Street Art....

JT- Shower the People

Compassion!

ENJOY!

One of those weeks... Dear Diary....Blog.

So much happened this week that I can't begin to sort it out. I have had a long ( one year or so) awaited conversation. I feel free in some ways having said what I need to say...at least in part. You know, when a conversation goes on and on in your head and you don't sleep for months.
Yeah, that's what this was.
I finally got a breath in the midst of toxic thoughts. Unfortunately and fortunately freedom comes when we face our demons. You may ask, "what is fortunate about that?" What is fortunate about having to face demons?
Well, demons teach us...at least this one taught me. It taught me about trust.

What else happened this week? I began to move my studio from Orr Street Studios to my wet basement. This is a challenging place for me. What I know is that in a challenge like this, I am not alone.... tonight a friend of mine offered to transport my easel which is oddly tall. I am thinking about hiring another friend who is beautifully gifted in organization to help me set up my next awesome space. I believe that I can and will create a working studio under my house.

With this ending at Orr Street , I am taking this as a challenge from life. I want to spread my art out beyond the Columbia borders...beyond the Missouri borders...beyond this side of the Mason Dixon line....beyond...dare I say, our country's borders.

Lately I have been spending a lot of time in the garden. I'm trying my hand at growing my own food. I've never done this at the level I'm attempting. Ok, so I've made a hit every year at "sweet one hundreds" ...little tiny tomatoes that are better than popcorn.
So, this year I have stretched to the limits. I planted three yellow squash plants (in hopes to finally learn how to make yummy yellow squash casserole), eight dill, one cucumber , one cantaloupe, many Rutgers tomatoes( to the point that it may be "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes", and two Okra plants. I have no idea what these plants want or need but I suspect I will soon.

I think that the loss of the studio has given me another look at life. My joker side says yeah... can we say poverty? And then, that little kid inside of me says...don't give up....there are people just around the corner who need and want art....and who need and want to explore their own art.

I am choosing to listen to her. The one that sold art on the streets of Chicago at the age of 5,6,7. That's the spirit of a child. So willing...So eager....
So creative..... I hope I never lose her/ME!

Gratefully,
Josie
P.S. I want to put a visual up with this blog post because I always do....and.... I haven't found one yet that really fits.

In honor of Earth Day which should be everyday.

I'm working on a blog post that will catch some of you up on whats happening right now in my life. Until then, I leave you with one of my all time favorites:

An inspiration

Here is a little gem that a blogging friend of mine sent to me. I was touched by this incredible woman. So much so, that I had to share her with those of you checking in on fearless creativity. I admire her commitment in the face of negativity.
THIS IS FEARLESS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

check it out.

For another day,
Josie

Women in Art- a gifted transition

In honor of Women's History month, I offer this piece that I found on Youtube.
What a visual dance in the world of artists loving women. It's such a delight!

Enjoy!

Start all over...Tracy Chapman

Ray Charles: Let It Be!

The Creativity of Children

There's nothing like spending the day with a group of children to remind me of how much creativity is born in us. I think from day one, we are born with a wonderful curiosity for life. If we're lucky, we don't lose that zest for life. Unfortunately, most adults spend so much time worrying that they forget to release the tightness of their brow to let in a little daylight.

I had the good fortune to spend the day last Friday with four creative children. They had a teacher conference day so the parents brought their kids to the Columbia Art League, where I got to teach them art from 9-5. It was a day of questions and quick thinking. I was reminded of the old show "Kids Say the Darndest Things". I was also reminded of the gentle grip they have on life. Kids aren't bogged down by all of the details. Instead, they are more about possibilities. The one little girl in Kindergarten was much less concerned about how her drawing was "supposed" to look, as the Third grader who mentioned that she "couldn't draw something right". Anyhow, I noticed my own "supposed to" thoughts as I was helping these kids make artwork. When I let go of those insidious messages, that's when the real creativity can begin.

Here's to a creative beginning....which is always today!
Josie

Have a garbage free day!

A dear friend of mine sent this story to me. It couldn't have arrived at a better time. I like the philosophy behind it so I wanted to share this with those who read my blog. Enjoy...or I might say In Joy...live in joy....spread your goodness today to others. And of course, have a fearless day!

