Shave an Artist - Leukaemia and Blood Foundation

The NZ Art Guild and Leukaemia and Blood Foundation of NZ would like to formally invite you to the opening night of "Shave an Artist" Charity Art Auction which is being held at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland on Tuesday the 3rd of February at 6pm


Top NZ Artists - Sofia Minson, Tony Brown, Sally Blyth, Nancy Frazer, Sophia Elise, Tanya Dann, Beate Minderjahn, Helen Sherrock, Sharlene Schmidt, Marimba Powley, Jennifer Christiansen, Juliet Cryns and Victoria Anderson - have donated fantastic artworks which will auctioned off at a one of a kind, not to be missed charity event.

Watch while artists and friends have their heads shaved alongside their artworks being auctioned. To coincide with this event 35 artists from around NZ will be having a month long exhibition of original, diverse artworks depicting "life" in all its facets.

100% of the proceeds from the art auction and head shaves and 20% from all exhibition artwork sales will be donated to LBF.

"Life" Exhibition
Opening night: Tuesday 3rd February 2009 at 6:00pm - free entry - all welcome
Venue: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach, Auckland
Date: February 3rd - 28th 2009
Open: Monday to Friday 9 - 5 & Saturday 10 - 4

For more information go to www.nzartguild.co.nz and click on "shave an artist" button on the home page

Blast off in the New Year

Title: Radiance
Media: Acrylic on Canvas - all dots are hand painted by brush
Size: 25cm x 25cm
SOLD At First of the Block Exhibition at Mairgani Art Centre, Auckland - Opens Jan 20th

Blast off in the New Year
By Alyson B. Stanfield, ArtBizCoach.com

A couple of weeks ago I asked you to take time from your bustling schedule to celebrate all you've gotten done in the last 12 months. If you haven't celebrated your 2008 accomplishments, I hope you'll take the time to do that.

Now it's time to look forward. Time to blast off! Yep, I'm going to use the "G word": Goals. It's goal-setting time. I'm certain this is not the only newsletter you'll receive this week on setting goals. But I'm not going to ask you to create deadlines and action steps. Instead, I'd like for you to set intentions--intentions that form a vision for marketing yourself and your art in the New Year.

Let's start with a couple of big questions.

1. How do you intend to promote your art consistently? Last fall my mastermind partner challenged me to come up with a list of 100 ways to promote my business, and I succeeded. Now, I need to do something with that list. So, I select 2-5 ideas for promoting my business each month depending on the degree of difficulty of each item. It's not a year long plan, but it works for me and it might work for you.

2. How do you intend to bring in more money from your art business? This might require more detailed planning and actually putting a pen to paper, which is why I'm teaching "A Quick-and-Easy Marketing Plan" during January's smARTist Telesummit. See http://snipurl.com/smartistevents The point is to avoid a fuzzy goal like "make more money" and come up with a workable plan that helps you envision success. After you've tackled these big questions, add to your vision by considering the following.
What will you do to become better known online?
What can you write a press release about? Of course, then you must distribute the release and follow up.
What technological skills do you need to learn or improve?
How many people would you like to add to your mailing list?
What cool or influential people in your community would you like to meet?
What printed marketing piece do you need to create or revamp? (I'll have an upcoming newsletter on writing brochures, so be sure to look for it.)
How will you juice up your newsletters and email blasts so that people look forward to them? (Review pages 148-149 in "I'd Rather Be in the Studio!")
What books do you need to read to help your career? A good one for a new beginning is Twyla Tharp's "The Creative Habit." http://snipurl.com/1pxse
What organizations will you join or become involved with? What organizations or affiliations should you move on from? Sometimes we stay in situations because they're comfortable. You need to recognize when something has served its purpose and is no longer challenging you to be your best.
What grants/honors/awards will you apply for? Hey, getting the application completed is a win in itself! Writing a grant application helps you get motivated and organized.
What galleries, exhibits, or other venues will you submit your art to?
Where can you save a wad of money?

