ENVISION



Last week I went to the launch of "envision" (a new Treasure Valley wide faith based art community open to creatives of all mediums, skill levels, and accomplishments). over 40 people turned out! it was exciting to see the potential and possibilities when creatives gather together to collaborate in community. We know that though the normal tendency for a creative is to isolate (in our creative process, in our... business, in our spiritual lives, in our relational lives), truth is we the creative desires community and connection at a deep level (it's just so darn hard to be vulnerable with who we are and trust). It's encouraging when norms are broken down and we can reach across the barriers to each other (to understand and be understood). I like it when i see this beginning to happen.

Envision meets on the 3rd Wednesday night of each month, from 7pm to 9pm.

It's first meeting was at the VineArts Studio. It will probably meet there for awhile and then perhaps move around depending upon the theme of the night. Each month will have a different topic and speaker, a different format and experience (some with hands on experiential art making). The first meeting was made up of musicians, singer/songwriters, poets, authors, painters & other visual artists, photographers, dancers, art teachers, and art ministers from a number of churches throughout the Treasure Valley.
Envision:
Connecting Creatives with Each Other and the Creator

"The result of God’s stirring in our hearts, Envision aims to bring a sense of community to Christian creatives. Our vision centers on finding ways to embrace, inspire, and empower creatives, ushering them into the knowledge of who they are in Christ, while nurturing our God-given abilities to connect with each other, our communities, the world, and ultimately our Creator.

Envision will speak to all Christian denominations without prejudice. Whether or not you presently attend a church or have community with other artists, this is a safe place for you to come and find more of who you were created to be.

This meeting is an important opportunity for creatives within all areas of art to explore what needs among us are unmet. Your willingness to share ideas and discuss possible solutions to questions such as the ones below is critical as we move forward.

• What unmet needs do you see in the Christian creative community?
• What do you need in order to feel more connected and inspired as a creative individual?
• How can we support and serve you?

To help illustrate our vision we will feature a guest speaker/guest artist at each meeting who will share with our group. The first meeting on March 20th was led by Sherri Coffield. She spoke about how she came to realize that being a Christian artist doesn't have to mean creating art with a narrow religious focus and how this discovery has impacted her spiritual growth and personal ministry.

If you have questions or comments about upcoming meetings you can contact:
Sherri Coffield
scoffield.id@gmail.com
Child care will not be provided. Children under the age of 17 will only be admitted on a case to case basis since some mature content may not be appropriate."

all about LOVE

This site is about my art. I'm not one to normally post about my political views here or anywhere else for that matter. I don't like getting into debates or heated discussions with people (it's just not who I am). And I respect everyone's perspective, beliefs, and points of view...always trying my best to listen, understand, and love from the heart (especially if we don't agree on something).

So please understand, though this post will reveal something about me that I don't normally share in public, it's not meant to be anything else other than to share with you another opporutnity I had to love through creativity. I can't help but share the heart behind what I got to participate in this week by being able to paint live at a dear friends' fundraiser. This was all about love.

This week I had the priviledge to paint live during the 2013 Stanton Healthcare Spring Banquet themed "Building a Legacy of Life: Going Mobile". The non-profit healthcare organization was celebrating a new mobile unit to do free ultrasounds for women seeking help at the time of pregnancy.

The 2013 Stanton Healthcare Banquet was held at The Riverside Hotel in Boise.

There were over 480 people who gathered to support Stanton Healthcare and help raise funds for the coming year. People from the clergy, business, foundations, political (local & national), medical, entertainment arenas were present. But the honored guests were the Stanton Healthcare clients themselves. They are the real story here. The practical love that Stanton pours out to them blows my mind!

This is me with my good friend, the Founder and President of Stanton Healthcare, Brandi Swindell. The work she does in the political and medical arenas on a local level and on a national level for women and children and human rights is cutting edge and making history for our nation...all motivated by her heart to love people with the love of God. And that is Brandi in a nutshell...a lover of people (especially those who are broken and faced with difficult circumstances & decisions. she walks side by side with them, never judging or giving up on them, always embracing and helping).

 This is me with the Rev. Patrick Mahoney,

Director of The Christian Defense Coalition, Washington DC.

Rev. Mahoney was the Master of Ceremonies at the banquet.

This is a photo taken of me painting live during the banquet. I started out with a canvas that I had pre-textured with venetian plaster to create the look of a womb. I then layered paper images, words, and paint. I incorporated the Stanton flower logo into it.

The center image of the baby in the womb is a print of a sketch I did for the book:

"Formation Generation" by Robert M. Kurz (a book about praying through the developmental stages of your unborn chld. I illustrated it with over 30 original sketches) published in 2009 by Tate Publishing (you can find it on Amazon.com). This book is endorsed by Brandi Swindell and Rev. Patrick Mahoney and given to Stanton Healthcare clients.

Once I was finished creating, I invited some of the Stanton Healthcare clients and their babies to dip their hands into fingerpaints and imprint onto the painting (allowing them to become a part of the creating process). The painting (which is representing the precious creation of each of us by God, through being knit together in our mother's womb) has Scripture and other imagery and quotes about the development of the unborn child layered throughout the background.

The painting was later auctioned off to the highest bidder. It became a bidding war and in the end the painting sold for $3,250! All the monies were donated to Stanton Healthcare and the winner redonated the painting to Stanton so it can hang in the clinic as a beautiful memory and testimony of loving people.

