Peace

As we enter the holiday season, I am reminded that PEACE is really what is important.  There is a lot of excitement swirling around me in my work environment, in my family and in my community.  Some of it isn't really pleasant excitement, but necessary in some ways.  Some of the excitement is just wonderful and fun.  Regardless, I have been reminded (again and again) that it is not what happens that is good or bad.  What I think about what is happening is what makes that determination.  

My friend, Mary, gave me a card one year for Christmas that had this PEACE message.  I held it close for many years, knowing that I would find just the right use for it.  I framed it and had it in my office.  Last year, I figured it out a better use and created my PEACE series using acrylics, collage components, photography transfer and the words of this poem on canvas and wood.  I still have requests for these original works of art in varying sizes.  It pleases me that Mary's gift continues to give.

PEACE

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work.  it means to be in

the midst of those things and still

be calm in your heart.

www.staceybrownarts.com

dog

This is Flaco.  He's my faithful companion and fearless guard dog.  I think he's pretty cute for a 96 pound beast.  We've been talking about getting back in the studio this week.  I'm enrolled in Flora Bowley's class and I can't wait to get my hands in the paint.  Flaco will undoubtedly get his paws and tail in the paint as well.  It just adds to the creative life.  He's bored with jewelry production.

www.staceybrownarts.com

Lift

Today, I was running a few errands before I had to go to work. I hadn't noticed that the flowers are really blooming beautifully here in Fort Myers and the weather was cool and people seemed to be happy today until after my encounter.

I finished my shopping and walked into the parking lot. I saw this beautiful pink Volkswagen and as sickeningly pink as it was, it put a definite lift in my mood. It really pleased me to know someone felt good enough and happy enough to drive around in this screaming pink bag every day. No matter what their mood was, no matter how they felt, no matter if they were sick or well, they were driving around in this jewel. That takes confidence and it made me feel happy for that person. I had to leave to make an appointment so I didn't get to stick around to find out who drove it. But, whoever it is I bet their little world is alright.  Art is life.

www.staceybrownarts.com

Fall for the Arts at the Alliance!

We had a blast at the Family Fall for the Arts day.  The girls and I petted wolves, had our portraits drawn, played games, watched talented singers and dancers on stage, saw many friends and was surrounded by ARTISTS! The weather was glorious and it was definitely the go to spot for the day.  I love, love, love days like this!

The Alliance of the Arts' gift gallery in Fort Myers has a new crop of my mixed metal and stone earrings.  Go check it out!

Halloween 2011

So, for Halloween this year, I had double fun...   First, my friend and I hit the downtown streets to participate in Zombicon.  A world record was attempted to see how many zombies could show up in one place.  About 20,000 showed up.  As a "dead artist zombie", I got lots of comments with the paintbrushes in my hair and the canvas over my arm.  Everyone who attended had some sad story about how they had died.  My story was that I had inhaled too much lead based paint... a slow and painful death for an artist.

For Halloween with the girls, however, I adorned a purple wig and gold sparkling boots.  I had tried to channel Kate Pierson of the B52's, but there was no beehive wig available in Fort Myers.  I ended up being identified as some other Kate rock star girl that I don't know.  Oh well.... I do like purple.