In the Company of Creatives

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Do you ever gather with your accomplices in art and healing. You know, the ones where you just get together to try experiments or just do show and tell or someone shares a technique that everyone tries. These kinds of gatherings make my soul say 'ahhhhhhhhhh', because I feel very much 'at home' in such a nurturing environment. It wouldn't even matter if we threw everything away at the end, well ok, maybe it would matter, but the most important part to me is the gathering, the sharing, the joy and delight that we express in our own ways as we listen, share and explore. There is such an exquisite sweetness to that process.

What is sad is that I often tell myself that I do not have time to participate in such things. And sometimes I am truly torn as to whether I should go to a meeting or gathering or not because of time, my lack of energy, a lack of funds . . . But every time I go, and I belong to several groups, I am always, without fail, left with inspiration, energy and excitement. It really does make my soul sing to be in the company of others who 'ooooohhhhh' and 'aaaahhhhhhhh' over seemingly ordinary things.



If you don't have such a group to go to, make one. Start one and let it evolve, like a piece of art. You only need one other person to start. Just start getting together, sharing and talking and let the flow of interests and knowledge lead you on your explorations. Others will be invited and the group will grow.

I am a firm believer that art heals. I know this to be true. And I know that it doesn't need to be a formalized, orchestrated 'healing process'. The healing begins, whether people are aware of it or not, from the moment people start to arrive and find themselves greeted by others who are like them. I find that what helps me most in a creative group is the give and take of positive and powerful energy that is exchanged when people share and answer questions and demonstrate and laugh and just enjoy the process.

Imagine having a holiday gathering that is a group of women who gather to do maybe collage to use for cards. Or small art postcards that can be sent to loved ones or strangers. Maybe painting fabric or paper for giftwrap. Making easy pamphlet journals for gifts. Everyone brings some supplies and everyone has fun creating something. There are so many possibilities. Create with other creatives!

And please let me know what you think about this topic in the comments. Or let me know what types of groups you enjoy nurturing your soul with. Thanks!

A Giveaway! by Artful Soul Designs

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Our creative team is having a giveaway!
From today thru 6 p.m. Friday, October 22nd.

 Who We Are:

We are a newly formed collective team of artists called Artful Soul Designs. There are currently 6 of us Brian Harrison, Julia Hagens, Geri Gettings, Gayla Doucet and Maura Mall and moi. We create with fabric, metal, beads, wire, fused glass, gemstones, gourds, etc.

Why we're doing it:
We decided to do a giveaway to help promote our Holiday Gift Show happening Sunday, October 24th at the BRIO Fine Arts Center in Scottsdale, Az. 85260 


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Here’s what we’re giving away: (click on photos for larger views)
  
Created by Maura Mall:
 

Pink Jasper and Sterling Silver stretch bracelet made by Maura Mall

 

  

Created by Brian Harrison of BHarrisonArts:
 

Lava and Black Labradorite Wrist Mala and Prayer Beads by Brian Harrison

 

Created by Julia of JulzImageSolutions:

  

Tack-fused glass pin, wire-wrapped, on

etched brass. Turquoise blue, yellow & purple.

3" high and 2" wide by Julia Hagens



Created by Gaya Doucet:



Gayla hand-dyes scarves and these
are just examples of her work. The
winner will receive a scarf.












Created by Rosaland Hannibal:

Notepad holder: painted and stamped fabric.



Inside view of different one, but you get the idea.
Has a pocket, pen holder, pad holder. Just
under 9" tall.



Here’s how you can play to win: each action gets your name in the hat. The more actions you do, the more times your name goes in the hat.

• Leave a comment on this post or on Brian’s blog post about this giveaway and tell us which prize you want and why.
• Tweet about this giveaway using the hashtag #artfulsd then comment so we don’t miss your tweets.
• Share our event on facebook
• become a fan of our Artful Soul Designs facebook page 
• Bonus – post about it on your blog and get 2 entries.
• Once we figure out the winners –we’ll contact you for your mailing info. If you are local, in the Phoenix area, and are a winner, there will be a bonus gift if you pick up your prize in person.

Desert Botanical Gardens

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Chihuly Glass - beautiful!

Brian & the big cactus. It is
an impressive cactus.

My OM (one moment) this week I made myself. I saw an opportunity to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix for free today. I just happened to see their facebook post saying admission was free today from 1-8. They have what I'm thinking is a very cool butterfly exhibit. So after work, I called my friend Brian of BHarrison Arts and he and I went together.



Joshua Tree

Gorgeous night. The monarch butterfly

exhibit was already closed. Oh well that
just means I have to go back. We were
only there for about an hour but it was the most peaceful hour I have had in ages.

 Outside, listening to crickets and not much else, wonderful weather and fascinating plants. I'm glad I went at night this first time because now I can't wait to see what it is like during the day. It is amazing the number of different cacti that are here. So much texture. It was very good for my soul and a great way to end a stressful workday.

 

It's the shadows that
intrigued me here.





More wonderful glass.

 



Love this glass!



  OM was started by Linda Demers over at alamodestuffblog . You can link up and share about your 'one moment' each week when you just stop to 'take notice'. This is my first OM post in a while.

Sedona Studio Tours (part 2)

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The Sedona adventure continues. First with a few more scenic views

 

 

Our next stop on the tour was my favorite - the home studio of Margaret Anderson, a fiber artist who does hand painted, quilted wallhangings. Her use of color and technique were exquisite and very inspiring. We asked her if she’d like to come down to a Mavericks meeting and talk to the group or do a class. Oh my gosh, I love Margaret's work! I was completely inspired! See

Margaret Anderson





 

Yours truly with Margaret

And finally, we found our way to the studio of Nancy Robb Dunst who creates mixed fiber and installation art. Her installations are very clever and intriguing and make you think. It was pretty cool to drive up to her place and see this painted outhouse, ummm that's port-a-potty for you younger folks, in her front yard.

Inside the outhouse.

Nancy Robb Dunst

Sheila, Myra, Nancy

 

 

Mary, Myra, Sheila

Mary, me, Sheila

We enjoyed all of our visits with the artists and their gracious way of sharing themselves and their art with us. Such a fun time!

Studio Tours + Creative Companions = Inspiration & Fun! (part 1)

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What a great combination for a Saturday. Taking a trip to the red rocks of Sedona with three friends to enjoy the beauty of the area, the studio tours and each others company. Seriously good.



Mary Poindexter & Dee Durkee



Our first stop was at the home studio of Dee Durkee who creates fiber art vessels, wall-art, jewelry and journals. Three of our group knew Dee so we were looking forward to seeing her place and her work.



Sheila in Dee's studio

 



  

Our next stop was the Studio of Shirley Eichten Albrecht and her husband. Shirley creates beautiful, colorful reed, raku and gourd baskets. I loved her studio because it was so bright and they were very welcoming. Sorry, no photos of this stop.

Third on our list was the studio of a weaver named Pamela Gunning. Pamela weaves scarves, and shawls. I was fascinated by her equipment.

Then of course we had a make a lunch stop and the Wildflower Bread Company turned out to be a wonderful choice. And after lunch we couldn’t help but do a little shopping in the shops in the same location. And I loved this piece of artwork in the courtyard. Pretty Pony. At the time I did not think to get the name of the artist.



This is the end of part one.I will have the second part posted by Thursday with lots more photos.

Can you tell we had a great time?!!

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to visit. Feel free to leave comments.