My He-ART

Word Hop 2012

2012-01-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for stopping by! Today marks the Fly-Tribes first Blog Hop of 2012. I am so proud to be a part of this magnificent group of artists! I hope you get a chance to play with us. Please join me in hopping along here .

My word for this year is:

The last quarter of 2011 really sparked a change in me. Taking Flying Lessons by Kelly Rae Roberts has been the best money I have spent in all of my life. Not only did I gain a well of knowledge but it allowed me to find a community I did not know existed. This community of artists has helped keep me honest in every creative endeavor from that point on. For many years have suppressed any creative feeling I have had. I was haunted by my inner voice begging me to come out. Haunted everyday by the artist within.

When I first found Kelly Rae's art I was in an independent bookstore where I live in San Antonio, Texas. As I looked into the women's eyes of the painting (the same one on her book Taking Flight) a chill came over me. This woman was talking to me. "How could this be... this is a painting, Sofia!" I would say. The woman in the painting looked at me and with her eyes saw into my very soul. She had found me. I could no longer hide. It's almost like she was pulling out that part of myself that I had suppressed for so long. My inner artist was being pulled out of me.

My Muse. (KRR's Painting)

I turned away in fear. I pretended like it was just another beautiful piece of artwork. I hid behind the bookshelves and I tried hard not to feel the emotions swirling in me. Blankly, I starred into a shelf of books and thought to myself, "Please be honest here. Stop lying to yourself. Listen...be still and listen.

After a few moments of breathing deeply I peered out to seek her, this time not so afraid but relieved. She knew my story. She knew my deepest desires and ambitions and fears. She told me to let go and I would be free. I left her there that day. Before I left the bookstore I held her in my hands and promised that I would let go of my fears. I promised to no longer hide behind a false self. I promised to give the creative voice inside of me her chance to speak. I quietly exited and drove home in silence.

I will speak of this experience as long as I live because it was transformative for me. Living in honesty and living my truth is my goal in 2012. I am more prepared now to let go of things and people who do not serve me. I realize now more than I ever have that being honest with myself and others creates less stress in my life and allows me to live a more authentic life.

I want to espouse all the the above this year. I know that with my group of fabulous flying females I will be fully supported!

I recently began creating intention candles for the new year to help me live more honestly. This idea was sparked by fellow flyer Rachel Payne. The intention of Self-love in the first quarter of the year is where I am concentrating.

This candle states that I am a: FREAKING GODDESS :) and that I can light the way to achieving my dreams!

The back side of this candle states to: Get your LOVE on!

Thank you for your love and presence!

Flygirl New Year

2012-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of you beautiful, creative souls. What a great day to be alive. I am so happy for the start of a new year and the possibilities that it brings. I am looking forward to creating more art and relationships with you all. I have not been the best at keeping up with blogging but I am making a great effort this year. It is good to document all the things happening towards living a more creative life. I appreciate you all supporting my creative endeavors as the sense of community moves me to be the best I can be.

I am so happy to share that over the holiday break I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to visit family and friends. Our New Year celebration was cozy and comfortable at home sipping wine and playing cards. It was relaxing and much needed. After the festivities we spent the afternoon painting together. I kick myself now that I did not photograph the occasion but take my word for it it was fun.

Flygirl Love

The absolute highlight of my trip to Atlanta this year was that I met fellow Flygirl, Brenda Figueroa. Brenda and I have kept in touch over the months since the KRR E-Course Flying Lessons. We began our friendship exchanging emails about art and the course and how wonderful the experience was for us and the others. Soon after the course we began to Skype with each other and shared our work and what our studio spaces looked like. I began the Luggage Project Brenda hosted and it was a great experience. We supported each other through art shows that we both frantically prepared for and cheered each other on through texting on those wonderful days. It was only natural that we meet this year in Atlanta since Brenda lives there.

We spent only a few hours together but they were for me magical and inspiring. We planned on having a creative day but we mostly talked and talked. We shared the positive and negatives of being artists...being women...being dreamers....I was so happy to be in her beautiful art studio. Brenda loves pink and the different pink hues made me feel like I was in a dream. We had lunch with her husband and my fiance Jeff. Soon after lunch her 2 year-old son woke from his nap. She is a loving mother and watching her with her son was artwork in itself. She is a caring soul.

Our time came to an end early in the evening. We exchanged business cards, and she was kind enough to let me choose 2 of her prints to take home with me. From the moment I found her work it spoke to me. I was honored and now it will hang in my new art space!

You guys!!! I can't even say how much the Flygirl group means to me. Everytime I meet another Flygirl my heart fills with so much love and admiration. This time was no different!

