Upcoming Art and Healing workshop

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Sands of Time
Pure Abstraction Series
Size: 10 x 10 x 11/2"
(c) Deb Chaney 2008
available $350 USD
Feng Shui notes: Supports Health and Vitality

Need a day away? Looking for some time to make art, meet new friends and receive some healing? This might be for you...


My friend and fellow artist Amy Roemer presents a one day healing art workshop...


Gather in a gorgeous setting for a day of healing and creativity as (place) artist and Reiki healer, Amy Roemer, and local teacher and Reiki healer, Amy Ryan, guide you through easy daily routines to heal your life including the healing benefits of beautiful natural spaces like Boerner Botanical Gardens! Get in touch with the artist at your core!


Healing Art Workshop
Saturday October 17, 2009
From 10am-3pm.
At the Boerner Botanical Gardens Hales Corners, WI
(Hales Corners is in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area)
Registration: contact Monica Jeske 414-525-5659
mjeske@fbbg.org
Cost $75

Your day will include: Yoga, painting, walk in the gardens, meditation, inspirational conversation concluding with mini Reiki session for each attendee!


I first met Amy Roemer when I was living in Hermosa Beach, CA and saw her art work at Ten Women Venice artists cooperative. Somehow we became connected --- I can't remember how our friendship all started --- but I do remember Amy being extremely wiling to share all her secrets of success on her path as an artist and after a lunch one afternoon nearly 8 years ago now we have been friends ever since.

Amy Roemer is on her own personal journey of healing. In 1987, Amy had her first episode of unexplained back pain. Over the years Amy had back pain so severe that she landed in emergency rooms, became a patient to countless doctors Western and Eastern alike, has sought out dozens of healers and books, taken prescription medications, herbs, and restrictive diets. Amy’s pain could be unbearable at times, she missed work, weddings, and vacations, underwent 4 surgeries and spent tens of thousands of dollars on health costs all in the search for pain relief. While some of the doctors and healers helped, her back pain persisted, unaffected by herbs and medicines. Through a series of practices that Amy learned over the years, She created her 5 Simple Steps to Healing Your Life and put them all together into practice with amazing results! Now, she wants to share them with you! She received her attunement in Reiki, a form of hands on healing, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she now resides with her husband and daughter, in 2009.

Amy’s art has been shown in galleries and art festivals in Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. Her pieces are full of emotion and vibrant color. Her art is in private collections across the country and in Japan. Her painting “Your Song” is owned by singer/songwriter Alanis Morisette. Amy has painted and made art her entire life, she attended Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Santa Monica College in California, and studied under pastel artist Mark Miloff in Western Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains. Amy’s poetry has been published and awarded, her paintings were honored by an award from the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA. Amy has been a member of the West Coast Pastel Society, Ten Women Venice artists cooperative, and The Malibu Art Association.







Creative Journalling and Bookmaking

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Aglow & happy 
(c) Deb Chaney 2008
9 x 11 " Acrylics on unmounted canvas pad
Original Available
Journalling has been a fundamental part of my art making process for years, well over 10 if I was counting. Morning Pages, free writing, making lists, circle exercise, some of which I discuss in a chapter on journalling in the Little Inspiration Book. But as artist I think its natural to want to push boundaries, explore new mediums and technique and try new things. So after writing and collage and painting and sketching I've been itching to explore book making for a while.
Last year I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Sabrina Ward Harrison where I met a retired lawyer and artist & book maker - Eris Wagner who was also attending the workshop. Her hand made journal was incredibly beautiful, textured and detailed with thick heavy weight paper she'd glued into an old accounting ledger book and discard photographs she'd glued in, gessoed over and then scraped over so that you saw sneak peaks of the photos and got a faded antique feel. Her journal captivated me so I wrote her and asked her about the process of making it and how I could learn more. 
Here's what she wrote;
"I learned most of my bookmaking skills from Sheeren LaPlantz who died from cancer about 5 yrs. ago. Her books, which are widely available (Amazon) are a good place to start to learn book making.  She goes over all the basics.  Like any art, there's no substitiute for just doing it---practicing over and over...

The San Francisco Center for the Book has a nice range of classes and I took a number of them when I lived in northern California. I'm sure there is a Book Guild or other resource in your area that offers basic bookmaking classes.

There are TONS of books available on book arts...I actually learn better from books than anything else....

Another good resource is http://www.philobiblon.com/links.shtml...

Check out the links and then join the listserve and read the posts. If you have any questions you can post them---like "Where is a good basic bookmaking workshop in my area?" [Deb notes that in Vancouver, book making is offered at Emily Carr University]

From that list, I learned that the LA Book Arts Center is closing. Too bad....but I know there's plenty of things happening in Southern California. You might ask Carol Parks..."
Thank you Eris!

