ginger fetish

Mt Dora Florida! wow~

2012-01-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

I have had a most wonderful weekend in Mt Dora Florida; my travels have taken me beyond the Orlando magic to this delightful town just north. With a group of 18 wonderful women, and one dynamic birthday-girl venue host-we've had a most inspired, waxy and enlived two days. Sleep has been optional once again. :) I am floored, simply beyond words, how God puts me to work! And how doing his will feeds my mind, body and soul. It's been amazing...and I am now off to North Carolina to feed on more goodness! (Oh! Am I supposed to be bringing the meal?! :) always full by always filling others; it's so good...Thank you Mt Dora! in love. trish.
Workshop put on by Heather Earnest with Foxie Artist Productions :)

we had competition for the space :) an award ceremony for the largest fish took place Saturday afternoon!

The main building where we got waxy all weekend! Lakeside Inn, Mt Dora, FL

No, I didn't take a tour :)

Not seen in Seattle, Washington!

Yes, in January I sat in one and enjoyed the sun and surf :) ahh.....

my room view!

beauty and mess; they go together so well!

hi Paula :)

should've turned the image before posting; my bad~

view this sideways.... :)

woops! How did this somewhat neat place get in here?! :)

Orlando magic :)

2012-01-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

I wrote this letter in an email to just one; then realized God deserved a bigger expression of the grace he washed over me in these turn of events.

So, I copy and paste here for whomever finds their way to it: Putting my light in the window so to speak! :) God is this good.

in love. trish.

I'mlearning just how beautifully, and blessedly, God is in the little things.

I have believed that God only shows up in the big things; cancer cured,pregnancies realized, funds funded, sins forgiven.
I had this notion that in the little, day to day events, I was on my own. ThatI had to figure out which venue to seek out, how to package and promotethe kits, who to ask to teach at my retreat, how to go about encouraging myboys to faith in Christ.
Yet I am coming to see He doesn't expect this solitary, independent striving of meany more than He expects to me take up a scalpel and perform heart surgery (thisis, need I say, not in my bag of talents :)

In the past few months I've heard sermons and read devotionals and begun topray to God for my every need, my every presence, my every moment. I amlearning that to believe this way is not to burden God, but rather to blesshim. It is in needing him that faith is expressed; and this is what God asks ofme-to be utterly and relentlessly faithful, nothing more.
The bottom line reality of this is, God himself is establishing me in him; not the reverse~What arelief and an incredibly profound blessing...

So I have to tell you my story: there's more to it-the 'before I even left'decisions that play into this whole picture as well-but for the sake ofwearying your eyes reading :), I'll start with the actual trip that began lastThursday-

I left Seattle in the midst of the snow storm-ending up being just one of twoflights to get out after my initial flight was cancelled. I flew throughChicago instead of Denver and the connecting flight waited for me (and fourothers) for almost a 1/2 hour so we could get on. Then,arriving in Orlando 6 hours later than originally planned, I was told theEnterprise counter would be closed, but to go to Alamo to get my rental. As myweary legs carried me through the rental car que, sans my supply cases thatmanaged to stay behind in Seattle (yes, this too was a grace of God because heknew I would be too weary to drag them through the airport, so why not have SWairlines deliver them to my hotel room the next day- just in time for mySaturday workshop to begin?!), I saw a lone body behind the Enterprise counterand asked, 'are you really here?!' (yes, I was a bit delusional at this point:) after a giggle, she helped me through my rental, knocking $140 off the costof my measly economy rental just because she could (and because I cringed atthe $370 price tag she quoted).
Out at the booth to get my car, the employees were joking and looking forwardto going home; I quipped 'let's get this chick her car and get out of herealready!' they laughed, then proceeded to give me the car of my choice..for myeconomy price. Being told the BMW was finicky to drive :),I opted for the Infinity and am now driving a luxury sedan in Orlando for 11days!
( I am still having trouble embracing this gift; silly me!)
Then! my Orlando workshop was at 5 when I flew; I arrived to find it up to 7-myMt Dora was at a measly 7, and has now climbed to 15 with three more emailscontacting me with interest.

