What is "magic"?

Thoughts inspired by this poster ---

Magic is the way we greet each other

Looking intently into each other's eyes.

Magic is the way we HUG - Heart to Heart
The way we send love & loving thoughts to another even from a far.

Magic is the way we speak to each other, how we share of ourselves authentically

Magic is holding each other with positive intent and love.

Magic is you and I
Compassion and Loving Kindness.

Magic is you --- those I have met, those I share my life with now and
even those I have yet to meet.

YES Magic is YOU!

Blog Hop

I was invited by Veronica Funk to join a blog hop project.   Thank you Veronica.  The project consists of answering some questions regarding art and my art process; as well as to to highlight three artists I admire.   Due to the summer holidays, many of the artists I contacted were busy and away.  So I am highlighting two artists here today.  First here are the answers to the questions that were asked of me for the blog hop project:

1) What am I working on/writing? 
Currently I am working on a series for a new show opening in September called Seasons, this is a two person exhibit with Sandy Middleton, at the MJG Gallery, in Leslieville, Toronto, Ontario.

The interpretation I am taking for this theme, "Seasons" is to explore the concept of patterns in our lives, like seasons, which have natural rhythms.   Seeking meaning from those patterns that come into our lives like seasons that repeat.  There is something very beautiful about the seasons changing, the predicability of them.  The predictability can bring comfort, especially when a particular season might be a hard one, knowing that it WILL CHANGE…as it always does …can provide HOPE.

For that matter those unexpected turn of events, like anomalies in our seasons we experience, such as the severe winter we just had, with the ice storm etc. how does that impact our lives, our understanding of these rhythms on our beings, our souls?   The connection to our world, the seasons in our lives are definitely present…It is undeniable that we are unequivocally connected to the rhythms of the earth's energy, changing seasons, the birthing of life and the decay of it as well.  I am hoping to delve into the contemplation of that..how patterns in our lives occur to tell us something, to make sense of our lives if we are paying attention to those patterns.  So I do my very best to pay attention.

2) How does my work/writing differ from others of its genre? 

This question is an interesting one…is anything different really, or are we all elements of what we see, and absorb…not sure how my work is different.  I feel my work is similar in fact to other artists who explore their lives through their artwork.  The way in which my work manifests is from life unfolding, the outcome can be the heavy use of symbols, iconic imagery and bold colour.  This in fact has been done across many cultures and over many decades.   So for that reason, I see it as being deeply rooted in something more than myself and intensely intuitive.  Hence it doesn't work if I am too busy to listen to be paying close attention to the imagery around me in life.

3) Why do I do what I do? 

I do the work to get grounded again..to find balance and to be in touch with the things that really matter in life.  Connection to the source of joy, happiness, to play, to find peace.  With long periods of not painting I know I would feel like a big part of me is missing.  It is integral to my life being WHOLE.

4) How does my writing/working process work?

My art making involves the conscious process of first slowing down.  I do this by either puttering first in the studio, to get grounded, this might include sorting, absorbing the found objects I've been give, collected or found randomly.  A part of this grounding involves journalling.  Once feeling ready the painting begins, which is some layering of encaustic medium -- several layers actually, of one colour, usually my fave…Indigo.  This sets the next step to being ready for the imagery and colour to flow into a narrative, and sometimes a surreal piece.  

And now let me introduce the wonderful artist, Veronica Funk, who asked me to join this blog hop.

Veronica Funk was raised in Northern Manitoba, studied art & design in Alberta, apprenticed with potters, stone sculptors and painters and spent a year painting on a farm in Saskatchewan.  She is inspired by the changing colours of the Rocky Mountains and prairies which surround her foothills home.  She has been painting professionally since 1999 and is currently continuing her education towards completion of her Bachelor of Fine Arts designation.  Despite forays into mixed media, altered books and pottery, she has always returned to the medium that got her career started: painting.  Over the years she has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles and her work and writing have been published in a number of art books and magazines.  Her goal is to create a visual story.  She combines symbols, imagery and vibrant colour through the use of opaque and transparent acrylic glazes, stamping, utilizing her hands as tools and drawing with her brush.  Her images are an endeavour to capture the essence of Canada.  http://www.veronicafunk.com/

The two artists I have asked permission to highlight are:  
Leslie Sobel,  and Bridgette Guerzon Mills, both artists, I admire.  They will be publishing there blog hop posts next Saturday August 2nd, 2014.

