Midori Monday: The Effy Wild Interview (Part 1 of 2)

As mentioned last week, I am super excited to be posting something every Monday. This week's art journal image was the result of my needing to "take a deep breath" while at work. I spent some time at lunch creating a quick image (only took me about 10 minutes).  It allowed me to escape the reality of my day and did wonders for my afternoon.  Are you art journaling during the day?  What is in your on-the-go bag?  This image was created in my Midori Traveler's Notebook with Uni Posca paint pens over a gel print made on Midori paper with my Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate.

I had an exciting opportunity recently to interview the one and only Effy Wild. I have been chomping at the bit to share it with you all, but wanted to wait until the new year. Let's get wild in 2014!

The Effy Wild Interview, Part 1: (the artist)

Q:  Effy, when I was new to art/art journaling, I found myself seeking out other artists/art journalers, watching videos, reading blogs, etc. Luckily I stumbled across this very live-out-loud woman doing this very interesting thing called “Book of Days.”  Your work with BOD challenged and inspired me to define my own art journaling practice.  Such a gift! Thank you!  Who inspired you initially and how has your art journaling practice evolved over time?

A:  I was initially inspired by Connie Hozvicka's class "Art Journal Love Letters" (now retired) and swiftly moved into classes with Tamara LaPorte. This came during a time when I was a blocked writer looking for ways to be creative that might bypass the block. My art journaling practice was very much informed by my years as a writer, and I took everything I'd learned in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" to heart as I created a regular habit of expressing myself through mixed media art journaling. Book Of Days was inspired in part by Julia Cameron, but also by Julie Fei Fan Balzer's "30 Days In Your Art Journal" and Donna Downey's "Inspiration Wednesdays". I wanted to combine the practice of adding bits and bobs to my journal every day (as a kind of "morning pages" practice without the long hand) and creating a fully formed mixed media spread in my journal (a la Inspiration Wednesdays). As you can see, I'm standing on the shoulders of a LOT of creative goddesses!

Q:  You have quite a body of work, more than most I would say. Your consistency with your practice is amazing.  How do you do it?

A:  Art journaling is my primary spiritual practice. I make it a *habit* to sit down in my studio (or on the couch) as regularly as time permits. I don't wait for inspiration to strike. I don't wait to 'feel like it'. I know that as soon as I start splashing paint around, something will happen.

I also take a LOT of classes. These classes act as catalysts for me. I may only *actually* do one or two lessons in each class I take, but I always save the ones I can download for future viewing and when I've got a block of time, I'll indulge in some play time. These classes inform my practice by adding new skills and techniques.

Q:  And what do you do with all those art journals?(Do you display them or share them with others?  Do you ever go back and revisit them?)

A:  My art journals live on a shelf above my studio table as a reminder that I have built quite a body of work. Occasionally, I will flip through them (with much trepidation - there's a lot of sticking going on in some of the older journals!), but mostly, I gaze lovingly at the profiles of these fat, happy journals and swoon with pride over how much work I've done since I started at the end of 2009.

 

Effy has a distinct style.  I would know her work any where.

 

Q:  You have developed such a distinct style.  I know in an instant that something is uniquely yours. How do you define your style?  What advice would you give others in trying to develop their own style?

A:  Wow! Well, I don't actually see my style as unique and distinct yet. I feel like I'm still finding my voice, and I see a lot of my earlier and more current influences in my work. I define my style as "Intuitive". I would advise others to create a regular practice, don't be afraid to emulate the artists you love in your work, and *keep experimenting*. Your own voice will shine through.

Q:  What are your can't live without art/journal supplies?

A:  Acrylic paint is my go-to medium. Everything else can sit in a drawer, but without paint, I am nothing. :)

Q:  What have you mastered and what are you still trying to achieve as an artist/art journaler?

A:  I feel like I've mastered interesting layers and front facing portraits. I have also mastered journaling with soul. While I see the value in making pretty pages (who doesn't love a pretty page?), I find it much more fulfilling to fill my journals with my soul stuff. It's very important to me that every spread I create has some element of ME in it, be that via the words I include or a symbol or the emotional tone in my faces. I'm still trying to master figure drawing, 3/4 and profile portraits, painting loosely, and including poetry, which is my first love.

