Sunday, November 3, 2019

Creative Everyday? AEDM Day 3

Full-time temp job to fund creative activities at SheilaLynnKArt.com
Being creative every day can be a big challenge. 

Let me re-phrase that... being visibly creative every day is challenging. 





I think most of us really are quite creative in all of the things that we do so that we can actually get things done in a manner which truly suits our objectives. We have to be creative in order to do all of the things and it sure seems like the lists aren't getting any shorter. ...and that is probably an entirely other creative wellness blog post for another day. 

This post is more about the time, energy, effort, logistics, and COST, of keeping that creativity visible to other people. 

Economically, intentionally bringing art into our every day lives can often be a difficult thing to do. Though creativity truly enriches my life. It's no secret that art-making is seldom "rich-making" in the monetary sense. 

If you have been following my creative art work for a while, you may have noticed a pretty vivid absence of said work over the last few months. 

Many of my projects are charitable in nature and provided to others in the most affordable manner I can manage. Unfortunately, this year I hit the money wall and without some big changes it was likely I would lose these other walls. 

So, the most lucrative solution was to attempt full-time temporary employment doing something else entirely. I am certain I am not the only artist making this choice on a fairly regular basis. However, for me, the added obstacle of physical limitations made this choice quite daunting. This is the first time since the spinal cord injury in 2007 that I have attempted to work for somebody else in a space outside of my home. 

Your patience and support while I figure this out has been greatly appreciated! 

As I am earning a sufficient living filing and sorting records the only artsy things I have managed to do have been limited to our Allegany Arts Association Newsletter and immediate access activities for local patrons at our library. With inspiration from online creators, we've done macrame sea glass necklaces, burlap pumpkins, upcycled scarecrow painted wine bottles, and next month we will bedazzle some gourds.
 (Pictures of these are posted on my patreon page.) 

All of this is the LONG way for me to say that I am ever so thankful that it is Art Every Day Month at CreativeEveryDay
I participate in this every year. Starting in a few days later than usual, I am not entirely sure what things I will be creating but, I have promised myself (and now you) that I will be creating something visible to share. 

Feel free to click through and follow these creative posts on my patreon page here.  
#arteverydaymonth2019




Sunday, August 25, 2019

All New Stuff for Patrons Only

HowTo4U
Starting September 2019
Patrons subscribed at $4 a month and up
will receive a monthly HowTo4U video featuring instructions and demos for drawing, painting, DIY crafts, and other behind the scenes activities in the studio.
Videos will be released in the Patrons Only Activity Feed the third Saturday of each month.
In addition to receiving the new monthly video, upon confirmation of payment, you will be able to unlock existing content in the patrons-only activity feed.
Increase, decrease, cancel anytime.
Future payments will be automatically charged
the first of every month.  
OFFER ENDS December 31, 2019

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Tunnel Vision

Three Guesses.
What's around the corner?

(Posted for Patrons First 8.9.19) Decades ago, when I was working three jobs, going to college full-time, and raising three children; I found this incredibly appropriate bit of wit on a pin in a grocery store. Back then, as an Army Veteran and Single Parent, I was lucky if I could keep a candle lit in the windy caverns of my journey... let alone see an actual light glowing at the end. 


Working in the arts, as the lighting shifts; I have come to understand that it is the winding nature of the path that I travel which often blocks out the light at the end. 
Rarely one to travel life in a straight line, I am still learning to thrive in the darkness and illuminate the abundance while I am in the midst of turning a corner with no clear outlet on the other side. 
In loving recognition of my personal efforts to see as I sit at the intersection of dedicated purpose, dwindling resources, honorable intentions, and individual security; it seemed appropriate to juxtapose this pin with a doodle I created in honor of the comfort thriving in the Creative Wellness  Garden at my studio. 
Recently, I browsed the garden (photos posted for patrons first) with a view colored by the knowledge that I may have to give it up. In spite of decades of appreciation for the starts and stops of relocation, I never cease to be amazed at the ways in which the consideration of impending departure influences my perspective of a place and inspires renewed appreciation for the life residing in it. 
Though no decision has yet been made, it would currently seem that the tunnel is winding its way into another dark corner and, despite my control-freak-worthy efforts, I've no way of knowing what resides on the other side. 
"(Obi Wan Kenobi tells us) The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds galaxies together." 
The Force binds our dreams and desires with our personal gifts so they can find outward expression. 
"Follow your feelings, trust your feelings," the Jedi knight urges us, because it is within the Force that we live and move and have our being.
The Force is Love.
Love wants, wishes, and wills nothing less than your unconditional happiness, harmony, Wholeness. 
Commit to discovering, acknowledging, appreciating, owning, and honoring your personal gifts. 
And may the Force be with you."  

