I have so many good things going on in my life that it is hard for me to write on a consistent basis here. Here are just a few of the good things going on in my World:
TAM8
Balticon
Twins
Work
Teaching
Photography
Evo and NJ
Gallery showing and more to come
Friends
EVFN
My new place
And so much more

Do you know people who always have to have someone they are mad at or someone that is their ultimate enemy? Someone that when you bring up a topic you can feel the hatred coming from that person? When you have a person in your life like this how do you deal with them? Because I find that my energy drains.

Over my lifetime, I have had several people in my life like this. I try to be a positive person and see different sides of various topics. Ultimately, I am seen as the ‘devil’s advocate’ sometimes because I will bring up different sides that are not always thought of. I am not saying I do not get angry or have a dark side because I do, but I like to think that I can speak rationally about topics that I do not agree with or even have strong feelings against. However, I don’t think that there is a topic that is off limits to discuss with me.

I care about people’s feelings and have (I know it sounds strange coming from me) always been what I call a ‘pleaser’. I don’t want to upset the people I love. Especially because I am not close (distance-wise) to many of them. I choose to chat with them about good things and not bring up the bad (or things that will upset). I would not mind talking about these topics if the person I was speaking with could speak rationally. However, other when a topic is brought up that is not in the “safe zone” it can end with a fight or someone really upset because that person only sees their side and it turns emotional. I think I am seen as cold and heartless with certain people because I do not show any emotion except joy. That is unfortunate because I am a complex person full of emotion.

Speaking in more specifics, there are people that this person cannot stand and I am in contact with these people (for various reasons). I have listened to the bad-mouthing throughout my life and I really do not like to hear it about anyone (whether someone I know or not). “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say something at all” should really be in place for all, not just some.

During the last round of drama, I have now been deemed untrustworthy and do not know right from wrong. This is unfortunate in the sense that I am not sure I am up for winning back the trust of this person. Again, I love this person and would not want to hurt them, but that is all that I seem to do these days. So with that, I will distance myself even further. I have to do what is best for me and my own immediate family. They do not like it when I am upset or hurting.

Many of you may be thinking is she talking about me and the answer is no. The person I am speaking of knows for sure because they are the one who left the voice mail last week!

Ciao…

She

I recently was able to speak about the benefits of social media and art. There were two authors (Tee Morris, Starla Huchton) , a web comic (B. Casimir Slaski), and me as a photographer on the panel. Several in the audience did not understand that social media had actually helped launch our art. It was fabulous to hear others talk about how they got started in social media and how it has helped there craft!

One audience member wanted a step-step guide to how to make social media work. There is really no one right way. However, I think the biggest thing that came from the panel was that you have to cultivate your community. In other words, you have to be social.

What have you done to cultivate your community and what will you do in the future? What do you think works best and what have you done in the past that didn’t work so well?

Let me know your thoughts…

She

So the next ten days are going to be crazy between Baticon and moving! But I thought I would give you something to think about: When does a hobby change from being just a hobby to being professional work? When is it ok to take what you do serious? Is it when you sell a piece of work or is it a mind set?

Let me know your thoughts…

Ciao…

She

My trip to San Francisco last month was amazing. I was only there for a short three days but I was in love. The people are incredible, food amazing, shopping just plain wow, the views fabulous, the architecture incredible, and then there is the culture.

I need to go back again because I am told that the weather was unseasonably warm when I was there. Actually, the weather turned cold and rainy as soon as I left. And you know I am not fond of cold weather.

San Fran know I will be back and maybe to stay…

However, this weekend is off to San Diego for a little Stone Brewery fun and whatever other trouble I can find!

Ciao….

Sheila

Over the past several years, there have been multiple conversations about what type of photography I want to do. Many of my photography friends do event photography (like weddings, etc…). Some of them do portrait photography. While others (and not a lot) do art photography.

I enjoy doing some of the event photography. I enjoy the Ignite, ImprovAZ, the Whole Foods beer classes, etc… I am not looking to be a wedding photographer at all. In fact, I have turned down two weddings just recently. I don’t mind doing a friend or family member’s wedding but the thought of these crazy weddings does not give me warm fuzzies inside.

I have played with a bit of portrait and usually end up with action shots instead. I don’t think that is really my cup of tea.

I get really excited about art photography. The thought of someone wanting my work displayed in their office or house is trilling to me. I think my next step may be to chat with some interior designers and other galleries and see what I need to do to move forward. Just a thought….

Ciao…

Sheila

This is actually how things are starting to feel! Everything is beginning to come together. Life is moving very fast right now and everything is coming together in my professional life as well as with my photography.

I am so excited and nervous at the same time about this show. However, I have already had several people inquire about several of the images which has eased some of my nervousness! Everything is up for the show and ready to go!

If you are in town on the 9th of April and want to come see some of my work:
Studio 5C 502 S. College Ave Third Floor,
Tempe, AZ 85281.

I hope to see you there!

Ciao…

Sheila

So I spent several hours yesterday with Marshal and Evo installing the photos for the exhibit. They look really nice and the boys were quite patient as I organized and made decisions about placement. I still need to run back to the studio this week to make a few adjustments and such but for the most part everything is ready to roll.

Here is the photo story of the installation.

April 9th from 6-8p will be the opening. Studio 5C 502 S. College Ave
Third Floor, Tempe, AZ 85281. I hope to see you there!

Ciao….

Sheila

OK so I just got back from Vegas had a fabulous time but it is time to get down to business and finalize everything for the gallery showing. I have almost all of the images in frames (1 shy). A friend is working on a stand for a carving I made several years ago. I need to design the displays for the the two pieces of jewelry.

The one thing I am not looking forward to in this whole endeavor is setting the prices. I really dislike the business end of things. Oh, well I don’t guess I can just create.

And the final piece is hanging each in the gallery itself! That should be fun!

I will let you know later this week about when I will have the opening (I am looking at the 23rd of April but may end up moving it to earlier in April)!

Ciao…

She

I have been asked to show some of my photography in a gallery. I am excited and nervous at the same time. The thought of others viewing my work is awesome.

I am working on creating a few custom frames for a couple select photos with my friend, Marshall. The creation of the frames has been fun.

Once I have everything framed, I need to decide on pricing. This is the hard part for me. I have chatted with several friends who are photographers to get there input on the matter. I think I have a good idea of how to price each piece.

Well, it will be what it will be!

Ciao,

Sheila Dee