Tuesday, July 31, 2007

My Love Letter to Squidoo/My Create Art Squid Lens

Dear Cast of Characters of Squidoo,

This is a love letter from the heart, an open letter to the creators of Squidoo.

This is also my story.

I am an artist. I have been one since I was a little girl, making paper dolls in the back seat of my parents car, as they traveled the countryside. It was there that I began to connect with all the fantasies that would become me. Art is who I am.

In April of 2006 I fell down a full flight of stairs breaking my right wrist and and incurring permanent nerve damage in my hand and wrist.. I feared I would never paint again. People came to me and told me about others who painted with their mouths, stuff like that. I knew I should be grateful for what I had, but I was overwhelmed none the less. I simply could not have it, so I worked and worked to get some movement back. My efforts continue to this day.

After my fall I spend a lot of time on the computer. I typed with my left hand and right forefinger. I still type that way.

I am not quite sure how I first came across Squidoo. I think it may have been through Worldwide Woman Artists, probably so. I felt attracted to it because it was a way of making a website that I could actually do by myself. My official website is done by my webmaster and beyond my ability and knowledge to maintain. I needed to do something myself, fill up the space that had been taken over with self pity. I needed my confidence refreshed. If I could not paint then at least I could promote what I already had.

At first I thought, "Oh man this is over my head and I can't do this."

BUT I DID!

I jumped in, and even though I got a bit confused at times, frustrated with the slowness of my typing, the directions were pretty clear and I figured it out. I made a little lens and felt darn proud of myself. Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art: http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart was born!
I plugged it everywhere I could think of. I posted it on my blogs and My Space and even put it in bulletins. I wrote articles, posted them on ezines and put the url of my Squidoo lens in my resource box.

Then I let it sit there. I began to feel depressed about my disability. I ignored it for months expecting it to fly on its own. I considered it finished and in a way I considered me to be finished as well.

I continued on with physical therapy though. I cried a lot but I continued on. I am my therapists and doctors success story. I have not gained it all back but last February I began to paint again. It was awkward at first but I have adjusted. I have also gained back some confidence.

I have a total of seven lenses now. Each one of them has a common goal that I did not realize until today, not really. The goal? I think it was to define my own self. As I wrote the text for each one I realized how much creativity has given to me. I realized that by sharing my feelings, creating these Squidoo lenses about art, that I was confirming in my own heart exactly what motivates me as a visionary. With each module I added, be it Amazon, iTunes, Overstock or UTube or others that are offered, I found books and flowers and chocolate, I even offer trips to Paris to see the art there. Yes, as I have written for each Squidoo lens I have indeed created a fantasy of the heart. I became the fantasy fairy that I often describe.

A couple of weeks ago it dawned on me that my Squidoo lenses were like my home. I added music for my company, just like I would do if someone came over for dinner. After my introduction on my lenses I invite people to turn on the UTube music I selected, while they visit me there. I created an ambiance for my guests. And just like my home? I check on my lenses every few days, sometimes more, to make sure everything is in place and ready for company.

So thank you to the cast of characters of Squidoo. Thank you Seth, Megan, Corey, Gil and the rest of all the smarties on the Squidoo team that created and maintain the opportunity to not only create, but to heal.

Blessings and Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii,

Kathy

The rest of my Squidoo Lenses:

Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/

Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

Unlock Creativity|Critical Thinking Creative Writing Active Reading=Great Art
http://www.squidoo.com/createart/

"Collectible Spun Glass Figurines"
http://www.squidoo.com/collectiblespunglassfigurine

"1 Night in Paris"
http://www.squidoo.com/onenightinparis

MY OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.kathysart.com

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Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
"Flight" 24x48 oil on canvas



Sunday, July 29, 2007

Jean-Marc Calvet at Monkdogz Urban Art-New York




CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SEE LARGER!








Jean Marc Calvet began painting at a point in is life when severe crisis metamorphosed into a form of redemption and rebirth. With no training, he discovered the need to paint by complete chance.

Not only did it save him but it changed his life. Art is his catharsis and his evolution has been astounding. For him, it is about exorcising the insanity of his past and slapping down on canvas the dirty truth of life.

He paints 14 hours a day, seven days a week and lives now in Nicaragua.