Leslie Sobel’s work is motivated by her relationship with nature.  She is particularly interested in the impact of climate change on habitat - both developed and wilderness. In the past three years she has hiked at Death Valley, Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, Zion, Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park and many weekends in local state parks in Michigan.  She spent September 2013 at a wilderness based residency sponsored by Colorado Art Ranch and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Southwest Colorado.

Her process is studio intensive but starts outdoors with experience, photography and drawing providing the visual and emotive references that come back into the studio to be realized in mixed media artwork.

Sobel was born in New York City and grew up in Chicago.  She grew up in a family of scientist as the only artist and that mix of outlooks has profoundly shaped who she is and how she views the world.  She spent much of her childhood camping –growing up with a profound appreciation of the outdoors. The result of that upbringing is a deep interest in different ways of understanding and connecting to the world. She received her BFA from the  University of Michigan School of Art in 1983.  After working in computer graphics for many years and doing Master’s degree work in Interdisciplinary Technology at Eastern Michigan University she went back to being a full time artist in 1999.

Sobel is active in her community as a member of the Arts Alliance board and former chair of the Milan Art Center. She co-founded the art alchemists, an artists‘ collective revolving  around the use of digital tools in art-making and was a partner in the artist owned Washington Street Gallery for a number of years.   Sobel is married and has three young adult children. She has lived in southeast Michigan for more than 30 years.

photo by Robin Samiljan at Provincetown Inn, Encaustic conference

The second artist is:  Bridgette Guerzon Mills

 

Bridgette writes: "My mixed media paintings incorporate moments captured by my photographs with the richness of paint, creating a bridge between two worlds – the real and the reconstructed. I lay down layers of paint and pieces of photo transfers, papers or fibers to create depth in both form and meaning. The canvas becomes a multilayered surface that speaks to both the visual and tactile senses. This integration of diverse layers creates an intimate connection that invites exploration."

Durham Art Gallery opening - some photos

Here are some photos from today's opening at the Durham Art Gallery, "Unfolding Stories"by Supria Karmakar and "Imagined Existence" by Tania Love and Rui Pimenta

Showing from July 19 to September 7, 2014. 

251 George Street East, Durham, Ontario, N0G 1R0

519-369-3692

Untethered Journey, Encaustic Mixed Media, 14 x 18

A Postcard From the Heart, Encaustic Mixed Media, 16 x 16

Tania Love's Work above and below

Rui Pimenta

Blog Hop - Rescheduled for July 26th

Well folks, I have agreed to participate in a BLOG HOP…which was scheduled to be posted today….However, the lovely artists I have asked to be included are on vacation …so I have only one really cool artist at this current time to share with you ….but the others are being confirmed..HENCE…I have decided to share my blog hop later, next weekend ….So please be sure to check out the blog post next week for some great thoughts on artistic process, current projects and wonderful artist links.

In the meantime, I wanted to remind you of the opening happening this weekend, Saturday, TODAY at Durham Art Gallery, 2-4pm

I will be there with a new show and also showing will be two other artists in the same venue, different gallery space.  Tania Love and Rui Pimenta.

Unfolding Stories - Opens at Durham Art Gallery, July 17th to September 7th

I am honoured to be showing at the Durham Art Gallery 251 George Street East, Durham, Ontario, 519-369-3692 From July 19th to September 7th. Opening reception Saturday July 19th, 2-4pm

Art in the Yard - Elora Centre for the Arts this weekend July 5th & 6th 10-5

http://www.eloracentreforthearts.ca/index.cfm?page=2014ArtintheYard

12th Annual Art in the Yard Community Arts Festival

July 5 & 6, 2014,10am to 5pm both days

Art in the Yard is an annual, outdoor juried art exhibition and sale held on the two acre grounds of the Elora Centre for the Arts. Located in the heart of the village of Elora, ON Art in the Yard offers an entire weekend of art and live musical entertainment for people of all ages. With 50 exhibiting artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental arts forms including jewelry, stained glass, encaustic, functional pottery, oil and acrylic painting, watercolour, fibre and textile arts, wood, stone and more there is sure to be something for everyone. $3 suggested admission. Kids are free.

I will be at booth # 16

Curiousity House - Books & Art Gallery, Artist of the Month for June 2014

Opening reception:  Saturday June 7th, 4-6pm

Creemore is a lovely place to visit….Come out for a great Saturday excursion.

