Natalia Komis

Simply these words, i am true, i am now, where is the easy path....

2014-09-08T22:55:00.001+01:00

The last few weeks have been very up and down for me..

It seems that following your truth, your passion and your happiness isn't quite as easy as it sounds, or as it should be... not for me anyway. But then who said the truth would be easy. Well, actually, I did. I thought it would be.

The problem is there's a really big vision and it's really quite far away. And the thought of getting there is so overwhelming that I keep having the urge to completely change paths and do something different.

Then, at other times when I know what's going on and it's all figured out I get way too over-excited and want to do it all now! NOW.

I am a creative and I want to create everything! I want to be an artist, a producer, an adventurer, a marketing professional, a blogger, a writer, a designer. All now please yes.

It's really hard to know what to do first and how and when and where.

Where has been a big factor in my life recently. I've been very much a nomad living and working wherever jobs, life, boyfriend, family take me (not in that order necessarily).

A part of me thinks, who cares about the where, it's the what that matters and the why I do the what. Surely? But actually the where does matter because the where affects me more than I ever realise.

I thrive off the things, the energies, the people around me. I cannot be in a negative, dark, sad, lonely environment. It simply isn't a viable option for my positive well being and nurturing of my soul. My soul needs love, needs positivity, needs clear and good light.

It is what we all need and deserve.

I deserve the best because I am. And so are you. So the where is important because the where is where i am.

I am light, happiness, nature, wellness, being, great, beautiful, magnificent, safe, I am.

------

Today this is what I feel:

I am really feeling Paolo Nutini's new song (yes don't judge me I love it.) In particular this part of it strikes a chord...

To those who can hear me, I say, do not despair.

The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed,

the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress.
The hate of men will pass, and dictators die,
and the power they took from the people will return to the people.
And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men –
machine men with machine minds and machine hearts!
You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!
You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful,
to make this life a wonderful adventure
Let us use that power!
Let us all unite!

The film itself is just brilliant... (Note to self, don't watch if you're not in a positive mood.)

This is me,
Natalia
and I love you. x

This is the truth and the truth is what it is.

2014-08-20T19:14:00.001+01:00

Holla!

I'm back and this time I'm here to stay! It’s been too long since I typed my thoughts onto a public domain for other people's eyes.

Why did I stop? I didn’t feel like I had much to say probably. I was too busy working. I didn’t know what to talk about first. I wasn’t sure what I was thinking never mind wanting to tell the world about my thoughts.

Guess what, all of those still apply – to a certain extent – but I have decided I want to share this journey.

The magical journey of the unknown.

So, what have I been up to? I shall fill you in briefly so that you can catch up quickly so that we can get back to the now.

I cut my hair, I now look like this (I'm the one wearing the umbrella hat - the other is my sister):

(Photo by Ian Marriot Smith)

I started a business called iamsociable. (read the beginnings of this journey on a previous post here) I’ve had a few clients here and there, it’s had it’s moments – good and mediocre and it’s grown slowly but surely.

So, in brief, iamsociable helps creatives in business through marketing, social media and guidance support. This can be 1-1 sessions, marketing support tailored towards each individual or business as well as workshops and walking chats. (I know there’s already a lot there right.)

I then walked the Camino de Santiago and found another direction I wanted to take in life. What was this? Walking? Not just any walking. Combining my helping creatives and guidance support I wanted to create something that would help people be inspired, come away from their comfort zones, learn and explore and grow their human potential.

So I started iamadventures (can you see the iam theme here?) – taking people on creative adventures all over the world. To explore, learn and be guided to reach their human potential. Notice I say human not personal. Because human means everyone of us, for we are all one.

iamadventures has started, evolved and been on trips....

I’ve also done various things between and after these events, such as run workshops, gone on holidays, found myself in a relationship, been on the School for Creative Startups, had various amazing mentors, become a founding member of the Escape School; but it all comes back to this really:

I promise to work on the things that make me want to cry. Not because they make me sad, or happy but because it strikes a chord in my heart and my heart cries out to be heard.

It is my passion to be of service and to help make the world a better, lighter, more truthful place.

I am the truth and the truth will set me free.

You are the truth and the truth will set you free.

The truth will set us free because the truth is the power that we all hold in our hearts. That is how we should be living - through our hearts.

Are you following your truth?

So, I guess what I’m saying is you can expect some ramblings, some words of wisdom (maybe), some helpful hints and tips, but mostly my journey on being a human in this life. Of living, working, starting more than one business, being in or out of a relationship, being an artist, an activist, a philanthropist, and generally the trials, successes and failures of every day life.

N.B. It is also wise to note that this is all my trail of thought and is not edited or re-written. It is simply what it is. And I wish to share it with you, because it is how it is and it is the truth.

Love,

Natalia x

Creatives! Time to learn how to write an engaging artist's blog...

2013-08-19T13:50:00.001+01:00

Are you a creative person? Are you already a blogger?
Do you have a website? What is your online presence like?

Well, it’s time to start thinking about it!

Blogging for artists is not just about making sure you are heard and seen by the people who you want to be heard and seen by, it is also an integral part of your practice.Thinking, talking and writing about what is essentially a visual process is a lot of the time a difficult process for artists, making you feel awkward, pretentious and vulnerable.

Writing, just like making, takes practice and if the studio is the place where you practice your making, I say the blog is the place where you can practice your writing. Thinking whilst writing, or writing whilst thinking is in effect another part of your practice – what leads you to the making. You can then step back and open up a space for a critical and analytical dialogue between yourself and your work.Your inner voice, is suddenly right in front of you and is in fact very clear. Dialogue is what art is all about, it’s what life is about. You don’t have to wait until a project or residency is complete in order to highlight it or draw attention to it and in this way prospective commissioners and curators can follow your development and get to know you.

