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I have been re-shooting some of my jewelry photos while I have some nice native American backgrounds in books from the library. This one isn't too bad, although the flash is irritating. I decided to polish this piece and try again with my finger blocking some of the flash.
One thing led to another and I ended up adding my lightning bolts. But...there doesn't seem to be a way to turn the picture around now that I have what I want, and without glare. I need to start compiling a slide library to send along with grant applications. They actually give away grant money to create this sort of work...but so far, I haven't been able to afford to find and pay a photographer to do it. They call them "professional development" grants. I can always retrieve this after it is published in picasa, then turn it, crop it, and then I will have one potential slide. One down and 11 to go as most places want to see 12 slides of the artists work.
A while back I sold some buttons I made from old damaged dimes, to a woman in Canada. I loved doing them, and if I was a seamstress, I would replace some of the buttons on my favorite clothes with silver ones. Today, I will be doing the same thing with some damaged copper penny's. As I compile pictures and slides to add to my upcoming grant proposals, "recycling" seems to be what I do that is different than others. Recycled art works may just be the very thing that will cause grantmakers to take a second look at my proposal. When I review the art I have done for the past few years "recycling" is a constant theme. It occurs to me that I don't buy many new things, but rather I use things that I already have, or I buy old things. I recycle, reuse, and re-purpose most everything I use in my art projects. The dimes in this photo are all purchased on eBay, and were damaged dimes when I bought them. It is totally legal to alter damaged dimes, although you would be surprised as to how many folks believe it is defacing money. Ironic that I could buy a damaged dime for $2, alter it without legal consequences, but if I tried to alter a dime (worth only 10 cents) that is in circulation it would be a felony. Early Native American silversmiths learned this art from the Spanish. Even before I knew for sure about my own native heritage, I have been following their footsteps. Perhaps "recycling" is not a new idea at all, just an idea that has finally become fashionable.
I am so proud of my friend Sarah. I have known Sarah since my freshman year in high school. We use to skip 4th period study hall and go outside to the Ag barns and hang out with the animals. I am not sure why we were never caught, or never missed for that matter. Still, those hours have stayed with me in my memory since that time. Recently, through Facebook, I have gotten reacquainted with Sarah. I went and visited her at her business when I went to do laundry at Jeff's laundromat. I stop by every time I go there, and see what she is up to. The reason I am proud of Sarah is that she went into business for herself, doing what she loves and what she is best at, dog grooming. She told me the story of how she got started. She was all set to buy a drive through beer dock, that would have been a certain success. In fact, she was about to purchase two of them as I recall, and at the last minute decided to invest in herself and this dog grooming business. Yesterday, when I was doing my laundry, I went over to the window to try and take a picture. I was greeting by one of her happy pooch customers that refused to stop scratching at the door, until Sarah came to see who was causing the ruckus. Sarah's business is called Shampooch, and I have faith that her following her dream, sets the pace and example for the rest of us. She would not have been happy spending her days in a beer dock. I have made similar decisions in my life. So many times people who have seen my drawings say to me "you should do tattoos". While the drawing and art part of that is very appealing to me, what is not appealing is...I hate needles and puncturing skin. It makes me queezy, I also think for the most part, I wouldn't want to hang out with the people who get tattoos for the length of time I would have to interact with them. And yeah...I could have made a lot of money doing it, but I would not have been happy with any other thing about it, except the money.
In June 2006 I began drumming after several years not having the opportunity to drum. It is not often that we know the feeling of "it just doesn't get any better than this"! But I knew that day. I really did. I had the most ecstatic experience drumming with these people that day. There really has not been another day that was quite like that day since, but I am grateful that I got to bask in the knowing of it! We were drumming in front of the Norka mural that has since been covered up. You may remember that I publicly opposed that deed, but it was clear that my protests would find little support as business always comes before art. True to my nature as an art therapist I captured the essence of that day by painting 3 of the drummers into the mural onto my canvas. I still have this painting, although the paints are gone. I still have the memory of that day even though the mural and the people are no longer in my life.