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

So this week has been a crazy week for me. I miss being online visiting blogs and my Facebook friends. The week started with the movers coming in to pick up our big items. What a time of year for a move. It has been stressful to say the least. Although it is something we must do I will miss this house. We have many happy memories here. This was my living room

Now she looks like this

You can see we are using a safe and my Element's back seat as chairs.

My constant need to create brought me a project in the midst of all this chaos. My extended family could not understand why on earth I would take on an art project in the middle of a move, inspection at work and during the holidays. It sounds completely crazy when you think about it but I tend not to think when it comes to sharing art!

I came across an opportunity to help a non-profit organization here in my city of San Antonio. The organization helps create a memorable Christmas experience for children who are in the foster system. I had no idea how many kids that was. It was so many of them ranging in ages from 5 to 17. I was asked to create a backdrop of snow trees for the stage to give it a Winter Wonderland feeling. This project needed to be completed by December 15th. I started the work on the 12th and worked most of that night.

I really like the "CandyLand" feeling so my trees looked like whipped cream dollops according to my fiance Jeff they looked good enough to eat. This picture was taken sometime around 9pm. It doesn't matter the time of day I get such an energy when painting. This was no small job. These were 8ft by 4ft panels I layed on the kitchen floor.

This is me happy.

The next morning while the movers moved I went to the hobby store to get some items to create a second side for the production. If time permitted I would create a living room scene they would use for the beginning of the show. The second half took more time but it was worth it when I saw it at the venue. The organization was very grateful.

A cozy living room like in the Nutcracker! Fireplace and frosted window panes on either side!

Here is a picture of the snow trees at the venue.

I could not have completed the project without the help of my fiance Jeff. He is a talented artist himself and put the panels together for me. It is great to have his support.

So my friends I just wanted to share what I have been up to. With all the stressors I have been dealing with, I still celebrate the spirit of Christmas!

xxx

Intention of Self-Love

2011-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have had the chance to blog about anything.

It has been a crazy very crazy 2 months. After my trip to Paris in October I had to really get into my day job responsibilities. I have been swamped with projects.

On the home front my fiancé and I are having to move out of our rental so that is added stress.

I am happy and thankful for the break that is coming this week and will give me a chance to reconnect with you all.

Luckily, I still had chances to log into Facebook and everyone’s blog. The work you all have completed is wonderfully inspiring. I am so moved by each of my fellow artists visions of beauty!

Recently I became part of the Illuminata Circle with Rae Payne and other artists. The project was to create an intention candle. This was such a great activity for me to do. When so many things have been pulling my energy it was nice to restore some of it making this intention candle for self-love.

Just in case you can't see it all it says:

I look up at the stars and awaken to healing thoughts and stand tall.

Another part of the candle has a picture of an eye and should read: I love me.

My favorite on the bottom says:

Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.

I think I will add some stickers of flowers and on the top of the candle complete it by combining the two words celebrate and happy with you so that at the top it will read: Celebrate YOU Happy!

I have ideas for more candles to come. I was thinking of having an intention party just like Rachel did with a group of her friends. I think it would be a good way to start the year. I have lit my candle a few times while I began to sketch this weekend and feeling its energy really got my creative juices flowing.

So much love!

Dia De los Muertos

2011-10-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Beauties,

Just wanted to share what I have been working on for
Dia De los Muertos!

My Paris

2011-10-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Back from my best friend's wedding in Paris, France. I wished for a delay, crazy weather or something that would have kept me there one more day. Paris was superb. The weather was uncharacteristically hot but it was perfect for the wedding.

The leaves have just started to turn beautiful orange and yellow. Here I am on a stroll through a park. I was on my way to the Louvre Museum. It is just gorgeous isn't it!

I think this time I was so connected to the city because of the reason I was there. My best friend, since middle school, Kim got married last Saturday to a loving man Nicholas. I got there with no expectations and I was taken by the city, the love and the energy surrounding my visit.

Here is Kim with her family. I was so happy that her parents and sisters all made it to the wedding. Her mother Ann on the far left lives in Japan, Nikki her youngest sister lives in Texas, Stacey is a fashion designer in New York and her dad David also lives in Texas. Kim was stunning in her dress and I am so happy to have given her the pearls she wore that day. I am so thankful to have been witness to such a beautiful ceremony to a friend I am proud to call my sister.

When she told me she was going to get married in the town hall I cringed. All I could picture was a small office where we would have to crowd into to have some official hurriedly marry them before the next couple arrived. All I can say is boy was I wrong. Paris know how to do it people! We walked into the city town hall and it was spectacular. Dark wood, massive chandeliers and red velvet chairs for at least 60 guests! The witnesses and the bride and groom all stood in the front at what seemed to be a judges bench. I swear they were light royalty!

Her in-laws were so hospitable and the backyard reception they put together was simple and beautiful. I could feel the love in the air for both the bride and groom. It was magnifying. The pictures simply do not do justice to the experience.