"I knew you before you were born"

created live at Stanton Healthcare Banquet 2013

by abstract expressionist artist, Lisa Marten

30x40 mixed media on canvas

sold for $3,250 (all donated to Stanton Healthcare)

Stanton Healthcare is: a 501C3. founded by Brandi Swindell (Founder&President).
It runs with over 150 volunteers (medical, administrative, clerical, client advocacy/counseling, client services/practical needs, legal services, accounting services, event planning&coordination, development, resource identification, community outreach, childbirth education, sexual integrity education&information, parenting education).
Stanton Healthcare provides: free and confidential services: early detection pregnancy verification (no charge), limited obstetrical ultrasounds (no charge), life-affirming options counseling, first trimester pregnancy care, client advocacy, child birth/parenting education, maternity&baby supplies, adoption information, annual spa day, practical assistance, post abortion exams&support, sexual integrity program, referrals for OB/GYN care&STD testing, housing assistance&legal advice.
The mission of Stanton Healthcare: to offer life-affirming options and resources to abortion vulnerable women; provide hope to those struggling from the pain of a past abortion; and share the messsage of sexual integrity with this emerging generation-in a professional environment that promotes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The vision of Stanton Healthcare: to make the womb a safer place to live by making Stanton Healthcare "The Right CHOICE for Women."
Stanton Healthcare is located at: 3684 N. Harbor Ln., Boise, ID 83703 (next door to Planned Parenthood)
For more info on Stanton Healthcare: www.StantonHealthcare.org


It truly was an honor to love out of creativity to people who really are all about loving from the heart. I am thankful for the opportunity and am so excited that the painting sold for such a high price to help benefit the clients of Stanton.

As the Founder & President of Stanton is quoted to say:
"Hearts are being changed and lives are being saved. Babies that might have had their lives ended are being given life and women are finding hope-and that's amazing! Stanton is about teamwork and counting on each other to provide the best possible care to women faceing unexpected pregnancies. Through ultrasounds and 18 month support program (at no charge) our clients and their babies get a chance at a brighter future. Our goal is to be the first choice for every abortion vulnerable woman in our area facing an unexpected pregnancy. For those women, we want to be the first resource that comes to their mind. With our professional and compassionate care-and most of all-our love for them, they'll find peace and strength. Let's continue to stand together to build a legacy of LIFE." -Brandi Swindell



The Pilgrimage to Laity

The past few years I've traveled with a group of art ministry leaders from VineArts Boise to a remote location in Texas to attend the annual "Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists" held at Laity Lodge by arts pastor David Taylor. This year was my fourth consecutive year traveling to the four day retreat and like each one before it, I've come back filled and inspired and encouraged about my role as an art minister.

The pilgrimage to connect in community with other arts ministers from around the States and the world each year is not an easy one. When I say that, I mean that there is a lot of time, money, committment, and preparation involved with the decision to attend (and not just on an individual basis, but also on a team basis). Like most conferences, seminars, retreats, and other meetings where there is travel, transportation, accomodation, meals, and session times involved...there is a registration cost (this particular retreat registration includes the cost of accomodation, meals, and sessions) along with the cost of flights and car rental and any meals outside of the time at the retreat.

One reason why I'm even bringing this up is to make note that as a traveling art minister (who isn't being paid for this particular aspect of what I do and am completely reliant on my art sales through my art business) the journey to Laity Lodge each year requires trust and faith that the financial and time committment will be covered. The other reason I bring this up is that, unlike my other art ministry travels that take me solo to other countries or states where I connect through creativity by partnering with pastors, missionaries, or friends who are already reaching out to their communities in relationship, this particular trip is embarked upon with one or more arts ministers from the VineArts Ministry in Boise. So the trip is contingent on schedules and finances of the entire group going. We each pay our own registration costs but work together to fundraise for the travel expenses through the VineArts Ministry.

One creative way we do this is to make fresh salsa together as a team and sell it to raise money for the trip. The totals of sales help to determine if our trips transportation cost will be met. The salsa has always been a big hit with supporters and we spend numerous days advertising, creating, canning, and selling the homemade cilantro lime salsa (a family recipe of one of our leaders) each year. The committment to this fundraiser has become a valued experience for those leaders planning to attend Laity and even for those leaders who won't be attending but enjoy the collaboration and will ultimately gain from the collective learning that Laity provides those who do attend. 

I enjoy being able to travel to Laity with leaders from the VineArts Boise arts ministry each year, as it allows not just for an individual experience but also for a collaborative experience. The act of prepping and planning, traveling and partaking, sharing and debriefing together, allows for a richer, deeper, more meaningful experience along the way. The shared experience enhances and encourages each of us as we endeavor to minister to artists individually and collectively.

I want to also quickly mention that though this is titled "Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists" and though there certainly is emphasis on respite and renewal, this is not a vacation. It's a deliberate intimate gathering of Pastors, Ministers, Priests, Missionaries, Theologians, Scholars, Directors, Producers, Musicians, Singer/Songwriters, Artists, Poets, Writers, Dancers, Sculptors, and many other creatives and practitioners who have a commonality to care for the hearts of creatives within their communities (inside and outside of the church). People travel from all over the States and other countries representing numerous Christian denominations and organizations specifically for the opportunity to learn from each other regarding their work with creatives. It really is a very unique gathering of individuals and a very sacred time carved out for those who attend.