Q:  How can people get in touch with you?  What are you up to in 2014?

A:  You can find me at http://effywild.com. In 2014, I am teaching in both Life Book (http://tinyurl.com/effyloveslifebook) and 21 Secrets (http://tinyurl.com/effy21secrets). I will also be leading a year long exploration of the feminine divine in my class, Moonshine (http://effywild.com/moonshine-2014) and a 12 week journey into keeping a Book Of Days (http://effywild.com/book-of-days-2014-january-6-march-24/).You can always find out what I'm teaching here (http://effywild.com/teaching) or signing up for my newsletter here: http://tinyurl.com/glittermail

(Everyone, I participated in Effy’s class, “Moonshine: Mother” at the end of 2013 and really enjoyed it.  I am also looking forward to seeing her in Life Book 2014 this summer.) 

Join me next week for part 2. 

 

Midori Traveler's Notebook

I received a Midori Traveler’s Notebook for Christmas this year and I am already “moved in” (cool Midori speak).  I am using it as my on-the-go art journal.  The cover is so yummy to look at and hold.  I also love the simplicity and flexibility of the system.  I can make countless inserts without having to worry too much about binding anything.  It is absolutely perfect for this “There Are No Rules!” girl in constant need of change. 

I was so excited about it that I made my own inserts before the cover even showed up on my doorstep.  I am loving the portability of it.  I am already journaling much more than usual and I am continuing to experiment with inserts, painting and gel printing pages, etc. 

 

You can find a quick video about my new friend, here: www.youtube.com/feliciaborges

I have also started a Midori/art journal board on Pinterest, here: www.pinterest.com/feliciaborges

AND….to inspire more structure/consistency on my blog, I thought perhaps I would try something new and came up with “Midori Monday” as a regular blogging opportunity.  So here it is…Felicia’s first ever blog entry for Midori Monday:

Monday morning coffee and some art journaling in my Midori Traveler’s Notebook…these pages include Uni Posca paint pens, Gelly Roll pens, washi tape, rub ons, and collage over prints made on my Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. 

 

I am back at work today after a glorious week spent as a hermit at home (as in a do it yourself stay-cation art retreat).  I barely ventured outside last week, most of the time I stayed in my PJs and was covered in paint.  I had a fantastic time making art in my studio and on the couch. I made a couple of videos, caught up on some projects and posting photos online, and I even squeaked out a couple of last minute artsy gifts and did a little art supply therapy shopping.  Oh man It was tough to leave home this morning.  I eased in to my day by art journaling before I got started at work.  Something I hope to continue.  What did you create in your art journal this week? 

 

Happy New Year!

Felicia's heART

I am excited to share that I have now raised/donated over $2,000 to support charities, non-profits, and teachers.  Helping others, especially through art, makes my heart sing! 

$2,000 is a great start but my dream is to get to $10,000 and to support teachers around the world.  Perhaps I can support you/your favorite cause?  Message me to explore and/or feel free to share my dream with family, friends, and your favorite charities, non-profits, and K-12 teachers. 

Lately I have been focused on donations of original art or Paint&Sip gift certificates/wine baskets for fundraising events (i.e. silent auctions) and Paint&Sip classes (i.e. "Paint Your Pet) as a fundraising event.  You can find a short video about my Paint&Sip offerings on my YouTube channel.  I am open to exploring other fundraising ideas.

I am also eager to create some free lessons/videos that teachers can use in the classroom.  I would love the opportunity to work with a few teachers to figure out what is most needed/helpful to them at different ages/grade levels. 

Find out a little bit more about me and/or connect with me through a variety of ways, including...

Web - http://www.feliciaborges.com/

Blog - http://www.feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/FeliciaBorgesMixedMediaArtist

Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/FeliciaBorges

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/FeliciaBorges

YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/FeliciaBorges

 

What a blessing to get to make art, share my joy with others, support teachers, and contribute to causes I believe in. 

 

What other art-related fundraising options should I consider? 

This is the moment! No THIS is! No wait...THIS is!

