Krista J. Brock Art

Starting Over...

2015-03-29T20:58:00.001-07:00

The great thing about the morning

is that you can start over again!

Everyday you can choose to start again...

recreate yourself, forgive,

move on, improve upon, or just breathe!

Today is the start of something new...

new bog post, new outlook, new art camp, new work & just a new day.

Yesterdays mistakes, should haves, could haves & have nots are done & gone.

Today I start over...just like the butterfly!

Late Night Mutterings...

2012-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yep that's the title of this one... late night mutterings because that's exactly what it is. It's one of those middle of the night times when the music is going, the candles are burning, and I'm on a creative roll. Actually kinda unusual for this time of year since I usually go into the I don't know how to draw anything but stick figures, my house is a mess, and all I want to do is get cozy and snuggle with my favorite people.

This winter it's different somehow... don't get me wrong the funk has come at moments, but for the most part it seems as those my magic pants, yes... magic pants with all kinds of paint, scribble, and words like BE BRAVE are doodled on them are working for me.

I told you this was a late night muttering... what else is there to do at 1am while you wait for paint to dry?!

Anyway... what mutterings do you have to share?

Here's hoping you are doing what you love, healthy, and finding time to mutter late at night!

Inspired ~

Krista

2012-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

As artists and people in general we like to stay

safe, protected and

blissful

in our comfort zone.

But to truly have the life you want,

you absolutely must leave the one you have behind!

Now I'm not suggesting here at all to pack your bags,

say goodbye to the ones you love,

and hit the road as a Gypsy...

but we all have something that keeps us here... in our safe little place.

Maybe it's time to take the risk to let something go.

Time to say I'm going to risk failure for a chance at success.

I'm going to be vulnerable to feel all the love I deserve.

Who knows whatever it is... take a chance!

Here's to living your life & mine

fearless, brave & blossoming!

xoxo~

Krista

2011-11-20T13:52:00.001-08:00

OH WOW!!!!

I seriously need to apologize to several blogger friends!

So for two or more years I've been blogging. Blogging as an outlet. Blogging as a way to share my art. And. Blogging to make connections.

For 2 or more years I've been thinking I've been blogging to NO ONE!!

Well in an attempt to make a greater effort.

That's a theme in my life now.

I stumbled upon the COMMENT MODERATION tab!! Holy cow!!

15 pages of comments to publish! Wow!

I wasn't the lone blogger after all!

So THANK YOU to all of you who shared such amazing stories, thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to me over the past 2 years! There are some blogger friends who continue to inspire, comment, and hung in there on my blog while I took a long soul searching break!

Please check out these amazing women and their inspirational blogs: Kelly Berkey Designs, Kolleen at Heart Swing Sisters, Cathy Bueti, and there were so many more!

XOXO~

I hope this finds everyone stumbling on happy little surprises!

Getting an Early Start

2011-11-18T05:39:00.001-08:00

Seriously, it's been almost a year since I blogged!? Okay so I have been making some major changes this past month. Fixing broken things, yea like relationships... mending broken roads, and creating new ways of doing things. So let's just say the almost one year anniversary of my not blogging is a way to publicly say I'm starting a new path in life. One of understanding, forgiveness, and yes a greater effort on my part!

Out with the old, in with the new. I think it's even showing in my work. For a while there the thought of picking up that paintbrush felt like picking up a massive rock. That's gone... creativity is flowing and with more inspiration than ever! Here's to an early start to the New Year ahead! I'm ready for a new path! I'm ready to be brave and not let the fear of failure stop me! I hope this finds all of you conquering old habits and traveling on a new more inspired path! Thanks for hanging in here while I took a long, long break! ~XOXO Krista

Okay So I Guess I Have to Admit....

2011-01-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

Maybe it all wasn't an accident... this art thing that I've got going on. Maybe it was something inside that was just waiting to come out at the right time.

