NZAG Art Awards

And the Winners are .........

1st Prize - $5000 and a 12mth subscription to the NZ Art Guild

Sponsored by NZ Art Guild

Elspeth Batt - Celebration of the Uniqueness of Us

From left to right: Sophia Elise (NZAG Manager) , Elspeth Batt (First Prize Winner) , North Shore City Mayor - Andrew Williams

2nd Prize - $1000 and a 6mth subscription to the NZ Art Guild

Sponsored by Resene

Kelly Hartley - Oritetanga

3rd Prize - $500 and a 6mth subscription to the NZ Art Guild

Sponsored by Albany Garden Centre

Sheryl O'Gorman - Cause and Effect

Merit Prize - $250 and 6 months subscription to the NZ Art Guidl

Sponsored by NZ Art Guild

Elissa Ramsay - Find Me

Finalists - 6mth NZAG membership subscription
Michele Bluck - Letterbox #5

Tony Brown - The Downward Spiral

Marisa Garau - Happy HolidaysCheryl Irwin - Here I Am

Trish Macready - Stairway to Heaven

Clare Makwana - Intuitive Wisdom

Helen McNamara - Orange Tree
Wendy Murphy - Stamp on them before they multiply: evolution of the best dressed

Meliors Simms - New Shroud for King Tutankhamun

Lynette McKinstrie - Transition

Silver Dunlop - There There Baby

Sally Blyth - Lasting Impressions

Sally Blyth - Walk Beside Me

General Exhibition Qualifiers
Angela Laby

Anni Morris

Donna Dobbinson

Donna Steel

Doreen McNeill

Elaine Silich

Elizabeth Manson

Gitte Anderson

Helen Hazeldine

Jane Santos

Lyn Morrison

Margaret Scott

Margot Lee

Masami Ichikawa
Meleane Bourke

Miki Clarke

Robyn Robertson

Shan Li Chen

Shu Ting Zhang

Stephanie Brant

Stephen Fuller

Steve O'Neill

Sue Keast

Susan Edge

Tineswari Maruthamuthu

Vivienne Bashford

Wayne Fox

Terry Dangen

40 Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life

40 Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life - These are really very powerful...implement whenever you can.

I think these are all fantastic - my personal favorites are highlighted ....

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Record your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, "My purpose is to____ today."
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you have before.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts .
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life .
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king or queen, lunch like a prince or princess and dinner like a college kid.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about .
24. Burn the candles, use the nice bed sheets, Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years,will this matter?"
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business .
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. So stop complaining about the weather, the job, the rents etc etc
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
34. The best is yet to come.
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36. Do the right thing!
37. Call your family often.
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:" am thankful for ___." Today I accomplished ____.
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

NZAG ART AWARDS 2008

Don't miss this NZ first in Art Awards -

NZAG Art Awards 2008

When: Opening night and award ceremony - Fri Feb 1st 6:30pm - All Welcome - Free entry

Where: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach, North Shore City, Auckland

The NZ Art Guild is holding it's first annual art Awards at the Bruce Mason Centre in February 2008. Come and see what NZ Artists have to offer and join us in this exciting inaugural event.

If you can't make the awards ceremony, don't worry, the exhibition will run for the entire month of February so stop by anytime. Remember to tell all your friends and family about it - this will be an exhibition NOT to miss!

Mental Feng Shui

I received this forwarded email today ... some very simple but sound advice ...

ONE. **Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.**
TWO. **Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older,their conversational skills will be as important as any other. **
THREE. **Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep allyou want. **
FOUR. **When you say, 'I love you,' mean it. **
FIVE. **When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye. **
SIX. **Be engaged at least six months before you get married. **
SEVEN. **Believe in love at first sight.**
EIGHT. **Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't havedreams don't have much. **
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's theonly way to live life completely. **
TEN.. **In disagreements, fight fairly.. No name calling. **
ELEVEN.** Don't judge people by their relatives.**
TWELVE. **Talk slowly but think quickly.**
THIRTEEN. **When someone asks you a question you don't want toanswer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?' **
FOURTEEN. **Remember that great love and great achievements involvegreat risk. **
FIFTEEN. **Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze. **
SIXTEEN.. **When you lose, don't lose the lesson.**
SEVENTEEN. **Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions. **
EIGHTEEN. **Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. **
NINETEEN. **When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediatesteps to correct it. **
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it inyour voice. **
TWENTY- ONE. **Spend some time alone.**

Everyone's Invited

Exhibition and Gallery Opening!