“This is the moment! This is the day, when I send all my doubts and demons, on their way! Every endeavor, I have made - ever - is coming into play, is here and now - today! This is the moment, this is the time, when the momentum and the moment are in rhyme! Give me this moment - this precious chance - I'll gather up my past and make some sense at last! This is the moment, when all I've done - all the dreaming, scheming and screaming, Become one! This is the day - see it sparkle and shine, when all I've lived for becomes mine! For all these years, I've faced the world alone, and now the time has come to prove to them I've made it on my own! This is the moment - my final test - destiny beckoned, I never reckoned, second best! I won't look down, I must not fall! This is the moment, the sweetest moment of them all! This is the moment! Damn all the odds! This day, or never, I'll sit forever with the gods! When I look back, I will always recall, moment for moment, this was the moment, the greatest moment of them all!”     -Music from Jekyll and Hyde

As an artist, we have so many moments of self-doubt, fear, self-limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and self-sabotage.  We tend to give those moments far too much attention and power over who we are, how we feel about ourselves and how and when we take our next artistic step.  What if we gave the same amount of attention and power to the good moments?  You know, those moments that make you say to yourself, “Here.  Right here.  In this exact moment, I believe I am an artist.  ”

For some it could be the first time you created something, anything.  Or the first time you created something that you thought was so great that you allowed your pride to overtake your fear and you showed it to someone else.  Or maybe it was the first time you got positive feedback from someone who wasn’t obligated to say something nice.  Or maybe it was the first time you got positive feedback.  Or maybe you got through the hardest door (your own) and you put yourself out there and to your utter amazement someone actually said YES!  And by miracles of miracles you started to believe.  You are an artist.       

What are your good moments?  Are you giving them the attention and the power they deserve in your life?  Do you dismiss them or do you let them wash over you.  Do you downplay them or do you dance in them?    

This is what me dancing in a moment looks like...

This past week I taught a “Paint Your Pet” class for a local non-profit at an actual art gallery.  A real one.  With real art on the walls and everything.  Surrounded by art created by a local artist that I once had the privilege to meet and saw her as a rock star.  Who was so very gracious and kind and from then on I have followed her every move because I look up to her so much.  It was such an honor to be teaching in the same gallery space where she displays her art. 

Only that night I was referred to as “the artist.”  I was the expert in the room.  I got great feedback on my artistic ability and my teaching style, and my temperament.  The paintings turned out amazing.  The non-profit and gallery owner are interested in working with me again.  It was a moment I could have lived in forever.  And the pictures…oh the pictures from that night are awesome.  Here is just a taste…     

 

And do you know what is better than dancing in a moment?  Having the next moment happen before the first has even had a chance to start fading…

Today I stumbled across Kristal Norton’s blog and it blew my mind.  Right there in black and white.  A list of “10 beautiful benevolent journalartists.”  The titans of the art journaling world.  Many were my first teachers. My idols.  Effy Wild.  Tammy Garcia.  Samie Harding.  Jennibellie.  Chelle Stein.  Julie Fei-Fan Balzar.  Diana Trout.  Ronda Palazzari.  Leslie Ackman.  AND ME!!!  Like I said, MIND BLOWN.  And I can personally confirm that every word about me is true.  ;-> 

What an unexpected honor.  And what a tremendous gift to be given a surprise opportunity to see myself through someone else’s eyes. 

So here it is.  I've had other moments.  But THIS is the moment.  In THIS moment I believe I am an artist.  Now I just need to maintain my belief  by living from good moment to good moment and by not giving any of the negative moments attention or power. 

What are your good moments?  How can you give them more attention and power so you will start/continue to believe? 

 

An Artist's Journey: Self-Worth

Acrylics on recycled paper. 

When I started exploring art/art journaling several years ago, I was extremely frugal about what I picked up in the form of art supplies.  As I got more confident in my skills and my desire to continue making art, I found myself picking up more and more supplies but still remained extremely frugal with the quality of the materials.  I often bought the cheapest brand or even tried making due with a homemade version of something I deemed too expensive. 