Several years ago I started this painting of the Blue House On Deming And Cliffside. I didn't ever quite finish it, and it was stolen on October 26, 2010. I am not a wealthy woman, but I can offer a reward for the return of this painting that is not monetary. Since there is no such thing as art police, I will just have to trust that the universe is always on purpose. It is not likely that the thief knew what he or she was stealing as they were quickly taking 4 boxes from my truck in between my trips to and from. I can't imagine that anyone would ever intentionally steal this painting, but there was one enemy who openly admired it even though it was not finished or signed. Out of all the things that were taken or destroyed that year this painting is the thing that hurts the most. I have every confidence that I could repaint it, but I don't have the inspiration to do so, as I had when I painted it the first time. Keep your eye's open dearest readership. If you find my painting, I will give you a surprise that I promise you will be much better than money!
I may have found a perfect fiscal sponsor for my next project. Several years ago, when The Works was just getting off the ground, Kristi and I were both in a show there, along with several other artists (surrounding areas). I have not been back since then, and am very curious to see what all is now going on there. So much to do, and so little time. Keep your fingers crossed for me dear readership...my heart has always been in the right place, even when I was surrounded by deceivers and thieves (who's hearts were not in the right place)...in spite of them even! I may just volunteer at The Works until I can get back to Columbus. If there is any art happening in Licking County, it probably will be there.
My friend sent me some post card stamps this week and I will be sending out invitations to my upcoming show, and thank you messages to everyone who has so generously helped me out last/this year. Out of everything I have to do in the next few days, this task is joyous. Sending thank you cards and letters puts me in a state of gratitude. I had best get that gratitude altered state out of the way in order to put myself into the state of unbending intent toward my upcoming hearing in February. Two days after trial, will be my art show. Hopefully by then, all this behind me and I can concentrate fully on the next, best, first, right thing!
A few months ago when I accidentally locked my keys in the truck, a friend loaned me the money to have the tow company come and rescue me. I promised to pay her back as soon as I could secure funds, but she insisted that I make her something...a surprise. We all like surprises on some level I guess. I gave her a newly made recycle sign that was a byproduct from the metal quilt project. This was a perfect gift for my girlfriend because for years she was in charge of the local river clean-up, where volunteers take canoes and heavy duty boots and gloves and clean up the river. The annual event continues to this day and is called The River Round-up. I call her The River Round Up Queen, and as you might have guessed she was thrilled with my gift to her.
Soon thereafter she arrived for a visit, and wanted me to take my metal quilt to a tea house on River Rd. in Granville Ohio, to put it up for sale on consignment...which I no longer do as consignment is disastrous for an artist (my opinion). The metal quilt has a patron, and is really not for sale, although it is tempting to take it around to the local shops just to take everyone's temperature on the subject of recycled art.
The River Round-Up Queen struck again yesterday and dropped by to tell me that she took her own RECYCLE sign to a shop on that same road in the same little complex of shops on the outskirts of Granville...a store called Going Green Store or something to that effect. Of course I have not failed to see the irony in all this. As long as I am not being recognized for the Granville Labyrinth Project from 1996, I won't be trying to promote my art there. Anyone can make these recycle signs. They are 100% profitable...if you already have the material laying around taking up space and THE TIME TO MAKE THEM! And that is the crux of the matter. This morning I took the time to pull together a few lids, cut up loyalty cards, an Obama propaganda DVD from election time, a pop can, and I started arranging them on a board someone threw in a trash pile a couple years ago. I smiled this morning as I cut out the letters and got the project out of the way. It won't hurt to have one of these done and sitting around in my workshop for a quick sale, or trade. So if you are over on River Road in the next few weeks, check out the tea shop and the Going Green Store and let me know how my sign is doing. If anyone asks you.....tell them you can't get one, you have to back order them. It might take up to 6 months after your initial deposit. Hell....you could outsource the sign and have it back from China in that amount of time! These are the signs of our times my friends. This same woman who used to do the River Round-Up said (20 years ago) that someday we (our society) will be mining the land-fills. I knew way back then that she was on to something...and I haven't ever forgotten about that comment, or her efforts to clean up the river. It is never too soon to start doing the next, best, first, right, thing!