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Art For Wellness

(Patrons previewed this post March 5, 2019)
For Youth Art Month, PPAC (Partners for Prevention) asked me to write a post for their blog about how the arts support our wellness with links to our local creative resources. 

Art For Wellness

From hieroglyphs and cave paintings that document ancient cultures to functional objects & adornments in domestic spaces, to entertainment & the “Fine” arts; through the ages humanity has long relied on the Arts to improve our quality of life.  
With a click and a swipe, these days we can access so many art forms that perhaps we forget that these are “art” at all. Perceived as a modern commodity, we may even be unaware of our dependence on this link to the creative realms outside our daily experiences. It is not uncommon to hear ourselves or others saying, “I don’t do/care about/need art at all. It’s a waste of time.” 
Through our screens, we often escape into other worlds and imagine or seek new solutions to daily issues. Have you ever noticed how your own feelings change as you passively experience this creative content? 
During screen time, do you ever wonder how or why those images, performances, stories, and music are made?
 When you are cut off from “streaming content” is there a sense of loss?
 Ask yourself, “What is THAT about?” 

“Without art the crudeness of reality would make life unbearable”
~George Bernard Shaw
If you experience any form of relief through passive observation or “streaming” the arts, imagine the benefits of in depth participation. The creative process taps into the inherent potential of the mind, body, and spirit while accessing and improving our existing individual abilities. When we are at a loss for words, the arts connect us to each other by communicating universal concepts which are bigger than our individual vocabulary. Unity strengthens our energy and heals our communities. On a cosmic scale, creative action builds our emotional intelligence in a process that is essential to the evolution of humanity. 
At ground zero, we ask, “How does this apply to me?” 
“Creativity is one of those intimidating words, like artist, musician, writer, and so on, which has been co-opted to mean something rarefied and unreachable. We think of ourselves as being a ‘creative type’ or not, as if it were a quality bestowed upon the chosen few. But if we decolonize the word and take it back to its true origins, we find the Latin root crescere, a word  which means to come forth, spring up, grow, thrive, swell…Creativity is the living impulse in each of us which continually begins again…Our vitality is inexplicably bound up with our creativity.” ~ Turner on Creativity from, Belonging; Remembering Ourselves Home
Before the “final product” happens or is shared with others, the engagement in the creative process initiates us into a state of communication with ourselves which otherwise may never occur. Art, in its many diverse manifestations, as described in How Art Becomes Medicine; “helps children (and adults) organize their experiences into a coherent story.” Self-awareness is key to personal balance. Personal balance is the key to wellness. 
Wellness via the Arts; an Introduction to the Evidence
From military veterans with PTSD to cancer survivors and numerous other obstacles on the path to wellness; hundreds of scientific studies are in…and more results are on the way…about the benefits of the arts to human wellness. 
According to the Foundation for Art and Healing, the World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  Impacting our emotions, attitudes, and beliefs; the creative process is a path to discovery which provides each individual with experiential access to tools which support well-being and potentially prevent and/or remedy dis-ease. 
“Engagement with creative activities has the potential to contribute toward reducing stress and depression and can serve as a vehicle for alleviating the burden of chronic disease.” ~ American Journal of Public Health, Feb 2010, vol 100 no.2
Cathy Malchiodi, PhD writes in Psychology Today, “Even engagement in the arts as a viewer can have an impact, but if you really want to benefit from the arts for wellness, studies continue to show that your active participation is the best bet (Bolwerk et al, 2014)… In brief, creativity is increasingly being validated as a potent mind-body approach as well as a cost-effective intervention to address a variety of challenges throughout the lifespan.”
“Research has proven the arts develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance. Quite simply, the arts are invaluable to our proper functioning individually and as a society.” ~Renee Phillips Art Enhances Brain Function and Well-being from The Healing Power of Art and Artists
Creative Opportunities in Allegany County, NY
Ready to explore the arts or actively participate in the creative process but not sure where to begin? With a long history of talented creative residents in Allegany County, NY; our community continues to provide affordable opportunities for creators of all ages and abilities to learn, experience, observe, and engage in a diverse collection of creative opportunities. Here are some local resources to get you started. (If you know of a local public creative activity or resource not shown here, please tell us about it in the comments below.) 