Why, you ask, do I outline the events this way? Why do I feel so strongly thatI need to share this with some bodies?!

I prayed; no, it seems too 'proper' to state it that way: I talked to God as I awaited the verdict of my delayed, then cancelled flight that morning.
Iwalked with God.
I simply said 'help me God' (over and over and over betweenthe mixed thoughts and emotions rolling in my brain) and walked and listened.
Ispent the better part of my entire time at Seatac (arrived at 4:45am, departedat 2:30) walking and praying that simplest of prayers; 'Help me God.' There wasno other way.
Alas, there is never any other way....

And, at the risk of not giving all these 'little things' proper credence, Iknow they all came to be because of the fact that I set my heart and mind to DOIT!-I'd been vacillating between getting myself back home and cancellingentirely as I was milling among the throngs of complaintive and concernedfellow travelers that swarmed the ticket counters-after all I had 'barelyenough' students to make it worth (my) while, and it was a terrible time torisk travel....
Something came over me though; a sudden assurance and sense ofdetermination; I would do it, even if I had to sleep in the airport overnight.
I was committed and I would be steadfast. It is in this determination that Itrusted unwaveringly in God's hand in it and his promise of everything workingfor good. I truly felt thateven if I were to go down in an ice covered airplane, God's great good would beworking; not the worldly assessment that it was pure, foolish folly to chooseto fly in a storm.

If something can truly turn on a dime, this is the dime; that certain,consuming sense of determination. I have felt it just a few times over the pastfew years, but the more I do, the more confident I become and the more faith Iembrace.
And, the more closely and assuredly I walk with God in each and everydecision, moment and move.
He comes through.
Always.
In spades :)
So gloriously worthwhile and blessed; in just this-the small things. It's that good :)
And oh! It's 80 degrees and sunny~
with a bursting heart,
trish
'Do you live expectantly? Do the little things excite you? Do you imagine the improbable and expect the impossible? Life is full and running over with opportunities to see God's hand in little things. Only the most sensitive of His servants see them, smile, and live on tiptoe. Chuck Swindoll

Orlando workshop!

2012-01-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

Photos don't do it justice; we were painting on a gloriously sunny Florida weekend out doors on the hosts back porch!~overlooking a small lake :) Sometimes the unexpected 'perks' of this job (job?! what job?! I love what I get to do!) astound my feeble mind....go graciously blessed...

We did some burning, par for the course in my workshops :), and I began to tell them of the more burning I've been doing-which garnered much teasing about being a piro :))) Not ungrounded mind you.....I just sent off an email and reread my new tag line on my signature and had to giggle....it was not intentionally associated in this way :) Off to Mt Dora for a weekend with more wax! in love. trish
'light yourself on fire with passion and the world will come to watch you burn.' John Wesley

BE.convicted.

Next featured artist for Artful Gathering!

2012-01-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share out knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

Two Runner Up winners will also be chosen at random for a chance to win a $25.00 e-gift card from Jerrys.

Each week I will announce the next featured blog for you to visit, and there you will find a new secret word or words that you will need to collect along your way from blog to blog. Once you have collected all the words from each blog you visit, they will work out to say a very artsy phrase. Here are the rules:

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing Animal Portrait Artist...
Elizabeth G. Johnson
http://windandhoney.blogspot.com/
(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

new stuff as I depart for awhile

2012-01-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Taking off for a teaching swing through Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. Left my studio in active status as I was painting up to the departing moment ;) Changing things up~thanks to inspiration from a dear friend Sue Stover. Check out her work at www.susanstover.com and note she's instructing at EncaustiCamp this summer! You will not be disappointed...
in love. trish.

ARtful Gathering blog hop!

2012-01-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing
Laura K. Aiken
(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

http://www.laurakaiken.blogspot.com/

Artful Gathering Open for Registration blog hop!

2012-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat, open for Registration!

From June to August 2012, there will be two exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists both nationally and internationally known.

Hop with us!