Blogging is a new wave of thought making, a simple dialogue between you and your art, but also you and other artists. It creates another dimension for people to view your work and understand your work. So, being able to blog your ideas, your words, your thoughts, your views, becomes not just about figuring out what you want to do, but it also becomes about creating this merge between the physical and the metaphysical, the artist and the spectator, the real and the unreal. Blogging is a new art form in itself. A blog, doesn’t have to be the crème de la crème of art writing; it is simply your words and what you wish to express.

You are in control of what is read and of what you write.

So, HOW TO?

What Platform to use?

Blogger – Google owned, easy to use, first dibs on search engine rankings.
Wordpress – Good Design, Easily turned into website, lots of widgets, a bit harder to use, best for designers.
Tumblr – image based blog – not for those that want to write.
Artist Talking – part of a-n art community, engage more with artists and have more of a presence with a-n for potential features, use it as an art form in itself.
IdeasTap – great if want to collaborate with others on this site, or if want to write for IdeasTap – good to get noticed by them.

What/How to Blog?

•Incorporate a blog into your art portfolio website.
- Centre your blog posts around you and your art.

•Build a blog as a separate entity from your portfolio site
-focusing on a wider variety of art-related subjects-which may directly or indirectly help to promote your artwork.

Some of my blogs:

nataliaarts.com – THIS BLOG - writing about arts in general – my own and other art related things that interest me. Exhibitions, my creative life, Artists that Inspire, About my business and others I’m working with.

Being an Artist - The ins and outs of being an artist, of graduating, the advantages and disadvantages, primarily talking about my experiences as an artist. This is a blog on Artists Talking through a-n.co.uk

Natalia Komis – My art practice – a work in progress blog. Showcasing work that isn’t finished, that I would normally put in a sketchbook, ideas, thoughts, an online art diary.

How to Write a Good Blog Post

Write a good title
Write 300-500 words
Place great images
Link back to other posts, other artists, websites
Add Labels e.g. exhibitions, work in progress, art of the week, Fun Friday

Content is King

BUT you’re an artist SO Your Content Is already GREAT!

rename your image files with descriptive titles
append correct alt attributes
give your art a good on-page description
make sure your page Title tags are optimised
share your art on image sharing sites – don’t forget about Pinterest, Tumblr or ArtStack

Provide Great Post Titles

Your posts need to be good enough for people to be late to work - make them want to stop and read!
Your post titles have to be engaging.
Great content is important, yes - but titles are the one thing that get people to read your posts in the first place.
Be inventive about the language you use and remember - people tend to scan social networks very quickly so make your titles stand out!

If you want to know more about arts marketing and how to blog professionally, I run workshops specifically targeted towards this, but I also offer 1-1 sessions to help you with your own marketing needs. To find out more about what creative marketing workshops I am running go to my website.

Or, if you're interested in 1-1 coaching or a more practical marketing session visit my website here >>

The next in the series of arts marketing workshops is on the 24th August at 44AD Art Space in Bath. This will be on Writing a good Press Release and Newsletter Marketing
5-7pm £20/£15

You can find more info on Eventbrite as well as details on how to book a space.

Using instagram as an artist and creative - the do's and don'ts.

2013-07-31T14:21:00.000+01:00

Instagramis a great visual story board of your life as an artist. The behind the scenes moments, the finished outcomes, the draft sketches, the inspiration. This platforms allows fans and buyers to feel a connection and a closer relationship to the work and to you, the artist.

Here are 2 good examples of artist profiles:

Ai Weiwei uses instagram to capture moments and convey where some of his inspiration comes from.

Daniel Arsham uses his instagram as on online portfolio showcasing his body of work.

Things you should always do:

Have a link back to your website/blog/shop. (You can't sell directly through the instagram app, but you can direct people to your main site or shop)
Or you can add a direct paypal address for payment and sell out editions.
If you're an artist, watermark your image - PhotoMarkr is a useful app for this.
Follow artists you love - then you have your own stream of inspiration to browse through.
Lead people back to your main website with an offer or other enticement or info about an upcoming exhibition. Try and get them to sign up to your mailing list.
Link up all of your social platforms, facebook, twitter, flickr, tumblr.

Things you shouldn't do:

Don't put clear and easily steal-able photos of your work - unfortunately people will use them. Use the blurring tool or don't take a full shot of the work, or take at a strange angle. Make people go to your main site to view the work.

Post an image that you want to reveal at a new show, or are saving to a show to a potential buyer. Once you've put an image out there, it's very difficult to keep control over it.

There are plenty of new ideas and ways to engage your audience, fans and potential buyers. I'm sure you can each come up with a clever idea - you're a creative after all!

Here's a great way that a New York Restaurant used instagram to help it's customers decide what they wanted to eat by interacting with the menu!

*These are all points that I discuss and go through during my arts marketing workshops : Build your Online Creative Profile - have a look out on my website under events if you are interested in when the next one is coming up.

Becoming a Successful Creative Entrepreneur, yes that means you, artists!

2013-07-18T09:14:00.004+01:00

I'm a firm believer in doing what you feel passionate about and believing you can succeed doing so.

So, creatives out there, this post is aimed at you.

Enough of the mind frame of, I'm an artist, I should accept that I'm going to be poor. It's ok, because I'm doing what I love...etc etc. This is not a necessary belief.
IF you would like to make money from your creativity, and that includes those of you who want your creativity appreciated and recognised - because it's the same thing! - Then start doing something about it.

Being a creative does not mean you are rubbish at business. You may well think you are, at first, but as long as you have drive and determination and a passion for what you do, then you can equally be a successful artist and entrepreneur!