I wanted to share with you all the moments I tried to capture. I hope you will enjoy these few pictures and share in the love. I left a piece of my heart in Paris!

The Eiffel Tower. We did not get to go up because the lines were so long but still it was spectacular.

Waiting for the next train at the METRO!

Seeing some of the many sites!!

Paris Bound

2011-09-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

Here I am in the airport at 7am!

Got my carry on with me. :)

Looking forward to taking lots of pictures and posting soon!

Au revior!

ArT Is LiFe

2011-09-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Just enjoying a Saturday evening creating art!

Have a great weekend ya'll!!

Italian Sky

2011-09-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hello my Creative Ghosts!

It is a beautiful September day. I just turned in a photograph for FotoSeptiembre here at the college where I work.

Our theme is WABI SABI. The exhibit explores the idea of the Japanese concept of beauty that celebrates the transient, the impermanent and the simple and imperfect.

This is a photograph I took while traveling to Rome, Italy.
I was moved by the energy of the place. As I stood next to the Colosseum I looked up in gratitude and saw the beauty of these clouds. I celebrate the impermanence of the clouds in this photograph.

I watched the clouds move ever so slowly. They would crash into other clouds and completely transform or they would evaporate into the blue sky.

If you get a chance to read Taro Gold's Living Wabi Sabi I totally recommend it. Its a small book you can read in a day and it completely changes the way you look at things!

my LOVE, and PEACE and PAINTBRUSHES!

IL MAESTRO

2011-09-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

September 6 is the anniversary of the death of one of my favorite musical voices.

I remember when I was about 12 years old. I lived in Germany with my parents and two siblings. There wasn't much to do over the summers so I spent a lot of time in the library on the base where we lived.

I would stay in the library for hours and hours reading about so many different things. I remember one day I was in the music section and I came across a tape of Luciano Pavarotti. I was drawn to his name I thought it was kind of cool. I took the tape to the small table where a stereo and headphones where placed so people could listen before they checked out the records or tapes.

The first time I heard his voice it literally took my breath away. I was very young and I did not know what Opera was but I understood then that what I was listening to was sheer genius!

I am kind of bummed that I never got a chance to see him in life. I was very sad the day he died because the world lost such a great talent. You can mistake his voice with no other voice! You know its him when you hear him. I am happy to celebrate his life and his contribution to mine as he opened a world deep inside of me that I cannot explain.

I painted these to remind myself of the joy he has brought me in my life. Pavarotti plays when I paint most of the time. There are times when I am just in the mood to hear his powerful Nessun Dorma that stirs me up inside. When I watch this performance on his DVD I always cry. Here is to Opera and her golden boy!

Love you PAV!

The Luggage Project Continues...

2011-09-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

My beauties how are you?

I have been on a whirlwind this week. Here and there I have been able to keep up with my Luggage Project and I am loving it.

Here is my sketch that I painted and the quote attached.

Hope you like it.

The quote reads: The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.

My plan is to try to take this on my trip to Paris, France this month as a carry-on!

I am pretty sure it will fit under the seat and I can carry my sketch pad and pencils and any other art supply I may need. :)

Still not done just wanted to show you my progress so far.

Happy Sunday and as always peace, love and paintbrushes!

The Luggage Project

2011-08-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hello my Creative Ghosts!

A spectacular weekend beginning the Luggage Project with Brenda Figueroa and other kindred spirits!

I am having a blast giving life to this small piece of luggage.

Check out my beginnings

After the collaging

After the painting

What a beautiful mess!!!!

If you are up to it you should join us! There are about 10 of us now. So excited. I can't wait for the next one!
http://lafiorevida.ning.com/

Your Majesty

2011-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Creative Ghosts,

How I have missed you all. The first week of school and teaching have been a whirl. New students and projects are underway. Being around all my students I began to go back in time in my mind.

I was dreaming of my favorite things when I was a child. I remember the carnival and my favorite ride was the Carousel. That's what I have been feeling like lately...like I am spinning around and around with so many responsibilities, dreams and goals to fulfill.

I just need to take a deep breath and hop on my fantasy horse I named

"Your Majesty"

I love my fantasy horse. She is a strong and beautiful creature. This beauty will help to relax me today.

I can sit on her and re-focus all that there is to do, know and be.

I hope all of you Creative Ghosts will take time during this day to re-focus and ride on the magical Carousel of your own life.

Peace, love and paintbrushes!

Fairy Godmother

2011-08-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear Creative Ghosts!

Today was a wonder-FULL and beauty-FULL day!

Taking Kelly Rae's advice, myself and another flier set on meeting this afternoon.

Turns out I found that I had many things in common with her. She was the voice of
encouragement and wisdom.

I am calling her my Fairy Godmother, Rose!
FG Rose asked me to exclaim the statement: I AM AN ARTIST!