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One day I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really
friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks: They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it, and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

“Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets,” the cabbie said.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...

Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a happy, garbage-free day!

Eddi Reader: Moonriver

I think it depends on how old you are when you listen to this song if it means anything to you or not. If you're young, you may think, "that's an old lady song". I'm 45 and this song reminds me of my mother. She used to sing it in the car on long trips from Nashville, Tn. to Hardy, Ark. So, this song reminds me of my youth and brings up only positive images and memories. I found it while looking through some of Eddi Reader's music clips. I love her and her version of this golden oldie.

Enjoy,
Josie

"You've Got a Friend in Me"...Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman

Here's a song that reminds me of all of my friends and the way that I love each and every one. As I grow older, I appreciate my true friends more and more. I guess with age, we realize who those people are and cherish them with a deeper reverence. I'm offering this song to all of those people.

Great News!

Today I had a miracle happen! I went in to get a biopsy of a growth that the hospital found on my thyroid. I was so scared of having a needle put in my neck. So, there I was lying on the cot and they put the jelly all over my neck to do the ultrasound so that they could guide the needle in to the growth. I could feel my throat closing from being so nervous. The Doctor looked and looked but couldn't find anything. She left and called my primary doctor. Then, she came back and checked again. Unbelievably, the growth is gone! I asked if she was absolutely sure and she said YES!
YAY!!!!! I skipped through the parking lot back to my car. I still can't believe it. It's got to be due to prayer. I asked her if that was normal for growths to go away and she said no. Wow! I think I'll do art about this.

Smiling the BIG smile,
Josie

Ab Fab- Bubbles and the New Year

Here's 57 seconds of silliness from Ab Fab. It's part of my Happy New Year wishes to all those that I love.
Fresh new beginning hugs,
Josie

The Prayer of St. Francis

Visual Poetry

Today I'm feeling quite blue. I found this piece on Youtube and it just fit for me. I appreciate the creativity that went into this bit. Tomorrow maybe will bring some sunshine and a lighter heart. I certainly hope so!
Josie

Northern Exposure : "Northern Lights"

MORE LIGHT!
I find this clip amazing in the connection of lights and the creativity that brought the array together. Once again, I find inspiration in the talent that put "Northern Exposure" together. I think this is a nice piece to put up before Christmas. It's community that holds us together!

Who is a light in your life? Have you told them?

With Light and Love,
Josie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Raul Midon once again gives a message with his music. I thought this was a great piece of musical creativity for this week of giving thanks. I am fortunate to be spending the weekend with some dear friends of mine who have offered to help me with my grandmother's cabin. We will be playing and working and more playing. This place is on a beautiful river and the weather is perfect for a bonfire. I can't wait to hear the laughter in my family's home. I give thanks for the friends that light up my soul everyday.

Here....art....now....take a look.

Everyone who deals with fear around their own creativity has to walk out in faith at some point. Whether that is about doing the work, showing your work, marketing your work...you name it. It's all about moving toward the light. I don't know who did this piece but I've always loved it!
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Swimming by the Nudist Beach by Josie Sullivan
$90 (12"X 12")
Acrylic Painting
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Silence by Josie Sullivan
$100 (w 9.5" X 37")

This piece is etched on the back of plexi-glass.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
add shipping cost and it is yours!
+
I've discounted my prices in reflection of the economy.
Haven't we all?

Josie

Seasons of Love...I'm going "Broadway...ish" here...

Just for Now

Raul Midon

I feel rather somber today. I've decided to post a musician who I found on Ted.com. His name is Raul Midon. He sings with a passion that gives me chills. The first time I heard his song, "Everybody", I teared up. Music sometimes does that to me. It moves quickly from my ears to my soul. In this clip he does two songs (Everybody and Peace on Earth). The second song just made me think about the hope that this nation needs right now.

Enjoy,
Josie

Barack Obama- Our new President Elect

Here is the email I received last night from the Obama campaign. (it went out to millions).
It is time for our country to come together and support our new president so that he can do the work that will need to be done to heal our country.

Josephine --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack