Meet the Creative Courage Soul Sisters : Part I

Today I'd like to introduce you to my latest Creative Courage Soul Sisters series, featuring the inspiring women who are contributing interviews to my e-course starting (soon!) on Monday, April 9th.

I'll be posting these spotlights in two parts today. This amazing group of 12 creative women will join us to share advice and personal stories on how to live out your dreams of making art, write books, plan global adventures, teach e-courses and live workshops, and help others achieve their own creative goals.

I'm delighted that these lovely, talented ladies will be taking part - and I hope you will join us too!
 
Flora Bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, teacher, author, and inspirationalist. Her vibrant paintings can be found in numerous galleries, in public spaces, on album covers and on a variety of unique licensed products found around the world. Flora combines eighteen years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, massage therapist and lifelong joy seeker to infuse her teaching and painting style with a deep connection to body, mind, and spirit.

By honoring intuition and celebrating the present moment, Flora encourages her students to overcome fear and welcome joyful spontaneous expression back into the creative process. Her transformational approach to painting (and living) and has inspired thousands of people to “let go, be bold and unfold” as they step fearlessly into the creative process. 

Flora’s book, “Brave Intuitive Painting” will be released by Quarry Books in May 2012. Flora splits her time between painting, teaching, and traveling in colorful locations around the world and living among a community of artists in Portland, OR. 

To see Flora’s art, please visit www.florabowley.com. To find out more about her book, online courses and workshops, please visit www.braveintuitiveyou.com.

Flora writes: "One of my top creative dreams is to collaborate on large-scale paintings with a group of artists I admire, preferably done as a live performance piece while great music is happening all around us."

Camilla Engman grew up in a small Swedish town named Trollhättan. This is where she began looking at life from a perspective that most of ussee only momentarily, and just a few are able to record. Camilla practiced her skills at the Dome Art School and later at the School of Design and Craft, Gothenburg University, where she acquired a Master of Fine Arts degree. Today she works and exhibits worldwide.

Often through animals or people, Camilla’s pictures inspire her audience with a wide range of feelings. Her work has the fascinating characteristic of allowing you to grasp an idea without robbing you of your own personal interpretation, regardless of whether it’s an acrylic painting, paper-on-paper, or mixed media.  

About her creative projects, Camilla says: I dream of having more time, time and peace in my mind, to acquire further training and depth in areas I'm already working in. I love what I do and I want to do it even more." 

“Hello, my name is Tif Fussell, I am a Brit misplaced abroad with half a clan, (comprising of my lads of three), my constant canine companions, a few other furry friends, some with feathers and an adopted goat called PIP. The other half of my clan is out in the big wide world making their own creative footprints and PIP? well he too is making his little hoofy marks in exotic climes in someone else’s backyard. It warms my heart to think of him doing what he does best for another family whose need for a goat is far greater than mine.

It might be quite true to say I’m a dabbler of sorts, I have dabbled all my life with my creative soul and imagination lurking close by. If you were to ask me how I like to spend my time, (whilst wearing clogs, frocks and aprons), well I like to spend it wisely treading the handcrafted secondhand path with dottie angel (my alter ego) close by my side. Some days we get to really truly shine together, others we do not. And that is ‘a-okay’, for the moments we do get together I know are a rarity and ones to be cherished.

So my dabbling resume comprises of, mother of four, addicted crafter, blog rambler, workshop teacher and indie author. a nice little line up for one who just trusted her inner voice, listened to it and discovered one day, despite her slight oddness, it was okay to be her.

