How You See Your Truth

 One of the paintings I was working on the other day was on the coffee table when some folks came by. A lady picked them up and was looking at it when my son said "that's one of mama's Goddesses!" The lady replied with a "yeah, she always paints this face." Completely harmless statement...but for some reason every bit of wind went out of my sails and I completely deflated. She had absolutely no idea that what she said affected me. No one was aware that anything happened at all, I however, haven't painted, sketched or written since then.

 And then I realized- Duh, that's her opinion - not your truth!

 Yes, I paint the same face over and over, that's my STYLE and also, that's what I look like. I paint myself: sad eyes, wonky teeth, happy heart. It's me, over and over...and i'm okay with that. Had I not thought long and hard about this as quickly as possible, I could have been left in an artistic slump and spiral for a really long time. Some folks are always going to say things that deflate your soul. The ability to surpass that, move on, and create even more is where the challenge lies. You are the only strength that you can lean on in this creative journey. No matter how much praise you receive from the outside world, if you don't believe in yourself and your own abilities, nothing else is going to matter.

PS-That lady was my mom... 

Make More Art

The world needs more creativity and less negativity...so I'm gonna do just that- today starts the ass bustin making week...i'll post picks of all of the FINISHED stuff I make! Did you hear that? FINISHED?!? 

Ding Dong Style

 Weird title, but there's a place called Pinky's and they have the best burgers and such, ever- if you get it 'ding dong style' it comes with crunchy peanut butter, sriracha, and honey cilantro slaw...it's crazy good- and things that you would never imagine putting on your burger...together. That's how I live, I mix anything and everything that I like all together and give it a try. Usually it works out for the best! Writing, painting, fiber, collage, fashion, music and life...everyday, all day. That's my ding dong style. I like to take chances- and sometimes i need a little self motivation...I tend to drag my feet...but when I finally try that something new, I'm so happy i did! It is always an adventure...and what else is there, really? 
 Today's adventure went like this...
I was invited to join Lisa Rough's awesome hullabaloo-" GREAT BIG SUMMERTIME BLOG HULLABALOO, an intimate and sometimes vulnerable celebration of the human spirit.  I like to imagine us all sitting in a circle together, perhaps around a crackling fire….  bearing witness to one another’s stories that display such breadth of courage, tenacity, and hope.  It’s not too late to grab a seat and share your story (or art, love letter, bucket list, etc.)–  there’s nothing else I would love more! " (grabbed Lisa's words from here)

I of course, drug my feet, and I wasn't even sure what I was going to write about, other than my love of expression and the joy of being female...when I finally settled down and began to write- I couldn't turn it off...words like water poured out of my fingers! What came out of me was a testament of authenticity...or, be yourself dammit!...and then

I SENT IT IN!

 To be read by people who know nothing of me and have never read my writings and ramblins'- who may or may not understand my ding dong style. And guess what? I'm okay! It was painless, and if no one gets it or likes it- I won't be hurt- because, I did it for me! It was what I was feeling, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels that way. And if i even affect one woman with my true self for the good, then hot diggity, i'm on to something! I will have made a difference. And that is my ultimate adventure. 

Get over to Lisa Rough's blog Sacred Circle- she has a summer-full of amazing creatives posting daily on her blog, and it's spectacular!

Layers of Adventure

 I love to create, but sometimes I fall into this place. That place where I worry if I'm marketable, if others will appreciate me and my work, if they will even understand. I've been there for awhile, and then today, I realized that I DON'T create for others! I create for ME!
 When I paint for myself, I make things and use materials in ways I never would have, if I put thought and direction into it. I'm not saying a plan is a bad idea...it's just not the way I work. I create freely and intuitively, then I find the imagery in the art. Then I pull it out with high and low lighting-some of my paintings are ten even fifteen layers deep, but each layer tells a story of the adventure of the piece. The growth of the the releasing of creativity. When I forget that, painting becomes a chore. But today, it was a gift!
 Let yourself free, and take an adventure into and with your art, you will be surprised where you end up if you just LET GO.

Excuses On Top of Excuses

Ok- I've been gone for most of February, and here's why...

Gaston School of the Arts- the day I was finally set to sign my lease, the day of my new career(!) My partner dropped a bomb...she couldnt do her full time job and art classes too. The contract was for us both, not just me. Which made me feel as if...what am I chopped liver? I can do this alone... Which is pure bunk. 4 weeks of paintings all by myself?!? I have trouble with two new images every month! Coming up with my own art for me is no problem. Coming up with an image I can teach and recreate is a huge deal. My brain doesn't want to work that way! So finally today, the director and I spoke and we are going to hold only ONE class a month, whew! And i'm happy to say my partner is kicking ass and taking names at her job! She's super creative and she'll get back to it, in her own time.

Sick- so dang sick off an on I didnt want to move. yucky everywhere, and as soon as one of us was fine the next would get it and we've rolled it around for about three weeks- yucky ick.

Art Journalling- Every coupla months I become re-obsessed with journal work. Work made for me and my enjoyment...I could totally paint the same page everyday over and over, and I would be just as content...but to have BOOKS with my work is AWESOME! I love to put nonsense on toppa nonsense and it turns into art...sometimes not...but usually yes. So awesome! Glue and paper and paint and marker heck yeah!

