I just want to take a minute to let you know where it is I am coming from in terms of my art both visually and written. I have almost …
I just want to take a minute to let you know where it is I am coming from in terms of my art both visually and written. I have almost no hang ups and laugh in the face of most taboos. My art reflects this and I sometimes push people’s emotional buttons for better or worse. I certainly hope you enjoy my stuff and I do make every effort to ensure those people who do not want to be exposed to it are not. The subjectiveness of art means that I can mean one thing, but it is interpreted as another. In the interests of maintaining the amazing tone and quality of this site I will happily remove any works if requested. I do tend to use myself as a subject, mainly out of a lack of options, but also out of my perfectionist nature. Again this is something that really changes the dynamic of art and as such I am doing my best to tread lightly. I also like to draw from reality which provokes strong reactions. It is harder to confront something if it is personalised and has a context which is meaningful to you. I think this makes art more real and exciting and dangerous and limitless. It can be emotionally draining (and plain terrifying) for the creator but of amazing value to the viewer. I hope I am not the only person who appreciates this perspective on the creation of art. So what is all this getting at? I guess what I’m saying is that I’m trying my best to walk a fine line between making the art I want to make, and doing it in an inoffensive way. If you want to talk to me about it, I welcome and encourage you to do so. Jo
Ive noticed around here that there are quite a few photo manipulations. It makes me wonder who created the stock photography of the mani…
Ive noticed around here that there are quite a few photo manipulations. It makes me wonder who created the stock photography of the manipulation. I have only seen one person actually site a link to the stock images. I would like to see more people giving credit to the stock creators if they are not doing so already! When I don’t see people siting the stock images I either am forced to believe they created the stock, or don’t know that they should site it. I also start doubting the authenticity of their work. the bottom line is…don’t steal ideas! if its not 100% your ideas, please site the source. You can technically call it a form of plagiarisms when work sources are not sited. This obviously only applies to photo manipulations/ edits and such. thanks for listening! Pam
I just had one of those moments where 4 people are asking to do shoots and I’m running around my diary frantically looking for a space. T…
I just had one of those moments where 4 people are asking to do shoots and I’m running around my diary frantically looking for a space. Then it occured to me- there wasn’t one. At least not in 2007. I carefully flicked back over all of it – no, nothing left. That can’t be right? So I transfer it all onto the calendar. All booked. Definitely. A few are tentative bookings but I’m confident they will go ahead. So I start to flick backwards. Just how long has this been going on? Then I realise I have not had a full day off since… hang on, where’d I put the 2006 diary? Actually there are a handful of days where I’ve written in angry black marker “DON’T BOOK ANYTHING” which is me forcing myself to have a day off. About half of these have a “shoot with xyz” squashed in around the warning to myself. This year for Christmas I’m going to ask for free time. Or a kick in the head. Which ever will work better! Where does the time go?
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the featured and popular pages on Red Bubble, and wondering where all the painters, illustrators and gra…
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the featured and popular pages on Red Bubble, and wondering where all the painters, illustrators and graphic artists are?! There are some AMAZING artists working in these media on the site, but it just seems like they’re all being lost in the system. I have nothing against photography or the photographers, but it’d be nice to see a more even spread. So – do your bit! Upload your best painting, illustrative or graphic pieces Seek out painted and illustrated works Comment, fave and watch! The popular algorithm is a closely guarded Red Bubble secret, however I’m sure doing the above things can help boost painting and illustration on this site. I know we can all help bring attention to the amazing artists on this site who deserve to have a little light shone on them! I will go through my own watch list and select and feature artists who I think deserve to be a little more popular. I have sent in my request to have an Illustration group on RB, and Kathleen emailed me back a few days later and said that many people had requested the same thing and that they were nutting out a plan for launching such a group. I really can’t wait, I do think a group dedicated to illustrators might be the shot in the arm needed for illustrative artists. If you’re with me, let me know!! Spread the word! (I have submitted this to a few groups, please let me know if this is appropriate – because I think it is, and highly beneficial to us all!!)
