3 Exhibits, 3 Cities, in 3 Months...The Creative Conversation of Connie K Sales Art

I met abstract artist Connie K Sales in 2011 the first time I performed with artist Lukas Evergreen at Art in the Bar (a quarterly art show in Boise showcasing local artists held at The Knitting Factory Concert House and produced by Dead Bird Art and Framing).

Connie's art drew me in immediately.  Bold. Raw. Beautiful. Provocative. Expressionistic. Rich in Story. and Honest. I couldn't help myself...I had to get to know the artist behind the art. Connie is a beautiful soul who has mastered not only her art making but also her ability to communicate experiential themes through creativity that reflects the realness of humanity, sparking conversation and connection between the art, the artist, and the art appreciator.

It is with this same heart that I want to make you aware of a project that Connie is working on.

Connie has been given a wonderful opportunity to share in this creative conversation with 3 Exhibits in 3 Cities over 3 Months in 2015. "I Pray On Dirty Knees" at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA during March; "I Am Because You Are" at Gallery Five18 in Boise, ID during April; "Rainmaker and the Flower" at La Bottega in Laguna Beach, CA during May.

In Connie's words: "This project consists of almost 85 figurative and abstract works inspired by poetry, spiritual devotion, and personal experience. The primary objective is simple; to bring people together through art; to provide a place for conversation to begin."

In order to undertake this kind of project, Connie is need of assistance through prayer and positive energy, financial sponsorship by donating, and sharing about this unique artistic adventure.

If you're interested in helping to support this project, here is the link to the fundraising page. There is much more detail on the page about Connie and her art, the details of the project including costs for framing/crating/shipping/installation/travel/lodging expenses, and how to help. We can all be a part of the conversation. And if you're in or nearby any of the cities that are hosting her exhibits, be sure to stay informed and if you're able, plan to attend and become a part of the conversation face to face. 

http://www.gofundme.com/cksalesart 

To learn more about Connie and her art, here is the link to her website:
http://www.connieksalesart.com

Thank you friends. 

The Dude Abides

Once in awhile, if you're ever so aware with new eyes, you're given opportunities to catch a glimpse at how completely messy and yet profoundly beautiful being human really is. It's qualities seem to contrast and intertwine all at once. Fragility and constancy. Peace and war. Nurturing and using. Creativity and stagnation. Hope and disappointment. Joy and sorrow. Pain and love. Life and death. 

As created beings (both physical and spiritual) we are able to look past the outer more tangible sights and deeper into the more inner metaphysical concepts. Being human is the journey. And the journey is being human. And all of it...the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the joy, the sorrow, and especially the never ending questions...it's all relevant to the eternal questions: Who Am I? Why Am I Here? 

For each of us (those who have come before, those who are, and those who are yet to arrive) the way we (humans) answer those questions (the way we choose to live) reflects (shines) on the faces of those we encounter along the way. The good, the bad...etc. Our stories are written on each other. And our stories are read by one another. And if we are ever so aware with new eyes, we will catch glimpses of each other on each other's faces, in each other's hearts, upon each other's lives; even after our life spirit has departed from our physical body.

 I have a friend who has done this kind of "painting on people's lives". He recently departed our physical presence...but he still abides in each of us who were touched by him. And we are experiencing that contrasting relevance...together. In community and collaboration, we are reflecting and shining. 

Esau "Mark" Kessler 
artist, writer, graphic designer, musician, businessman, entrepreneur, radio and online persona, art minister, father, lover, son, friend. ...and personal fan to so many!

Esau "Mark" Kessler

The "New Eyes" exhibit: The art of Esau "Mark" Kessler

   

Some examples of Esau "Mark" Kessler's art.

*Mark, your 48 years has highly impacted all those who encountered you. The world is a better place for knowing you. Thank you for living your life to the fullest, for loving yourself as you did, and in turn being able to love us as you did. We have all been encouraged by who you are, to be who we are. We are better people for knowing you. You helped us have new eyes to reflect and shine. Thank you for your friendship. I love you and miss you.* -me

Mark's memorial service was held between the Christmas and New Year holidays. An incredible amount of people from all over and all walks of life gathered together to honor and reflect the dude we so lovingly miss. He positively touched so many lives (young and old, from all backgrounds and walks of life). 