178 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario.

705 - 466-3400

http://www.curiosityhousebooks.com/category/art-gallery/

May Greetings - Some Great Community Projects to Explore

"Orange Magic", Encaustic Mixed Media, 5 x 7, 2014

"To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do to undermine all the socialization that leads us to behave in ways that perpetuate domination." ~ Bell Hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope

IN THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER: I am following up on the topic of taking action with our goals and sharing some very cool community and artistic projects that friends & colleagues have developed…Read on for more juicy links.

With the pending provincial elections on June 12th, it is a perfect time to think about how we as a collective can make a difference, take action, share ideas, and most of all hold a vision for a better and stronger community.   What is your vision for a better and stronger community?

It is my wish to see a community where we share our strengths and celebrate our successes.  Maybe it might be considered idealistic, but I wish for a community where we do away with competitive behaviour, and promote each other's services and gifts.  Holding onto the idea that our own way is THE only way, serves to divide us.  I aim to live in a world where these divisions are no longer part of the way we operate..Instead, let's celebrate our diversity, our differences and find connection within these differences.  This means taking action in promoting each other, even if our business and services are similar, hence leaving behind that competitive nature.  This means believing that there is enough to go around for all of us…We are living in one of the richest continents… And if we can share our resources more we would create a better planet all around.

So in that spirit, I would like to share here today, some great art projects that exist in our community and beyond Centre Wellington.  First many of you might already know lots about the great community project started by the lovely Shelley Carter, The Elora Tarot Project.  However, since I still come across people who haven't heard about it I think it is a good idea to keep promoting the project.

Shelley Carter, coordinator of the Elora Tarot Project, recently presented a paper called The Elora Tarot Project (2013): How the Tarot Stirred a Village at the Association for Popular Culture's Annual Conference, in Chicago. A video called "Elora Tarot Project", also debuted at this conference, and can now be seen on YouTube, featuring several artists from the project. 

The Elora Tarot Deck was for sale at the annual (Tarot) Reader's Studio in New York City, in April.

The deck will be for sale in various venues in Elora this coming summer and can be ordered online too.  

For more information about the Elora Tarot or to purchase a deck, go to eloratarot.com

Beyond the village of Elora, I am excited to share some news about my dear friend & colleague, Julie Shaw Lutts, collage and book artist, who lives in Salem, MASS, US.  Who has created a wonderful art book App, that is available at the Apple App store for free, called The Curious Alphabet.    It is a wonderful way to view the alphabet and a lovely way to think about how you or another artist might get their work out into the world for the benefit of learning, joy and amusement…The app is ideal for both small and big kids a like….take a look.

Also below check out a review Julie received on the new app: 

Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/julie-shaw-lutts/curious-alphabet/

Finally, Kylie Van Horne and Tim Anderson of Elora, have launched their fundraising SOAR 2014 campaign, raising funds for the Guelph Wellington Children's Foundation, while they also get ready to compete for theSouthern Ontario Amazing Race event.  Help them raise their funds for this great cause….

Now an update on my goal setting and putting them into action, as promised in the last newsletter.   I have found that keeping my goals clear & realistic, with specific action steps helps with getting them accomplished.  However, in life there is always so much to do, on a day to day basis, that it can be easy to get off track and unfocused…And as a result days can go by without realizing you haven't really addressed any of your big goals.  So I have found a few things that have helped me specifically:
1.  Keeping a weekly and daily to do list.  I write my goals for the week on the Monday morning, or sometimes Sunday evening, and the my day to day goals each morning with my coffee.  Always relating them back to the main yearly big business and personal development goals.  I try to keep them simple and realistic, so that there is time to address the day to day living, family and health commitments.  As a matter of fact, I keep those on the list too, so gym dates, my daughter's dance schedule, plus my career business goals all get put onto the plan. I have a formal plan that is written out, this gets done at the beginning of goal setting and can get tweaked from time to time…as LIFE happens, things change.  Each day I consult the day to day list.
2.  I hold myself accountable by having something to look forward to, a treat or a reward, i.e.: a day browsing another gallery, such as an artist date (like a Friday off), or coffee with a friend, or a massage booked a month ahead of time, etc.  In order to afford that massage I have to make money by offering services and doing my work related to the goals.
3. A coach really helps too…So if you can work that into the budget having someone to check in with weekly, bi-weekly on your goals can really keep the momentum moving forward.  Or having a group of friends who are also working towards the same end or similar ends with their careers.  I have different connections for different things.  So I might have a workout buddy, a career coach, an art group to meet with, friends to have some fun with, family to stay connected with and who are supportive.
A diversity of network helps keep things moving along and meaningful.

