The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. Ralph Waldo Emerson
In honor of my 65th birthday, I gave myself the gift of a journey of discovery.
I spent the past four weeks exploring parts of Portugal I did not know, traveling alone, in retreat, and with one of my dearest friends. This was both an external and an internal journey.
I am not the woman I was only a few years ago. Everything in my life has shifted; my work, my family, my body, my activities, my interests, my attitude, my finances, and my friends.
I am no longer in my prime. This year marks the milestone where I step fully into being an elder; a vibrant, wise woman opening her third act.
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This was the best gift I could imagine - to spend a month curious, questioning, and open to the possibilities inside me.
I want to lovingly welcome this new woman living my life. To discover as much as possible about what she likes to do when there is no one else to please or care for. What does she like to eat, to wear? How does she deal with problems, with exhaustion, with sadness, with joy?
I deliberately chose to place myself daily in situations that stretched me well beyond my comfort zones.
My agreement with myself was to respect the limits of physical safety while engaging in at least one action every day that scares me.
So I stepped deliberately and placed my walking stick carefully on the rocky hikes but I also edged close and peered over the precipices. I allowed space for improvisation and magic.
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Each day was an opportunity for me to discover myself newly without my usual reference points, without others calling me back to my old patterns and my old stories. Who am I now? How can I lead others into fuller versions of themselves? I know that I am more now than I have shown you in the past and I am capable of more than even I can imagine.
A month alone in a foreign country might not be a gift that you would give yourself.
But I am sure you have ways of stretching yourself that contribute to your growth process. I often tell my kids there is no one out there more critical or more threatening than the person who looks back at them from the mirror.
Growth is moving into the discomfort zone and making it comfortable. While some people find it easy to express their likes, dislikes, and desires, for me learning to love, honor, and hear my own interior guidance is hard work.
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It is curious to me how much time I spent with the question of what do I want?.
How is it that I defer so often to the desires of others that I really have no idea what I am feeling inside?
I spent a lot of time discerning where it is in my body that I feel the response to my choices of “this” or “that”? Given a day to fill with anything or everything it took a lot to distinguish what calls to me and what does not.
The many stories I have about what I “should” do, say, and think kept getting in the way. I found myself reserving and then canceling hotel after hotel as I got clearer that I want a small hotel offering a personalized experience as close to nature as possible.
As I got clarity about when and what I wanted to eat, where I wanted to stay and the experiences I wanted to attract things got easier and easier. Towards the end of the trip, I was working more with “how much is enough?” and receiving with grace.
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It surprised me how much my expectations influenced my response to everything around me.
Each town and each place I visited was very different from my imaginings.
When my expectations were too high, it appeared to me that someone else had to be at fault for disappointing me. But since I was alone that someone else is usually me... When foreign customs and language created misunderstandings it was usually my expectation that these things should be familiar that was the actual problem.
It was my story about how things should be that created my biggest challenges.
Over and over again foreign travel has shown me that there are many “right” ways to do things. It forces me to be more adaptable and opens my frame of reference and always seems to bring me back to myself.
Does that happen for you, too? Why is it so hard for us to see things as they are instead of as we are?
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Doubt, Fear, and Lack were my constant companions. I am grateful for all of the work I have done over the years to keep them from dominating my choices.
There were many days I wanted to give up and take an easier, safer path but I am proud of the way I was able to keep them at bay long enough to conquer my fear of driving a stick shift up steep and narrow village alleys, of standing on the edge of a cliff over the rocky sea, of eating alone in a nice restaurant, or walking into a room full of strangers and turning them into intimate friends, or paying real money for tours, guides, and good meals.
I was able to get lost, find my way again, discern friend from foe, and find whom to ask for help when I needed it.
And I was able to recognize my own inner voice quietly guiding me along the way.
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Another obstacle is my tendency to overpack. I noticed that I don’t just overpack my suitcase, but I overpack my days trying to fulfill a checklist of my own creation.
I struggle with balance and my story is that more is always better.
Over the month I improved at balancing rest and self-care with curiosity and adventure. I even came to the understanding that bringing presence and awareness to one activity could be enough to fill a day.
