The Flip Side of Sharing


As I wrote my last post about putting yourself ‘out there’ and sharing your art, I was feeling the warmth of acceptance and appreciation for doing so. On Christmas Eve the latest issue of CPS arrived and I quickly learned the sting that sometimes comes from being ‘out there’ in the form of a letter to the editor.

I will admit that it hurt. As artists we are very sensitive about our work, whether it be in the form of art or writing about art. This is what makes all of us fearful at times to share our creative side with others.

When I write an article sharing a new product or technique, I truly want to encourage, teach and share what I’ve learned to hopefully inspire and help others on their own journey which in turn inspires me to keep pushing ahead.

When I pick up a magazine I do so knowing that not every article will be ‘for me’ and still can appreciate the time and effort the person writing put into it. We don’t have to share, we want to and there wouldn’t be wonderful magazines if everyone was fearful of rejection and decided against sharing because their work may not please everyone.

I wasn’t going to address this issue, but I feel the need to be honest and if I’m going to talk about the positive aspects of sharing, I need to also address the sometimes negative aspects as well.

It has made me reflect on why I share and the need to continue on despite an occasional negative response.

I appreciate all of the support you all have given me and look forward to an art-filled New Year, sharing my journey, good and bad.

The new year will bring the birth of my first grand baby and my first book. These are the things that propel me forward and help me not to spend valuable time worrying over things that really aren’t important.

Bless you all in 2010!
xoxo

These and more have just been listed in my Etsy Shop

The New Year

The New Year is fast approaching but not here quite yet. I did get a little taste of it when I opened my mailbox to find my advance copies of these two publications! A nice Christmas gift and I’m especially glad to have the Somerset Studio issue in time to give to my mom as she is mentioned in the article.


I was also pleased to some students from my online workshops in Art Journaling! Now that is something to be proud of. Congrats ladies!!! That’s what it’s all about, sharing and watching others take it and run with it and to watch it bloom. Merry Christmas everyone!

What can you do in 5 Minutes or less?

Watch a tutorial that I did when visiting Stampington Headquarters

Sign up for Stampington’s newsletter, Postscripts so you can join the 25,000 other readers and get the latest news about all things creative

List your latest work on Etsy

‘Looking Back’ 16×20 on canvas

Say thank you to a dear fellow blogger for a blog award, ‘Thank You SueAnn
Link for Dauber Bottles

A Visit To Stampington, Workshops, and More

How do I even begin? I am still getting goosebumps about my visit to CA this past week. I guess I will just start from the beginning.

My trip started with a visit to my friend Julie Bergmann’s house. Julie and I met at the ZNE ConvenZioNE last spring and hit it off right from the start. She graciously invited me to stay with her and when I got the invitation to teach from Lisa Bebi, the plan was put into action. With good food, lovely wine and a trip to Pinkberry for yogurt we began our visit. The next stop was Stampington & Co. Jenny Doh and the rest of the editors were so gracious and wonderful. We were given the grand tour.

Thrilling Moments

Meeting Jenny in person

Seeing Magazine covers with our names on them on a wall

Meeting with the photographer, Johanna, right after she had finished shooting my art journal for an upcoming issue.
Seeing my name on Jenny’s white board!

Recognizing peoples work just by looking at it
Seeing my aubergine pieces getting ready to be photographed

Doing Lunch with Jenny and Christin

Being filmed for a New Reality Show-LOL

Doing a Tutorial

Having everyone sign my suitcase

Next stop Lisa Bebi’s

A total thrill to meet her as I have long admired her work. She is just as fun as I thought she would be. We stayed up late and decided to do some painting late at night. She showed me her ‘Paint Over’ technique.

The class at The Stamp Addict was full with a waiting list.

The gals, and one guy were really fun and to top it off, who should walk in to the class but the famous Suzi Blu! How fun is that?! She is even better in person than on her youtube videos!!

Off to the gallery for my final workshop and met with another group of fun gals. Everyone was so nice and their work turned out great!

Off to the airport and home again. A completely crazy, busy, fun filled experience that I will never forget.

Tired but happy, journaling my way home.