At present I live in an odd looking dwelling called Mossy Shed, I love her with all my crafty heart but I plan to leave her one day and set sails for fresh horizons, one that hopefully has a sea view and a forever home, slightly ramshackled and very embracing of my granny chic style and the countless critters I wish to give a home to. But in between now and when I sit in my rocker overlooking the sea, I have a creative dream involving ‘bricks and mortar’; a working, living studio which once a month incorporates a secondhand pop-up shop so I may continue my addiction to thrifting. Oh but wait! I have another creative dream, I hope I am allowed more than one, I fear this maybe breaking the rules but its most important so perhaps I may be forgiven. I also wish to be a granny! I cannot think of a more creative role and dream to have. Little young lives looking to me to guide them on the path I have already trodden in my clogs. Teaching them crafty goodness, so they can carry on all that is righteous and goodly about making with your own two hands, and in turn finding their inner creative souls, so my circle of life may be completed”

Don't miss Tif's beautiful book Dottie Angel: the peachy crafty world of Tif Fussell published by UPPERCASE, check out her upcoming workshops, and read her delightful blog.

Angela Ritchie is the founder and director at Ace Camps which is based in the mountain town of Whistler, Canada.  Angela has found her niche by creating inspirational retreats for people looking to kick-start a change in their life led by famed writers, photographers, artists and artisans.

The creator of buzz-worthy blog, The Ace Camp Journal, avid traveller, arts administrator and veteran hospitality professional, Ritchie says “Ace Camps are about taking risks and adventures to make your life better. Whatever age or stage you’re at, sometimes you just need to step out of everyday lives, and put yourself in the path of inspiration.”

She is working on a new project called “Weekenders” and along with the longer format retreats she plans on inviting participants on Cultural Vacations.

Angela’s creative dream is:  "to inspire people to travel, meet like-minded creatives who continue their friendships and support each other."

p.s. - Both Camilla and Tif are doing live ACE Camp workshops this spring, so be sure to have a peek here.

Beth Nicholls describes herself as "an adventurer, wanderer and seeker of knowledge and beauty." She is also creator of the popular Do What You Love website, which offers a variety of ecourses to help others realize their dreams.

Beth explains: "Many moons ago a wise man gave me the following advice: 'See, touch, taste, smell, hear and speak as much as you can. Spend time alone travelling out of the cities, research into religions, ways of life. Go with an open mind and a warm heart. Don’t cling to the past, but enjoy the present and fly towards the future.'

I try to live my life like this, exploring – through travel, art, cooking and conversation – discovering beauty, stories, inspiration and friendship. I have lived, worked and travelled all over the world – from Bhutan to Brazil, Mongolia to Mozambique, Azerbaijan to Antarctica. But the country that soaked deepest into my soul is Japan, where I lived for many years, and where I am thrilled to be moving to again in March 2012. There are adventures to be had every day, and I am so happy to be able to share them with you.

I have always tried to make choices which have allowed me to do what I love – travel, create, meet new people, learn and explore.   As a result, lots of weird and wonderful things have happened in my life so far..." Find out about Beth's upcoming adventures on her blog.

Lisa Solomon is a mixed media artist who moonlights as a graphic designer and art professor. She’s also 1/2 of MODify/d – a business that upcycles damages and leftovers [mainly cashmere sweaters] from the garment industry into useful and fun things for you, your kids, your home, and your pets.

She has a BA in Art Practice from UC Berkeley, CA and and MFA from Mills College. She’s exhibited extensively nationally and internationally including such venues as: The Koumi Machi Museum in Japan, Nicoletta Russconi Gallery in Milan, Italy, and the San Jose Museum of Art. 

Her work often questions and deconstructs the very nature of identity through the exploration of mediums traditionally associated with “women’s work” and the archetype of domesticity. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, young daughter, pit bull, frenchie, and 3-legged cat, in a pointy roof house with a lovely garden and many many spools of thread. She tromps to work in her backyard studio in green rubber clogs as often as she can.

Lisa is currently working on a solo exhibition that will open April 14th at Walter Maciel Gallery in Los Angeles. She is working with the idea of migration – personal migration as in charting the physical movement and identifying qualities of her own and family members movement from place to place – expanding to global/political migration like the movement of radiation fall out from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

Lisa's creative dreams for the future: "I love traveling and would love to travel more! I feel so lucky that my work has taken me to some pretty amazing locales and hope for more of that in the future. I am always inspired by new to me places – from small towns to large cities and everything in between. I always come away with a fresh look on life and new energy."

