Savory Sage Cornbread - Gluten Free and Delicious

Gluten Free Sage Cornbread

I walked out in the yard the other day and was surprised to see that there were still herbs growing in the garden, in the middle of February.  We have had a mild winter in New Jersey this year with little snow, but I was amazed looking at the parsley, rosemary and sage plants that were still alive and fairly healthy.  The sage in particular surprised me.  It's usually dead, frosted over by the end of November when I try to pick the leaves to use in my Thanksgiving dressing.

I decided that since fresh herbs were still alive and available, I ought to at least respect Mother Nature's gift by cooking with them a little more frequently.  I had been working on perfecting a gluten free cornbread recipe and decided that a little sage would make the perfect addition.

 I made the Sage Cornbread the other night and served it along side a wonderful 10 garlic clove chicken soup my husband had prepared.  (I'll be sharing that recipe another time).  The cornbread was fabulous!  It was light, raised nicely and was not dry.  The savory flavor of the added sage definitely elevated the bread to another level.   I think the sage and the golden flax meal I added also helped the cornbread retain moisture.  Even the few slices we had leftover the next day were still moist.  Not dried out at all.


Savory Sage Cornbread

1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
1 cup brown rice flour (I used Bob's Organic)
3/4 cup stone-ground cornmeal (I use Arrowhead Mills organic)
3 tablespoons sugar (organic)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of xantham gum (helps in rising)
1 tablespoon organic golden flax meal (Bob's)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use sea salt)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg plus 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites (or you could just use 2 eggs)
1 cup low fat milk
1/4 cup melted butter (I use Earth Balance Soy Free Margarine)


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix together all ingredients,
pour into a greased pan 9 inch baking pan, square or oval.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve warm.


* There are a couple of substitutions that can be made in this recipe.  White rice flour can be used instead of brown rice flour.  You could also leave out the golden flax meal entirely if you choose.  2 large eggs can be used in place of the 1 egg and 3 Tb liquid egg whites.  Regular butter or margarine can be used instead of Earth Balance.  If you don't have the xanthum gum, you could probably leave that out too, although the cornbread might not be quite as fluffy.

Notes about eating gluten-free:
When a person finds themselves having to embrace a gluten-free diet or any allergy related diet, although there are restrictions with some of the ingredients you would normally use to cook with, you still have a choice about the "quality" of ingredients that you do use.  It really bothers me to read  gluten-free cookbooks that conveniently defer to using recipes that rely on the unhealthy, high sodium  "dump a box or can" method of cooking.  Trading a diet of white flour and white sugar for a diet of white rice flour, tapioca starch and white sugar... does nothing for you nutritionally.  Gluten free baked goods are never going to be the same as those baked with white flour.  Why so many people try to completely replicate it and pretend it is just amazes me.  It is what it is.  But by taking the time to learn to cook using new grains and new ingredients, you'll be amazed at how delicious the dishes really can be. 

Brown rice flour is more nutritious the white rice flour.  Automatically adding a tablespoon of flax meal to anything boosts the fiber and nutritional content.  It has also been proven that flax meal helps reduce cholesterol.  Sure...you could use 2 whole eggs and butter in your batter, but why why not save the fat and cholesterol by making substituting with some egg whites and margarine?  Take responsibility for what you are eating and accept eating a gluten-free diet for what it is.  Not what you want it to be.  Appreciate the foods you can eat.  By being given the gift of having to eat gluten-free, you are being given a chance to improve your eating habits and also become more educated about health and nutrition.  You will end up being healthier as a result.
 

                                                 Another Buddy Fergurson approved recipe!

Winter Warm-up Favorite! Potato Soup with Caramelized Vegetables

I know it sounds stereotypical to associate soup with only the winter months, but there are many good reasons why people continue to do it.  There is just no other meal quite as comforting when you are cold, or that make us feel better when we are under the weather.

