October 2010 Archives

one year today; a positive approach

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Signed the contract with Glen Echo Park, as an artist-in-residence, one year ago today. Unbelievable that it has been a year. I have been on high gear almost non-stop since that day which doesn't exactly exemplify an artist's "life in balance"...

but sometimes you have to break the rules;-)

Yea, I am a little tired, gained a couple extra pounds and a few grey hairs (my first), but what a great reward for such a sacrifice.

To date, there have been 120 students through my studio doors in class, workshop, or private instruction. This year I have added an intermediate class and have requests for more advanced techniques. Although I have employed these things in my work, because I was mostly self-taught I struggle with teaching anything beyond the beginning level (I just expect everyone to pursue it trial and error like I did!) Clearly I need to get over it.

And it is time to evaluate how much of myself I make available for private instruction because apparently there aren't enough dates on the calendar. A nice problem to contemplate from a business standpoint. From the perspective of an introvert (who has definitely hit my ceiling) I have to decide where to draw the line. Those limits frustrate my entrepreneur side which always assumes that energy is an unlimited resource and should enable you to work seven days a week.

But my husband can attest to a semi-comatose wife on friday morning after a thursday night class (that followed a two-day workshop) where I have very little conversation to offer at breakfast due to being completely tapped.

My new normal.

For a while.

The joy of seeing students equipped with a new sense of creative purpose and realizing that I was the equipper is an amazing feeling. And justifies that new normal. It strikes me every day how much negative info people get regarding an artistic journey that by providing a little positive support is like an oasis in the desert. We all have amazing powers in us, but it is just as amazing how they can be diminished by one discouraging word.

So, as a rule there is no negative talk allowed in my studio. In fact when I encounter a student that talks down to themselves I actually reprimand them into some positive self-talk. (yea it seems like a double negative first, but it still gets the point across). But I have found that even a little negativity can seep into the rest of the class. I even locked the door on a youth camp and told them that they couldn't come in unless they brightened up. It was amazing to see the group transform from a trash-talking distracted band into a focused group that created some nice work (giving me hugs at the end... what could be better).

A little joy and celebration goes a long way, and I really believe this. The first person that breaks a saw blade in my class is honored not shamed. The first solder joint accomplished by each student gets a whoop and holler... it actually makes people make better art. And it helps a tiny bit in making them realize that they can be artists.

So satisfying....

And humbling, because I am just a fellow artist on a journey, just a little further down the road. But like my husband likes to say, "An expert is just someone who knows more than you do".

So I will continue to try to empower those who come through the door of SilverWorks with a new discovery or the honing of that discovery.

It has been a great year with tons of work, a great show, and a whole lot of creative growth of my own...

here's to another year.

Check out my student's gallery!

October Discover Silversmithing Workshop

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daniel's digs in tucson

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A quick afternoon visit with my kid while I am in AZ. Fortunately for us he was working remotely today and could take a break and show us the cool little shops on fourth ave where mom and I scored some great clothes. It was short and sweet but makes me not take for granted any time I get to spend with my son. And having Daniel and my mother together was even more special.

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the drive home; lunch in laughlin

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Technically mom's birthday today but the celebration is behind us.
Marta at the wheel we head for Laughlin with our final destination being Phx and mom's condo in Scottsdale. Year's past the traditional stop for lunch was the old Belle breakfast place that ended up being so bad last year that I suggested an alternative of the micro brewery in the same building (actually pointed it out on leaving last year in order to avoid the mistake, oh please, oh please).

Thankfully, It was much better... what you would expect from a place that serves burgers and sweet potato fries with sports viewing from any angle. The twist of this place was its faux "inside the belly of an old sub or ship" look.

Of course after lunch we managed just a few final slots before getting back in the car. Village People Jackpot Party was my pick for the moment... what fun.

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a night in

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A night in ends up being just the thing when mom gets a sudden case of vertigo. Seems the party gal actually has a limit (although she will never admit it, instead she insisted that her blood pressure machine was broken). I hope that when I am her age I have the same speed settings... full blast, or off.

So for tonight sister Marta cooked an amazing chicken parm (thank you) and we watched a chick flick and a drama.

movies...
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out on the town

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Day five of the girls vegas trip is the big night on the town. It has become a tradition to see at one big show and have a nice dinner for mom's b-day. Tonight we are off to Mandalay Bay to see Loin King.
The previous years were:
1. O
2. Phantom
3. Jersey Boys
So that brings us to year 4

It always amazes me the impact that these shows have. The minute the music started with the vocal talent of the woman who played the character Rifiki, I broke into tears.

Happens every time.

Something about excellence in art (in any form) overwhelms me and makes me cry. The performance tapped so many creative levels with full body puppetry, percussion, and so much color...

phenomenal.


Waiting for the taxi.
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Three of us playing wheel of fortune, taking turns pressing the button. Mom's turn...
wins $100
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Dinner at RM Seafood
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A fine Pinot Noir; Educated Guess 2007
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Seared Tuna
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In our seats at Lion King
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Rifiki
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"paris" for fun

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A little sight seeing, shopping, food, and...

hats.

ok... shoes too!


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sisters splurge

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The second day into a vegas marathon and the two sisters need a break because...

mom loves the slots.

The sisters...
not so much. (Qualifier: mom wins, we loose buckets)

So, planting mom in front of a new gold fish machine, we go off to find a little piece of heaven.

Spagos.

A little oyster action, appetizers and this fabulous dessert. And a little peace and quiet.

me with the oysters
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sister marta with the oysters
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peach yummy
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marta's wine evaluation of a Semillion; Signorello, Napa 2006
slightly seet, warm citrus, good legs, not too dry.
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For a special time with some special girls.


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a mother and two sisters

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Year four in this tradition, the coming together of three women, a mother, and two sisters. The occasion, Mom's birthday.

I am the one coming from far away, so I get on a plane to phoenix where the three of us fill up mom's car with stuff and drive to the city of sin.

The Goddess
The Princess, and
The Shoe Queen...

off to vegas.

the car
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The Shoe Queen and The Princess
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after arrival and a little gambling... champagne.
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November 2010

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