This week and last week, I have been extremely creative with my time, with making meals for Tim and myself, with pretty much everything that’s important to me. I have tucked journaling time into the evenings while we watch tv. I carry around Wreck This Journal constantly, on the off chance that I will have a moment to destroy something. I print PDFs and carry them around with me in case I have a moment to read them. And today is the day before I leave on a trip, which means I have left a thousand details until the last minute, whether on purpose or accidentally, and I am a crazy woman. I know there are things that will go unfinished. And I know there are work things that I’ll just have to bring with me and do in the evenings. But I don’t care! You know why? Because…
Tomorrow I leave for a week in Phoenix for Art Unraveled!!
I am very excited for a week of creativity and friendship. I’ll try to check in here when I can. In the meantime I want to leave you with this utterly creative video that will make you smile. Have a great week!
Today my mother called me when I was slammed with work. She does that a lot. It’s ok, because she’s mom and I love her. Usually I rush her off the phone with a promise to call later (which I always do), but today I listened. She was excitedly talking about Harlan Ellison and some interview she saw on The Sundance Channel. She was really excited about it, which surprised me because mom doesn’t go in for foul or crude language or free-spirited thinkers (unless they are saints). Mom, I know you know I’m teasing you, but this is true – admit it!!
In the interview, Ellison discusses this phenomenon where writers are asked to write for free. He is appalled by this practice; insulted, even. And he’s right. Creativity is work, just like doing dishes, paving roads or being the governor. And when you work at something, it’s only right you get paid for it. (I’m still working on a solution for the stay-at-hom moms out there, but I’m puzzled on how to approach that one.)
I build websites and consult on internet stuff for a living. I can’t even count how many people have asked me to do it for less money or for free. In the beginning of my business, I did it a lot. I am not doing it any more. It’s hard, because you want that business, but by doing things for cheap or for free, you are cheapening your work and the work of your contemporaries. This is the same for all of you artists who are patiently and quietly working on softies or paintings or collages or altered art and so on. Your inspiration is of great value to the world. Think about it.
And for those who are wondering, the smudge of lime green pastel is still on the sleeve of my hoodie. Which is good, because it helps me still believe I’m an artist, because there hasn’t been much proof of that lately. Also, I can’t find my camera.
The week before last, I was in Albuquerque on business. I used that opportunity to visit my friends Karen and Dana Robbins of Robbins Ranch Art Glass out at their studio.
Karen and I were officemates many moons ago and when we worked together, she and her husband were working on their dream of being self-sustaining, working artists and running their own business selling art glass. I’m so happy that they are finally realizing their dream.
I wish I had had my camera to take pictures of their cute little adobe house and ranch out in the wilds of New Mexico. They have done a great job over the years of really making this place their own, right down to the glass doorknobs all over the place.
I also got to watch Dana at work, with Karen as his able assistant. During that time, they made this kissing fish, which I knew I just had to have. I was mesmerized by the whole process, not to mention freaked out by the high temps! Karen and Dana are a great team and I loved watching their rhythm and concentration.
They make an assortment of glass items, including their very popular hot air balloons, and they sell their items at shows all over the place. Check out their website for more info and for their show schedule. They’ll also take custom orders!
The week before last, I was in Albuquerque on business. I used that opportunity to visit my friends Karen and Dana Robbins of 
I also got to watch Dana at work, with Karen as his able assistant. During that time, they made this kissing fish, which I knew I just had to have. I was mesmerized by the whole process, not to mention freaked out by the high temps! Karen and Dana are a great team and I loved watching their rhythm and concentration.