Finally, a matter you might not have considered. How will you improve your mindset so that promoting your art and making money as an artist becomes easier and more joyful? They say attitude is everything. How is yours? Are you in an emotional, mental, and spiritual place that allows abundance to flow? Or do you have blocks in some areas? It's hard to get other people excited about your art when you don't enjoy sharing it.

We're going to work on mindset, routines, and intentions in the New Year Blast Off class, which begins next week. Think about joining us. Find out more at http://artbizcoach.com/classes/blastoff.html

Know This . . .There's just something about this moment that is ripe for positive change.
Think About This . . . Are you going to miss this opportunity?

Do This . . . Blast off in the New Year! Whether you call them goals, intentions, or visions isn't important. What's important is that you identify them--that you know where you want to go.

© 2009 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visithttp://www.artbizcoach.com/ to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.

Find Your Way

Title: Find your way

Media: Acrylic on canvas - all dots are handpainted by brush

Size: 25cm x 25cm

SOLD via Mairangi Art Centre "First Off the Block" Exhibition opens Tuesday 20th Jan.

This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy. - Susan Polis Schutz

Thought of the day

Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent, and committed decision. - Anthony Robbins

Happy New Year!

Ok Maybe a little belated - where is the year going already???

Take a few minutes to watch this video - turn the volume up and enjoy - a great way to start the year - and pearls of wisdom to take with you on your journey.

http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Thought for the day

By happiness I mean here a deep sense of flourishing that arises from an exceptionally healthy mind. This is not a mere pleasureable feeling, a fleeting emotion, or a mood, but an optimal state of being. Happiness is also a way of interpreting the world, since while it may be difficult to change the world, it is always possible to change the way we look at it. - Matthieu Ricard

Christmas gifts

Painting by Tony Brown

Although Christmas isn't about presents I have to say this year I was blown away, not by the gifts per se, but by the incredible thought behind several of them.

I was so spoilt by being given a stunningly, beautiful, Swarovski, crystal ornament of a butterfly on a leaf - a true work of art. The butterfly has a very special meaning to me - not because I love it as an living creature but due to the symbolism behind it. This was a present that left a lump in my throat. I want to share the symbolism behind the Celtic Tribal Butterfly "The butterfly is a symbol of the Resurrection. Rising from the seemingly lifeless chrysalis of the ugly caterpillar reminds one that after suffering through some major change in life we will be rewarded with a more beautiful phase. The spiral often symbolizes the continuity of life and spiritual growth. Out of the cocoon the butterfly arises anew."

When I was a kid I was a complete bookworm - it was a great form of escape and I could never read enough. One of my favourite series was Trixie Belden. I had the whole set 37 of them however when my marriage ended the books ended up somewhere but not with me. My two sisters this year presented me with the complete set that they had painstakingly collected from Trademe - I was just gobsmacked - I would never have thought of that for a gift - the time that was involved, effort and thought - wow!! I really am blessed with two wonderful sisters.

I was also incredibly touched by an amazing artwork from my very talented artist friend Tony Brown. (Photo above) This is a new technique of his and involves sanding back the paint on wood to create the portrait. The floral design is carved into the wood. Such a breath taking piece which brought tears to my eyes.

And lastly my very thoughtful kiddies - a new map book (because mine had pages missing) an electric can opener (we have needed a new one for years) , nail polish (I'm running out) and dressing gown (the last one I had was 10 years old and from my pregnancy days!).

I honestly felt blessed enough having these people in my life - for all their love, support, encouragement and friendship without the gifts - but the thought behind all of these just shows how fantastic they are - and reinforces again that I'm lucky to have such generous, considerate family and friends.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays etc

I would like to wish all my readers, customers, supporters, friends and family a very happy and safe Christmas and Holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Things have been very hectic this last month and my posts have got fewer and fewer - life has well and truly got away on me and I feel the need to have a clean out and start afresh with 2009. I am taking a weeks break from the NZ Art Guild Management side of things - time out just for me and my kids - and hopefully squeezing in much needed painting (have a gallery owner waiting for some art, exhibition in Jan, and one in Feb, not to mention my big exhibition in Nov) - however this week between will be my "clean slate" and planning week.