Okay, so you’ve seen some amazing work online and wondered where the artist got all those astounding background effects or how they did t…
Okay, so you’ve seen some amazing work online and wondered where the artist got all those astounding background effects or how they did that cool layered effect. Well, as surprising as it may sound, some of those effects were done using a very common Photoshop preset: Brushes. You may be asking yourself, don’t I already have brushes installed with my Photoshop CS3 (or CS2) software? Well, yes, you do. But those are the basics. There are a ton of awesome people out there in internet land who are making additional brushes (and other plugins) for you to use with your software. These plugins are very easy to download and install. I will try to give you a short rundown of what to expect when installing these brushes. For more information as to how to use them or for more detailed installation information or installation for a MAC OS, please consult the very wonderful Photoshopsupport.com, a very neat index of everything Photoshop! (Please note: The following instructions are very, very simplistic because I wanted even the novice Photoshop user to be able to use these tools. I know there are a bunch of different ways to do these things (even some that are easier), but I wanted to put it in basic terms without all the fancy language and extra steps because I remember how it was when I first started teaching myself to use the Adobe programs. Plus, this is not intended to be a full fledged tutorial.) The first step is to download some really cool brushes from an online provider. Some brush sets you will have to pay for, others are free with some restrictions, and others are completely free. Make sure you read the website’s policy before you use them. You can view my Photoshop CS3 (and CS2) Brushes journal entry to visit the websites where I have downloaded most of my brushes from. Most of them have free areas or are completely free and all you have to do is link back to them. Once you have chosen the brush set to download, simply download it to your computer. Because the files are normally saved in a Zip file, I start off by downloading the file to my Desktop first and then moving them over after (this is to avoid confusion). However, if you feel comfortable unzipping them right into the proper file, then by all means go-ahead-with-your-bad-self! After you have downloaded the Zip file to your Desktop, you will need a program (such as WinRAR, which is what I use) to unzip the file. At this point, you may be asking where you unzip the file to? Well, inside the Zip file may be a read me (.txt) file and other junk (which may be of interest to you) and there should also be a brush (.abr) file, which is the one you want to unzip. You can unzip the brush file onto your Desktop and then move it over manually, or you can unzip it to the Photoshop directory itself. Regardless of which method yo use, your ultimate goal is to get that .abr brush file into a specific folder in your Photoshop program’s file. For brushes, the file you will want to place your .abr brush files into is the “Brush” file within the “Presets” file. So, how do you get there? Open your My Computer and find the drive which has the folder “Program FIles”. Now, open “Program Files” and then find the folder labeled “Adobe”. Next, open the “Adobe” folder and you will see ALL of the Adobe programs, which are installed on your system. Locate the “Adobe Photoshop CS3” (or CS2) folder and open it. Find the “Presets” folder and open it. Finally, you will see a folder called “Brushes”. Open it. You can now see ALL of the brushes that are installed to use with your Photoshop program. This “Brushes” folder is where you want to place all of your downloaded .abr brush files. So, the quick breakdown to find the “Brushes” folder is: Program Files >>> Adobe >>> Adobe Photoshop CS3 (or CS2) >>> Presets >>> Brushes Once you have unzipped the files or drag-and-dropped them into this file folder, you can close the folders. You will also need to re-start your Photoshop program in order for the brushes to be finalized and installed and ready for use (sometimes, you have to re-start your computer as well). After you have re-booted your software, open a blank file and click on the “Brush Tool” or simply press its keyboard shortcut ( B ) to activate it. Now, right click anywhere on the page and your brush palette should appear (this is where you control the brush size/hardness, etc.) and in the upper right hand corner you should see a little black triangle with a circle around it. Click on that little triangle/circle icon and…. whaaaaa-la! Your newly installed brushes are there just waiting for you to experiment with them! All you have to do is click on a preset and it will ask you if you would like to load those brushes. Click “Ok” and they will appear in your brush palette waiting to be used and abused! So, go have fun with your new brushes and get creative! The last step, of course, is to add your comments below! Add your brush tips (pun intended) below so that we can all learn from each other! Cheers!
I think every photographer has pretty much the same story, when asked, how did you get into photography? All the answers are the same ”...