I have always been a big believer of when it's your time... it's your time... no matter what you're talking about. Things always have a reason for happening... something bigger, better, etc... but for some reason I've always said this was all an accident.. whatever it is I am glad it found me and I am doing what I love!

Today I wanted to share something exciting I was asked to be a part of. Back in December I was asked to be a guest on a show called, The Good Life. It's a Christian TV Program that highlights people using their God given talents and ministries.

At first I have to admit I was apprehensive about the whole thing. For one I didn't feel worthy or an Artist enough to be asked to do something like that. The self-defeating thought was that I wasn't extremely religious and would that be okay. What did I really have to talk about and would anyone really want to hear it? Blah!Blah!Blah!

Well, I'm hear to say I was wrong to think all of it! Fear is what was stopping me... fear of maybe being portrayed wrong, or being boring, or just being nervous. I actually had a great time!

Ken & Barbara the two show hosts were seriously some of the nicest people I have ever met. They made me feel at ease. The shows producer Cheryl was extremely welcoming, assuring & supportive.

In the end it was a fun experience that I am glad I did. It made me realize that maybe this all wasn't an accident. That we are all on a journey in our lives and each experience is just another stop that we make to growing, learning and reaching for our dreams.

The Good Life - Krista J. Brock - GLB120 from The Good Life on Vimeo.

I will say one thing is for sure... seeing yourself on TV is crazy! How many of us actually look in the mirror while talking? We don't! I had no idea how much I spoke with my hand and eyes... definitely funny for me to watch!

I hope this finds you discovering what you want to be doing!

xoxo~
Krista

Happy New Year & Lots of other Ramblings...

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Okay so 2011!!! Wow!!  

Again it is here that time when we are say: 

What are we doing here?  

.

.

.

What do we want out of life?  

.

.

.

Where are we going?  

.

.

.

How are we going to make our dreams happen? 

.

.

.

January is always a time of reflection, organizing, and endless thoughts of 

creating

changing

&

cleaning

It's a time to be 

BRAVE

DREAM

&

TRUST

that what is to be will be!

I hope this finds all of you kicking off the New Year with clear eyes, new perspective & being BRAVE in your hopes & dreams!!!

I have so many new things to share with you in the next few weeks so stay in touch... 

 Wishing you a year inspired by Life+Love+Faith

Seriously??? Almost 2 Months Has Gone By...

2010-11-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! I seriously cannot believe I've almost let two whole months slip by with no posting! I've missed it to be honest... I've missed putting myself out there and I've missed my sweet blogger friends popping in to say hello!

So much has gone on... luckily my neck is all back into place thanks to a miracle worker of a chiropractor! Work has been busy and I've created so many new things I'm excited about. Lots of doors are opening and I'm excited and scared all at the same time... just trying to trust that everything will be as it should be.

New things in my shop & at Artistree Co-Op

I had one of those moments today where everything seems to be going in the right direction, opportunities are happening, creativity is flowing, and I haven't completely lost my mind yet (yet) while the hubs is working out of town still... everything is going in the right direction....

BUT... and here's the big BUT.... I get nervous at those moments... I know it's not good, but I do. Putting yourself out there as an artist is scary anyway... but then when you begin to feel like it just might take off that is scary too. The fear of failure... the fear of being overwhelmed... the fear of success... so tonight I am putting a STOP to it!

I'm going to TRUST from this point forward that what will be will be... and everything will be alright... better than alright! I've had these moments before like when you hear that your going to have a little person to take care of the rest of their lives... a journey that is thrilling and scary all at the same time... one filled with ups and downs, but in the end one that brings you pure bliss even through the growing and challenging times.

So... I'm going to walk through any open doors and greet new opportunities being BRAVE and enjoying each and every moment.

Here's hoping that all of you are not letting FEAR stop you from BLISS!

XOXO~

Krista

What a Pain in the Neck!!!

2010-09-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Sooo.... the past couple of weeks
have been all about hearing that
I'm just not as young as I once was!

