Surtex in Review

I am back from my information gathering trip to Surtex! I had a blast, meeting friends from Facebook....seeing all of the talented artists and their artwork at Surtex and talking with a few art agents. I must have gathered a hundred business cards and given out just as many. The artists and agents that are setup there are very friendly and so willing to share information. All you have to do is ask. I was bowled over by the sense of community and the creative energy that was pulsing throughout the place. I think it has stoked my ever growing ember deep within me, that keeps pushing me forward. I must say that Surtex is spectacular. I joked the whole time while I walked the show with fellow artists Jessica Sporn and Pam Varacek, that I must look like a deer in headlights. It is not everyday that you get to be in the presence of such talent all lodged under one roof.

Just to drop a few names we saw Lilla Rogers, Jessica Swift, Kim Gann, Monica Lee and Stephanie Ryan.

Pam, Kim Gann & Me

Me & Monica Lee from Smart Creative Women.

This trip for me was the laying of a foundation....the beginnings of a fantastic journey that I have dreamed of for many years.

From left to Right....Me, Jessica, and Pam.

 

Surtex is the place to be if you want to become a licensed artist. Now, as I only walked it this year the plan is to set up there next year. I have a whole year to design a fabulous booth and I am ready for the challenge.

I learned so much from Jessica Sporn who acted like my tour guide. She is a seasoned pro who is a licensed artist and has been showing at Surtex since 1996. To see more about Jessica go here.http://www.jessicasporn.blogspot.com 

My gears are in motion and my plan is starting to take shape. Nothing is going to hold me back!

If you are thinking about Surtex and have any questions please ask I would be glad to give you more information.

I wanted to add Pam's Website info too.....www.pamelavaracek.com

 

 

Challenge Yourself

Everyday I learn something new.....everyday I overcome a challenge. I think life is all about learning and growing.....being able to rise to the challenge and push forward.  If things didn't work that way, I think life would be pretty boring. Now don't get me wrong some challenges and stresses are not fun and when life throws  you a curve ball it can get rough. I have been fortunate to have lots of friends and family members who have been there for me when things have gotten tough, but they have also been there to share in my accomplishments!

This Friday I will be traveling to NYC to the Surtex show to walk it as an attendee. I am so excited, I haven't been able to sleep! My challenge with this trip is to overcome my fear of being overwhelmed by the talent that I will see at this show....to let it motivate me to grow professionally as an artist and not to look at what they have accomplished and become judgemental of my own work. I think we all feel a bit intimidated at times and this will most certainly test me, but I am ready for the test. I am giving myself the pep talk everyday that we all create in our own way and that there is room for all of our work in the market place. I will also be meeting with some super talented artists while there and hope to glean a bit of their knowledge on setting up and selling at such an important show. I mean come on 7,000 manufacturers and artist agents will be attending this show to discover and license artwork for their home decor products.....this is just huge!

I am so glad I am sharing this with you. My level of anxiety and stress have already come down a notch or two....don't worry I am doing some meditation and deep breathing as well.

So if this wasn't enough excitement to throw out there....I have just applied to Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search. I am totally excited about this as well.
 On July 1st, I will get an email from Lilla Rogers with an assignment that I must complete and submit to her studio by July 22nd. If Lilla and her team like what they see, I will make it to the short list of artists that will be in the running to win a 2 year licensing contract with her studio. This is where I need your help! People will be able to vote for their favorite submissions. This is the people's choice on this short list and I will need all the votes I can get. To give you more of an idea of what will happen check this out.....
www.lillarogers.com/global-talent-search
I know the competition will be steep, because there are so many wonderfully talented artist applying, but I know that if I didn't accept this challenge I would always be saying to myself " I should have or I could have.... if I only would have"....... I am not going to be that person!

I will give you notice as to when you will need to vote.....and I promise I will update you on the Surtex Show and my experiences. If you have any questions....please ask me by leaving me a comment. I love to hear from you:)

I am writing this today, hoping your Mother's Day has been full of happiness and gratitude. I know I enjoyed spending part of this special day with my Mother and Grandmother. Time spent together is the most precious....it is time that you can never retrieve, so spend it wisely with the ones you love!

 It seems as though I haven't written a blog post in quite some time and I thought with the rest of my Mother's Day, that is exactly what I would do.  So here I am, sitting at the computer typing away with the house all to myself and the quiet stillness that rejuvenates my spirit. I enjoy writing these blog posts and sharing with you some of my thoughts and feelings. It is almost like a cleansing that I need periodically to wash away the debris that is my busy life.

As I cherish these quiet moments, I am reflecting on what has been accomplished these last couple of weeks. I am happy to say that I finished 4 paintings,taught a private jewelry making workshop,helped my daughter get ready for prom and am getting ready to make my trip to NYC for the Surtex surface and design show. It has been a busy couple of weeks and I am patting myself on the back for all of the things that I started and finished!


Here are a few of the things I created these past couple of weeks!

 

When my life gets this busy I can't get enough creative therapy.
Creative therapy is the best therapy in the world because I can loose myself in my art.....nothing else matters while I am creating! It is the time I need to connect with myself  and rebuild the parts of me that have been sucked dry by the everyday stresses of life.

I always encourage my students to try and create something at least once a week. Once you tap into that creative energy it begins to heal you from within. Even surrounding yourself with other people's art and creations can be healing. Make or purchase one thing this month that makes your heart smile and you will begin to feed your soul.

Humans were meant to create....even if you only create ideas, or generate inspiration for others to create....this is your way of creating and contributing. So go into your creative zone and produce some of your own creative therapy.
Again, I hope your Mother's Day was filled with joy....I am pleased to say mine was!