Accomplished

It's early, and I didn't get an ounce of sleep last night.
I sit typing on my computer as a way of waking my brain and inspiring creativity.
It's not always intelligent or inspirational––but when I set goals, I get things accomplished.  No matter how insignificant they may seem.
Focused, steady, determined and balanced.

Inspired and Motivated

After watching the Golden Globes last night:
I'm inspired to continue working,
I'm motivated to take bigger risks.
I'm reminded that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, are shining examples of how far you can go - if the joke is hilarious, you smile while you deliver it, and you don't give a shit what people think of you.
(Oh, and that you CAN be over 40 and still a HUGE success in Hollywood!)

Artist's Who Can Do Both!

For over sixteen years, I have made a living out of harnessing the passion that lives inside.

Determined to manifest my childhood dream into a career has not always been easy. In fact, some would say it's been downright brutal.

Nevertheless, my passion, (fading) idealistic ideas and the need to release my creative energy has continued to motivate me forward--

On my journey, I've encountered soaring highs and devastating lows.

I've toured Europe. Performed on The Great White Way.  I've even been spotted on a few popular TV shows and movies.  

As grateful as I am for those moments, they are just that. Small bursts of success that have inspired me with just enough incentive to continue "living the dream."

Which by the way, I am NOT dismissing.  I am so thankful for every ounce of opportunity I've experienced along the way.

I've also been fortunate not to hold down a "real" job.  That is to say, I've never temped or worked a true nine to five job.

I have however supplemented my income by teaching.  I started teaching dance while I was still being taught.  (If you're a dancer, you'll understand this.)

As I continued to grow as an artist, my ability to teach and choreograph flourished.  However, I would not say that I was passionate about teaching.

Teaching was a means to an end.  I could do it well, and make enough money to "get by" while still pursuing my art.

As I continued to get older, my distaste for teaching grew stronger.  Sure, I found flickers of inspiration from talented students, and I always make the best of every situation, but I was really starting to resent teaching.

I often wondered, "When will it be my turn to have my dream career, and not HAVE to teach anymore?"  Plus, I was never able to mute that terrible saying that echoed through my head:

"Those who can do. Those who can't teach."

It's awful!

Naturally, I've fought that voice on a weekly base for the past sixteen years, because teaching really does provide the perfect job solution.

It wasn't until this morning while rereading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, that my entire outlook on teaching changed. In the new Introduction, Julia offers her own insight on teaching, "I was 'called' to teach and I answered that call somewhat grudgingly. What about my art? I wondered. I had not yet learned that we do tend to practice what we preach, that in unblocking others I would unblock myself, and that, like all artists, I would thrive more easily with some companionship, with kindred souls making kindred leaps of faith."

A spark snapped in my mind.  Yes. It makes perfect sense, I am the most creative and productive when I'm teaching a class!  I'm happier. More inspired, and though I often complain on my way to the class, once I arrive, the students encourage me. 

So thank you Julia Cameron for enlightening my point of view.  I am a better artists, because I teach!

Which fuels me to respond to those who discount teachers with a quote of my own-

"Those who CAN do "it" well enough to teach others, do both!"

Brewery Art Walk LA!

Who says there's no culture in LA?!
This weekend Jeff and I took a trip to downtown Los Angeles to explore the hip, cool vibe of the Brewery Art Walk.
As a Southern California resident for more than half my life... I never knew this place existed. Thanks to a dear friend and artist, Amy Mullin, we were invited to explore a vibrant and passionate scene!
We worked our way through hundreds of lofts and studios, each with a unique approach and design ascetic that matches the artists' who live and create there.
For anyone that appreciates the dedication and creativity of an artist, this should be a mandatory stop on your visit to LA!
Here's a little taste of the monkey business that Amy and Kam have created with photography by Kevin Scanlon.  Click here for more details!

One other artist that really caught my eye was Ryan McIntosh.  I'm a huge fan of pop culture and Ryan proved to have a fun new spin on an old point of view, capturing the current trend of Reality Celebrities...

Among others, he took Tweet's and trash from Kim Kardashian and somehow made it art.

It was an awesome and inspiring day of art in LA!