This week, I have been spending my time, painting a drum head on my Djun Dun to match my frame drum. Unfortunately, I have run out of paint, so the project is on hold along with several other projects on hold until I can get what I need to finish them. I will be modifying this design by losing one of the snakes, and changing the colors. This design is copyrighted and owned by All In One Tribe Drum, but is a great design with wonderful symbolism. My frame drum was signed by Paul Concha, which caused me to know that this was indeed the drum I was to purchase almost 20 years ago. Paul Concha is now a park ranger in Taos New Mexico. I think he would like my modification of this design. I will post a picture of my modified drum head on my Djun as soon as I can get it finished. This afternoon, I will be in the studio working on the leftover quilt pieces and addressing post cards for my upcoming show. I realize that I have never felt quite this comfortable being who I am as an artist and I am going to make the absolute most of it!
These kittens (3) were born in May. Somebody dropped off a pregnant female in between my neighbor and my houses. I have done my best by them without being seen. Even though the other tenants have pets (Dogs), they do not have to pay rent for their pet....I do! My landlord delights in telling me how much she hates cats...and kittens! Syd pays $10 a month to stay with me. Yes....it is discrimination against me from my landlord. I wouldn't dream of trying to challenge her on her heinous ideas until I have won my case against Nesley my previous heinous landlord. In fact I haven't even mentioned Nesley to my landlord. These kittens have acted as guardians of sorts. This particular day, I was out trying to just take a walk and do my part as a member of block watch. They followed me completely around the block, and when they realized where I was going, they ran ahead of me....as if to show me the way. I will miss little Rio. My heart breaks for her. She never had a chance. I did what I could. My friend Sally did what she could. Even St. Vincent DePaul helped out by dropping off a bag of cat food!
My frienemys are delighted in my devastation. Don't worry Nesley.....I will be over it in time to kick your ass in court. You can count on it. And Lori, your garnishment is at hand. Don't think that just because I am sad, that I have forgotten you evil bitches. I am coming after you with everything I have got, and the only way I know!
Post Script I am relieved to report that my present landlord does like cats, but we can't have them on our street because of the traffic. She and I have finally been able to talk about this whole thing. It is not her fault, and not my fault, and not my neighbors fault. The fault lies in the person who dropped off the mother cat in the first place...shame on you person. Hell won't be hot enough!
The little black female kitten that I have been trying to take care of without my landlord finding out was killed yesterday by a car. Syd loved little Rio, and I would have taken her if I had not come up against such hatred from my landlord in relation to the whole litter of kittens that were born in May. I have to pay her $10 a month for Syd, and she would have charged me $50 a month had I openly taken care of them. I can not change the fact that heinous humans do not neuter and spay their cats! I can't change that. Little Rio was surrounded by these giant neighborhood un neutered male cats the last time I saw her. It is not hard for me to imagine that they chased her into the street only to be killed by a passing car or truck. I am glad I did not hear it or see it...perhaps if I was not owed money by my x, and my x landlord, I could have done the right thing by her. I can't change peoples rigid minds. The hypocrites in my neighborhood, won't neuter their male cats, but are the first to complain about the pregnant strays. As you might guess dear readers I am devastated and overwhelmed by this tragedy and I am on the verge of tears at a public computer at the library. I hope to be over it by Monday, and be back here blogging. Take care dear readership, and if you have cats that are not spayed or neutered, please consider the consequences of this sort of negligence. On a lighter note, if you want to see some awesome photographs of black cats, do a search for Alfred Hitchcock's Black Cat Auditions. I would put in a link but I am running out of time on this public computer. Hitchcock did a movie that was an Edgar Allen Poe story in the late 50's or early 60's, and the photographs of the black cat auditions are spectacular!
Post script It turns out that my landlord does in fact like cats, and has had at least 3 cats that she told me about. Living where we do, there is alot of fast traffic and it is difficult to keep cats off the road and alive. I am relieved to finally have all this come out, as I am not financially able to take care of any other cat than Syd. It is sad that someone dropped off the mother cat, and that 2 of her kittens have been killed right in front of my house. Thank you neighbor Phil for burying them.
