Wow, so much happened in 2012, and it whizzed by. Clearly I was so wrapped up in all of it, I stopped posting by the end of January and poured all my energy in trying to preserve the Angel Fire ArtSpace Gallery. If you follow me otherwise, you already know that by July, the handwriting was clearly on the wall. Traffic in the gallery dropped by 90%, year over year. That was a downturn that was flatly unsustainable.
From there, I chose to develop a new business plan, and transition the gallery from a physical store to a functional online store. I have to. I'm absolutely passionate about Art. It's more than just the creation of it that compels me. It's the conviction that I can provide beauty and food for the soul for the Art buyer, compensation for the artist and also for me. It's way more that "making a living". It is to me, life itself.
So, I closed the physical gallery on September 13, 2012. Scantly 3 months before my 9th Anniversary in business. And I celebrated that on December 16th. 9 years under my belt and heading for 10, just differently.
If you haven't done so yet, check out the new site. I still represent myself and others, and am adding new work to it all the time. It's fully operational with a built in shopping cart, but if you still prefer to call to order, that works too. I have a blog there too...and I'm laying out a work schedule so I can manage all the hats I continue to wear and all the marketing efforts I continue to employ. That said, it is definitely my intention to keep up with all of it. After all, there's no more rent to worry about. And that's no small thing. All together the savings mount in the $1000s. It was the right decision.
And so, now, here we are at the start of another year. May 2013 bring us all more peace, harmony and abundance. Namaste.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Pondering the "Markers" in My Life
I'm not entirely sure why, but I have found myself pondering some of the more memorable "markers" in my life, that led to some kind of change. While there were some big ones that occurred in my late teens and early twenties, it is the more recent experiences that have been running through my mind, impacting my dreams too.
First, comes the whale. John and I were on holiday in Mexico and we decided to take a trip out in a small boat with a guide in search of migrating whales. It was a gray, rainy day. Cold too. We were given rain ponchos and off we went. The small boat smacking hard against surf churned up by the wind made me hold on tight, fearing we'd be thrown out of the boat. I was thinking, "what were we thinking?" when the "scout" shouted and pointed. The boat turned in the direction of his point and then abruptly came to a stop. Not 50 yards away, a Mother Humpback was playing with her child. Up out of the water she would come, splashing down soaking us all. Then up came the baby, repeating the action of the mom. Closer they came, and closer. I'm not sure exactly how close, but when I could see her eye it was like looking into the vast stored memories of history. All of it. It was only a second, but it seemed like forever. Off they sped, surfacing and diving, till they were gone from sight.
I can't explain how incredibly Spiritual it was. In my heart there is no other word to describe it. As we rode back to the shore no one spoke. The rain suddenly felt like a cleansing shower. I have no photos. I had the camera but was so struck in the watching that I completely forgot to pick it up.
I'm not sure why I've been thinking about that. But this I know...I'll never forget it.
It was a similar experience with a Bald Eagle. I was headed to the gallery one day, about a year ago. It was fall, the air was clear and the sky was that bright cerulean blue. I turned from our road on to highway 64 and a few moments later something caught the peripheral vision of my left eye. I glanced at the window, and there, flying beside my car was a Bald Eagle. It caught my breath. I slowed (I hadn't come to full speed yet) and glanced in my mirror to see no one behind me. I looked again, the magnificent bird was still there, flying right beside me. He stayed with me for about a mile. Then he swooped up and around and disappeared. I pulled off the road. I had tears running down my face, and was filled with a sense of awe, of hope, of courage, of strength.
What did that mean? Why did that happen? I don't know. I do know the overwhelming feelings that it (the experience) inspired. I am grateful. Always seeking more, intent on always watching for the sweet moments of healing, hope and encouragement. Seeking to understand the markers and the impact they have had on me.
And I am blessed. That such gifts have touched my life is overwhelming, humbling and still fills me with a sense of wonder and gratitude. I hope sharing it blesses you too. Happy Sunday.