Potato Soup with Caramelized Vegetables has been a standard "go to" in our family for several years.  The recipe was originally published in 2004 in the December issue of Bon Appetit Magazine, which featured an article on Montreal in the Winter.  The recipe is from La Gargote, on the Place d'Youville, in Old Montreal - one of the city's oldest squares.  The article states that the soup is a "warm-up masterpiece".  It certainly is.

A few notes:  We always double the recipe.  The directions say it serves 8, but we have found it normally only serves 4.  Leftovers heat up wonderfully!   In addition, the key to the soup's tasty success depends on how well you caramelizing the vegetables.  So make sure you take the time to caramelize them well - until they look almost burned.  Don't just saute them.  We also use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender, which is much easier.

This is a very healthy soup. It is low-fat.  No broth is added or milk or cream and it does not contain cheese. It is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and very hardy.  Can't beat that!  enjoy!

Saute carrots, leeks, celery and onions

Cook until vegetables are caramelized

Soup before the puree

Potato Soup With Caramelized Vegetables

6 tablespoons vegetable oil (we use olive oil)
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 12-ounce russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
6 cups of water
1 teaspoon salt

Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat.  Add onions, leeks, celery and carrots; saute until most vegetables are very deep brown, about 20 or 30 minutes.  Add potato, 6 cups of water, and 1 tsp. salt and bring to boil.  Reduce heat medium; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Working in batches, puree the soup in blender until creamy.  Strain back into the pot.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Bring soup to simmer.  Ladle into bowls and serve.

Another Buddy Fergurson approved recipe!

 

Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Amy Zerner

When I started the Artist Interview Series for the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey back in January, I never imagined that by the end of the year I would be interviewing one of the leading collage artists in the world.  You may already be familiar with the Enchanted World of Amy Zerner and her husband Monte Farber through one of their many publications, such as the Enchanted Tarot, but Amy's work is much more far reaching.  A recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts, tapestry artwork that has appeared in over 40 books in twelve different languages, a jewelry line, handmade garments that are sold at Bergdorf Goodman - Amy's work has touched and inspired many people in numerous ways.  It was really a pleasure to interview Amy for this series and I appreciate how generous and forthcoming she was.  I was also very happy to hear how much she has enjoyed reading our Artist Interview Series this year.  Thank you Amy!
                                                                                                                  ~ diane fergurson

MBS: Can you tell us a little about your background?  How you got started in art?

Amy:  I come from a family of artists. My dear angel “Ma,” as all of my friends used to call my late mother, Jessie Spicer Zerner, supported our family as an illustrator of literally hundreds of children’s books and greeting cards. She made it seem normal to me to make books and illustrate them and I am still doing it.

My late father Raymond was always admiring and encouraging of his children’s talents and made us feel special because we were “artists,” like the woman he loved.  My grandfather, Clayton Spicer, was a painter. My very first memory in life is sitting on his knee painting leaves on the trees of one of his paintings. For this and many other reasons, I cannot think of a time when I did not think of myself as an artist. 
Ma was always creating fun and exciting things for me to do, projects of every kind and not just artistic ones. She used to do ESP experiments with me a lot starting when I was eight years old. I think that is one of the main reasons that I developed my imagination, my intuition, and my sense of wonder and faith in the absolute magic about every day of life in equal measure.

It may have been because of my family history, but making my living as a professional artist was a normal thing for me to do. I never had a second choice as to what I should do. I just always felt like being an artist was my natural state. Unlike many artists who work at other jobs to support their making art, I have never worked as anything other than an artist; I have never even considered it.


MBS:  I'm sure growing up in an environment that valued and fostered creativity
made a world of difference in how you developed as an artist.  It sounds like you were very lucky in
that respect.  How do you think the imagination and freedom you were allowed as a child has
influenced how you work as an adult artist?  The choice of materials that you use in your pieces (mixed media), for example, or how you approach your work?   Also the subjects that you choose to explore.