Each year there are different featured speakers and artists scheduled to share based on a predetermined theme or topic. In years past we've been honored by speakers like Poet Luci Shaw, Iconographer Frederica Green, Music Producer Charlie Peacock. This year the topic was "Being Caretakers of the Imagination" and the featured speakers were James Smith- Professor of Philosophy and Adjunct Professor at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. and David Taylor-pastor, artist, author of "For the Beauty of the Church". The featured artists were Artist-Jay Walker; Professor of Art at Seattle Pacific University and sculptor-Roger Feldman; Painter-Jim Janknegt. The featured musician was Director of Worship Arts, Trinity Presbyterian Bifrost Arts-Isaac Wardell.

I won't go into details here about what was shared and discussed during this particular retreat (I need to wade through my notes and the files in my head and heart first) but I do want to say that the conversations and the connections at these retreats have been and are priceless to me. They seem to naturally set the tone and theme for my year. It takes me months, even years to process all that I experience at these retreats. I've learned to allow myself the time to do this. And I've learned that what was taken in on one retreat may not make sense until another...this is the process of allowing myself to dip into the deep wells of all that I've experienced at them and drink when the time is right, in order to understand my role as an art minister.

Another cherished thing about these gatherings is the meeting of those who understand each other. I remember the first time I attended the retreat after meeting fellow art ministers from all over the world, I had felt like I had found my "tribe". Fact is, we've all been journeying together for 4-5 years now...and we're becoming a family of art ministers. And like any family we are made up of individuals who have diverse backgrounds and views, focuses and specialties, giftings and callings...but we are family...and we are all on this pilgrimage together. And I will continue to make the journey as I can.

Eagle Magazine

I've had an article written about me and my art in the March-April 2013 edition of Eagle Magazine (a local lifestyle magazine).

It was a wonderful collaborative process between the editor, Jamie Dillon; the journalist, Kate Matthews; the graphics designer, Dave Stein; and myself. I want to thank them for representing me well.

You can view the article a number of ways. The magazine hits the newsstands today. You can pick up a hard copy for free at any Eagle Magazine stand that sits in front of restaurants and businesses in the Eagle City area. If you subscribe to the magazine you can have it delivered directly to you. And you can read on-line at www.eaglemagazine.com. If you click on the large link below titled "Connecting Through Creativity" you can go directly to the article and read on-line.

I also have to note...the article about me is in an edition that is also featuring "The Art of Fly Fishing" and "Living Long, Living Strong", along with articles featuring other creatives, writers, and even Publisher Maryanna Young. This excites me all the more! I find this quite appropriate! Thank you Eagle Magazine!

Eagle Magazine
March-April 2013
Page 32-33
Connecting Through Creativity
written by Kate Matthews
designed by Dave Stein
photos by Evermore Prints & Starry Night Media

An Evening With Sarah

I would like to invite you to an art opening for a friend of mine.
Photographer Sarah Goetter is hanging her photography and artwork at the Coffee Studio in Meridian, Idaho where it will be displayed for a month. Come and celebrate the opening of her show with delicious coffee, treats, and live music from Paul Goetter.

Tuesday March 5, 2013
5:00pm-8:30pm
The Coffee Studio
6360 N. Saguaro Hills Ave.
Meridian, ID 83646

Check out Sarah's work at:
SARAH GOETTER

To RSVP the opening on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/146157388880388/

working as a painting apprentice

in the early periods of classical art many artists, painters, sculptors and architects worked as apprentices to masters who were commissioned by trade for royalty, governments, or religious institutions throughout history to produce huge artistic works for estates, palaces, cathedrals, and other public and private venues. this kind of occupation has almost been forgotten in our post modern technologically-digital twenty-first century age. today, the average professional artist tends to work alone on projects struggling to make ends meet in a fallen global economy that devalues art and creativity. the competition can be fierce in the art world and many artists fall prey to depression and isolation as they struggle to find their niche as a creative person in society. i am encouraged to find that there are pockets of artists who are building community with each other and pushing past fears to foster relationship through collaboration. and some are finding their way as masters of this modern age and are doing what they can to lead out in our society through creativity. along with creating their own work, they are giving their time and resources to teach, mentor, and train emerging artists in their fields to carry the torch and become skilled at their trades. depending upon the scale, some artists are employing apprentices to help them with commissioned and contracted projects. and this is what this post is about...the opportunity i have been given to apprentice alongside a highly skilled oil painter who has been commissioned to create classical style artwork throughout a new construction private residence.

i want to introduce you to David Martorelli...an accomplished fine artist and nature photographer originally from Maui. David has hired me as his apprentice to help him as he paints classical and art nuveau style oil painting murals and decorative stenciling throughout a private residence here in Idaho. many of the paintings are being done after and in the style of art nuveau painter Mucha from the late 1800's.

the house is being built in a late 1800's early 1900's European style with authentic architecture and landscaped gardens. the imported antique fixtures, tiling and furnishings, along with famous collected art pieces decorating the entire house, the art nuveau and classical paintings we are working on add to the uniqueness of this private residence nestled in a rural area of Idaho.

when you enter the house through the front door, you are met with classical art above four arched doorways leading you to varous points within the house.

artistic architectural archways and lines add to the flow of creativity to the entryway as you move forward into a circular room with a dome and staircase.

the custom made stairwell banister artistically adds to what is already an art filled entryway.