The Portuguese people are very kind, they move slowly, honor family and keep themselves close to nature's rhythm. Rest, connection and nourishment are the foundation for everything else.
I imagine our constant motion and busyness look very odd to them.
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My treasures from this experience are the people who shared their stories, their accomplishments, and their days with me.
I was able to deepen old friendships and begin new ones everywhere I went. I met a man who created his own utopia out of the stone schist of the steep mountainside, young people opening up to the fullness of their purpose and life path, others who left the country of their origin to make Portugal into their home, people who graciously shared themselves and the things they love about this beautiful country, others who created experiences and opportunities to welcome and entertain the curious.
I was surrounded by passion and warmth everywhere I went. My heart is bigger and more open from this experience.
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Fearless vulnerability is something I believe is critical to full artistic expression. Your art is all about how YOU see the world and your viewers want to see your truth and authenticity. Challenging your limits expands your ability to respond to your circumstances.
By embracing our obstacles and celebrating joy I think we step fully into improvisational living; “life as art”.
One of my friends once said, "you can't get lost during vacation because travel is all about adventure and improvisation". It is on journeys such as mine that discoveries are made. When you are fully present with what "is" then anything becomes possible. Perhaps you feel something new and exciting is calling you too?
I discovered that I am happier, more compassionate, and more generous now than I have ever been.
Facing my fears, conquering obstacles, and braving new situations brought me confidence and trust in my own resourcefulness.
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I hope that next year you will join me on a journey of artistic discovery in Portugal. I am planning an 8-day retreat in the western Algarve next June and I would love to include you. Please reach out to me if you are interested so we can talk more about what would light you up too. I will have many more details to share with you next month.
With Light and Delight,
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P.S. If you didn't get the chance to download your free gift from me: Here is my "Inner Artist Inspiration Package" - a series of illustrated quotes in watercolor based on flower photos taken by family and friends.
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Quote:
“I think if I could go back in time and give myself a message, it would be to reiterate that my value as an artist doesn't come from how much I create. I think that mindset is yoked to capitalism. Being an artist is about how and why you touch people's lives, even if it's one person. Even if that's yourself in the process of art-making”
-Amanda Gorman
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My fellow Pen Woman Sharron Demarest is being featured during the month of June. Look for her large-scale black and white photos along Wilton Drive.
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Sharron Demarest was approached by Wilton Arts, a volunteer organization in Wilton Manors, to create black and white photographs of people who either live, work, eat, or play in the Island City to illustrate the diversity of the community.
The photos are printed in large format and have been placed in the windows of City Hall as well as store and restaurant windows up and down Wilton Drive. There will be text with each photo and a QR Code enabling viewers to find out more about each subject.
This Exhibit is on display thru June, so stop by!!!!
If you would like to see more examples of the project photos you can go to: Wiltonart.org/projects
Sharron lives and works in Wilton Manors, Florida. Born in Maine, she misspent her youth as a military brat moving around the country before settling in New York City. Seventeen years ago Sharon and her spouse relocated to Florida to be near family.
Sharron’s passion for photography was ignited during her senior year of high school when she acquired a plastic $3.98 Diana camera.
The pictures were lousy, but she was hooked.
Sharron got her professional start in photography by working as a darkroom technician in NYC. During her free time, she roamed the city photographing the people and places she came to know and love.
Her early portraits and later works are held in private collections, principally in NYC and Florida.
Sharron has received numerous awards, including internationally in the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographer
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Lighthouse ArtCenter
373 Tequesta Drive
Tequesta, FL 33469
Phone: 561-746-3101
Mon - Thu: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun: Closed
Want to see something really special? Take yourself to the exhibition in the Spencer Gallery at Lighthouse Art Center in Tequesta FL on display until August 6, 2022.
Three unique exhibitions in four mediums: glass, wood, paper, and plastic. The exhibition includes a private collection of contemporary art glass by Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, and Bertil Vallien; evocative wooden wall “Constructs” by Tom Casmer; original works on paper by children’s book illustrator Robin Priess Glasser and illustrator and author Roxie Munro; and Bryan Ballinger’s 3D-printed “Faulty Dogs.”