Immortal Love

Amy: Looking back now, I see how my own art career has included elements from the careers of my mother and maternal grandfather. I have been a commercial artist and a writer, but first a painter. However, when paint seemed too inadequate a medium to convey the multidimensional nature of life I was starting to see, I started making paintings out of layered fabric, trimmings, appliqués, ribbons, and found objects.
I believe our consciousness is connected to the Higher Forces and I make images that use existing fabric elements to surreally portray the unseen forces the surround, sustain, and connect us. To me, we strive to be directly connected to the God Force, the Higher Self. So, we are trying to make this clear channel between us, and the Higher Forces.


This image has appeared in many of my tapestries. The image is a sort of ladder or a veil or a connection that reaches from the earth to the Higher Plane. Still always having the opposites, they become much more symmetrical with a seemingly architectural basis for the whole energy pattern, whether it is swirling or glittering. Moreover, the outer symbols I feel are representative of the flashes of insight of the invisible world that affects us now.
All those energies are described in my work, all the way down to what is right here, the flower at our feet, up to the Higher Forces of the planet. I try to put it all in there – that complexity, and make a balance out of it all. It’s just the vibrations of energy that change as the light changes and as our moods change. It elevates us from the mundane and lifts us out – definitely entering the world there that reminds us that this perfection and this symmetry exists and this truth and beauty. It’s definitely about beauty! It’s about reaching up and reaching within. It’s an active, sort of feminine, approach, but it’s all heaven and it’s grounded.


I think that I was influenced by my idyllic childhood in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania, but I am also influenced by the fact that Monte and I have actually created in our own life the kind of heaven most people think is impossible to create. We show each other more love, respect, and support in a day than some people ever have their whole life, unfortunately. We have no doubt about whether or not we love and trust each other completely. That alone can change your life and I think it has helped me feel secure in creating the worlds of wonder that I make because I know that heaven can be created on earth.

MBS:  I first became familiar with your work years ago when I was researching tapestry artists.  All the tapestries that you created when you did the Enchanted Tarot Deck - just breathtaking.  A couple of questions...  As I sit here and look through the book I have that came with the card deck (1990 St. Martin's Press) I've always wondered what the original dimensions of those tapestries were.  Also, how did you become interested in the tarot and creating a deck from tapestry imagery?

Atlantia - Goddess of the New

Amy:  Thank you so much! Monte and I have used the primal concept of the oracle as a starting point on many exciting creative collaborations.  We have married together my art with his interpretation of the intuitive and universal wisdom in my images as well as the wisdom of the ancient metaphysical traditions to bring these beautiful, eminently practical, and timeless truths up to date for all of us to use in very practical ways.  We can turn to oracles for wisdom, inspiration, and solace when life is so rapid and chaotic.  Oracles help us to make poetry out of chaos and to bring light to the self with conscious knowing and participation. In 1974, when I met Monte, I was studying astrology and the tarot, and these archetypal languages became our language of love.


In 1988 I began work on The Enchanted Tarot.  It is an epic series of seventy-eight fabric collages. Rather than work on one fabric collage at a time, I chose to work on the Major Arcana as a piece and then on one complete suit at a time.  My work area lies beneath a cathedral ceiling twenty feet high with skylight.  It was here that I would lay out all of the individual background fabrics for each suit.  The creation of one piece would bring inspiration regarding another and so I would move from one to the other like a bee in a flower garden.  In this way I was able to give each suit a look of continuity and make sure that all issues relating to each were symbolically represented by either the human figure(s) portrayed, by the images, shapes, and colors surrounding them, or by the card's border.  I  worked so intensely on this project.  Nearly every day and night was completely devoted to making sure each piece was true to itself while fitting in with the rest of its suit.  It was only after I had completed each suit that Monte would write down the meanings he saw in each piece to "illustrate" my art with his words in the deck's full-color companion book. Each finished original tapestry from The Enchanted Tarot (I prefer to call them tapestries, not quilts) is 12" X 24".