I spent hours drooling over the high quality/name brand supplies in the many YouTube videos I would watch.  I kept a wish list in my purse and slowly over time I began to pick up a pen here, a jar of gesso there.  It took me a while but eventually I deemed myself worthy and started to occasionally splurge on something like a jar of Golden brand gel medium.  Most of the time though I would save the “too expensive” purchases for my birthday or x-mas wish list. 

I just didn’t feel right about spending “too much” money on art supplies.  Just like I didn’t feel right about spending “too much” money on clothes, or my hair, or going out to dinner.  There was something within me that kept me at a certain dollar threshold for each type of supply or tool.  As if that was all my talent was worth, all my art was worth, all that I was worth. 

Fast forward several years later and I am now buying high quality art supplies.  I am still frugal and enjoy recycling and being creative with supplies.  And now I might only buy 1-2 items, but when I do I get the  good stuff.  Not because it is a special occasion, holiday, or a special splurge for myself, but just because I am worthy.  Or perhaps better said, the good stuff is now worthy of me.    

I can’t recall exactly when the switch took place.  I’m not even sure it was a switch.  It may have happened more gradually.  But somewhere along the way, supplies that were once out of my self-worth’s reach became reachable. 

This past weekend I totally scored at a local craft store.  I figured out that I had a coupon for 40% off artist brand paints.  Unlimited amounts, unlimited brands.  Wow!  I realized as I was filling up my cart that there was still a level of self-worth I hadn’t achieved.  I was gleefully pawing at the shelves that I had always looked at longingly before (as I walked by).  I had always felt those paints were “too much” at full price.  But suddenly, they were too good to pass up at 40% off. 

As I played with my new paints and made room for them in my art studio this past weekend, I pondered my journey over the last several years.  Through art I have grown tremendously.  Not only in my talent, but in how I see myself and my self-worth.  Thank you, ART!

How has art impacted your journey and self-worth?

 

  

Moving Forward

I have been pretty sick the last couple of weeks.  It has been difficult to function, work, take care of my family, and especially spend any time with art.  Also, over the weekend I found out that an electronic image of my original artwork has been stolen.  Someone is passing it off as their own work.  While I am flattered that someone would think highly enough of my work to steal it, I am reminded that there are such people in the world and I should be more careful.

Through these challenges, I continue to think about Akhilandeshvari, the never not broken Hindu goddess and her lessons.  Never consistent.  Never whole.  Constant challenges and brokenness to overcome.  In this way I can focus on the positives.  I am always learning, growing, improving, changing, adapting, and overcoming.

I am moving forward and will be adding a watermark to all of the images I have out on the web.  And while I am at it, I might as well purge the images that no longer reinforce my brand.  Wow.  I have a brand.  I have come a long way in the last couple of years (thinks back to when she used to stumble over saying the words, "I am an artist.").

On a positive note, I also now have a gooseneck tripod that allows me to record videos overhead.  What a difference!  I created my first video with the new set up this weekend.  It will be a two-page journal spread for a journal I am working on.  It is inspired by the work I am doing as part of Effy Wild's class "Moonshine: Mother."  You can find more info about the class here:  www.effywild.com

I hope you like the new set up...

Akhilandeshvari...Never Not Broken

I am participating in Effy Wild's online class "Moonshine: Mother."  This is the first time I have taken this kind of class and so far I have been very pleased.  I have been exploring many themes including motherhood, the feminine and art journaling concepts.

One of the pleasant surprises has been getting pushed out of my comfort zone and into the Woo-Woo (as Effy would call it).  I have been reading about mythology, goddesses, etc.  One goddess has really struck a chord with me and I have spent considerable time researching her.  

Akhilandeshvari....a goddess who is "never not broken."  

Much of what I have read has reminded me of Christianity and Buddhism.  Have faith, be at peace, accept change, etc.  Some of what I have read has been a new "aha" for me.  If you don't know of this goddess, a little research might be worth your time.  I would suggest starting with this article:

ARTICLE

Images and additional articles will continue to be collected and can be found on my Pinterest Board here:  http://www.pinterest.com/feliciaborges/akhilandeshvari/ 

What aha moments has Akhilandeshvari revealed to you?  Have you found additional information on the goddess never not broken?  Please share whatever you can.