Wii U- I'm convinced the government has a movement connected to video games to keep us inactive so that we're easier to herd and overtake when the time comes. (just kidding...sorta) Mario is in my head and dreams!

Wind Through the Keyhole Stephen King- The dark Tower series is my all time favorite works of SK, and this may very well be my favorite book out of the series. When I'm not working, cleaning, cooking, teaching (yoga and art) or playing the Wii...I'm nose deep in this marvelous book. He really transforms me to mid-world, a place i'm not all too sure I'd want to live, but I'd visit...roundtrip.

Other than that, I'm just lazy. But i love to blog...and I'll be more frequent, and hopefully more entertaining!

Hand in Hand

I teach a Sip and Paint Class every other week at Gaston School of the Arts. Taking a blank canvas and a person who's never painted, and teaching them to trust their creativity is my magic. It's what I live for. For a long time, I only created things I felt were "popular". I would only teach something if I thought it would generate interest. But then I remembered...I quit making art for others a long time ago, why start back up? If someone feels drawn to my work, then they'll join the class, if not then- that's okay too!

 If you'd are in the area and feel 'drawn', then stop by! Or just check me out online...
MadHatters Paint Parties

Tutorial- Dream Catcher

Scraped Paint and Old Hoops!

Acrylic Painted Hoops!

Painty Feathers

EASY PEASY!!!

(This was totally just a whim-)

I was feeling so puny today I decided to make something uplifting.

First, I took the inside of an embroidery hoop and painted it. 

I then scraped paint on watercolor paper and cut feathers out of it and decorated them with little designs in sharpie.

After the hoop dried, I wrapped hemp around the outer edge of the hoop and made loops...tightening the string as I got closer and closer to the center. I really kind of winged it- but i'm sure there are plenty of tutorials online!

I then took all the ribbon I could and knotted it around the bottom of the hoop.

Added feathers and- Wah Lah!! 

A Dream Catcher!!!

The Fire Within

My fire is burning bright today. Being fed ideas like fuel, and fanned by the long ago false notion that I had ruined my life. I am an

  UNTEACHER.

I take every thing you have every been told about rules and throw them out the window. You don't need rules.

You need to LISTEN. 

Listen to your heart, your soul, your gut...

that's called

Intuition.

We all have it, some just hear it louder than others. 

I'm here to show you how to turn it up!! 

The Fire Within Intuitive Painting Workshop

Reclaiming your magic and opening your heart through paint and journaling.

I will be unschooling the whole workshop. There are no rights or wrongs or rules. Just Paint and Passion. We will relearn the art of creativity through process and intuition. Letting color splash and play on canvas. Creating BIG and BOLD. Artists and creatives of all levels and backgrounds are invited to join.

We will...

meditate, journal, move

and...

Paint our heART out. 

For those of you who like an itinerary- 

We will begin at 10am on Saturday December 1 at Arts on Main in Gastonia NC by joining a circle and setting our intentions. We will then  journal and meditate followed by 2 hours of passionate painting. We'll break for lunch and then reconvene to continue to paint, alternating painting, movement and writing our souls out. We will be ready for clean up by 5!

Cost is $140 

All supplies and lunch will be provided, as well as a playbook to take home.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a journal, we will have some for sale if you'd like to purchase one. Plenty of fun and surprises are in store!!

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

We offer plenty of free and safe parking behind the gallery/studio in a secure parking lot. 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

please contact Anastasia Boswell at happysappytrees@gmail.com

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. I will have a copy of attendees.

What is the refund policy?

It is necessary to pre-register for all workshops in advance. Fees are returnable if your cancellation is made at least 1 week prior to workshop date (less a 20% service fee)

If the class is canceled by HappyTrees Studio for any reason, your fee is completely refundable. Fees are due at the time of registration. Sorry, no exceptions. No refunds after the one week deadline.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

That's fine! In fact I encourage you to purchase a ticket for someone you know who will benefit from this workshop!!

I'll be sending out more information about the class after you register...and you can register here...The Fire Within

In my studio

Be Yourself

This is the best advice I've ever received or given.Who AM I, you might say...

 The way I've really begun coming in to ME, and finding ME, is through meditation, yoga, journaling, and intuitive painting. A daily meditation practice twice a day has been so enlightening, and pressure free. I just sit comfortably, and open myself unto the universe before I begin, then I close my eyes and begin to breathe...a four count in a four count out...when my thoughts start to wander I gently pull them back to my breath. Your mind is made to wander...you are training it with every session to be still and focused. It's a PRACTICE. I also MOVE. Stretching and doing a light yoga practice daily is good for getting my creative juices a flowing! Which moves me straight into stream of conscious writing, then going back through my journal and underlining the most meaningful things...or taking notes on what stands out TO ME. When I paint, I move, write, meditate and paint all at the same time. When I get stuck, I write, or meditate, or move.  I remind myself daily to create...and that the creating is all in the process, not in the product. Color, flow and movement are amazingly freeing. All of these things together have helped me understand who I am and how I fit into my skin. And they may help you too! Begin your daily practice and start finding YOU, today!