I think every photographer has pretty much the same story, when asked, how did you get into photography? All the answers are the same “I have always had a camera in hand, finally decided to make a go at doing it professional because I love it” / I know when I first picked up my camera at the age of nine, I loved it, had it with me all the time. It wasnt until many many years later til a friend finally convinced me to make that HUGE step in allowing anyone and everyone to see what I have shot and go “pro”. I always took the kind words of friends with alittle grain of salt when they would compliment my shots. I knew deep down I didnt quite have it right. I didnt “feel” I had done all I could do. I also felt they were being “nice”, and didnt want to hurt my feelings. So I basically shrugged it off for many years. Thanks to the internet, I had the capability to finally allow more then just friends to see my world through my eye in photograhy. So I finally took that step. / It was a huge step for me, at times I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach when I added a new shot, or even bring out a old one for all to see. Will it be a hit? Is it good enough? Will the public like it and want to buy it? Hell I still feel that way! / So many questions go thru one’s head when they put themselves out there with a passion they truely believe in. / I wont ever forget the very first time someone actually bought something of mine. WOW the rush I got! It just didnt seem Real. I went back a few times, checking out my account status and sure enough, I had finally Sold my work. I never really thought MY work would be good enough that someone I didnt know would want to buy it. I thought about my friends who had said I should take it more seriously from years past, and occassionally I do feel the regret I didnt get into it professionally then. Especially now when everyone has a digital camera and has become instant photographers. I’m here in a world of massive photographers from all over the country, trying to make a living off of it! Which means to me, I need to Learn and produce some of the best shots I possibily can. / The thing tho, it is in my blood, shooting, recording history with this little piece of equipment called a camera. Working on something that is artistic or different. I used to be intimidated by those photographers who had all that expensive gear, and fancy set-ups. At times I would hold my little film camera in hand and think to myself. Hell I can accomplish the same thing with this, as they can with that. But I would still find myself shying away from them, going off into my own little world. I think thru the few years I have openly put my work out in the public. One of the main things I will always remember and that is where I came from, where I started. I still get shy when I am around someone who wants to buy my work. I get sweaty when I am trying to get them a print of the shot they want, making sure it is as perfect as it can possibily be. So many times I feel the words “thank you” isnt enough as they happily go off with MY work!! To this day I still cant find more words to show my gratitude and honor. / I have met quite a few photogs, from all different levels, newbies, mid-ways, and the so called pros. Some have made an impression on me, some I dont ever care to see again. The ones that made the biggest impression on me, where the ones that were just like me, still humbled someone finds their work good enough to buy and show off in their home. The one’s who have snubbed their noses at me due to them having better equipment, or maybe had a few shows, or they are known in their town or known well thru the internet didnt impress me at all. Actually they made me realize exactly what I do NOT want to be as I progess in this field I have chosen. It doesnt matter if you have a throw away camera, or the multi dollar equipment on if you can produce an outstanding shot or not. I think one’s attitude has a lot to do with how successful they are, not what type of equipment they can buy. We all know better equipment does help, but it shouldnt ever change the attitude we all had when we first got started. / The humbleness and gratitude should be the same whether we are just starting or have been in it for 20 or more years. / You dont have to go to school, have a lot of money for high dollar equipment to produce some outstanding work. It’s all in the “eye”, it is how you see things, how you react when someone critiques or compliments. Its all about learning to use the equipment you have and making it work. / No one in this profession should ever lose that humble feeling just because they have improved. There will always be newbies behind you. One should always remember at one time, THEY were newbies. That is something I wont ever forget, the fact I too was once a newbie. Many have helped me, given me tips, they still do. I am like a sponge absorbing all information and tips. I use the input and incorportate it for what works for me and my situation at hand. When I see some people ranting and raving about quality, it really tears me up. It actually pisses me off. No one ever started with the perfectly focused shot, or the perfect exposure. We all started out not knowing a thing. It takes practice, it takes someone helping you along, it takes some honest good feedback, and of course a pat on the back does help build confidence. But we must all learn to listen to what we got Wrong, how else can we improve? In my case, and others who have progressed, Id like to see more helping out the newbies. Instead