Whilst I was at university, business, finances and how to be self-employed where not subjects that were covered. I believe they should be. In fact I believe it so much I've started to do workshops and seminars on this exact topic!

Creatives are full of amazing ideas, the UK would not be where it is now if it wasn't for those ideas! Britain's creative talent is a driving force not only nationally, but internationally.

"Forty percent of tourists to the UK cite culture and heritage as the primary reason for their visit. This generates tens of billions of pounds each year for the UK economy, not only through tickets and entrance fees, but in thousands of pounds spent in shops, hotels and restaurants. All of which is delivering real economic benefits to local businesses and local communities. Understanding the economic potential which the arts and culture offer both directly and indirectly is essential. The arts are not an add-on; they are fundamental to our success as a nation." Maria Miller, Culture Secretary.

Creatives should not think that they have to fit in with anything or anyone, we should do what we do best, think outside the box and create our own jobs. What's wrong with calling yourself a 'Creative Adventure Maiden' ? Nothing.

The creative sector has a much higher percentage of freelance workers, around 40% compared to 12% in the economy as a whole. So we are doing it, we can do it and we will do it, more and more!

ARE YOU A CREATIVE? THEN YOU ARE A BUSINESS!

Start accepting, believing and being professional about your practice and you will be on the way to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur, sooner than you think.

Think creatively, think outside the box, think business.

My Creative Arts Marketing Workshops @ 44AD in Bath

2013-07-04T17:19:00.000+01:00

Hello! I'm holding a new series of arts marketing workshops to help creatives get a hang of marketing themselves. These are taking place throughout August at 44AD Art Space in Bath.

Details below:

Workshop 1

Sat 3rd August 5-7pm

This is a practical intensive workshop delivered by Natalia from iamsociable, helping you create your online portfolio across all social media platforms. Looking into the best ways of using them and how to build a good following, conversation, web traffic and see the rewards offline!

Looking at all online social media platforms from facebook fan pages, twitter and pinterest to artstack, ideastap and sedition. Getting you set up and aware of the best and simplest ways to use them.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliasartsmarketing1-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

Workshop 2 - Blogging and Web Content & Getting featured on blogs.

Thurs 15th Aug 6-8pm

Following on from 'Build your creative portfolio online' in this second workshop we look into blogs and how these can be used to further your online presence as well as your art practice. Looking at various blogging platforms and the marketing benefits of blogging whilst also reviewing your website's content. Teaching you the tools to write good content and create more visibility online. Lastly we will review other creative blogs and go into how to be featured online and get your content and work viewed by a wider audience.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliaartsmarketing2-eac2.eventbrite.co.uk/

Workshop 3 - PR & Marketing & Keeping your fans and buyers happy.

Sat 24th Aug 5-7pm

This is a practical intensive workshop delivered by Natalia from iamsociable, following on from a previous workshop 'Blogging and Web Content'. In this session we will be using an exhibition format as an example of how to market an event. Looking at how to write a good press release and ways of sending it out to receive the best impact, readership and recognition. Through social media, newsletters and events listings. We will go through the process of setting up a newsletter and the basics of keeping a good up to date database of contacts. Lastly, we will touch upon the best ways of keeping your fans and buyers happy and how to do this.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliaartsmarketing3-eac2.eventbrite.co.uk/

***Buy tickets online or email natalia@iamsociable.co.uk to book your place and pay on the door***

Each workshop will cost £20 / £15 student.

Attend all three workshops for £50 or £35 for students.

iamsociable.co.uk

The Camino de Santiago de Compostella Adventure - to Finisterre!

2013-06-05T21:21:00.002+01:00

9th September – 15th September

Come on an adventure, a pilgrimage, a walk, ignite your creativity and be inspired!

The Camino leads from the foothills of the Pyrenees in France to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia – a distance of 791 km (490 miles). During the past ten years the Camino has witnessed an amazing revival to regain its place as the most popular Christian pilgrim route in the world – but this is no modern fad for this ancient path has been transforming lives for more than ten centuries.

In recognition of, “The testimony to the power of faith and the 1,800 buildings of great historic interest that lie along its path” it was proclaimed the first European Cultural Itinerary in 1987 and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Walked by millions over the millennia the Camino de Santiago represents a major force for spiritual renewal and transformation.

The whole route to Finisterre, is spectacularly beautiful and follows quiet woodland paths, remote moors and breathtaking beaches and is dotted with some of the best examples of traditional Galician horreos or granaries.

You will be walking with me, Natalia Komis and we will be heading towards Finisterre as our final destination, which was until the Middle Ages considered to be the “End of the World” and in the 1st Century BC was used as a place of sun worship by the Romans. You will be walking along beautiful coastal lines and stunning sunsets sampling some great Galician delicacies of seafood and wine along the way.

You MUST see this trip as an adventure, a chance to be free and go with the flow. Pilgrims that have walked the way before us say that the ‘Camino will provide’ and so it does. We may get lost, we may need to sleep outdoors, and we may find some insights, inspiration and creative flow. You just don’t know what might happen!

Let the adventure begin!!!

iamsociable.co.uk

If you're interested in this adventure email adventures@iamsociable.co.uk for an info pack.

The start of a new creative business venture : iamsociable : going it alone!

2013-06-01T13:43:00.003+01:00

I've always known I've wanted to do something that I can call my own, I guess I just never knew what.

I'd go from one idea to the next without pausing for air and clarity. Being a creative person I seem to come up with ideas easily, but find it difficult to follow them through. I graduated from my Fine Art degree two years ago. And since have been in art collectives, set up events in every area of the creative industry, gone into the corporate world and back out again into arts production and the freelance world.