Our conversation lasted for over three hours and ended up at Michaels. (SMILE)

Rose and I shared some of our artwork with each other and here she is with a totem doll she created out of a piece of bark and beads and cloth.

We have committed to a once a month retreat for ourselves and it is just what I needed to begin my community of creative ghosts!

Anyone interested in joining us? It's about to get fun!!!

My Naked Journal

2011-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings my Creative Ghosts!

I finished a handmade journal from an idea I read in Kelly Rae's book Taking Flight.

I had a lot of fun making this. I wanted to really connect with my spirit on a deep level.

I am usually making art for other people but I thought it was important to make something
for myself that I could use.

I titled it Naked because I feel that the more I expose myself and the desires of my heart the closer I get to my true nature.

As I painted this, I pictured myself flying with Angels who were trying to help me find my wings. I pictured myself uninhibited by negative thoughts, fears or clothing. I felt free.

I laughed and I cried and then I closed my eyes...when I opened them again I realized I was flying.

This journal will carry the songs of my heart and my inner most desires. It will not be like any other journal I have written.

I hope that in some ways this journal will be like vision board to help remind me of my creative power to physically manifest my dreams.

I am off to write in my newly created journal.

I miss you Rain!

2011-08-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I sat and savored the breeze of 6 am. It felt good on my skin. I looked up and saw clouds and hoped it would begin to Rain. I miss you Rain. I have not seen my beautiful Rain in months here in Texas. Today I wanted to share a poem I wrote when I last saw her.....

As I sit and watch the rain fall from the sky
feelings of renewal and hope wash over my soul.

The possibilities of new adventures shine in through the window as the sun breaks through the clouds.

The coolness of rain has awakened
this inner hope
and the heat of the sun moves my spirit towards transformation and evolution of my life.

Opening up to the possibilities of my life.....

2011-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of you. My first post is about a transformation that occurred for me last year. I have been reading about all of the creative ghosts in my new online E-Course Flying Lessons hosted by none other than Kelly Rae Roberts. Many of these creators are haunted everyday by the artist within that aches to express itself.

It so beautiful isn’t it? the place we always go to that seems frightening but exhilarating at the same time. When I first found Kelly Rae's art I was in an independent bookstore where I live in San Antonio, Texas. As I looked into the women's eyes of the painting (the same one on her book Taking Flight) a chill came over me. She had found me. I could no longer hide. I turned away in fear. Behind the bookshelves I peered out to seek her, this time not so afraid but relieved. She knew my story. She knew my deepest desires and ambitions and fears. She told me to let go and I would be free. I left her there that day. Before I left the bookstore I held her in my hands and promised that I would let go of my fears. I promised to no longer hide behind a false self. i promised to give the creative voice inside of me her chance to speak. I quietly exited and drove home in silence.

The transformation that occurred for me after that was extraordinary. I emptied a bedroom in my house and made it my art studio. I painted whatever, mainly on canvas but the floor got some and so did the walls. some how (and i still don't know how to this day) i found myself teaching acrylics I had been painting in a studio downtown. i was in a zone, i was daring and more confident so I began searching for creative/artistic opportunities and I found one. Really though I think it found me. I painted and painted and I loved every minute. I did that for about 8 months and I decided that i wanted to focus on my art and create a style for myself some way I just don't now what it will be yet.

I have to tell you all that I kept seeing her (Kelly's Take Flight painting) every so often. Here and there in my city and in different cities I traveled to within that year. One day on a stroll at some local shops I saw her again but this time she came home with me. She hangs proudly at the highest part of the wall in my art studio. She is always whispering to me. "You can" "don't be afraid" "keep going" "YES!" "let your heart sing" Her whispers become loud vibrations in my head and make my heart pound faster. Sometimes when i look into her shimmering eyes i can see myself glow. it seems now that my whole life has been about that moment. the moment that i returned to myself. I only want to keep that alive always.

how can i put words together to describe me? i can't. i'm a jumbled mess most of the time. full of emotion and passion and compassion and love. everything spinning around in my head and heart. i love the moon and reading and painting. i love the sound of children's laughter and the smell of my parent’s house. i love theatre and costumes and museums. I love to travel and meet new people and eat new food. i love to play my violin and i live to write about all of this.

i thank everyone in my new class for being here and sharing with me your experiences. I don't know why I decided to take this class but I am glad I did. I look forward to learning from all of the artists in my class! love and happiness to my creative ghosts.

p.s. and by the way. a couple of Mondays ago the art gallery director of the bookstore (where I first found my inspiration, Kelly’s beautiful painting) contacted me. One of my paintings now hangs in the art gallery there. tears of joy my ghosts tears of utter joy!

PEACE, LOVE AND PAINTBRUSHES!