Using Acrylics to create a waxy – encaustic – look in your artwork

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Leaping into the unknown
30 x 40 x 11/2”
Mixed Media, & Acrylics on Canvas
© Deb Chaney 2007
Feng Shui Recommendation: Health and Vitality.
To further enhance your health and inner vitality place this painting in or near the center of your dwelling.
For View at: Java Station Coffee House 4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 Ph (805) 681-0202
(Please do ask to see this painting it because its in the back!!!)
Original painting is available for purchase $1200 USD

Last week I had an interview with Golden Paints technical department on a new product they are in process of creating. At this point in time, because of their competition, I was asked to keep the interview a secret and not reveal any of the ideas or concepts we discussed.

After speaking with the Golden chemical technician he emailed me some great little videos clips (youtube.com) on using and applying Golden Mediums and acrylic paints. I thought this would be fun to share with acrylic and mixed media painters who read this blog.

Particulalry, I’m thinking of Shay Cajolet from Massachusetts who contact me last year with questions about using acrylic mediums to create an encaustic (wax – like) effect. She’d seen the workshop I’d organized for Nancy Reyner in Santa Barbara which was on this topic specifically: using acrylics to create encaustic effects.

Last time I heard from Shay she said she’d had some success and a lot of goopy experiences with the mediums….perhaps a few of these videos will give some more guidance that goes beyond a phone conversation.

Here are some great instructional videos on the products and techniques that I use and some new concepts too…

Using moulding paste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP3br4sx7Uo&feature=channel

Creating a Brushable Isolation Coat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jS3Rjd5P1g&feature=channel


Using Clear Tar Gel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIqEm7Vrvbg&feature=related

In my work to build layers I use Golden heavy gel matte medium, GOLDEN light moulding paste, Liquitex gloss medium and varnish, Golden fluid acrylics. ( Check out this link to a sampler set of many of these products and other cool ones)

As well, if you want to pour a thick layer over your work to emulate wax, from her workshop we learned that Nancy Reyner developed the following formulas she calls:

Sheen formula to match refined Beeswax

Mix together 2 oz. Soft Gel Gloss and ½ oz matte medium. Slowly add ¼ oz water. Add 3 drops of Interference Blue (fine) and 2 drops of Iridescent gold (fine).

Sheen formula to match unrefined beeswax

Use above mixture and pour half into an empty far. Add ½ drop or less of quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold.

You can make these formulas in an air tight container and then use them in the middle of your painting as a medium, directly onto dry or web acrylic paint or as a finishing sheen to your work.

Something that looks really cool and is fun to try – lay down a nice thick layer (1/4” or so) of one of the above sheen formulas using a palette knife. Soak a paint brush heavily with water. Tap the water soaked paint brush over top of your sheen layer ( don't touch the painting with the brush, let the water fall off onto the sheen layer) and let the water drops form an interesting surface texture on your waxy layer. Let it dry. Have fun!

New work and a great quote

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Praying for Rain
(c) deb chaney 2009
mixed media, sand and acrylics on canvas
20 x 30 x 11/2 " (approx size as original is currently being shipped from Santa Barbara to Vancouver and my electronic inventory was lost in cyber cosmos!
Original available.


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our
presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson. from A Return to Love

SMIGs has changed...

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OK, I feel a little bad that I've kept you out of the loop. But honestly, there is no loop as I haven't told anyone before writing this blog. I changed SMIGs...a nightly ritual I made up to support artists and creative souls.


S - for success. For example, today I added 5 names to my database, worked on a project that for the sake of its creative gestation shall remain secret (for now), and had a great heart to heart talk with my mum.


Magic Moments - today I watched my daugther play in the ocean with another little boy, ohh it was so sweet. They were playing with a floating log and he was on the log and she was pushing him out to sea, it was so dear watching them work together.


Intuition - My intuition is guiding me to get more sleep and take care of myself right now. (this used to be Intention but this idea of holding some idea in tension seemed, well, a little tense so I decided to change it)


Gratitude - I'm so grateful for my Dad driving up the west coast with me and helping me move, i'm so grateful for a place to live, for all the wonderful phone calls and facebook posts on my facebook for my birthday, for being at whidbey island for the summer, for the ocean and the fresh air and peace and quite and I'm 'so grateful for my art and the joy it gives me to create it.


s - the little 's' reminds us to keep making small steps towards our dreams, goals and creative projects. Never, never, never give up. Shoot for the stars, you might hit the moon. The impossible just takes longer. Keep going.


Looking for a unique and personal gift?

Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards All with Deb's art.

