Through The Lens, Let's Chat....

Hello July....I can see this is going to be a summer of whirlwind adventures that move at the speed of light. I've been super busy over the last few weeks with
 shows
exhibits, launching a new business (more about that soon!)  vacation, and upcoming classes both online and in person at Create in NJ, Chicago, and Art is You in Ct.  Wow. Makes my head spin.  Honestly, there are days when I just don't know if I can juggle it all...and then suddenly  I get a second wind and amazingly it all comes together  Truthfully, I really am still figuring it all out.

 

I'm honored when I have comments that come through from people who enjoy my art or look up to me for doing what I'm doing, but at the same time...just like anyone, I wonder if I am doing enough.  I don't think balance is really an option at this point, when you choose to follow your passion...I think you live in a state of blissful chaos with a sprinkling of calmness.

Finding Direction.

It's funny how when I am in the midst of chaos...I seem to have the most to say in my paintings...or try to transcend how I want to feel or am feeling through the stories that are weaved throughout their whimsical exterior.  

I want to relax.  I want to smell the roses so to speak. I want to be busy as all get out and then I want to retreat and refill the well. I want to enjoy the simple things while I can.

 I want to feel the sand in between my toes, I mean really feel it, not just walk through it to get to a different destination.

                                                      Does that make sense at all?

There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes here in my studio...in my head...and most of the time it comes out in my art because I'm not one that talks a lot about how I'm feeling or how I want to feel...I just carry on and do.

....  In connection with my newest online class coming up, I chatted with Cara Rae of Icreateflix.com on blog talk radio.  We had a great time chatting, I was worried about having enough to say and I believe we could have kept on chatting for hours!!  That's what its like when you are doing what you love, there's always more you want to say, more you want to do...it's time that we don't have enough of!

If you have a moment, stop over and listen to our chat, and if you are interested in signing up for my new class which starts July 12th,  I have an early bird special that is going on right now.

I'm really excited to be doing this class as painting funky houses is really where I originally started in this journey. In addition to being fun,  art has been my saving grace and second chance in life and I hope through the classes that teach I will be reaching out to others that have that need to create inside of them. In the interview, I talk a bit about that early inspiration and it isn't all happy....which seems to contradict that which I paint, doesn't it?  I won't give it all away here because I'd really like you to stop by and listen when you have a chance, and I' love for you to join me in my class coming up....even if the summer is busy busy....take ten minutes or so a day to create and I promise you, your life will be filled with beautiful things...even more than you are all ready surrounded by.

Okay kids, I'm heading back to work...there's no rest for those of us with looming deadlines :)  Thank goodness I'm doing what I love! :)))
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For more information on this class, I wrote an FAQ over on my facebook page just for you:)
*Remember early bird registration ends Friday when the class goes live (July 12th, 2013).

I've had some people ask me about my etsy shop and when I'm updating that....oh my, yes, that has been something I've let slip a little but I do have to say, that If you ever see something on my blog or facebook that you like, I"m always willing to do commission pieces.  Almost everything I have right now is out at shops so there's a chance the piece you like may be available...I would just need to connect you with the shop/boutique/gallery it's in.  My contact info:  jodiohl@hotmail.com

 One of these days I will be able to do everything well and not just one or two things at a time :))  Thank you for your patience!  

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Until we meet again, I hope this a beginning of a wonderful summer...go out and make memories.

Art and Adventures during March!!!

Hello friends...its been awhile since I wrote a personal post.....March has been super crazy awesome, inspiring, fun, adventurous, and quite the wonderful ride!!!

There was so much to talk about that I just couldn't fit it into one post so I thought I'd do a little video montage about my adventures!

                                                          Click    HERE to go to the video!

I traveled to Saluda, Nc to teach at Random Arts..to Asheville...and then back to near home teaching at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh NC...to the climax of my month when we traveled to the Outer Banks of NC for a gallery hopping trip from one end of the banks to the bottom of NC at Oak Island.....Friends, old and new...you've helped me get back on track to where I was meant to be all along. This month promises to be equally busy as I'll be finishing up 2 new online classes for Artful Gathering, traveling to GA for a show at Acworth, a couple classes near home, another show in Southern Pines, Spring Fest...just to name a few. On top of that, I will be working on TONS of new work to fill all the new galleries that will be representing me soon!!! (Some already have my work)!!!! Sigh....after going through a big obstacle and experience in Jan/February...I am ready to show back up....at home at in the art world. Thank you to those of you who stood by my side in the midst of the craziness. Thank you!! Let the creativity begin once again!!