Alfred Box of Books Library ~ Spinner Challenge Lego Build March 27th at 4pm and other Tuesday art classes and creative activities for local youth
Alfred Ceramic Art Museum Alfred NY ~ Events and exhibitions 
Alfred State College Graphic and Media Design 
Alfred University School of Art and Design Events and Activities
Allegany Arts Association ~ sponsors performances and cultural events and provides free creative programming for local youth during “Cabin Fever”, “Spring Fling”, and Summer Arts Festival activities. 
The Allegany Artisans ~ local artisans with studios throughout Allegany County 
Almond 20th Century Club Library Almond, NY ~ creative crafts and activities for youth and adults
Andover House ~ featuring works by local artists and artisans 
The Angelica Players ~ local performing artists and their theatrical adventures for all 
Artists Among Us Belmont, NY ~ touring art exhibit featuring works by local artists
BEATS Special Needs Dance Showcase Wellsville, NY ~ a safe place for dancers with special needs to come together and share their passion for dance
Belfast Braids ~ local artisan teaching braided rug-making 
Belfast Public Library ~ art shows featuring works by local artists and artisans and creative activities for local youth and adults
The Belfast Organization for Artists for creators in the Belfast, NY area 
Bolivar Free Library Bolivar NY ~ crafts and creative activities for local youth and adults
Cuba Circulating Library ~ Craft Nights and Creative Youth Activities 
The Cohen Gallery at Alfred University Alfred NY ~featuring works by local artists 
David A. Howe Library ~ AnnualTeen Photo Show April 2019, DIY Kids, Howe Kids Art monthly Youth Art Activities featuring FREE process art activities for the littles, FREE Adult monthly Craft Classes
Nancy Howe Auditorium ~ at David A. Howe Library ~live music, movies, theatre, dance, and other performances for all
The Fassett Green Space Project by Art For Rural America, Wellsville, NY 
The Fountain Arts Center Belmont, NY ~ art exhibits and creative activities and classes for youth and adults 
Friendship Free Library ~Free Art Fridays, Lego Club and Maker Club for after school program participants 
Friends of the Essential Club Free Library Canaseraga, NY, ~creative activities and events for local youth
Inspire Crafts and Hobbies Andover Road Wellsville, NY ~ Art and Craft Supplies 
The Hann Homestead, Andover NY Paint and Sip Parties 
The Genesee Valley Chorus ~ contemporary and classic adult choral  
Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters ~ plein air landscape painting for adults
Heidi Noel’s Performing Arts Center Wellsville NY ~ performing arts classes for local youth
Lifeway Youth Center Belfast NY ~Chopped Cooking Competition, March 22nd for ages 11-19
The Little Gallery Arts and Antiques ~ featuring works by local artists and artisans, sales benefit the Hart Comfort House 
Music On the Lawn Wellsville NY ~ free Thursday evening live music series from June to August 
The Most Arts Festival Alfred NY ~ classical music performed by world class musicians, the Young Pianist Competition, daily chamber series, evening concert series and the vibrant world of Alfred art.
The Palmer Opera House Cuba, NY ~ entertainment and creative classes and activities for all ages 
Rise Above Holistic Wellness Center ~ Adult Paint Party, April 12th, kids yoga and martial arts
The Rogue Carrot Alfred NY ~ natural foods store also featuring works by local artists and artisans
SheilaLynnK Art Studio Wellsville, NY 
STEPS Dance Studio Wellsville NY ~ dance classes for local youth
Studio One Ten, Scio NY ~ art and craft classes and parties for all ages
Stone Flower Pottery ~ local artisan making pottery and jewelry and teaching tin works and jewelry making classes 
STRUM ACCORD ~ an annual music festival highlighting music from ACCORD’s after school program students. 
Tri-County Arts Council serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties
Twin Tiers Makers Expo at Wellsville Central School Call for Makers
Wellsville YMCA After School Program ~Creative Activities for Local Youth 
Wellsville Creative Arts Center ~ Live music, Open Mic, Visual Arts Exhibits by local artists, clay studio, and Art Classes for youth and adults 
The Wellsville Performing Arts Orchestra 
Wide Awake Club Library Fillmore NY ~ Creative after school programming for local youth
Whitesville Public Library Whitesville, NY ~ Creative crafts and activities for local youth and adults
REFERENCES FOR THIS ARTICLE AND OTHER CREATIVE WELLNESS RESOURCES 
“How Art Becomes Medicine; One story of sickness, creativity, wellness, and grief.”~Kids & Art, Healing Pediatric Cancer through the Arts
“Belonging; Remembering Ourselves Home” ~Toko-pa Turner
Art and Well-Being; Toward a Culture of Health ~ Arlene Goldbard, U.S. Department of Arts & Culture
“Can Art Be Medicine?” ~ The Foundation for Art & Healing 
Why Teens Need Live Theatre in the Age of Youtube ~ By Christine Aucoin March5 , 2019 The Boston Globe 
The ArtWell ~ Philadelphia, PA 

