I mostly enjoy working with acrylic paints and collage.  My style is typically described as whimsical, vibrant and joyful.  I also enjoy photography too but no longer try to sell it at shows or on etsy.

Describe some sources of inspiration? 

I have so many sources of inspiration, I could never list them all!  Nature and color are my biggest inspiration.  Nature, especially flowers, trees and water gives me peace and calm and color can do the same, but typically I like vibrant colors that lift me up.

As far as artists go, some of my major inspirations are and have been Kelly Rae Roberts, Flora Bowley, Kim Parker, Christine Mason Miller, Connie of Dirty Footprints Studio, and on and on.  I’m so amazed at the amazing women out there, their positivity, encouragement and their originality.  Women who have decided to make their dreams and true self a priority are really inspiring my path right now.

What helps your creative process? What gets in the way of your creative expression? 

Looking at my favorite quotes helps me create.  Working on something for a while and then putting it aside to look at later with a fresh eye helps my creative process if I feel stuck.  I also am learning not to think so much while I’m creating.  One of my goals is to paint more freely and I’m hoping to work with that this fall when I attend Flora Bowley’s Bloom True workshop in Wisconsin. 

Comparing myself to others’ artwork gets in the way of my creative expression.  This is very hard for me as I have a lot of self-doubt at the choices I make.  Trying to force something when I’m not feeling it gets in the way of my creative expression as well.

What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

Just start.  If you want to do art shows, take one step and get the application and start to fill it out.  If you want to sell your work on etsy, set up your account and see that as a brave step.  Then you can do the next step.

Try your best to listen to your heart and do what you feel is right for you. 

Take an on-line course that has the possibility of a community of other artists to “talk” to.  Finding my new creative friends on-line has really helped my confidence and made my life richer.  We are learning so much from each other and it has been a great addition to my creative life.

Thanks Jill!!

Now for a peek into her creative life!

What is your particular style or medium of creativity?

When it comes to creativity, I am not particular. It is a way of life for me, a spiritual practice so to speak. Some people meditate, others walk, write, or pray to bring themselves to a greater understanding of who they are at their core. I create. I first began using creativity consciously as a theater student, then when I began teaching art and drama camps for kids, I realized that I was often having to teach them about the dynamics of creativity to get them to let go of the product and embrace the process. No matter what medium we were using, the process was nearly always the same. That might not exactly answer the question, but it is such a big part of who I am that I decided to approach it that way to begin with. To be more direct regarding art medium, the answer is similar, I am afraid. I am not particular. Because of my background with teaching art workshops, I have a little experience with a lot of things and tend to do mixed media, both in 2D and 3D. Of those things that I love, wire is probably one that I most adore.

Describe some sources of inspiration? 

My husband, Eric, is a huge inspiration. He has been studying and practicing art since he was little. He is so pure in his thoughts about honoring where the heart wants the art to go, that he often serves as a reminder for me to turn off my inner critic. He is my biggest supporter, too. How inspiring is that, to wake up next to the person who believes you can fly, even on days when it looks like Phylis Dillar did your hair somewhere in the night!

I live in South Texas, and a lot of my inspiration comes locally. I love the internet, but having a foot in my community’s art movement is my foundation. I got my start as an artist in the late ’90′s through KSpace Contemporary Art, an artists’ cooperative in the heart of our downtown district. The artist in the coop took a chance on me, saw something in me when I was just beginning to dabble in visual art. To this day, when I am working, they are like a council of wise voices leading me to the sweet spot in my art. I can’t thank them enough for including me in their circle. Now, as I am making my way into the visual arts and creative lifestyle arena via the internet, through my blog, that is the same kind of generosity I try to emulate. When someone shows up on my site, it is their creative spirit I greet, not a wanna-be or a someday artist. I am seeing their full potential from the start.