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If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and see what's new in my art shop!!
Click here
Have you seen my new photography shop yet???  Please take a look! I have some cool 5.00 prints for a special going on now!!!
Click HERE to see!!

All The Pieces of the Puzzle are Coming together.

It's hard to believe it's already June, the season where  our mouths are tasting bbq dinners and the kids are excited with anticipation of the promise of summer, lazy days of sleeping in and trips to the beach with friends.   I am drinking in the early mornings out on the deck, sipping on coffee and enjoying a quiet minute with my journal.  It's a good time of the year.  We have made it through half of the year but plenty of days left to achieve the goals you set out to do.  One of my goals this year was to attend 4 art shows instead of my normal 2.  So far, I've already attended 3 shows and have 2 or 3 more planned.   It feels good to be on track.  It feels good to check things off our list and see that  yes, we are on the right path and moving forward.  Maybe not as quickly as we wanted but we are still on our way.

I decided early this year that I was going to work on a new collection and I am well on my way to having over 25 pieces all ready in that collection with several pieces all ready sold thanks to recent shows and some of my shops I have work in.   I even taught a class using my special texture and paint blending techniques at Jerry's Artarama in March.   A special bonus project that stemmed from an idea to do something different and carry that idea through.   You never know when one thing may lead to the next....

Yes  of course, it may take a leap of faith to get there.  You see, I am preparing myself for a huge transition coming soon.  It's something I've been wanting to do for the last couple of years.  2011 was my goal to go solo as an artist....leaving the security of my day job behind.  I still haven't decided exactly when in 2011 that will be, but I am very much determined to follow through on my goal.  When I say it may require a Leap of Faith, I should have mentioned that when I leap, I can only do so with a plan. I'm definitely not the type that runs fast and furious to no where in particular without looking back or carrying an extra pair of sneakers with me in case of emergency.  Rather, I opt to make a plan and execute on the plan, then take off running and not look behind me.  Sometimes the plan takes awhile.  Not everything can happen the exact moment you think of an idea.  Sometimes, yes....but for me, this is truly a life changing decision that will either allow me to rise to all that I can be, or it may pull me down farther below then I've ever been before.  I'm confidant that it will be the former rather than the latter.

Part of that plan includes doing more shows, more teaching engagements,   new collections, more commission work,  creating a website,   adding new products and supplies, expanding my gallery presence, and just plain old working my tail off to make it happen.  It's scary though.  Especially when I've done very well at my day job and there's no good reason for me to leave except to follow my dreams at a time that they are really boiling over in me, wanting that opportunity to prove to myself that I can do it.  I will do it....

Dream the impossible. There are very few things in life that are impossible, it's up to you to make them happen though.  

It's funny how "it's taken me my whole life to realize that the worst of times were the very things that have lead me to all the best life has to offer".   A year ago when I shared with many my "Art Saves" on Crescendoh, I opened up and let everyone in to what truly catapulted me into the world of art.  It was a dark time in my life, very dark.  Mentally and physically I was exhausted.  Emotionally I was spent.  It was art that led  me out of that dark cauldron of mud and disgrace of my where my life had turned.  

And now I'm flying away....flying away because of those times have enlightened me to all the strength and endurance that probably were always inside of my all along.  It took me being knocked down though to be able to dust off my knees and find out where it is that I belonged and what I needed to do to get there.

It was as if God had to wake me up before my dreams flew away.  

I'm awake now and I'm ready to tackle this new journey head on and with gratitude for all those that have helped me, encouraged me, and supported me over the last few  years.

You were apart of my growth and experience, and for that I thank you. 

And now...a year later, I know the time is coming soon, how I'm going to do it all and be successful is a matter that I have yet to fully work out.  Not everything has a manual attached to it though...sometimes you have to find your way be just doing...and you'll find that there is no black and white,  the truth is somewhere in between.   

Change is in the air and it's coming soon. 

Please stop by Crescendoh the week of June 13th to read my part II of my Art Saves Story.. :)