H U B C A P S + B L O G T O U R S

my hubcap, an orange Koi © samos 2014

I have so much news to share this morning! Remember way back when I was painting a hub cap for the Landfill Art Project a couple years ago? Well, last week I received an email from the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley that my hubcap was one of 287 that was selected out of more than 1000 works in the Landfill collection to be on exhibit in the Second Time Around: the Hubcap as Art installation!!! It will be on display from September 7th until March  1, 2015. I am SO excited and hoping that my hubby and I will be able to make the trip this fall. I would LOVE to be there for the member party!

In other exciting news, my friend Kelly of the Happy Shack blog invited me a couple weeks ago to join in on a blog tour! For this one, there are four questions we are asked to answer, so here we go...

What am I working on?

I have been working on some paintings that I've been thinking about for some time. One is a very large abstract that I knew needed just a little something to complete it. After my husband and I returned from our excursion in Oahu this spring, I was inspired to paint koi again. So I moved this large painting from a wall that it was hanging on in the house and brought it back to the easel. It has yet to have any new paint on it, partly because I'm still in the  thought process. I don't like to rush these type of paintings. When I know what I want it to look like, I carefully plan it with sketches to figure out placement and color, and sometimes which technique I want to use. In the process of doing some sketches, I created this...

koi © samos 2014

How does your work differ from others of your genre? 

I work in several mediums and I like to incorporate some sort of abstract flair to whatever I'm working on. When I create my pottery, I try to use bold, bright colors and simple abstract designs. Lately I have become a little "freer" with my brush and playing with a more painterly technique. Painterly is a word, right? 

Why do you create what you do? 

Simply because it makes me happy! I absolutely LOVE losing myself in a work where time, chores, and world problems don't exist. 

How does your process work? 

Well I suppose that depends on what I'm working on at the time. When I'm painting, it changes with each work. If it happens to be a piece  on masonite, I first construct the canvas by building a wooden frame  out of 1x2 strips. Once they are attached to the masonite, I gesso the board and let it dry. If the work is of an animal, I sketch it out in pencil or watercolor before applying acrylic or oils. If the work happens to be a watercolor, sometimes I don't sketch at all, I just start painting. Now if I'm throwing pottery, I like to make sure my studio is cleaned up first before I start working. Then I get into my clay, cut and weigh it, make a ball, and then head to the wheel. It all depends on what I'm working on at the time and what material I'm using. 

I hope you have enjoyed the tour so far. I hope it continues with many more creative souls to meet and follow as you continue this journey. I have asked a few of my very talented art sisters to join us! 

Rene DeAnda is my dear sister that lives in Denver. She is a woman of many talents and is loved by all who knows her. You can see her work and read her thoughts on her blog the Creative Compiler of All Cooperative Components. 

Kelly Thiel is a dear friend and amazing sculptor that lives in Charleston, South Carolina. 
She works full time in her studio creating beautiful clay sculptures, is a mother, wife and lives life to the fullest. You can see her work and learn more about Kelly on her blog. 

Robin Norgren is a dear friend and soul sister who is also a woman of many talents. She is a gifted writer, a mother, military wife, entrepreneur...the list goes on and on. You can read more about Robin and see her creative flair on one of her blogs, Joesy's Art School. 

Savor Your Life

a new book by Robin Norgren

Do you remember awhile back when I mentioned another collaboration I was invited to work on? Well, if not, don't worry. I may have been keeping quiet to surprise you. SURPRISE! What an odd word once you see it in type...hmmm. (grin)

So my dear friend Robin told me about this project she was working on and wondered if I'd be interested in going in on it with her by providing images of my pottery. Of course I was totally honored she'd even think of me and extremely excited to be part of her new project, a book called

Savor Your Life: 100 Days of Words and Actions to Deepen the Way you Live your Life. 

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and not just because my friend wrote it and you can see some of my pottery...that's only two reasons to buy it. No. Seriously. Robin's words are very genuine and will touch your soul. 

InSpiRed by Friends Near and Far

bisque ware

Every now and then I get into a non-creative funk. I usually disconnect from GOD, family, friends...Its not intentional, it just happens. Then I'm overcome with guilt for being the way I am and have to hit bottom before I can change my attitude and get back to being ME. 

A few weeks ago I decided to put MuddyPotts on vacation until March 17th. I haven't been throwing due to some physical pain I'm trying to work out. Today I've decided to bite the bullet, do what I can and move forward. 

I have been inspired by several artistic friends. One being my dear friend Robin Norgren who always finds a way to face the fear and balances her creative life with the fullness of her family life. She is currently working on another book, Savor Your Life, in which she has so graciously asked me to be a part of. Another inspiration is my friend Kelly Thiel. She was recently honored with one of her sculptures published in a book called 500 Figures in Clay Volume 2. 