The Little Inspiration Book, by DEB & Sand in my Bra

Deb's Original ART available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills paintings at SWITCH Boutique

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House,

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.


Join me on facebook: facebook.com/debchaneyartist

Follow me on Twitter: deborahchaney

The artist I admire the most

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IBHF (inspired by helen frakenthaler)
(c) deb chaney 2008
mixed media, sand, acrylics on canvas
original available , inquire debchaney@live.com

Helen Frakenthaler known for creating the technique of staining raw canvas, a pioneer in the color field painting movment, former wife to Robert Motherwell and a key player in the abstract exrpessionist movement is bar none the artist I admire the most.

Helen Frankenthaler was born in New York City on December 28, 1928, daughter to justice of the New York Supreme Court. She attended the exclusive Brearley School in Manhattan and the Dalton School where her art teacher was Rufino Tamayo.

More than any other known established artist, Ms. Frakenthaler's art rocks my world. I love so many of her pieces. I love her style. I love her work beacause its bold and confident and bursting with color. I love that very seldom you see brush marks...this intrigues me and something I aim to emulate in much of my work.

In an interview pubished in the new york times, she says about her painting process : ''With any picture, on paper or on canvas, the main idea is: does it work? Is it beautiful?'' Which resonates with me and answers questions about my own work and process. Honestly, I hadn't come out and said it so clealry and sycinctly, but this is what is going on for me also when I paint: is the piece working? is it beautiful?

I also think its very cool that in a time when most of her contemporaries were men - Clement Greenberg Hans Hofmann, Jackson Pollock - She, a Woman, was making strides, making great art.


TOday, yup last time I checked Helen's very well alive and painting in NY, she paints very similarly to me in that she paints in acrylics, painting laying flat and on waist high table tops. Cool.

Here here are some links to some of her work that I adore... Enjoy!

Helen Frankenthaler, Grand Tour, 1983, acrylics on canvas 97 x 124 inches (Can't find it online but this image can be found on page 123 in abstract painting concepts and technique by vicky perry)

Helen Frankenthaler, Seeing the Moon on a hot summer day, 1987, private collection.

Helen Frankenthaler, Southern Exposure, 37 x 34 in, Lincoln Center Institute

Helen Frankenthaler, The Bay, 1963 Acrylic on Canvas
Helen Frankenthaler, Nadar Rising.
Helen Frankenthaler, After Mountains and Sea , New York : Guggenheim Museum 1956-1959.



Awe-some new book to support Creative Mortals

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My friend, mentor, teacher and fellow creative Jill Badonsky just released her awe-some new book:  The AWE-MANAC: A Daily Dose of Wonder.

I had a few questions for her about what's inside the book and her own creative
 process in writing it you may enjoy this tidbit from our conversation...

Deb - How did you choose the events that ended up in the Awe-servances part of 
The Awe-manac:
Jill - Good question. The creative prompts in The Awe-manac are designed from the events or celebrations that happened on those days in history. So the events had to actually audition for their potential for creative thinking, inspiration or humor. Also, I researched favorite celebrities and historical figures (and a few personal friends) and added them as well. Lastly, if a quote really inspired me, I tried to find the birth-date of the person who wrote it so I could include it.

Deb - Which "Anti-aging Potion" do you recommend for people to use to truly "stay young."
Well, all of them will give you a frame of mind of loving life more which is a sure antidote to aging, but the FOOOF potion is all about how thinking like a child can lighten you up. Stress is a leading cause of premature aging so lightening up can help that. Also, the Inner Awe-lixir reminds us that there's a whole world inside of us that can act as a refuge and a place of rejuvenation and inspiration.

Deb - Lots of things in this book make me laugh out-loud (which of course is a very good thing!).  Did you spend a lot of time laughing while you created this?
Jill - I had a blast writing this book. I laughed out loud quite a bit because it seemed like I was channeling someone very funny. To create laughter, to me is one of life's greatest gifts and making funny associations and inventing prompts is one of my very favorite pastimes. To get myself in the mood to be funny I would watch Ellen, John Stewart and Stephen Colbert beforehand, as well as read Paula Poundstone's book. So they were my Muses and helped keep me in a festively funny mood.

Deb - I love the fact that you can open this book on any given day of the year and begin!  Each day is a session in creativity unto itself.  How do you envision people using this book? 

I envision that they will open the book on any given day and have a session in creativity unto itself. I hope people don't think they need to do all the prompts everyday, but just sample and even just daydream what they would do with the prompt as well as during every opportunity possible find a few minutes to jot down some ideas and on occasion just pour their hearts out. My wish is that some of the thoughts and inspirations make each day more special and wake people up to the fact that the shift we need to make in this economic downturn can be positive when we take small moments and make them special, creative, or humorous.