My friend Gail, made up these post cards for my upcoming art show and sent them to me in the mail. Thank you Gail for all you do. I am almost out of time on this library computer, so I will keep this blog brief. There are so many good souls behind me, and my art, that I would be remiss to not mention you all. Maybe some of you can come and share my glory at my art show??? I hope you all can come to my show, and I hope you all know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. If you haven't seen my blog list, Gifts From Gail is one of the ones on the list and one that I recommend.
I got some repair work on the bench right now, so I am not going to be able to follow through with some of my plans. As a silversmith, I have a love hate relationship with repairs. On one hand, the piece is not mine and all sorts of things could go wrong ruining the piece. On the other hand, a piece well made can teach me something I might not have known before attempting the repair. I don't charge anything to repair something I made, so it is hard to come up with a price for repair work. Sometimes the repair will lead to another sale...so I just have to keep a good attitude about it, and hopefully it will work out and please my customer.
I have been re-reading Robert J. Lifton's books this month in order to wrap my head around my whole history in cults in this county. A reference librarian found his new book Witness To An Extreme Century which contains the story of his life work. Back in the 90's when I escaped from The Granville Cult and moved to Columbus, Lifton's work, particularly his book The Nazi Doctors put my horrific experiences in context. I had no idea that he had also interviewed Korean POWs, Vietnam Vets, survivors of Hiroshima. His description of how he felt interviewing these monsters (Nazi Doctors) puts the exact words to my experience that eluded me since that time. I burnt most of my records of that time period in my life, but as time goes by, I am more convinced that the monsters I encountered in Granville were unreformed Nazi scientists! And why not. Denison University and Granville Ohio would be a perfect place for Nazi criminals that exchanged a noose at Nuremburg for a new identity and bank account in the U.S...for research. He describes his dreams after interviewing these individuals and they are so like mine that I can't help but compare.
A month ago I was flooded with memories of The Labyrinth Project in Granville and I found my files. Lots of Germanic names involved in that project. Could it be that I made them a modern symbol that could be openly used instead of a swastika? I may never know for sure. My experience tells me that some of those people I knew in Granville were directly involved in project paperclip and monarch. Those files are not available to the public yet, but someday will be declassified. Perhaps they should have sterilized them in the deal we made with them, so they couldn't reproduce!
This is where the fire started that killed Brenda Eastman on Easter Sunday 1977 when she lived with her son at 2108 Paul Drive. The boy lived through the fire and returned to visit the summer before I left. He had only been 5 years old when he lost his mother and was placed in a nearby home. He and his friend were walking by when he was a teenager and he had a flashback type experience that he later learned was were he had previously lived.
I found out about the fire from an old neighbor who still lived on the street and could not believe that I couldn't smell the old fire even after remodeling. Old Pete may be old, but his memory is sharp and between the story he told and the newspaper clipping that Shawn Eastman showed me, I was able to discern that the house may still be haunted by Brenda Eastman.
I didn't ever see anything...other than that the house was cosmetically altered but the shell of the house damaged so bad that doors wouldn't hang properly and holes in the roof that were not repaired. It doesn't surprise me that Nesley wasn't forthcoming with any of that history as she was only trying to profit on the house.
Many of the houses I have lived in were supposedly haunted. I am living in a whole town that I myself feel haunted by. There is nothing much to do about it as it is all paranormal. I will post more pictures of the houses I have lived in, and that are still there in future blogs...as I come across them and revisit them again.
I spoke with the prosecutor yesterday (while I was in the process of garnishing Lori's wages) and he seems to think charges can be filed against everyone in this photo. I have 3 photos in total on a flashdrive of this incident, and about 50 of the property problems up till then. We'll see. I certainly don't want to harm these kids. They were only doing what they were paid to do. They did probably know they were doing something wrong though. Things are getting interesting for sure! That would be a whole other trial...and I know the kids in this picture were only doing Nesley's bidding. They were being paid (cash and smoke). It is interesting that the two women most responsible for the heinous deed are not actually involved in the breaking of the kiln....one paying for it, and the other along for the ride (show). Because Jeanne Davis is in this photo (elbow on the truck), her previous testimony at the first trial can be thrown out, or so I am told by the prosecutor. She comes through clearly in the next two photos. I was not able to tell him which ones of the boys were actually minors at the time. That would make a difference as to the charges filed etc.
