Welcome to my monthly newsletter! Scroll down to get an update on the art and events happening in my world, and be encouraged and inspired to live creatively and wholeheartedly in YOURS!
Art is important to me because I experience life through symbols and pictures, through flow in the Spirit, through impressions and gut feelings...and art gives those ponderings expression. In the past few months, in the spirit of self-care, I took a course called The Fine Artist Summit, through Art MBA, and was challenged to MAKE MORE ART and to SHARE IT. What’s the purpose if nobody sees it? My motto (even if my boys tease me): “Messy bun, and getting stuff done!”
Specifically, I’ve followed the Art MBA algorithm suggestions on social media: i.e. post regularly. With just two posts a day and random (un-figured-out) hashtags, some really cool opportunities have come my way. (More about that below.) While very grateful, I’m not satisfied with simply showing and telling about things I make in my studio solely for the sake of showing.
I’d like to be part of a conversation that will encourage and inspire us all to think about art, and beauty, and THE big mysteries in a way that brings us to realize WE’RE ALL MORE THAN JUST PASSIVE CONSUMERS.
When naming this monthly newsletter endeavor I looked to my best friend, the thesaurus, to decide if “chat” is the best word to describe what I intend. The alternate words suggested were ones like “babble”, “gossip”, “yak” and “bull session”. (Those options give us a bunch of room to take this wherever we want to go! HA!) What I like about a “chat” is the back-and-forth of it, the engagement, the participation. So much communication is one-way (media, teaching, sermons). We’ve been conditioned to sit and be talked to, to sit and consume words on pages and screens, to sit and watch stories acted out.
Recently, I realized my addiction when going through The Artist’s Way for the third time. Week Four poses a challenge: “Fast other people’s words for one week.” (Shock. Horror!) I decidedly skipped that challenge. It would mean giving up morning books and coffee in my bird-chair, podcasts while cooking dinner, online courses, TV, and movies!!! No way! Basically, I realized I’m in constant consumption of one-way words!
What I mean to say is I’m longing for a bit of back-and-forth.
I’ll put ideas here. Maybe you’d like to give me yours? **(I realize I’m sending to you a letter, which is by definition one-way. I know, I know. But it’s the spirit of the thing…and if you leave comments I’LL RESPOND!)
Another reason I like the word “chat” its connotation of friendly talk between two equals; no hierarchy, no expert - underling situation, just interaction as friends who have an interest in each other. I recently heard a science-talk by a man named Mike McHargue, the contents of which I cannot recall except for the introduction and his opening remarks. As he took the stage the host gave a very eloquent and honoring introduction expounding his accolades and education. Mike took the mic and did something I’ve never heard before, (and I am a self-proclaimed professional and life-long sermon/lecture-listener…10,000 hours? Pshhh!). Instead of immediately orating, riding the wave of legitimacy and honor just given him, he instead invited us to bring to our attention the setting and social cues that might lull us into passive consumption of his ideas: He was on a stage and all the chairs were facing him, he was standing and we were sitting, the lights were on him while we were in darkness, his voice was amplified, and his name and pedigree had been publically announced while we remained unknown. After highlighting those cues that pointed to his authority and superiority, he asked that we look past them, turn ON our brains, and think about what we were hearing.
He asked us to form opinions on the matters discussed...question, wrestle, be inspired - or not.
Then he went on to speak on the subjects he’s studied with excellence.
Not that I have a great pedigree or any kind of authority, but charismatic words put into print can tend to engender undeserved importance. I’d like to stay away from those trappings. I want to share inspiration. I make art, you might too. I have ideas and thoughts about the world, and I know you do too. (You might enjoy spreadsheets, I don’t. Ha!) In other words, this newsletter won’t be preachy but will be a monthly sharing with an invitation think, wrestle, be inspired, or even disagree.
We’re LIGHTS created to burn brightly, fully aligned with purpose, and equipped as we go…because that’s what the whole world needs - each of us LIT from the inside. (Mt.5)
So, I look forward to our “chats”. My hope is that you’ll feel inspired toward wholeheartedness and creativity in your own world as I share mine. Onward we go into a new decade! There is unrest and uncertainty all around us, but there is also beauty.
Sarah
Recent Happenings
Conde’ Nast!!
After boosting my social media posts to two per day I started receiving emails asking to display my art in Conde' Nast magazines! What!? While it doesn't change anything in daily life, (…still need to scrub the chili pot in the kitchen sink), I'm honored and humbled by the opportunities coming my way!
My daily schedule has been morphing….