Join me for a blog journey across the miles and meet the 2012 instructors of ArtfulGathering.com

Once the final destination blog is reached ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a

$200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

Plus 2 Runner Up e-gift cards of 25.00 ea.

Rules:

Blog Hoppers need to Register for the 2012 Event to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, AND must have all the secret puzzle words collected from each instructors blog.
Runner up prizes will be randomly selected from all participants. Registration to Artful Gathering is not required, but blog hoppers will need to have all the secret puzzle words to be eligible to win.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing Jodi Ohl

www.sweetrepeats.blogspot.com

***************************************End of Post****************************************

Jodi Ohl:
www.sweetrepeats.blogspot.com
Laura K. Aiken:
http://www.laurakaiken.blogspot.com
Elizabeth G. Johnson:
http://windandhoney.blogspot.com
Kecia Deveney:
http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com
Nellie Wortman:
http://www.earlymorningthoughts.typepad.com
Mary Jane Chadbourne:
http://desertdreamstudios.weebly.com/index.html
Pat Winter:
www.gatherings100.blogspot.com
Cat Kerr:
Http://inthelightofthemoon.blogspot.com
Mary Green:
http://greenpaper.typepad.com
Riki Schumacher:
www.RikiJewelry.blogspot.com
Pam Carriker:
http://pamcarriker.com
Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch:
www.gingerfetish.blogspot.com
Diane Cook:
www.rosajosies.com
Lesley Venable:
www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/lesley_venable
Monica Zuniga:
http://monicazuniga.blogspot.com

Final Landing
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/blog/post/2013/01/02/Artful-Gathering-Blog-Hop.aspx

Random Prize winners will be drawn
One Grand Prize Winner: $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's
2 Runners Up: for a $25.00 gift card each

Mixed Minded: 2012 Workshop 3

2012-01-05T10:19:00.001-08:00

Mixed Minded: 2012 Workshop 3: Come Play in Beeswax - Encaustic Workshop Artist Instructor - Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch Experience the joy and versatility of this rich, ...

River's Edge Studio Guest Artist Series: Winter Art Experience at River's Edge Studio

2012-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

River's Edge Studio Guest Artist Series: Winter Art Experience at River's Edge Studio: Join us for classes this winter!! Work with professional artists who can guide you as you explore your own unique creativitiy. Call 828-776-...

2012

2011-12-29T04:30:00.000-08:00

And so 2012 starts peeking its nose around the corner of 2011 and we notice it's presence there. What are you looking forward to? What is your sense of this incoming year and the blessings or trials it may bring? Whatever your feelings, always remember, every trial is an opportunity to learn, and to receive the good that is in it; no matter what :) in love. trish

I for one cannot wait for encausticamp; I anticipate it's awesomeness, despite the trials it puts me through :))) This, and my trip to Australia!

Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

2011-12-22T10:51:00.001-08:00

Vanilla shortbread cookies, indigo and hummus. This day is good. Merry Christmas everyone.

in love. trish

and so 45 begins~

2011-12-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

the better part of the birthday in the studio; I'm not certain it gets any better than this :) Nothing finished, but everything indulged in and a definite direction established. I think this series is going to be going on for some time yet~

in love. trish

I painted myself a picture

2011-12-19T03:08:00.000-08:00

It is my birthday. I am 45 today. I painted my self a picture. And it is beautiful. I will do it again; over and over. I will paint my self a picture~until my last breath thank you God almighty.

when one door closes~

through the open window

ancient way

unfinished; do I get rid of the small white imagery? is it too distracting? (Still listening to this one and the following~)

take away the bold fabric? edge with same turquoise panpastel so as to unify? remove text altogether and just allow the plaster, scraffito, wax and eventual panpastel to speak? (first two attempts at working large 24x24 in this series~)

mertle

imprint

tomorrow

in love. trish

stopped

2011-12-08T09:38:00.001-08:00

I stopped at day 31. Not because I am done, but because I am home after 28 days away :) Home needs me, and my stduio is calling. i will post on day 45 all that I've done there for what will be the past 14 days~
in love. trish

day 31

2011-12-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

31: I had to do it! A Christmas tree of bees! And yes, no bees were harmed in this creation :) Love my Beez Neez! in love. trish

day 30

2011-12-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

30
to the left and to the right

Boy of boy I can't wait to get home today and get into the studio to produce some new work with the luscious materials I've created at Jacquard :) in love. trish

day 29

2011-12-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

29
linen robes

Time is flying! I've just 16 days til 45~ :) in love. trish

day 28!