of ranting and raving about one’s quality of work, help that person. It could be a simple fix, something that person was clueless about and very grateful for the advice. / I had made a pledge to myself years ago when I started on my first public website with so much competition. I wouldnt ever be one of the ones who complained about another’s work. Hell if anything I would rant and rave about how a program used to help a shot is abused with oversaturation on colors or contrast. That is where a rant should be, the abuse of photography…not the learning. The reason I wrote this journal is because of a few forum threads I read. I immediately flashed back to a site I was very happy to get off of because of things just like this. There were more people that had improved and now felt it was their duty to point out flaws instead of helping fix them. / So photographers, even tho you have advanced and you’re more popluar due to your good work. Dont ever forget where you started from. Just because you might be able to buy all the top of line gear, your attitude and humbleness shouldnt ever change. Remember how YOU got started, and where YOU came from. Things YOU had to learn to improve. / But the thing you need to learn the most..is to stay humble, pass on what you have learnt, help someone out instead of spending time complaining, in time your own work will lack that flair. Helping someone in turn helps YOU, helps you remember where you came from, helps you stay sharp on techniques to use…remember….Pass It On. I am hoping that all that read this journal, will remember where and how and what they got started with. If it pissed you off, well to a degree I am sorry, but then to a degree I am not sorry. I hope this journal will make you think of how you might be treating someone who is willing to learn. I dont think there will be one person that does read this, can say..they didnt start out the same way as myself and so many others. / As I tell anyone who is beginning or mid-way, or even pros…. / practice, practice, Practice..and just when you think you have it ALL down…..... Practice some more!
Does anybody here know what has happened to RSart? I was just bmailing with her about joining the “promote each other” group and she was …
Does anybody here know what has happened to RSart? I was just bmailing with her about joining the “promote each other” group and she was very enthusiastic about it. Then she just disappears into thin air? I can see that she was uploading new written works only a day ago, but I can’t access them as they are gone too… This is a great loss for RB. :( / I loved her work.
We stand: • For artists / • For the work they create / • For the audiences they inspire / • For the buyers they move. *We ho…
We stand: • For artists / • For the work they create / • For the audiences they inspire / • For the buyers they move. We honour them, their work and their passions. The creative endeavour should be shared joyously with others. All should feel free to join in the show.
Many thanks to the Historic Churches group for featuring Standing Alone – St Carthage, I didn’t realise till I checked my featured work t…
Many thanks to the Historic Churches group for featuring Standing Alone – St Carthage, I didn’t realise till I checked my featured work thingy and was delighted when I did! Today I received my new Camera in the post, a Canon EOS 50D, WOW ô¿ô it will take some learning but the initial feelings are what an awesome piece of equipment! I’m so happy! Sincere thanks to fellow bubbler John Pitman for his expertise in helping to find the best camera for my needs, much indebted to you John. Finally I am a serial card shopper tending to press ‘buy’ and then when I have accumilated 3 or more cards which can take a few days proceed to check out & pay to save on postage. My cart has dissapeared? Has anyone else this problem too? Do you know if RB are holding off purchases till after Christmas perhaps? I’d be interested to know it’s not a glitch! Tai xx
Dear Friends, I’m so surprised & so much overwhelmed to find ‘Where’s Cinderella !’ has been voted in the 1st position in the *‘Yel…
Dear Friends, I’m so surprised & so much overwhelmed to find ‘Where’s Cinderella !’ has been voted in the 1st position in the ‘Yellow Shoes & Clothes’ contest !!! :) A Big Congratulation to all the winners …:) I’m earnestly thankful to everyone here …for your most valued support & votes !! Lots of love, hugs / -Anaa :)
!http://images-0.redbubble.net/img/art/framecolor:black/framestyle:flat30/mattecolor:off%20white/product:framed-print/size:small/view:pre…
Thankyou to AUSTRALIAN PORTRAITS for featuring these images taken in Japan. I feel tears prickling my eyes as these are very special images/but then again no more special than work shown by another artist/photographer on REDBUBBLE. Thankyou and I do appreciate this so very much….........!!Also what made this extra special…..BLAMO added the link to the music of DIDO/these words/below/ are from the latest CD .....I go back to today last year…... / .....and I miss you / .....and I want you / .....you’re not coming back / .....and I need you / .....and I can’t have you / .....even when you’re here! / “dido”/latest CD / I have put this series of Japan and China together . It is especially to remember my friend I walked with in both Shanghai and Hiroshima. She died tragically 2 years ago and it is that time of the year…............where my thoughts fly to her…..........and her family! The magic of photography is that images instantly bring you back to that precious moment in time!