So, I am now focusing on making my business successful! This entails lots of computer time - which I either do at home or in cosy cafes in Bristol. But it also means that I have to make time for mini adventures. So, at least twice a week I go on a long walk or cycle, and if it's raining I take the train and go somewhere new! Adventures, of every kind, I believe ignite your creativity and inspire you. Allowing you to realise who you are and what you want to do. This is how I came about to doing what I'm doing now.

A nature loving moment whilst on an adventure walk in Bristol

I've wanted to start my own business and had a general idea for it for a while now. But nothing felt right, the timing, the idea itself and I guess I just didn't feel confident enough to go ahead with it. I recently came to a cross point where I felt I had to reassess my situation; and felt that instead of running around for everyone else, it was time that I ran around for myself! Make me happy and do something that I wanted to do!

So, with that in mind I decided to walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and that this would be a good thing for me to look forward to. I started looking for more work, something that I could do freelance, whilst at the same time trying to start iamsociable. When you're trying to juggle finding work with trying to build a business it becomes a bit muddled up and confused. Money starts to take over and you make sacrifices for the sake of being able to live. It has been quite a difficult decision to just risk not having money, forget about working for someone else and put everything into a new business. But I think that everyone who has ever thought about their own thing should risk it at least once in their lives.

I was at home one day trying to work out exactly what I wanted to do with this business. I realised I wanted to empower and bring creatives together, help them be more business minded and help them network.

And then it struck me - why do I want to go on the Camino? To feel inspired again, to try something new, to be free of restraints and beliefs and let things flow through. And then it hit me, it was my light bulb moment - why don't I take these people on creative adventures, with me! Offer all of my services but in such a way that it will be fun and freeing and inspiring. That is what I hope the iamadventures will do. It will establish a platform for people to become empowered, believe in themselves and then their businesses, or talents.

I truely believe that if you follow your truth and do what makes you happy, then it will all work out. If you believe in yourself and your project enough then others will too, it's all about believing! *reference to my job experiment back in Jan 2012.

So what is this business?

iamadventures.com

Working with small businesses and individuals I help you realise your goals and guide you with tailor made packages to find your authentic voice. I take you on adventures to find your truth, your creative spirit, your power. I hope to empower you to do what you REALLY want to do and help you make it happen.

*Happy Living*

'Till Next time!

p.s. if you're interested in the adventure itself email adventures@iamsociable.co.uk

The Beinghuman Collective in Collaboration with Karl Hyde

2012-11-24T16:35:00.000+00:00

Karl Hyde : Underworld to work with Gaynor O’Flynn and the beinghuman collective during the Kathmandu International Art Festival

Internationally acclaimed artist Karl Hyde is to work with Gaynor O’Flynn during Kathmandu International Art Festival. In a twenty year eclectic career in music, art & film Gaynor has also worked with Bjork, Richard Ashcroft, Germaine Greer & The Dalai Lama.

Gaynor is leading a unique cross cultural & cross media collaborative work in music, sound, film, performance & interactive digital art. The work will be created in a series of workshops with local Nepali artists & the award winning members of the beinghuman collective : a collective of artists, technologists & film makers & is supported by The British Council.

Karl will take part in the interactive performance which is based on the festival’s theme : Mind, Body, Earth : by painting in response to the work of Gaynor O’Flynn & t.b.c.

A film of his painting will be mixed into the installation which takes place in the historical setting of Patan Museum, a former Royal Palace of the Kathmandu Valley Royal Family, on the opening night of the Kathmandu International Art Festival, 25th November.

Karl is not only a painter but also a founding member of the legendary band Underworld he has worked with Gabriel Yared, Anthony Nigella, Brian Eno & Dame Evelyn Glennie. In 2012 he collaborated with Danny Boyle, a long term collaboration that started with the art house classic, Trainspotting & this year culminated in his work as the musical director of the London Olympics Opening Ceremony for which Underworld won the Q Award for Innovation In Sound.

Find details of the event on the facebook page:
on.fb.me/UvExeq

We're off to Nepal for the International Art Festival!

2012-11-22T04:20:00.001+00:00

beinghuman @

Kathmandu International Art Festival

The Kathmandu International Art Festival is the largest international art event held in Nepal and will be held as a nonprofit, noncommercial festival every three years by the Siddhartha Arts Foundation. Each edition of the festival is based on a particular theme. The festival is about bringing like-minded individuals together in a contemporary aesthetic experience. This is about art for a social cause.

Artist Gaynor O'Flynn, director of the beinghuman collective, who works across the disciplines of voice, music, performance, film & installation art has been invited to create two unique new works for Kathmandu International Art Festival 2012

Titled Earth l Body l Mind the festival addresses social concerns through the power of art. The festival will reach over 50,000 visitors, with 100 international artists exhibiting.

Gaynor is leading a series of master classes in partnership with the British Council in Nepal working with members of t.b.c. : the beinghuman collective : an award winning group of artists, musicians, technologists & film makers. She will be also working with local transmedia artists, musicians & technologists to create an interactive, cross cultural work on the Festival’s theme : Earth, Body, Mind. This work will incorporate soundscapes, interactive text, visuals & live performance to create a beautiful, symbolic, symbiotic work uniting British & Nepali artists through performance & digital art. This blend of cultures, imagery & interactive work will happen on the opening evening of The Festival & will take place in the illustrious historical setting of Patan Museum, one of the Royal Palaces of the former Malla Kings of the Kathmandu Valley.

On the 27^th November, 2012 Gaynor will perform a second new work on Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site in Kathmandu, Kora. Working with Tibetan nuns, creating a new composition on the festival theme of Mind l Body l Earth. The new composition incorporates traditional Tibetan chants & her respect for Buddhist belief & culture. Gaynor has filmed extensive in the Indian & Nepali Himalayas & worked in a media capacity for The Dalai Lama. Gaynor & the nuns will perform on the stupa as they sing, their voices will be turned into circles of light that then are then projected onto the sacred site. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the Kathmandu skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world & is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas or Monasteries in Boudhanath, which since 1979 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gaynor’s vision for this work is for us to challenge our perceptions of reality, our mind, our body our earth by seeing sound & seeing the power of sound, seeing it affect our body, our earth & to send out a message from this sacred site of the power of art for social change the power of ancient wisdom in a modern world.

As well as creating her own work Gaynor is also curating the British Chapter of the Festival. Turner Prize Winner & internationally acclaimed artist Richard Long is patron of the event. The British artists chosen include Royal Academy artist David Nash OBE, land artist Chris Drury, award winning music photographer Anna Tully & there is also a possibility of a very special guest from the UK.

You can also find Gaynor representing the beinghuman collective at one of the symposiums, where she will be talking about her next major work, 108 uniting 108 artists globally who believe in fair trade for artists www.beinghuman.ning.com

Creativity & Sustainability in the Digital Age at Google Campus, London

2012-11-10T15:27:00.000+00:00

The evening starts with an interactive art piece by the beinghuman collective - not the usual start to an event – calm, peaceful, mesmerising, yet still sociable, interactive and fun!

A visual sound piece, which invites the audience to participate by speaking into a microphone that in turn produces waves of iridescent light. The room at Google Campus becomes engulfed in sound and light vibrations, representing the participants in the room; almost forming a strange sense of an introduction to one another.

This becomes the first reference to how technology can be creative and be used as an art form in our now very much digital world.

Digital Technology now surrounds us, so much so, that we barely stop to think about the consequences - are we better off with or without it?

How many of us feel addicted to our technology, how often do you procrastinate and check your twitter wall just in case you miss out on something! Hellienne Lindvall opens up this conversation whilst explaining how she feeds her creativity into her writing. Describing that her mind is not as disciplined now; it wanders and goes in search of new and exciting ventures whilst it’s supposed to be focusing and perfecting her creativity. Perhaps, through our now impeccable skill of multitasking we lose a certain degree of quality. Creativity needs to wander, but in an almost meditative way rather than a stressful way that us procrastinators take on!

And what of the effects of digital on us as communities, as human beings in the physical world? Our digital footprint when communicating to one another in the ‘real’ world seems to be increasing continuously; children now talk to each other through their phones when standing in line for the bus! Do we feel closer to one another now that we can talk with no time or distance barriers? One would argue that for a conversation and interaction to become meaningful and have an impact then it needs to lead to some sort of physical output also.

Ken Banks, founder of kiwanja.net, devotes himself to the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change. He talks of how digital technology has in fact helped save people’s lives in countries such as Africa. The use of mobile phones help those who without would have no way of communicating to the outside world, have no voice to contribute to dialogue, to report violence or acts against humanity. They allow disenfranchised communities to share and be heard – this can only be a positive step for the growth of mankind, though it does make those who are better off feel and look bad!

How does the digital affect artists and creatives in the digital world?

Do you remember the traditional perception of ‘an artist’, a solitary creature slowly going mad through his own questions of creativity? How about that perception now, in the digital age; it would seem that more artists are in fact social creatures, finding refuge in a close network, or a group of like minded individuals and setting up artist collectives and artist led spaces. Digital technology has helped spread creativity through the masses, has brought people together that otherwise would never have met; consequently opening up a platform for the rest of us out there to join in and feel inspired also.

Tania from DACS raises the positive impact of digital activity for artists – how it not only promotes their work to a new and further audience, it enables a direct route of market. So, how many artists are online? A survey that DACS produced asking artists how they use digital technology shows that 85% of artists have their own websites, whilst 10% would want one but need help building it. Digital technology has also increased the rise of micro-philanthropy, donations, funding and simple giving towards artists through websites, social media, and sites such as kickstarter and indiegogo. This indeed is a positive way forward for artists, but do the positives outweigh the negatives?

What happens to those artists whose work is available on the Internet, but without their permission? How do artists feel about this and what does it mean for their income and careers? According to DACS the medium wage for artists is approximately £10,000 and this number is ever decreasing. So what do our artists hope for, or perhaps the more sensible question – what do they need from us? Respect - Ask for permission from the creator.

The ultimate question here is would artists stop creating if they were forced to go into other jobs to sustain a decent quality of life? Perhaps, it is more a case of they wouldn’t have the time, or the inspiration, to create work of high quality and therefore artists would be even less valued.

Gaynor O’Flynn, director of beinghuman.com, explains how important the cultural industry is in the UK economy, in fact around 1.8 million creative people are hired! Yet it is still so very hard to understand the value of these creative individuals. So many artists are being asked to work for free and are undervalued, and are told that this is because they are promoting themselves. But as Gaynor says, they are also promoting the venues, the brands, the businesses, the galleries etc. If someone is going to make a profit out of using people for their talents then those people should also be receiving some sort of profit. This is what is fair and equal.

There were so many relevant and important points raised in this debate over our ever increasing Digital Age. It would seem that the conclusion is that we are in search of a balance, an equal weighing of new and old, of digital and physical, of computer and human. And the final question, how can we achieve this?

Transmedia Festival London 2012

2012-10-30T07:31:00.001+00:00

The one and main event that I attended at Transmedia festival last week was Transmedia Storytelling – this can only have been described as disappointing.