This last year, for us, for me, has been a year of transition....and there's more to come in this new year! The past 16 years, art for me has been a meditation, a creative outlet, and mostly done in the quiet solitude of my studio. Daily life has changed gradually but significantly, though, in the past few years with a combination of our kids becoming young men, their homeschooling becoming more independent, my learning to say "no" to things, and moving from teaching music in a classroom, to our home. With these changes, I’ve been able to focus on art as more than just a solitary activity! I’ve been teaching, hosting paint parties, making, selling, and sharing more!
Our boys growing into men = the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed…and also…I bawl about it regularly.
(five years ago, y’all)
Jared’s starting a new business!!!
Probably the biggest change in our lifestyle of late is that Jared is starting a new business creating VOD platforms and other distribution and marketing machines! Everyone who knows him knows him knows he will be the BEST asset to all he works with, (but I know it the most). We are excited about this new adventure. (Click below to know more.)
“WE BUILD DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING MACHINES FOR MEANINGFUL CONTENT”
Art Lately…
Corrina’s Trees, acrylic on canvas 3’x4’, Original SOLD, prints available via Etsy:SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Peonie Watercolor, watercolor and silver leaf on paper and canvas, 2’x4’, Original SOLD, prints available via Etsy: SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Large-scale landscapes, acrylic on wood panels, 8’x4’ Price: $3000 each, email sarah@sarahgeesey.com, prints available via Etsy: SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Watercolor Florals, watercolor on paper, 17”x 30” (greens, soft pinks, purples, deep pinks, blues, and yellows)
Price: $550 each, framed - email sarah@sarahgeesey.com
Prints available via Etsy: SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Grandeur, acrylic on canvas, 3’x4’. Price: $2000 - email sarah@sarahgeesey.com, prints available via Etsy:SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Path, acrylic on canvas, 2’x3’. Original SOLD, prints available via Etsy:SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Second Naivete’, 8’x4’ acrylic on wood panel. Price: $3000 - email sarah@sarahgeesey.com, prints available via Etsy:SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
2020 Hymnal Calendar, colored pencil and ink on hymnal pages. $20 via Etsy: SARAHGEESEYSTUDIO
Upcoming Events
Public Exhibition: March 14 - April 11, 2020
Individual Exhibit, Marcellus Gallery
Kings Art Center Foundation, Inc.
605 N Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230
You’re invited!! Opening Reception: March 13, 2020, 5:30-7:30pm
I'm working hard, making, making, making art for this art show in March-April!
I'll be in California March 6-15 and have a few speaking sessions, interactive painting classes, and parties set up! I hope to see you California friends!!
March 9&10: Workshops at Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center, Visalia CA
Paint and Chat - Inspiring and Facilitating Creativity in Yourself and in Your Children
Whether you enjoy art or wish you did, this workshop is for your inspiration. Take an hour or two and paint with Sarah. She will provide all the supplies and give step by step instructions so you will go home with a painting you're proud to have created. Between brush strokes, we'll discuss all manner of things related to the integration and prioritization of art, creativity, and inspiration into YOUR life...and into the lives of your children. Sarah is passionate about respecting children as fellow human beings and affirming the intrinsic and unique gifts each person has to give to the world.
What can I do for you?
Commission a Painting
Your space reflects your person, your spirit. What are YOUR desires for your unique, personal piece? Jot down some thoughts and Sarah will use them to create an original painting for you...
- decor for home or office, gift, logo?
- colors and style - photos with ideas/concepts?
- quote or scripture or symbolism?
- size and shape?
Let's find original ways to visually represent you!
Etsy Store - Where you buy the things.
My Etsy store is where you can buy original paintings and paper and canvas prints! It's all automated so your order will get to you as quickly as possible. Please send me a note when you place the order so we can connect!
Of course, if you're local, we can always save on shipping and pass the delivery face to face...over coffee? (click below for Etsy)
PATREON
I've been introduced to another exciting sharing tool called Patreon. It's a place where I can interact more directly with you, my tribe, my patrons - where I can send you stuff, create with you, and create FOR you in a more affordable way. I'll be sending another update soon explaining all about it. Click the link above and explore Patreon for yourself.
Book a Painting Party!
Painting parties with Sarah Geesey are social events! This means the parties are not serious art lessons but are intended for you to relax, have fun, and leave with an awesome piece of artwork! Let us help you discover your inner artist. No experience necessary!
Voice and Piano Lessons
Music makes life beautiful! Learning to create it skillfully is a life-long endeavor that brings endless enjoyment and personal development. What a gift! Our ensembles and private lessons teach the tools needed to produce pleasing music and encourage hearts to pour out in humility the gifts they’ve developed through hard work and cooperation.
Voice Class (ensemble) Tuesdays 10 am -12 pm
Private Voice and/or Piano Lessons: Tuesdays, openings at 3 pm and 3:30 pm, 5 pm and 5:30pm
Thanks everyone!!