You may not know this about me, but I’m an insane Tim Walker fan. If you don’t know wh…
You may not know this about me, but I’m an insane Tim Walker fan. If you don’t know who Tim Walker is, I’m afraid we can’t be friends anymore. It is imperative that you seek out his work and drool while uttering three syllable adjectives to describe how wonderful it is. Now that we’re better acquainted, I’d like to draw your eyes to exhibit A: / Tim Walker’s ‘Lisa Cant with 80 White Rabbits’ originally commissioned by Vogue, and published in his book from last year entitled Pictures. And now I’d like to present for you, exhibit B: / The Dotti commercial from this month’s Cosmopolitan Now, I know what you’re thinking – they are nothing alike. Look, in the second one the girl is wearing a hat. Totally different. However, I do not agree with you. In fact, I’d go so far as to say this is a direct copy off of an awesome idea. And unless they have hired Tim Walker to shoot the Dotti commercial and he decided to rehash his own idea (Sorry Tim, but I wouldn’t love you as much anymore), then someone else has forgotten their imagination at the door. I can appreciate a homage to a great talent, I can appreciate that inspiration comes from all around, and I believe that no idea is truly original (that we merely rehash a concoction of our lives experiences). But where is the line? Where do we stop saying “this was inspired by” and start saying “this is a copy of”?
finally got a letter back from rachael from the wildlife rescue and protection agency (WRAP), she sent us a few shots of the animals tha…
finally got a letter back from rachael from the wildlife rescue and protection agency (WRAP), she sent us a few shots of the animals that were orphaned in the wildfires in victoria and the surrounding areas. / thought everyone who has helped might like to see, just what all their hard work and money are going to. / Some of these little guys can be adopted as well, just go to the WRAP site if interested or pass it on to anyone you think might be interested. / We are making a difference in every way possible, so keep up the great work! / They have named each little baby, the ones left to carry on. / Nannygana / / OfficerDibble / / Sally / / Stella / / Toast, looking / / Toast, sore leg / / Sorry about images being different sizes, this is what was sent to us.
The story so far… we charged our three two-headed Redbubble Devils...
The story so far… we charged our three two-headed Redbubble Devils with the mission of spreading love and mischief around the Redbubble Globe. A bunch of daring souls put up their hands to play host to our furry little bundles of fun and it’s been a rollercoaster ride of adventures ever since! The only regret we have is not signing them all up to a Frequent Flyer program, they would be racking up points like there is no tomorrow! The cheeky blighters have started to send us postcards bragging about what a hoot they are having. Below you can see Mischief and Mayhem – looking as though they are beginning to regret their decision to stay home – gazing enviously at postcards from Cedric and Beau and Chaos and Anarchy. Rogue and Rascal have been continuing their reign of terror while visiting Donna in Florida.You can read the full story of R&R’s rampage here (and if you are in need of a good laugh I suggest you make with the clicky clicky) but here are a few highlights… They left Donna’s poor dog Kodie in need of therapy! They found themselves in serious danger of damaging some valuable anatomy learning how to play pool… Have a care guys, I realise you may not be up to date with the news back home, but the Tasmanian devil has just been listed as endangered so you need to protect your man bits for the future of the species. They also came perilously close to becoming front page news when they almost blew up a gas station! Only quick thinking from Donna averted total disaster. And despite the chaos that they brought into her life Donna has asked to go back on The List!! I haven’t quite decided if Donna is just a glutton for punishment, or if she should be seeing Kodie’s therapist too ;) Once again, I have scattered a bunch of links to the journals and pictures of our Redbubble Devils’ adventures throughout this post, but if you want to catch up on all their adventures in one spot head on over to the Redbubble Devil group and check out the travel journals in the forums. And if you think you are game enough, you might even want to get your name added to The List Until next time. Rhana
I am absolutely delighted and honoured that my photo “Where the river meets the sea” has been featured in Your Magic Place...