Alyson B. Stanfield (art biz coach) wrote this fantastic piece of advice .... (By the way it doesn't just have to apply to artists - extend it out, think laterally and look at your life regardless of what you do)

Tie Up Loose Ends

Seeing January 1 on the calendar is enough to get almost anyone's blood pumping. The thrill of starting fresh! The anticipation of creating new benchmarks and attaining new dreams! Oh, but wait. There's a lot of crap that you need to get rid of --stuff that might get in your way if it doesn't drive you crazy first.

What would it be like if the New Year felt... well... felt truly new?

This week's action was first inspired by a previous edition of Rachelle Disbennett-Lee's 365 Days of Coaching newsletter. She wrote:

"I have what I call a Clean Slate week between Christmas and New Year's. During this week, I clean my office, clean out files and cabinets, set up new files for the New Year and wrap up any loose ends. I also review my business and marketing plans and update them with my new goals for the New Year. And, of course, I make a new prosperity board that pictures what my goals and aspirations are for the New Year. Doing all this helps me start the New Year with a clean slate."

With Rachelle's advice in mind, make this week after Christmas or even the next 10 days just for you. Don't schedule outside appointments. This is your time to get straight with yourself. After you've carved out the time, consider the following as candidates for a good slate-cleaning.

►Task List
What has been on your list for too long? If you're procrastinating, do you really need to do it? If it's not a definite Yes, it's a No. If it is a Yes, take care of it. If you want to put highly productive habits into place,

► Studio
What's broken? What materials aren't being used that you could store or give away? What emits negative energy and stifles your creative juices?

► Filing
This is a biggie! Get those papers off your desk and off the floor and put them into some kind of system that makes sense. Set up files for the New Year. Recycle anything you don't use or could find online.

► Mailing List
Take all of those names and business cards you've been hoarding and add them to your database. This is so important that I'm offering an entire class on building and taking care of your contact list.

► Artwork
Complete a piece you've been neglecting.

► Correspondence
Write your Thank You notes from holiday gifts and send New Year's greetings to those you missed before Christmas. (Or, if you're like me, send New Year's greetings just because it's different from everyone else who sends Christmas cards.)

► Computer
Back up your files and throw out old files you no longer need. Do the same for your Web site.

► Supplies
Inventory your office and art supplies. What do you need to order that you're running low on?

► Personal Space
Tying up loose ends doesn't have to be just for your art biz. Creating a more hospitable personal space will help you run your career smoothly. Clean out cabinets, drawers, and closets. Schedule a home pick-up for anything you no longer need. Donate and recycle.

► Errands
Tackle any after-Christmas returns or supply runs and stock your pantry with staples that make menu-planning easier.
Know This . . .Tying up loose ends will give you a fresh start in the New Year.

Think About This . . . What will it feel like to tie up all the loose ends that you've been tolerating until now?

Do This . . . Tie up loose ends between now and the end of the year. You probably don't have time to take care of everything on this list, so prioritize. Go through each prompt and write down some things you'd like to make happen. Then, look at your list and decide what you'll focus on.

Copyright 2008 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.

Vegetarian Artists

Back in October myself and two other talented vege artists showcased our art at the Vegetarian Food and Lifestyle Festival in Auckland.

Here's the article in Vegetarian Living NZ magazine about it.

Following on from this article I received an email from www.vegetarianwomen.com an online lifestyle magazine who have asked to do a feature on me so keep an eye out for that.

"10 Inspiring Last Lectures and Commencement Speeches Everyone Should Watch"

I received an email from Kelly Sonora (thanks Kelly!) who told me about an article they had just posted "10 Inspiring Last Lectures and Commencement Speeches Everyone Should Watch" Makes for some interesting viewing - and I would encourage you to make the time to hear some of these great speeches

http://oedb.org/library/features/10_inspiring_lectures_and_speeches

How quickly people seem to forget this ....