Most of all, when I don't do what I say I was going to do, I am gentle with myself , and don't beat myself up but just start where I left off.  Not giving up totally.  There is always a new beginning, a new start.
This way I can relax, not judge myself but treat myself with care as we would treat another.  These are all things that help.  But most of all having a plan for the day with to do's and a realistic set of goals to complete….that might be one, two or three things for each day.


SPRING & SUMMER CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS 

UPCOMING STUDIO SHARE DATES:

Sunday May 27th 10-4 or half day options available.  Come work along side me in my studio, bring your own substrates, brushes, personal mementoes, encaustic medium…all else is provided.  Some folks have asked to have these materials provided, so I am now offering that option.  For a spot email: supria@supriakarmakar.com

ENCAUSTIC LEVEL 1 BEGINNER'S MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP:
Saturday May 31st, 10-4 in Elora
Sunday June 1st 10-4 at the Button Factory in Waterloo call: 519-886-4577 between 10-5pm Monday to Friday and 12-4pm on Saturdays
Saturday June 21st 10-4 in Barrie call Barb at 705-791- 9963 only a few spots left.

ENCAUSTIC LEVEL 2 - BEYOND COLLAGE
Sunday June 15th, 10-4 in Elora
Sunday June 29th, 10-4 in Elora

MULTI-LEVEL ENCAUSTICS at Homer Watson House and Gallery.Combined Level 1 Beginner's and Level 2 Beyond Collage Saturday July 12th OR Saturday August 9th.  Combined Level 3 Texture Galore with Encaustics and Level 4 Pushing the Boundaries with encaustic, Sunday July 13th or Sunday August 10th.  To register call:  519-748-4377 or visit:Homer Watson directly.  

Summer Week Long Encaustic Intensive 
Encaustic Beginner's Level 1 to Encaustic Level 5 Mono Printing with Encaustics 
August 11th to 15th, 10:30 -3:30 daily in Elora.
A great week long retreat to immerse your creative spirit.

Above:  Encaustic Altered Book, created by Linda Lewis.

Beyond the Cover, An Encaustic Altered Book with Mica retreat in Fergus with Patrice Baker and Supria Karmakar.  Thursday July 17th 2pm to Sunday July 20th, 5pm.  

For complete information, with more details on what each workshop covers, please visit:  www.supriakarmakar.com

Testimonial from past student - CT "Supria is an enthusiastic, passionate teacher and artist.  Her Altered Book course gave me the opportunity to explore my interior life, touch the creativity I thought long lost, and play with no expectations.  Supria has the ability to encourage, inspire and support the artistic process in her students.  I'm very much looking forward to my next course with Supria."  by CT

My studio is now located at 50 First Line, Elora, ON. off Hwy 7 and South River Road, if coming from Fergus.  I am incredibly grateful for this space.

Website: www.supriakarmakar.com  designed byTradesmarksDesign  Please check it out and let me know what you think, my new email address is: supria@supriakarmakar.com

Currently my work can be seen at these following locations:

UpTown Gallery in Waterloo, POD in Guelph, 30 Carden St.

www.supriakarmakar.com
http://supriasdesigns-encausticmusings.blogspot.ca
http://beyondthecover-beeswaxmeetsmica.blogspot.ca

New May Art Show and Sale, at the Globe Art Studios, just in time for Mother's Day

Friday May 9th 4-9pm and 

Saturday May 10th, 11 - 4pm 

at the Globe Art Studios

141 Whitney Place, Kitchener, ON. 

Just in time for Mother's Day.   I will be there with new works and many more wonderful artists will be there too.  Love to see you there.

April Showers Brings May Flowers - New Newsletter, Setting Goals…..

