Always A Journey

 

"Always a Journey" shares my recent travels to Celebrations Gallery in Connecticut, 

nature walks, and Juxtapose Gallery in New Jersey.

Coral and Pink Case

When my daughter saw the hand marbled papers I created she suggested how great they'd look on cell phone cases, and look at this, she's right! I am ecstatic! The image here is for an iphone4s case please just send me a message if you need an ipod touch, samsung galaxy,or any other iphone. (Blackberry is in the drop down menu below) Tough cases are available in the drop down menu as well. The tough case is a slightly larger case which includes a rubber insert case. Fits with Verizon, AT&T and International iPhone 4Made from specially engineered materials, including a hard-to-break plastic shell, the form fitting case slims in all the right places. Form fit feature covers back and corners with access to all ports and functions. Cases

I phone Barely There Case $34.99 I phoneTough Case $39.99 Blackberry Barely There Case $34.99

Elegant and Contemporary Miniature Framed Dresses

 

For two weeks I have been shopping for these adorable little frames to compliment these small original dresses. These works of art were started as the size of an aceo (artist card editions and originals) which officially are 3 1/"2 by 2 1/2", however even though the frames state they are that very size I had to trim the works of art slightly to fit the frames. 

These miniature framed dresses are a delight on their own or as a grouping. 

 

I played with selecting each beautiful decorative frame 

just like selecting a pair of shoes to go with ones outfit.

And for all tastes... and decor.

 

Petite and full of style.

A perfect gift or item for your wish list.

 Tonight I am especially excited to have created new dress pieces 

on the paper that I hand marbled last year!

I've been sharing this miniature series on my facebook page 

while slowly listing then in my etsy shop so if you don't see it listed

if you would like one just let me know.

Etsy ~ http://RobinMariaPedrero.etsy.com

                                             Facebook Page ~ http://artist.to/robinmariapedrero/

 

The Award Creations of Arts + Awards for United Arts

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I am pleased to share I witnessed continued affirmations of art and its purposes in our lives as I attended Arts + Awards of United Arts. I am honored to have been asked to create the actual awards for the recipients. Above is a video sharing my thoughts, process and a bit about the awards. 

(I am a bit rusty in slideshow making so you might have to watch twice to catch all the words..)

The United Arts President Margot Knight spoke frankly and to the heart about the people involved in the arts and the positive impact of arts. How the arts nurtures, changes lives, and connects with our souls. 

I must share this incredible project;

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando has been named the recipient of two LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project awards bringing valuable cancer support programs to patients in Central Florida. The projects are created by LIVESTRONG, the organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, which serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action.
Working in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, The Creative Center’s Artists-in-Residence program will offer patients the opportunity to learn about and become absorbed in their own creative resources as they meet the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. read more ...United Arts Interact

   Margot shared that when people are in the act of creating they do not experience pain; studies show they do not press on their pain buttons - another aspect of how art heals through the making of art. I reflect on my own art making, and instinctively know its therapeutic.

Cheers to the nominees and award recipients who make a difference in Central Florida ... sending spirals of positivity around the world. Here's more on the event from Matthew Palm of the Orlando Sentinel

P.S. If you read yesterdays blog post about how art heals I really must share with you how the lovely Secily Wilson accidentally announced that the awards were created by DR. Maria Pedrero... hmmmmm giggles  ... Margot re-announced with my full artist name *wink.


Gratitude - To Margot, Emma, Cory, Trudy, Mary, Julianna, Penny, Laura, Jenn... and all of the staff and volunteers who made this event and the arts come alive.

Art Affirmations through Grief Work

In my morning prayer meditation I opened to a letter in the pink woman's devotional bible titled "Grief Work" where Mary Jane Worden's letter brought up feelings of empathy of my father's passing a few years ago as she shared the "unexpected waves of pain" she experienced even months after her husbands death. I thought eh this reading doesn't apply too much for me today but I read on and I received a perfectly wrapped gift with words of affirmation in response to my recent feelings of  doubt that emerge every once in awhile. Every so often I need to realize one of the many reasons why what I create has value and purpose beyond myself. I read..

 "I began to see patterns in my choices and a new principle about life began to take shape in my mind. The principle is this: beauty can bring about healing - rainbows, mountains, woolly lambs, fresh strawberries ...

Here I inserted ART, and more specifically for me, I placed my art..she goes on..

"These places and things were somehow soothing to my soul. I am convinced God has built into all of us, in varying degrees, the capacity for an appreciation of beauty, and has even allowed us the privilege of participating in the creation of beautiful things and beautiful places. I think it may be one way God brings healing to our brokenness, and a way that we can contribute toward bringing wholeness to our fallen world."

I am frequently affirmed by art collectors and fans who tell me how the presence or viewing of my art has enhanced their lives, with uplifting and healing feelings. There are numerous sites that share the healing power of art as one endures grief of all kinds, from loss, sickness, and depression. The healing can be in the experience of the art and also the making of art. I googled some sites to share and this one popped up "Healing Artwork - The Creativity Grief"  which embraces creativity in the healing process of grief.

"At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source. When you are an artist, you are a healer; A wordless trust of the same mystery is the foundation of your work and its integrity."  Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen

Also very interesting that in my google search is my friend Melody Lea Lamb's blog post "Grief Courage - Art and Inspiration"  http://melodylamb.blogspot.com/2011/07/grief-courage-art-and-inspiration.html

The Hospice Foundation has a list of books covering the grieving process. Living With Grief, Who We Are and How We Grieve  

The new 8" x 8" painting above is an acrylic and india ink on canvas - still finalizing the title - thinking about "It's the little things" - those who collect my work know - if you ask me right away to purchase a piece I share before it gets listed in an online shop or installed at a venue - for instance (hint) like the above painting - you usually get a deal like free shipping and a collector discount.

GRATITUDE

Today I am especially grateful for those who write and create sharing their personal journey.