I am absolutely delighted and honoured that my photo “Where the river meets the sea” has been featured in Your Magic Place / Many thanks to the hosts Caterpillar and p234 / Big congratulations to the other featured artists. And to crown a great day on RB, I sold a poster of “Edinburgh Skyline”. Thank you so very much to the unknown buyer. Where the river meets the sea Edinburgh skyline Thanks to all my friends on RedBubble for your valued support. / Agnes xxxx
I am delighted and honoured to have the following images featured in groups. Many thanks to the groups’ hosts, and big congratulations to…
I am delighted and honoured to have the following images featured in groups. Many thanks to the groups’ hosts, and big congratulations to the other featured artists. Agnes xxxxx “Where the river meets the sea” is featured in Going Coastal “Daisy optic” is featured in Contrasting Perceptions
I AM ALRIGHT. I have had to go to the Moon for reasons that will soon be apparent. Do not fear, I will be back soon, nothing is cha…
I AM ALRIGHT. I have had to go to the Moon for reasons that will soon be apparent. Do not fear, I will be back soon, nothing is changing, all the Rooftop stuff, Things of the Week etc, everything is momentarily in stasis while I fly on my rocket. It’s as if this week has disappeared into a black hole. It no longer exists.** I will be back, PANIC NOT. Regards, Travelling Baxter **please don’t get technical on me here, I clearly don’t know what a black hole really is, or does, or why it does it. Actually I don’t care either I’m afraid.
Hi, RedBubble’s a big community and there is some natural turnover in the community. From all that I’ve read this is to be expected -...
Hi, RedBubble’s a big community and there is some natural turnover in the community. From all that I’ve read this is to be expected – people move on, interests change, family commitments take priority, et cetera. When I reflect on my own personal journey this is certainly true – I used to play a lot of team sport, now I’m just too busy. But I’ve still been curious to better understand what happens to RedBubble members who have drifted away. Is it something we’re doing? Is there a fundamental problem with RB that we’re missing? So this week I sent out the following e-mail to 4,767 members who had been inactive for between two and six months (total membership is now over 160,000). 1,640 people opened the e-mail and 732 people e-mailed us back. This response rate was much much more than I expected – and will mean that we won’t be able to reply to each e-mail (which I was hoping to do). The results (below) were both reassuring and present some food for thought. By far an away the most common response was that people have drifted away because life got busy. Many, many respondents apologized for being away and said lots of supportive things about RedBubble – reassuring me that there was nothing fundamentally wrong. However, there was a significant minority of folks who were disappointed by their sales – and I think in this area we’ve done a poor job of managing expectations. Our view is that we work in partnership with artists (members) – and that the artists should always be responsible for marketing their work. You will be the best promoters of your work. But some people have joined RedBubble and formed the expectation that the sales would roll in with no effort … so this is something we’ll have to address (see the selling member and the promote and sales group as two examples of how we’re trying to educate and equip folks to promote their own work). - Peter
I think most who will read this, know what it’s like when life grabs you in a choke hold and drags you away from where you “think” you wa…
I think most who will read this, know what it’s like when life grabs you in a choke hold and drags you away from where you “think” you want to be….or go… / For example….redbubble… or catching up with friends and family…... or …. anything really…. I did not intend this to be a personal journal baring the soul, but I think it might turn out that way, as when I address ‘redbubble’, it feels like I am in the safe company of good friends, around a world wide campfire, rather than throwing my thoughts into the cold, blank void of the anonymous e-world, and that those who are listening to my voice here, are fellow souls who truly care. So in advance, I thank you for from the bottom of my heart for your time and friendship and understanding. I have not been on here as much lately, have not been viewing or commenting on your work and I apologize. It doesn’t feel right to list all my reasons, as they are long, deeply personal and probably as difficult and painful as your own issues are for you (and I don’t fool myself that I am