Thank you lovely ladies, and I can't wait to share your in-depth interviews in our Creative Courage ecourse, starting soon on April 9th!

If you are interested in signing up for Creative Courage, I'd love for you join us! To find out how to sign up, please click here.

Creative Courage Soul Sisters: Part II coming up!

xoxo

Stephanie

Creative Courage Soul Sisters : Part II

More inspiration from our Creative Courage Soul Sisters today! I'm honored and thrilled that these multi-talented, highly successful women will be sharing their exclusive interviews with us in my Creative Courage e-course, which starts on Monday, April 9th.

Tracey Clark spends her days (and nights) juggling an all-encompassing career as a photographer/writer/blogger/teacher with the precarious art of raising both a spirited grade-schooler and a tireless teen with her husband in sunny So Cal. Although she’s got 20 years of professional photography under her belt she simply considers herself an Everyday Photographer, not only because she shoots ever day but because her favorite subject matter is found in the everyday-ordinary.

Tracey founded the community photo blog Shutter Sisters, where women with a passion for photography are celebrated daily. She also co-hosts an annual event for the community with the next one, Oasis, happening in October 2012. She teaches a number of creative photography classes at Big Picture Classes (Picture Black & Whiteis next on tap) and can also be found on her personal blog.

Tracey is the author of Waiting for Baby, Baby of Mine and is co-author of Expressive Photography: a Shutter Sisters Guide to Shooing From the Heart. Right now, she is most giddy about her soon-coming latest title Elevate the Everyday: A Photographic Guide to Picturing Motherhood, due out July 2012.

One Tracey’s creative goals is to work with HGTV on at least one of her MANY creative project ideas.

Tara Sophia Mohr is an expert on women’s leadership and well-being. Her work helps women play bigger in their work and in their lives.

With an MBA from Stanford University and her undergraduate degree in English literature from Yale, Tara takes a unique approach that blends inner work with practical skills training, and weaves together both intellectual rigor and intuitive wisdom.

Tara has a deep commitment to amplifying women’s voices. She is the creator of the global Playing Big leadership program for women and the co-creator of two anthologies of contemporary women’s writings, The Women’s Seder Sourcebook and The Women’s Passover Companion.

Her “10 Rules for Brilliant Women” have struck a chord with tens of thousands of women around the world. In 2010, Tara was honored as a Girl Champion by the Girl Effect organization, which supports girls’ education in the developing world.

Tara is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has been featured on The Today Show, BigThink.com, Whole Living, CNN.com, USA Today, the International Business Times, Ode Magazine, Forbes, Beliefnet, and numerous other media outlets. She is also a poet, and the author of The Real Life: Poems for Wise Living. 

She lives in San Francisco, California with her husband, and enjoys poetry, modern dance, cooking for friends, and walking by the bay.

Tara writes: "a top creative dream for the future: spend the summer teaching writing workshops in a beautiful place."

Jennifer Judd-McGee is a mixed media artist and illustrator who lives and works in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Much of her inspiration comes from her coastal Maine surroundings and the patterns and forms she sees in nature. She has shown her work in galleries across the US, and in England and Canada, and her work has been featured in several books, including Old School, Jen-11, and The Handmade Marketplace. She is a regular illustrator for Maine Magazine, and has done design work for companies including Target, I-Pop, The Art Group and Modern Twist.

