2.11.09

New Gallery Image

More artwork has been added to Go Inspire's Gallery on Imagekind.



Strawberry Field is a digital rendering created by photo manipulation.
The original image (shown below) is a closeup of a few strawberries in a field.


What is your view of the Artist's treatment of the image?

30.10.09

Beach Art

Art comes in all forms. It can be crafted by man or by nature. Sometimes, in it's simplest form, it is most beautiful.

Have you ever drawn a picture in the sand? Or built a sand castle? If you have, you have created a work of art, albeit possibly unintentionally. Here are a few examples of possibly unintentional works of art.

The artists may never know the extreme pleasure many experience from viewing such treasures, or maybe they do. Either way, I am glad I was able to find these on my life's journey.

Have you found art in unexpected places?
The images above are all taken (and in some cases, edited) with an iPhone. Leave a comment with a link to an image of beach artwork (or anywhere) you have found that was either intentional or otherwise. Thank you for sharing!



26.10.09

5 Easy Steps to Renew Creativity

Have you ever been in a design rut? Have you ever had the creative BLAHs, lost your flow, hit the wall?

If you roam in creative circles or work in a design atmosphere, you probably anwered, YES. No worries, it happens to all Creatives at one time or another.

Below are a few steps that can help get you back on the road to Creative Flow in no time.

CLEAN YOUR WORKSPACE
Nothing hinders imagination like clutter. Take a good look at what is on your desk. Does it need to be there? Does it add to your productivity or is it in the way of your real creative process? Although it is natural for most artistic personalities to dabble and spread out, but we also tend to get sidetracked. (sound familiar?) Even painters start a new painting with a fresh, clean palette. So, if you are stuck in that rut, do yourself a favor -Ban the STUFF and watch your creative flow return.

GET FRESH AIR
Take a break and get outside for fresh air, at least once every 3-4 hours. Fresh air can lower stress and has even been known to lessen my symptoms of what I call my Attention to Detail Deficit. I'm just sayin'...There are many benefits to the great outdoors. Nature sparks creativity, revives, and refreshes!

MINGLE WITH OTHER CREATIVES
Iron sharpens Iron...so the saying goes. It is true that creativity is infectious. The more you watch and learn from others, the more you hone your own skills as a Designer, Artist, or Creative Professional. Join a social website, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Linked-In and get to know others in your field. Follow them, read their blogs, use their educational links. Take the best morsels from each person you come in contact with and build your Creative arsenal.

PLAY
Don't forget to play. Break from the serious task at hand and take time to think about something other than work. Whether it is playing fooseball or nerf basketball in the office, or taking the game outside on a real basketball court, just play. Try and stay away from anything work related at this time. For example, if you work on the computer, don't spend your play time battling the internet gamers. Do something different. Play with clay or paint or jacks. Keep puzzles in the office for that play break. Whatever it is, be creative in your play and inspire your work.


EAT HEALTHY SNACKS
Take the time to pack and take Healthy Snacks to your workplace. Healthy Snacks will help give you a sustained energy boost, unlike those Buzz and Crash Junkfoods, such as candy bars and caffeinated soda. Drink lots of water and grab a handful of almonds or walnuts to give you protein and energy to last throughout the day. Fresh fruit and vegetables also make a great, easy-to-carry snack.

What do YOU do to spark your FLOW?
Although there is much more that could be added to this list, these five tips should help you on your way out of a creative rut. Please leave a comment and share your suggestions for Renewing Creativity!

19.10.09

New Gallery Image


The latest photographic image has been posted to the Go Inspire gallery, Potpourri.

Wine Garden, is a decorative image captured at a winery in Napa, California wine country. The roses from the garden in the background are reflected back on to the glass of dessert wine.

Wine art collectors and enthusiasts will enjoy this addition to the gallery.

14.10.09

The Importance of Breast Self-Exam

It's not just for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Self-Exams MUST be done regularly to be most effective.