David painted this entire dome in true Michelangelo style (on ladders on scaffolding). the imagery represents the four seasons.

looking back towards the front door you can see the art nuveau pieces we are working on above each archway.

the painting station we work from. all art supplies are David's. we are using oil paints and mediums and painting directly onto the walls. the builders of the house gave the walls a flat finish which makes painting murals much easier than if they had texture on them.

David mixes all the colors himself. it truly is his work.

the first step i've learned from David is transferring images to the walls where we will paint. he perfected a technique that includes projecting images to a wall, tracing them onto thick papers, then covering the back of the papers with carbon paper. the papers are placed on the walls and then we trace over the lines already on the papers to imprint through the carbon to the wall. the image is transferred almost perfectly giving us the ability to work in detail when we paint.

David works long hours planning, prepping, and painting. he takes great pride in mixing and blending the paints and getting the images to be exactly what the owner of the house has envisioned. the paintings and artwork will be located inside and outside of the house. currently we are working on paintings that are located in the entry way, the circular staircase room, and the dining room. my job as his apprentice is to work on the things he asks me to. this can range from transferring images to painting areas of each image. the way it works out is that we both end up working on each image. we rotate back and forth as we need to depending on drying time, color usage, and space needed in the area we are working.

in the entry way and circular room we are creating 4 images that come from Mucha's "Art" series.

here David is painting on "Poetry".

here i'm working on "Painting"

here David is working on "Dance"

here i am working on "Music"

as a working artist i do a lot of different kinds of art...mixed media abstract expressionism, impressionistic landscapes in oil, detailed realist portraits and illustrations in graphite and charcoal, computer graphics and art, live performance dance and expressionist painting, even detailed mural work with latex housepaints....but this kind of artwork is different. this kind of artwork is not just about the art...it's about the learning process too. i'm really enjoying being a fine art apprentice in classical style. i appreciate the opportunity to learn on the job. David is an amazing artist to work with. every day is a new artistical adventure as we ascend ladders to create with paint and paint brushes in hand. and when it's all done, at the end of the day, the family that will move into the house will get to experience a world of beauty surrounding them on a daily basis. a beauty that will transport them to another time in history when artisans were hired alongside builders and art was valued as a way of life.

i'll post again with final images when the project is complete.

to view David Martorelli's fine art and photography visit his website:

www.davidmartorelli.com

Being an Artist in the Marketplace and Being a Person of Faith

I want to introduce you to Makoto Fujimura. Makoto Fujimura is an internationally acclaimed visual artist throughout the Modern Art World. He is also a person with a deep faith in God. How do the seemingly opposing two parts of him meet? His reconciliation with both is inspiring many of us artists who either have or still struggle with this dilemma of identity.

"Art is always transgressive. What I always say is, we need to transgress our love. We today, have a language to celebrate waywardness, but we do not have a language, a cultural language, to bring people back home. So everything i do...my paintings, with (IAM) International Arts Movement work...everything has something to do with that. I hope this project will be enduring, that it is not just a printed object but has a life of its own." -Makoto Fujimura

"The divisions in modern life are growing deeper and more contentious between opposing academic disciplines, political parties, denominations, cultures, and classes. The world rewards increasingly granular specialization, but the world’s philosophical and practical problems increasingly demand the knowledge and cooperation of experts from diverse backgrounds. Makoto Fujimura has seen this fragmentation and has endeavored, personally and through International Arts Movement, to motivate other creatives to work together to resist the alienating effects of a divisive society. Defying fractured, fragmented modern perspectives, the Fujimura Institute encourages artists and thinkers to collaborate, cooperate and inspire their audiences to piece together a whole view of the world." -taken from Makoto's website

www.makotofujimura.com

Art in the Bar 8

 

Dead Bird Local Art & Framing presents

Art in the Bar 8

Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Knitting Factory Concert House

416 S. 9th St.

Boise, ID

Noon-9pm

Free to the public

All ages are welcome

Full Bar with ID

 

This show will feature the local artists of Green Chutes Artists Co-op and many more (including myself and Lukas Evergreen).
 

I regret to announce that Marten Evergreen (the performance art company I co-founded with Lukas Evergreen) will not be performing at this Art in the Bar afterall...but we are in the process of planning some upcoming performances and do plan on performing at the next Art in the Bar. So stay tuned for future announcements and come on out to see us when you can. We love performing for you Boise!

 



There and Back Again: an Artist Hobbit's Tale

New Beginnings in Creative Travels

looking back at 2012 and ahead at 2013

“It’s a dangerous business Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

-Bilbo Baggins

I want to see mountains Gandalf!

