Creating with interruptions

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 25^th , 2009( Memorial Day) and have the videos filmed and ready to edit and upload by June 25^th , 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