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.....

LISTEN

WE HAVE TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH SO WE CAN LISTEN TWICE AS MUCH AS WE SPEAK. ~ Epictetus (Greek philosopher)

We all have days where we become overwhelmed - by life, by circumstances, by fear........ In those times we often feel alone. We reach out, and feel misunderstood or like we are not being heard. Then we are more overwhelmed.

A friend reached out to me the other day. She was overwhelmed and it was building up and building up. When she called it was like she just popped the cork out & it all came tumbling out..... and out, and out. I caught myself starting to offer input or suggestions, and then realized that all that was needed of me was to listen. Listen! To just be there for her to let it all out. To be a safe and soft place to land for that moment. and so, I shut my one mouth and opened my two ears. That simple act can be such a gift to give to a friend - or anyone. And I found myself in the similar situation of feeling overwhelmed and in came all the suggestions from very well meaning friends! And while I appreciate their caring and love and desire to be helpful, I ended up feeling more overwhelmed. In the future when a friend needs an ear, I'll really pay attention to opening my ears more, and if I open my mouth to offer something, I hope it will be - "How can I help you? What, if anything, can I do? I'm here for you. I care."

So Delighted to be Featured on ARTNOIS! { nature photography } [ fog photographs ] { Ohio fine art photographer }

I was so over the moon to be contacted by ARTNOIS last month about about having my fine art photography featured! They are awesome & I love seeing the artists and musicians they feature and promote. Thank you ARTNOIS for the wonderful spot! Much appreciated~!  See the whole article HERE.

Phone Case Giveaway with Caseable! [ Recycled ] { Spring Flower Photography } Spring Freebie

We are all so looking forward to Spring! It is time for Winter to close and Spring to make its appearance with a profusion of flowers and warming breezes. And in anticipation of Spring, Caseable is giving away one of my Phone cases for free! FREE! All you do is stop by their Facebook Page and leave a comment about what you like best about spring for a chance to win my popular Dialogue With the Sky design in a phone case! But hurry, a winner will be selected in a couple days! Of course my favorite thing to do is to get out and hike and shoot the beautiful flowers! Spring Fever!!

Featured Artist Interview with Caseable { Fine Art Photographer } [ Nature Photography ] { Recycled Made in America Products }

I'm delighted to be the featured artist for March at CASEABLE. If you're not familiar with them, well then - stop over now to take a look. I love that they have a unique recycled product that sets them apart from the crowd. The following is their feature interview of my work & business! You can see my product line at Caseable HERE!

On the Couch with Joy StClaire

We sat down with the amazing and effervescent Joy StClaire to talk about her awe-inspiring photography.

Joy’s photographs evoke memories of her childhood in Ohio, and of time spent outdoors on her grandfather’s farm. She has a great attention to detail that can be seen in her close-ups of flower petals, morning sun breaking through the tree crowns or in the detailed ornaments of a carousel. Just as they do art prints, her work looks stunning on our cases and we admire her spirit that comes with it!

When did you decide to become a photographer?
I don’t know that I actually decided! For as long as I can remember, it is just how I have always seen the world – in “frames” or “squares”, and always being aware of light. About 10 years ago, I decided to actually turn this passion into something mainstream after receiving inquiries from people who had seen my work.

What is the first photograph you ever took?
Ah! I still have it and just looked at it the other day! I spent much time at my grandfather’s farm in the mountains and photographed the sunset while up in his fields one evening.

What is the most inspiring travel destination for you?
I loved the rugged wilderness and coastal towns of Nova Scotia, Canada and I also loved the landscapes and fishing villages of the Blue Hill Peninsula in Maine. On my bucket list? Charleston, South Carolina , Newfoundland, Canada , Scotland and the Oregon Coast.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you after your career took off?
I keep looking at this question and almost laughing, because I guess I don’t really stop long enough to think of it in those terms (my career taking off). I feel I’m always growing and building. I guess I’m not so much looking behind, as I’m always looking ahead and thinking of the next phase and evolution of my art. I tend to stay in the moment and experience life as it happens continually around me. So I would say the whole journey is the best thing!

If you could travel back in time where would you go?
Where would I go? I think maybe the Renaissance because it was such a time of exploration and had such amazing art and artists. Or maybe the Roaring 20s/Jazz Age because it was a time of changing views and focus on culture, art and music.

What is your favorite book or what are you currently reading?
One of my favorite books was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein – loved it!! And currently I’m reading The Little Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.

What's your favorite photograph of yours and why?
This is always changing!! Right now, I think it’s Inner Peace because it was taken while I was exploring the foggy woods of the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania while reconnecting with my college sweetheart!

Do you have any new projects you're currently working on?
At this time of year (so very cold!) I work on creating new still life pieces, usually with fruits or flowers or food and I am enjoying shooting on my aqua vintage table. Everything looks so pretty on it! I’m also talking with some artists about doing collaborations, and am thinking about doing a collage project.

You take amazing nature photos but if you could choose to photograph any famous figure, who would it be and why?
Thanks so much! I would love to photograph Amelia Earhart. She has always fascinated me and inspired me – following her passion to fly and always being her own person, taking chances and not believing in barriers. Of course her clothing and plane would make for amazing props in a shoot!

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INNER PEACE is available HERE as a fine art print, throw pillow, shower curtain, mug, note card and gallery wrap canvas.