Seeing the World Through New Eyes

Crop of Self-Portrait (in progress)

There comes a point in every protagonist's story where a crucial decision must be made. Where change is option A, and option B is to remain stagnant. I have opted for A and you know, it is scary but not nearly as scary as remaining exactly the same. I was most frightened when I approached the crossroads. Once I chose my A option I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and waited for some kind of self-destruction.

As you can see, that did not happen. I am still here. How crazy is that.

With the choosing came the change. Here are a few examples:
--I have a new workspace with huge floor to ceiling windows that face the Continental Divide.
--I have been painting AND working AND playing, though still trying to perfect the balance. It's been heavy on the "working."
--The nice part of that is that I illustrated a book. I will have my name on a book cover. This may sound kind of obvious but it is honestly the first time that has happened.
--I started teaching an art class 3 weeks ago. I've never taught before. I like... no I love it, much to my surprise.
--I donated two paintings to auction to benefit a local charity. Both sold. I thought it would be painful to part with my babies, but no. I felt liberated by it. Proud even. My art stood side-by-side with some of Colorado's most highly-respected artists. Which in turn made me a peer of such painters. That's really cool.
--Music. After a long hiatus, I have wound some shiny new strings on my guitar and carved a little niche for it in my living space (rather than shoved under the bed). My fingers have been itching thanks to all the new music I've come to love. I'm also going to lots and lots of live shows this summer. I have pledged to myself that I will attend every show in which I have even the most remote interest. This weekend it's the Grand Archives at Hi-Dive.
--This return to music fanhood has affected my wardrobe. It's getting a little funky. :)
--Alone time. I treasure it, I love it, I look forward to it. Especially after art class. :)
--Current reads: "Wreck This Journal" by Keri Smith, "Everyday Matters" and "The Creative License" by Danny Gregory. And Wuthering Heights when I can't sleep.

I do believe the right half of my brain has completely taken over and its having a crazy party and there's nothing I can do about it. Not that I'm complaining. I'm just tickled to be invited.

*exhale*

Works in Progress

–A portrait of a baby

–Illustrations for a book

–Illustrations for my own manuscript

–A mountain bike trail map

–Two logo/identity packages

–Mountain bike festival ad materials

–Taxes

–Myself

In Search of Creativity

One of my new goals for the next few months is to find and/or attend an inspiring creativity workshop. I don't care if it's about general creativity, or more specialized for oil or watercolor painting--I just want something that will get my juices flowing. I have been feeling stumped in this area for quite some time and it stumps my confidence in my work. Something relatively local is preferable, but I will travel to an awe-inspiring location for the right price.

So if anyone out there in webland has any hints on how to find one, or recommendations for a workshop they have taken, please pass it on. Please comment or email me at kate (at) penguinart (dot) com.

In the meantime I am reading SARK's book, "Make Your Creative Dreams Real: A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day."



I *heart* SARK's handwritten, scribbled and doodled books. This one is a little more structured but I don't mind. The watercolor-textured inserts with multicolored marker writings make me want to draw like a kid again. SARK is a bit like Sesame Street for the troubled adult mind.

I will put SARK's next workshop on my list of possibilities.

Gratitude

Right now, in my life I am grateful for abundance. I have recently received and experienced an abundance of:


1. Support from my friends, both near and far
2. Love from my family
3. Work from my clients
4. Motivation from my husband
5. Affection from my dogs
6. Inspiration from my surroundings
7. Grace from the Universe
8. Hope for my Self

I hope this Thanksgiving, spent at home visiting family will bring even more abundance for me and those I love.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tagged (a little late)

I was tagged by Michele, oh you know, back in August! Sorry Michele...

Four jobs I've had:
1. Receptionist at a Catholic priest's rectory (counted a lot of Sunday collection money)
2. Waitress at a cheesesteak shop (one of two waitressing jobs, I will never do that again)
3. Senior Designer at FAO, Inc. (got laid off by those guys, then rehired--TWICE)
4. Sole proprietor of Kate Hamilton Creative (best job ever)

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Titanic (mainly for the costumes)
2. The Muppet Movie (love you Kermit!)
3. Winged Migration (makes me cry)
4. March of the Penguins (duh!)

Four countries I have been to:
1. England
2. Italy
3. Greece
4. Antigua

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Skiing
2. Painting in plein air
3. Florence--never did get to see David
4. On a plane on my way to somewhere I've never been

Four foods I like to eat:
1. Good, fresh sushi*
2. ...and other fresh seafood, especially if Thai*
3. Indian*
4. New York pizza*
*you can't find this in Winter Park, Colorado

Four places I have lived:
1. Norwood, PA
2. Clifton Heights, PA
3. Havertown, PA
4. Winter Park, CO*
*first place I've lived that is not located in Delaware County, PA

Four people I'm tagging:
1. Melanie
2. Stephanie
3. Gennine
4. Heather