Catching Inspiration!

Catching Inspiration!

Last week I had the opportunity to interview a young woman who is headed in the right direction.

Led by her own inner strength, guided by her parents and a really good teacher... and a goat!

I find myself thinking about her story and realizing that yes, small towns are cool. 

Today, as I was starting my daily morning pages, I realized that I'd forgotten the prompt for the pages that had come to me last night as I was getting ready for bed. This morning I wrote, "ideas are fleeting - just like bubbles - if you don't see them while they're whole and can shape the picture - they're gone! But their energy doesn't disappear. Someone somewhere we eventually catch the treasure encased in that rainbow sphere" and just like that my prompt came back to me. I remembered that I wanted to write about this young woman and her mother.

Life brings challenges along with blessings. I'm struck by those relationships that show great strength and courage. This photo of mother and daughter speaks to the deep love that comes from walking together with clear vision. There is satisfaction and understanding; these two know how to move through fire to find the light.

I'm blessed to have heard a small portion of the life and dreams that these two share. Blessed by treasure encased in rainbow spheres. Blessed to live where the big sky looks down on our journey and we look up into dark night skies.

Blessed Be!  

Remembering the Sparkle of Unstoppable Dreams~

Remembering the Sparkle of Unstoppable Dreams~

The vision of smiles for everyone easily felt without fear.

Confidence born of accomplishment acknowledged freely by friends and strangers.

The trail to a new world that is not brave but rather unstoppably curious.

Steps on Mother Earth beating out the rhythm of an unstoppable journey.

The desire to welcome the guest with warmth and grace.

Here, an Invulnerable Sparkle ~

Reminding me that the voyage across days and rivers, oceans and unstoppable waves to a new day is never ending.

That the path towards love and joy and compassion and understanding and inspiration and peace is infinite.

I am remembering the sparkle in mothers’ eyes for the freedom of husbands’ embraces.

I am remembering the sparkles in parents’ eyes as children laughing bring friends to play and share and learn and care.

Remembering the Unstoppable Dreams~

            A Mobius strip of dancing light leading me forward.

I am smiling.

Revisting unstoppable dreams.

Christina Boyce

3/9/15

Restoring Order ~ Direction from chaos

Snow on Clips ~ February Snow Storm

Clipped & Ready

I've been thinking about the path I'm on, spiritually, emotionally and pragmatically.

Since my last post I've found myself, discovered self-confidence, left a good job for another one that enabled me to contribute to our community in a way that used all of my talents and life experiences to great advantage. I found direction and purpose even as I worked in constant chaos.

Four and a half months ago I found myself facing a decision that required me to stand for truth. I spoke truth and I was let go. I gave a strong effort to return to that work, under better circumstances and made headway. Currently my efforts are tabled. Waiting has become wandering and wondering how best to move forward.

During this time I've been able to contribute stories and photographs to our local newspaper, the Raton Comet. I've been able to give more time to the projects I volunteer on. It's been good but it's also been a challenge. One can only be tabled so long.

So, I'm looking for a way to contribute to the greater good of our community. I bring a lot to the table. I'm committed to collaboration, compassion and creativity. I'll be looking for opportunities with new eyes for dynamic creative compositions. It's an exciting time... this waiting and wondering and wandering.

Blessed Be!

Christina

LACA

LaCa, land of quiet mornings in the Pacific Palisades, early morning writings and today, menu planning. It's been three years since my last visit. Feels great to be on vacation with a wide open schedule and no particular place to go. Truly vacation time!  Much gratitude for this break from my "normal" life! Lots to ponder here in the early morning mist.

Our life in Raton is so vibrant and rich, just some of the things to ponder: We've made a huge leap with Poets In The Schools, one of my pride and joys. We've settled into a wondrous new home which is slowly showing it's true glory as summer unfolds and the gardens' secrets are revealed. Sorrows too, as we've found ourselves mourning the departure of some good friends and wonderful citizens whom we looked forward to spending time with...

So... this little note serves as the toe-step into the waters of blogging. I've been away from this site for just about two years. Consider this a ping. And thanks for keeping the faith. I know you're out there.

Christina

Pondering Possibilities

The dust storm Tucson just experienced puts a new twist on the visitations from Mother Nature... a twist that reiterates my own commitment to honoring a path of creating the future with clear thoughts of right lively hood with nature.
I played with the photo of a glass of wine in our kitchen... took it into PhotoShop and used the "liquify" filter and the solar flare tool. Those effects hide a chip in the ugly beige linoleum counter top that the glass sits on. Bells and whistles... or glitter and ruffles... either will work to distract the viewer from the shame of a perceived flaw. Time and energy heal all.
I'm working on a new series in pastel on canvas that I've mentioned before... I'm exploring identity, mine in context with the world about and the interior world of my dreams and visions. There is movement, text, change; an opportunity to process the conflict between hopes and expectations. 
I'm excited to report that a friend of my husband's, Richard Lehnert, has a poem published in one of my favorite magazines, The Sun Magazine. Congratulations Richard!
Tim has been busy reviewing the plays that The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts is presenting in repertory theatre, this latest, Red White & Tuna is posted at his website for your reading pleasure. The show was a hoot, the acting a feast to watch with the added value of a 90 minute dose of laughter... whatever was ailing us was given a shot of cure!
I'm having a blast working as a content developer for KRTN, Enchanted Air, Inc. radio. The owner, Billy Donati, is wonderful to work with and for. His team is top notch and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with them in this capacity.
Summer in Des Moines is hot and dry and sweet on so many levels. I feel blessed and brief!
Keeping it short today so I get my time in at the studio~
Keep cool and safe, 
Envision the best and ponder the possibilities, 
Christina

Loving As Many Things/People/Places as Possible

Sunset Approaches Capulin Volcano Under Smoky Skies

I am looking at all the images of smoke and flame and reading news of fires burning here in the southwest, realizing that I am a bit stressed. I live 38 miles east of Raton, New Mexico where the Raton Track Fire burnt over 27,792 acres and still burns, though 90% contained at this time, down 8% since last week... 