Jennifer's creative dreams: "there are many! and they compete for space in my brain on a daily, if not hourly basis. one big dream i've had that's actually coming to be this year is to finally make myself a proper website. i've had a blog for the past five years but no real website, and i am ready to think about an update/freshening to that space, as well as finally working on some branding and identity stuff for my business. it is going to be a lot of work, time and a financial investment, but it feels totally worth it.

another dream i am hoping to make a reality is to attend haystack this year. it's a world renowned two weeksummer arts intensive workshop on the coast of maine, living and working there - i've wanted to go for years. it's a lot to juggle with my family's schedule, but i am really ready to push myself, learn some new skills and immerse myself in work with no distractions. it's exciting to imagine how that's going to feel. "i'd also love to start expanding what i make to include more textile designs. this particular dream is in the overwhelming and scary category - there's a lot to figure out. but i hope to get somewhere on it in the next year or so."

Victoria Moran is a Main Street vegan – and has been for a whopping twenty-eight years. Putting all that experience into practice, she’s written her eleventh book, Main Street Vegan: Everything You Need to Know to Eat Healthfully and Live Compassionately in the Real World. Her creative cohort on the project is her daughter, Adair, a lifelong vegan and a stunt performer. 

Victoria, a certified Holistic Health Counselor, speaker, spokesperson, and two-time Oprah guest, is also poised to launch Main Street Vegan Academy, a program to train and certify Vegan Lifestyle Coaches. And, just for fun, she's inviting plant-based eaters to post their pix on her new tumblr site to show the world that "vegans are just like us!"

One of Victoria's top creative dreams for the future: 

"With my new book, Main Street Vegan, coming out in April, a top item on my daily to-do list is to prepare the presentations I'll give on my book tour and at the many conferences and festivals where I'll be speaking throughout the year. While preparing these talks, it occurred to me that plenty of people can address the topic of going veg, but the bit of capital that's unique to me is my own experience, the stories of my life that led to my taking this path. 

"So I decided to draw on my performing and writing background and create a solo show, 'The Making of Main Street Vegan.' That's my exciting creative project of the moment. I'll perform it on the road some this summer, and on October 5th, 2012, it will have its New York premier at the Integral Yoga Institute in Greenwich Village."

Lucie Summers lives in a farmhouse surrounded by countryside in Suffolk, UK, with her farmer husband, two boys and an anti social ginger cat. She graduated a million years ago from Norwich School of Art and Design with an HND in Design Crafts where she specialised in print making. A million years later, she's still printing up a storm and sells her distinctive fabrics under the label Summersville. Lucie loves thrift stores, the seaside and summertime, but dislikes cold weather, baked beans and raisins.

Lucie's creative dreams: "I've got a lot of plans for the future...I'd still like to be designing and printing fabric for lots of different applications, most specifically for the quilting and homeware market. I'd also like to design for tableware - I recently won a competition to design a mug which goes into production this month - and I'd like to expand on this success and create chinaware for somewhere like Heals or Habitat.

I'd love to create designs for stationery too, and have been in touch with a New York company regarding this, so I hope that goes somewhere this year.My longer term dream is to renovate an old shed on our farm and turn it into a gallery and studio - I've just been asked to start teaching and I'd like to be able to offer days here on the farm teaching print techniques, and have a little shop too. I imagine open days in the summer, with printed fabric pegged on the line and serving folks tea and cake...it's all a bit  of an idyllic pie-in-the-sky type dream, but i love thinking about it!"

Marianne Elliott is a human rights advocate, writer, and the author of Zen Under Fire, a book about doing good and being well in Afghanistan. She served in the United Nations mission in Afghanistan with a focus on human rights and gender issues, helped develop human rights strategies for the governments of New Zealand and Timor-Leste and worked as Policy Advisor for Oxfam.

Marianne is also creator of the 30 Days of Yoga to help you start - or restart - your own yoga practice) and several other courses. She is the Regional Leader for  Off the Mat, Into the World in New Zealand and Australia and she teaches workshops using the tools of yoga to support more sustainable, conscious forms of activism.