I was blessed to collaborate with my artist friend Lukas Evergreen to paint live during the service as a tribute to Mark. Mark was a huge supporter of local artists and musicians. He helped to promote Lukas and my work (individually, and jointly as the performance art company "Marten Evergreen"). Performing live at his memorial was a great honor. 

We painted to the One Republic song "I Lived" (you can play the song below).
Photos taken by Birgit Phelps and Sarah Goetter.

"I Lived"  3ftx3ft mixed media on canvas. Performed live on 12-30-14 by Marten Evergreen for Esau "Mark" Kessler

As we enter a new year, many of us (myself included), are grieving, maneuvering through pain, holding onto hope and love, and learning the oh so fragile and constant steps of the dance of joy and sorrow. May our life song be one of breathing in deeply, never giving up, reaching out, creating, making sweet memories, and loving much and loving well. May the legacy we leave behind be like the one my dear friend Mark has left...a legacy that reflects and shines with new eyes. And may it be said of us, that throughout all the beautiful mess of life..."I Lived". 

Much Aloha, my friends.


Mark has a fiance and 4 kids (with one grandchild on the way). Here is a link if you'd like to contribute to a fund helping the family out with finances in memory of Mark: 
Esau "Mark" Kessler Memorial Fund

PRINTS AVAILABLE

For those who would like to purchase prints of some of my work...

I have been able to get some of my paintings professionally shot for this.

I can take pre-orders with pre-payment for anyone interested in purchasing.

All prints will be high quality giclee from a local printer I use in Boise, Idaho (Evermore Prints).

Print prices: 

all prices include 6% Idaho sales tax

For unstretched print on canvas...

5x7: $15.90

8x10: $31.80

9x12: $42.40

11x14: $53.00

14x18: $68.90

16x20: $79.50
18x24: $84.80

For stretched gallery wrapped print on canvas...
8x10: $84.80
9x12: $90.10
11x14: $95.40
14x18: $106.00
16x20: $121.90
18x24: $132.50

*There will be additional charge if there is shipping involved. 
If you have any questions or would like to order, please contact me at:
revelatorart@yahoo.com

Prints are available for the following paintings:

 Communion: Breakfast on the Beach

24x30 mixed media on canvas

 Sing Over Me

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

 Fill Me Up

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

 Find Me In The River

18x24 oil on canvas

All Things New

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

 Open Heart

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

 Rain Down On Me

24x30 mixed media on canvas

Sweetly Broken

24x36 mixed media on canvas 

 Warrior Painter
24x36 mixed media on canvas

Dancing Child
24x30 mixed media on canvas

Favored Queen 

24x30 mixed media on canvas

Campfire Community

24x30 mixed media on canvas

Face the Waves

16x30 mixed media on canvas

Raven Man

24x30 mixed media on brown paper/cardboard

Coffee with the Funk

24x28 mixed media on brown paper/cardboard

FACING WAVES: a recap of my art ministry travels 2010-2014

It’s all about Pursuit

I want to take this moment to thank everyone who has encouraged, supported, followed, promoted, donated to, come alongside and prayed for my art ministry trips. This traveling artist feels completely blessed and overwhelmed with love by all of you. I couldn't do what I'm doing out there without you. You are just as much a part of these trips as I am. Thank you for being a part of the conversation. 

You see I really do believe that creativity is a language that transcends all other languages, all nations, cultures, and borders. It's a language we all share...it's the language of our Creator. It may look or sound a bit different depending upon where we live and who we are, and some of us might be a bit rusty at first engagement, but it's a language that we all speak. 

