Shari Beaubien

Happy Thanksgiving!

This single shot does a perfect job of explaining what I'm thankful for this year.  If you look carefully, you'll see three framed pictures of our "kids" stacked there on the wall.  Steve's spirit is thoroughly present as I remember painting those walls together, lovingly selecting the furniture, and nurturing our house into a home.  And of course, prominently centered in the forefront waits my easel and painting aprons.  That just about sums it up, I think.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, to be sure.  In the midst of those two (traveling) shows back-to-back and all of the upset from the fires, I got rejected from the Scottsdale Art Festival for the second year in a row.  That one stung.  I sent what I felt to be the very best combination of images of my very best work to date - better than any I'd submitted to any show thus far.  I was feeling really good about my chances, and then came the notice of "non-acceptance".  Bummer.  Rejection never feels good.  No matter how you sugar-coat it, someone is telling you that you just weren't good enough.

Then, as you know, along came Unique LA.  I'm so excited about this show - especially the fact that proceeds will benefit such a worthy cause.  AND I get to sleep in my own bed!  Woo hoo!!

It really isn't about keeping score though - weighing how many shows I get into versus how many I get rejected from.  As the days grow shorter and the air colder, I'm feeling extra contemplative this holiday season.  No matter how many years I live, it never ceases to amaze me how The Universe seems to bring us just what we need precisely when we need it.  More often than not, we don't even grasp the why of it all.  But if we just learn to live with an open heart, trust in possibility, and accept that we will be dealt the hand that is truly best for us, then we are rich beyond measure.  This year I'm thankful for that.

Unique Los Angeles

* SIGH *
It was my intention to give myself a nice break
from now through the end of the year...
I thought it was going to happen.
I really believed...

And then, this appeared on my radar:

What's a girl to do?
UNIQUE LOS ANGELES?!?!
A brand new indie-style craft fair in my own back yard?!?!
Sponsored, in part, by Etsy?!?!

Well, I applied and am THRILLED to report that I was accepted!  Mark your calendars for December 13 & 14!  It will be a terrific opportunity to get your shopping done AND buy handmade this holiday season.  All the information can be found here.  My little vendor page is here.

If you're serious about attending, email me because I have a handful of wristbands to give away for folks to gain free admittance.  First come, first serve.  I'll mail them to you in time for the event.  All I ask is that you commit to attending if you take a wrist band.

And as if this event couldn't get any more irresistable, here's a quote from Sonja Rasula, organizer extraordinaire.  She explains how much good your shopping will do...

Our non-profit partner: CREATE NOW

As the mandate for UNIQUE is to support the creative community, I'm proud to announce that 50% of all admission proceeds will be going to a great LA organization called CREATE NOW.  Their mission is to change the lives of high-risk and at-risk youth through creative arts mentoring, education, resources and opportunities.  Your consumerism counts!  By visiting UNIQUE you aren't just able to buy great gifts from our independent vendors, but will also be supporting the LA community directly.  Thank you for your support, we look forward to seeing you in December!

That's Life...

Here's a simple sketch for a new triptych I've started.  So far I just have a few layers of the base coat down, so there isn't much to show you except a lot of beige.  It feels good to have a bit of time to actually paint.  That time seems to have been eluding me lately.

Despite my best intentions, Fountain Hills turned out to be a stressful fair.  The 7-hour drive and set-up went smoothly enough.  I didn't even forget anything.  The first day was actually quite nice, too.  Then came the phone call from our dear friends at 4:30 in the morning on Saturday.  They were at our house evacuating the cats because of the threatening Sayre Fire.

To make a LONG story short, Steve got in the car and raced back home.  That meant I was alone at the fair feeling quite helpless, scared and stressed - trying not to let any of that show.  I didn't know if he'd be able to get back in time to help me tear down the tent.  I knew I could probably do it myself, but I was worried about the length of time it would take and being alone in the pitch black.  Then what to do once it was packed up?  Without a car I would need to lug tent, art and a million other things back to the hotel.  Even as I made the multiple trips, who would watch the stuff left on the side of the road?  And oh yeah, was my house burning down?!?!?

Thank goodness Steve made it back just as the fair was closing.  We packed everything up and then drove straight home that night.  I think we finally rolled into our driveway around 2:30 AZ time.  The flames were still visible from our house - on the hill which flanks our neighborhood.  Ugh.  I just can't describe that feeling...

Last night the fire was 85% contained and I can't see any more active flames from here.  I thank the firefighters, as I always do, and send many blessings out to them.  As I allow myself a bit of down time and some room to paint, I am reminded how very healing the act of creation can be.  Where there was nothing comes something new and wonderful.  What a perfect antidote for destruction, don't you think?

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and a bit more...

Phew!  Nothing like hitting the ground running, and that's precisely what I'm doing this week.  My experience at the Queen of Arts Show in Solvang was, as always, lovely.  I send a huge shout out to Syd - organizer extraordinaire, talented artist AND doting grandmother.  Thank you, Syd!

Now I'm looking at a short week as I leave at the crack of dawn on Thursday for the Festival of Arts and Crafts in Fountain Hills, Arizona.  I'm super excited about this show and am defiantly refusing to let the woes of our economy infiltrate my consciousness.  I believe (that's B-E-L-I-E-V-E) it's going to be good...  Do come out and see me if you're in the area!  I'd love to see you.

And now I'll leave you with a few photos of some really inspiring artists whom I've supported with purchases lo' these many months.  Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, one and all!  Enjoy...

FABULOUS Frida art doll from Danita at Danita Art
such exquisite hand-painted detail on this creation

photography from Irene Suchocki at Isphotography
breathtaking, nostalgic and slightly mysterious

 

quilted notelet from Candy Glendering at Candied Fabrics
soft and functional... see the pockets for a pen and business card?

soft sculpture from Abby Glassenberg at her website
such character and whimsy
plus, you know how I am smitten with elephants!

 

encaustic journal from
Bridgette Guerzon Mills at her website
again, functional AND beautiful
this book has been a pleasure to fill

That's it for me today...

Have a terrific week, everyone!

It's That Time Again...

That's right, it's time for the Queen of Arts Show and Sale in Solvang...

Here's the info.

I'll be there Friday evening and most of the day on Sunday, but my artwork and the artwork of many fabulous others will be there for the duration of the event.  Stop by and get that holiday shopping started early!

Yes We Can...

Before I even opened my eyes this morning,
my heart smiled with the rememberance of last night.
I have never been so proud to be an American.

 

Congratulations, Mr. President-Elect.

Happy Election Day!

Now, get out there and vote!