2011-12-02T04:15:00.001-08:00

28
3note to corinth

Whew! I missed a few days! Wow, time is flying and I'm not keeping up with my schedule :) Truly, I am just having so much fun working with Jacquard and Sue Stover in Northern California that I lost track :P I'm on it! And, I need to get painting!!! in love. trish

day 25

2011-11-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

25
come near to me

Significant as I get closer to home; off to Northern California today...home in 6 days after 27 away....in love. trish.

day 24

2011-11-27T01:48:00.000-08:00

24
delicious edge

I had to do another 'unfinished' close up. I love this stuff I've been compelled to work with lately...and look forward to sharing in the months to come, when 'finished' can be attached to the lot :)
in love. trish

day 23

2011-11-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

23
tucking his cloak into his belt

day 22

2011-11-25T05:13:00.000-08:00

a little weirdness today; this is my painting, but its the work of my graphic designer putting it into a button for me :) rachel kalous is 'dabomb :)

in love. trish

4 hours~

2011-11-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

of walking on Thanksgiving.

I visited the tourist areas, I saw flea markets with things that made me smile.

and trinkets that brought back memories from another life.

and trained hands busily working the effusive sand into fabulously, fragile masterpieces.

I walked along a long stretch of well cared for beach front

with Senor Frog and his friends harkening to the pocket books on one side,

and patina'd, weathered sculptures and bright gardens holding court

before sandy beach and ocean on the other.

And I didn't take pictures...

I imagine these places are cataloged into thousands of trip journals and portfolios throughout the world.

I didn't take pictures until I began to get lost in the streets and stairs of the city.

And then I couldn't stop

at the marvel and wonder of what the PV'ers get to experience every day if they choose to.

The architecture is a wonder and delight.

And grounding.

I walked for four hours.

And found my feet again~

in love. trish

day 21

2011-11-24T05:10:00.001-08:00

21
up close and personal

a camera shot of one tiny corner of a large painting I am working on...I just feel like over exposing today....
in love. trish

dirt roads and derelict......home

2011-11-24T04:27:00.001-08:00

Yes, I walked a lot again yesterday, Wednesday. I did so intentionally; asking my ride to the mission to pick me up in town rather than in front of the Hacienda.
I am glad I did, as I knew I would be.
In the end, whether enlightened or not, I just like walking :)

But I think God intentionally set up a huge discongruent picture for me~

The cruise ships arrive; I thought I'd taken a photo of them in port as well, but then I remembered I was too disgusted to do so....

just me and my shadow~on a pretty, early morning beach

a no longer useful all inclusive :P

starbucks, PV style

more starbucks~

an incoming all inclusive; all the rage here, understandably, I guess~


more all inclusive...

setting a serious stage for personal dismembering of all preconceived notions not just about poverty and life in third world countries, but also about my own passions and purposes.

side yard

bible study

spinning

lunch!

garden

the path to school...just across the ravine

the playground

lived in, but yes, under construction


home. yes, it's finished, not under construction as I naively asked...

the view from the village...slice of heaven?

I have said more than I thought I would this morning; feeling like there's just no way to express where I am.
And there's not.
And I don't just mean the physical location of me.
But I trust God's way.
He maps my run.
I know he's got something up his proverbial sleeve and has got one doozie of a life lesson coming my way.
I arise fearfully expectant after a comatosed 9 hours of sleep
and a weary awakening with an indistinguishable broken heart...
Where I laid down in disgusted, pathetic tears, I awake realizing I can smile still.