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Bombas by Tom Casmer, on view in “Arts Connects: Across the Ages.” |
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Thursday, June 16, 2022 @ 5:00pm
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Meet the artists from Lighthouse ArtCenter's newest exhibition, "Art Connects: Across the Ages," on Thursday, June 16, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. "Art Connects: Across the Ages" (running through August 6) features contemporary glass sculpture by world-renowned sculptors Chihuly, Lino, and Vallien; evocative wooden wall "CONSTRUCTS" by Artist Tom Casmer; original illustrations from bestselling "Fancy Nancy" children's book series by Robin Priess Glasser; original illustrations from two of Author/Illustrator Roxie Munro latest award-winning children's books; and Bryan Ballinger's playful plastic 3D Faulty Dogs. The public is invited to meet two exhibiting artists, Tom Casmer and Roxie Munro, while enjoying the stunning art and the ArtCenter's signature hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Admission is free for members and a $5 donation for nonmembers. |
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This is not a drawing class!
Art is a divine expression of the human creative force.
Every month we will "play" with a canvas or paper to create a work of art using different combinations of tools, materials, and techniques. Every class we will make something new. Come prepared to make exuberant art.
No experience is necessary, just a willingness to be bold, free, and open-minded.
Here is a place to problem-solve, be bold, take chances and make mistakes with limited consequences. At the end of the night, you will have spent a few hours in the company of friends known and new, and you will have a beautiful (or not so beautiful..yet) decorated piece of paper or a canvas and a sense of well-being that comes from engaging your creativity.
Sign up by the Tuesday before class so I can be sure to have enough materials for everyone.
$80 per person includes all materials, a light snack, and a non-alcoholic drink.
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Private Lessons and Events |
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Master Classes for High School Students |
Private, highly personalized classes in mastery for artistically-minded US & international students virtually on Zoom or in person at my home.
If you have a student who is a visual thinker, willing to push the boundaries of their own work, and serious about improving their options for college, I want to hear from you! Schedule a time to discuss how I can collaborate with you to build a portfolio that will give your student the greatest chance for success.
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Art Workshops, Critiques & Presentations |
Invite me to present or lead a workshop for your school, club, or guild.
I can customize a program for your event or present my skills programs on composition, color theory, drawing faces, coordinating light/shadow or understanding the cues for depth. I am available for judging, confidence-building critiques and recorded tutorials.
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Improve Your Artist Statement |
If you would like to delve more deeply into your own inner questions and clarify your thoughts as you create an artist statement for your website, a gallery show, a sponsor, or another project, please reach out, and let’s talk. I have helped many students write compelling statements for AP Art, college applications, and competitions.
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A personalized experience, full of art and discovery, for those who….
- are traveling alone, or with a couple of friends
- would like a much more personal, flexible, and free experience, and lots of fun, too, tailored exactly to your needs, interests, and experience level
- may want to combine painting with exploring and discovering South Florida with organized trips and tours and really get to know the ‘real’ South Florida
- would like to book in for a shorter or longer time than most workshops
- don’t want to have to bring a mountain of supplies in their luggage
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Sketchbook Prompt:
As a drawing “starter”, cut or tear a piece from a travel photo. Paste with matte acrylic medium, and finish the image with your own drawing or painting. Don’t worry about making it match your photograph, allow the textures and values of the photo to inspire your response.
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Please contact me if you are interested in adding any of these paintings to your collection.
I will deliver if you live within a 2-hour drive and if you live further away, I will give you a price for shipping.
Venmo, CashApp, PayPal and Zelle are welcomed.
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Title: Bubbaloo
Media: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 11" x 14" Unframed
Price: $300.00
Frame: Painted Gallery wrap canvas
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Title: Bluefish
Media: Mixed Media
Size: 20" x 20" unframed, 29"x 29" framed
Price:$600
Frame: Gold frame with 3" Mat
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Title: Heaven Scent
Media: Mixed Media
Size: 22" x 15" unframed, 29" x 22" framed
Price:$450
Frame: Gold frame with 3" mat
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Title: Jellyfish
Media: Mixed Media
Size: 30" x 22" unframed, 37" x 29" framed
Price: $750
Frame: Gold frame with 3" white mat
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Want to see past issues of my newsletters? Visit this link on my website. |
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