Divine Order

MBS:  For our readers, can you explain what you mean when you are referring to " the primal concept of the oracle"?

Amy:  An oracle like the tarot is a form of do-it-yourself analysis – a way of unlocking secrets of the self and providing directions towards manifesting your goals.  It is a support system that can be relied upon as a friend that can give you helpful advice.  It is also a great brainstorming tool that can enhance your creativity.  Using an oracle as a meditation tool helps you to dialogue with your higher self.  Consulting the cards creates a safe, spiritual haven where you connect to positive energy and positive emotions.  It helps us discover what we really want in life and what we must do as our next step on the path.  And you can use the cards whenever you need clarity on an issue, or as an everyday meditation.  When you read your message, your attitudes, desires, and strategies for the best course of action can be reflected upon.

The process requires opening your mind and trusting your intuition to interpret the answers.  An oracle is a tool that helps you tap into your psychic power. It is primal because it is a ritual. Rituals acknowledge the existence of a Higher Power in ourselves and in our world. One of the primary functions of ritual is to build a spiritual connection in our daily lives. They also reinforce our desires and strengthen our intent as we work to materialize those desires. At the same time, they remind us of our inseparable connection to the natural world. Rituals can help us to remember that we are part of the rhythms and cycles of Nature. Many people use our oracles every day as part of their daily spiritual practice. We do. too!

MBS:  I've noticed recently that your work has evolved into another direction - designing clothing and jewelry.  Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Amy:  In 1991 I started making one-of-a-kind garments for myself, with my tapestry art on the back, to wear to my gallery shows. My gallery owner liked them, so I began creating more of them to include in my exhibits, and they started to sell. In 1999, Bergdorf Goodman took my line, and I have been selling there ever since. I really love designing clothes and I love being in the most beautiful store in the world! Each of my handmade garments is a work of art, a delicate balance of chic, classic lines and unexpected details, composed of rich, luminous fabrics and embroidered with a magical touch of extravagance and romance.

My couture jackets, caftans and coats are unique, created for the woman pursuing her dreams with style and spirit. I feel that my garments radiate serene self-confidence, glamour, imagination, and sensuality because they are works of art. They are in the fashion collections of many amazing women, and also have been collected by some of our culture’s legendary goddesses, including the late Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley MacLaine, Patti LaBelle, Martha Stewart, and Oprah Winfrey.

The intricate tapestry art panels that are my signature are composed from many precious and unusual textiles, ribbons, and trims; hand painting; beading; rare appliqués; and vintage images. Each piece is unique; birds, animals, dream metaphors, mythological beings, and universal symbols are sewn harmoniously together to create lush, layered landscapes that suggest the many complexities of life and nature.

Our creative spirits are full of exciting colors and textures. Dressing up and adorning ourselves give us permission to feel great and grateful allowing our true radiance to shine.
One thing leads to the other, and I have always designed jewelry but last year Bergdorf Goodman took my line and it has been doing great. NeimanMarcus.com also carries it, as well as Liberty of London. My talismans are imbued with special sacred symbolism and mystical messages.
 

MBS:  What is a typical work day like for you? 

Amy:  Monte and I live a very healthy lifestyle. We do yoga together, try to eat organic food. We don't drink, we try not to eat sugar. We work hard. We get massages and acupuncture regularly. We laugh a lot. We love our cat Zane. We are surrounded by art. We are very blessed.

MBS:  What advice do you have for those who wish to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Amy:  My advice for those wishing to pursue an artistic path is this:  We once visited the Library of Congress - I don't know if you have ever been there but it is the most incredibly beautiful place.  It was a time in our life where we really needed to remember what was real because it was a rough time.  And we came upon this place which had this inscription "For a web begun, God sends thread". WE were so touched that it brought us to tears. I believe this to be true, and it has been true for me. So my advice is, just start…have faith and trust that if you follow your bliss, work hard, believe in yourself, then magic happens.
                                     

MBS:  What's next for you?

