropical Spice Garden in Langkawi

A woman passed by in a wedding dress

Interesting cemetery down the street

Walked down to the Hard Rock near The Spice Garden

View outside window

Cenang Beach, Langkawi, Malaysia

Malaysian man playing with child

Sorry no photos of me - as I am the photographer :) The guy in the photos is my reluctant model husband.

I hope you enjoyed this vicarious journey to Malaysia. More to come...

Artists Attend Brilliant Art Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:11:00 +0000

Artists do their own work, but they also immerse themselves in the world of other people's art.

This is something anyone can do, and it keeps the flow of new and excellent art accessible and available to the world.

Plus it is cool and exciting.

Today I went to a live art show that incorporated acting, music, comedy, painting, special effects and awesomeness.

No photos were allowed during the show, but I got some at the end. See a clip here:

Find some shows in your area and support them!

Notice: As far as my one man show here on this blog, I am traveling to Malaysia (because artists travel to cool places) and so I will be taking an intermission while I am away. Don't give me a hug. I know you'll miss me. Be back soon!

How To Make A Quilt Even If You Suck

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:34:00 +0000

Most quilts aren't that cool (like mine on the left), but awesome quilts do exist- like here and here. And look at this grandma rocking out on her quilt.

I think I was going for the early 1970's look with mine. I just need a Holly Hobbie easy-bake oven and I'll have a time-machine blanket.

Honestly- it looks better in real life. Promise. Plus its for my six-year-old daughter who doesn't know its not cool. And that is the point after all- to share your artistic creations with people you care about, or with people who want to give you lots of money.

I know. I know....and to express you inner emotions and creativity and bring your vision to life.

I suppose I was waxing nostalgic or was possessed by Strawberry Shortcake when I had my vision. Anyway...

This quilt was fairly easy to make with a lot of cheating involved.

Here are the steps to cheat on a quilt so you can make one even if you suck at quilting (this is what I did).

1. Purchase a quilt kit from Etsy.

2. Obtain an artist friend who can whip out amazing quilts like this at a moments notice.

3. Make sure the friend would be excited to help you make your quilt.

4. Spend too much time at her house working on it.

5. After you get the top finished, take your quilt to a shop like this where a machine will sew a pattern into your quilt sewing your top, batting and bottom material together.

6. All you have to do now is sew a border around the edges and you are done. See YouTube instructions here.

Easy!

Artists Wear Cool Artsy Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:59:00 +0000

This post was going to be about jewelry, but I got so obsessed with rings that I didn't want to break up and start seeing bracelets yet.
I love the line in the movie Country Strong when Paltrow says, "Don't be afraid to fall in love. It's the only thing that matters in life. Fall in love with as many things as you can."

So I think I fell in love with rings today. How about you?

Do you have a favorite ring to share? Link to it.

Wild Woman Yoga Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Dance The Chakras is a workout video that I own. If you feel creatively stuck this might help you.

It is also great for dancing around your house in your underwear.

I never do that. Because it would be totally inappropriate and embarrassing for me to say that on a public blog.

But you can do it and no one will know. Just shut the curtains and let yourself go. Try it out here:

Artists Should Be Slightly Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 08:44:00 +0000

Don't you love grocery shopping?

I like to go with my husband- like a date. That is what married life does to a person.

My favorite part is at the check out aisle where I look at magazines while my husband loads the food on the checkout counter and pays for everything. Just kidding. Sometimes I put one or two items on the counter.

Anyway, the other day I was looking over the magazine headlines and thinking about what the store chose to offer its patrons at the checkout. Nothing cool ever.
Anyway, I was sighing and looking over the magazines at the grocery store rack and shaking my head at the complete idiot headlines and stories on the covers.

Referring to the magazines I commented to my husband, "We live in the weirdest world in the whole wide world."

He replied, "And that has nothing to do with you being in it."

What?

So I went home and opened up my emails to find this from my sister:

"Your new blog has been entertaining me and the kids. The boys think you are mental, but then the rest of us already knew that :)"

What?

O.K so maybe I shouldn't be offended because don't you have to be a little bit crazy to be a good artist? You can't be totally boring and follow all the rules and always part your hair on the same side.

I am pretty sure that a lot of famous artists were unstable. Not saying that I am unstable, because I am stable. Super stable. I don't even romanticize instability. But its important to be a free spirit, whatever that means, and to just be yourself with no apologies.

So I got that all down, I just need some great projects thrown into the mix and eventually I'll either be signing autographs or keeping the mental ward company. Either way I will believe that I succeeded, so whats the difference?

This Is Not A Love Song

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 06:12:00 +0000

This Is Not A Love Song

I wrote that title encase you thought this post was going to be a love song.

And then..... since its April Fools Day today.... I would really write a love song post just to trick everyone, but since I don't know any love songs and I think April Fools Day is silly, and because my idea was monumentally retarded anyway... I will continue writing a different post...

no I won't...I will go pick up my child from school since I forgot about picking her up yesterday and I think her teacher only has so much patience, so if I pick her up an hour late again and say, "April Fools!" I don't think she will laugh.

so excuse me for a moment...

O.K. I'm back. Whew.

Just so you know- that interruption wouldn't have happened except that just before I started this blog post I got a message from my husband saying that he had just sold his motorcycle, so could I please come and pick him up. So I whisked right over there like a dutiful wife only to sit in the car waiting for him for an hour. And it wasn't an April Fool's joke. I was bored to tears (literally) and so finally got out of the car and started to walk home. That is why this is not a love song.

Instead, it is at these moments of frustration when the only thing that will redeem me is poetry. Poetry can have a profoundly calming affect. I found this poem in my photo album. Something I probably modified from something else, but it has no source.

Breathe it in....

Thus she surrendered

and all the misery struggled out of her;

and with the change

her tear-stained countenance embraced

me with the light

of peaceful-fallen rain of sweet-savored love

to make me joyful

as flowers stand among the showers

of God in splendor

at the renewal of new life.
------------------------------------------------------------

I guess it was a love song after all.

My Life Flashing Before Your Eyes: Artists Make Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:40:00 +0000

YouTube made everyone a movie director, just like the Ipad is going to make everyone a music producer.

We have artistic and creative tools that former generations never dreamed of.

We can all be famous now. Woohoo.

O.K. you might not become famous, but I can guarantee that your artistic work will be seen by someone- even if you suck.

My first YouTube video was about 10 years ago and I titled it: These Kids Have Talent.

The video was of my kids doing somersaults and headstands in my living room.

I got comments like: If no talent is a talent, then these kids have it.

Regardless, I was flooded with hits to the video, until my embarrassment over it finally led me to take it down.

It was then I decided to put a little more work into my YouTube videos. Granted, some are better than others, but the cool thing is you have complete creative license and it's fun.

Here is a video I made of my life and family through the years:

Rock Band : Artists Rock Out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Me On Guitar

So I had to add these photos to show you all that me and my friends do rock out like true artists. Just cause we are playing pretend instruments on Rock Band 3 is no reason to feel sorry for us.

As you can see, my friends and I are having as much fun as a real band. So, there is no need for excessive talent to feel like an artist musician.

Honestly, after watching this youtube video I realized that anyone could call themselves a rock star (talent or no).

Tiff on drums and Amber rocking out

Thank you, Rebecca Black for raising everyone's self-esteem around the world.

Artists Wear Bohemian Headbands: The Gypsy Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:54:00 +0000

One way to get the artist look is to wear a boho style headband or gypsy wrap.

These are great to wear when you are painting- to keep the hair out of your face.

If you don't have any hair wraps you can use a scarf. You can see the photos of my daughter modeling the scarves for you as I don't own any cool head wraps yet (refer to blog title).

She was quite excited about this modeling gig btw.

There are many hair wraps on the internet which I have been considering. For example here.

But please don't buy this.

Or this.

Or this.

We are going for this.

Because it's all about your frame of mind. Play some music, dance around the room a little bit, put your head wrap on and you are ready to paint.

How To Feel Like An Artist In The Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:43:00 +0000

This is something that anyone can do to feel more like an artist in the morning. No talent required.

First you need to pick out your favorite dishes.
You will need a bowl, cup and spoon.

This can

look however

you like

its your style

If possible set it next to a window that looks out over the sunrise or a beautiful view. Now go outside and pick up a few things in nature to make yourself a centerpiece. Flowers, sticks, rocks, whatever speaks beauty to you- and create something or put everything in a vase.

Next turn on some classical music. I suggest Bach: Orchestral Suite #3 In D, Ave Maria, Clair De Lune, Mozart: Serenade #13 In G Moonlight Sonata, Suo Gan, Beethoven Symphony No. 9.

Or if you prefer to play opera that works as well. I recommend La Grande Passione or the No Reservations soundtrack, or for something different I also recommend the Cirque Du Soliel Alegria Soundtrack.

Any of these will do- the most important thing is that you turn the music up loud.

Next serve yourself some organic Greek yogurt with organic strawberries and blueberries. If you chose a fancy goblet then pour yourself some dark cranberry, pomegranate or red grape juice. If you chose a mug or ceramic cup make some herbal tea and sweeten it with honey or orange juice.

Eat slowly and savor the experience.