This isn't over Nesley. Not by a long shot. There are about 300 hits to this blog on average per day. It is amazing to me. My following jumped from 4 subscribers to 25 since this incident and my blogs about it. I can only imagine that my readers want to find out what is going to happen in my legal proceedings. One thing for sure though, if my lease agreement isn't honored in the city of Columbus, then nobody should ever sign one! If a landlord can breach an agreement, and pay for minors to perform property damage, and somehow not have to pay for it, then no one is safe. I wouldn't dream of moving back to Columbus unless the laws of the city and the courts would protect me from criminals like this.
On a sad note, I have not made a pot or clay piece since this incident. Way to go girls! You aren't making any art yourselves, but you will pay to destroy equipment that I would use to make art! You are monsters girlz. Do you think there is anyone out there that supports your evil deed? Maybe. Maybe someone who has also worked in tandem with your evil deed. All conspiracy theory's aside...between this photo, Dee Ames emails in regard to this, and Lori Rayburns intentional sabotage of my credit report, the case is much stronger. And as he pointed out, all their phones are linked (yes girls I gave him all your phone numbers). I don't care if it takes 5 years girls, you are going to pay for what you have done. And boys....I don't know. I was feeling sorry for you, but the prosecutor seems to think if I let you get away with this, it will free you up to do future crimes. I would say, you probably ought to work for someone else....someone ethical in the future. She isn't looking out for your interest by hiring you to destroy someones property. Just ask yourself, would she pay your bail? Would she pay for your attorney?
Franklin County Municipal Court....my home away from home. I went ahead and filled out all the paperwork to begin the garnishment process with Lori. Looks like I will need to visit the 3rd floor and then walk the paperwork up to the tenth floor. I emailed her and gave her 24 hours to make payment arrangements and to save her some money. I don't expect to hear from her though. I noticed it doesn't cost any more to request an oral hearing, so I went ahead and filled out that paperwork as well. If I have to spend so much time down here, I don't mind making my adversaries pay to park, go through metal detection, oath taking, etc. I am relieved that I don't have to know her currant employer, or bank...that there is a process.
I am relieved on all sorts of levels. If there were not a judicial process, these girls would have been free to do pretty much anything they wanted to me....screw up my credit report, bust my kiln. I don't think either of them thought this whole thing out. I did. I knew the process. And even though I hate going through it, I hate being ripped off even more. So this is just the end of the process with one case, and I imagine I will win my next case as well. Nesley won't want to be garnished as it would reveal all the bank accounts and properties. If we get that far though, I have an extra form for the motion for the oral hearing. If Lori contacts me before Friday to make payment arrangements then I would not have to make this trip. I am blogging this on Thursday in hopes that I don't. If all goes well, I should be back shortly after noon.
I will be in Columbus on Friday to get the whole garnishment process in the works. I am sad that we may have to go back to court (for an oral hearing) over this unpaid phone bill. If Lori lies under oath, then it turns the whole thing into a felony and a bench warrant. I don't think a person knows how much freedom means, unless they have had it taken away from them. I hate doing this, but at this point, the garnishment will be more than the grant I just received. When the court obtains this money, I will be able to get internet at home and maybe a land line phone. I may blog from a Columbus library tomorrow, or just wait until Saturday.
I walked my press release packet into the newsroom of Newark Advocate yesterday. This morning I tried to find a photo of the new building to no avail. Next time I go there, I will be sure snap a shot so that I can officially blog it, and it will come up on Google at the very least. It is my hope that my hometown newspaper will consider both my grant and upcoming art show to be as newsworthy as the criminal activity that makes the headlines each day. I am ashamed to report that our local recycling drop off has not been emptied since before Christmas as there is a pile up of Christmas trees in addition to everything else! I wanted to take a photograph of that location, but have not been able to come when it is tidy. I am always on the hunt for recyclables to use in my next project, so I check often. I will be compiling a couple more press releases for the two Columbus papers that have written about me and my art in the past in hopes that they will remember me and perhaps see fit to post something about my upcoming show. Perhaps you remember the article in The Short North Gazette about Bonie Bolen the mural painter. I instigated that article and was very surprised and delighted that Bonie mentioned my work in that article. The Other Paper ran an article called Be Careful Where You Put Your Mural which I was quoted along with the owner of the building. We were both very unhappy that a local business covered up the best Short North Mural when they extended their building facade. These two news sources are long shots to say the least, but at least both papers recognize art and artists as valuable to the community. I have to try, or I will always wonder. Since I plan on coming back to Columbus in the future, these two papers could be instrumental in obtaining the money to relocate...or relocate again LOL! There is not enough art or music happening here to hold my interest for very long, so I find myself trying to figure out how I am going to make it back to Columbus. It was a mistake to try to help my sister out. I will always have that regret I fear.