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I saw the Modern Masters exhibit at the DAM. How can I not be inspired surrounded by such talent? So instead of riding the so called soap box, I'm off to the easel to pick up my brush and paint. If it is another month before you hear from me:

 I promise it's because I'm busy painting, sculpting, and glazing pots. ~ samos

waiting for color

Friday ETSY Favorites

Cherish Bracelet by RobinNorgren

Kernel Kozi Therapy Bay by HollyWorks

Hot Air Ballon Leggings by Carouselink

mini clothespin magnet by PrettyFrenchThings

Blog Giveaway: Spark and Inspire





Spark and Inspire in the studio

Oh my gosh! I am SOOO excited this week!!! I'm hosting a blog giveaway of one of the most amazing collaborations I've ever been a part of. Back in the spring of this year, my artist friend Robin Norgren started a blog hop with 10 women of 10 creative businesses answering 10 questions called the 101010 Project. Robin took her vision even further and turned the project into a book called Spark and Inspire! The giveaway is for a FREE PDF copy of the book (although I highly recommend you get the book too! It's amazing!)  All you have to do is leave me a comment below and share this Spark and Inspire link on your Facebook page. That's it! What a deal! So are you in?



In the Works

purple cosmo planters © samos 2012

 

So much has been happening lately, I don't know where to start! Last week I was reminded that the holidays were fast approaching. It's obvious to most people, but I'm one of those that is off in lala land most of the time busy doing my own thing and not paying much attention to important things like holidays. Anyways, I felt a rush of panic and started thinking about new pieces of pottery I want to make, paintings I'd like to start, and then there's that compost that I want to get made before it snows too!

But first things first...

Mark your calendars because I am having a first time ever Holiday Pottery Sale in Salida on November 17th! I'm very excited about it! I'll be hosting it at my parent's house and will have lots and lots of pottery + lots of yummy treats + lots of fun! So don't miss it! I'll let you all know the closer the date gets, but for now, SAVE the DATE!

 

I've benn working on my website too. I was tired of the old look and needed something fresh and new. Have you been by lately? If not, please stop in and take a look! Let me know what you think. I love feedback. Good or bad. I can take it. *grin*

 

My artist friend Robin Norgren mentioned a website the other day for painters called daily paint works. Of course I just had to check it out. And, well, I joined. I couldn't resist the challenge. So if you noticed, I added another page to my blog called Daily Paintings. Each day I complete a new painting, I'll post it on that page. Those paintings will be for sale and can be purchased several ways:

through ETSY, Daily Paint Works, or by emailing me directly.

desert horse print © samos 2012

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful fall!

I look forward to hearing from you!

xo

samos

A Friend In NeeD



you are loved



Last week, my friend Robin called out to her fellow artist friends for help on facebook:

Hi everyone! Well I want to come clean with you. Our move to Colorado has been a huge and devastating financial mistake. We are in the midst of coming back to AZ and we are in panic mode. I can't bare to live in this isolation anymore and so for my mental health I need to go back to AZ. In the meantime we have a landlord who has from day one not been very ethical with the lease. We are leaving here with the potential of having to pay rent in two places for two months which as you all know our family was unemployed for 7 months so this will crush us even further. Prayer please! that a renter would come through, that our landlord would not somehow find a way to withhold our deposit, for financial relief. I am scared but hopeful that God see us and I need my friends to agree with me in prayer to move mountains here.

 Robin has so many jobs, two of which are being a military wife and mother of three. There is a donation button on Robin's website for anyone that can help in any way. I am donating the funds from ALL sales I make THIS WEEK. So if you have been wanting a piece of my pottery, a painting or a print, NOW is the time to get it!!! You'll be getting that little piece of art you've been wanting AND it will be going to a good cause!

101010 Project: Robin Norgren

I just wanted to say that the 101010 Project has been so much fun! I am very grateful to Robin who is the creator and all of the creative souls that have participated in this first round of the project. And now I would like to introduce to you, my friend Robin Norgren...

Robin Norgren

Name of business: Robin Norgren Studios

Social media links:

Website: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/robinlnorgren

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellofcreations.myetsyshop

Years in business: 4 years

I strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what. I have grown into myself through my love for Jesus and HIS LOVE FOR ME. Art, motherhood, business, creativity and yoga are the cherished vehicles for this deepening. Life can be FULL, JUICY, MEANINGFUL, PURPOSE FILLED, LOVELY. I want to help you come to your fullest life. I create workbooks, ecourses and workshops that chronicle my change and growth and offer you ways to find out what YOUR FULLEST life will be.

Collaborations: a good idea?

