GETTING KNOWN

PINK PEONY

People often ask me how I got to where I am.... wherever that is... where people perceive me to be and how my art has ended up the venues it has. Really what I think people want to know is a step by step cut in stone type of method or guide. I could jot down a list of companies to contact and say you've got to work hard, but it is more than that... It goes to relevancy in today's art market and world. And relevancy changes so quickly. It is a fine balance of being current, relevant and also uniquely individual in a work of copycat and same old same old. Granted there is only so much uniqueness in the art world... but you can always put your own spin on a concept or idea to make it your own - a different color scheme or a different perspective, etc.

But it goes beyond that to tenacity and resilience and continuing on when you think you can't because your energy or inspiration is gone. And then, even beyond that... it is having faith and believing in yourself and your art and then keeping that faith to get you through discouragement. It is the perspective that with each declined submission comes the opportunity to rework art or to try to find a new audience. It is about never giving up. It is living with a mindset of curiosity rather than focusing on fear or failure. That mindset of curiosity should extend beyond creating, and become a way of living. Embracing curiosity is even more tantamount than the idea of following your bliss. Really, it is following your curiosity and living in possibility. It is letting go of the focus on success or achievement and living quite simply in a place of what could happen or what is next. And I think that is how you arrive at success and at happiness.

Voice journal from July 8, 2016
Columbus, Ohio

***** I'm beginning a mentoring service for creatives to navigate the business side of their art and also provice direction and coaching in art. If you would like more information while my blog is undergoing revisions to accommodate this new service, shoot me an email or give me a call. I'd love to hear from you! Workshops will also be in the works later this year!

SUMMER FLOWERS

These still life floral art prints are available in my Etsy shop.

WATERING THE SAME LAWN

APPLE ORCHARD IN SPRING

We are singular and we are everyone.

We are ourselves alone and we are each other.

We think the grass is always greener elsewhere, but we are all walking on

and watering the same lawn...

Water your lawn well...

then take off your shoes and run with wild abandon.....

Olivia StClaire

This original fine art photography print of an organic Michigan apple orchard in Spring can be purchased HERE in my Etsy shop.

BEYOND OUR HORIZON

BEACH MEDITATION

My life is drastically different than I had planned, and that is a very good amazing thing. Because I could never have planned let alone imagined the life I’m living now. We keep ourselves safe, walking through our rutted known path. Living vicariously through others instead of truly living our life and stepping out of our comfort zone. .. never stepping to the edge of our borders and glimpsing what might live beyond. There are amazing incredible things just beyond our horizon. This morning I was wondering what keeps people on their mundane path. People have often remarked how brave I am to do what I’m doing now and live how I am living. But I don’t feel brave. I feel fearless. I began thinking about that ... being fearful or full of fear versus fearless and having less fear. Instead of running away or staying where we are perhaps take one step toward what you are fearful of. And then tomorrow take another step. And the next day another. And you’ll be closer to seeing what lies beyond that horizon and being fearless.

NOVA SCOTIA

CLOUD BALLET

A PLACE TO DREAM

There is so much raw wild untamed beauty in this place I can’t even convey it with my camera. Nova Scotia must be experienced with all of the senses and with one’s wide open soul... from rugged Cape Breton (I especially loved the Mabou area), to the South Shore & untouched Kejimkujik Seaside, to the Annapolis Valley... Each area has its own distinct geography, beauty and draw. I'm so thankful to have found this magical land years ago on my honeymoon. It has called me back ever since.

GIFTS FROM THE SEA

ENCOURAGING DREAMS

Knowing that someone believes in you is one of the most wonderful gifts to receive, and one of the most loving gifts to be able to give. In a world full of naysayers and those who discourage, that person who believes in you is like a light shining bright and true. A person who believes in you, who instills confidence and courage and says yes, it can be done... someone who fans the flames of your dreams,  and lights a match to give your dreams light and life, is a rare gift and wonderful mentor. That gift and mentor was my cousin Jack, my Mom's favorite cousin. This morning I learned he had passed away. I was going to do a blog post about my visit to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and their amazing rose garden, but it seems more appropriate to use these photos and talk about Jack, who loved gardens and gardening and roses and being outdoors. He loved working among beautiful things whether they were people or plants. He was one of those rare people in life that your noticed because of his quiet presence that was compelling. He loved life, he loved living, he loved encouraging others, he was the father that my father never was.

While I was going through my divorce, Jack was always checking in on me to make sure I was OK. He would send me articles in the mail he thought would be helpful. One of them was about Flickr. He knew my love of photography and encouraged me to join, telling me it would be a good way to learn and improve my photography in a  community, and was free!  I put that article away for a few months, then found it and opened a Flickr account.  That one little thing Jack did, completely changed my life. We never know when these little things we do for people might be something extraordinary in their life. I told him it was because of him that my life changed - from that one little thing, from joining Flickr and making new friends and learning so many new things, it put me and my art and photography where I am right now. I'm forever grateful to him for caring enough to take the time to do that, and to encourage and to believe. How wonderful are people who care enough to do these little things that are such big things. He was a big believer in paying it forward and helping others. 