Whatever!?!?

It was 20 years ago in March, it was my senior year...
big basketball game that night and

BAM
out of nowhere a car comes crashing
through a red light and so the story goes!

It appears that my neck injury stayed quiet
for a long time and now has decided enough is enough...
no more
painting while standing hunched over,
reaching far for paints,
playing tackle football on the front yard,
etc.. etc...

So rather than creating, painting,and playing ...

I've been

pulled
cracked
twisted
stretched
hammered

and endured every torture device
that the chiropractor could come up with...

I'm happy to say I think
I'm seeing the end in sight...
today I can type!

I did however get to create
a few new things
right before the big reach for paint
did me in...

I hope this finds all of you feeling great,
creating, and having fun!

I'm itching to paint
so keep your fingers crossed for me!

xoxo-

Krista

Full of Wonder... Inspiration Thursday

2010-09-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wonder: rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience...

It doesn't matter how big or small he always can find something new and amazing right outside our door...

Filled with an endless sense of wonder...

This is dedicated to my little man...

may society and life never stop your curiosity, wonder, and ability to see something amazing in everything you touch.

This is ADHD/Special Needs Awareness Week

something here at home we are all too familiar with...

this goes out to everyone who is full of

energy,

curiosity,

and the amazing gift of

living in the moment!

And for Kim's contribution to this post...
it's funny that she would choose a pic of her dog Soggy.

Not long ago I stumbled upon a book that was titled,
"All Dogs Have ADHD".

It's a celebration of the
boundless energy,
loyalty,
&
curiosity

This picture collaboration fit perfectly!

XOXO~ Krista

The TRUTH Will Set You Free

2010-09-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

What a statement... I've really always wondered exactly what this really meant...

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

I know how I've applied it to my life at different times,

or how I'd like to apply it to other's lives at certain moments,

but all along I never really got it.

Religion has always been something I'm drawn to,

but yet I've ran from it to. Being raised with little to none...

it was a fascinating mystery that many of my friends had that I did not.

As a teenager, I thought I was buddhist

and was ready to take to the world with my robe and bowl

and settle to meditate...

didn't work too well for me!

But, I think that's just it... that's part of it.... seeking the truth.

I've accidentally discovered faith through my art.

Being asked to create pieces that have scripture on them.

At first this seemed really awkward considering

I have never proclaimed to be religious...

or as I would often times say, "That into it."

But strangely enough these seem to be the pieces
that flow off my brush and onto the canvas... effortlessly.
These are the pieces that inspire me,
give life to new ideas and techniques, and almost never
(almost) frustrate me while creating.

So here is another piece inspired by faith...

something I constantly seek and

discover in my life and on this artful journey.

Faith takes truth and honesty to discover...

which can be very scary...

this morning I read a blog post from a blogger friend

who inspired this honesty...

this truth...

this inspiration for this post...

thanks Kelly... check out her amazing slide show

I think it will inspire all of us to get to what our

inspiration and truth is!

~XoXo~ Krista

Oh & P.S...

this new little canvas is perched in my etsy shop as we speak!! :D

Wow...Another Etsy Treasury!!! Thanks Andrea!!!

2010-09-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a sec this morning to thank Andrea Kalis over at

Always Andrea Images for including me in

another one of her beautiful Etsy Treasuries.

I am flattered to be part of a treasury that has a ton of beautiful

and unique pieces from other Etsy artists.

If you have a minute this morning pop over and check it out!!

Thanks again Andrea!

XOXO~ Krista

I Will Write Peace On Your Wings

2010-09-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

“I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world”

~ Sadako Sasaki

A beautiful quote that inspired Linda Marcille's Treasury on Etsy. I was honored to be one of the featured artists that she chose to promote peace through art. Thank you Linda!! Please check out her shop of amazing handpainted silks and this treasury featuring some really beatuiful art from Etsy artists.