What helps your creative process?
One of the biggest boosts to my creative process is collaboration. I am at my best with another human sitting across from me. It is so easy for me to doubt what I am doing or get wrapped up in the big should’s (like I should only make art that is sellable or I should keep my art safe and less edgy or I should do art that looks less child-like).  When I have another person creating in my proximity, all of that turns off. I so highly value the creative potential in others that my beliefs push away thenay-sayer part within. In fact, some of my best work has been while hanging out at the cafe with a table full of friends and a sprinkling of strangers, all of us creating. I learn so much.  I feel like my art shifts a bit. I love this feeling. It keeps me on my toes and keeps my art fresh. This has been the connection I have had to the idea of a Creativity Tribe. This is where my heart is, developing an online space where individuals can gather together to support one another’s creative spirit.

 
What gets in the way of your creative expression?

For me, creativity and self-care go hand in hand.  I turned to creativity (theater) as a teenager because it was a natural link to playing. As an adult, when I studied acting in college, self-care was woven into our lessons. We studied breathwork, meditation, journaling, stretching, and tai chi. When I came to visual art, I approached it first through visual journaling, which at its heart is self-care for me. So in developing a practice of creativity, I have also developed a practice of self-care.  When I lose track of caring for myself and begin letting stress, worry, and fear rule the day, I find that my creativity suffers. This connection between self-care and creativity will be one of the cornerstones of the business I am developing.

 
What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

First, I would say to look for how creativity already exists in your life. No one is void of creativity, so in my way of thinking, no one can actually be new to the path.  Cooking is creative. Relationships are creative. Brushing our hair is creative. Build on that reality and you might find that you only need to expand your definition to discover your path.  Second, I would encourage them to connect with another person who might be interested in exploring art materials together in a supportive, open, and expressive way.  Third, just play.

Thanks to Anne Marie, my next guest, who answered my four questions this week!  Anne Marie is an entrepeneur, interior designer, and artist whose work inspires others to find their own creativity.  I especially love her vintage magazine work that I’ll highlight here.  Also, check out pictures of her studio here. Here we go!

As a creative person, how would you describe your expression of creativity? Do you focus on one modality or many?

Many years ago, I viewed creativity in terms of creating art (paintings, music, authoring a book) as the only definition of the word. However, I’ve come to see the broader meaning this word holds, and that each and everyone of us is a creative being. How the natural world around us is in a constant state of creativity.  I’ve actually been exploring this concept over the past year and plan to incorporate these ideas into a project I’m beginning to work on for release later this year.

For you, what does it mean to you to be on a creative path or journey?
It means everything to me!  Learning to open myself up to the creative person I am, to letting her shine, has actually transformed my life in ways I never expected.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that allowing myself to really be my creative self, has given me an opportunity for a whole new career path.  And, it helped me break down walls that I had built around my heart.  Pretty cool, don’t you think? 

I’ve heard different stories of people who suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere decide to focus on being creative, others who were interested, but yet decide not to nurture it…yet others who have always expressed their creativity. How would you describe your particular experience in regards to realizing that you would dedicate your time and energy to making art?
  Hum….interesting question.  I’ve long known (since childhood) that I had a huge potential for creativity, but it was not nurtured in those years.  I was taught more about left brain strategies for making it in life.  And, since I am also quite adept at left brain activities, I turned the creative, right brain side of myself off for most of my life.  I owe a great deal of my learning to come out of my left brain shell and opening up my creative self to my husband.  When we met fifteen years ago, he was the first person that had come into my life who encouraged and nurtured my artistic side. He is an amazingly creative and artistic person himself.  All I needed was a little push to start believing in myself.  Then, three years ago I went back to school to get a degree in interior design.  Through the process, I was forced to really stretch my artistic skills and desires.  And here’s the funny part – the experience in school actually propelled me even further on a creative path than expected.  I don’t even want to be an interior designer any longer because it seems to limited to me now.  This is my year to become who I’ve longed hoped to be, and I plan to pursue this life I want with gusto – and CREATIVITY!  

 
What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

Listen closely to your inner dialogue.  Being true to ourselves is often a very hard thing to do, as we all have so many day to day, real life pressures put upon us.  Tell yourself everyday, that this is your one life, and you must make it what you want it to be.  And lastly, do what you do with joy and love – for yourself, for others, and for the art that you create.  I promise that if you do, it will be awesome!