Having smoke in your house from fires burning in more that five areas of New Mexico, not including AZ and OK and TX, is a stress.

I recently read in The New Mexican that the New Mexico tourism office is fielding concerns from the tourism industry regarding cancellations of reservations. It appears to those outside of our area that the "whole southwest is burning". So, with this in mind I am inspired to create some non-flammable fireworks of my own. 

I'm headed over to my studio where I am working on a new series of pastel paintings on canvas. The colors in the piece I am working on now are so bright they could pass as fireworks!

I'm feeling philosophical about all the disasters that are happening all over the earth... It has occurred to me that until we treat the earth as we treat our most cherished family we will continue to feel her anger. I've long thought of Mother Earth as a sacred cherished sentient being. I imagine our planet has endured our greedy exploitations of her life blood for too long, waiting for us to feel satiated. She perceives now that we have not learned to use her gifts with empathy, compassion and gratitude... and now, like a dog who is overrun with fleas, she shakes herself to rid herself of the infestation.

I am heartened to learn of the green initiatives going on in Sweden... I know there are so many of us who long to be able to live with Nature and in harmony with what we have...

As we live through our personal experiences of disaster, I trust we will gain new understanding for what it is that really matters. This story about a group of Russian "babushkas" underlines that idea, that from our pain we can find ways to be more compassionate and hopeful.
I also know that we must continue to live with hope and love in our hearts... and to enjoy all the wonderful opportunities we have in our worlds. This weekend Tim and I went into Raton to see The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts' production of Little Shop of Horrors. What a hoot! I'd never seen the show though I knew the music, so it was fun to finally experience the story that connects those crazy songs. The production was really well done. Read about it on Tim Keller's Blog, where you will also see photos from the show. If you live in our area, go check it out!

So, with a prayer for healing for Mother Earth and all humanity~

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and spending time here at Reality, Essence ~ Vision

Kindest Regards,

Christina

A Great Day to GET BUSY!!!

Sally just emailed me: today is a good day to GET BUSY!

Here you see my precious kitten, Sonrisa, perfectly posed on a stack of current reading.

It's been a busy 3 weeks since I last blogged.

Headed down to Santa Fe to attend the opening reception of 18 Days at Center for Contemporary Arts. Wow! A curated invitational show of New Mexican women artists.... it was the biggest arts event I've attended in quite some time. A friend of mine, Valli West, had a piece of her work selected for the show. I attended the show with Dr. Katherine Tompkins, DVM, recently relocated to Las Vegas New Mexico... We had a grand time viewing the work on the walls as well as the crowd of arts lovers who filled the Munoz Waxman Gallery. There is a full schedule of events & performances while this show is hanging through March 20th. Christina says, "Check it out!"

A recent event right here in HiLo country that I especially enjoyed was the Knights of Columbus Oratorical Contest. Held at the Shuler Theater, local middle and high school students competed with speeches addressing the theme: Welcome to My World. One of those students was our friend Mike's eldest son. Hunter made all of us right proud with his splendidly delivered comic speech. I'm so impressed with youth these days. There were many speeches given that inspired me and caused Tim & I to return frequently to our discussion of this wonderful event. Hunter is also a website creator and you can see all he's been up to at his website www.yaboosh.com. Tim's Chronicle News article about the event can be viewed at his website via this link: Hunter is a superhero. Mike is an interesting guy... he maintains the unofficial website for the town of Folsom, New Mexico.

I'm looking forward to the next show in the Raton Arts & Humanities 2010/2011 Performing Arts series: Church Basement Ladies, coming up on Monday February 21st. There are still opportunities to help out with the load in and tear down of this touring production.... If you're into theatre this is a great way to see how a professional company brings it to rural America!

I also want to send a "shout out" to the Herzstein Memorial Museum in Clayton New Mexico. They sent out a humorous Valentine's Day message reminding us of one of the notorious villains in local New Mexico history, a man whose name shall remain nameless on this website.... but you can read all about him if you visit the museum.

I've been inspired by so many wonderful people and Sally whose admonition to get busy made this blog's title is one of them. She and her husband Rusty are in a fusion marimba band called ShonaSlovakia and are performing in Santa Fe a lot these days.

So, to thank you Sally, I will sign off for now ~wishing all of you a wonderful new month of creativity flowing and love expanding into a global healing and ending of all violence of every kind.

Blessed Be!