Above:  Minutia, Encaustic Mixed Media, 30 x 24, 2014

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT CLARITY

Going with the FLOW is a great way to live for sure…it helps with having an easier life.  However, there is still great benefit to setting goals for oneself, your business, and/or for your life.  I have been realizing that clarity is essential to self growth, to our businesses and to our lives in general.  When I wake up with purpose and know what is on the agenda for the day, there seems to be a flow and then productivity ensues….However, when I flounder, it is either because I am unfocused, going in a 100 directions at one time, and/or uncertain in the heart about what feels right.  More than likely, it means I am not paying attention to those feelings.  I have found that when my heart is clearly speaking, I do not go wrong to listen to it and follow. Good things have come from listening to my heart.  My mind on the other hand can be the trickster.  The mind seems to send me on a wild goose chase.  So this reminds me that getting clear on my goals is essential, this leads to productivity, which leads to feeling great and ultimately brings success.  So even though it might seem like taking the time to set goals is a waste of time and energy, it actually saves time and gives energy to your journey.  

Sometimes fear is also the thing that gets in our way of setting clear goals.  Feeling like we are committing to something that might not work, fail, or not be the right direction is the trickster mind talking.  My mind tricks me, telling me, "Well how do you know this is the right decision?" "There are so many options and choices…why is this the one ?"  Making an intentional decision to commit to yourself and your goals is never a bad choice.  There are no bad choices.  They are just that, choices.   If you discover your goals need to be reformulated and changed a bit, that works, it is all a journey and a process…it is still not a waste of time.   

Without setting a goal, we can find ourselves drifting around aimlessly and in fact we might end up coming back to the same place years later.   So setting goals is better than not at all.  Most of all setting goals that come from your heart space is the most powerful…..Listening carefully to those heart whispers, those twinges that tell you something needs your attention is the best.  

Goals though aren't necessarily airy fairy types of things…. They are specific, clearly defined, measurable and time lined. This is why visioning is important and then turning your vision to clear goals that are specific, time lined and measurable is a key next step.  So hear is to YOU, and your HAPPY GOAL SETTING.  I say dream big and grow into it…Enjoy the process, trust in yourself, your heart and take the leap of faith.  Tweak it as you go along…nothing is a waste, changes are bound to happen but with a clear goal you are moving forward with purpose and this brings joy and success. 

Next newsletter, I will explore thoughts about 'taking action' on these goals we have set….until then, happy spring days ahead to you.

Toronto Artist Project a great success - Sending Gratitude …..And Upcoming Offers

The Toronto Artist Project 2014 was a great success this year…Thank you to all those who visited, purchased my work and shared their feedback.  I was blessed with lots of visitors to my booth, #641 and received wonderful feedback to my art work.   It was inspiring to me, to hear the stories that unfolded in this sharing and connection with each visitor.  Many people took the time to ask and express what they felt in viewing the artwork. This kind of connection is very much appreciated and I feel a heart full of gratitude.

Getting back into the flow of business and routine….I am offering several great upcoming classes in 

March and April:  

March Upcoming Offers:
Sat. March 1st 10-1:30 Studio Share in Elora
Sat. March 8th Encaustic Beginner's Class 10-4 in Elora
Sat. March 22nd - Opening, A Spring Equinox Daylong Retreat at RiverSound Retreat in Fergus - a day of meditation, yoga and vision boards 9:30-5
Sun. March 23rd - Encaustic Beginner's Class 10-4 in Elora

April Upcoming Offers:

And Saturday April 5th Beginner's Encaustic Level One - 10-4 in Kitchener at Homer Watson House and Gallery with Open Studio from 12-4

Saturday April 26th Encaustic Texture Galore and Pushing the Boundaries - 10- 4 in Kitchener at Homer Watson House and Gallery with Open Studio from 12-4

Mid-Winter Newsletter - Toronto Artist Project and Spring Equinox Daylong Retreat News

I am so excited to share some info. on The Artist Project Toronto (TAP) and some exciting new dates for workshops and another lovely day long retreat event, with Jill Davey, here is the link to the new mid-winter newsletter..hope to see you at TAP?…..I will be at booth #641 LINK: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e56a79f4a1768e132c577c778&id=91092c41ec&e=%5BUNIQID%5D

How to create an Image Transfer on Encaustic Medium Work

Above:

Palette of encaustic paint colours on the griddle

Thank you to all those that emailed or messaged me with regards to what you would like to see on the blog, re: future posts..Most folks said they would like some of the following:

• How to techniques
• How to access your inner creative soul - new programming being developed for you in this area…keep posted 
• When to decide to stop, when is a piece finished
• Changing up the process
• Colour palette choices
• And more

So to start with I thought I would share "How to do an image transfer on encaustic medium work"

Below is a series of photos to walk you through the steps I take in completing the image transfer on encaustic work.