In 2011, it seemed that everything I was creating was a collaborative effort. I lived outside of the United States for the majority of 2010. So when I arrived home I found myself saying YES TO ANYTHING my friends were working on in an effort to reconnect.

I created and executed a preschool program for a small start up church. I co-facilitated a support group for women called “Mending the Soul.” I illustrated my first children’s book with a friend. None of them went well. In fact, these friendships still feel strained to this day (I actually wrote a 4 week course on collaboration as a result of this experience!).

You have heard it said that it is best NOT TO work with friends. And for a while after these experiences I would have said AMEN to that. But today I think that I would try again but I would take what I have learned from those past collaborations and walk into future ones more wisely.

Here is what I know:

-the power structure of the collaboration must be firmly established. None of the tasks can be ambiguously left for someone to organically decide who is responsible for them.

-if monetary investments are involved, KNOW that the one with the money holds the power; it is no longer collaboration.

-decide IN ADVANCE whose ass is on the line is something doesn’t get done. Taking ownership and responsibly ESPECIALLY for the main parts of the project are MANDATORY

-DECIDE UP FRONT what the non-negotiables are for the project for each party involved and THEN DECIDE if it is a good idea to go forward.

With four keys fleshed out beforehand, I think that even friends can work together with minimal strain on the relationship.

Robin Norgren is currently completing her life coaching certification and would LOVEto offer you a FREE 15 minute mini session – sign up for her mailing list here:http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com/p/life-coaching.html

--

Robin Norgren
Spark and Inspire
Well of CreationsMy Creative Peace

To read more about the 101010 Project, click HERE

101010 Project: Leanne Wargowsky

Yesterday was the kickoff of the 101010 Project. This idea sparked from artist Robin Norgren after many of us women met through the e-course, Flying Lessons, given by artist Kelly Rae Roberts. The 101010 Project is a blog hop where each one of us were assigned ten thoughtful questions about our creative business. We each answered the ten questions and then starting May 1st, each one of us will post one answer from someone other than ourselves to our assigned question.

Collaborations: a good idea? will be the question that you will see answered on my blog throughout the blog hop. At the end of each post there will be a link that will take you to the 101010 Project blog where you can find all the participants and links to their blogs.

Today we hear from sweet Leanne, a creative businesswoman that discovered her creative roots through blogging.

Name of Business: From Chaos Comes Happiness

Social Media Links:

Blog:www.fromchaoscomeshappiness.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Chaos-Comes-Happiness/125848910797771

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chaostohappiness

Years in Business: Approaching 1

 Bio

Born, raised, and living in the Chicago land area, this happily chaotic soul is definitely a newbie in the universe of creative businesses. Last August, after 25 years in health care, I was released from days of insurance and hospitals and I started listening to my inner artist. My dream, From Chaos Comes Happiness, was born. I'm not doing it alone, though, as my support system is wide and deep with a husband who encourages me and two beautiful daughters who inspire me. While I have a long way to go in this business of mine, I'm determined to remain true to who I am, and stopping just long enough to smell the roses along the way.

 Collaborations: a good idea?

"If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace." - Franklin D. Roosevelt. And so my belief goes . . . are collaborations a good idea? Most definitely YES! From music (Lennon& McCartney) to dancing (Astaire& Rogers), ice cream (Ben & Jerry) to computers (Hewlett & Packard), the list of amazingly successful collaborations is long and wide. I am a strong believer of strength in numbers, and any time two creative souls gather . . . I am certain great things will come of it. My most successful creative endeavors have been born out of idea bouncing and feedback that I have received from another. Setting responsibilities and boundaries are so important in the process. But once established, the sky is the limit. Anyone interested in collaborating? Call me! ;)

Read more about the 101010 Project: click here

April Showers

It's snowing!!!

I'm so excited to see white fluffy flakes falling from the sky even though I have already started my garden for the summer. I was warned that we may have freezing temperatures until the middle of the month, but with the nice days we've been having, I couldn't help myself. Needless to say, the garden is covered and will hopefully withstand the much needed moisture we are getting today.

muddypotts in my kitchen window

Being a Monday, I've been pretty busy in the studio and on the computer. The kiln is loaded and firing both bisque and glazed pieces which will bring more work for tomorrow! But I love every minute of it!

Upcoming News:

***I was interviewed for the EBSQ Facebook Artist of the Week by Amanda Makepeace. It will be published tomorrow, so stop by and check it out!

***I'm working on a very cool collaboration spearheaded by Robin Norgren of Well of Creations with nine creative women. It will be in full swing starting May 1st, but if you're curious, which I know you are, you can check it out here!

 



                  the kids are wanting to play, so i'll check in with you all soon!

                   have a wonderful week!!!