the only one with concerns or demons to face – I know that all of you have your own – your humanity is always evident here) So I don’t ask for sympathy, or even comments, just understanding and a mutual awareness that we are all in this boat called life together, and at times it just ….well….it just ROCKS! (in more ways than one!) A few close friends are aware I have been struggling with a disabled member of my family, my adult child, whose wellbeing is as important to me, as those I have been fighting so hard to protect from her difficult behaviours. It has beaten me down, so very much. If you wonder why my focus is often on the dangers of vaccinations (see my past journals), then if I explained my daughter’s intellectual handicap was due to brain damage caused by the reaction to her immunisations as a baby, you might understand. After 22 years of this struggle, trying to give her a good life, while protecting my other children, my elderly parents and myself yet also trying to protect her from the consequences of her behaviours, I find at times I have very little left in reserve. It has damn near killed me, at times you have no idea how physically close to the truth that is. I have lived with the fear that we would never get the help we needed until someone died or was seriously injured. For all the physical grief, there is even more psychological trauma behind these events as domestic violence is never bound by neat definitions. I am holding on as there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as finally the organizations that were meant to help, are finally showing action and not talk and things are being put into place to TRULY assist my besieged family – three generations, caught up in this, with me in the middle the sole carer. In three weeks time, there is a shift scheduled for my daughter, and therefore my family so that I will get the first true respite from this situation in 22 years. I cannot even imagine what it will feel like. I know it will still be tenuous after the event, but I just hope it brings good things for my daughter and gives her the quality life I have been seeking for her. She deserves a break more than I do and for all the fear surrounding my situation, she is also the victim in so many more ways than any of us. Part of me wishes to celebrate, but how can you celebrate such a sad situation? How can you celebrate what would seem to be a failure as a parent to provide for your child, or protect your family or self? And yet, beyond it all, I must celebrate the moving on, the change, the growth, the LIFE that this is all about…...and just being the best we all can be, regardless of our situation….. I have been facing some serious health issues….currently time will tell how serious, but I won’t be beaten…..still got the sense of humour intact and pray it stays that way. Sunny side up? OKAY! Breathe! (and believe!) Due to the 24/7 nature of the stress around my family situation, It just means that some days, the only spare time I get must, of necessity, be used for my own wellbeing – to rest. And I have to ignore my feelings that I must reply to people, correspond, view, talk, offer help etc even when I really want to…...because at times I simply have nothing left to give. So I do not answer the door, or the phone, nor reply to emails or comments, nor even get in my car to drive to town. Over the years, being creative has been my solace and my healing…... it restores my sanity… gives meaning to my journey….renews my energy and my faith ..and even dipping into this creative pool that is redbubble and absorbing the richness, diversity and beauty of others and what you share, has helped me to keep going when times have been incredibly painful and hard. (SO thank you all for that). That is hopefully an explanation of my sporadic participation in this vibrant bubble community. Those of you who work with energy or who are sensitive to the earth and spiritual changes going on around us, will indeed know that these are turbulent times for all, and the energy has been of heaviness, loss, hardship and most of all, enforced change. Shed the old ways, embrace the new energy, or get left behind holding nothing but dust. These times seem to be painful and difficult for everyone around me. There seems to be so much hurt. But endure, people, as it will pass! I choose to believe this. / The wheel turns…however slowly, but it TURNS. And rolls around through the mud and shit and back up and into the sunlight. / Life seems to dish out some tough lessons, even cruel twists, but then it smiles and hands out a few rewards and peace offerings as well…...all I can say is, life is never dull. A second journal tonight will explain that there is always an “upside”......