Jill Badonsky is an artist, writer, playwright, yoga teacher, nationally recognized workshop leader, creativity consultant and founder of Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching.  Jill also writes a monthly column for Creativity Portal, and is chief editor of the monthly The Muse Flash.  Jill's services operate out of  The Muse is In, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unblock their creative potential. She is author of The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard):10 Guides to Creative Inspiration for Artists, Poets, Lovers and Other Mortals Wanting to Live a Dazzling Existence   and  The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder.

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Looking for a unique and personal gift?  Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards.All with Deb's original artwork. The Little Inspiration Book, & Sand in my Bra Written/co-written by Deb.


Original ART  available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills  paintings at SWITCH Boutique 

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.


Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 805-570-1582 debchaney@live.com http://debchaney.blogspot.com

Creating with interruptions

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If you are living in the modern world and attempting to create art of any kind – music, painting, pottery, writing, etc .- you are faced with interruptions. My opinion, one of the most interrupted people in the world are mothers.

 Its like there is this unwritten code that once you’ve given birth your body, life, breasts, time, solitude, and mind space now belong now to that which came from you and surrounding people who call themselves ‘family’ and take every ounce unless you set firm boundaries and decree otherwise. Yeah, Ok, some of my personal shite is coming up here but we’re all connected so I know I’m not alone here. Hello, I am an artist, I 

have ideas and passions and these require time so I can dwell on them, research them, expand them, create them, edit them, and bring them into the world just as I did you. You are born now, let me birth others.

 “mama, I need….”  ( seriously as I write this maybe 4 – 5 interuptions with request, demands, questions….)

Don't be fooled by how cute she is. Here is she is, my girl Ruthie, thinking about her next move to distract and interupt me. (:o)Look at that, she even has the gull to sit on my studio painting table and plan her next move!

 So, how do we stay on track, keep the momentum going, gestate and birth our creative creations, even despite and within the interruptions?

 I do a few things that work for me, but really I’m just dying to hear from you. So if you are super successful and have a private office/studio and a nanny taking care of your shopping, laundry, dinner, and kids you can refrain from commenting. Sit back, grin, remember the good old times when things were otherwise, but please don’t’ torture us folks here on the other side. I’m speaking to those of us who are on our way but not quite there yet and still mainly doing all of the above on our own plus making an effort to carve out some time for our own creative pursuits.

 “ Hey Deb, will you….” (ever notice how every one wants something exactly the minute you begin to get really into your project)

 For one, to stay focused and so I don’t forget, I post a sticky note right above where I am working. It’s got two words on it.

  1. Focus
  2. On writing this blog (what you are working on)

That way, every time  “ mama!mama!...” I can answer it, and remember what the heck I was doing. Really, I know mothers would understand this but really all parents in general.

This one I don’t recommend but quite frankly I become like a caged animal and that would be in simple speak pretty nasty to be around because as Jill Badonsky puts in her book 9 Modern Day Muses and a Body guard, we mortals get cranky when we don’t create. So I either piss everyone off or scare them away but honestly I hate getting to this point and I had a ‘friend’ recommend a hypnosis program for anger management which I’m gladly looking into.

 I’m also wishing the next man I date realizes that when I'm crabby its more than likely because I haven’t painted and that he puts a paint brush in my hand and takes my kid for a drive.  Thank you God in advance.

 Bring! Bring! ( this  is supposed to be a telephone)

 Ok that reminds me. We have some control here. We can turn off the phone, shut down the computer, turn off skype, click off facebook, shut the door, put up a sign, nicely tell everyone we will be busy for the next hour. Mommy time. Get out the body guard (read 9 Modern Day Muses and a Body guard) Let me know if that works for you, or for that matter what works for you.

So what about you? How are you making time for your creative pursuits in amoungst the noise and distractions of life?

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Looking for a unique and personal gift?  Tote bags. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards.All with Deb's original artwork. The Little Inspiration Book, & Sand in my Bra Written/co-written by Deb.


Original ART  available to view and purchase

...in Beverly Hills  paintings at SWITCH Boutique 

...in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 

...in Los Angeles at Via Roma Boutique.


Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 805-570-1582 debchaney@live.com http://debchaney.blogspot.com

Making Art in the Midst of Life

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My friend John, who is a writer, told me last time we were hanging out that his 

dream was to work & save up some money, and then go somewhere and rent a little cabin and write.  It’s a great dream and know
ing him he’ll probably do it. The only part of it that makes me a little uneasy is the concept that the writing will be put off until that time. Fundamentally any art – writing, painting, pottery, running, singing 

needs to be done regularly, daily, and with some kind of consistently even in the midst of life.