I am so happy about my next artist highlight….Sofia Dabalsa is an upbeat, artistic soul that exudes friendliness and loveliness.  We have lot’s in common especially where we are on our creative paths and also who inspires us!  I love her colorful and bold style.   Not only is she talented, but her kindess shines through!  Now for the four questions… 

As a creative person, how would you describe your expression of creativity? Do you focus on one modality or many?

As a creative person the way I express myself can come in many different forms. I am just a girl who wants to expose her emotions through any artistic way possible. Sometimes that means bringing in a beautiful rose to my co-workers at work. Other times it means offering to cook dinner for a friend. I strive to make those around me feel that they are important and that they matter. My paintings came about in this manner. As a way to show my love to friends and family I began to paint pictures of things they love. I have worked with oils and acrylics. I also have begun trying mixed media as well. Expressing my creativity comes in so many forms. Sketching is one of my favorite things to do and as such is a great way to express my creativity. There was a time when I sought approval from others about my artistic creations. I no longer worry if it makes sense to others. I cannot put limitations on the emotions that swirl in and out of my heart. I simply let out what is in my heart and allow it to manifest itself in the manner in which it chooses.

For you, what does it mean to you to be on a creative path or journey?

For me the creative path is following my spirit. I imagine myself walking along a dark forest like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (only I have Tito, my Chihuahua with me J).  I’m a bit scared but I know I’ve got brains, heart and courage coming along with me. The yellow brick road of creation is illuminated by my spirit. Each time I decide to pay close attention I brighten up. Following whispers and nudges of my soul always brings me home. I have learned that the more I allow myself to create the closer I get to my true self. I can see this more clearly today than another other time in my life. Paying attention to my spirit allows me to manifest artistic creations. The process of creation feeds my spirit. It is all connected. I love that we all have this power. We can all do this, only, everyone comes to this point at different times and through different ways. I began paying attention to the whispers of my spirit when I found another soulful artists’ work by the name of Kelly Rae Roberts. Since that time I have continued the journey towards breathing, relaxing and opening into a new world through my art. I have been learning, growing and expanding closer to my true self.

I’ve heard different stories of people who suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere decide to focus on being creative, others who were interested, but yet decide not to nurture it…yet others who have always expressed their creativity. How would you describe your particular experience in regards to realizing that you would dedicate your time and energy to making art?

The realization that I will be focused on creating from a spirit place has only come just recently for me. I would say that the last 2 years has been a time of soul searching and growth. I am still soul searching and still growing. I am thankful to have crossed paths with other like-minded souls. I am so thankful that there are others out in the world that feel as passionately as I. I realized that I needed to claim that I was an artist in the bookstore one day. Looking into the eyes of a woman that Kelly Rae Roberts painted changed my life forever. I could feel Kelly Rae Roberts…her love and her honesty and her spirit all….calling to me in the form of a beautiful painting. It’s as if my soul was awakened from a long slumber. That day I made a promise that I would paint, write, sing and spread as much artful love as I could. I have sold paintings, I have collaborated in art shows, I have been approached to paint things for others and I have met the most wonderful souls along the way. I am still not done. There is something greater, I know. My spirit does not have an off switch anymore and the path is dimly lit. I can see all the beauty around me. I can see the forks in the road ahead and I can see some obstacles there as well. I can see the shining Emerald City far on the horizon…once I get there to that magical place, I want to discover that the light I was walking towards, focused on so intently all those years was the light of my own spirit calling me home.

What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

• I would advise anyone starting off on a creative path to start by listening to his or her spirit. Get quiet and listen to the voice inside. Figure out what is nudging your spirit. Journaling helped me uncover things I was always aware of just did not pay attention to.
• Pick up Kelly Rae Roberts book, Taking Flight and Julia Cameron’s book, The Artists Way. Both of these women have transformed my way of being in art and in life. I cannot say enough about them. If and only if you can commit to what they say to do, buy them and do it! Life-changing!
• Make a habit out of being artistically creative. As people we can form positive habits. We can form habits today that will set us towards the path to discovering our future selves. In the future I am creating art and touching lives on a full-time basis!