Creativity is like a conversation. There are conversations going on all the time. Conversations with the people and the work of their hands, with people and God, with people and nature, with people and humankind, with people and self. Creativity allows me to come alongside others and enter into the conversations that are already happening with them. I love listening to the conversations (it's an honor, a sacred thing). If I'm invited into the conversations this brings about collaboration. Collaboration is an invitation to the sharing of ideas and it's a huge part of building relationship. I believe humankind is a relational people. We need each other.  I believe we were created that way by a creative God who is all about relationship with us. And I believe we've been given creativity as a language to relate to each other with.  When we connect into the conversation through creativity and allow for collaboration, we are helping to build community together and this helps foster relationship.  And the walls become invisible between us. 

And I believe there's a conversation going on around this big beautiful world of ours that has been initiated by our Creator. He is pursuing us. It’s a conversation that connects directly to our hearts. I believe that when we allow ourselves to listen in...when we 're open to entering into the conversation with others through creativity…when we pursue Him with equal the energy, we can hear the heart of God for each of us. And that heart speaks LOVE. 

Thank you for being a part of the conversation these last 5 years.

Let's keep painting on people's lives together.

Would you like to partner with me on these art ministry adventures?

Would you be willing to partner with me in prayer as I continue to take to listen to the conversation and enter into it through creative ministry? You see, we’re in this together. I really do believe I take you with me wherever I go. You’re a part of this adventure as much as I am. I appreciate your prayers & your encouragement more than you realize.

And If you’d like to help financially towards travel expenses and/or art supplies, any contribution would be a blessing & appreciated. Contact me at: revelatorart@yahoo.com

I have been writing about my adventures on my Traveling Artist blogsite: 

www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com  

You can check out each trip page by clicking on a tap at the top of that site. 

To continue to follow my adventures, you can subscribe to the site through RSS feed or you can receive the posts in your email by entering in your email address in the box provided on the site for email subscription. 

And if you are interested in hosting me on a future art ministry adventure, where I can partner with you to connect through creativity with those you are already reaching in your community, please contact me.

Thank you. 

Lisa Marten

Adventures Pursued

New Zealand 2011

Lithuania 2012

Alaska 2012

Scotland 2012

Pacific Northwest 2013

*Seattle, WA

*Vancouver Canada

*Bellingham, WA

*Portland, OR

Hawaii 2014

Seattle 2014

Oregon Coast 2014

Travels w VineArts

Ecuador (La Vina Quito) 2010

Annual Art Ministers Retreat. Laity Lodge, Texas (2010-2014)

CIVA Conference 2011

Creative Church Conference (bi-annually 2012,2014)

Vineyard USA Conference 2013

Local Pursuits

Live Painting at churches, concerts, and art events 

Performance Art at art events with Marten Evergreen

MORE ART TRAVELS TO COME!

I’m always open for wherever the conversation leads me.

Confirmed Travels for 2015:

• Laity Lodge: Art Ministers Retreat
• Lithuania: Vineyard Klaipeda (follow up ministry)

Possible New Adventures:

• Thailand
• Africa
• Ireland
• East Coast, US
• Somewhere I haven’t even thought of 

Possible Returning Adventures: 

• Scotland
• Alaska
• Pacific Northwest
• Ecuador
• New Zealand
• Hawaii

Painting Live at Churches: Connecting in With the Conversation

 here i am painting live during a Presbyterian service (which included choir songs, Scripture reading, prayers, children sermon, sermon)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (venetian plaster, acrylic, paper) on foam-canvas soundboard. the message was about how selfishness separates us from God and from living fully from love.

One of the really fun things I get to do as a live painter is connect in (through creativity) with the conversation that God is already having with people. I will often be invited by various churches to paint live during their worship services. Depending upon the format and style of worship and the relationship I have with the pastors and leaders at any specific church will depend upon how long I have to paint, and what the painting may entail. 

I've been painting live at churches and various events for about 6 years now. I have found that being a live painter is just like being a speaker or a musician...it's never really about me or the art form itself...it's always going to be about the message that is "heard". To make sure that I am connected in with the conversation, I spend time communicating with the churches ahead of time. I spend time praying, researching, preparing to paint. I make a point to connect in with the pastors, the lay ministers, the music leaders (whoever is involved in the implementation of the service) so that I become a part of the collaboration of the service. I become a part of their whole for a moment in time. 