If you know me well enough you know how much I love The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Their scenes, dialogues, imagery, and multiple layered meanings have become the language of my life’s journey. From the moment Bilbo is invited on the quest by Gandalf and the dwarves to the moment Frodo joins him to sail off to Valhalla in the West...I am caught up in the story. I believe life is a story. Author John Eldredge speaks of this story that our hearts need to live, in his book, Waking the Dead…”We are now far into this epic Story that every great myth points to. We have reached the moment where we, too must find our courage and rise up to recover our hearts and fight for the hearts of others. The hour is late, and much time has been wasted. Aslan is on the move; we must rally to him at the stone table. We must find Gepetto lost at sea. We must ride hard, ride to Helm’s Deep and join the last great battle for Middle Earth. Grab everything God sends you.” Saint Irenaeus is quoted to say, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” The last few years I’ve heard my heart beating louder and stronger as God has been calling my name, like Much Afraid is beckoned to the High Places, as Thomas is called by the Boy to dive deep into the Lake, as Merida is drawn into the woods by the Wisps,...I’m to be a part of the Story. My name has been called. Warrior Painter-Dancing Child. With a heart that desires to love much and love well, I am wielding my paint brushes like a warrior and dancing on storms like a child to the far corners of the world. I’ve been called to be a lover of broken hearts. I’ve been called to be an advocate for the creative. I’ve been called to be a minister to the artist. I’ve been called to step out my door and travel wherever my feet take me. I’ve been called to walk through walls. The road has not been, isn’t, and will not be without struggle, without darkness, without heartache, and without fear. But it most certainly has been, is, and will be an adventure that is my life.

The winds have been changing and for such a time as this...I enter the Story to love fully alive.

I know what I must do...it’s just I’m afraid to do it. I cannot do this alone.

I’ve known this all along. I’m an only child who was brought up traveling and raised to appreciate places and cultures and peoples and experiences outside my own comfort zone. and I’m single with only myself to care for and look after (which I understand does give me chances and opportunities that others may or may not have). I recognize I have specific gifts and talents, and I have specific goals and dreams, and I have specific missions and callings. Though all of these things about me can give purpose and meaning and excitement to my life...admittedly, it can all be a bit daunting on my own. To converse about the deep things, to share experiences and collaborate ideas...to be challenged and encouraged, to learn and to teach, to grow and to change...it all requires relationship. Allowing others into our lives. To be real. To be raw. To be remade. And to gain the courage to be who were meant to be and to go do the things we are meant to do. It all requires relationship. So I’ve always been about relationship. I cannot do this thing called life alone. I’ve known this all along. This is why when I came upon the understanding that I was to set out on creative adventures around the world, taking art and creativity with me to partner with and come along side others who are already serving and connecting in community in other cities, in other states, in other countries...to join in the conversation that is already happening...I knew I needed to invite people in to what I was about to go do. I asked for friends and family to partner with me in support (through prayer, interest, financial means, communication) so that I wouldn’t be doing any of this on my own (everyone gets to be a part of the plan in some way). And I gathered a small group of 12 dear mentors, pastors, and friends around me as a sort of “Fellowship of the Ring” to Commission me for my journey. They continuously surround me with love and prayer and encouragement. They keep me accountable and challenge me to keep my focus to trust God as I embark on exciting but stretching paths abroad and here at home. I may be traveling on my own...but I’m not alone. I need community.

Anyways, you need people of intelligence on this sort of... mission... quest... thing.

LAITY LODGE RETREAT FOR ART MINISTERS: 3 years ago I traveled to a desert canyon retreat center in Texas for the first time with hopes of connecting with others who had a heart to minister to those crazy artsy types. And to my surprise and delight I was welcomed into a tribe of art ministers from all over the United States and the world. Getting to connect on intimate levels with artists, poets, musicians, songwriters, singers, dancers, sculptors, film makers, producers, writers, and other creatives who pastor, direct, minister, teach and mentor creatives in their communities, their churches, their cities has been one of the highlights of my year. I’ve returned each year for the 4 day time of respite and renewal. The relationships I’ve gained help me to take the steps I take each year in art ministry. I found my tribe!

CULTIVATION GENERATION: For the last 2 years Vineyard Boise has hosted a national youth conference each summer. I had the honor and privilege to help with the arts each night during the worship services at the 4 day event. I enjoyed being able to guide & mentor youth and young adults as they were given the freedom to express themselves creatively through visual art and dance as worship to God. It was so exciting to experience the life and vibrancy of the next generation being given the voice to speak and the permission to be who they’re meant to be in this world.

CREATIVE CHURCH CONFERENCE: The VineArts Ministry at Vineyard Boise hosted it’s first ever art conference in July. Featuring top authors & speakers on the subject of Art Ministry and Art in the Church we opened our doors to artists and art ministers from all over the United States and Canada for a 3 day conversation about creativity. This experience was so enriching. I co-led a few sessions and got the chance to connect in relationship with some amazing artists and art ministers from all over. We’re just beginning to break ground in this subject.

Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open.

PAINTING LIVE: There is something innately relational about experiencing and engaging with someone being creative as a message, as a story, as a conversation. It’s that language that transcends beyond differences in age, race, gender, faith, politics, cultures, ideologies. I love being able to paint live in front of people for that purpose...to break down the walls we put between each other and help us to speak the same language...the God given language of creativity. Whether I’m painting in a church service or out on the streets or at an art event, whether in a gallery or concert venue for hundreds of people or in a friends’ home for a private gathering...I love the interaction & collaboration I get to have with people as they engage with me while I’m engaging with the paint and the canvas, as I’m co-creating with God.

FUNDRAISING ART SHOW: I love who I am. I’m a self-employed working artist. That means the act of art making is my work. It is how I gain my income. I love what I get to do as a working artist. My work has been anything from selling my paintings created in my studio, doing commissioned paintings and murals, illustrating a book, designing CD covers and graphics for musicians, painting live at art events and churches, teaching art lessons and workshops, volunteering with VineArts (a local art ministry through Vineyard Boise Church), mentoring and encouraging other artists,...and most recently traveling to local communities in other states and countries to connect with people through creativity! With the new birthing of my creative travels around the world I found myself needing to raise money to pay for trip expenses (as I took 3 trips last year specifically for that purpose). I am very appreciative.... Last year a dear friend and benefactor aided me by financing an art event in June at a local art gallery in my honor. The event raised money (through art sales and donations) so I could continue as a traveling art minister, connecting with people all over the world through creativity. It was a huge success and gained me not only financial support, but clients and connections for art business and art ministry.