I’m delighted to introduce the artist of the week: Deborah Velásquez!  She is a pleasure to know online, always encouraging and witty.  Deborah is a highly trained artist who has a wonderfully defined artistic style, currently blending the world of words, paint, and nature.  Personally, I am very drawn to her work…clean, poetic, fresh, and soulful.  It’s a refreshing mix of contemporary and traditional vintage. Explore her blog here which is full of charm both with the written word and visual prints. You can also visit her Facebook page and don’t hesitate to drop by her etsy store for her beautiful prints! 

For now, sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy a special peek into the artist behind the art. Her advice for those just starting a creative path is right on target….I’m taking her advice! Oh, and make sure to read the last image…too funny!

1. As a creative person, how would you describe your expression of creativity? Do you focus on one modality or many? 

My expression of creativity has taken and continues to take many avenues and is represented in many forms. As of late I have been expressing myself through word art. I have always loved typography and I am always inspired by letters, their shape and form.  Now that love of word comes through with my thoughts and messages on paper or canvas. I strongly believe it has come to the forefront because of my blog, which I started in August. I am most proud of the bilingual aspect that has made its way to my painted pieces. I at times think in Spanish and now I have a place in my art to express my other language and culture.

My creative history contains art school and creative jobs in design. I worked in the fashion industry before kids and my jobs have included graphic design, textile design and millinery. I continue to learn and explore different mediums of art to express what I feel and think. My collection of work is like a canvas in itself and it has been translated into a line, a brand. This aspect of my work has happened purely by accident or should we say organically!  For example, when I did my first art and crafts festival with my cards, notebooks, paintings and mobiles my booth seemed empty so I added painted ceramics. I pulled color and graphics from the cards into decorative touches on the ceramics. My handmade owls evolved from making crafts with my oldest son, he wanted to sew, and so we did. We made handmade owls and birds as gifts for his teachers at Christmas. When I did my first show I had the ceramics, the cards and the owls but the area in the gallery needed more punch so I created my large flower paintings. It has been a process of adding more to my canvas sort of speak.

Presently I have a line that features a stationery component with cards, magnets and notebooks. I have a tabletop component with painted ceramic vases, dishes and coasters. For the home I offer decorative pieces such as paintings, textiles (hand printed tea towels and such), handmade ornaments and mobiles. My dream is to do a trade show. My ultimate dream is to design rugs.

I am consistent in my style and color choices; my creativity comes from a deep place within. I know this is what I am meant to be doing and have known since a young age. I wanted to go into medicine, I loved chemistry but at the same time I loved making art. My mother was very supportive and she always said to “live life without regret” I have always said that making art for me is like a relationship. It is like being in love.

It brings me to another level, to another place.

One of great joy.

2. For you, what does it mean to you to be on a creative path or journey? 
 

To me, to be on a creative path or journey is to choose to make art, evolve and grow as an artist with knowledge through learning, build your body of work, create a style all your own. Your work is the essence of you, is it not? Be you, be true, be.

On your journey you might have to get off the bus or even change buses for a while due to family stuff, other commitments or just to deal with what life throws at you. Just remember the creative path still awaits you, the road is still there to follow. You have made it to your first destination though and that is in choosing to be artist.

3. I’ve heard different stories of people who suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere decide to focus on being creative, others who were interested, but yet decide not to nurture it…yet others who have always expressed their creativity. How would you describe your particular experience in regards to realizing that you would dedicate your time and energy to making art?

I enjoy being creative, nothing lights me more than making something out of nothing. I have always expressed my creativity with my hands be it sewing, making hats, making mobiles or painting. I always knew I wanted to do something creative and in the arts. I decided early on that I would take this path. I guess I really made the commitment when I applied to college; I made a plan to learn what I needed to work in a creative field. The decision to focus on my own art came about because I was laid off one of my creative positions due to company restructuring. I used my severance package to start my adventure in creating a body of work, do art shows and get into stores. At some point after that I was given an opportunity to work with a retail design team in New York. One of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to work for two fabulous women who have affected my life in many, many positive ways. I chose to step away from my own art for a while.  I would eventually come back to making my own art after my first child was born I became a stay at home mom; I became that “artist mom”. I created art side by side with my son as he grew and my body of work grew. That is how it all started.