The Garage & Gallery.... This Gallery is SOOOOOO DIFFERENT FROM THE NORM !!
"Art on Walls" & "Art on Wheels" Art on Walls = Hung Artworks on Canvas etc... and Art on Wheels = Classic Cars ... For Sale ... like E type Jags, Lotus , TVR just to name a few....

I am so excited to be involved with this and can't wait for the Grand Opening !! We're flying down from Auckland for this - all the artists exhibtion will be there! Great opportunity to meet them and to view amazing artwork.

"THE GARAGE & GALLERY"
262 Turam Street
Christchurch
Ph: 365 6641
Grand Opening
Monday 21st January 2008
6pm - 8pm

Contemporary Art by
Katherine Ross
Donna Steel
and myself .....

The Garage and Gallery - Christchurch

Here are some photos from a fantastic new gallery in Christchurch where I have several artworks along with Donna Steel and Katherine Ross

The Garage and Gallery
Art On Wheels and Art On Walls

The Garage and Gallery
Art On Wheel and Art On Walls
262 Turam Street
Christchurch
Ph: (03) 365 6641

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is a very important quality to have - and one that seems to be missing from a lot of people today ... Never take anyone or anything for granted - alway be thankful for what you have - you always have more than you ever realise

I received this via email a couple of days ago .....

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, HE IS HOME WITH ME & NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES , IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING. IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING & I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY. IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS. IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

REMEMBER: Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

Spring Rain - by Lisa Matthys

This piece is totally stunning ...by a very talented and well known NZ artist - Lisa Matthys who is based in Wairarapa New, Zealand.

Title: Spring Rain
Artist: Lisa Matthys
Medium: Acrylic
Size: 920mm high x 1520mm wide

FOR SALE: $3500

Contact: sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

The photo is a little darker than in life.

Lisa Matthys - www.lisamatthys.vc.net.nz

Lisa Matthys is an artist working in mixed media. Her original works contain many layers of paint, paper, fibre and found items. While her formal training is in fashion and textile design, many of the mark making and drawing techniques aquired attribute to her original, often quirky style.

Collage is a feature in many of Lisa's works and often these materials inspire the direction or theme of her paintings. Symbolism and story telling are areas Lisa is currently exploring with strong ideas about finding a kind of natural rhythm or balance in life.

In May 2006 Lisa and partner, Photographer Salvi Frika, opened HARVEST ART GALLERY in Greytown New Zealand.

Reflection on this year

Well here I was thinking I had oh so slack with my art promotion this year - due to committments with the NZAG, work, kids etc ..... but when I sat down and thought about it - I was ionvolved with 11 exhibitions - including 3 charity art auctions and one art award.

2007
Feb - Hotel Grand Chancellor - joint exhibition
Feb - Bruce Mason Centre - NZAG member exhibition
Apr - Royal Easter Show Art Awards
Apr - Albany Garden Centre and Restaurant - joint exhibition
May - Rangitoto School Art Exhibition
Jun - Parklane Art Awards - Finalist - Charity Art Auction
Jun - Bruce Mason Centre - Joint Exhibiton with Catherine Outwin
Aug - Art Aid Trust Charity Auction - Exhbitions at the Depot
Aug - Bruce Mason Centre - NZAG Members exhibition
Aug - Original Art Sale
Oct - Windsor Park Art Aid Charity Art Auction
Dec - Snells Beach Summer Art Exhibition and Awards

Not to mention having two new galleries represent me in Christchurch which is great!

Now I just need to start doing some more paitning!

Next year will defintiely be a more quiet art year form me - at this stage I have nothing in the pipeline ... well apart from co-ordinating the NZAG Art Awards and all the other NZAG exhibitons including the dedicated venues in Auckland and the members one in July ....

Anyway - Just wanted to wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year period!! :-)

No New Photos

Recently I completed a few small paintings for a gallery in Christchurch. I went to take photos only to discover my camera is broken - sob sob .....

This time of year is not so good to be making big purchases so unfortunately it will have to wait til after Santas has been .. and the sales are on! :)

The mystery of anonymous comments

There was an interesting discussion on another forum about why visitors to blogs post comments anonymously. These people seem to feel the urge to tell you all the ways in which you are wrong, stupid, crazy etc, but don't have enough conviction to have their name associated with their opinions.

Why would someone want to give you the benefit of their wisdom but not take credit for it? After all, if I was the creator of such enlightened and witty comments as "you are completely dotty" "What crap" I would not only want full credit, but to also have it registered in case of plagiarism.