Disappointing that it was a boys orientated club for one, with the opening talk focusing around sex and ongoing laughter due to the data on masturbation and in particular the emphasis on male BMW wankers. But also, on the consistent negative and unethical content that surrounded the dreadful hour that was this event.

Transmedia storytelling became less something cultural and traditional and that we have been doing for thousands of years, but more lets spread horrible stories about perverts, identity thieves, the end of the world and zombies.

These were the stories that they were proud of, that they wished to explain and discuss in an EU funded university building; and why? Well, because these were the most successful of course. These were the ones that they felt proud to represent, proud to discuss and showcase. These were the projects that brought in the money.

This is what our society has apparently become. We are more likely to help fund a kickstarter that will bring our virtual zombie killing world to a reality than an ethical project helping people in Nepal. In fact we are about 90% more likely to do so.

Zombie killing or helping Nepal; living in a fantasy game, or in real life?

Wanting to make a positive impact in the world or a negative one.

Feeling proud of the disturbing stories because they make the money and bring in the data, or the positive ones that are small but good.

How has this happened? What can we do to change this?!

This point was in fact raised at the end of the event, which sparked ‘controversy’ and a very defensive attitude from of course all involved. However, they must have known that what they were presenting was indeed mostly negative - storytelling wise - and was not funny, was not a good story and was in no way something to feel proud of. Business minded or not. People are tired, I am tired, of hearing about all of the negative aspects of our society that are used and abused by the industry to brainwash and shock people into giving a reaction for data to be produced. How much data do we need?

Aren’t we destroying the world and abusing the carbon footprint enough?

Without EVEN more disturbing data about how many BMW drivers masturbate. Do we even care?! Surely there are better examples of socially driven businesses that have had just as much success. And I know that there were better examples of Transmedia storytelling, ones that had a positive impact on society!

Please can we talk about these next time and from now on. Let's spread positivity not negativity.

This new media can bring about social change, but change for the better.

This for example is what kicked off the day - something much more light hearted and positive. A play by the popular 'Wikiman' TED animation.

beinghuman @ Google Campus THIS Wednesday

2012-10-28T14:54:00.002+00:00

beinghuman is staging an event at Google Campus, London on 31st October.

Titled, "Creativity & Sustainability In The Digital Age", the evening features artists, curators, journalists & cultural innovators from the The BBC, Guardian, Music Managers Forum, Featured Artist Coalition, The Big Innovation Centre, Frontline SMS & Tate, who believe in the power of art for social change.

With interview, Q & A sessions, debate & interactive art from the beinghuman collective.

We will discuss critical issues such as, "Is there a need for fair trade in the arts?", "Are we more or less creative in the digital age?" &"Is the carbon impact of all our digital activity worth it?"

Click here for the award-winning line-up

Tickets are £15 & are available from www.beinghuman.com.

All funds raised go to support beinghuman's work during The Kathmandu International Art Festival, a not for profit event with a focus on the power of art for social change, working with the British Council in Nepal.

beinghuman goes to Nepal!

2012-09-30T12:16:00.003+01:00

Remember beinghuman? The collective that I am now part of...
WELL, we are going to Nepal for the Kathmandu International Art Festival; beinghuman's director Gaynor O'Flynn has curated the British Chapter of this wonderful festival!

beinghuman is a cross discipline, media & arts collective that supports fair trade in the arts, working with artists who create art for a more positive, peaceful world. 

The artist’s supporting the event have donated their time & work for free but we need to raise enough money for travel, expenses & production costs. We will be working, collaborating, teaching & creating new work with local artists from the Nepalese & Tibetan Community in Exile.

>> You can help for just $1 here!

The festival believes in the power of art for social change. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, half the population lives below the poverty line. Do your part in helping support creativity and sustainability in Nepal.

We have had such amazing support from established British artist’s: Turner Prize Winner, Richard Long is Patron of the event, Royal Academy artist David Nash OBE & land artist Chris Drury are exhibiting beautiful video works and award winning photographer Kevin Cummins is creating exciting site specific work. They have all been so generous with their work & time & I really hope you can offer just a brief moment of your time to think about this project and maybe even donate a few pennies! ($1 = £0.66)

Pinterest Love

2012-07-22T22:50:00.002+01:00

So, I've been on Pinterest for a while now, though I have to be honest I haven't really used my personal account too much - mainly as I spend most of my time looking at it at work.

So, what do I think of it?
As a virtual pin board, it does the job, though if I were to make a board on something important I would need it in physical form rather than placed somewhere in cyberspace.
Yet, I love all the beautiful images that can be found on Pinterest, it is basically an amalgamation of all the good 'stuff' on the web, that someone else has found for you. I particularly love all of the style inspirations - be it fashion or interiors - everyone has such great ideas!

I have to admit even though I did start mine to try and keep it up to date with my art and my ideas I have mainly used it for pretty things that I like! Hmmm - time waster? It's still creative either way!

If you fancy a look and need some inspiration click here.

Beinghuman for Tibet Project

2012-06-26T21:03:00.002+01:00

I am a part of a new and exciting project - a planetary event that is happening. A day of awareness, of unity, of creativity. Something that I think you should all be a part of.

It's simple : Saturday 23rd February, 2013 : a day for Tibet.

We want you to organise your own unique, brilliant, small yet beautiful event.
By uniting everyone in one 24 hour period we will send a message to the media, politicians & business of the level of global support for the Dalai Lama.

You organise your own local event: a gig, screening, art exhibition, talk, workshop, dance, meditation, fashion, philosophy, buddhist, literary, science, digital or comedy event, it’s up to you!