Like most professional live painters, when I'm painting at churches locally (other than my home church where I serve) I do charge a fee. The fee is handled much like I handle commission work. It is mostly to cover the cost of paints, supplies, and the actual painting time. The painting is then given to the pastor and the church once it's completed. 

When painting elsewhere's on my overseas art ministry travels I'm flexible with the fee (again, depending upon relationship and purpose of the ministry I am doing for specific pastors/missionaries/lay ministers). Often times I don't charge a fee for painting live while I'm out on my travels (as my room & board is always taken care of by my hosts and the painting is part of the ministry I am giving to them). 

Painting live gives me the opportunity to connect in with the conversation that God is already having with people. It's a chance to listen in, and then enter in (through creativity) in a collaborative way with God, with the pastor, with the people. 

It's never about me or the art itself. It's always about the conversation. What is being spoken. What is being heard. What is being released. What is being received. 

Sometimes I get to paint live with other artists. This creates an additional opportunity of collaboration in the conversation. It takes hearts that are willing to be open, pliable, confident, and humble. It's like a dance with paint.

In the last 2 months I have had the privilege of painting live at 2 local churches (one is a Episcopal-Wesleyan liturgical church and the other is a non-denominational charismatic church). 2 different styles of worship. Both churches I was able to paint during their full morning service (an hour and a half each). Both churches asked me to paint something that would coincide with a new vision for each of the churches (Scriptures and words that were already given to the pastor). 

The first church: the conversation was about preparing for the Harvest (a metaphor for God's Spirit to awaken hearts).

here i am painting live during a Liturgical service (which included traditional hymns, Scripture reading, prayers, sermon, communion)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (acrylic, paper) on plywood. the message was about preparing for the Harvest of God's Spirit growing within our hearts.

The second church: the conversation was about preparing for the Rain (a metaphor for God's Spirit to awaken hearts).

here i am painting live with another art minister, collaborating on the same painting during a Charismatic service (which included rock music worship songs, sermon, communion)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (acrylic, chalks, paper, wood) on 2 wooden closet doors hinged together. the message was about preparing for the Rain of God's Spirit awakening within our hearts.

One of the things I find fun about painting live at various churches is that regardless of the locations, the worship style, or even the actual imagery to be within a painting...oftentimes the message in the conversation is very similar. This isn't my doing...these situations were completely separate and unrelated, and yet...I believe this is God's heart coming forth through the conversation. 

I love when I get to paint on people's lives! 

ART IN THE BAR XI

That's right...

Sunday December 7th from Noon to 7pm at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Downtown Boise. 
Sponsored by Dead Bird Local Art & Framing.

It's the 11th installment of ART IN THE BAR!

This show is one of the best local artist shows in Boise featuring 40 local artists of the Treasure Valley displaying and selling artwork (just in time for the holidays!)

And yes...
Myself and Lukas Evergreen will be sharing a booth and we'll have new artwork for sale! We'd love to have you stop by and see us! 

A News Spotlight on VineArts

Here is a recent news spotlight reported about VineArts for CBN/The 700 Club: 

VineArts 

VineArts is a collabortion of over a hundred artists (young and old, professional and emerging) with a common desire to worship God through the visual arts. our mission is 4-fold: 

"to serve God utilizing our hands and our imaginations to express our love for Him and to offer the sacrifice of our praise centering not on self-promotion but on God-promotion. 

to serve the church leading the congregation into worship through the vineARTS Gallery and meeting the artistic needs of the church across the ministry matrix. 

to serve the community participating in local exhibitions and art auctions in solidarity with various worthy causes and locating non-profit ministries in Boise who have limited financial resources and blessing them with our graphic design services. 

to serve each other promoting fellowship, artistic collaborations, encouragement, artist's workshops, brainstorming and feedback opportunities, and camaraderie among the visual artists of Vineyard Boise. 