DOMINIC ALLAN
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

More about this amazing artist at:

http://monkdogz.com/chelseagallery/artistart/Calvet/artist_calvet.htm


"Contradiction"

The human being is a permanent contradiction
The hero and the anti-hero in the same body,
The winner and the looser in the same team.
Mountain and abyss are keeping close too,
An intern world made of crates, scars, hope, breakdown, light and darkness.
In every one of us is leaving a universe, a land,
Everybody has their own paradise, their own hell
Above all do not try to be harder, on the contrary
Bring out every sensitive cell, every nervous ending.
Why? To live and feel this skin become shell through the years
And be reborn, grazed acutley in front of the mirror.

Jean Marc Calvet

http://www.jmcalvet.com

http://www.monkdogz.com















Saturday, July 21, 2007

http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart




"Middle East or Iraq or Africa Explode- Not a Potter Trailer"


What do puppets do after dark? Create more rules for us all to live by? Get worried and fret about everything that doesn't fit into their lists? I am more worried about what governments and the religious decide on what we should and should not do, than Harry Potter and any rumors that incur from it.

People fretting over the message of Harry Potter and creating Harry Potter rumors. Gads what is all the huff about? Get over it! People love the book and story. Will they become a blood sucking vampire because they love the story? I guess there are some who think so.

We have the right to think in America still, don't we? I wonder sometimes lately. So many things being rationed, chewed up and re-delivered to us with different ribbons and packaging. What ever happened to freedom of speech, the idea of it? What has happened to the Baby Boomers who saw a wrong in Vietnam and decided to march against it. Where are all those people? Where were they BEFORE we went into Iraq? We hear news that the Middle East or Iraq or Africa explode on a daily basis yet and we stand in line for a Harry Potter book or wait for a Potter trailer. Now that it seems a bit trendy we all stand in line and say in unison that this war in Iraq was and is wrong, yet where are the people who should be marching? What lines to they stand in? Has apathy become the religion of the day?

My take on Harry Potter is that we must really need a diversion to be standing in line for a book. Don't get me wrong.. I have already stated that I believe in the freedom of the message and I DO applaud the fact that people are reading. What I wonder about though is why not stand in line for things that are more important as well? Stand in line for human rights when there is news that the Middle East or Iraq or Africa explode. Stand in line when maybe it is not trendy and the future of this world depends on us to be brave enough to speak out .. no scream.. when something is not right? Take that energy to love something like a series of books and channel it onto something that suggests a clearer future for humanity. Darfur, Iraq, Abu Ghraib ...stand in line waving our hands, saying ME, I stand against these and other atrocities. I stand for human rights. What if.. what if all the energy it has taken to stand in lines to get the last Harry Potter book stood in lines to speak out against the inhumane?


Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
free art gifts
http://www.kathysart.com


ABOUT Kathy Ostman-Magnusen



I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map faery tale adventures. I dream of beautiful women on canvas and art of exotic women.



I have illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.



Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards & posters are available for sale on my website:



http://www.kathysart.com



Sign up for my mailing list FREE ART GIFTS: Drawings of whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids & fairies in art. Tiny angels & mermaids for shrink art, or coloring pages. Also a "Letter From the Tooth Fairy". Ya just never know when you might need one!



ACEO's: Art Cards Editions Originals or ATC's: Art Trading Cards are highly collectable. My new Squidoo site gives you a preview of mind before they are put on Ebay.




Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Unlock Creativity|Critical Thinking Creative Writing Active Reading=Great Art
http://www.squidoo.com/createart/

Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart


Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/










Thursday, July 19, 2007

Timothy Simpson




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Check out the music of Timothy Simpsom

http://www.myspace.com/timothysimpson

"Home" is especially beautiful.

While you are there enjoying his music be sure to sign up on his friends list.


Aloha, Kathy




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My new Squid is up as well on the subject of critical thinking + creative writing + active reading, art and creativity.

http://www.squidoo.com/createart/

More Squids:


Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart


Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/


The sculpture above is a work in progress.


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Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Critical thinking + creative writing + active reading and Art

Introducing my new Squid:

Critical thinking + creative writing + active reading and Art

http://www.squidoo.com/createart/

When you get time to go there would you give it 5 stars?