Follow your passion & do what you love with as much intelligence & integrity as possible.

beinghuman is working with The Music Managers Forum & Featured Artist Coalition. But remember this isn’t about the big names, we need you! Not only will we show our support for Tibet but we will also create a global network of DIY artists, creatives & ethical human beings who, inspired by the Dalai Lama, want to work together for a fairer world for the creative & cultural industries. We will provide you with production & media toolkits to help you help each other & create a brilliant event.

You choose to keep any money you raise for yourself, or give it away, again it’s totally up to you!

To get started simply become a member at beinghuman.com, tell us your passion & skills, then create an event or get involved with an existing event, or just simply show your support by joining us on Facebook or Twitter

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy" Dalai Lama

Do watch our great animation all about our great campaign and project! With thanks toMaarteen Isaak De Heer in Berlin, Carla MacKinnon, Tim Webb at the Royal College of Arts and Brian Blessed doing the voice over!

May Times, Happy Times

2012-05-07T14:41:00.001+01:00

Happy May Bank Holiday to you all!

I've been very busy the last few months, with work, moving house (again), starting my own business, getting a new studio for my art and seeing family.
But I am back and ready to share things with you all once again. Just so that you can have a quick recap I thought I would add a few photo memories of things that I've been doing whilst I've been away...

So, this year I spent Easter in Greece, visiting family and eating lots of meat!

This is my family home in Zakynthos and this was also the only day the sun came out for me whilst I was there! I did however manage to spend a lot of time playing with my cute cats - of which I have 20!

I've somehow squeezed in quite a lot of time for friends and fun times recently - I think it's due to having weekends free all the time! So we've been partying, wining and dining, jollying off on day trips to Glastonbury and going to lovely gigs.

This is the girls and I on our a magical day out in Glastonbury not long ago, we spent the day catching the sun's rays, eating yummy food, walking up the tore and catching up on each other's news and talking about our dreams and wishes - all of which were equally necessary.

This weekend I went to see Mariee Sioux at the Cube Cinema in Bristol - she's got such a lovely voice! We became mesmerised by her voice and music, almost as if the native american spirits where taking over! If you have a chance to see her live you should definitely go!

For those of you interested in my work life, I'm now working at Open 24 Seven Ltd as a marketing assistant, running all of their social media and doing the content writing etc.

One of the blogs that I write for them, Alexander Francis mainly focuses on interiors and design, particularly on the latest trends and inspiration as we sell contemporary outdoor furniture.

What's next? Well, photos of the new studio, new work (hopefully) and talk of my new business!

Hope you've all had a lovely May Bank Holiday Weekend!

January Books

2012-01-10T00:34:00.001+00:00

I have a pile of books that I am reading at the moment and need to get through fairly quickly as they've been sitting on my shelf waiting to be finished. As I am in the reading mood tonight I thought I would share them with you.

How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
Modern womanhood, I am only a couple chapters in and I know it's a masterpiece!

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

It is my mission to finish this book in next week or two! It's a brilliant book and helped me to think about how we value books and libraries - but it also has a brilliant story line - I'll review it properly when I've finished it.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

Infinite Instances Studies and Images of Time

This is the book I wish I'd written! It's a brilliant collection of artists and writers on time.

Graphic.

This has been great to flick through for inspiration - every time I look at it I think I should do some painting and then it never happens - I should do some painting.

All things red are following me

2012-01-09T23:26:00.000+00:00

Me and my #newjobexperiment oh and ME

2012-01-05T02:13:00.000+00:00

Guess what everyone, I’m broke. Completely and utterly broke. Money? No money. Banks? Three. Overdrafts? Two.

I am completely and utterly broke. And, I. Have. No. Job.

This is when the tears commence.

A few minutes.

Hours.

Make that a few more.

Ok. NOW. What the hell am I, me, yes ME, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

It’s Wednesday the 4^th of January 2012. My #newjobexperiment is supposed to give me a job on Monday.

I need this. I NEED something GOOD.

UNIVERSE give me something good please.

Lets, start again. Lets start over now. Ok,

This is me now. ME. I can and I will do this. I am an unstoppable, confident, powerful woman. Who cares if I have to go back to my old job to pay the bills, who cares if I have no job at all. Who cares if…., just who cares.

I CARE.

I can be whoever I want to be and I can do whatever I want to do. Because I’m me. And that’s what I do best.

So, lets focus now. I am me.

I am me.

THIS IS ME EVERYBODY.

AND yes I might have no money (right now) and yes I might not have a job (right now) but I believe, and I bloody well believe.

So this leads me to my next point.

Whatever you are doing never, ever, in a million years give up.

Do not give up on yourself. You are BRILLIANT.

Ask and you shall receive, believe and you shall receive, do everything in your power to make you and everyone else see that it is in fact doable and real. And it will be.

It is.

I confess, I have stumbled; I let negativity and doubt take over. And I let the reality I am living in right now fill me with fear and regret.

But it is okay. There is a back up plan. There is always a back up plan, right there where you left it to begin with.

But the great thing is that plan B won’t be needed because, plan A is just around the corner.

There. I can see it.

This is me and I am me. Everything is going to be okay. Everything is going to be amazing.

New Job Experiment 9th Jan

2011-12-20T14:30:00.000+00:00

December is nearly over.

What have I accomplished in these past few months?!

I have managed to move into a lovely house, then break both arms, lose my job and find myself broke (in more ways than one), realise a lot about collaborations, get back into eye2spy collective, apply for residencies, get rejected, apply for jobs, get rejected.

2012 - YOU WILL BE MY YEAR.

I mean, I think I need to step up my game, but then what have I been doing this whole time? So many people I know are in the same boat. We are looking for jobs in what we want to do. Are we ever going to get them?

Rosalind Davis said on the live Q&A: Quiz the proffesional artists, that maybe I should just stikc to a job that has nothing to do with art, so that I can them come home and focus on my art seperately.