Sunday, February 10, 2019

2019 Studio Updates and #SWANSunday

FOLLOW ON PATREON
If you read the January2019 SheilaLynnK Art Studio Quarterly E-News for Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Patrons, you know that 2019 SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Days Allegany County, NY activities have launched and much of my creative time recently has been spent doing work to advocate for, develop, and support equitable creative community connections. 
This limits the time I have had to create new art in the last few months. 
Honored to have Still Standing Frame 6 (2009) included; I am thankful to Caitlin Brown, at the Cohen Gallery in Alfred, NY for bringing so many local alumni artists together in one place this month. It is a wonderful collection of local creative works. I hope you will have a chance to stop in and see it. 
Alumni Invitational Exhibit ~Photo Credit Kevin Jacobs
Alumni Invitational FlipBook 
MORE ABOUT STILL STANDING
Moving forward into 2019, I am envisioning a creative renewal that will feed the positive energy in my creative space. Working through some of that discovery and validation during the February ritual from UNIFY, I was encouraged to know that I can still find the words. 
A fellow creator on Patreon, Sarah Love McCoy ,also has some practical tips to share about how to preserve the sacred energy of the creative process. I want to Amplify her voice this #SWANSunday. 
Visionary Renewal ~February 2019 Creative Wellness Circle Re-Cap
StateraArts has launched a campaign designed to AMPLIFY the voices and work of women artists as part of SWAN Day. The goal is to flood social media every Sunday with images, quotes, and work from women artists.
Want to get involved in this powerful social action? It’s easy! UPLIFT and AMPLIFY a woman artist using the hashtag #SWANsunday. Post about them and their work. Pick a new artist every Sunday.

In addition to posting about Sarah today, I would also like to Amplify artist Gwenn Seemel. Truly an invitation to a conversation about important issues, I very much enjoy the way that Gwenn consistently takes complex concepts and interprets them in a creative manner that can be visually received by many people who may or may not have similar life experiences.



For the Allegany Arts Association Cabin Fever 
February Break free art Activities for local youth 
I will be facilitating art activities at the 
Rise Above Building 
161 1/2 North Main Street 
Wellsville, NY. 

For more updates from my studio you can follow for free on Patreon, check out my event page, find me on facebook, or Subscribe to the Studio Newsletter.

New Art coming soon....portrait in progress...
(11" x 14" Colored Pencil on Paper)