Together, we can do so much more than we could ever dream of doing seperately. Anyone can join the fellowship of artists; we have members locally in the Boise area and worldwide. To join or to learn about upcoming art opportunities contact our VineArts Director, Jessie Nilo at the Vineyard Boise (208)377-1477 or email at jessie.nilo@vineyardboise.org .Check out what we're doing at: www.vineartsboise.org and find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vineartsboise/" 

The Burn Auction

What's a Burn Auction? 
It's insanity and it's gonna be so fun!
20 original pieces of art by 20 local artists (including Lukas Evergreen of Marten Evergreen). If the reserve is not met, the piece is immediately incinerated! 

The Burn Auction is being held at 10 Barrel Brewing downtown Boise (9th & Bannock) on First Thursday November 6th starting at 5pm and is sponsored by Dead Bird Local Art & Framing (of Art in the Bar & Meridian Arts Festivals). 

Come down early from 5-7pm and view the artwork ahead of time. Choose your favorite, then register for your chance to save it from complete destruction! The auction begins at 7pm.

This is going to be insanely fun! 

Being Photographed by Chad Estes

Photographer and Writer, Chad Estes has a way with telling stories with a camera that leaves you moved and even changed. His stunning camera work has been shown locally and nationally and his writing has been featured on-line through blogs and articles. I have myself been a subject for his lens many a time. I've known Chad for close to 15 years and have the wonderful honor of calling him my friend. He's one of my fav's! 

Chad does portrait photography, street photography, action photography, landscape photography, and so much more! 

I wanted to share here some of the photos that Chad has taken of me over the years. 

The following photos were taken by Chad Estes and are copyrighted by Starry Night Media and are used here with permission. They are the property of Chad Estes, myself and Marten Evergreen performance art company.

The following photos were taken within my art studio while I painted and are used for promotional purposes for my revelatorART business: 

Chad has also written a blogpost featuring his experience of photographing me in my work environment as I created. You can read and see more from this photoshoot here: 

http://www.chadestes.com/2011/12/capturing-lisas-essence/

The following action photos were taken during live performances with Marten Evergreen (the performance art company I am co-owner of with artist Lukas Evergreen):

Having Chad present at some of our performances has been such a blessing, as Chad is able to capture moments that others might miss. Oftentimes later when we get the chance to sit down with the images we are amazed by the combination of the quality of composition and depth of emotion frozen within them for all time. 

The following photos are from a private photoshoot taken with me as I pursued an aspect of my own personal journey (this was a study for one of my self portrait paintings): 

As you can see, Chad's photography is emotive, inspirational, full of depth, eye catching, and it leads you into a story. There's more to the person or persons in the photo than just outward appearance, there's a world of life waiting to be told. And Chad Estes has a way of making that happen with sensitivity, patience, creativity, and spontaneity that is both professional and relational. 

I want to make you aware of some pretty amazing projects that Chad is involved with combining photography and writing in a unique way of storytelling. 

The Reveal Mission and Raw Beauty Projects

The Reveal Mission, led by photographer and writer Chad Estes, is a multifaceted approach to share the stories of individuals in an effort to bring healing, reduce shame, and create empathy and awareness. Sometimes what best tells a story is revealing what we usually cover up – emotions, scars, inadequacies, etc. A couple of examples are a teenage girl that has lost her hair due to allergies who wanted photos without wearing her wig; a mom who wanted pictures of her baby next to her stretch marked stomach; a woman who wanted a new portrait as she had come to terms with her new look after nerve damage to her face made parts of it sag.

One project is focused on breast cancer patients and survivors, using portraits that reveal the reality of their treatments set in the context of their lives and written stories. These stories are currently available as an art show.

The Reveal Mission art show will be going up at Boise State University starting on the 13th of October and taken down on November 1st. The location is on the 2nd floor of the Student Union Building at BSU, in the connecting hallways in front of the Simplot Ballroom. The hours for the SUB are Monday – Friday 6:00 am to 12:00 am, Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 am to 12:00 am. 

Another project, “Raw Beauty:Me,” focuses on body image stories that are being put together in a coffee table book.

Chad also volunteers his time at hospitals capturing professional portraits for parents of their infants who have passed away. For some families, these will be the only images they will have of their child.

You can see Chad's photography at: http://chadestes.500px.com and read more of his stories at: www.revealmission.org and http://www.chadestes.com/category/photography/