I don't want to.

I want a job that I want. And I want a job that I enjoy. And I want a job.

I don't think we have to struggle and work hard to survive - why. Why can't we get the job we dream of, live the life we dream of, be happy.

I'm going to try and prove that we can.

With, the new job experiment.

This is going to be an experiment in which I believe that I will have a job by the 9th Jan - a job that I want.

If you focus and visualise yourself in this new job of yours, happy and it being easy, maybe just maybe it will actually happen.

Follow the #newjobexperiment #9thjan on twitter to see how I'm getting on.

So far, I haven't really visualised enough. But from today onwards it is going on my wish board and being written in my notebook and I am telling everyone that I will have a job on 9thjan.

We will see if the experiment works soon enough.

- Do you think I should be applying for jobs as well? I guess I better - it won't magically happen.....?

Today - Salt dough decorations and pancakes

2011-11-21T16:24:00.001+00:00

So last night I spent my time making the dough for the salt dough decorations I'm making for Christmas, as well as drinking a bit too much wine!
This morning I had a little peak at my achievements, I dried them for an hour in the oven at 90C and then left them out to dry naturally over a day or two.

I didn't have any cookie cutters - as I haven't unpacked these yet - so I just made a few for fun and carved them with a little knife.

Most of them are quite small, as I want to use them as decoration for wrapping the presents.

Tomorrow I will paint them using acrylic paint and lots of glitter!

Realising I was very hungry I decided to make some wheat free breakfast pancakes this morning.

Here's the recipe:

WHEAT FREE BREAKFAST PANCAKES

1 Egg

1 Cup of milk

1 tsp oil

1 tbsp sugar/honey

1 1/2 cup of wheat free plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1tsp baking soda

Preparation:

Beat egg and add milk oil and honey.

In a separate bowl mix the flour and dry ingredients. Then create a well in the middle where you can pour the liquids. Stir until well blended.

Now pour into your lightly greased frying pan and fry your pancakes!

I ate mine with maple syrup and choc spread ( I had two) This batter makes 3 good sized thick pancakes.

I was meant to take photos, but got too over excited and ended up eating them all up!

Now I'm going to sit and read this book - this is the second time I'm reading it, I love to pick it up and start reading from random sections, it always inspires me.

New Bristol House

2011-11-21T15:57:00.002+00:00

So, I am finally living in my lovely house in Bristol; after a few minor set backs - mainly involving breaking both arms. And here I am... I have taken some photos of the housey for all you lovely people, it was such a good find and it looks so pretty and cosy now its getting colder. We've still got to finish decorating, but here are all my favourite features...

Though I thought it slightly odd at first, I now love all the gold decor on the ceilings!

The amazing gas fire! It even has a remote control!

The stairs up to the attic room...

The lovely designer lights, that rock for 10 minutes at a time when you start them off.

The attic room - I love the brick layouts around the house.

I really enjoy the blinds in my room, they're so cosy!

November Birthday Cakes

2011-11-20T14:18:00.001+00:00

For mum and dads birthdays (as they are only a day apart) I decided to make one large cake and lots of smaller cupcakes. Because I just got a new typewriter I couldn't resist typing up the cupcake recipe. If you can't see it and would like the recipe I will scan it in when my printer is found under the mounds of paper and clothes.

I added chocolate chip and raspberries to my cupcake recipe, to make them even more delicious!

My style inspirations -Alexa Chung

2011-10-30T13:47:00.004+00:00

Time for a transformation and a new feel to my wardrobe, what better way to start this by looking at some of my style inspirations..

Alexa Chung

The British Style icon that we all envy! Everything she wears I just love. She has the most beautiful put together looks.

Natalia Vodianova and Alexa Chung

Both looking very slick and elegant in simple red and white.

Alexa Chung at Yves St Laurent Front Row

I'm thinking about restyling my hair - i.e. cutting it off!! This is the sort of look I'd be going for..

Wearing Madewell from the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection at London Fashion Week.

Natalia Komis

Simply these words, i am true, i am now, where is the easy path....

This is the truth and the truth is what it is.

Creatives! Time to learn how to write an engaging artist's blog...

Using instagram as an artist and creative - the do's and don'ts.

Becoming a Successful Creative Entrepreneur, yes that means you, artists!

Start accepting, believing and being professional about your practice and you will be on the way to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur, sooner than you think.Think creatively, think outside the box, think business.

My Creative Arts Marketing Workshops @ 44AD in Bath

Hello! I'm holding a new series of arts marketing workshops to help creatives get a hang of marketing themselves. These are taking place throughout August at 44AD Art Space in Bath.

Workshop 1

Workshop 2 - Blogging and Web Content & Getting featured on blogs.

Workshop 3 - PR & Marketing & Keeping your fans and buyers happy.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostella Adventure - to Finisterre!

9th September – 15th September

The start of a new creative business venture : iamsociable : going it alone!

The Beinghuman Collective in Collaboration with Karl Hyde

We're off to Nepal for the International Art Festival!

Creativity & Sustainability in the Digital Age at Google Campus, London

Transmedia Festival London 2012

beinghuman @ Google Campus THIS Wednesday

beinghuman goes to Nepal!

Pinterest Love

Beinghuman for Tibet Project

May Times, Happy Times

January Books

All things red are following me

Me and my #newjobexperiment oh and ME

New Job Experiment 9th Jan

Today - Salt dough decorations and pancakes

New Bristol House

November Birthday Cakes

My style inspirations -Alexa Chung

Start accepting, believing and being professional about your practice and you will be on the way to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur, sooner than you think.

Think creatively, think outside the box, think business.