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I love supporting indigenous Latin American artists . Our neighbors south of the border have among them some very talented people. When we can support them by purchasing hand-crafted work, I’m for it every time. I think this should be the true “global economy.” I’d rather pay a woman in Bolivia money for a beautifully crafted scarf, than pay a Chinese factory for some dubious (possibly lead-tainted) buttons.

Not that there aren’t talented craftspeople in China, too! It isn’t the people there I’m opposed to; it’s the do-anything-to-make-a-buck mentality of big factories, even at the expense of the people who work in them. If we all took the time to discover the origin of what we purchase, consumable or not, our planet could be propelled forward in the right direction.

Posted May 26, 2009 Comments(0)

Even though I don’t especially subscribe to the theory behind “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain,” I happen to know the author’s lessons profess a very workable system to teach yourself to draw, and proficiently at that.

Years ago I picked up this book, and despite my initial reluctance due to the title (I happen to think more in terms of spiritual ability that “Brain Ability”) I did learn a lot from it. And when applying the information, I saw a lot of improvement in my skill. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

Anything that gives confidence and aides the ability to learn a new artistic skill is of interest to me. You will never convince me that you aren’t an artist! I’ve seen way too many “untalented” people emerge like butterflies from a cocoon, ready to soar on their fresh new wings of ability.

Posted May 15, 2009 Comments(0)

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get out the old sketch pad! Think of spending a lazy afternoon with your back against the oak tree and your sketch pad propped up against your knees. Don’t worry about impressing anyone. Look at your surroundings, breath in the fresh air, and start to sketch!

Maybe you’ll draw your surroundings, maybe you’ll sketch the tree down the hill, maybe you’ll draw a dragon. It doesn’t matter! What does matter is opening up your creative consciousness. Don’t worry about who will see your drawing, what they might say and so forth. This is just for you!

I’m all for people doing things that get them in touch with their artistic side and this is one more outlet you can develop.

Posted May 8, 2009 Comments(0)

These are interesting times. For some they may be excruciatingly difficult, for others, merely uncertain. For all of us, change is in the air, and it might not necessarily be welcome.

We want to hold onto our jobs, our homes, our lives. It’s difficult to confront the possibility of not being able to keep up with a mortgage payment, yet some have had to face that difficult crossroad. One of the best ways I know of to keep on top on your life is to write down your thoughts. Sometimes just looking carefully at a situation can help it to resolve. At the very least, it might give you some insight, and a more philosophical look at what may be around the corner.

At the worst, it will give your children and grandchildren a first-hand glimpse of what life was like in 2009, and a way in the future for you to look back and reflect on your past.

Posted May 1, 2009 Comments(0)