First, comes the whale. John and I were on holiday in Mexico and we decided to take a trip out in a small boat with a guide in search of migrating whales. It was a gray, rainy day. Cold too. We were given rain ponchos and off we went. The small boat smacking hard against surf churned up by the wind made me hold on tight, fearing we'd be thrown out of the boat. I was thinking, "what were we thinking?" when the "scout" shouted and pointed. The boat turned in the direction of his point and then abruptly came to a stop. Not 50 yards away, a Mother Humpback was playing with her child. Up out of the water she would come, splashing down soaking us all. Then up came the baby, repeating the action of the mom. Closer they came, and closer. I'm not sure exactly how close, but when I could see her eye it was like looking into the vast stored memories of history. All of it. It was only a second, but it seemed like forever. Off they sped, surfacing and diving, till they were gone from sight.
I can't explain how incredibly Spiritual it was. In my heart there is no other word to describe it. As we rode back to the shore no one spoke. The rain suddenly felt like a cleansing shower. I have no photos. I had the camera but was so struck in the watching that I completely forgot to pick it up.
I'm not sure why I've been thinking about that. But this I know...I'll never forget it.
It was a similar experience with a Bald Eagle. I was headed to the gallery one day, about a year ago. It was fall, the air was clear and the sky was that bright cerulean blue. I turned from our road on to highway 64 and a few moments later something caught the peripheral vision of my left eye. I glanced at the window, and there, flying beside my car was a Bald Eagle. It caught my breath. I slowed (I hadn't come to full speed yet) and glanced in my mirror to see no one behind me. I looked again, the magnificent bird was still there, flying right beside me. He stayed with me for about a mile. Then he swooped up and around and disappeared. I pulled off the road. I had tears running down my face, and was filled with a sense of awe, of hope, of courage, of strength.
What did that mean? Why did that happen? I don't know. I do know the overwhelming feelings that it (the experience) inspired. I am grateful. Always seeking more, intent on always watching for the sweet moments of healing, hope and encouragement. Seeking to understand the markers and the impact they have had on me.
And I am blessed. That such gifts have touched my life is overwhelming, humbling and still fills me with a sense of wonder and gratitude. I hope sharing it blesses you too. Happy Sunday.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Perspectives
So, I thought, "I'll try to post every Sunday" Also thinking "or most Sundays". So, it is Sunday, and I saw something today that struck my attention. First, some background. I've seen recently, on TV a commercial (Volkswagon, it think), that starts with a boy looking at a bicycle and saying, "is it fast?" and then an older boy looking at a motorcycle and asking, "is it fast?" and then a guy/baby in sling asking "is it safe?"
That is the preface.
So, today, I was sitting at a table, drinking a coffee, at the Albuquerque airport, when I observed (my favorite pass time endeavor when there) a family come off the escalator and onto the "gate" floor of the airport. I saw a man, cowboy hat, duster, and boots, walking with who was clearly his wife and children (demonstrated by action) and she was pushing a stroller, and had the baby in the same kind of "front" strap as the guy in the commercial (which is what probably prompted my instant comparison.) But it struck me. She was pushing the stroller with a toddler, diaper bag and sundry in the back of the stroller and She was carrying the baby. He was strutting in his boots, duster and hat.
It was a sight that caught my eye. Is it 2012? In recalling it, I'm still shaking my head.
That is the preface.
So, today, I was sitting at a table, drinking a coffee, at the Albuquerque airport, when I observed (my favorite pass time endeavor when there) a family come off the escalator and onto the "gate" floor of the airport. I saw a man, cowboy hat, duster, and boots, walking with who was clearly his wife and children (demonstrated by action) and she was pushing a stroller, and had the baby in the same kind of "front" strap as the guy in the commercial (which is what probably prompted my instant comparison.) But it struck me. She was pushing the stroller with a toddler, diaper bag and sundry in the back of the stroller and She was carrying the baby. He was strutting in his boots, duster and hat.