" When you are successful, remember you didn't get there on your own. Now it's your turn to reach out and help others along the way."

And I think it's important to thank those people that did help you along the way too ... none of us do it alone - as much as we think we might have there's always someone that has helped us in some was on this journey .... and of course Pass it on - pay it forward ... just like my earlier posts about Chavah's challenge ...

Thought for the day

Sent to me by my very dear friend - and the timing couldn't have been more perfect ...

''The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins."
- Bob Maowoh

Have you been the recipient

of a random act of kindness?

I would love for readers to share their story's just as Chavah has on her blog (listed in the post below)

I think Christmas is a great time to reflect on our blessings - to feel gratitude - and to remember .... I have been very privileged in the friends that I have who have always been supportive and caring - they have huge hearts ... but one story I would like to share from this year is about a fabulous artist friend of mine Tony Brown (now he would be ducking for cover if he knew I was writing this as hes such a humble person who does many acts of kindness with out a second thought ... )

Earlier this year a friend of mine was having some struggles with depression and self esteem - Tony had only met her once - and asked me if I thought she would like one of his paintings ... I said she would be stoked ... so we agreed I would take some photos of her without her knowing why .. then he created an incredible artwork for her - a portrait with Maori words carved into it ... to remind her that she is beautiful inside and out and very much loved by everyone. We then surprised her by delivering it unannounced. Now Tony's generosity of spirit completely overwhelmed me (and her of course!) he didn't know her - but obviously felt for her - he spent many hours creating this artwork - using his own materials and he did it just simply to bring joy to her life and to give her hope for a brighter future ... Now that's a random act of kindness ....

Random Act of Kindness Challenge

Fellow NZ Art Guild member and fantastic NZ Artist - Chavah Kinloch - has created a fantastic Chritmas challange. Well really it should be a lifetime challenge .... Random Act of Kindness ....

This is what she says ....

"Well, can you believe it. We're in the last month for 2008. It's the season of festivities and love, where we celebrate the birth of Christ and remember all the good things that have been made possible through him. Now, whether you are religious or not, I'd love for you to take part in this challenge! It's been on my mind for the past few months. Here's what I'd like you to do. I would like whoever may stumble upon this post, to perform a random act of kindness for someone this month.

Starting date is TODAY, December 4th 2008 and this will run until the new year finishing at midnight on January 4th 2009. Once you have performed this act of kindness,
1) I would like you to blog about it on your own blog.
2) In your blogpost, I would like you to link back to this post.
3) Then leave me a comment on this post so I can view your story.
4) Once confirmed that you have indeed spread some love this holiday season, I will add your name to my lucky dip basket and on January 5th 2009 I will draw and announce the winner of this gorgeous painting (below). "

See website http://chavahkinloch.blogspot.com/

Definition of a random act of kindness:
A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.

*You may enter more than once but must have one act per entry.
**Everyone is invited to participate no matter where you live.

For full details http://chavahkinloch.blogspot.com/

Quote of the day

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. - Norman B. Rice


If there is any one secret of success it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own. - Henry Ford

thought of the day

Every single moment has a particular rhythm to it, and we have the capacity to expand or contract an individual moment as appropriate. One way to shift what's going on in our world is not to try to rush to do more, but to allow ourselves to go deeper into that moment of being present. Our ability to shift gears, to shift our rhythm to meet that moment and be present in it, is what allows us to experience the fullness of life. - Stephan Rechtschaffen

If you have the time - this is a GREAT read - well worth making the time ....

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-20081027-000001&print=1

Just Listen .....

The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention... A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words. - Rachel Naomi Remen

I've Been Tagged

Well actually I was tagged weeks ago but I've just been slack ... ok busy .... I was tagged by fellow artist and NZ Art Guild member Chavah Kinloch, check out her great blog - http://www.chavahkinloch.blogspot.com/

The rules are simple, now I've been tagged I have to list 6 things you don't know about me, so here goes -

1) I actually hate dots - I know - hard to believe - but yes I''ve always hated dots .... however I love my dotty art ...