These wonderful encouragers of dreams, the mentors who say yes you can, I believe in you... they are such bright lights in this world. And now one of them is gone. RIP Jack Kasper, you were loved. You were one in a million. 

Encourage dreams. Take time to listen. Be a light. Look someone in the eye and tell them you believe in them. Each time I do these things I'll think of Jack.

SETTLING

For 8 1/2 months I've been living my dream from my 20s and being a gypsy. It's been exhilarating an life changing. And surprisingly, I've found it hard to blog about because it's been a very personal life changing experience. My inner and outer world has become so much bigger by traveling so many miles, meeting so many amazing new people and having to rely on just myself in many new ways. I've gained inner strength and resiliency and made many new friends. I didn't know if I could do this, but I guess the only thing to do when one is unsure, is to try & in the process grow. We can do many things if we just take action and take the first step. That first step propelled me thousands of miles and has created wonderful memories and relationships. But ironically, as much as I love the wandering and adventure, I find myself longing for the very simple joys of  the spring ritual of planting flowers in pots, having my own constant work space, feeding my birds and walking the same paths each day. I always found new joys in those everyday ordinary surroundings. In many ways, I appreciate those things even more now. But some simple rituals remain... coffee in the morning and tea in the evening, meditation, yoga, a late day walk someplace... and I realize that home is a place I carry inside.

Follow my travels on Instagram HERE and HERE! 

Find art prints from my travels in my ETSY SHOP and my SOCIETY6 SHOP.

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WATERCOLOR and ALTOID MINTS

 When I arrived in Maine at the beginning of May for my art retreat, just a hint of Spring green was visible in the trees - signs that new life was about to awaken. I came here to learn new art techniques specifically watercolor, and I'm leaving with a renewed sense of creativity and and a passion for watercolor.  I got out of my comfort zone! It's been an amazing month!  And since arriving, the world has turned green and is blooming profusely! Leaves are out on the trees, azaleas and lilacs are in  bloom. Everywhere there are flowers and birds singing! It's been a slow and beautiful spring season.

On this adventure, I explored Islesboro and Vinalhaven islands. The ferry ride out in the sea is wonderful! Other days I explored Rockland and Camden. But mostly, I painted and watched online classes I had purchased with Danielle Donaldson. Her enthusiasm was contagious! My time in Maine is coming to a close, but my painting will continue. Since I'll be traveling, I wanted to have small watercolor palettes I could easily carry along.

 I got some half pans at Rockport Blueprint, as well as some small self stick magnets & a great little watercolor journal. Then on my way back to my studio I got a couple of ALTOID tins. Now I have a couple small limited palettes to easily take with me while on my journey to Nova Scotia!

WATERCOLOR

For my whole ride on this planet, I've been experiencing it all through my eyes. It's how I'm wired. A camera has been in my hand since I was 9, and it gave life to my vision, to my perception of the world with colors, and lines and light. Later, my emotions and spirituality seeped into my photographic work to give it life and spirit. It has always been second nature.... it just comes out of me intuitively.

This month, I'm at an art retreat where I'm giving myself the gift of time to learn new art forms. The first two days have been a little frustrating and eye opening! I wanted to learn & create beautiful things quickly - the way I can create art with my eyes & camera. I guess we all want to get to the jackpot fast... to buy the winning lottery ticket...  find true love on the first date... I'm guilty! I had visions of creating some kind of amazing piece in the first day, intuitively and naturally! But I'm realizing that most of life is starting at the beginning with basics and building a foundation. So I'm taking it slow, and letting myself settle in to enjoy playing, and learning & creating. The Joy is in the process! It's good to learn new things and keep ourselves fresh - and humble!

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FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW WITH CASEABLE!

I've been an artist with Caseable almost since the beginning. The company specializes in custom cases and features the art of well known contemporary artists from around the globe. Caseable is eco friendly and focuses on using recycled materials whenever possible. This environmentally friendly vibe is aligned with mine, as a nature lover. I'm delighted to be their featured artist for the month of March! Stop by to read the interview and check out my latest featured artwork!

You can read the INTERVIEW HERE.
Find my latest fine art photograph on my cases HERE.

Begin Anywhere

In 2017, I wish more of this for myself - more living life well, time with friends, travel, firsts, learning & beginning. All this is the real stuff of life. And I wish for you, time away from what truly doesn't matter as much in the grand scheme, & more time spent with what truly does matter. Maybe finally taking action to a realize a dream. Maybe giving up what doesn't serve you. Happy 2017 my friends!

PLAYING FAVORITES

These are my personal favorite nine fine art photographs from this year. Each one has a special meaning or memory for me. Some were taken on travels, some were taken close to home at favorite haunts. It was definitely a colorful year!! ☺ Each of these art prints can be found in my Society6 shop here:

https://society6.com/joystclaire

It was an incredible year of sales,  & I'm thankful & humbled that my art has found a home on so many walls! Thank you for your support!