 There is a good chapter in Eric Maisel’s book Coaching the Artist Within  entitled Creating in the Middle of Things in which Eric talks exactly about how we must learn to do our art even in the middle of our every day lives. To quote from this chapter;

 “ Unless you are impervious to the facts of existence – and no one is – you must learn how to create in the middle of things.  You must learn how to create when wares are raging and when your hormones are raging.  You must learn how to create even if you hate your country’s policies or your own painting style.  You must learn how to create even if you are embroiled in a bad marriage or living alone and lonely.  You must learn how to create even if you work eight hours a day at a silly job or, sometimes worse, find yourself at home with time on your hands.”

 I whole heartedly agree. We can’t be waiting for the perfect time, mood, or place. The time is now to make our art. It will never be perfect even when we have millions in the bank and are sitting cozy and comfy in our little retreat cabin. The time and place is now, in the midst of our lives, just as they are!

 Currently I have just moved with my daughter (now 6 years old) – third move in the last eight months, this was the biggest move from Southern California to Washington State. Thank God my Dad came down and helped us drive the UHAUL the 1500 + miles. That on top of being in the middle of a divorce, unpacking, re-doing my website, finishing my 08 taxes, filing for UI, editing a short video about my techniques and latest Pure Abstraction work, that on top of making daily meals and dishes and laundry and the other day to day of life. So there is a full life here but still room for art in the midsts of it. Always room for art, for the joy that it brings its worth the discipline to go and do it.

Boxes may be left unpacked, dirty dishes in the sink, but I’m still doing some art – however small. The photo in this blog is one my friend Lyza caught me when she brought by some boxes for us. One of my art tables folded up, ready to be packed, made the perfect little painting area and I started hand painting some journal covers the day before we packed the UHAUL the next day and drove up north….

 SO WHAT, I’m going to do some art anyways!

Looking for a unique and personal gift? Check out this one of a kind Breakthrough re-usable tote bag. Mugs. Aprons. Prints & Greeting Cards. Need a little inspiration? The Little Inspiration Book, ideas to empower women by DEB & Sand in my Bra, funny women write from the road.

Deb Chaney's original art can be viewed and purchased at the following locations...
in Beverly Hills Raw Expression paintings at SWITCH Boutique, 238 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212-3805, (310) 860-1650  
in Santa Barbara at Java Station Coffee House, 4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1734, (805) 681-0202 
in Los Angeles Patchwork Paper - framed originals - at Via Roma Boutique, 17215 Ventura Boulevard, Encino,Ca, 91316 (818) 386 - 0736

Deb Chaney Contemporary Abstract Artist PO Box 3931 Santa Barbara, CA 93130
P. 805-570-1582  E. debchaney@live.com W. debchaney.blogspot.com W. cafepress.com/debchaney

LIVE TALK RADIO SHOW with Kim McCoul

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LOCAL ARTIST INTERVIEWS CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT ARTIST AND AUTHOR ON LIVE TALK RADIO SHOW

 Davenport, Iowa, June 15, 2009 -- Kim McCool of Davenport, Iowa will be featuring contemporary abstract artist and author, Deb Chaney, on McCool’s  live radio talk show, “Discover the Heart of Art” on internet’s Blog Talk Radio on June 15, 2009 at 2 PM Central Time.

 Deb Chaney is an emerging contemporary abstract artist who lives in Santa Barbara, CA.  She paints large layered mixed media abstract paintings on canvas and paper. Deb Chaney is the author of The Little Inspiration Book, Ideas to Empower Women and contributing author to Sand in my Bra, Funny Women Write From the Road. Her most recent body of work, entitled Pure Abstraction will be displayed in a co-collaborative art show with Emily McBride June 2009 at VIVA design studio & gallery in Santa Barbara.

  "Discover the Heart of Art with Kim McCool" is a bi-weekly show where McCool interviews artists of all kinds - from classic art, such as painting and sculpture to writing, music and choreography discuss the heart of their art.  This art talk show is unique and informative.  McCool and her guest talk about what inspires the art, where the love of the art comes from and how listeners can discover the heart of art.   

If people are not able to listen to the live broadcast, they can go to McCool’s website (http://www.kimmccool.com/radio.htm) and either download the podcast for later listening or listen to the replay on their computer.  The broadcasts will be archived.

McCool is committed to not only creating her art, she does an average of 20 individual commissions annually, she is dedicated to keeping the art of porcelain painting alive.  In addition to training with some of the most esteemed artists in the field McCool has taken many student artists under her wing to teach them this wonderful medium.  Her studio is part of her home and is a special place for her two loves of creating porcelain art pieces and teaching others to create their own unique porcelain art through weekly classes held in the studio.

