Saturday, April 23, 2011

Carpe Diem

Lily Pond at The Botanical Gardens
Over the past few months I’ve taken the time to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the pursuit of discovering my creative process and the “bigger picture.” As an artist it is so important to set measurable goals, celebrating breakthroughs and milestones along the way. I have made a daily commitment to putting an intention on the day, which has had a profound effect on my life. If we intend to be a generous, loving and giving person naturally our actions will follow. Each morning I boldly declare “Today Who I Am Is The Possibility of Being... Productive, Ambitious, A Creator of Miracles, etc."  

I am continually discovering new ways to develop my creative process and support a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledging inspirational people and personal mentors has been an invaluable part of this discovery. I truly believe that the universe is aligning itself to bring all the right elements together to create a fabulous future, with dreams realized beyond our imaginations. We just need to keep adding to our magical, mystical cauldrons of ingredients till we get the perfect recipe!

Tip of the week: What is your goal for the next 50 days? Try to set a goal that has measurable progress. For example, If you’re working on a series of paintings, how many would you like to create? Break it down and see how many you’d need to finish each week. Go forth and conquer my friends! Carpe Diem! 

Books I've Been Reading:
 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Lotus Snowflake Scarf Design


"[I]f you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, 
return to yourself, to who you are, here and now.  

And when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus 
flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong. (141)"

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Botanical Snowflake Scarf Design


This pen and ink drawing is based on my creative experiment with cutting out 
paper to form Om symbols, lotus flowers, hearts and other botanical elements. 
I use a .005 micron pen (and a lot of patience) to create these images.
Soon to be printed on silk scarves! 

Here's a photo to show just how tiny these pens are:

Monday, April 18, 2011

Pioneer of Passion: Bill Cunningham

I had never heard the name Bill Cunningham until I looked up a list of current movies this past weekend, and I am sure to never forget it.  After watching just a short clip of the trailer I knew I had to go see this documentary. I smiled during the entire Zeitgeist film as I learned about this amazingly inspirational seeker of beauty & truth. He is a passionate, artistic genius of a human being, taking in every moment of life and photographing the story of NYC street fashion. Bill takes the audience on a journey of his memorable collection of images. Every day (even in a blizzard) the 82-year old marvel gets on his 29th bicycle, camera around his neck and rides alongside fast-moving taxi cabs, determined pedestrians and dainty dogs. He is able to snap a millisecond of time that exists forever on his roll of traditional film negatives. He is constantly working to find the connections between patterns, colors, styles and gestures. His vast knowledge of the fashion world is apparent in his ability to see which trends have been revived from decades or even centuries before. 

Bill discovers pure joy in capturing individual personalities, the more eccentric the better. My favorite “character” in Bill’s life is the 98-year-old, stylish Editta Sherman, a self-proclaimed legend of the photographic world. Editta was a resident of the famed Carnegie Hall for over 60 years, where she captured the dynamic portraits of artists, movie stars and icons of the mid 20th century. Bill surrounds himself with the most interesting and genuine people who feel lucky to be in his presence. When humbly receiving an award in Paris Bill expressed his deep gratitude to his audience and proclaimed, “Those who seek beauty WILL find it.” 


Tip of the Week: Seeing the beauty in this world is a choice, a bold decision to find the things that make life a journey worth traveling. Think of one thing that you are grateful for every morning and it will have a profound effect on your life!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Über Cool Tulip Doodle
















You must give up the life you planned in order to have 
the life that is waiting for you." ~ Joseph Campbell

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Creative Process: The Interconnectedness of Life



Discovering your creative process is an extremely powerful thing. Once you understand how you work you can focus on the creation and not the process. Your flow of energy will happen naturally. And you will be able to realize your potential beyond anything you ever imagined. For years I had a creative block, which was ironic since I was living in a mecca of inspiration, New York City. When someone would ask whether I was an artist I would say “Well, I’m trying to be one” or “I used to be... That’s what I went to school for.” Then, about a year and a half ago, a close friend of mine told me to declare “I AM an artist!” and to say it with conviction. Since that day I started to own that title, but more than that to make it a lifestyle. A part of my everyday routine, existence and outflow of energy. It is almost impossible for me to go a day without thinking about the next creation. My sketchbook has become the one thing I can’t leave the house without. Another friend, when asked why he enjoyed my art so much, said “You are your art, your art is you.” There is no distinction between the two ideas. The more genuine you are with your creations, the more connections you will make in life. And those connections, those moments of pure joy, happiness and gratitude, are the most valuable things in life.

Tip of the week: My friend Guenevere gave me this piece of advice and it’s worked wonders! Start making new connections today. Use a small black book with lines (I love my Moleskin) to create your “guest list.” Every time you meet someone that would be interested in your work or may be a great person to work with, have them write down there info. This way it’s all in one place and it looks extremely professional. It’s so much better than collecting 500 business cards or writing it on a bunch of post-its.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Flowers to Brighten Your Day

The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done,
we can see it, understand it, learn from it and change.
So that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger,
but in wisdom, understanding and love.
Jennifer Edwards

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Lotus Scarf Design

Check out my latest scarf design.
Stay tuned for the hand-painted scarves (14"x60") on Etsy.


"The one who wanders independent in the world, free from opinions and viewpoints, does not grasp them and enter into disputations and arguments. As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and the water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world."

Buddha Saying
Source: The Sutta Nipata

Friday, April 8, 2011

Spring Sale Item on Etsy

Tote around your essentials in style! These elegant totes are great for everyday use. Whether you’re carrying books, groceries or yoga wear these bags are a great way to save some trees. Mix and Match the totes with Rochelle’s tees, tanks and accessories for great gift ideas made easy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69013858/brown-tote-with-lotus-flower

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Floral Scarf Design








I combined elements from 3 different drawings to create this pattern for my silk scarves.

"Every moment is a moment of creation, and each moment of creation contains infinite possibilities. Every moment presents a new opportunity and a new decision." - Shakti Gawain

Sunday, April 3, 2011

My New Spring Items on Etsy

Hand-Painted Silk Scarf on Etsy


ETSY COUPON CODE: type in SPRINGSALE11 when you check out and receive 10% off your next purchase!