PERFORMANCE ART: A year and a half ago I co-founded a performance art company with an artist friend, Lukas Evergreen, called MARTEN EVERGREEN. We collaborate with other performers to create live avant-garde performances that combine dance, music, painting, and drama to tell a story and become an experience for the audience. We create a 2D painting during the performance that we later present for sale. We’ve performed at art events throughout Boise (last year performing 5 times!) giving us the opportunity to connect with other creatives and the public by building relationship before and after our performances. It has stretched and challenged me as an artist. I have found great joy and pleasure getting to dance and paint live and connect in community in this unique and creative way.

For the time would soon come when Hobbits would shape the fortunes of all.

My Creative Art Travels...

LITHUANIA: In April I traveled to northern Europe to connect with friends who are reaching a community in Klaipeda, Lithuania. They founded Vineyard Klaipeda (a church) where they mentor a small group of people and serve the city by helping out in the community. In partnering with my friends and meeting the people they were already in relationship with, I was able to facilitate a number of collaborative art projects with youth and adults in settings such as an orphanage, a school, and a couple of residential flats. I worked with several translators who would interpret my English into Lithuanian. But what I found most encouraging was that the language of creativity seems to transcend all language barriers.

ALASKA: In May I traveled to the northern most state of the U.S. to connect with a friend based in Anchorage, who is reaching many people throughout Alaska. She speaks at churches and mentors youth and young adults. Together we traveled to several churches and communities throughout the Anchorage and Kenai areas partnering in ministry at speaking engagements and other kinds of gatherings. In an official capacity, I painted live while she spoke and we ministered to those who were present. And in a more relaxed capacity, she connected me with artists and musicians and people she was already in relationship with and I was able to open up the conversation about creativity with them.

SCOTLAND: In Sept-Oct I traveled to the UK (for the 4th time) to connect with friends who are reaching a community in Arbroath, Scotland. They owned a café and built relationship with many artists and musicians in the historical east coast city. In partnering with my friends and meeting the people they were already in relationship with (along with other friends and people I was meeting on my own), I was able to have conversations with creatives throughout Arbroath, the highlands, Glasgow, and the west coast. I facilitated several collaborative art projects, painted live several times, painted murals, and enjoyed traveling around the country connecting and building relationship.

To read more about these trips I've taken and view photos go to: www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Looking into 2013 so far...

Marten Evergreen:
ART IN THE BAR-Lukas Evergreen and I have been invited to join the production team of the local Boise art event: Art in the Bar that is held at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Boise throughout the year. This is a huge honor and will give us the wonderful opportunity to not only show and perform at the events, but also help produce them (allowing us to connect more with the local artists throughout the Boise area).
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES-to be announced. We are in the planning process of some new performances and will keep you informed. To see photos and video of past performances and to be informed on upcoming performances, follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/martenevergreen  and here at this blog.

Art Ministry travels overseas:
THAILAND-autumn 2013, I'll be partnering through creativity with friends who are based in Lampang and Chang Mai.
Follow my adventures at: www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com  . IF you're interesed in knowing more about this trip and helping to support me as I travel to northern Thailand to connect with people through creativity (if you're intereseted in helping through prayer support and/or financial support) you can contact me via email: revelatorart@yahoo.com . Thank you.

Art Ministry travels and conferences with VineArts:
TEXAS-Retreat for Art Ministers in March at Laity Lodge, Kerrville.
CALIFORNIA-National Vineyard Pastors Conference in July at Anaheim Vineyard, L.A.
IDAHO-Cultivation Generation in August at Vineyard Boise.
Follow what’s happening at: www.vineartsboise.org  and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/vineartsboise  and here at this blog.

revelatorART:
ART SHOWS-
        -JANUARY-Coffee Studio in Meridian, ID
        -APRIL-St. Luke’s Hospital Gallery in Eagle, ID
        -JUNE-Eagle City Gallery in Eagle, ID
Follow what’s happening at: www.revelatorart.blogspot.com  and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/revelatorart:lisamarten

and I'm sure a whole lot more is in store...

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

“It is the greatest mystery of life that satisfaction is felt not by those who take, and make demands, but by those who give, and make sacrifices. In them alone, the energy of life does not fail, and this is precisely what is meant by creativeness. The positive mystery of life is therefore to be found in love, in sacrificial, giving, creative love. As has been said already, all creativeness is love and all love is creative. If you want to receive, give. If you want to obtain satisfaction, do not seek it. Never think of it, and forget the very word. If you want to achieve strength, manifest it. Give it to others.”

Shortly after my return from Scotland I was thrust into a family health crisis that consumed life for 2 months. It was a very stressful and stretching time that took it’s toll on me. It was during that time that I became familiar with what I call the BLUE FUNK (a foggy boggy darkness that settles in like an unwelcomed guest and takes up residence hanging, suspending) I am thankful for the amount of love and support I have surrounding me that helped me come to terms with the funk. Instead of fighting against it and causing more stress and tension for myself, I allowed myself to embrace it, sink into it, and learn from it. I’ve realized that I end up robbing myself of some key lessons learned and of some comforting truths when I reject the dark times. By taking them in, allowing my eyes to adjust, and listening...really listening, I am learning to trust.