 

Interview Contact:

Kim McCool

Telephone 563.322.3219

k.mccool@mchsi.com

http://www.kimmccool.com

 

Spirit of the Heart Designs

3750 Nobis Drive

Davenport, IA  52802

Artplane workshop at Esalen

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I'm currently at Esalen studying with Nicholas Wilton and Jenny Oppenteimer in their week long art plane workshop. The workshop is great and given me many new insights on design and contrast and their importance in composing a painting that works well - captures the viewer, keeps them interested and moving around the painting. Here are some photos from around the Esalen campus.



Deb Chaney Art Home Show Pictures

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Photos taken byAnurag Bansal and David Bozzini from the art home show. Special thanks to
both of these wonderful men for taking photos. Also, thank you for Jack Mohr of Artamo Gallery for stopping by - this was an honor. April for a beautiful job on the food and musical interludes. Matthew-san for driving all the way down from San Francisco! Dad, thanks for your supportive email. I am blessed to know you all and receive your applause and support. Thank you.











It takes a village! Getting the art homeshow ready for this Saturday!

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As they say... it takes a village to raise a child. I've always felt like my paintings are my children so I wanted to share here with you a little bit about the village - all the people helping out - with getting this home show off the ground,

First off, if you're reading this for the first time, the Art Show and Sale at my home studio here in Santa Barbara will be this Saturday May 23rd from 9-5 pm. Children are welcome. Refreshments served. Location: unit #21, 2025 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

Thank you to my village for your support, love and help! April Cooper for giving me the idea to do this in the first place. Steve Richardson for storing a gaggle of things in his car & sharing some his display easles. The local Greek House restaurant for bringing over some greek food catering gratis! (cool! thank you!) Jake's Cottage Cuisine Cafe for a loan of some table clothes. Jennifer and Joey at Tensley wines for bringing some of their local fine wines. Melody Wynn for sharing her Costco card with me so I can get even more food for hungry visitors. John for cooking, cleaning, wiring paintings, hanging paintings and playing that sweet guitar to calm my  nerves!  And all my fans and friends who put up

If you are in any way hesitating to come, please know that this event may be the last chance you have to visit with me  and see my art work live and 'in person' as Ruthie and I are moving north  this summer. So come one, come all! See you there!

Film Maker wanted

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FILM MAKER WANTED

Deb Chaney is looking for a film maker to do a series of vignette videos about her work and behind the scenes in the studio for marketing purposes.

 The goal is to create twelve (12) 5-8 minute video vignettes featuring behind the scenes in the painting studios of Deb Chaney, contemporary abstract artist, plus a “who is deb” 3-4 minute intro video to get new comers acquainted with deb in general.

 The time line of this work is to begin Monday may 25th , 2009( Memorial Day) and have the videos filmed and ready to edit and upload by June 25th , 2009at the latest. The films would be shot in Deb’s home studio in Santa Barbara.

 I am looking for a video film/producer/editor  - could be a film student, professional or amateur hobbyist that know how to get around a SONY camcorder, create appropriate lighting and pick up excellent sound as well as transcribe the digital video to a computer, edit it and organize it in to jive systems web server, ready to broadcast.

 YOU must be on your game, organized, efficient and know your medium: FILM. My job would be to show up, dress up, look pretty, be passionate and talk about my work in my studio. All the other  details, including working with jivesystems to integrate the video into their system would be up to you.

 YOU must have prior experience and proficiency in recording short films.

 I have a tripod, SONY digital camcorder, lots of digital tapes, and a studio.

 YOU must have lighting, microphone, computer for editing - and know how to do it.

 YOU must have a can do/ get it done “I always find a way” attitude. What we don’t have we can borrow. What we need we’ll attract it. Etc.

Each video will stand alone and  be a story behind the studio production of deb’s art work and creative life. There will be quick introduction followed by a focus on a painting, how it got made, what its communicating, how deb stays inspired – studio tricks and anything else that someone purchasing a piece of art from a gallery would not know. The little feature can be entertaining, educational, light and fun.

 The goal of the features/vignette is to stay in communication with collectors, educate them, inspire them and for those who have shown interest in my work and encourage them to look through the website, see what’s available and purchase a work. As well as give them a call to action: if you want to buy a painting in inventory directly from deb, this is what you can do now.