The Breast Self-Examination is your first line of defense in fighting Breast Cancer! The chances of survival are improved greatly with early detection. And the chances of early detection are far greater if you are checking yourself regularly!

Nobody knows what you look and feel like better than you. Don't be afraid that you don't know what you are doing. Just EXAMINE YOURSELF!


Self-Exams literally take only a few minutes and entail a manual and visual check of yourself. This quick monthly check could save your life!

The internet has many great resources for Breast Awareness, including conducting your own breast exam and other steps you can take to increase awareness.


I am a breast cancer awareness advocate. I have written about this topic on Squidoo and elsewhere. I have even designed a EXAMINE YOURSELF T-Shirt to spread the word on the importance of examining yourself. The design is the silhouette of a women doing a Breast Self-Exam. It is a simple, artistic image which evokes questions and curiosity - a great way to spread the word.

*If you haven't EXAMINED YOURSELF lately, please do. And remind those you love to do the same.

13.10.09

Art for Cancer

I have noticed a recent swelling of the charitable, kind-hearted nature of people. It  is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it seems this year there is much more awareness for all kinds of cancer. Many businesses are spreading the word in their marketing endeavors.

Currently, one of my online gallery groups on ImageKind is involved in raising money for the cause of Cancer, as well.

Today I joined Art for Cancer, a group of artists who are donating much of their profits from art sales to their chosen causes.

My personal contribution:
I will donate 30% of the sales from my piece: Spring Fling, on Imagekind, to Susan G. Komen for the Cure thru Team Hula Hooters, for Breast Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education.

Although this may seem like a small token to give for such a wide-spread disease, if every artist involved with Art for Cancer can donate the profits from just one piece, what a difference it will make!

I am sure I speak for the other artists when I encourage you to take time to look around in the Art for Cancer gallery. If you see something you like or you think would make a great gift for someone, please remember that your purchase will go a long way to finding a CURE!

Thought:
Your purchase may add artwork to your collection, but it may also help add years to someone's life! Thank you for your support!

12.10.09

Inspirational Michael Jackson Medley

You may or may not have appreciated Michael Jackson, but the gifts of music he left behind are undeniable. Here is one young man's tribute-by-medley to Michael Jackson. Very well done and much appreciated!

24.9.09

Buy and Sell Photos Online

It is a daily occurence for most Creatives; searching stock photography sites for the perfect image for their current project. This post contains a few of my favorite stock sites, some of which you may be familiar, some maybe not so much. Take a look at them, as they all offer different options, as well as prices.

iStockPhoto
PhotoStockPlus
Photos.com
Dreamstime
Fotosearch
BigStockPhoto
Shutterstock

If you are a photographer, there are many sites where you can host your event photos or Sell your Photographs. One of my favorites is Photostockplus. A great feature of Photostockplus is the assignment board. Stock shoppers post their need for specific images. It's especially great if you just happen to have that particular photo in your library of images. PhotoStockPlus also offers image hosting on a personalized homepage for subscribers.Yearly subscriptions are very reasonable and you can try the service for FREE!

If you have a favorite stock photography site not mentioned here, please feel free to leave a comment and share the love! Have a picture perfect day!

19.9.09

Recession? What Recession? Let's Build Homes!


Apparently, the new home builders in this neighborhood didn't get The Memo. You know, the memo that said we were in an economic downturn, a real estate slump, a downward spiral. Business must be good for these builders, as new homes are popping up all over the "hood", like daisies in the Spring!

The new homes are priced to sell, although they are priced slightly above the previous sales. This is great news for those who purchased in this area recently, as home prices were at their lowest in years.

Seeing the construction progress gives the impression that the tide is turning and the economy is on its way back. It definitely leaves me hopeful, and I know many in this area feel the same way. We are moving forward again, and things are looking up!

Do you see progress in your neighborhood? Tell us where you are and what progress you may see. We can all use the inspiration!

2.9.09

They Put Chula Vista on the Map!

Congratulations to the San Diego based Little Leaguers on your WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP! Way to go! Youth Baseball...Inspiring!