2013 is revealing itself to be a year of embracing TRUST. Not just learning to trust or understanding the need for trust, but actively walking into trust...living trust, being trust. Open handed letting go kind of trust. That moment when Bilbo trusted his heart and not his head and signed the contract and ran out his door to go have his adventure. That moment when Frodo entered the Prancing Pony to find Gandalf absent and trusted to wait for direction. That moment when Arwen turned her horse around to return to Rivendell, trusting fate though all she had was a sense, a dream, a promise that there was a future for her and Aragorn. That moment when Samwise trusted that his friendship with Frodo was deeper and more true than the hold the ring had to divide them. Yes...it is that kind of trust...that active “creative love” that I believe I’m being tested to be.

“And this is my prayer for us: that we will not only love much, but love well.”



Painting in SnowFall

This week we've had a LOT of snowfall in the Boise area of Idaho. It's turned the Treasure Valley into a Winter Wonderland. School closures and road accidents have kept many housebound nestled in blankets and cuddling hot drinks. Others have ventured out to sled, ski, and play in this not so typical for southwestern Idaho weather. For me...the cold wet conditions have sparked a new flame of creativity within. Having faced several plans falling through to congregate with varous friends throughout the week...I have taken to seizing the day and embracing the ebb and flow of this winter storm. I've  spent a great deal of my time in my art studio sketching, planning, and creating...working on projects and accomplishing a lot. It's actually gotten me quite inspired with a new sense of purpose in my art.
One accomplishment in particular was the completion of an agreement (a sort of challenge) that I had made with another artist/art minister back in October. You see, I was on my creative travels in Scotland at that time (if you're interested in reading more about that trip you can check out my blogposts at: www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com) I had met up with an artist from Northern Ireland when I was staying in the rainy urban metropolis of Glasgow, Scotland. We spent some time connecting about art ministry, sharing ideas and encouraging each other. At one point in our conversation we were discussing artist block (that dreadful season an artist goes through when no matter what you try you just can't seem to create anything new, you feel stuck and flatlined, it can be rather depressing actually). In an attempt to keep encouraging each other we talked about things we'd like to try to get that creativity flowing once again. And that's when we came up with the crazy idea to challenge each other to paint outside in a storm. Yep. In a storm...that means, rain, wind, snow, whatever. The point would be to use it as an experiment...to see how the weather would effect paints, canvas, brushes, etc. And could we really adapt spontaneously however the elements played with us. We put a time limit on it so we couldn't procrastinate. We agreed to meet our challenge by the end of November. He went back to Northern Ireland and I went back to Idaho. Not too far into November he met the challenge by painting out in the rain and wind near the sea. But to my surprise upon my return to the States some unfortunate circumstances and family emergencies took place back to back and kept my attention all through November and into December. And then the holidays were upon us. Time seemed to get away from me and all my creativity seemed to be drained from me and I was not able to meet our challenge in the agreed time period. But he was gracious to understand. I let him know I would accomplish the task as soon as I could. AND BAM!!! This week we had a snowstorm!!! The time had come to rise to the challenge and paint outside in a storm!!! So I grabbed my easel and paints and rushed out to my back garden (that was quickly being covered in a blanket of snow) and I set to paint a scene from my Scotland highland travels.

My brushes were quickly covered in snow. I ended up just using one brush as many of them had frozen stiff to the canvas roll up holder they were in and were unusable. 

My acrylic paints were barely visible after a short while. I had thought enough to fill my water cups with hot water so they wouldn't freeze. I had to apply the hot water to the paints quite often as they were tacking up on the pallet and were becoming unworkable.

The cold was definitely effecting the water based acrylic paint. As the snow flakes hit the canvas they would immediately stick to it. This caused the paint (which was tacky once applied to the cold canvas) to bead up with the snow. It reminded me of the texture of salt I've experienced using salt with watercolors (if you apply salt to a watercolor paper that has been painted with rather wet watercolor paint, the salt reacts with the water and creates crystal like patterns.when the paint dries all the salt crystals are stuck to the paper and you brush them off to reveal the fun patterns left behind.) I was able to brush off the paint/snow beads and that left varous textures behind on the canvas.

I was outside about 45 minutes when I needed to stop. I could no longer see my paints or brushes (the snow had piled up so high and was still descending upon me). My hands (ungloved) were frozen and I could no longer paint. So I brought everything into my warm studio. I set the painting flat on a table. Within minutes the paint and snow melted and began pooling up on the canvas. I decided to work with this natural phenomenon. So I used a paper towel to soak up some of the pools and to dap to create textures. Then I lifted the painting and let some of the paint drip to give a fun waterfall effect. The above painting is the result of my painting in snowfall. I am really happy with the outcome. It's very ethereal and enigmatic, which is precisely the atmosphere I would've wanted to create for this particular subject (a highland waterfall). I can almost smell the peaty bog and feel the mist hanging in the air and hear the cold water rushing in the distance. I don't know if I could've created this without the snowfall experience. I really do think that to be an artist you have to be a bit crazy. I know this was crazy...but I'm very pleased at finally meeting this stormy challenge.

