WHAT IS A BRA?

A bra is not only a functional piece, serving all of woman-kind very well indeed, but in the case of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, becomes a work of art in many cities across the country.

Marco Island, Florida had their Bras For Life Auction at the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, this past Tuesday, along with an exhibit of women and the female form, Forme du Femme. What a spectacular event this was! 25 bras were on auction, both live and silent, and it even included a celebrity bra, donated by none other than Annette Bening! Thank you, thank you, thank you Annette! We are hoping this will become an annual event.

At first one thinks it will be difficult to turn an ordinary bra into a work of art. Once the creative juices begin to flow, the designs become almost endless! In a few days, you will be able to see all of the wonderfully creative bras on the Art Leagues's website, www.marcoislandart.com. I hope you will all check them out and put this event on your calendars for next October!

Art In Many Forms

Sitting in the Endodontist's chair yesterday, got me to thinking of art and its many forms. Now, I'm not referring to representationalism vs. impressionism vs. abstract, etc. No. What I'm referring to is simply the many artforms that exist.

For example, a dentist, in order to be known as a good dentist, must possess not only talent and knowledge about his craft but also compassion. This is true of most any job category. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "How does compassion relate to a computer geek?" Well, he/she truly must have compassion for those of us who get our computers into a mess and then help us to get them back up and running, without making us feel totally stupid. I say that takes compassion, along with his/her talent and knowledge.

There have been many individuals who, when walking around my studio/gallery, comment that they can't even draw a stick figure. My response is to tell them that they may not be able to draw well but that they have another talent. After talking with them, it usually turns out that is the case; perhaps the talent is cooking, sewing, mechanical ability, music, or simply that of being a good listener. We all could stand to have that particular talent!

So, remember to look closely at yourself and discover and appreciate your talents, however well hidden they may be!

Lost and Found

The art association I belong to is, like every other non-profit entity, having difficulty with finances. During down economic times, the public focuses on what they need, as opposed to what they want. I am no different. However, I do realize that in order for the economy to grow, it requires the circulation of money - spending! So, how does an art association create income in a fast way, without spending money? Ours found the perfect way - clean house!

That's right, clean house. Over the years, wonderful artist members have donated works for auction. As with all auctions, not everything sells; every corner we could find to safely store these works of art created totally filled closets, cubby holes, nooks, etc. It was decided to hold an Art-bid of Rediscovered Treasures! Yes, not everything was in perfect condition, after being stored who knows where for a long period of time. Enter the Mystery ? Bags. For a $10 donation, one could purchase a Mystery Bag and be either surprised or disappointed but the whole purpose was to get/give the donation.

Our committee put in oodles of time on this project, but it was so much fun - like kids in a candy store! After seeing the article in the paper, people donated pieces to add to the sale (didn't really need more!), which helped to enhance it. This has been a good fundraiser to date. Since our association is located in a highly seasonal area, it has been decided to hold another Art-bid during high season, so that more people can experience the fun of purchasing art, used frames, etc. for a very reasonable price and help the association in the process.

This is an ongoing sale. It will continue thru the week of July 19th. So, if any of you out there happen to be reading this blog, please go to the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and buy to your hearts content of even just a little! You will help keep the arts alive!!!

Inspiration

I am inspired every day, but when it comes to writing a new blog, I always struggle! I am amazed at my artist friends who have the ability to write lenghty blogs every day. Where do they get the inspiration? But more importantly, where do they find the time?

My husband often tells me I should write a book. Is he crazy? Just because I can always figure out what is going to happen next in a movie or TV show doesn't mean I can write! The ability to use words in a creative manner escapes me. I do, however, consider myself a "story teller." You know how Indians always have a story teller? Well, that's me. Now, I didn't say that I'm interesting, just that I'm a story teller. Simply part of my personality. But, when putting it down on paper or in a blog, something always seems to be missing.

There are authors who are also painters and painters who are also authors. Me? I'm simply a painter. As for what inspires me - well, every time I look out the window, I'm inspired; whenever I see my husband and son laughing, I'm inspired; when I watch my cats play, I'm inspired; and, when I dream, that's when I'm inspired most of all.

And, To Think

AND, TO THINK, I never went to college to study fine art and, yet, here I am part of an Artist Colony, painting fine art, having the time of my life! If anyone would have told me I'd be doing this, back when I was in my 20's, I wouldn't have believed them.

Even though I always had a love of drawing and a desire to learn to paint, there were no influences in my life to direct me down that path. It took me until I was 30 (oh, is that a milestone?) to actually take that desire and work toward fullfilling it. My husband and I spent our married years in a small railroad/farming town. I didn't even know another artist. Eventually, I learned of a woman who taught oil painting in her home. After a few lessons with her (it was a long way from home), I went on my own. Art books and various art related magazines taught me, and continue to teach me.

Now, after 32 years and moving to Florida where I am surrounded by artists and great art associations, like the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and the Naples Art Assoc., I live art. To my great advantage, I have a husband who is very, very supportive of what I do. Even though he isn't an "art afficionado," he does anything and everything he is able to do to assist me and support me - even if that means having sandwiches for dinner!

Our Grand Opening was held Thurs. evening, at our Artist Colony at the Esplanade. Our Portside Studio was filled with art lovers. It seemed like the entire community attended this event. Thank you so very much to all of the art patrons out there. You enable us to do what we do. Your purchases and your comments of praise keep us motivated and our brushes moving.

Be True to Yourself

The phrase, "be true to yourself" has been around for eons. Seems like such a cliche` but, when pondered, one realizes just how important it is. Day-to-day living brings unexpected events, situations, personalities, etc. that we must deal with - some good, some easy, some difficult. Through it all, if we are true to ourselves, all things are possible.

It doesn't mean being antagonistic, over-bearing, or obnoxious, rather simply being who you are - be unafraid to let people know you - share your fears - speak your mind, even if softly -be open to those around you and let them see who you truly are.

That said, have a wonderful day. Work hard, be energetic, and above all laugh - it releases goodness!

Do You Believe This!

Checked my emails and what did I see but a message from a Facebook "friend," responding to a brief comment I made today, i.e., "Told hubby I was having a salad for dinner, so that I could paint...." This "friend" commented, in so many words, . . . he has to cook dinner, because she has to paint. Poor guy!"

Now, I don't know how any of you would take this, but I didn't take it sitting down! My husband is attended to extremely well, thank you very much! When I returned from my week's vacation (he opted not to go), I made him a lovely red snapper dinner with all the trimmings, and a fresh peach pie. Last night, I made wonderful cashew chicken. I clean my own house, do all the laundry, take out the trash, make the bed every morning, and my house is always picked up and neat. I AM WOMAN; HEAR ME ROAR!

I find it impossible to create art in chaos. I am not a neat freak. I simply prefer order. I am not anal about it. I can let the dust sit for a couple of weeks and the floor doesn't have to be swept all the time. But I like order/organization.

What I don't understand is why some people think that painting, or any other type of art, is merely a hobby. I truly believe this "friend" is living in the dark ages --- and, you guessed it ---it is a man, or rather, a "guy!"