Step1:  Materials you will need

• Your encaustic painting
• Metal spoon (for burnishing)
• Spray bottle of water
• Laser, or toner based photocopies on lightweight non glossy paper
• Propane torch, heat gun or heat lamp
• Clear encaustic medium and encaustic brush

Above: Step 1 - Setting up for doing an image transfer

Above: Step 2 - Heating the area where the image transfer will be set

Step 2:  Prepare the area where you would like to place your image transfer by applying some heat to the area with the propane torch or heat gun.  The area needs to be warm to touch (not molten liquid) and recently fused with heat within 10 minutes to create the ideal setting for the image transfer.

Above:  Step 3 -  Prepping your image transfer

By stripping away any excess white paper, leaving some paper outside of the image

Above:  Step 4 -  Place image transfer in the area you would like it to appear

Step 4 : Lay the transfer in the area you would like to see it.  Using a clean spoon, burnish the copy in a circular motion for about three minutes.  A good burnish into the wax is important.  You can never burnish too much, or too long.  Make sure no wax gets transferred to the back of the paper.   Also it is important that the encaustic medium is not too soft, if it is, the pressure from burnishing will produce indentations.  So the surface has to be warm to touch but not soft.  

Above:  Step 5 - Spray the image transfer area with plain cold water.

Step 5: Spray the top of the burnished image with water to soak the paper.  With the tips of your fingertips (without the use of your fingernails, avoiding sharp piercing edges) roll off the soaked paper from the surface. The carbon from the photocopy is left burnished onto your encaustic work.  

Above: Step 6 - Pat dry with a lint free cloth

Above:  Step 7 - Gently oscilliate the heat from the heat gun over the dried image transfer.

Step 7:  The carbon that is released onto the work is sitting on the surface at this point and needs to be gently fused to the previous layer of your work.  Using a heat gun, heat the image transfer carbon gently with a circular motion so it fuses to the previous layer.  Be careful not to apply too much heat or get too close to your work with the heat gun or your carbon image might shift or possibly break apart.  This might end up being a happy accident if this were to happen.  So remember to enjoy this process and let go of being attached to the outcome.  

Above: Step 8 - Protecting your image transfer with some encaustic medium

Step 8:  After the image transfer is on the work, and has had a chance to cool slightly, apply a clear layer of encaustic medium over the image.  This will protect your image transfer from being scratched accidentally.  If you decide you want to put a colour encaustic medium over it, translucency will be important so that you can still see the image and it will nicely recede to the background vs. being on the surface.

Above:  Step 9 - Final round of fusing.

Step 9 - Using a circular motion, apply a second heat application with your heat gun, being careful not to get too close to the image transfer.  I find oscillating the heat really helps the image to stay intact.    This final fusing step removes any brush marks left from the protective layer of medium you have just applied.  It creates a nice smooth finish, if that is what you are aiming for. 

Above:  Final Step - Image Transfer is complete

Your Transfer process is now complete.  You could leave it on the surface or bury it into the background by applying more translucent colours over the image.

If you have enjoyed this post, or have any feedback, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment on this blog post.  Thank you!  

I teach many encaustic workshops throughout the year, and a complete listing of my class schedule can be found here!

This technique has been published in Seth Apter's new book, "The Mixed Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from over 40 Amazing Artists." 

Seth has done an amazing job of bringing together 40 wonderful artists who share what they LOVE to do….enjoy the book, worth getting it..Roxanne's Reflections in Fergus, ON. has a few copies if you would like to purchase your own book.  

Writing from the Heart……

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~ 

William Wordsworth

Writing is something I do enjoy … It clears the head and fills the heart.  Helps clear space for my creative muse to share deeper musings.  Of late, I have been thinking about what makes for an interesting blog post…for you as the reader, what do you want to read about?…It is pretty amazing that we live in a world that has become smaller due to tools like blogs etc. so we can share our thoughts, our skills, our passion with each other and bear witness to each other's existence.  

7 years ago I gave up a full time career as a full time social worker, working then in the violence against women and children sector…Which I had done for 16 years…both frontline support, coordination, intervention, prevention/education/community development work and program management.  It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years since I began this full time career and business as an entrepreneur, full time artist, facilitator of creative wellness services and teacher.  