Hope your having a PEACEFUL Labor Day Weekend!

XOXO~ Krista

Yay For The Long Weekend!!!

2010-09-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

So just a quick post to pop in to remind you to sleep in, be lazy, catch up with friends, play with the kiddos, and enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!!

As a thank you to all of the support from my blogger friends, non-blogging friends, and supporters of my art and passion I'm offering BOGO (Buy One Get One...hehe) on all my Art Prints in my etsy shop until Monday!!

All you have to do is tell me what print you'd like for free in the "note to seller section" and I will ship it our asap. I've been real busy creating and listing so... if you see a mounted plaque that you would like a print of I can do that for you too!

Enjoy your weekend... and thank you for all the love!!!

XOXO~ Krista

Team Up Thursday: Keeper

2010-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

What was it about that little teddy bear that first captured her heart and those little hands?

Was it the tag that she liked to chew on,

or the feel of that scratchy little,

white ribbon around his neck,

or maybe the smell of vanilla that she said smelled like mommy?

Whatever it was he became a "keeper".

"Dirty Ted" as he fondly became after losing him in a rabbit cage

over Christmas break for 2 long, cold weeks became one of the family.

To this day as she turns 10 that bear is and will forever be a keeper!

When I pulled that word out of my little teacup today for Kim & I's

contribution to Team Up Thursday I immediately knew exactly

what I would be capturing with my lens.

And as she grows older I know that bear will be kept forever.

What was your favorite childhood keeper?

Kim's take on Keeper was perfect as we begin to feel some cooler air if only for a day or so, and the wind rustling the leaves. The pumpkin patches is all we have here in Florida to let us know that Fall and all it's magic is on it's way. Nothing better than finding that perfect pumpkin... the keeper.

XOXO~ Krista

Team Up Thursday: Week One "Bliss"

2010-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

So my good friend and fellow artist Kim over at Soggy Dog Studios

and I have decided to participate in a photo journey together.

Every week we will be part of Team Up Thursday.

This is a community of artists who pair up to capture a theme

as they see it through their lens.

Each pairing with create a diptych and

post it on their blogs and to our flikr group at

Team Up Thursday Flikr Group

Thank you to Megan over at Mental Inventory for

creating this creative way to find inspiration!

So this week we decided since we are both so incredibly undecisive

at times to each open up a book to the first page

flipped upon and read a word from it....

but as usual we still couldn't decide!

Suddenly a word popped into my head...

a word I strive for in my life...

BLISS... Bliss is the word... the theme.

So here goes... our vision of bliss...

Of course I go with something involving water... pure bliss for me and one of the kid faces. I always have said that my little man captures the epitome of pure bliss in almost everything he does. He lives in the moment without fear or boundaries to hold him back, ever curious, ever passionate, and ever blissful!

And then there's Kim... a warm cup of joe and she is the definition of... profound happiness!

Thanks for taking a through our lens!

xoxo~ Krista

In a State of Mama Braggin'

2010-08-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Alright here goes...

I'm about to brag a bit here...

that's what moms do, right?

I have to say that I have always

considered myself so lucky

to have two kids that love

to be in my little studio

blasting the music

and creating right along side of me.

They doodle, trace, paint, color, but...

this time I think my daughter

has embarked on a journey of her own.

I'm lovin' these mixed media illustrations

and paintings that she has created!

I just thought I would share that,

she may not be the only

accidental artist in the family!

Okay I'm done braggin'...

but you have to once in a while, right?

Here's hoping this is finding you,

discovering all your hidden talents

and the gifts of others in your life!

XOXO~ Krista

Time Flies When You Are having Fun!

2010-08-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Wow did this summer fly by. Back to:

6am alarms

lunchboxes

schedules

homework (yuck!)

rushing out the door

and collapsing at the end of the day...

but before I go to sleep and awake to "real life"...

let's remember...

lazy days

ocean breeze

learning something new

endless summer days

splish splashin

leaving the world behind only just for a moment

fun

waiting at the docks

fun in the sun

boundless energy

family

summertime beauty

laughter

making memories

smiling faces

and the beach...