God is so good.
in love. trish.

day 20

2011-11-23T05:22:00.000-08:00

20
sven

final of the three in the commissioned series ;) I do love the trees. oh i do love the burn! sent from Mexico, don'tcha know :) in love. trish

PV walking....

2011-11-22T12:26:00.001-08:00

God is having me walk. A lot. I've always walked; determinately for the past seven years. I have begun to pay close attention to the walking... and what it might mean in a bigger, more profound way than just the physical benefits of it on my body....but that's for a later posting :)

Yesterday I walked again. Physically through PV~

Through the 'compound' that is the wonderment of the lodging I've gotten to stay at~

entrance way to the enclave!


stairway to one of three studios

my cozy bed

and awesome shower!

one of many cool sculptures

the entrance way from the inside :)

view of the pool and off to the right is the outdoor kitchen~

largest, outdoor studio

another view~

most pathways are mosaic'ed by the owner :)

once of several tucked away seating areas

piggies; photoed for my patrick :)

another seating area

tropical; yes, it's tropical here :)

seating!

more mosaic path ways

and then things I passed on my way around town, and ultimately to the mega mart :) Interesting foods at WalMart will have to wait until Wednesday's tour!


perhaps I'll even take photos of the bull fighting arena on day three....

My lodging is an inexplicably delightful oasis here in PV in which I get to indulge; just through making contact with an old contact.

Never met, never actually talked; just emailed in past lives so long ago. But a quick remembrance of her and a short email and voila! here I am-my lodging while on this short trip. Pretty darn diggidy :)

If you are unfamiliar with Hacienda Mosaico I highly recommend you check it out.

If you teach, plan to host a workshop here. If you learn, plan to come here to indulge in a truly unique art experience. I wish I'd taken photos of my breakfast...it was amazing...I ate bacon. Whew; glad that's off my chest :)

For me, this is my landing pad, and my purpose is outside it's walls. :) So today I go out again; to walk. And to see what I find on my way to where I am going~

The promises are only actuated and realized when you do the walking~

in love. trish.

day 19

2011-11-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

19
sydney

Another in the series of three from the commission; and i think i've got them names out of order :)
in love. trish

PV: airport to lodging in 2 hours....

2011-11-22T02:30:00.001-08:00

I walked.

and walked.
and walked.

To be fair, I passed beauty, as well as ashes. Not as much beauty mind you, but it was there just the same!

And I walked past the unique; truly, truly unique....

This is an entirely glass fronted building with 5 floors of kitsch...so very bizarre....

I could've taken 100 pictures for the 10 or so I did snap....

the queue of concessionaires as I exited customs and was blasted by Mexican entrepreneurship...

the man washing clothes in a metal tub outside of his (oh my goodness people live there?!)home right next to a Honda dealership....

the burned out remains of a beautiful stucco and Spanish tiled roof complex listed for sale...

the bull fighting arena...

the tourists para sailing...

the Holiday Inn resort behemoth...

I don't know how I feel about it all; I truly think I''m in shock. I knew I would have an experience, and I really don't want it to be me, this American, coming in and having some sort of broken heart for the very common, very real, even perhaps, very peaceful way in which life is lived here. I just want to be here. And do what I am called to do for the next five days. And go where it takes me.

Discernment. Trust. Faithfulness.

I was told yesterday was a holiday here; Revolution Day, so things were quiet. God help me. My quiet is very different than this :)

So now I go walk again.

and take pictures of the most amazing food at WalMart :)

And get an Americano at Starbucks that is next to Subways and Chilis...

Corporate America is everywhere....

balanced, if that's even a fair word, by the squalor of poverty; nothing American even comes close....

in love. trish

stay tuned; I also take pictures of my lodging-a surprise connection from my past helping to make this mission trip possible :)

day 18

2011-11-21T03:19:00.000-08:00

18
signe

One of three I did for a commission. I do love this process so much :)
in love. trish

hands and feet

2011-11-21T03:05:00.000-08:00

Jesus promises that when we step out to be the hands and feet, he will go with us.