I absolutely LOVE what I do now… and delight in seeing the joy, that art brings people during classes or the transformative healing it creates for participants in the creative wellness services I offer.

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social marketing venues help reach wider circles and I would love to hear what might be of interest to those living further a field…What would you enjoy reading about here….on this blog or on blogs in general?  Or what makes for an interesting blog read for you?

Welcome 2014 - Lucky #7

ABOVE: "Seeing Myself Clearly", Encaustic Mixed Media, 12 W x 24 H, 2013

WELCOME 2014…. Lucky #7

I love doing this 'thing' with numbers…I add them up to see what the overall number would be and what I LOVE about 2014, is that it adds up to LUCKY # 7, and 14 is divisible by 2 to give us 7 again.  I can feel it in my bones, can you? 2014 is going to be a wonderful year, full of magnificent epiphanies, rocking magic and delight, on every account.  The power of our thoughts and words are unmistakeable.  I have seen this over and over again, in my own life and in the lives of others.  So to begin this new year, I am choosing my words and thoughts with powerful loving intention, to choose daily gratitude, and to be above all else positive, surrounding myself with others who are living with gratitude and magic.  And I am dreaming BIG.  I would like to invite you to share your positivity and share your magical self with the world.  Sending LOVE to you all and wishing you a wonderful 2014.  Make this a magnificent year, full of great thoughts, positivity and lots of love.  Embrace the struggles, they do exist, it takes patience, perseverance, and hard work to keep going.   Failure is success, it makes us stronger, the key is to keep going, keep dreaming and keep believing in yourself.  You have this power and the choice is yours and mine.  As my lovely 7 year old niece, Ella, would say "Choose wisely".  Make this the year where you dream big, set one, two, or even three big goals you would like to take…that big goal might take one simple step to move you forward.
YOU have the POWER.

On another note, January is also magical for its super moon, two full moons in one month, January 1 and Jan. 30th…enjoy this energy of the moon cycle.  Another reason to embrace the magic of possibility in your life and dream big. 

UPCOMING STUDIO SHARE DATES:
Saturday Jan. 11th & Saturday Jan. 18th  10-4:30 or half dayoption available.  Come work along side me in my studio, bring your own substrates, brushes, personal mementoes, encaustic medium…all else is provided.  For a spot email: supria@supriakarmakar.com

EXCITING UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

Saturday January 4th, Encaustic Level 1 & 2- Beyond Collage: Learn to work with image transfers, gold/silver/copper leaf, gouging, pigment sticks, 10-4 Elora. ONE spot left.

Sunday January 5th, Encaustic Level 1 & 2- same as above with Encaustics, 10-4 Elora. One Spot left. 

Saturday January 25th, Combined Encaustic Level 2 & 3 at Homer Watson House and Gallery, 10-4, Kitchener with Open Studio Option in the afternoon for past students. 1754 Old Mill Rd, Kitchener, ON N2P 1H7 Call:  (519) 748-4377 to register

Sunday January 26th, Encaustic Level 2 Beyond Collage 10-4 in Elora.  Learn to work with image transfers, gold/silver/copper leaf, gouging, pigment sticks, 10-4 Elora.

Saturday Feb. 8th, Encaustic Beginner's Class Level 1, 10-4, in Elora

Special Encaustic Card Making/Miniature 1/2 day workshop Feb. 9th 1-4:30pm in Elora, all supplies provided $75/student.  Limited spots…a great way to make some lovely gifts.

For a complete list please visit:  www.supriakarmakar.com
 

COMMUNITY NEWS:  You are Loved Project

I would like to share with you a project my friend, Livingston Lacroix is sharing with the world.  Livingston Lacroix is an extraordinary spoken word artist, who will be launching a powerful "You are Loved" project on February 14th, 2014 at the eBar, in Guelph, Ontario, 5-7pm.  About the " You are Loved" project: 
 

This important project is all about spreading a universal message. As human beings we all have an inherent need to know and hear that we are loved, especially on those days where we are just not feeling that way. This is a one-year art project and social experiment that facilitates the growth and amplification of this important message. Our goal is to see how many messages of love we can spread from Valentines Day 2014 to Valentines Day 2015. Our goal is to have thousands of people from all over the world engaging with our project by posting up You Are LOVED stickers and sharing their photographs on Instagram.  For more information visit the You are Loved Project.