I am inspired by my children and because of their sense of wonder I enjoy and see the beauty in every day. It is not always easy to make art as a stay at home mom. I find myself making art in bits between naptime, playdates and school pick up but I do get to do what I love and that’s a good thing.

4. What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

 I actually have five! I think about this a lot! Z: Even Better!

• Don’t let fear cripple you. Make him a friend; make him a welcomed guest at the table of your success. Don’t let fear turn into regret, as I said earlier “live life without regret”.  Thanks mom!

• Put yourself and your work out there. Take a chance you might be pleasantly surprised. If you don’t ask you don’t get. Everyone has or will have a customer, a client, a “their person” with whom their work connects with and speaks to.

• Make art everyday, it can just be a doodle. I have an exercise I do in the morning, takes seconds. I take a sheet of paper and put the pen down once to make a continuous line of scribbles doodles never picking up the pen till the page is significantly covered with creative marks. Voilà! Your first masterpiece of the day!

• Don’t let anyone tell you it is only a hobby! Or you don’t really work because you make art! Or it’s not a “real” job.

• Keep learning and share your knowledge to inspire others.

                        All images were provided by Deborah Velasquez

Click on image to go to etsy shop

Here are the 5 questions   Make sure to check out her Facebook page, twitter (artistjacquie), and etsy shop!  

As an artist, do you focus on one modality or many? If so what are they?
I used to focus on many.  I knew I wanted to create things, but I wasn’t sure what I was meant to do.  I’m a libra, so everything I see I want to try anyway.  Let’s see if I can remember everything I’ve done:  mosaics, crochet, sewing, scrapbooking, calligraphy, quilling, jewelry making, polymer clay, pottery, and I’m sure there’s more.  I always wanted to paint, but I never really had the nerve.  I had tried a couple of times, but I didn’t really like the results.  I’m the type that if I don’t like what I’ve done the first time, then I think I can’t do it.  I have purchased numerous ar tmagazines and books over the years.  I really admired Kelly Rae Roberts for so long. After I lost my job, I saw her book in the art store.  I have to have that I thought, so I gotit.  Once I started reading it and found out that she had only been painting for two years when she wrote the book, I realized I could do that too.  So, I started drawing and actually painting my first girlie painting.  I was so proud of how it turned out.  I couldn’t believe I did that.  So, I decided to put down all the othe rthings I had tried over the years.  I have incorporated as many supplies as possible like scrapbooking paper and polymerclay, but I’m am sticking with painting.
What does it mean to you to be on a creative path or journey?

Click to go to etsy shop

It actually means the world to me.  I finally feel like I’m doing something that I’m meant to be doing.  I have searched for many years to figure out why I’m here, and I truly believe this is why. I have never felt so committed to something before.  I’m always excited to learn new things about painting and new techniques.

 I’ve heard different stories of people who suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere decide to focus on being creative, others who were interested, but yet decide not to nurture it…yet others who have always created art. How would you describe your particular experience in regards to realizing that you would dedicate your time and energy to making art?

I never really felt like I was meant to make art.  I always thought that I liked doing things, but I really didn’t have any talent, otherwise, I wouldn’t have done all those things I talked about above.  It really was Kelly Rae who turned me around.  Also,I really had nothing else to do with my time, since I was unemployed.  I finally thought, maybe it’s the universe telling me this is it.

Click on image to go to etsy shop

What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on a creative path?

Don’t give up.  Even when you think you might not be good at it, stick with it and practice.  Take some online classes and see what is right for you. 

Face your fears.  The first time you do it, it’s pretty hard, but it gets easier after that, and you accomplish so many great things from it. 