Last week I had the thrill of being offered my first solo exhibition. A solo exhibition was a long way from any of my plans, I could n…
Last week I had the thrill of being offered my first solo exhibition. A solo exhibition was a long way from any of my plans, I could neither afford it, nor did I have the confidence to launch a whole selection of my work on the public in such a way of my own volition. However, the gallery where I volunteer (ArtGeo in Busselton) is for the second year in a row, the location for the renowned international event – Cinefest Oz French-Australian Film Festival and all the celebrations that go along with this huge event. Along with an Australian premiere of the movie Stone Bro’s and screenings of many new movies, there will be seminars, lunches, directors talks and events for VIP guests, all held around Busselton and at the gallery. The event coordinators requested a local artist to exhibit works to compliment the festival and the gallery invited me to accept this part. (with no charge for gallery fees) I was thrilled!! I have just learned in the last few days, that I will be now sharing my exhibition space with well known Noongar artist Troy Bennell – something which is an honour for me and I look forward to viewing his art in person instead of on websites! I have always been drawn to and honouring of local noongar culture and at times revealed this through my own artworks – Hopefully our offerings during this exhibition will compliment each others art and intent, and the film festival’s main event – the indigenous comedy “Stone Bro’s”. The exhibition will be part of the after party for visiting national and international film directors and stars….something which is truly exciting as this kind of exposure is beyond my wildest dreams. The exhibition will only be open for one week from 9th September, and will be open to the public also during that time (for details contact ArtGeo Gallery ). As you can imagine, with only two weeks notice to get a selection of my work printed and framed ready to hang in a gallery situation, I have been working hard to put together a quality submission. Having worked as a gallery assistant at ArtGeo gallery, I know of the hard work involved behind the scenes as well, but I know they will present a very professional exhibition and “package” to the visiting festival guests. All in all, an exciting week to look forward to! And so, I wanted to share this news with my close friends here at the Bubble as without your support, and encouragement, I would probably not have the courage to take this step and accept this challenge! So cheers to you!
When we were children we were always creating art. We buried our hands deep in the Playdough of life and made monsters, houses, teddy bea…
When we were children we were always creating art. We buried our hands deep in the Playdough of life and made monsters, houses, teddy bears. Our fingers were icky with Crayola. Our lives were rich with the flavor of learning, building, being. And even now, for those of us who are parents, we delight in the genius of our children. We encourage, praise and nurture their creativity. We understand it is central to who they are and how they grow. Where does it go? Why do we so often lose this creative spark? Is it the schooling, the harsh reality of making our way in the world, simple loss of interest? We age and our lives fill with mortgages, careers, caring, commuting. Does plasticine or creativity have meaning in this struggle? Is it important to continue to create and what can we do to get it back? Let us know what you think. Feel free to show one of your or your children’s works. Works are drawn from the group My Child’s Art: / - Angelina Ballerina by Pascale age 10 / - Dante’s Leopard by Dante age 5 / - Leo the Lion by Emmett age 4 / - Under the Sea by GV age 5
Well i found him he is in MY IMAGES!!! / Just some fun to give everyone a smile for the day. / Stuart Chapman...
Well i found him he is in MY IMAGES!!! / Just some fun to give everyone a smile for the day. / Stuart Chapman / Let the games begin buddy!! “Stuart always trying to get in my images. Here at Birch Tree Alley“ / “Here he is popping up right as I was about to shoot this shot.“ / “Oh and I am not kidding give him a few beers and he will do anything.“ / “Now he is just out of control“ / “Um Can’t explain it…....and don’t remember it.“ / “And his favortie image of all time.“ / “I swear he is a Kangaroo“ / Stuart Chapman’s Leap Of Faith / “He is Everywhere“ /
I have just learned that Helen Bascom aka. HM …
I have just learned that Helen Bascom aka. HM Bascom has been removed from the bubble. She is a true rarity and an asset to this site. She may be harsh at times, but as the saying goes “Don’t shoot the messenger…” In protest of the removal of Helen, my gallery will go black for an undecided time. I could just leave the site, but I truly love the site and have invested too much in it to just run… For now. Sam Dantone / 10-01-09
One last one that I could not resist. / If you missed the first journal Where is Stuart Chapman...
One last one that I could not resist. / If you missed the first journal Where is Stuart Chapman Here is the final to the series. No worries nothing bad happend to my buddy and no animals or humans were hurt in this shot. All smile for the day and lets have all smiles for October. / I am calling October Smile Month!!
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