2) They say patience is a virtue - it's just not one of mine - but I'm working on it - however people seem to think I must have enormous patience to do all the dotty paintings .... hmmmmm

3) I go through fads with my creativity - so long as I have an outlet I'm happy - over the years I have focussed for various periods on writing poetry, cross stitch, paper tole, latch hook, cooking, gardening, belly dancing, costume making, sewing (which I also hated prior to doing it) now I found my niche - painting ......

4) I was a bit of a geek at school - entered Australian Maths competitions for fun and got a prize each year. Came top of my school for school cert English and got accepted to Uni at 16. I decided to do nursing instead and graduated top 5 in my year for nursing and was the youngest registered nurse in NZ.

5) I was a red head for 16 years. Mum said that I could dye my hair when I left school - so the very day I left I dyed it red. My hair is naturally curly (completely wild but tameable with GHD straighteners - gotta love them!)

6) I hate mushrooms (uggghhhh!) - which is apparantly unheard of with vegetarians!

Now I'm tagging these fantastic NZ artists -
Ronda Turk - http://frommypalette.blogspot.com/
Maria Hartley - http://mariahartley.blogspot.com/
Jen Longshaw - http://jenlongshaw.blogspot.com/
Tony Brown - http://tonybrown-artist.blogspot.com/
Kay de Lautour Scott - http://kay-thereisnopath.blogspot.com/

And one non NZ artist who is just as fab!
Derek McCrea- http://watercolorpaintingart.blogspot.com/


The rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up

What's on your bucket list?

Last year the movie "The Bucket List"sparked a lot of conversation, lists and even websites. For those not familiar with it it was a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman who have nothing in common except terminal illness. They hit to road to complete their "bucket lists" - things to do before they die.

People all over the world have been writing lists which include outrageous things like searching for extraterrestrials, to sky diving, to visiting the South Pole to reconciling with estranged family.

My best friend was very ill a few months ago and we started to write a list for her of the things she wanted to do - they were sooo simple ... walk on a beach with white sand, have a day spa and be pampered and to see friends and family. One was harder due to finances - to go on a cruise - we now have an agreement - whoever wins lotto pays for the cruise ... keep your fingers crossed.

I've never written one - I tend to live in the now - (makes life a lot let stressful! lol) but it did get me thinking ... if I were to write one - what would be on it? .... really only a couple of things.

Mine is definitely simple - friends, family, laughter, food, sing and dance. There were two specifics which are very personal and I suddenly realised they shouldn't be on a bucket list ..... if they made it there - they are important enough to deal with here and now surely? Regarding material things - I find that hard since I've never been a person that wanted the next xyz, or the best or expensive things, - it's just has never been my focus in life.

What's on your bucket list?

I think that is one of the secrets to happiness. To have a short bucket list with only simple things on it. It's a reflection that you are really happy with life - with where you are and what you have. This was a good exercise for me - writing a bucket list made me feel gratitude.

Thought of the day

Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name. - Robert Louis Stevenson

My dear friend sent this to me - so true - so many people are being very courageous in hard times - with the current economy and job market - redundancies everywhere you look - in fact the friend that send me this was made redundant this week after 21 years with the company - I was made redundant yesterday (from the same company) and another friend of mine (from a different company) was also made redundant. These times call for inner strength and courage - and to have faith that there will be something better round the corner. To remember that it's not personal - that it's not a rejection of you - or you that's redundant - but simply a business decision and your job that's redundant.

We always have to look on the bright side of life - and although I'm looking for work straight away - if it doesn't appear - I will embrace the positive. The upside for me as a single parent - school holidays with my kids!! yay!! I won't have to farm them out to my sister and mum - I can actually spend the time with them myself. Finally I will also have a little time to myself too - time to paint - to create - to get back to my passions - after working such long hours with no breaks - holidays or days off - this is going to be quite a novel experience.

Let's see what's round the corner ......