Sunday, July 18, 2010

who do you know that we should know?

i have really cool friends...
some of which i've introduced to you through this blog, 

i wanted you to know some of the cool and inspiring people i know
...so i asked them...

Who do you know that we should know?  
{i.e. a musician that inspires you, a helpful blogger, an author, someone on Etsy who makes lots of treasuries, a tweeter that posts lots of affirmations, who do you know that makes a difference in your work, your life, your inspiration?} 

here's what they said:

Giovanna of boho spirit: Who do you know that we should know? 

This is a very difficult question since I am inspired by so many people.

The women in my family inspire me in so many ways, they're all strong, independent, kind, caring, and loving. My dad, he loves drawing and painting so I learned a lot from him, he's an inspiration for me too, and last but not least, my everyday inspiration, my hubby, who's the most supportive and caring man in the world. 

Also people who dare to follow their dreams inspire me so much as well. People who believe in a better world and make a difference.  

Lucy of lucy snowe photo: Who do you know that we should know?
Actually...Kerri, You have been an inspiration to me....You sort of adopted me…when I first started my shop on etsy.....You helped me promote my work and you helped me network..and helped me set up my blog...But, most importantly…and I think you do this with many others...You made me feel welcome...and turned my internet experience into something personal....rather than impersonal....Your blog is so inspired and natural..and uplifting and positive...as are the others I have met through you.. You gave me a sense of community.

Charlotte of plum pretty sugar: Who do you know that we should know?

So many! This life is full of women (and men) that delight and surprise me… educate and intrigue me every day. And in so many ways. I think that is what is so blessed about this life… meeting, learning, understanding… amazing people.

Sana of pip and estella: Who do you know that we should know?

I didn't mention music as an inspiration earlier but it definitely has always been for me. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Yeasayer. Its not just their music but their approach. They sort of do their own thing. They're not following a certain model or trying to create a particular sound. They're just experimenting with music and they've created something fabulous.

Susan of susan wickstrand: Who do you know that we should know? 

Wow, this list is long so I'll do my best to narrow it down.  I absolutely love listening while painting to KCRW, AM Becomes Ecclectic via live stream on my laptop in the studio with amazing speakers.  I love it when KCRW has an AM guest band. I do miss Nic Harcourt tho.  I love painting to Muse, The Raconteurs, Beck, Goldfrapp, Thicker Than Water Soundtrack, Mazzy Star, Kate Earl, Trip Hop, Drum & Bass, Reggae, and lots of classic rock too.  On twitter I like @TheDailylove the best, and I found the books by Julie Cameron like; "The Artist's Way" to be very helpful some time ago.  I got the workbook too which I recommend.  It taught me that it's ok to make some "bad" paintings to get to the "good" paintings, it's all a process and to continue to be creative is the point.  I also find lots of inspiration from the people around me, friends I adore, my creative photographer husband and of course from our 4 year old.  Little kids don't edit & we can learn so much from their open hearts and minds.  I also recommend creating a dream book; a book where you fill it with i.e.: images, sketches, quotes or ideas of things, relationships, places to travel, food for the soul; i.e. that you'd like to manifest in your life.  Images are very, very powerful especially when we view them around us daily.  Take the time to edit negativity away & add life giving and loving images/music/art/people to your life, it'll be the best thing you ever did.

Leigh of an american girl in cambodia: Who do you know that we should know? 

If you don't already subscribe to white hot truth by Danielle LaPorte, then get on it! Immediately. 

Gala Darling - Love & Sequins #1: Learning to Love Yourself changed the way I approach life. It was the tipping point that urged me to choose to live as an optimist. 

Wende of evidently: Who do you know that we should know?
I’m having such a hard time with this question, because most of the people I’d mention are actually answering this question. Ok, I know, how about a band you should be listening to, but probably aren’t? **raises her hand so the teacher will call on her! ** Hee, I’d have to say, “Luce”. They’re an amazing band from San Francisco and really worth a listen! They’re on replay a lot when I’m in the studio. Something about their sound keeps me working and focused.
Alex of alex keller: Who do you know that we should know?
Well, I’ve met you!
I’ve made a lot of friendships since I started up shop on Etsy. The very first thing I did was network.
I joined a local street team, which isn’t very active, so I reached through the cables and met some local artists on my own.  They all happen to be eco girls, too!
Rikkianne Van Kirk of http://www.etsy.com/shop/chakrapennywhistle  is wonderful gal – and we have kids the same age. She is super inspiring, a beautiful soul, and she introduced me to lots of great places to thrift in Tucson. She’s since moved to Virginia Beach, so I miss her. She crafts beautiful pillows and hipster money bag wallets.  She also drew me
Jenni Pagano of http://www.paganodesignworks.com/ . Not only does she make really great jewelry out of felted sweaters (hello! Another thrifing buddy!), she’s an interior designer. Maybe she can help me with all those projects around the house…. She has a great eye and cool stuff everywhere at hers!
Vicki Wolf of http://www.etsy.com/shop/wearwolf  is another great lady I’ve befriended. I did my only craft show with Vicki, because she’s a real pro. She put her son through college with her former craft of sandblasted glass. Currently, she saves the Earth one can at a time by making some really cool accessories. She’s super cool, really creative, and has a great sense of humor. I mean, who else would buy a monkey painting while thrifting?
I also joined the Etsy Trashion team  http://www.etsy.com/shop/etsytrashion where I now write for the team blog http://etsytrashion.blogspot.com/ . That’s where I met Krisal of rikrak http://www.rikrakstudio.blogspot.com/ . I became one of her sponsors and she’s always promoting us! She has been featured in Etsy’s Quit Your Day Job series, as an Etsy Featured Seller, and she also writes a series for the Etsy blog on people who collect things. She’s really just a lovely lady!
Cathleen Lola of http://www.etsy.com/shop/tialeyvintage is addicted to making treasuries http://www.etsy.com/treasury/people/TialeyStudioDesigns  , which is how we originally ‘met’ on Etsy. She lives not too far from me & we met once for lunch and little antiquing. She’s a wiz at design (see her new design shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/TialeyStudioDesigns ) and has done so much for me with marketing and advertising design. Cathleen has also been selling on line for a number of years, so she has a wealth of knowledge and great advice. I plan on meeting her soon for a photo shoot!
Rachel of e bloom course: Who do you know that we should know?

Check out Susannah Conway and Madelyn Mulvaney... gorgeous work!

Tricia of equinox photo: Who do you know that we should know?  

Definitely as I mentioned in question one, JB Glossinger.  His podcast is  just 15 minutes of self-development a day. His approach is a combination of business and metaphysics. With each day of the week focusing on different areas.  Friday is prosperity and money day, everyone seems to like that!  I listened to him for 2 years before he got big, than called him when I started my company and volunteered to shoot his portraits for free as a way of saying "thank you".  We are now friends and my images are all over his website and on the cover of his book. That taught me never to feel afraid to reach out to people who inspire you.