Following the Muse

How do we keep our dreams alive? Turn our possibilities into reality? To remain working to find our passions fulfilled? 

If you are an artist or practicing any other creative path it may even be more challenging.  The rules, if there are any, are not as linear as a more conventional way of life. We search and we seek (and sometimes hide).  Ultimately we find what works for us and who "speaks" to us  while still maintaining work of value, finding a community virtually and otherwise, redefining the word balance  and following those that inspire us to do our best work.

My first was Bob Dylan, being a fan of his for 50 years.

These days this is my (partial) list:

Seth Godin,  who encourages us to find a tribe and create a ruckus and make something happen.  Seth brings brilliant guidance into my inbox everyday.

Eric Maisel, who's (one of many books) "Coaching the Artist Within" led me on a new and exciting path of both making art once again and learning about Creativity Coaching. I am finishing up an online course with Eric and he has given me the confidence that I have something to share to help others (and myself).

(Dr.) Barbara Moody., Phenomenal  Artist and Inspiring Instructor (in caps because she deserves it). Barbara gave me the hope and direction I needed when after many, many years away from creating studio art I took her 8 day immersive "Personal Imagery" mixed media class at Montserrat College of Art.

And, my MOM who will be 97 tomorrow.  I am still learning from her and finding out things about her life that couldn't have happened if she did not live this well this long. Plus, her paintings are an art show this week (2nd year in a row)!

I would really like to hear who inspires you! Really. If we share just think of the expansion of  knowledge and opportunity for all of us. Please do leave your thoughts in "comments"...

Thank you for reading and to all my other "muses".

Love,
Susan

617-460-3730
s.siefer@comcast.net

My Dinner With Artists

The life of an artist can be isolating even though making art is usually like heaven (sometimes hell) and the time goes by in a flash. I have been fortunate in the past few months to meet many talented and supportive artists through classes, gallery openings, serendipity, and of all things my studio space.

Last night 3 of us got together for wine and dinner and our ipads to share our latest news and work.

Carin  and Diana:

 Carin and I met in an intensive painting/mixed media class at Montserrat College of Art this past winter. Diana and I are across the hall from each other in our Mill Studio building in North Andover, MA.  The funny thing is that Carin and Diana knew each other from before from a class and a show they were in together, so it all came together. (Click on their names for contact info.)

I am fortunate to be able see Diana's complex mixed media pieces often and in progress. Sometimes I just want to stand in her studio and take in the colors and textures and depth of her materials. Each one is a little masterpiece!

©Diana Bourgeois, 2013, mixed media on canvas board

©Diana Bourgeois, 2013, mixed media on canvas board

Carin's colors, compositions and passion are dynamic. Many of her pieces are on paper using different mediums including pigment, charcoal, and various tools to make her marks. Carin has been in shows around the North Shore area and continues to work in her home studio (with abandonment!).

©Carin Doben, 2013, mixed media on paper

©Carin Doben, 2013, mixed media on paper

I am inspired and encouraged by the symbiotic friendships formed, old and new, from a love of and passion for art, design and all things creative.  Thank you!

Do you need some love, support, encouragement, accountability to return to or continue your creative practice? I can help through my Creativity Coaching sessions.  I offer a free 30 minute trial!

With Love,
Susan
617-460-3730

DAILIES

Since my birthday on April 11,  I have set out to do small (about 3"x5") mixed media pieces using bits and pieces of my old art, design, craft, the places I have been in the past many years. I thought they would be studies for bigger pieces of art, but they seem to be taking on a life of their own.

In my fantasies eye, I plan to do one everyday for a year. Sometimes reality wins out, but as of now I'm determined.  I am inspired by Seth Godin's blogs every morning. Make something happen...

Here is my first:

©Susan Siefer, April 11, 2013

My last blog was about Marathon Day in Boston and the Daily I had done before the circumstances and after.

Here they are , keeping each other company:

©Susan Siefer 2013

All signed and some titled on the back:

And, the 3 most recent including today's:

©Susan Siefer 2013

These seem to have a 50's vibe going on. Funny, because yesterday at Todd Farm I sold a slew of old wood cigar and jewelry boxes to a woman opening up a mid-century furniture and accessory store.
Unfortunately she didn't have any cards but the name of the business is Salvage ATV on Mass Ave in Arlington MA

I love packaging. Each one has it's own cellophane envelope fitting snug as a bug.

I would love to show these as a group when the year is up, all 365!

Meanwhile, I am getting a few paintings ready for the show at MassArt which opens this Sunday.
I hope to see you there!

How can I help change your ARTFUL view?

Warm regards,

Susan
617-460-3730

After Marathon Monday

Today was a perfect day to run a marathon. I have run three  Boston's, a joyous day, a proud day for Boston, innocent and hopeful with huge comraderie, especially for us in the back of the pack.
Early morning, thinking of the day ahead and a couple of my old buddies running, I created my daily collage:

 

That is the number and a safety pin from my original bib from the 100th running.

Here is the bib itself:

A source of pride for Boston and all of the towns along the route that reminds us of everything that is good and now a little bit of innocence has once again been taken away. These are just people like us, they are us, running for a cause or for their own personal accomplishment.  Tragic. Sad. Without words.

A prayer for all of those involved and a huge commendment for all of those that helped.

Susan

The Rabbit Hole

This is how I don't get things done, or those things that I think I ought to. Okay, I'm working on a new page for my blog on Creativity Coaching. I need a new image of a book I was inspired by and go into Amazon and first start looking at the reccomended for you, a good 5 minutes and one thing leads to another and THERE is my friend Jackie Davis on the cover of the incredible book on finding your style by Ginger Burr.

Long story short, here is the book, my friend Jackie is on the right on the cover and congratulations to the ever classy and beautiful Ginger Burr., of Total Image Consultants.She deserves all of the success she will reap from this book.

Get it here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1452568731/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

It was worth the Amazon rabbit hole to share this bit of information.

Now, back to my blog page on Creativity Coaching.

Have a good night.

Warm regards and finally Spring!

Susan