MANDALA EYES SATURDAY BLOG AWARDS

Mandala Eyes
pen and ink, crayon
© Sue O'Kieffe 2008

Remember the old Beatles tune Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds? Well, that tune was on my mind when I doodled this, cuz sometimes I have those eyes too! I like to maintain a lighthearted attitude, because life is too short too take it too seriously, and angels can fly cuz they take themselves lightly.

Over the past few weeks I have been graced with blog awards from some thoughtful and fun folks who inhabit the blogosphere here. Thank you muchly, Sweet Irene, John Mora, and Diane Clancy for the recognition. I do enjoy the acknowledgment and enjoy watching my girl scout badge sash become more colorful with all these honors!




‘It’s a big kiss, of the chaste, platonic kind, from me to you with the underlying ‘thanks’ message implied. I really do appreciate your support and your friendship, and yes, your comments.’

I have decided to bestow these two particular blog awards to one particular Connie Rose, who has taken to blogging like a fish takes to water (and what else would you expect from a Pisces?)
Connie is in the Artists in Business group I have been participating in since sometime last spring. She and fellow artist Joan Gold and I are going to continue meeting after the business group ends in March. I look forward to continued interaction with these two other women who want to keep the business momentum alive. Enjoy your awards, Ms Rose. I look forward to many more months of learning about spinning and weaving and can hardly wait to see your fractals incorporated in your work. Go check her out!

GOOD NEWS FOR SACRED CIRCLE MANDALAS

Ocean of Love Mandala - (Healing in Circle series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2007

I received notification yesterday that I was accepted into the 10 month focus group for Artists in Business that I applied for earlier this month. This is a program sponsored by our local Small Business Development Center. I have been waiting for a while for this program to open up again, but really, I wasn't ready for it until now anyway. This is exciting news for me, and I am looking forward to participating with a group of creative people, not all of whom are visual artists. It should make for an interesting synthesis.

Today's mandala was created from a photograph of seashells in water. I did not take this particular photograph used for the source image, but have permission to use it from the person who did. Normally I do not like to use other people's images, but it makes me aware under the right circumstances it could be a possibility. I loved the colors and textures in the photograph and was really intrigued by the bubbles in the water as a possible design element. I like the way it turned out.

THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY

Rite of Spring Mandala - (Circles of Spring Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe

I am applying to be part of a ten month focus group for artists in business. I have been waiting a long time for this group to open up again. Sponsored by the local Small Business Development Center and funded with grant money, this organization offers assistance for artists at all levels of being in business for themselves. One thing that I like is that one of the requirements must be income levels being less than 80% of the county median. It tells me they want to assist those of us who strive to be successful but aren't there yet. They encourage those who are wanting to take their art from hobby level to business level.

The introductory meeting was earlier this week. I felt at ease and comfortable within the group, which was a diverse collection of visual artists, musicians, videographers, and designers.

My hope is that I will receive assistance and insight and practical information for some of the ways I want to take my business, join a community of like minded people, and get out of the solitude of the studio (affectionately known as my computer desk).

Thank you all for sharing my journey and your comments with me.