I spent an hour or so yesterday trying to track down The Licking County Art Association to no avail. I have previously worked there as a model, and have also showed my work there as well. In terms of locating a fiscal sponsor, The Licking County Art Association is the place to start. All this busy work, and running around has made me crave to actually make art instead of fund raise...but I would be remiss if I didn't use both the Ohio Arts Council grant and the Ohio art exhibition and tour to try and obtain more funds. Trying to use this news two months from now would be too late as the show is March 2nd. I have already used over half my grant money to replace the metal for the projects I made for Christmas, and I fear the rest of the money will go fast. I received half of what I asked for, and even though it was a well timed blessing, I will fall short of my goals unless I can raise more money. So all the books on grant writing suggest that an artist use one grant to get the next. It makes sense, but it is not what I am good at. Keep your eye out dearest readers for an old door I can mount the next quilt project on. I am looking for an old door with the 4 inserted panels, with the hardware to hang it. I see them occasionally heading out to recycle, but until now have not needed one. I will be back this afternoon to finish my press release work and answer emails. Get a hold of me if you find the perfect door that a metal quilt would look good on. I have several of the bow tie panels that didn't get used for the first one, and I would love to do one on a door this time, and just sell the door to hang on the wall, or use it as an actual door!
This (postcard) is exactly what I was trying to figure out how to do. The image of my metal quilt placed on the official post card for A Day of Arts for All. My friend and fellow blogger Gail put this together for me yesterday at the exact same time I was trying to figure out how to do it here at the library. Now that is some synchronicity! So many people have helped me with this project that I wanted a personal invitation to send everybody. The idea is good, but I may not be able to fund it. Yesterday, I watched a webinar about fiscal sponsorship and it is the next step I have to take in order to apply for matching grants for future projects like The Quilt Of Elizabeth Brim. The webinar was jam packed with information that I can use to try to find a perfect match for what I do, and plan to do. I have to remember that the metal quilt idea was born in the mid 2000's and only this year manifested. I have a whole drawing board stashed full of ideas like that, that just need my "unbending intent" to complete them. The rest of the week will be filled with contacting appropriate media to tell them about the show. I noticed this morning that our local recycle hub has not been emptied out since after Christmas. No doubt I will get to the bottom of whatever that problem is, as I seek out a fiscal sponsor that may indeed be linked in with recycling. I would not have any problem in Columbus bridging the gap of art and recycling. It may be more difficult here in Licking County as they are just now coming on board with recycling, and it is just a matter of time (hopefully) they will see that there is art to be made out of recyclables. For now my ideas are tenuous, and I really miss Columbus, the diversity of ideas, as well as the opportunities.
I had coffee with an old friend of mine this morning and it seems that both of us will be trying to leave Licking County in the next few months (crosses her fingers). It is just not a big enough place for either of our ideas and projects. I may try one or two non profit organizations in the area, and then pitch my ideas back in Columbus. It may be time to think about leaving the area altogether...I only came back here to help my sister out last winter. That didn't go so well, and now it feels like I am stuck here. All is not lost though, I can probably tap into most of the art in Licking County that is happening within a couple blocks of this library. We'll see what transpires next as I work through the process. Mark your calendars dearest readers...March 2, 2013 for The 5th Annual Day Of Arts for All. I will post the location and directions to the show mid February or so. Maybe some of you will get a post card invitation that Gail put together. You are all so talented. I look forward to meeting you at the show. Please plan on coming.