One of Marianne's top creative dreams for the future: 
"Trying to answer this question has been quite revealing for me. It seems I don't really have 'creative dreams for the future'. I tend more to follow my enthusiasms and passions where they lead me and find creative adventures along the way. But I certainly intend to keep writing, and I guess an ongoing aspiration for me is to write stories that help us all see ourselves, each other and the future in new ways. 

Most of all, I love to write." 


Thank you to all of my wonderful contributors for your time, thoughts, and participation!

We have an especially fun, creative, holistic group this session, so I do hope you'll join us for our 7 week celebration of color, enthusiasm, travel, and light.

You'll learn many practical creative business tips, get loads of inspiration and encouragement, and have the opportunity to connect with others who are discovering and developing their own personal, creative paths.

We'll also take a *virtual art and culture trip* to Paris, France together this session!

To find out more details and see what former participants are saying about Creative Courage, you can visit and register here.

xoxo
Stephanie

noelle griskey : artists who blog

Our guest today is Noelle Griskey, a designer and printer now living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who runs her own business - Pink Bathtub Designs. Noelle previously worked for a major US newspaper and magazine as well for her family printing business. She started making her handmade prints and stationery back in 2004 with a simple block printing starter kit and a few colorful ink pads. 

I love the cheerfulness of Noelle's work and her optimistic outlook on life! She also has quite the travel bug - like me ;) Enjoy!

Noelle's blog:  pinkbathtub.blogspot.com

Noelle's website:  pinkbathtub.com

Noelle's shop:  pinkbathtub.etsy.com

Why did you decide to become an artist and could you imagine doing anything else? If so, what?

I really didn’t choose to become an artist, it happened accidently with a simple stamp making kit and a few colorful ink pads. I struggle with the word “artist” as I have very little formal training.  I have a degree in Business Administration and one quarter of art school!  My first career was in publishing and printing where I held various positions in advertising production, marketing and sales.  Now that the corporate world is a good ten years behind me, I couldn’t imagine not being in a creative based business.  I’m so much more fulfilled.

Do you still believe “do what you love and the money will come“?

I think if you are passionate, focused and truly believe in your work, the money will come. 

How has blogging/the Internet influenced your work as an artist?

The Internet has been huge for me.  Not only has it provided a means to sell my wares, but it’s also chock full of resources, inspiration and support.  I’ve connected with so many artistic people all over the world.  This has been especially valuable being that I work from home, which can feel isolating at times.  Blogging has been another channel in which to be creative and stay connected.

Please name 3 of your favorite blogs and tell us why these blogs are special. 

Geninne’s Art Blog – Not only do I admire her work and find her inspiring, but I love the glimpses into her life in Mexico. 

Cannelle et Vanille – Gorgeous pictures of food!

Print & Pattern – Full of graphic inspiration and eye candy!

What is your greatest fear and what do you do to overcome it?

Having to go back to a 9-5 corporate office job. 

Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why?

Honestly, I have no idea.  Is that weird?

What are your secrets for managing your time wisely?

Ha, time management is not my strong suit (just ask my husband).  I have certain routines throughout the day that help keep me focused.  And I always have a to-do list!  Deadlines, such as ship dates, help too.

If you could live anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – for one year, where would that be? Why?

Australia.  I’ve never been to that part of the world and it’s always been on the travel list.  It’s also a good jumping off point to visit New Zealand and the Orient! 

How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional and private life?

I’m pretty good about keeping the two separate even though I work from home.  I try to get my work done during typical business hours.  Of course there will be some email checking throughout the evening;)

What are your top 5 goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years?

License my work.  I got my first licensing deal this year and it was such a fantastic opportunity. 

Create a soft goods line. 

Take some art classes.

Learn how to silk screen.

Keep traveling to new places! 

What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his or her creative dreams into reality?

I say go for it, but jump in slowly and do your research.  There are so many great business resources out there for independent artists.  And most importantly, have confidence in yourself and your work!