Get yourself out there.  Don’t be shy about meeting new artsy friends.  They really are the most friendly supportive people I’ve every met.

Welcome to our first Blog Hop of 2012!!

The Challenge was to define the New Year in one word. Click on the

Word Hop picture to visit my fellow blog hoppers.

I’ve wrote about my word of the year in two posts you can read here and here.

 

• makes exquisite jewelry
• artistically mulit-faceted
• she exudes a joy for life
• she is kind, supportive, and friendly on our online community
• almost a daily blogger…which is awesome
• listens to her whispers of creativity

As a creative person, how would you describe your expression of creativity? Do you focus on one modality or many?

Janet: I use many mediums. Right now I am focusing more on mixed media art, but I will use whatever is handy. I just need to be creating!

What does it mean to you to be on a creative path or journey?

image from Tatter'nWorn by Janet Forrest

see where it took me. As I’ve proceeded, my heart’s desire seems to be that I want to paint and be able to sell my work, but I’m just not sure yet that there is time in my life for that right now. I’m trying to broaden my horizons, learn as much as I can, and hopefully the universe will point me in the direction I am supposed to be going.

I’ve heard different stories of people who suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere decide to focus on being creative, others who were interested, but yet don’t nurture it…yet others who have always created in some way. How would you describe your particular realization that you would dedicate time and energy to making art in your case?

Janet: I do not remember a time when I was NOT doing something of an artistic nature. As far as I can tell, that inclination was something that was always there, I’ve just focused more on it at some times in my life than in others.

What are the three pieces of advice that you would give someone just starting out on this creative path?

Janet:

Follow your heart. If you are a planner, plan your route, if not, just wander and see where it takes you.
Don’t compare yourself to others. This is hard, because we always look at other people’s art and see how ours stacks up. I don’t think it is healthy. Art is personal, and we are all at different stages in our lives and abilities. Just do what you do, let others influence you, but just let your art be your art.
Enjoy the journey. If you are not going to have fun with it, why bother?

Here are the next 4 prompts…

What have you done well over the past year—the little stuff and the big stuff? How do you celebrate the positives?

I’ve made decisions thinking about what is best for myself and based on following my dreams.  I’ve learned to ease into what gives me joy and try to stay there.  I’m leaning into becoming aware of every thought, word, and action in order to get to a point of authenticity.  I’m going to figure out a way to celebrate the positives…I don’t think I do.

The easiest way to overcome fear is to confront it. Rather than brainstorming reasons to avoid your “fear,” shift your attention to the reasons for confronting your fear. What fear would you like to overcome in 2012?

fear of failure…fear of overworking myself…fear of scarcity…fear of being afraid

Over the past year have you experienced any major/minor life transitions? How has your life changed?

I transitioned into a new job that has allowed for professional growth and personal satisfaction.  I’ve met wonderful people and learned so much about the human eagerness to do better.  I’ve learned humility, to understand others, and how to be helpful to others.

Reverb11 prompts have helped in developing more soulful posts….here are the next four prompts.

If you were a superhero, what would your power be?

This took me long….it’s such an odd question!  Mmmmmm…..maybe like speaking every language in the world.  Yeah, that sounds like fun.

How do you nourish your soul? What activities are essential nutrients for your soul’s well-being?  

The list is endless, but these are my top 5 for this New Year.

1. Working the allotted amount of time, if not I get stressed, overweight, and don’t excercise

2. Prayl/Meditate daily

3. Spend time with the people I love and am interested in developing a deeper, more meaningful relationship

4. Writing/Creating/Dreaming

5. Choosing love instead of fear

What is the one thing that you are most looking forward to in 2012?

I’m looking forward to see how my life unfolds with my newly developed hopes and dreams…especially my creative projects!

What are the things (or people or animals) in this world that you love the most.  

There’s no way to list all the things I love!  So I’ll list a few…my husband, my parents, my sister, my nephews, my two cousins (you know who you are), my book club, my creative workspace, my laptop, photography, the internet!, my online community of creative souls, our home, teaching, learning new things, creative ideas, squirrels……I’ll stop there.