Make IT Happen!

MAKE A DECISION... and the universe will conspire to make it come true.

This has been my mantra for the past year. It has helped me turn from... I wish I had, could, was... to ... my decision IS_____ .

My decision is... I am a successful artist.

Last year , early July, I decided that I would exhibit in NYC in August. It was an opportunity that I learned about through an email. It was first come first served and artist were sleeping on the street to secure a spot. The gallery location is in Chelsea. THE place to be as an artist. Also , next to impossible to book if you're not on the artist IT list. When I told some of my friends about my intended venture, with support, almost everyone said, " but you don't know if you're going to get in?". My response? ... Oh I AM getting in! A twelve hour drive one way, almost 24 hours camped out at the gallery and two whirl wind days... Today my resume reads group exhibit @ The Lyons Wier Gallery, NYC. It doesn't matter that I sold nothing. The experience is PRICELESS!!! I met incredibly talented artist who I can now call friends. Through emails and facebook I am updated on their projects, interests, and inspirations. I give and get cyber pats on the back regularly and it is lovely. I am fueled by their drive as I hope they are by mine.


I AM a successful artist!


One of my goals for this year was to participate in three exhibits. At this time, I have two group,( one juried), and three solo exhibits under my belt. I am prepping for yet another that will open September 10th in Atlanta ,Ga. . I also set a monetary goal to reach with only the sale of my artwork. I am so close to meeting this that I believe I will exceed it.

I am a SUCCESSFUL artist!

Last week I was reviewing my goals for my career as a successful artist. I want magazine coverage and I realized that I need a press kit. What I didn't know was that I need it NOW!

Yesterday, Wednesday August 25th, I learned that the new Lifetime show, On the Road With Austin & Santino, was coming to town. YES! HERE! Radford, Va. . Austin Scarlet and Santino Rice of Project Runway fame were rumored to be hitting this small town USA neck of the woods. My decision? I HAD to get them to see my work. It was a MUST do. I don't sleep much these days, however, I surrendered to the fact that it would probably be an all nighter. All I could think was press kit, press kit, press kit. I have been watching the show and I knew they needed a fabric store. Radford has ONE. I hit up my few intheknow contacts around town. Although it's very secretive, I did get confirmation on a couple of locations but no times. My snooping continued... and payed off. In person I approached the owner of the fabric store. Marianne is familiar with me and my work. She gave me nothing concrete except sometime Thursday morning Austin & Santino would be at her shop. She did NOT invite me to the taping. She DID invite me to set up a display of jewelry near the entrance and assured me that she would put my press kit in the hands of the dynamic duo. I set up the display but felt I needed a package to go with it. Press kit, press kit, press kit...

Two weeks ago my hard drive failed. I lost EVERYTHING. Every photo. every work in progress. My computer , with new unfamiliar programs was returned to me just a few days ago. I spent the majority of time last night figuring out how to navigate my new software. Press kit, press kit, press kit. With two hours of sleep and a mountain of frustration, I was up and at it again before the sun came up.

I did NOT complete a press kit. I did eek out a mini info package... but I felt I needed something very short and sweet. I figured I would have about 30 seconds to make my point. I was determined to have a postcard WITH a picture. By 7:30am I had pushed enough buttons and made enough mistakes to figure out how to make a postcard with two photos. Obviously I am NOT tech savvy at ALL!

Without notice and two small kids in tow, I headed over to the fabric store. I had no idea what to expect from anyone there. From myself I expected to MAKE CONTACT... period.

As I drove up I saw a small camera crew across from the entrance. I unloaded the kids and started walking to the front door. I didn't see anyone inside. I opened the door and let the kids enter.( PHEW! no one tackled us, shouted for us to stop or pushed us back outside). The other crew members were inside crouched on the floor. They were prepping a shot and wanted to make sure to be out of the way. They were the most pleasant group of people I have ever come across. Every single person spoke to me AND my kids. I went straight to my work and added my cards to the display. The shop owner, Marianne, appeared briefly and asked if I needed anything then was whisked away to be miked. I thought, I'm in and I'm not leaving until I meet Santino and/or Austin. Now, how am I going to do that? I'm familiar with the shop and decided that we needed to go upstairs and check out some yarns. I asked the owner if that was okay. With a sly side glance and half smile she said it was fine. However I knew my time was limited.

Stalling for time is a very uncomfortable feeling. Doing it with two talkative youngsters is insane.

A few minutes felt like hours. Finally, the chime from the front door echoes followed by a booming , unmistakable tone and accent.

Santino: That's GORGE!

Marianne: The artist who made those is here.

Then a muttle of voices and directions. I pull out two business cards and usher the kids downstairs. As I round the corner heading to the front, Marianne approaches and politely says it's time to go. As she moves away I see Mr. Rice sitting on a chair in our path. It doesn't get much better than this folks!

As soon as Santino sees the kids, he stands and greets each one. He is a towering massive yet slim figure. My guess is that he's about 6'7" and much more handsome and polished in person. As with the rest of the crew, his energy is all inviting, very sincere and warm. With his hand extended, he asks Mason her name. As she shakes his hand he tells her how pretty she is. Jamison is now playing shy and gliding his hand up under my dress. A practice that I hope he discontinues VERY soon. Santino exchanges a few more words with Mason as I try to comfort and pry Jamison off my leg while not exposing myself. Mr Rice then extends his hand to me.

Santino: Very nice to meet you. Are you the one who makes this beautiful work? (as he motions to the necklace that I'm wearing).

Me: Nice to meet you and yes I am.

Santino: It's really amazing.

Me : Thank you. (I hand him my card.)

I would really appreciate it if you would consider possibly showing my work with one of your collections. If your interested, please contact me.

Santino: Okay, sure.

Me: It was nice meeting you.

Santino: It was very nice meeting you.

Me: I hope you're enjoying your time in our little town.

Santino: I am. It's very cute here.

My only regret is that I did not take off my necklace and give it to him.
I don't know what will come out of this encounter. I believe this is only the beginning.

God is truly amazing!


I AM A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST!

Press kit...
If you STAY ready, you don't have to GET ready...