Amy: I currently have shows of my fashions and jewelry every 2 months at Bergdorf Goodman, so I am constantly creating new styles and designs. My next show is January 10-13.

Monte and I are also planning a one day conference "Ask the Oracles" in New York City on Tuesday, April 17th at the 92nd St. Y. Please write to us at info@TheEnchantedWorld for more information.

~ thank you Amy!


Amy's Art, Jewelry & Fashion website: www.AmyZerner.com
Amy & Monte's Books & Oracles website: www.TheEnchantedWorld.com

Amy's Jewelry is Available:

At Bergdorf Goodman: http://bit.ly/qLrSbq
At Neiman Marcus: http://bit.ly/tXh4Kc
At Liberty of London: http://bit.ly/ryvwuR

Universe

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                                You can read additional interviews from our artist series here.

Valentine's Day, Steampunk Heart Necklaces, and the Noyes Museum Madd Hatter Party

The Noyes Museum of Art, New Jersey

For a few years now, the Gift Shop at the Noyes Museum of Art in New Jersey has carried my jewelry and giclee art prints.  They contacted me right before Christmas this year, telling me about a fabulous show opening they were having in February -  The Mad Hatter Party - the theme revolving around Alice in Wonderland and Valentine's Day.  They thought my Steampunk link of jewelry would fit in very well with all of this - and asked me to design some additional pieces to have available in the Gift Shop to coincide with the exhibit opening.

Last week I finally finished up the jewelry.  Steampunk inspired Pendants, Fantasy Heart Necklaces, and Queen of Hearts Earrings.  I really enjoyed designing them.  Some of the Steampunk pieces I sent to the Noyes were one-of-a-kind.  Other Fantasy Heart pieces I was able to replicate and list them online in my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Below are a few of the new Fantasy Heart Valentine inspired pieces that are currently available in my online stores.  I think I will be assembling more pieces in the near future.  They were so much fun to make!

As ever - thank you Noyes Museum for this great creative opportunity! 

Queen of Hearts Earrings

Rose and Pink Heart Necklace

Queen of Hearts Rhinestone Pearl Filigree Heart

Vintage Filigree Heart with Vintage Schiaparelli Glass Setting

Red Heart and Vintage Filigree Alice Queen of Hearts Necklace

Gluten-free Blueberry Buckwheat Corn Muffins

One thing I missed when I started eating gluten-free was having a really hardy, tasty muffin.  I know that might sound silly to some people - but nothing beats muffins fresh out of the oven, especially in the winter.  A grain that I have enjoyed incorporating into our diet lately has been Buckwheat.  (Buckwheat is a gluten-free).  So I decided to try using Buckwheat flour to make some gluten free muffins. 

The Gluten-free Blueberry Buckwheat Corn Muffin recipe below is just wonderful.  I've been making them for us at least once a week.  Lowfat and delicious, the first time I made them I ate 3 right out of the oven!  These muffins are also a great food item you can make to help introduce your friends and family to alternative grains.  We would all benefit health-wise from eating less wheat.  enjoy!

1 cup Buckwheat flour (I used Hodgson Mills)
1/2 cup Yellow Corn Meal (I used Arrowhead Mills organic gluten-free)

2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt (I use sea salt)
1/4 cup sugar (I use organic)
1 regular egg and 1 white replacer equivalent for 1 egg (total 2 eggs)
1/4 cup melted butter (I used 1/4 cup melted Earth Balance soy free spread) 
1 1/4 cup milk (I used low fat milk, you can use soy if you'd like too) 
Blueberries (about 1/2 cup)


Preheat oven to 400.  Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or grease muffin tins.
Mix together all ingredients.  Batter will be thin.  Fill muffin tins 2/3 full - muffins will rise.
Put blueberries on top of each muffin, poke down and bake aprox 15 minutes.

