Happy anniversary to me

Ok...so clearly I have not mastered the art of consistent blogging. But I am making a commitment now to myself and anyone else out there who is interested that I will, as of today, blog weekly come hell or high waters or a niece’s wedding (that you have committed to being wedding coordinator for), or art show deadlines (which you are not quite ready for) or children graduating (which I will never be ready for) or family commitments (which, honestly, will always come first).

I am feeling very reflective today since it is the year anniversary of challenging myself to pursue my artwork, find what I am passionate about and try to become a real live artist. Actually it is the year anniversary of the Edmonds arts festival. I made the challenge to myself to enter the show January first 2008. I entered last year and had ten things accepted, won a third place in miniatures and sold four things. It gave me the courage to keep going and more importantly; allowed me to meet some phenomenal artists who's advice and support have been invaluable in my journey. I would be remiss in not mentioning Sue Robertson in particular. She invited me to join her experimental painting group which is this amazing group of prolific, professional, talented and honestly quite intimidating (their work...they didn't taunt me or anything) women who meet monthly. I am continually amazed at how open and supportive they all are and such a constant source of inspiration. So thank you, thank you, thank you to Sue Robertson (Joyful Art), Tracy Kay Fraker, Dawn Reick, Lynn Scott , Nancy Thompson and Mona Fairbanks. Check out their art and pick up a piece or two if you possibly can!

I feel a bit like I am giving an Oscar speech....I would also like to thank my mother........actually I would really truly like to thank my mother for always letting me make a mess (and believe me I did!) and for supporting and encouraging me to someday "do my art". I really believe that support from her and the rest of my family gave me the courage to take the leap into artdom.

I would also like to thank all the little people.......no, just kidding, you have to forgive me. I am feeling a bit giddy and silly because I just returned from the final day of this year’s Edmonds arts festival and I had a great time. I won two first places (prints and sculpture) and sold six pieces (to people that weren't even related to me....I checked). Check out the Edmonds Arts festival for pictures of my two winning pieces.

So what's next...we'll see....but for today anyway, I feel like a real true blue artist. Not because I sold work but because I am building bonds with artists that I so respect, and learning ways to grow in my craft (whatever that may be.....I have not gotten a grasp on the focus on one thing concept yet), and more and more venues to show and see and become inspired and invigorated by art; a truly essential part of my being. So thanks again to everyone who understands that art truly does feed the soul.

Now go out there and buy some art! Or make some art! Or, if you must, do the dishes.......then paint your cat (I think there are some very animal safe ways to do this; I saw a whole book of painted cats..really) or your kitchen chairs or knit a squirrel (not a real squirrel....I don't think there is any safe way to do that) or get your old rock polisher out or paper Mache a bust of your husband (or any bust you may prefer)....go have fun.....as I always tell my kids....Take chances, make mistakes, get messy! (Though I really meant it more figuratively that they took it.....oh well, live and learn)

Blog time

I am realizing that although establishing a blog was a challenge, finding the time to write on it is even more so. I naively envisioned writing as a relaxing way to end my day. I thought I would blissfully recount my day before fading off into la la land. Small detail....the order that you apply this plan is crucial. On two separate occasions I accidentally enacted the la la land part before the blogging part. (makes for a very very boring blog and funny keypad imprints on your face)

My second plan was to schedule time in the middle of my day. I thought it would be a nice break from working. I could refocus, drink a cup of coffee...well, obviously that didn't work either. I may be slow getting going but once the fur is a flyin,I don't want to quit. Which explains some really awful dinners that I have thrown together at the last possible minute usually involving leftovers, corn and cheese.

So I decided I would try mornings. I have never been known as morning person. In fact I'm sure there are many other things I have been called in the morning. I don't talk much let alone type so I thought it would be a long shot. More plausible than all those many workout plans I made for the morning time but not much. But since my son is at college and my daughter is a senior and drives herself to school, and apparently doesn't want my help fixing her hair anymore, I have some time after I kiss the hubby goodbye. So this morning bright eyed and bushy tailed (not really but lets pretend) I headed to my office to blog. Unfortunately, on the way I had this compelling urge to clean out my purse, get the gunk out of the prongs of my wedding ring and realphabetize my Cd's. But now with those urgent tasks completed here I am. .... On to the art part.

We went to Edmonds last night for the third Thursday art walk and as usual had a wonderful time. My husband took the sounder train from work and I met him at the train station and we headed off to Arnies's for dinner (utilizing their early dinner special of course) and then headed up main street. The next few hours flew by as we meandered in and out of the participating retailers, chatting with the featured artists, enjoying the array of different types of art on display from en caustic to watercolors to sculpture, and shopping a bit too. The weather was chilly but beautiful and it made me a bit giddy to think that spring was on its way. I think many people were in this mood as the streets were filled with art walkers excitedly following the rainbow windsocks to the next art filled venue. I love these events. I am always inspired by something; a new technique or color combination and leave anxious to get in my studio and create. Now if I could only find some outing that would make me want to run home and do laundry....oh well. A little febreeze should do the trick! (Just kidding mom).

Off to the studio...woo hoo.

My first blog....ohhh the pressure

I have been saying I was going to get my web site and blog going for some time now and thanks to my amazing husband I finally have. Those of you who know me well may be already cowering in fear knowing that this awesome new technology gives me the power to ramble on and on with unbridled abandon.

I was born in a small town in Oregon called The Dalles. It was a cloudy rainy day......o.k..........just kidding. I'll skip ahead a bit and I will try to keep this blog focused on my art and the art community.
I am currently showing at Sunset Bay Gallery. Thanks entirely to an amazing group of experimental artists that were generous enough to invite me in to their group. I have posted more information on my website if you are interested. (I am so exited to say that...I have wanted a website for so long! Thanks Steve!!) I am also working on entries for the many summer art festivals with particular focus on the Edmonds Art Festival.

There! I did it. I kept it brief. No promises but so far so good.

Thank you for reading my first blog and I guarantee more to come. I would love to hear from you and please visit my new website LynnGarkaStudio.com