It was a sight that caught my eye. Is it 2012? In recalling it, I'm still shaking my head.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A New Year..A new effort to Post!
The New Year crept in and before I blinked here it is the start of the second week! Wowzers!
Although I hear lots of naysayers regarding the coming of 2012, I find myself focused like a laser beam on growth. Growth for the Gallery, growth for me on every level: Mind, Body, Spirit, Relationships and Finances. I've been studying regularly, and (delighted to have a Kindle of my own now) and find my optimism growing daily. I am an Affiliate of the Global Information Network and though I've not taken the step to join yet, I'm filled with gratitude for the massive information available to affiliates and members. To learn more about that, click here. It is very exciting and I've met more than a few spectacular people!
While the gallery has short hours in the winter (Open Thursday-Saturday 11-5) that hardly means I'm not working. In fact, I generally accomplish more when I'm not there than I do when I am! That said, it has been a blessing to have studio space there now. I have managed to get some nice paintings done there though I still prefer my home studio for dedicated painting time. I am, of course, always open by appointment.
Here's a peek at the new work:
So, here's to 2012! May the year bring your dreams into reality. May you prosper in life, health and financially. I'll be painting more and smiling ALOT! Happy New Year!
Although I hear lots of naysayers regarding the coming of 2012, I find myself focused like a laser beam on growth. Growth for the Gallery, growth for me on every level: Mind, Body, Spirit, Relationships and Finances. I've been studying regularly, and (delighted to have a Kindle of my own now) and find my optimism growing daily. I am an Affiliate of the Global Information Network and though I've not taken the step to join yet, I'm filled with gratitude for the massive information available to affiliates and members. To learn more about that, click here. It is very exciting and I've met more than a few spectacular people!
While the gallery has short hours in the winter (Open Thursday-Saturday 11-5) that hardly means I'm not working. In fact, I generally accomplish more when I'm not there than I do when I am! That said, it has been a blessing to have studio space there now. I have managed to get some nice paintings done there though I still prefer my home studio for dedicated painting time. I am, of course, always open by appointment.
Here's a peek at the new work:
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving and Gratitude
As the official day of giving thanks approaches, it is appropriate to share the gratitude that pours from me. While I try to maintain an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis, sometimes I know I get overwhelmed by everything else. So let me put it down where I can go back and see it again and again.
I'm thankful for the daily blessing that flow through my life. For the growing strength of my sweet husband, and the healing wounds of my loyal and loving Grace. For the way that showers of supply seem to come just when I think I'll give up. For my warm home, loving family and faithful friends.
I can scarcely believe we're about to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the Gallery. And grateful for that too. Immensely grateful for my customers, so many of whom have become my friends, for all of you who collect my work. For all of you who collect the works of any of the artists in my gallery. That leads me here, I'm so thankful for you, the artists who trust me with representing you, who supply the gallery with the beautiful pieces you bring in. Without all of you, there would be no gallery.
I'm grateful for all of you and the many ways you have all blessed and impacted my life. May the coming Season bring you joy that will walk with you every day of the future.
I'm thankful for the daily blessing that flow through my life. For the growing strength of my sweet husband, and the healing wounds of my loyal and loving Grace. For the way that showers of supply seem to come just when I think I'll give up. For my warm home, loving family and faithful friends.
I can scarcely believe we're about to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the Gallery. And grateful for that too. Immensely grateful for my customers, so many of whom have become my friends, for all of you who collect my work. For all of you who collect the works of any of the artists in my gallery. That leads me here, I'm so thankful for you, the artists who trust me with representing you, who supply the gallery with the beautiful pieces you bring in. Without all of you, there would be no gallery.
I'm grateful for all of you and the many ways you have all blessed and impacted my life. May the coming Season bring you joy that will walk with you every day of the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)