I can understand someone posting anonymously if there is a chance their comments could get them into some sort of trouble, but otherwise ... isn't it simply a case of harassment or maybe more accurately cowardice? It's almost like they want you to know how they feel but don't want to have to face a reply from you.

I believe - if you really feel strongly about something - you should have the courage of your convictions - own what you say - be proud of what you say - and don't hide behind anonymous.

The Four Agreements

from Don Miguel Ruiz...

The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Art Aid Auction

This is my fourth Charity Art Auction for this year. This piece is called parting of the ways - check out the inspiration and symbolism behind it by scrolling further down my blog :)

Please check out the auction - some truly fantastic pieces - with bargain prices too. There's one in particular that I personally have my eye on....

ART AID Charity Art Auction

Date for viewing art: From week of 20 October 2007

Date of auction: Sunday 12:45pm, 28 October 2007

Venue: Cafe Windsor Gallery, Windsor Park Baptist Church, 550 East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay, AUCKLAND

SOLD

NZAG Artists Participating: Sophia Elise, Donna Steel, Christine Dempster, Regina Dredge

HAPPINESS

From my Journey of Life Series - Depth of Perception
SOLD

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Dr. Holden says the key to being happy is overcoming "destination addiction,"

Many people think that once they get their dream car, they’ll be happy, or once they build their dream house, they’ll be happy, this is called “destination addiction” and is defined as “living in the not-now”. It's always about tomorrow, so you're chasing 'more,' 'next' and 'there. You promise yourself that when you get there, you'll be happy. And you won't, because you'll always set another destination to go for. You deserve to be happy now, in the present. Don’t delay your happiness.

Instead, Dr. Holden says if you are unhappy with your life there are two things you can do. "We have to learn to let go of our past, we have to give up all hopes for a perfect past. Let the past go, it's gone." After that, he says, "Take a vow of kindness. Be kinder to yourself and to others.

Get your brushes out - NZAG Art Awards are here!

Entries now open for “different” type of NZ Art Awards

With so many art exhibitions on lately, the NZ art community are slowly getting bored with the same old exhibition themes like “Coastal scenery”, “NZ Icons” or “Urban landscape”. The NZ Art Guild has recognised this boredom by devising a tasty challenge for artists to get their teeth into.

The NZAG Art Awards is NOT like other art awards in NZ, which are largely based on theme titles and technical ability. The NZAG Art Awards takes things a step further….it’s a “Challenge” based awards which will reward creativity and innovation with a huge $5000 first prize.

The task is to incorporate four “challenge terms” into every artwork – for this year the terms are: Cool blue, Equality, Stamp and Circular. Interpretation and application of these terms is up to the individual artist and is only limited by their imagination. Some amazing and ingenious artworks are expected, and artists are already planning their artworks in anticipation.

The NZAG Art Awards is open to all NZ artists over the age of 18, with the deadline to apply on the last Friday before Christmas. Application forms and full details are available on their website www.nzartguild.co.nz

An exhibition of selected works will be on display at the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland in February 2008, with the award ceremony taking place on Friday 1st February. Following on from their successful annual exhibition and collaborative project “patchworks” – a single artwork created by 66 NZ Artists – the NZAG Art Awards is going to be eagerly awaited by all.

Christmas is Coming

Just couldnt resist one - seems like every year it gets earlier and earlier -

Title: Christmas Is Coming

Size: 25cm x 25cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media

Lifes Rollercoaster

This one was the first one I've done in over 2 months - and was inspired by a very sweet friend of mine - It was a cathartic experience more so than a creative one - and certainly spurred me onto create more - I cant wait to finish the others I've started now!

Title: Lifes Rollercoaster

Size: 30cm x 80cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
For Sale: email sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

WOW! Finally back to the brushes after 2 months ...

The NZ Art Guild theme week inspired these pieces. Members have 2 weeks to complete a theme challenge based on a word.



This weeks theme was TEXTURE - right up my alley of course!








This now as resin in the centre of each of the cirlces.

Title: Golden Chain II
Size: 30cm x 92cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
SOLD

Self Mentor

Ok - The painting front has been a little slack lately - but I wanted to share with you something I heard on Easy Mix radio (98.2 fm) yesterday

Ask yourself these 5 questions each day to move yourself towards your goals.

1) What am I doing today to get what I want?

2) Will this behaviour move me towards what I want or am I settling?

3) Am I willing to accept the consequences of not changing?

4) Who is in control? (the answer is always - I am!)

5) Am I willing to do whatever it takes?


Maybe these questions - and having to be accountable even to myself - will help me move forward with my creativity. Watch this space! :)