Thank you summer for these memories!

xoxo~ krista

Finding Peace Among the Chaos

2010-08-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

~Anne Frank

XOXO~

Hoping You are Out Enjoying those little reminders,

Krista

Illustration Friday Topic: Caged

2010-08-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Fear holds many of us in our own little cage at times. Just as the fear of the risk to stay tight in the bud, we also need to break out of that cage sometimes in order to grow and fly.

XOXO~ Krista

Still Learning...

2010-08-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

"You're still learning..." something that I find myself often repeating to my seven and almost ten year old("double digits baby" as she would say).

Those times when they completely lose it and freak out because they didn't jump the bike ramp the "right way", or when they realize that they may have "thrown their friend under the bus" accidentally in front of their mom, or when things just aren't working out the way they planned and they keep making "stupid" mistakes... it's often reminded, "You are still learning!"

The funny thing is I can't remember the last time I said that to myself! I think we all have to remember as grown-ups or "old people" if you're talking to my daughter... that we are all still learning... be patient with yourself, and know that making mistakes is the only way to learn!

XOXO~ Krista

The Best Things That Have Ever Happened To Me...

2010-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I get into a bit of a funk...

and it's at these moments when I look to the best

things that have ever happened to me.

These are the everyday reminders of what really does matter in my life. These are the people who love, inspire, and cheer me on when this funk creeps up on me.

It may be that one negative thing leads to another and another and before you know it I'm consumed. But at the end of the day all that matters is the love, understanding, and fun that I have with these three amazing people in my life!

So today make sure that no matter what funk you might be in... look around to see what is most important and before you know you will be inspired, motivated, and out of that mud that you might be stuck in!! Now I'm going to go practice what I preach!

~xoxo

Krista

Illustration Friday Topic: Detective

2010-04-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday Topic: Detective

In order to discover what you are looking for you must always ask questions. But, just as a detective sometimes discovers, the answers may make you a bit uncomfortable. Get out of that comfort zone and be willing to seek and fly no matter how uncomfortable it may be at first!

xoxo ~ Krista

Illustration Friday Topic: Linked

2010-04-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

Ilustration Friday Topic: Linked

She found Him and will be eternally linked by His grace.

Just a Little Peek!

2010-03-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Under pressure... dadadada.... that's my theme song. It seems the only road for me to trully create, be inspired, and get things done is to be completely stressed out and working round the clock. This behavior is not just born out of procrastination, it comes from a place that I have always operated from. .. I know many of you can relate! I remember cramming in college... doing fine, but all nighters are my thing... it just motivates and inspires me! As many of you know, give me a deadline far out and it just won't get done until right up to the deadline!

So... with that said I've been working away in my studio filling orders, but even cooler creating a new collection for an event that my friend Kim & I will be honored at together. We are the featured artists in April at Artistree in College Park, Florida. We decided last night that we just have to create and not critique since we are both brutally hard on ourselves! So I wanted to give a sneek peek at a few of the pieces that have been inspired by my daughter and the joys and struggles of growing up. We would love to have you join us the night of April 17th for this event!

I'm also gearing up for an event this weekend at Artistree to kick off the spring season. Many great artists will be displaying and selling their work. I have to admit though, I am extremely partial to one up and coming little artist, Jordan Brock! That's right my little man has a true love for art in between jumping ramps on his bike. He is so excited to participate in his first show. Amber may even be showing some of her peace sign pieces there as well!

I have to say that although feeling stressed works I do need to find a different way to work... it just doesn't seem like meditative painting will work so well for me! Omm... Omm... well back to the loud music, messy hands, 3am frenzy!

I hope this finds you living a happily chaotic inspired life, of course if that's what your in to!!

~xoxo

Krista