On Saturday I received word That The Quilt Of Elizabeth Brim has been selected to be in the 18th annual Accessible Expressions Ohio Exhibit and Tour. On Sunday I finished the outer frame of the piece and putting together a press release for our local paper. I am looking for a fiscal sponsor for next year (2013-2014), and the next project...which is a secret for right now. My understanding is that a fiscal sponsor receives money in my behalf to fund the next art project, in exchange for a tax exemption. This is all new to me, so there is some studying involved. My strength has always been in doing the art, not marketing. Hopefully with a two month reprieve on legal matters, I can get to this, and through this without too much pain. I will keep you posted dear readership. If you know of the perfect fiscal sponsor for me...save me some time and some steps...please email me with your ideas. I will be back here to the library this afternoon to listen and watch a webinar about fiscal sponsorship. No doubt by tomorrow, I may have the knowledge I need to proceed and succeed!
The Quilt Of Elizabeth Brim will travel Ohio! I am so excited to be part of this show and will try to get some more of these post cards to give and send to the friends who donated tins and helped me with the project. I learned about being selected on Saturday when I was waiting for my company, and have been trying to get to the library and get started on press releases ever since. It is not every day that I get to be part of a traveling show and exhibit my work, and since I am living in a cultural art desert right now, I am going to make the most of this opportunity... get my foot in the door for more opportunities. It is hard to see my metal quilt in this postcard, but it is there almost where Newark would be...and to the left of the white square with a star in it. I would love to be able to redo this card with my quilt enlarged and split off to the right...about where the square graphic under VSA is. I wish I was better with computer graphics, photoshop etc. I would do it in a heartbeat and I would find a way to fund it too! The opening is March 2nd and I fear I won't have the money to print such a wonderful postcard in time. I will just have to settle for this post card and will request more on Monday. Maybe some of my readership can attend the opening in Westerville March 2nd. There will be awards and prize money, so keep your fingers crossed for me. I will post more details in the near future as events transpire.
I have company coming to visit tomorrow and this weekend. One, a new friend, and the other a friend I haven't seen hide nor hair of for over 20 years. So yesterday, and today I have spent a lot of time cleaning my house and grocery shopping for my visitors. I am excited about both sets of company as both visitors have expressed interest in buying some of my jewelry in addition to catching up on old and future times. As you might expect dearest readership, I will be prepared to make jewelry on the spot and do a demo for my company. I may not make it to the library to post a blog tomorrow (Friday) as I might have some last minute chores to do, and I am just not sure what time everything is happening. But what a joy it is to be able to have people come visit me. This is something that I could not have when I lived in Clintonville as I lived with a hoarder for 7 years. The house on Paul Drive was not accessible to some of my friends...the steps were too steep and too many...and the distance too far. I couldn't be more happy than I am to be able to have a clean home, and studio space safe from thieves. I have been counting my blessings, and hopefully I won't lose sight of this good fortune. If I ever leave where I am right now, you can be darn sure that I will not move in with a hoarder and a place that my friends can not just stop by. It is hard for me to imagine how I ever settled for less.
A couple of women in my drum group just spent 3 weeks in Paris France and they told me they saw feathers (like my metal ones) everywhere they went. This is probably a very good sign as what goes fashion wise in Paris will probably be successful here in the states.
In keeping with my resolution to do more of what works and less of what doesn't work, I will be spending the afternoon replacing the feathers I sold at Solstice. I have a couple of gift shops on my radar for this year in addition to checking back in with Flint Ridge Memorial Park Museum as soon as they open for the season. If I can sell some more feathers through Flint Ridge and add another gift shop to my inventory, I will be doing more of what works. I won't be doing any consignment deals though as consignment has never worked for me in the past, and most of my sales are right off of my neck. I will also be seeking a matching grant to go with the one I just received from The Ohio Arts Council. Apparently it is easier to get a grant if you already have a grant...which would also line up with my idea to do more of what works. What I am trying to skirt altogether is wasting any time on things that I do that are about "the psychology of preinvestment". If I can get beyond that kind of thinking, I am going to be ahead of the curve, and people who won't look at that hang up.
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