 YOU must thoroughly Check out jive systems take their webinar (free) & see how they do this. (http://www.jivesystems.com/)

 PAYMENT/AGREEMENT. This would be an opportunity for you to support another artist, grow your portfolio, gain experience, get YOUR name out there. I have no budget or monetary resources at this time. If you are capable you could get a grant, this would make an excellent and clearly definable project. If you are a student, especially in film or art, you could do this project as an Internship and get a semester class credit. OR if you have a calling to help others – artist in particular – this could be your way of giving to others. This will be fun and we will both learn and grow in the process!

 

About Deb Chaney

 Deb Chaney is an emerging contemporary abstract artist who paints large layered mixed media abstract paintings on canvas and paper. Her most recent body of work, entitled Pure Abstraction, takes her art to a new level in expressing her deep passion for nature via the thick layering of mixed medias, sand, paper and acrylic paints. The process of creating her new work, Pure Abstraction, is shown in 9 minute video short (release date May/June 2009) wherby Deb is captured painting, dancing and in interview describing what these paintings mean to communicate. A selection of this work will be displayed in a co-collaborative art show with Emily McBride this June 2009 at VIVA design studio & gallery in Santa Barbara.

 Deb is also currently teaching Illuminate the Artist Within ™ workshops in Santa Barbara which playfully inspire participants to awaken the creator within them via play and experimentation, abstract painting techniques, and principles that support creativity. 

 Deb Chaney is the author of The Little Inspiration Book, Ideas to Empower Women and contributing author to Sand in my Bra, Funny Women Write From the Road.   She also writes a blog (http://debchaney.blogspot.com) about life as an artist, mixed media painting techniques, studio habits, and staying creatively inspired.

 Deb grew up in Vancouver, BC, Canada where she developed a deep love of the outdoors and nature. She currently lives with her daughter in Santa Barbara, CA. When she’s not painting Deb is parenting her 6 year old, loves ocean swimming, hiking and doing yoga.

 She has sold over 50 paintings in Canada and the U.S. and is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists and a member of The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, The International Society of Experimental Artists, Collage Artists of America, and The International Society of Acrylic Painters.

 Contact deb after you have looked at the jivesystems website !

(805) 570-1582 debchaney@live.com

Artist Intern* Position Available for art student in Santa Barbara

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Artist Intern Position available in Santa Barbara for qualifying art student: Spring Semester 2009.

This is a semester intern position for an art student wanting to learn the business of being a self represented artist while obtaining credit through working with myself and a professor as independent study. At UCSB this is 192:Internship position and with approval can be worth a class credit.  Please check with your particular school and teachers for credit qualifications. This position is open to a Westmont, SB City College or UCSB art students. 

Working together I will guide you with tasks and with willingness you will learn how to:
  • Write and submit grant applications
  • Organize and inventory art work
  • Manage a CMS website
  • Post a blog and respond to comments
  • Add collector information to an online database (infusionsoft)
  • Submit work to competitions
  • Sell work directly to collectors
  • Update and reconsile accounts in Quickbooks
  • Create Sales receipts and invoices
  • Pay sales tax
  • Register a trademark
  • Help with teaching private and group art classes as well as organize a one day workshop
  • prepare a media kit for a radio interview
Contact Deb Chaney (805) 570-1582
debchaney@live.com


Balancing Parenting and Painting - what works for me

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Photo of Ruthie splattering liquitex white gesso over a canvas
(I was hoping she'd paint it smooth but this parenting thing seems to be  all about letting go....)

I had someone  in the comments section of this blog a few weeks back ask me how I balance parenting and painting so I wanted to speak to that in terms of what works for me and how I create time for my creativity and mostly single parent my daughter!

The first big thing I would suggest is have your art project(s) out in a place where you can see them regularly. Even if you're not working on it, your brain will be while you're busy doing other things.  Ahhhhh the power of the subconscious. This is actually a very powerful way to work. Put it out there and let the answers - that next layer, brush broke, collage piece - come to you.

I just recently moved and converted the living room of our apartment into my studio workspace. I purposefully leave paintings around so that when I walk by in the morning making my little girl's lunch, breakfast, dinner, snacks, cleaning up her lunch, breakfast, dinner and snacks I always have a good view of my paintings in progress. That way I am still 'working' on them.

Which brings me to bridging a concept which I've written about in previous blogs. Basically its a fancy word for being set up. Make sure you have your work area totally ready to go so when you have a moment - the kids finally takes a nap or gets absorbed into a game or is invited to a play date at a friends house (hallelujah), you can start working immediately. Have you water, paints, brushes, tools, notepad, canvas, paper all easily accessible and ready to go.

I have a stock pile of ready to go projects set up for her ahead of time: play dough, water colours, stamping box, kitchen play, water play, sorting coins and buttons, cutlery, making kitchen stuff - she likes mixing flour, eggs, water & spices, her own 'creations', stuff set up for making her own collages with stickers, glitter, colored construction paper, books, music, you get the idea - and this is really age dependent, but you know your child's needs best.