Christina

Rise and Shine~ Revisiting Morning Glory

I'm baking sourdough bread this year, not for the gallery but for my own enrichment. Gifted with a cup of starter from my friend Amy who lives in Folsom, nine miles north of Des Moines, I've been reconnecting with the breadmaking of my younger years. The photo is my most recent batch, my third baking. It looks good and is good! But it also had an extra rising because -- having formed the breads to rise overnight, expecting to bake them as soon as I awoke to my 5:10 am alarm Monday morning -- I discovered 3 pans of bubbly sticky overflowing giant "pancakes" as my husband termed them. I didn't stop to take a picture of the wreck before I began, immediately, to rework the dough. It accepted another 5+ cups of flour, taking 90 minutes of kneading before it was ready for its second second rising. Yes, I meant that second second. ;-)

The whole experience gave me an opportunity to use new skills of mindfulness that my current reading is teaching me. I hadn't even poured my tea yet when I noticed I had been kneading the dough, standing at our kitchen counter, for over 20 minutes. I worked with my frustration by concentrating on my "now". After all, I was healthy in a warm and cozy home, with the time available to correct the bread wreck, my husband happily chatting as he got ready for his day at school, 3 kitties and two pups lovingly underfoot. I relaxed into a deep breath which gave way to a deep sigh and what bloomed was....acceptance. So, I focused on my breath and the pleasure of kneading bread and the need of the sponge for more flour until at last I could think of returning the whole ball of dough to its bowl. While I worked, I thought of how this one event reflected life in general. I know I've thought my recent projects were "online" and ready to take off...only to find that some missed detail, some lack of proper timing, some forgotten skill left unused, has resulted in ... well, a bit of a wreck.

That is the wisdom gained from the loaves baked this week. Slashed in a diamond pattern... revealing the beginnings of an argyle pattern... a pattern referring to part of my own cultural heritage. My grandfather, father and brother all share the same middle name, Fyfe. How Scottish is that! My love of argyle speaks of the DNA in my blood that "remembers" the lives lived in that beautiful country. I've had the pleasure of visiting Scotland, traveling with a friend back when I was working in DC for The Washington Opera as a first-hand/stitcher. That trip opened my eyes to the actual spherical nature of our planet, our precious Mother Earth.

In starting this week's blog, I Googled "poems about bread" and found a poem by A.A. Milne titled The King's Breakfast. I mention this because the national poetry recitation program "Poetry Out Loud" is in full swing with students all across the nation memorizing poetry, developing performance skills, building self confidence and having fun competing for prizes. Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation. The New Mexico program is coordinated by New Mexico Arts and our state finals are coming up soon: Sunday February 27th at 1:00 pm in the St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art. Admission is free and open to the public. I am so excited! It is going to be a great day! (I'm going to be part of the public.)

Another book I am reading right now, The Gift ~Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World, was a Christmas gift from my stepdaughter: thank you, Darcy! In the chapter I just finished, author Lewis Hyde expands his exploration of the nature of marketplace in relation to "gifts". In looking at the difference between women and men he cites 'advice given to women who would be successful in the "style" pages of the New York Times:' "Women on the way up should avoid associating with 'unsuccessful turkeys,' even if they happen to be friends. Leaving your friends behind isn't disloyalty. You are going to be judged by the company you keep. Seek out the people who can help you. Men have known this for years, and we are playing in their arena." p135 - The Gift -Lewis Hyde

I was struck by that passage as I believe that friends are precious; the idea that one has to leave someone "behind" because they can't help you with your success was a shock to my system. I realize that we all grow and life can take us in different directions but do we really have to calculate who to keep as friends as we steer a career towards fruition?

I've always known that where there is love and connection there is soul... and soul is where the true "success" is nurtured. My heart is filled with love for the friends who have brightened my life along the path. I thank you and keep you in my heart. In fact, the wrecks I refer to above pale in comparison to the love and joy that I carry in my heart for the myriad friendships I've known.

I bring this up in relation to the new series I am about to begin in which I will be exploring identity. Where do we come from? What are the differences between us that matter? How does one become more "authentic to self"? Questions that have been asked for time immemorial. Time brings me to this inquiry... we live on a planet where wars displace millions of people. People whose identity is deeply ingrained in their place. The tragedy of war and lost lives mean generations of family history are lost. Those who survive often have to leave their place of origin to recreate a new life in a foreign land. What will they find in their new home? How will they regain their sense of self in a new place? How will it be for the people who must "make room" for them? What does the loss of personal and familial history bestow upon these people? How do their new neighbors feel about them? Will they be welcomed into the fold? What happens when the welcome wears off? Can we hear the call to create a global culture that celebrates differences and doesn't just "tolerate" them?

That last question is compelling for me. Does it inspire or provoke your response? I recently came across an inspired talk given by Zainab Salbi titled "Women, wartime and the dream of peace". She speaks more eloquently than I and her experience brings depth to the questions. She spoke at a conference presented by TED. (That's technology, entertainment and design)

Feel free to comment with your thoughts on identity and place. I welcome you to share your heritage and insight.

Speaking of writers... Tim Keller has a feature article with his photographs in the current issue of New Mexico Magazine. Titled Max Evans's New Mexico it's all about Max, his writing and his love of New Mexico, including our own "Hi Lo Country"... which is here. We live in the Hi Lo Country. Thanks to a call from Beulah Hittson and the local Senior Center I've ordered two dozen copies of the magazine for sale at Studio C for the regular newsstand rate of $4.99 plus tax. Thank you ladies! I hope to sell out so let me know if you would like me to put one aside for you. Give me a call so we can set up an appointment at the gallery, 575.278.3517, or send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com. Thank you ladies -- all eleven of you who pre-ordered!

So glad you've made it through this rather philosophical blog. Thank you for reading and for sharing the blog with your friends. This means you, Amy... Thanks!

Be Wonderful, Well and Wise~

In Exploration,

Christina

Happy New Year! Honoring Heroes

I've just recovered my hope... after a long period of reflection... and in the process discovered new sources of joy.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr's day... a day to celebrate the vision, courage and hope that is necessary to take a stand against the oppression and bigotry that diminishes our collective humanity. I honor Dr. King Jr. with a commitment to expanding my own capacity for compassion.