*You can try stirring the berries into the batter, but they will most likely sink because the batter is thin.

                                                Another Buddy Fergurson approved Recipe!

Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Kelly Tankersley

I discovered Kelly Tankersley's stunning artwork one day, quite by accident, while I was scrolling through Etsy looking at artists.  The fact that she is a printmaker AND makes handmade paper (two of my all-time favorite mediums) made me want to find out a little bit more her and the varied processes she uses to create her beautiful prints.  As it turned out, Kelly is also an ex-art consultant.  So this turned out to be a very interesting interview, with a twist, as she reflected quite realistically on wearing both hats.
                                                                                                            ~ diane fergurson

Night Voyage Guided by the Moon

MBS: Can you tell us a little about your background?  How you got started in art?

Kelly:  Ha Ha!  I don’t know why I find that question funny but I do. I’ve loved making art since I can remember. My mother dabbled and was a great art appreciator—she hung a Georges Braque still life (poster) in our kitchen nook as well as some others from that period. Also, I was lucky enough to live in Japan as a little girl and that definitely raised the bar and expanded my aesthetic antenna. In addition to winning a few art contest as a school girl I was also a math whiz. I started college as a math major, but became board and switched to art somewhere in the middle. My father (chemical engineer) was floored. My BFA is in photography and printmaking—go figure! After college, I managed to work in art related fields as a dark room technician, art consultant, gallery manager, grant writer for non-profits art orgs, and so on. It wasn’t really until I joined the regular corporate world that I began making my own art again instead of promoting others’ work. The timing also coincided with the kids growing up—so young mothers and fathers don’t give up on your dream! That’s how I got started but a shout out to a beloved colleague from my past life, creative writer Brad Parks, for coming over one weekend and showing me how to make paper. That was a catalyst moment for me—it all just came together, the marriage of photography and printmaking on handmade paper. Pure bliss . . .

MBS:  Ah, the love of making handmade paper... I can relate to that!  What did you find magical about it?

Kelly:  Making paper is magical, as is printmaking, because so much of the result is, in a way, beyond my control--or "out of my hands." I love the happy accident and the magical transformation that takes place when you cook and beat plant materials. Each type of plant renders its own unique signature. Inner tree bark, such as Polynesian gampi, it super strong and translucent! Rain lily paper is a gorgeous green and the fibers seem to run in parallel pairs—quite unexpected! Banana skins are tough and can make great paper for embossing etc … It is simply fascinating!

MBS:  Tell us a little bit about your printmaking process. What kind of prints do you make?  What materials do you use?

Kelly:  My art really came together for me when I married my love of photography with making my own paper. I match up images with types of paper from white cotton with grass seeds in it to give it an Asian feeling to an oriental paper created as thin and translucent as I can get it to use as a chine colle substrate. The photographs are exposed on a solar plate and printed as intaglio etchings. A typical photo for me is the sky, trees, seed pods, whatever, me and my German Shepherd come across on our walks. I often manipulate the images slightly in Photoshop to increase the contrast and reduce them to their most calligraphic state while still being recognizable.

Moonrise in Charmed Meadow

After I've made a very planned and choreographed suite of prints, such as February Visit, I go into the studio and just play--I call it "free falling."  This is how the series "Moonrise in Charmed Meadow" came to be. I printed a photo image over folded paper that had been monotyped on the back. The results were quite surprising and I loved the happy accident that most printmakers enjoy.

Alas, I don't always have access to an etching press. Thank goodness for gelatin printing. Anybody can create gelatin prints at home. You simply create a concentrated "jello" slab, ink it up, walla, perfect printing substrate--very suitable for botanical studies using pressed plants, etc . . .

MBS:  That's interesting because I've often noticed that the way people make their art, and also the mediums they choose to work in, reflect a lot about their approach to life and often their spiritual belief systems too.  Even for a printmaker...some printing processes are very measured and precise. Very ordered.  Other methods allow for more "free falling", as you called it.  What are your thoughts about that, and how does the way you work reflect your nature and spirituality?