please mind the gap

here it is January 2013. the holidays are coming to an end. the freezing temps and lingering snow of winter have created an atmosphere of hibernation in me. as i say goodbye to 2012 i find myself surrounded by a fog of thoughts and emotions and memories and dreams (some light and joyous memories, some fun and exciting times, some dreams fulfilled and others just birthing, some dark and painful experiences, some deep and reflective ones, some fears conquered and other revealed, but all in all the fog has descended). it's like i'm standing in the underground waiting for the next train with my feet behind the yellow line. letting go. hopeful for more. the question rises...what next?

usually i post a year end update, highlighting the art events and travels that i experienced throughout the year and announcing upcoming plans for the new year. i had all intention of doing this by now, but unfortunately i have yet to formulate that post for you. so much took place in 2012 for me that it has been a bit overwhelming to gather it all in a concise post, but i am hoping to get that together this month. so instead of a year end update it will be more like a year start update.

but until then i wanted to post and thank you for following me and my artistic journey and creative adventures (through the art within my revelatorART business, the live performances i collaborate in with Marten Evergreen, the live painting and art shows i participate in throughout the community i reach, the art ministry i'm involved with through VineArts, the art ministry travels i embark on throughout the world to reach others through creativity, the moments when i can introduce you to fellow creatives i meet and help to promote them as they have helped me, or through my creative musings as they come to me)...thank you for reading.

keep checking in...there is more to come.

but for now...please mind the gap.

My Kiwi Poet Friend and His New Book of Poems

Some of you might remember that I traveled to Lithuania in April 2012 for a creative adventure. As a traveling art minister, I was able to connect with some Kiwi friends of mine who are living in Lithuania. Through their connection, I was able to facilitate some collaborative art projects with youth and adults through an orphanage, a school, and some small groups meetings. I originally met them when I lived in Scotland. These days they reach out to a community in Lithuania.

My friend Kelvin is a creative whose art mediums range from poetry, writing, painting, and photography, and I'm sure much more. He has written and published several poetry books over the years. He and his wife have lived in several countries reaching out to various communities. He writes from the heart about the places he's lived and traveled to, and about the people he has encountered along the way. He has had live poetry reading tours around Europe and he has won several awards internationally for his poetry.

He is currently trying to get his most recent book of poetry titled "Verses For The King", published with Vineyard International Publishing and has set up a pledge site to raise funds for this new book. I want to take this moment to introduce you to Kelvin and ask if you'd be willing to at least consider helping out a fellow creative. Thanks! -Lisa

Here is a link to one of Kelvin's sites where he posts his poetry:
http://www.lunch.lt/

INFORMATION ABOUT VERSES FOR THE KING

In Kelvin's own words:

My worship poetry book titled 'Verses for the King' [in faith] will be published by 'Vineyard International Publishing'. They will publish and pay for 50% of the printing. i have to pay for the other 50%.

I am using an excellent New Zealand based crowdfunding website to do this. If all of the money does not come in then those who pledged get refunded. It is a good safe system. Please feel free to visit the site and pledge, but more importantly please pray that God brings this money in.

The following information is taken from the pledge site...

About the Book:

'Verses for the King' is a worship poetry book for anyone who likes to explore or engage with God. Its author, Kelvin Fowler, is a New Zealander who has lived in countries as diverse as the Philippines, Scotland and Mexico. He is currently a Vineyard pastor in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
This book draws us to God, who creates beauty out of despair; fathers orphans and meets us in special places. Kelvin's passion for disadvantaged people and life in the 'now and not yet' shine through, bringing us face to face with a living Jesus.
Some of these poems have won awards, many of them have been performed at various venues across Europe.

'Verses for the King' will make an excellent gift.
Please join us in this adventure, be generous and pledge.
'Verses for the King' is being published by 'Vineyard International Publishing'. VIP is paying 50% of the publishing. Kelvin has to fund the rest. Among other things, his costs include printing, shipping and import duties. VIP and Kel will each receive 1000 books.

About the Author

Kelvin Fowler was born in a southern New Zealand village and grew up loving running, nature and dirt-track speedway.
His dance with Jesus began in the juxtaposition of 'New Age' culture and Sydney cafés and the cliff-faces, caves and canyons of rural New South Wales, Australia.

A call to the nations' minorities have been paramount to his dance. He has been blessed enough to count among his friends transvestites in Australia, drug addicts in Mexico, a husky in Canada, malnourished kids in the Philippines, alcoholics in Scotland and orphans in Lithuania.

For the last ten years Kelvin and his wife have been interceding through the legacy of the Soviet Union and planting a Vineyard church in Lithuania's port city of Klaipėda.

In-between times Kelvin likes to write, paint, take photos, ride his bicycle and listen to public radio and jazz.

An important notice
All prices are in New Zealand dollars. The exchange rates as of December 12 were approximately:
€1 = NZ$1.54
£1 = NZ$1.91
US$1 = NZ$1.18

The rewards do not include postage. Postage will be arranged when I receive the books and have a chance to weigh them. In effort to keep the price down, I will be very creative getting the books to you.

Thanks

Thank you so much to all of you who have been involved with this important step in my writing journey. It has been fun getting this far.
Thank you to all of you who will pledge; you are helping the adventure continue.
God bless you all.
Cheers, Kelvin

Click on the link here to learn more and to pledge:

VERSES FOR THE KING PLEDGE PAGE