I've been inspired to commit to a program of self-discovery via my creative efforts. Pictured at left is my most recently completed pastel painting, "Archie's Hat" which was inspired by Tim Keller's photograph of the same title. His photograph looked like a painting to me. The colors of the hand plastered walls were so creamy; the composition, letting us peek into Archie's bedroom with a painting by his dad, Hal West, hanging hanging above his headboard called out to me to take this image into pastel. I never met Archie's dad but I grew up amongst his family, an artistic and social family that has been an inspiration to me. Many memories from childhood are seared into my identity; always happy, vibrant and filled with people who I could look up to, as well as much art, dancing, Easter softball games, music and Halloween parties.

I use the photo to painting process on my pastel series works, using my own photographs up until "Archie's Hat". The idea to work with Tim's images has been percolating for the greater part of 2010. His subject matter resonates with my own photography and his camera is far superior to mine. I'm pleased with the results on this painting which I selected for purely selfish reasons.... I love the photograph and wanted to see what I could do with it. It thrills me to have new work finished in 2011 already framed.

The last series I completed was titled "The Road to Kindness" and gave me ample time to ponder the ways that I might contribute to a more compassionate world. I've posted photos of the series in my art folder at my Flickr site. I hope you'll visit them there, and when you come through town, in the gallery.

I joined Tim and my friend Monica at The Shuler Theater last Tuesday for a performance by a touring dance & drumming troup from Senegal West Africa. Tim's blog entry is a good read and sports some fabulous photos of the performers. Click this link to read his review of the show: http://www.timkellerphotography.com/timkellerarts/WritingChronicleNews.html

Just back from a weekend visit and after Yule party at my mom's, I'm feeling full of New Year cheer. I hope you are too!

Blessings for Peace and Happiness~ Christina

Three (3) is a Charmed Date!

It's coming! Really!

Along the Red River Trail

I just returned from a trip to visit my artist friend Lee in Vernon Texas, six hours east of Des Moines New Mexico.

On the way I stopped in Canyon Texas, staying at Hudspeth House B&B, so I could walk the streets that Georgia O'Keeffe walked when she headed up the Art Department at West Texas A & M. Canyon was a very friendly town. My stay was a sweet stop along the way to check out new art that Lee is making.

Along the trail, sitting high in the sky this water tower caught my attention.... when I noticed the line of rusted out car bodies "parked" close by I had to stop to make a picture. Actually, I took lots of photos along the way. I'm looking forward to processing them in the upcoming days. It should be an interesting record of my ride along the trail.

Speaking of adventures.... I'm finding that there is usually an interesting journey trying to find an internet connection when you are on the road... I planned to write at the library in town but the connection not up yet when I arrived at 8:am Wednesday morning ready to write in my car. (Library did not open til 10:00) Apparently I misunderstood the librarian the day before, or she did not think about the equipment being turned off at closing time, so there I was ready to write and no internet. Not one to give up so easily I began my wi-fi search and adventure. I ended up writing at a wi-fi spot that the good folk at Waggoner National Bank helped me find, making some calls and an introduction for me with Sean and Jan at Business Development Corporation who graciously provided me space and an internet connection. Finally I could work on this entry. What wonderful people the town Vernon has. I must say, I see an opportunity for a nice internet cafe here. :-)

So, it was a wonderful visit with Lee, complete with a mini Georgia O'Keeffe pilgrimage, and plenty of adventure. All this and more on the plains six hours east of Des Moines. I always enjoy traveling and the expanded views you get in exploring our amazing world.

Are you feeling the fall in the air? I sure am; leaves are starting to crisp up... hot apple cider sounds good again and Halloween is coming up on the event horizon. Plenty of people out there in the world are already gearing up for it! I saw lots of Halloween scenes and fall harvest displays cropping up each day.

Here at Studio C the last Saturday of the month the night before Halloween is the night for Live @ Studio C! It's going to be a costume party and potluck; a preview for the big night ahead... if you dare!

It should be fun to put on Halloween costumes, new or old, (as long as they are hand made). Maybe you've put away some of the costumes you made way back when... Well, this is the event that should inspire you to get the moth balls shaken out and the make-up kit opened up for an evening of dress up fun.

The cover charge is a treasure you are willing to put up as a prize, costumes are encouraged but optional, however, if you want to win a prize you'll have to come in costume or bring a friend to model your entry. I've challenged myself to make the second in a series of five new Halloween costumes... a blue bell-hop bee bop car hop on roller blades! SheBopBBop sort of a fast food goblin. If I'm wearing my scarecrow costume you'll know I didn't make the deadline!

One thought I had walking around a large department store which shall remain nameless is that times have changed so much that our kids are too busy to make their own costumes. Thus the very cool costumes you can buy for 29.99 are selling like hotcakes. Having made my living as a costume designer for 15 years I know that you can barely buy the materials for that much.

It hit me, wandering those long isles of stuff you can buy, that this would be a very good month for all the trick or treaters to be stitching, stapling, or taping their costumes together with the help of friends and family. Good quality time spent creatively in preparation for a night of fun. In that spirit I send out an invitation to all to take some of that time back and make it into Creative-I-T time.

Studio C is here to help! I'm offering a free mask-making session on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Come make a mask and get started decorating.... you'll have plenty of time to finish it before Halloween on your own or, if there is enough interest, we'll put together a costume making support group. We'll see how it goes on Saturday. Send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com to register for the class. I'll take up to 13 participants.