Kelly:  First and foremost, I view my work as a collaboration with nature. Not an equal one, more like I'm an apprentice, learning, observing, soaking it all in. I'm happiest when I have less control--thus the print making versus painting, thus the mad-scientist making paper versus purchasing already made paper.  I never tire of just looking and waiting to "glean" the secrets the universe unfolds to me. The understanding is not literal or neat, it's all just a feeling, a feeling of connection—a happiness to be invited to the party.

MBS:  What's a typical work day like for you?  Do you work on your artwork every day?

Kelly:  Unfortunately, I am not a working artist. I have to have a day job. So, alas, I am mostly a weekend artist with plans and preparations happening during the week.

I have been known to take art vacations where I take a week off and go to the studio at 8am just like my day job. Those are a blast and, of course, very productive.

When I make paper, I take over the entire house for three to five days. I dry the paper on our windows so the house looks quite odd to the passerby. For printing, I tend to also do marathon printing sessions. I guess my obsessive nature shows, when I get started, nothing else gets done. no laundry, no housework, oh and yeah? Do I really need a shower today?

My dream work day would be up and out hiking with my dog by dawn. Back to make art all day. Early to bed and do it all again the next day.  What bliss that would be.

Double Moon

MBS: I know many artists who are very hesitant about selling their work online. I've noticed that you actively sell quite a bit of of your work that way.  How has selling online and social networking worked out for you as an artist? Any advice you can give to other artists who are thinking about selling their work this way?

Kelly:  I have been selling my work online for almost a year now.
The amount of sales is low, which as an ex-art consultant, I kind of expected.
The real value to me in selling online is the feedback and encouragement from other artist. Sure, we can't all buy art, but you bet kindred spirits just find each other online--they just do!

What that does for me as an artist is I turn off that negative voice in my head while in the studio, because sales or no sales, I have received enormous positive feedback from the online community so I know I am reaching people through my art. That's all we really need, along with love, food and shelter. The sense of community and bonding is worth every minute spent online.

February Visit, Doves Dip

MBS:  I think that's an interesting area you touched on, that someone viewing sales through the eyes of an art consultant is much different then the same person viewing it through the eyes of an artist.
It can be a real issue between artists and their art representatives/galleries, and people wrestle with it constantly. As someone who has been on both sides of the fence, how do you view the issue and how to you balance two things yourself?  What advice would you give to people - besides turning off the voice in your head or following your own drummer etc...

Kelly:  Honestly, we all know how essential art is to the human experience, and yet it remains a luxury.
The only solution is to make art because you love to make it. Put in some serious marketing time and then don't expect to make a living at it. Another solution, which I am considering, is to merge your art with something functional like wearable art or home decor on an affordable basis.  Fine art is like acting, only the top 1% make it--that's just the facts.

Me and several of my friends discuss this quite often. At the end of the day, we would never stop making art. I'm also a normal middle-class "worker-bee" who never mustered the nerve to be the hippie I feel I am inside. And there is something to be said about the value of a work environment--the community can be very positive, I've found. I am rambling at this point, but I guess I'm saying be careful what you wish for. Most artists are alone in their studios, and I actually like the regular daily camaraderie of the work place. I wouldn't want to face just me everyday.

MBS:  So it sounds like you are advising people who want to pursue  their passion of "being an artist", that they they may need a healthy dose of being "realistic" too? 

Kelly:  YES 
be practical in your expectations of sales
however
shoot for the moon in your imagination!

Moonrise Charmed Meadow solarplate etching

MBS:  What are you currently working on and what would you like to explore next?

Kelly:  I am going to treat myself to a printmaking workshop and learn pronto-plate.
I hear it is very easy, but I prefer to learn from an expert!
I have a series of cloud images that I hope to realize into prints soon.
It's just a matter of time and money . . .