Sometimes I even let her paint on my paintings! ugh! This is not my favourite thing but it is sometimes necessary to let her in on the fun. In the up and coming 'Pure Abstraction' video about my work, techniques, beliefs and new Pure Abstraction paintings, there is a scene where I let Ruthie come and paint with me. It's a double edge sword because she looooves it but also I have to completely let go of what I was working on. My ego hates the loss of control!

(Stay tuned....video will be released in April along with the new website)

Above are my core methods of balancing parenting and painting and then there are the obvious ones such as:

- do small projects  that you can do anywhere in small amounts of time (Personally, I have a hard time with this one as I'm a sucker for big paintings and big projects!)
- set boundaries and let them know this is YOUR time
- hire a sitter
- off load children to willing friends, play dates, grandparents, sister, aunts uncles, etc (I envy those of you with  local and helpful relatives!)
- get up early and paint when they are sleeping! 
-put them to bed and paint when they are sleeping!

And... I've got  number of artist friend with children - Rosemary Gara-Hill, Desiree Davidson, Russel Young, Amy Roemer. So I will ask them to add their thoughts, comments, tips too. 

Good luck!

Art & Autism: upcoming book and art show this Saturday

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Went to get my hair extensions out last week... what an ordeal of chemicals, hair pulling, and several hours later....luckily some hair still remains. I miss the long hair but not the work to upkeep it. Justine, my new and great up-and-coming stylist recommended a new look so I went for bangs. Fun. Anyways, 2 1/2 hours later we told each other our life stories and I learned her brother, Kevin and mother were also artists and by the by he was having a show this upcoming weekend...

This Saturday at the Palm Lofts Gallery in Carpinteria is a very art special show by a young fourteen year old man, Kevin Hosseini and his artist mentor Steve Richardson.

Kevin, a prolific oil painter, along with his mom Debbie, were recently featured in a documentary By Keri Bowers entitled "Arts: A film about Possibilities, Disabilities, and the ARTS" . 

Debbie is also working on a book connecting art and autism called Artism ANew - Shattering the Myths of Autism through the voice of Art . In telling me about the book she says; "The book takes myths about autism, such as people with autism have no feelings or emotions, and presents visual counterpoints to that myth.  Artism Anew features 55 artists with autism or Aspergers (a form of autism).  Each artist has also given Debbie poetry or quotes for the book. Its a full-colored coffee table book and is very beautiful."

Debbie explained to me the relationship to autism and art is that 10 percent of people with autism have a savant skill, such as math, music, or art.  This compared to only 1 percent in the typical population. In her opinion, they are able to tap into the Creative Force much more easily than normal people. They are also able to immerse themselves in the work creating true, unaffected paintings.  Kevin's art mentor Steve Richardson says that kevin has a natural looseness in his painting that many trained artist strive for.

Personally, I have no experience working with or being around autistic people. My experience is limited to Rainman, however I have a friend from high school whose son is Autistic and I truly can't wait to hear her comments about this concept that perhaps autistic people do have easier access to the Creative Force, as Debbie calls it.

I do  think though that one of the biggest things that typically stops adults from being creative - painting, writing, etc - are a lot of their thoughts and beliefs that don't serve them. Perhaps autistic people don't have the mind chatter telling them they can't or shouldn't or aren't good enough and are therefore free to create and be in process more easily than the rest of us mind entrapped beings! 

Your thoughts? Please comment below.

For more information about Debbie's soon to be published book  Artism ANew - Shattering the Myths of Autism through the Voice and Art of Those on the Spectrum  please contact Debbie Hosseini at hosseini58@cox.net or (805) 259-6879.

Do you know any movie stars who buy contemporary abstract art?

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The new website is in process....yeah, yeah, yeah  JM I can hear you voice saying it's only been over a year!!! But when its done you can show all your movie star friends. (ha!)

Anyways,  here it is, my ultimate career success vision board of the dream painting studio - lots of light, wood, high ceilings, surrounded by trees and nature and quiet, lots of time to paint, play and create with additional space for teaching. 

Surrounding the studio is where I envision my work selling - to collectors including movie stars  and exhibiting in galleries all over the world - NY, LA, SF, London, Toyko, Vancouver, Paris, and Reykavik ( I need an excuse to get back to Iceland!).

I also made a dream vision board for my homestead and family life but there are a few more images I want to find and add...So i'll post that when I'm done.

Vision boards are a fun way to create and attract what you want in your life, just like they talked about in The Secret movie. You made one lately? Do share! ( I just changed the comments settings so anyone can share, you don't have to have a google account :))