Thank you Noelle for sharing your thoughts and with us today! Your colorful, fun block prints always makes me smile! xoxo

Fresh Artist Interviews for the Spring Session of Creative Courage

Hi everyone! I'm delighted to finally share the details about my new Spring Session of Creative Courage, which will start April 9th and run through May 25th, 2012. Creative Courage is my international e-course about finding, following, and realizing your creative dreams. 

We have been having a wonderful time this session, and I am personally thrilled about the creative friendships, collaborations, and connections that are being made by Creative Courage participants from all over the world!

I'm also very happy to share the next 12 expert guests who will be joining us for exclusive Creative Courage interviews this spring. We'll get tips and advice on how to move more quickly in the direction of our goals, as these women us tell their personal stories and explain how they are finding and following their creative dreams.

Our talented special guests include:

• Flora Bowley - artist, workshop leader, author of Brave Intuitive Painting, and creator of the Bloom True ecourse
• Camilla Engman - artist and illustrator from Gothenburg, Sweden, creator ofThe Morran Book Project and featured in The Suitcase Series Vol. 1
• Tracey Clark - photographer, author of Expressive Photography and Motherhood Journals, workshop leader, and creator of Shutter Sisters
• Tara Sophia Mohr - writer, coach, contributor to The Huffington Post, guest on the Today Show and the BBC, author of Your Other Names
• Lisa Solomon - artist, designer, creator of Modifyd, guest columnist atPoppytalk, poetic blogger 
• Jennifer Judd-McGee - artist, illustrator, represented by prestigious Lilla Rodgers Studio, regular exhibitor at Nahcotta Gallery and many other galleries in the US, Canada, and England
• Victoria Moran - best selling author eleven books, including Living a Charmed Life, the Oprah featured Fit from Within, and the brand new Main Street Vegan, life coach and certified holistic health counselor
• Beth Nicholls - English creative adventurer, creator of Do What You Loveecourses and retreats, The Business Soul Sessions ecourse, and The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design
• Marianne Elliott - writer from New Zealand, yoga teacher, creator of the 30 Days of Yoga and 30 Days of Courage courses, author of Zen Under Fire, and coordinator of Off the Mat, Into the World
• Lucie Summers - UK artist and designer, creator of Summersville line of fabrics, contributor to Fat Quarterly magazine, featured in a slew of books and blogs
• Angela Ritchie - Canadian founder of the amazing, artistic international ACE Camps = Adventure, Culture, and Educational global, creative workshops
• Tif Fussell - artist, crafter, author of the peachy Dottie Angel book, a "Brit, a mother of 4, a wife, and a crafter" who now works in a charming cottage studio called the mossy shed near Seattle

This amazing group of women from around the world will share their secrets on how they have  published books, built online businesses, created workshops and e-courses, and are now thriving as successful, creative artists, illustrators, authors, coaches, crafters, and writers.

As an extra bonus, we will be taking another *virtual field trip* - and this session we are going to Paris, France. I will be sharing my private photographic tour and impressions live from Paris during Week 4 of the course, and I will even send you a personal collage postcard directly from Paris if you'd like!

The Creative Courage e-course is only $99 for seven weeks of fun, color, encouragement, inspiration, love, a supportive community, 12 exclusive expert interviews, and a virtual trip to Paris, France!

Simply click on the "Add to Cart" button below, and you will be directed to PayPal to complete your transaction. You will receive a confirmation email that guarantees your space in the course.

 


The last two Creative Courage sessions sold out, and this session is already filling quickly. Please don't hesitate to sign up early and avoid disappointment.

I encourage you to register for the Creative Courage e-course, open your mind and heart, and start listening to your deepest, truest wishes for your life.

For more detailed information about the course, please click here.

I hope you will join us to get your extra boost of creativity, courage, and motivation this spring! 

xoxo

Stephanie

p.s. - If you are a returning student, simply enter welcomeback as your Discount Code to sign up for only $69!