"A New Name" VineArts Gallery Exhibit

Last week was our installation week for a new art exhibit in the VineArts Gallery. Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we took artwork submissions from artists in our community. Thursday we juried the artwork. Then Friday we installed the show. Here is a short video I took at the very beginning of the Opening Reception today of the new art exhibit themed "A New Name". The exhibit explores the mystery of receiving a new identity when we align ourselves with God and His purposes for us. This video was taken just moments before the hords of people poured into the gallery to enjoy the live music, catered refreshments, and thought provoking artwork. The exhibit will be up till mid January 2011.

Art Shows

I wanted to let you know of where you can view my art over the next few months.

WOMAN OF STEEL GALLERY

http://www.womanofsteelgallery.com/

*During the rest of October 2010 and throughout November 2010, my 16foot by 4foot plywood Phoenix abstract mural "For Such A Time As This" is on display at The Woman of Steel Gallery on Chinden in Boise as part of the Liberty Rising art exhibit. The entire exhibit toured the southern states and Washington D.C. during September-October for the Liberty Rising 2010 Tour and is now back at home in Boise. Opening Reception was Thursday October 22 at 7pm with live music and refreshments.

VINEARTS GALLERY

http://www.vineartsboise.org/

*During the months of November 2010 through January 2011, I will have a couple of large abstract expressionist collage paintings on display in the themed art exhibit "A New Name" in the VineArts Gallery at Vineyard Boise on Bradley St. in Boise. Opening Reception is Sunday October 31st from 12:30pm-1:30pm with live music and catered refreshments.

VINEARTS GALA

http://www.vineartsboise.org/

*The night of November 6 from 7pm to 10pm in Heritage Hall at Vineyard Boise the VineArts is having a special semi-formal fundraising arts event themed "Creating Culture". I will be one of the featured artists displaying, selling, and creating art live. There will be live music, poetry, & dance, catered refreshments, special speakers J.Scott McElroy & Irene Deely, and several local artists displaying and creating art on-site. Tickets are on sale for $7.

LUX FASHION LOUNGE

http://www.luxfashionlounge.com/

*During the month of December 2010 I will have several prints of my abstract expressionist paintings on display at Lux Fashion Lounge on Idaho St., downtown Boise. Opening Night will be First Thursday December 2nd.

WARRIOR PAINTER

the caterpillar in "Alice in Wonderland" poses the question, "Who are you?"

this painting is my response.

just as Alice had to embark on a difficult journey to face her "impossible things" in order to answer the wise insects' question...creating this painting took me on quite a journey to face my fears in order to answer the question for myself.

it's the first time i've attempted to do a self portrait.

it's a 24x36 size canvas layered in symbolic details utilizing oils, acrylics, latex house paints, paper, ink, and various objects.

the answer to this question, for me, began back when i was 13. i had a reoccuring dream for 2 weeks after i had given my life over to Christ. that dream (as vivid today as it was in 1983) had everything to do with "who i am".

and yet i didn't understand. "the wrong Lisa"

when i lived in Scotland 8 years ago, the dream was interpreted by a man who specialized in dream interpretation. he explained that it was packed full of symbolic imagery and i was told that i had been given the answer to who i was all those years ago when i was a teenager.

and yet...i still didn't understand. "hardly Lisa"

this year has been an amazing year of waking up, really seeing inside of myself, and stepping into who i am (mind, body, heart, spirit). i've embarked on an intense inner journey to face my "impossible things" in order to "slay the Jabberwocky" in my life.

and now...i understand. "the right Lisa"

with my mind renewed and All Consuming Fire in my heart, and Revelator & Art upon my arms, i dance & fling paint and wield Worship & Intercession as my swords in battle, i shout Freeeeeeedoooooooommmmm! for hearts held captive.

i'm in love with God. and God's in love with me. this is who i am and this is who i'll be. and that settles it. completely.

i am WARRIOR PAINTER!

Introducing An Emerging Artist

"Rhythm of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" 12x16 acrylic and ink on canvas. c. 2010 Alyee Willets.

I remember what it was like to start out as a full time artist 12 years ago. It was exciting and yet a bit daunting too. There's so much to experience and learn...where and how does one begin? I recall those mentors in my life who encouraged me to paint from the passion within me. And I remember those in the art community who helped promote me and opened the doors for my first art shows. I wouldn't be where I'm at today if it weren't for those who believed in me as an artist and helped give me the courage to believe in myself as an artist.

Today I find myself in the wonderful position to "pay it forward".

I want to introduce you to an emerging artist friend of mine from Boise, Idaho. Alyee Willets is a mixed media artist who paints vibrant and emotive prophetic paintings. She works in multiple layers using various mediums and techniques that create her unique abstract expressionist style.

Alyee has traveled the globe and lived overseas serving as a missionary with YWAM. She has a Divinely inspired compassionate heart for those who have been oppressed and broken-hearted. And she continues to be connected with those who have impacted her life so richly. This intimate expression pours forth from her heart into her paintings and the viewer finds themselves engaging and interacting with the art in profound and deep ways.

I've had the priviledge of getting to watch Alyee as she paints and I can say that it's truly an inspiring experience. I've found myself so mesmerized by her creative energy of color usage and layering techniques that I want to go grab a canvas and some paints and jump into the creation process beside her!

Alyee sells the art she creates (originals and prints) and she does commissioned work. She has created prophetic paintings live during church worship services. She has also taught beginning painting to children and has recently painted a commissioned mural. Alyee has shown her work in the August-October 2010 VineArts Gallery Art Exhibit titled "Embracing Glory" and will have her first solo art show November 2010 at LUX Fashion Lounge in downtown Boise.

If you're interested in seeing more of Alyee's work and would like to inquire about commissioning/purchasing her art, you can email her at: cherid465@msn.com or call her at: 1.208.283-6094. You can also visit Alyee at her blog: http://whenheavencomesdown.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook.

Again...I am extremely appreciative of those who introduced me as an emerging artist all those years ago, and I find it to be a huge honor to be able to do the same today for someone else. Though it can be quite challenging and difficult and the road can be bumpy and confusing at times...being an artist is one of the most rewarding and enriching things to be in life. You see, it's more than just a job or an occupation...it's who we are deep in our hearts. It's how we see the world. It's how we speak the Divine creatively. It's how we live the adventure.

Welcome Alyee Willets...YOU ARE AN ARTIST!