MBS:  Good luck, and thank you for the interview Kelly!

Kelly's gorgeous artwork can be found in her Etsy Shop, 88editions.

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Navigating the Family Tightrope During The Holidays - Or Anytime

Navigating along the tightrope called "family" can be pretty tricky even during the best of times, but when it is the Holiday Season many of the spiritual lessons and ideas that we try so hard to incorporate into our everyday lives - well, they hit a brick wall.  They often seem to be much harder, if not impossible, to maintain.  I've noticed this year for some reason, many of the friends and acquaintances that I have were expressing quite a bit of family frustration and discontent.  I know there are no easy answers when it comes to family issues and that everyone's situation is unique, but here are a couple of thoughts that may help you with your individual balancing act.

First, I think it's really important for people to remember one simple phrase - 

 "They are not you... and you are not them".

True with your family, friends, and even in your work situation.
Yes, you may be a reflection of each other and have influenced each other at some point, true.  But you are "not" them and they are "not" you. Your choices of how to act, react and live your life are yours and yours alone.  Once you fully accept that fact that you are YOU, an individual human being and stop conforming automatically to a family group identity out of habit and history, your life and the choices you make will become much clearer and easier.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world".

As His Holiness the Dalai Lama is quoted as saying:

"If you want to to change the world, first try to improve and bring change with yourself.  That will help change your family.  From there it just gets bigger and bigger.  Everything we do has some effect, some impact."

I believe that there are many lessons for us to learn from and work through during this lifetime, but for some people the toughest learning lessons stem from family situations.  Our family members are the people who can provoke emotion from us the easiest.  We often get frustrated with them the quickest, and the emotional buttons that they can push ultimately cloud our judgement and clear thinking.

Yes, that's what your family can do, but they don't have to.  It's all in how you choose to react to it.  Individual choice - individual - that word once again. How you choose to react to a situation "does" cause a ripple effect and effects those around you.  It can make things better, and it can also make things worse.  Even your very presence in some situations can diffuse a situation or make it much more difficult for everyone involved.

Which leads us to another point to consider...

"You don't always have to go somewhere and be with people just because you are invited, or because you are related to them."

or

"It's OK to say no".

How many times do we accept invitations from family and friends (Holidays or not) simply because we do not want to hurt their feelings or appear rude?  But the whole time that little voice inside of us is screaming NO, NO please don't GO!  Kids and younger people I can understand, but if you are over 30, even 40 years old and you still feel you can't say no to your parents, friends or siblings - or suggest a revision to their plans - then maybe that's something you need to seriously re-think.  The bottom line is, you don't have to always go because you are asked.  And if you do chose to go, you certainly don't have to stay.

I saw a perfect, but extreme, example of this in the movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo this week.  Two different times in the movie, two separate characters find themselves in horrific situations simply because they did not want to appear rude by saying no to an invitation to go into a house.  Even though most situations are not that extreme in life (I hope), there was a lot of wisdom written into those examples of what can happen to people who can't seem to say No.

"Don't keep making yourself feel bad wishing for a family situation you never had."

Not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up in a healthy and happy family situation.  So quit beating yourself up over it and move on.  People can find themselves in therapy for years over serious family issues, but at the end of the day it's up to you to let it go and MOVE ON.  Not necessarily forgive and forget (although that would be nice) ... but just plain old "move on".  You create your own reality in life.  The family that you were brought up in does not have to be the family that you create as an adult.

And finally:

I read a lot of quotes that come through on my Facebook page.  I know that a quote will often awaken something inside of us that we need to hear or re-think.  Right before Christmas I read a quote that said something like:  "Ask yourself this... During the Holidays, will the people who are around you find themselves better off by having been in your presence?"

Reflect on the last few days that you have had.

What's "your" answer?

And in turn, what was their affect on you?


~ diane fergurson



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