If you have enough time.. maybe a comment.. that would be very cool!

and IF YOU STUMBLE? Give me a thumbs up and possibly a review?

OHH SO COOL if you would!

Smile,

HUGE SMILE

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
"Flight" 24x48 oil on canvas

Kathy

FREE Art Gifts:
www.kathysart.com

My other Squid Lenses:

Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/


Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart


Do YOU Squidoo?

Sign up while looking at one of mine and give me credit? MORE SMILES!


~~*~~





Saturday, July 14, 2007

Sign the Live Earth Pledge



AL GORE for PRESIDENT! The world needs a hero and Al Gore is one!

GET INVOLVED

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Subject: Sign the Live Earth Pledge

Message from Al Gore:

Hi,

Live Earth was a unique moment that now presents us with a unique choice.

Do we use this unprecedented opportunity to organize a global movement that will last beyond the concerts themselves? Or do we let the moment pass?

That's why I'm asking you to join me in signing the Live Earth Pledge, which calls for a 90% cut in global warming pollution.

The pledge is a simple way to show that the political will exists to take the bold steps necessary to end the climate crisis. But it will only be effective if millions of Americans speak out and add their voice.

Sign the Live Earth Pledge today by visiting:




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Check out my Squidoo's too.. smile

Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/


Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart


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http://360.yahoo.com/kathysart22







Tuesday, July 03, 2007

http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo







Is Creating a Collectible Spun Glass Figurine or Fairy Tattoo in Your Future?

Free coloring pages fairies and dragons, or a collectible spun glass figurine, is that in your future?

Art and creating, enjoy the process or go for it big time?

I am obsessive about creating new works of art; new paintings; sculptures; poetry or stories. I create because it makes me happy, well most of the time, ha ha. There are those projects that drive me wild and keep me up at night worrying. Most of the time I am doing what an artist should do though and that is to create.


So OK, you have all this work, people come over and say, "Where do you have your work showing at? What galleries are you in? Do you have a website?"

Marketing art is now heavy on your mind. What do I do with all this work? Once it fills the walls of your house and you have given all your relatives art for birthdays and what-evers, then what?

Do you compete?
Do you join art clubs?
Do you put your work on mugs, greeting cards and posters?
Do you make fairies printable coloring pages, fairies in art, or fairy tattoos?
Do you have giclees made of your work?
Do you sell at craft fairs?
Do you sell through galleries?
Do you post it online on every online gallery you can find?
Do you go for it big time and eventually find a publisher?

So much that you 'could' create past the original art, free coloring pages fairies and dragons, fairy tattoos, fairies in art, fairies printable coloring pages, modern or abstract art, or even a collectible spun glass figurine. It is endless.

Wow, tons of work huh? How much are you willing to do for your art?

There are tons of people out there who are working towards getting their art out there as well, so ya gotta keep on your toes if in fact you want to be competitive.

Years ago when I had my souvenir pottery studio I was the top seller with all my reps at each gift show. One year low sales came up.

"Why?!" I demanded.

It seems that the competition had noticed my work was selling well and decided to copy it. That was a real lesson to me. There will always be competition in every single thing so you gotta stay on top of your game.

I create because it is who I am, but I also create to beat out the competition.

There seems to be two worlds that I describe here though right? One of creating and one of competing.

So maybe you just create art because you love it and don't want to do anything but love the process.

Either way, creating is and will always be a friend to you. Love the process and then after it has blessed you decide what you want to do with what you have created.

Creativity is what wakes me up in the morning and causes me to breathe. I work at marketing it, but that is a whole different thing to me. Be sure that when you market your art that it does not take over the artistic side of you. This is my best tip and one I am saying to my own self at this very second that I write this. Put a time limit on marketing and make sure you are organized, so as not to waste your most precious time that you could be spending on creating new works of art. If YOU INDEED want to create collectible spun glass figurines, you should set some time aside and do that right? Smile.



The above sculpture is a work in progress. She is 15 inches high.

Be sure to check out my Squids OK?



Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Kathy's ACEO on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysaceo

Fantasy Art|Artwork in a Butterfly Garden|Legend of Pegasus|Fantasy Poetry:
http://www.squidoo.com/legendofpegasus/


Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art:
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart