Artists I Love: Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Artist: Ricardo Ortega

Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Artist: David Gonzalez
 Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Artist: Flor Minor
 Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

Artist: Diego Luz

Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

Galeria Corsica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

I took a little trip to Puerto Vallarta last week and I had an amazing time with friends. It was also a great time to get some inspiration from local artists.  On our last day in town,. we visited a little area of Puerto Vallarta known for its artists and amazing galleries. I was in heaven.  That is definitely something that will be on the top of my list for next year. 

My favorite gallery was Galeria Corsica. I experienced some of the most breath taking art work I've ever seen.  The gallery owner was gracious enough to allow us to take photos so I was able to capture some of my favorite pieces.

Art is ...

I almost always carry my camera with me on trips.  I love to take photos.  My dad is a photographer and he taught me to always be prepared with a camera and notebook.  You just never know when something really cool will happen. 

Looking,  waiting and watching...is something I love to do on trips.

In the photo above, I was in San Francisco hanging out with friends and we turned the corner and this mural was there in all its glory.

Artist Dates: Visiting the Golden Belt Artist Studios

We took in a great day of art and creativity at the Golden Belt Artist Studios.  The Golden Belt is an artist live work community that is home to over 35 artists.  Since my dad was one of the original artists from the Torpedo Factory ( a similar artist studio space) I thought he and my mom would love to visit. It was the highlight of my trip.  There was inspiration at every turn.  The Golden Belt has painters, jewerly makers, and photographers.

 It was a great opportunity to meet artists up close... like Madelyn Smoak.  Madelyn creates amazing crowns and jewelry using vintage pieces and bits of found objects.  I was so inspired to see her in her process. She was creating this  really amazing necklace from vintage jewelry pieces and tin soldiers.  She explained how she lays out her necklaces on a board to see how everything looks before she puts everything together. She might even let a piece "breathe" over night before she puts together the final piece.  

It inspired me to consider giving my pieces time to form and maybe even breathe over night  before considering it completed.

So I learned something from Madelyn Smoak.
 Give your art time to "breathe"
and be open to new inspiration the next morning.
There may be more creativity that comes with that additional bit of space and patience. 

Creative Indulgences in Las Vegas

One of my favorite places to visit is Las Vegas. Not just for the fun night life but for all the over the top things to see. Las Vegas does luxury like no other. I really feel like I can unwind in Vegas. This is the entry way of a Spa at the new Cosmopolitan hotel. The entry way is just the beginning of one of the most spectacular spas I've ever visited. I had a hot stone massage that was amazing! These little indulgences are amazing for my creative spirit!

Artist Date: Missoni Score!

It's all over the news this week about the "Missoni Mania" happening at Target. Women are lining up for hours in front of Target stores to get anything created by Missoni.  It was too crazy not to check out, so a decided to make it an artist date and go in search of designer goodies myself.

I braved the stores looking for Missoni. I was not alone...there were others...with carts looking along with me. I felt myself racing them ...then running to what looked like a hand towel. It was a false alarm. I went to another Target and I finally scored...2 barrettes and 2 eye masks.  I love eye masks for traveling (it makes me feel all Hollywood) and the barrettes will look great in my hair. I was so excited when I found them I felt like I won the lottery.It was like a little bit of creative history in my hands.

The whole experience reminded me of my mom fighting off a lady to get me a Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas in the 80's. It didn't matter that I was almost in high school at the time (long past playing with dolls) ..my mom had to get me one of those Cabbage Patch dolls. She scoped out the Toys R Us stores in the area. Made deals with the sales people to call her when they came in. That lady can work it! Today I got a taste of that ... and it was exciting!

I braved the stores, faught off the fashionistas and got the Missoni!

Travel Journals

I love to travel. I never want my trip to end. Journaling on my trip lets me remember the details of the trip and every yummy sensation that I experience in the moment. The cool saltyness of the oceam. The warm sun on my skin. The funny travelers we met on a mountain top and shared stories. Its all there in the pages of my journal,  I cherish these journals and one day I will find a beautiful book case and put them up on display for me to visit over and over again.

Preparing for Juicy Soul Retreat this weekend...

The Juicy Soul Retreat is this weekend. This is a half a yard of canvas covered in paints, crayon, ink, marker and tape using a few techniques Andrea and I teach in our workshop. Andrea and I create unique juicy kits for each participant. I'll be using this canvas to create some thing yummy for everyone that participates in the Juicy Soul Retreat.  I'll post a picture of the finished project when its done. Andrea is working on folders to hold other goodies. If you would like to join us there are only a few more spots. You can register online through A Work of Heart Studio.