So, there it is!

Have a great weekend~

Christina

From Peace to Soul & Around the Volcano!

Wow! I feel like a beautiful red maple leaf caught on the surface of a lively river~ flowing downstream with the sound of water splashing against the great sandstone banks and the well worn granite boulders and stones below.

The photo I open with today comes from the 2010 International Day of Peace event which The Mandala Center presented last week. This was a beautiful event and I am so grateful to the visiting monks for making their prayer for peace on the planet right here in our corner of the state. Thank you to The Mandala Center for presenting this experience.

I'm still zinging from the amazing concert I saw in Santa Fe Monday evening. My friend Katherine met me at The Lensic Theatre to see Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. What an amazing show. This is a show to get your dreams up and into get down and move mode. WOW! Thank you Sharon Jones for being so generous with your talent and so righteous with your songs!!!

Earlier in September I spoke of the 2010 New Mexico Arts ArtsLink conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late August.... thought you might like to see some images from the workshop I presented. They can be viewed here: Mask-making - ArtsLink 2010.

On the way home from that conference I stopped in Cimarron, New Mexico to visit my friend Yvonne O'Brien, a photographer/writer, and her husband. Yvonne shared the exciting news that she has been accepted as an Artist in Resident at the Petrified Forest National Park for April 2011. She'll be there for a month, making images and writings immersed in an amazing place. In exchange she will present to park visitors and make a work that will become part of their collection. Congratulations Yvonne! You can see one of her images in Des Moines Village Hall which houses the local EMS 1% for art purchase.

We had a lively show here for our last Live @ Studio C! Many thanks to Jaecke & Ruby for presenting some local history on Emma Adams and also to George Greco for sharing his wonderful poetry with us. ~And who should walk in the door just now? Ruby & Jaecke! They came with a copy of the current enchantment news, in which our local paramedic Jan Pryor is featured in their Nuestros Vecinos series. They also brought the news that our very own Senior Citizen Center is hosting a show of art from the New Deal. On Wednesday, October 6th, there will be a talk about the New Deal presented by Kathy Flynn. For information or to register please call the Senior Center at 575-278-2144.

The next Live @ Studio C! will be on the night before Halloween... thus, I've decided that we simply must go with the season and offer a Halloween Costume preview get together.

Yippee! (Pardon my gleeful enthusiasm but I love costumes!) Only one rule applies: You must have created your costume yourself. You can get out the sewing machine or raid your closets and attic drawers to put together something wonderful. Costumes are not mandatory for entry, just a spirit of fun and frolic and a contribution for the peoples' choice 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place awards. Details to come. So, put on your creative thinking caps and get out your imagination. There is plenty of time to make a wonderful costume you can be proud of for years to come. Mark the date: October 30 - Halloween Eve Costume Party~ 5:30 p.m. Potluck and dance.

And finally, I come round to The Volcano!

The 2010 Capulin Volcano Run Around the Rim to benefit the Folsom Museum was a big success! You can visit Tim Keller's blogs (he has two) to see more photos from the run, the peace event and other happenings our corner of New Mexico.

So~ even as I swirl around in wild eddies of experience I seek peace and continuity and yes, sustainability. I am working on time management skills, scheduling in the tasks I want to maintain and striving to make it all come together. Stay with me, dear readers, I will achieve my goal of a weekly update. I appreciate all the support you give me and I reflect love and compassion back to you.

May you be imbued with happiness and all of its causes.

Till next time~

Christina

Some September Selections

Hello!

While I was working on the mural this weekend I spent some time thinking about Live @ Studio C!

I thought you might enjoy a peek into the past with this photo of Tim playing the July show.

On September 25th, we'll have George Greco presenting an evening of inspirational poetic wisdom. Jaecke Hughes-Daniel will be sharing local history with us and of course, another reading from Cora Click's collection of local history. The open mike offers you an opportunity to share your talent in our warm and welcoming gathering.

Back to September's show, when asked to provide a bio George suggested I share that George is "athletically appointed, spiritually attuned, poetically inclined, wrapped in a package of adventure and still having fun!" He's a dynamic performer; I'm sure you will enjoy his poetry and the rest of the evening line up.

George will be running the 2010 Capulin Volcano Half Marathon Run the next morning. I'm excited about his appearance, looking forward to Jaecke's presentation and hoping that the open mike section will have more great talent; seems like there is a wave of shy that's come over a lot of people which is not to detract from the wonderful moment when Nathanial Franklin took the stage with Tim's guitar and sang us a couple of songs! Great voice, passionate delivery and guitar playing coming along. We all want him to come back. So don't be shy, come by the gallery to sign up now. I'd love to visit with you. Who knows, you may even get to help out with the mural... which is officially a "work in progress". Depends on where I am in the creative flow when you arrive.

While I was on the road last month I stopped at Santa Fe Baking Company to eat lunch and happened to be there when Mary Charlotte of KSFR Santa Fe Public Radio was recording her live interview for the next show. It was fun to see her with her interview going on and all the microphones, headsets and technology making it happen. I listen to the station online in the mornings when I'm not listening to Raton's own great morning talk radio show, KRTN 93.9's "This, that & the other".

Meanwhile, here at Studio C Gallery & ArtSpace, I'm preparing a sample of the new media surface for a new piece I've been thinking about. I've got a lot of ideas flowing and feeling the blessing of being able to pursue my art while also offering a place for people to gather and be creative and inspired by the creativity of the artists and artisans in the gallery.

Roxie from Interstate Auctioneers stopped by last week to let me know that she has an auction coming up on September 18th. Click here for the sale flyer for the sale in Lamont, Colorado.

I've got two pastel pieces in the 34th Annual International Art Exhibit and Sale presented by the Raton Arts & Humanities Council and International Bank in Raton New Mexico. The show is available for viewing 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in the downtown office of International Bank. A reception for the artists will be held Friday, September 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. I hope some of you will stop by the bank and see the show. Feeling festive? Come to the reception! Thank you International Bank for the amazing support to local and regional artists and for providing a wonderful location for this show. Tim has three pieces so you can be sure we'll meet up Friday evening at the reception. I hope to see you there too!

I've got an order of big bend coffee roasters organic fair trade coffee coming in tomorrow! Yea! I love the smell of freshly roasted coffee. You simply must come by for a pound or two.... enjoy a cup while we visit "on the house"!

So, this has been a hodgepodge of news items indeed. Here is one last thing! I just ate the last sample of Biscochitos de Taos but I forgot to take a picture of the box before it was almost empty. Bummer... but! Doesn't it testify to how delicious they were? I had several visitors try them and we agreed that these are yummy. I'll be carrying them soon... as the holiday season comes on.

And on that sweet note~

Have a lovely week, stop by, tell your friends, send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com and/or leave a comment here for others to enjoy.

I appreciate all the support flowing into the gallery and studio. Thank you!

Christina

It's Framed!

I've been doing a lot of traveling lately; alas, my promise to update the blog weekly has not been met. However, I am home now for a while and have lots of news. I thank you, loyal readers and visitors for checking in on me while I was out and about.

I also want to thank Karen Anderson who graciously agreed to reschedule her harp concert to November as the featured act at our upcoming 4th annual Show of Gratitude. Because the Juan Siddi Flamenco Dance Company was bringing their concert to the Shuler Theater I asked her to reschedule so we'd be sure to have a good audience for her. Turns out that several people were indeed planning on coming to hear her and we would have had a good night... However, in hindsight, it appears that it was my deep love of flamenco that was key to the decision to reschedule. I LOVE flamenco and was thrilled to accompany my husband on our 11th anniversary to see this absolutely brilliant show. Tim Keller was reviewing the show and so you can see some of Tim's photos from the show here at his blog.

It's a beautiful New Mexico Indian summer day here in Des Moines New Mexico.... the sun is bright and there is a crisp breeze fluffing the leaves in the trees and on the vines. I'm grateful to call New Mexico my home state and to have such a deep love for the land, weather and people of this enchanted land.

I had a very productive and informative time at the recent New Mexico Arts ArtsLink Conference. It was inspiring to hear experts in the field share their experiences and wisdom. This conference represented another example of the excellent services to art councils, art educators and artists that our state provides through the dedicated work of New Mexico Arts.

New in the gallery~ I've brought home four pieces of newly framed work. Two are awaiting the jurors' decision for the 34th annual International Art Exhibit and Sale coming up in Raton, New Mexico, one is already hanging in its new home in Las Vegas, New Mexico and two currently hang here at Studio C in the main gallery. I started the series in 2003 with photographs and a color pencil drawing. The series of five pastels was begun in 2007 and in 2010 has come to completion. It's been a long journey but the work comes in its own good time. I call the series The Road to Kindness. It's for the journey I'm embarked on as I strive to live my life authentic to my soul's creative voice and the gifts I want to honor.

There's new chocolate! In addition to the endangered species chocolate bars I carry I've added endangered species new line of covered morsels... nuts, berries, toffee and mixes. They have been tantalizing visitors and enriching home-made ice creams too. Yum!

Coming up at the end of September, Live at Studio C! looks to be a wonderful show. We have a spotlight presentation on local history given by Jaecke Hughes-Daniel and will feature the inspiring poetry of George Greco. The evening starts at 5:30 on Saturday September 25th on the eve the 3rd annual Capulin Volcano Run. I'll blog Wednesday about George who wowed our Live Poetry! campfire gathering in 2008, inspiring me so much that this year I asked him to come entertain us. I am thrilled to present him as our featured act.

Coming up soon, just three miles east of Studio C ~Gallery & ArtSpace, at The Mandala Center: International Day of Peace 2010. Studio C offers its sincere thanks to The Mandala Center for bringing a week full of wonderful, inspiring and special events promoting peace in the world to Union County New Mexico. What an amazing opportunity to experience Tibetan Mystical Arts in our neighborhood! A heartfelt welcome to the Buddhist monks and all the visitors, from far and near, who will come to our area to share in the experience.

And this labor day weekend I turn my attention to the west face of Studio C.... the paint cans will be opening soon, beginning phase two of my mural painting process. Having bit off a giant chunk of wall to paint, it will be a huge rush to finally see Galardias in full gargantuan bloom on the gallery. They are blooming now and their bright cheerful native blooms are my muses.

I hope you've enjoyed the news and invite you to prepare to share your talent, inspiration and stories at our open mike on the last Saturday of the month. Send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com to let me know you want to sign up. I appreciate all who tell friends and family about the fun we have and the magic that happens when we listen to each other in a warm and welcoming circle.

May you experience bliss this weekend!

Christina

Living Large ~ Learning, Listening, Loving & Leaping!

Lightning strikes! I'm ready to listen.

Studio C will host Live @ Studio C! this Saturday starting at 5:30. We'll have our monthly reading from Mrs. Click's "Us Nestors" and our open mike and then take a break to refill our coffee cups, tea glasses and maybe take another slice of banana bread and then we'll turn the stage over to Tim Keller. Tim sent out a humorous email earlier this week promoting his show telling folks that I force him to play every summer as one of our featured acts. Maybe you don't know that Tim was just about to record an album, No Stranger to Wishes, when I first met him... so in my heart he is a musician. The fact that he has turned his creative and artistic expression to writing and photography does not end my admiration for his music. I ask him to take a show each summer and he always accepts. I know you will enjoy this show and look forward to sharing this evening of live entertainment with you.

I'm feeling excited about August coming up. It'll be a busy month with inspiration flowing and art happening. I'm not quite done with the Road to Kindness series but I am excited to report that I've already sold one of the images to a collector of my work.

I'll be spending time at Ponder refilling the well of inspiration. I cherish the time I spend on our place south of Kiowa. The absolute beauty of this land heals my heart and gives free range to my soul.

I've got a new order of luscious Endangered Species chocolate bars coming in this Friday with more coming in next week. Endangered Species chocolates have added a new line of dark chocolate covered nuts and berries... yum!

So many reasons to come by the gallery and spend some time enjoying the creativity of all the artists and artisans showing in the gallery... and a great cup of organic free trade coffee.

August's Live @ Studio C! will be on Saturday August 28th. Karen Anderson will bring her harps for a show she is calling "Cha cha cha!: A World of Dance on the Harp". We'll be going up against The Shuler Theater's presentation of Juan Siddi Flamenco Company. I mention this because I LOVE flamenco dance. But I also LOVE Karen Anderson's harp performance. So it's not that hard to choose. In fact it's really wonderful to have such wonderful choices to make here in the northeastern corner of New Mexico.

And so I leave you with loads of love and leagues of joyous laughter ~for that is good medicine we can always take benefit from.

Leave a comment here at the blog or send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com.

I'd love to hear from you!

Christina

Peace Through Culture

Today I'm in the studio getting ready to work on the fifth and final piece of my current pastel series, The Road to Kindness. I've been struggling to finish this series for months now; the last piece is ready for my attention. I'll look into the fourth piece to find my focus then make those shapes and colors fill the last sheet of grit coated paper. I've spent time looking for the place to focus, which I've posted today... still, I have not decided. I let that happen when I finally do sit down to my drawing board. The Road to Kindness series has reflected my quest to find myself. Realizing that I cannot be compassionate to others without realizing compassion for myself has been a long time in coming. I've been reading many different texts on the subjects of becoming enlightened, realizing personal authenticity and awakening to compassion. In my search for my "true north" I've realized that compassion must begin inside. That is why the direction, "physician, heal thyself". I'm very grateful for all that life has brought me. Without trials good and bad we cannot become the people we've always wanted to become. I'm feeling strong again, waking up excited about the day ahead, finding I have more energy than I've had in years.

Imagine if you will... that time, that strangely plastic concept, might not be the way we think of it. Perhaps we wake to our dreams while in our dreams we are as we are meant to be. Now this might not be so good if one is having lots of anxiety dreams or nightmares I admit. Why this thought you ask?

Well, time is an enigma, it is said.... in fact it is said so frequently that the phrase has become a cliche.... but the riddle is real. What is time? Why does it flow so erratically? Do our clocks measure it or do they shackle us? I looked up the meaning of enigma and found several interesting sites. This one caught my attention: an artist & photographer in Zimbabwe musing on time, nature and our collective relationship. So, I'm philosophical today. Yesterday my husband Tim was. I spoke over his announcement and never did let him share his philosophical thoughts. I noticed it an hour later... I must have been lost to my own frantic rush to get in a "good productive" day.

The day was a good one, with important tasks accomplished, and also with quality time spent with family, and a long walk along the railroad tracks. I was able to accept that those things that did not get done, this blog for instance, would not make the day less than it was. The riddle of time was not solved... Maybe in dreams the answers were forming...

On August 31st Live @ Studio C! will feature Tim Keller. He's asked me to let you know that he prefers to focus on his songwriting for this show. I know you'll enjoy exploring his songwriting web pages. You can check out his past musical touring schedule and hear some of his music. Hearing him live is a treat you won't want to miss. We are looking forward to having you here on Saturday July 31st! The show starts at 5:30 p.m. We'll have the open mike so bring along some songs of your own... or poems and pictures. We've got several people on the list already and hope to have several more share tales and inspiration.

And with that final note~

Be Inspired!

~Christina

Returning, Reunions, Revelations & Rain ...Please?

I hope this post finds my readers happy and enjoying the fruits of these glorious summer days.

Oh, dear me, is that too vibrant an opening for you? It's just that I find myself feeling delighted, amused and delirious with Joy today. For those of you not able to handle this exuberance: Have some watermelon and cool off~ I say!

Just returned from Ponder, having taken some time-away-from-it-all where Tim & I enjoyed the blissful sounds one encounters in remoteness: crickets, nighthawks, a family of elk, a variety of melodious bird songs and not much else besides our own breathing. The time was well spent, reading, listening, hoping to hear... revitalizing and renewing.