MEDITATION

Last January 1, I began doing yoga and it was life changing, when I thought it would just make me more flexible! At the end of my morning yoga, I would usually meditate and pray. With my recent travels, yoga is sometimes not easy due to cramped space or other reasons. But I still try to make the time to pray & meditate. This morning I woke with lots of thoughts swirling in my mind. Things aren't always easy on a travel adventure! I sat down to meditate & my mind couldn't go still....  So I began a series of letting a thought come, but not following it down the road and start to spin with it. I realized that you can have the thoughts & not fight them, to not attach to them, just let them go. That alone cleared my mind. It seems that when we "fight" against things, they grab hold. But if we let it just be, then we flow. I'm having a bit of a struggle right now as my computer has died. I want to edit my photography, and get my art where it needs to be online. But I finally realized during meditation that perhaps I'm supposed to be doing something else right now and that my art shops are actually taking care of themselves.

Often I'll get asked how this travel adventure has changed me. It's still ongoing, but I guess the easy answer is that you look at life, yourself, everything differently - with new eyes. When you do something that scares you, or that you think you cannot do - well, it stretches you,  shows a strength you didn't know you had - especially when doing a solo travel adventure. 

When I'm out hiking and photographing, I always turn around - many times - because where I just was looks so different when I turn around and look back. That is what it is like on this adventure... 

STARS

Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major (the Big Dog), will rise above the southeast horizon this week. If you have a moment, and a clear evening, take a look south...

My grandpa was an avid amateur astronomer. As an organic farmer, (and before computers) he paid close attention to the signs in nature and would take me up the mountain to point out the stars and talk about their meaning and lore. He passed his love of stars and nature on to me. I wish he was still around to see the results of his taking time out of his day and sharing that love and knowledge. But when I walk outside at night, in places where I can see all those millions of stars in the sky, I like to think he knows...

That gift he gave of himself and his heart is priceless & has lasted my lifetime.... and those are the very best kind of gifts to give, and receive. 

If you like this fine art print, you can find it in my art shop here:

https://society6.com/product/look-how-they-shine-for-you-wf3_print#s6-3466630p4a1v45

GRIT

People often ask me how I achieved my successes and how my artwork has become known. I'm sure they think this has happened overnight in a few months or maybe a year. They always lean in, as if they are going to hear some nugget of inspiration that will suddenly catapult them and their work front and center someplace - quickly. They always seem a bit disappointed when I tell them they have to have passion and to never give up and to give a hand to others - that no one can do it alone. Then they walk away (literally or off into cyber land).

STANDING IN URBAN OUTFITTERS IN COLUMBUS OHIO HAPPILY HOLDING SOME OF MY ARTWORK FOR SALE IN THEIR STORES AND ONLINE.

I've always been an artist, although I did not call myself that until recently. It has always been a passion - a light that burned strong and hot inside my soul. It is how I walk through life. My photography is how I experience this thing called life and this planet we walk on. It was in many ways a necessity that I sell my art. But that is a whole other blog post!

Most people believe that things happen instantly. the mindset of magical thinking. But the things that truly matter and are worth having or being take time and and lots of work. This morning while having my coffee, I was listening to a morning news show and my ears perked up when Angela Duckworth began talking about GRIT. She said that talent alone does not guarantee success (as so many hope). She said in the age of talent shows, talent is really not enough to instantly become a success or star. Her research discovered that something she came to call grit was needed to achieve great things. She described grit as a combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal, and that grit was a hallmark of achievers.

I looked up the definition of grit in the dictionary. GRIT: firmness of character; indomitable spirit; plunk. Synonyms: fortitude, courage

It's been a while since I heard the word plunk (or grit), but I'm really liking them. So next time someone asks me for words of wisdom on how to achieve success, I'll tell them when they lean in.... You need to be a gritty person. You need to have a bit of plunk and indomitable spirit.....

Don't Blink

It seems time is running a race with itself lately. I blink and 5 days have passed. There is a song that says "don't blink..." I get that now. Each morning I have been doing a yoga flow where I start the day being present - mind, body, heart all right there - present with the new day. Then I set my intention to guide me and focus on for the day. This practice seems to have slowed time a bit - I'm more aware and present during the day which is awesome - no mindless chatter or random thoughts racing through my mind, or me racing through the day. Sunday was my birthday - I won't say which one since my spirit is young, but I feel wise in living! It was nice to stop all else and give myself the gift of time wandering up to one of my favorite destinations to get away from the city and just relax in the moment. I took my camera and let creativity show itself. What a wonderful day in the sunshine exploring Kingwood Gardens. Not much was in bloom yet as Spring is late this year. But I did find much to photograph in the greenhouses. It was nice to take the time to see the beauty and uniqueness of each plant and slow time a bit even if just for a day.