ALTERNATE ROUTES

ON THE WING

Voice journal recording July 10, 2016
11:37 AM

I've always taken the road less traveled... I've always searched for alternate routes on foot and in thought and in  life. When I was little I was intrigued by Amelia Earhart and her brave explorer spirit, and not so interested in Barbie who frankly scared the heck out of me with her unrealistic waist combined with Dolly Parton tatas. I've learned to embrace being an adventurer and wanderer at heart. And I can settle for a little bit but then my restless spirit pushes me to journey and explore again.

Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries? -Amelia Earhart

There is more to life than being a passenger. - Amelia Earhart

You can find this fine art photography print ON THE WING in my ETSY SHOP.

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.

A PIECE OF PAPER

“I've always felt there is something sacred in a piece of paper that travels the earth from hand to hand, head to head, heart to heart.” 

― Robert Michael Pyle, Sky Time in Gray's River: Living for Keeps in a Forgotten Place

WANDERLUST

Each day, a common routine and ritual for many of us, is going to check for mail... I mean paper mail. It has been a ritual I miss so very much and took for granted. Since becoming a traveling gypsy for over 500 days, receiving mail has become a special sacred occurrence. People always ask me how I receive mail while on the road traveling so many places.

Before I began this current adventure, a traveling nurse friend told me about a thing called a traveling mailbox. These are companies where you can have a mailing address to receive things that need to be sent to you while on the road - bills, checks, cards... things that can't be done via internet. These companies scan the mail for you to view online and then download and print if you like. They also deposit checks for you. It has been a lifesaver! The company I use is actually called Traveling Mailbox! I picked an address in Florida because I liked the idea of it, being an Ohio girl!

Many traveling nurses, RVers, digital nomads and other wanderers use services that have sprung up for a new population of people who have taken to the road most or all of the time. Since I've been seeking longer stays, I have gotten PO Boxes to actually receive cards and real mail! I have a PO Box in Maine and just got one in Georgia which is my current stop for a while. And for stays of shorter duration, I discovered you can receive mail general delivery at the post office where you are staying.

It's so nice to be able to have an address to give out and look forward to getting mail!

Find my WANDERLUST fine art print from my recent Florida adventure in MY 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.

BLAZING TRAILS

COASTAL LANDSCAPE ABSTRACT

Soon I will be moving again. There isn’t much to move, just what fits in my car. But it’s become a process where I lay down my roots deeply,  then sever them and move on. Wherever I land, I immerse myself there completely, knowing my time is limited. It is a rich and authentic way of being. I'm so very thankful for the incredible friends I've made along the way and beautiful places I've explored and hiked. Parts of me are always left behind... like a trail of breadcrumbs or trail blazes through a wilderness showing where I’ve been and the way back should I want to return.  You get to know where all the gas stations and overnight stops are along the interstates. I try not to look back, keeping my eyes and focus forward… I take everything I need with me in my car, and tucked away in my heart and my memories. For a year and a half, home has been wherever my feet are... which lends itself to a very present and mindful way of living. It is simplicity and minimalism at its best. Much of my year plus gypsy life has been spent along the sea, and the sound of waves and water have become as familiar as my own breath. And as necessary...  A friend joked with me that I'm creating millions of new neural pathways in my brain with my everchanging new surroundings and routines I must learn. That thought makes me smile! With all the constant changes and new landscapes, I began meditating to ground myself. It has become a life changing daily habit and way of life. Often, I'm asked if I get tired of wandering and living like this. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I desperately miss my garden, and the wonderful ordinary sameness of each day and a routine so deep it becomes a rut. But those moments are fleeting and they pass. And I realize the highway has become a well known friend. I know I will settle down and nest again… But there will always be a wanderer within waiting to see what’s around the next turn.

SEA SPRITES

SUNSET ABSTRACT

ADVENTURES ALONG THE COAST

If you would like to see more of my long exposure photography created during my time exploring coastal Maine, stop by HERE.

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

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.

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!

SPRING BEAUTIES

On the days that I can't go out wandering in nature, I bring a bit of it indoors on to my various vintage tables. Things just happen on the table! I don't usually have a preconceived notion of what I want to do..... I gather my materials, grab my ladder, put on some music and just start letting things happen! Happy Tuesday!