So now we are back. I'm in the studio getting the business side of Studio C caught up. Promo first:

Coming up on July 31st is Live @ Studio C! which will feature Tim Keller with his mix of songs, poetry and stories. Tim has been newly inspired to sing thanks in large part to requests made by his brother, daughter and our friend Mike. While we were in Los Angeles over Fathers' Day weekend, Tim's brother Terry shared his new songs with us and his daughter Darcy made some requests for songs (She used to sing along when she toured with Tim when she was a little girl). Don't forget that we have a place for you too! Our open mike is always a treat and folks have already begun signing up! You'll be able to see some of Tim's framed photographs in the gallery but in the meantime check out his website. I like to link to his blog which is a fun place to start in his site.

Future Live @ Studio C! Events: August 28th will feature Karen Anderson with her harps, George Greco with poetry and inspiration form a life of running on September 25th, and a halloween costume contest on October 30th. November 27th will be the 4th annual Show of Gratitude. It's easy to remember which day to plan on coming out for a great night of live entertainment: the last Saturday of the month, except in November when it's the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Mark your planners and book a trip out to lively Des Moines New Mexico. You'll be glad that you did!

Aside from the wonderful art on display in the gallery, we now have freshly roasted coffee beans for sale, and freshly ground coffee perked daily. It's a real pleasure to have big bend coffee roaster's beans here for sale. I'm carrying four beans all of which are fair-trade, organic beans. I've also got free wi-fi. It's a lovely place to visit and be inspired. I look forward to sharing it with you. Mention this blog title when you visit and I'll give you 10% off this week.

Yes, that means I'm back on weekly update schedule. You can count on it. I've been working with some new ideas and find my creative juices are flowing once again. I've realized a need to take care of my creative self. I am on the Road To Kindness for myself as I work to grow my capacity for kindness to others.

Speaking of creating a better world... Reducing and reusing come before recycling. When I send customers home with their purchases I am reusing bags... you'd be amazed at how many of you have bags of bags stored somewhere looking for something to do with them... It's sexy to conserve resources and Studio C is a place to be, not only creative, but also conservative.

So~ thunder speaks in agreement. I hope you enjoyed the post, and will share your thoughts in the comments... or send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com.

Thanks for your support and remember to speak with encouragement to your own inner artist.

Til next week~

Be Glorious!

Christina

P.S. It's raining now! Praise Be~

May Storm Clouds ~ Spring Flowers

The winds have died down and the day is full of possibilities. Creating space to work and be inspired... first class day is Saturday. I've decided to set the studio class room up for collage. I'm thinking what better way to spend part of a day this glorious Memorial Day weekend? Collage is such a wonderful way to visualize ideas that are deep in your imagination. Worlds of emotion and feeling are made visible for the viewer. Fantasies for home and nature are made visible... facilitating the journey in making them real.

Speaking of creating a better world, and we always are in some way, reducing and reusing come before recycling. Something to remember as I sift through the resources I've gathered over time for making paper, sculptures and collage. The thought for the day, is flow. In fact let's take a moment to find a really great quote to inspire the vibrant flow of creativity....

"Life is easier to take than you'd think; all that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, and bear the intolerable." ~ Kathleen Norris

As I look at my collection of junk from the perspective of resource management I realize that if you look at what you have in trying to create something of value... something artistic, your process leads to a final piece that is original and innovative in a way it could not have been had you gone shopping for materials. Reusing is a path to reducing and recycling is a process of life we are continually engaged in.

As we remember the fallen heroes and pray for peace so our sons and daughters and their children and grandchildren live long and joyful lives, let us keep our hearts open to our neighbors and their new visions and to new perspectives and new collaborations.

With this in mind I invite your comments and thoughts.

Be Happy!

Christina

Working With the Rain

Another cold, rainy, wintery-spring day here in Des Moines New Mexico. The rain is great and when spring finally does land the green that's begun cannot help but be stunning.

This morning I stopped at KRTN radio to give a plug for Summer Art! on their morning show: This That & the Other. Buddy was working solo today and was gracious as ever helping me to get the word out about classes being offered this summer. The picture I've posted shows a wonderful mask made last spring by one of my students. I'm offering mask-making again this summer along with many other classes. Check out the flyer for more details!

I'm offering all classes "on-demand" and hope this delivery will result in Studio C having a successful summer full of creative exploration and discovery! Classes will be scheduled first come first serve so contact me early to be sure you get the dates you want. I'll keep you posted on classes and scheduling as it happens here at Studio C ~ Gallery & ArtSpace.

Live @ Studio C! is coming up on Saturday May 29th. This falls on Memorial Day weekend and I'm sorry to say I've not been able to schedule a featured act yet. Even so we'll be here with open minds and hearts looking forward to listening to the stories and poetry that open mike brings. Tim will read from Mrs. Click's history. I predict that there will be a great flow of traffic by the gallery and will put out the signs to invite folks to stop and share their stories and memories in honor of this day of remembrance. The show starts at 5:30... I'll put the sign up sheet out today for the open mike portion of the show. If you are planning on attending and would like to sign up for open mike you can send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com.

Margaret C. just called... she and I have been working together to present the last two Guest Vendor Open Houses. She has expanded her group and they have decided to move their gathering to our local village hall where there is a kitchen for their use. They'll keep the same date but it will now be located across the street and down the block. If you are interested in joining her collective or have questions send Margaret an email.

It's a quiet time for me and the cloud that's descended on our town lends a mystical atmosphere to the day here at Studio C ~ArtSpace & Gallery. The new leaves on the silver lace and clematis vines outside are drenched in moisture. The last few days have been dry and windy so I know the land is soaking up this moisture in gratitude. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work creatively in this beautiful area of New Mexico with so many wonderfully talented people.

Be well and enjoy the day~

Christina