I am stepping.
I leave in a few rapidly-approaching hours for a short trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Not the PV Americans visit on summer vacation trips with family.
Not PV of beaches and surf and sand.
I leave for PV of poverty~
of native villages and groups of women waking each day, the only desire in their heart that of one to feed their children's empty bellies.

So out of my element.
And, so necessary and desired~
to be thrust into the unknown and faithfully continue stepping into whatever it brings....
to be the hands and feet.

I may return unchanged~
unaffected by the lifestyle I have a front row seat to~
the daily living so desperately contrary to that of the American way, even the American impoverished....

But I will have touched someone.
I will have stepped into one life.
I will have been the 'just what I needed right now' hands and feet for at least one woman.

And, this is why I go.
Despite fears.
Despite lack of....(insert any number of 'thing' here)
Despite not knowing enough....(saa...)

Jesus calls faithful believers to listen to his voice.
And, to go to those in need.
And, to be his hands and feet.

If nothing else I am obeying.
And in this, I am blessed.
And, its' not even about me!~
I get the selfish blessing nonetheless.
What a wonderful way God works his world....
in love. I depart. trish

day 17

2011-11-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

17
reaching out

A couple more in this series, then I've got somehing to show you :) I messed around while teaching in Texas this past week~ :)
in love. trish

day 16

2011-11-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

16
flowers of the field

Ugh....horrible photography! But alas, I am traveling and can't redo what's been done ;P Some of my most favorite current work....torch love big time. I think I could pare my studio down to beeswax, panpastel, tar, plaster and a torch and I would have my nirvana...
Did you feel it yesterday?! Day 15?! A dreaded '5' was there...and I survived it gallantly! Just two more 5's on my way to my 45!
in love.
trish

day 15

2011-11-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

15
down from heaven

And the last of the three in the series! Put days 13-15 side by side and you have the group :)
in love.
trish

day 14

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

14
water from a rock

And this painting, done in the same manner as day 13 and of that series, is still available :)
in love.
trish

day 13

2011-11-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

Manna

Encaustic Art Institute in Santa Fe just sent me an email...this piece was purchased by them for their permanent collection :) heart sigh!

in love.

trish

day 12

2011-11-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

12
veil

Venetian plaster love. distressed burlap sack from the side of a parking lot :) tar paint. DONE!
in love. trish

tired of chaff

2011-11-15T02:30:00.000-08:00

What have you done lately that made you stretch?
That took you outside of your comfort zone?
There've been big things for me:
Giving birth: Creating a slew of new bodies to inhabit this earth and become the next generation~
Starting EncaustiKits: Opening myself up to the work of this, the unknown of this, the blessing of this. And whats more, the potential failure of this~
Building EncaustiCamp: To commit to inspire and enliven multitudes, and offer opportunity to dozens of others, through art~

But I'm looking at the little things right now.
Taking a new route to work.
Shopping at a different grocery store.
Sitting in a new seat on the bus.

Or, in my case, walking to the grocery store in Galveston rather than driving.

As I contemplate this choice I made, I am rolling around the idea that it might be bigger, more impact-full, than the big things; than the giving birth and starting a business.

Hear me out~

You see, I was embarrassed.
I took my four plastic grocery bags from the conveyer belt check-out and walked through the double doors into the Galveston sunshine.
Its blast was just like a spotlight~

I am certain every car passing by on the outside of that cocoon of grocery store safety had multiple pairs of eyes staring me down in disgusted and condemning judgement.

Can't you just feel them all?!
Laughing.
Jeering.
Pointing and shoulder bumping their seat mates to 'look at that woman!'
I was certain I was just moments away from being labeled a bag lady.....

Oh, for crikies sake~

Yes, I very quickly disengaged myself from myself and knew that no one,
not a one,
was looking at me.

Their stories, even the moment of driving the next block they were engaged in,
was far more important and focused than my walking by.
Carrying grocery sacks or not.

What a reminder.
I am not that important.

Don't get me wrong-I'm not minimizing my purpose as an individual.
I am actually doing just the opposite.
I am inflating my God given purpose.

Let me explain~
In minimizing self-that part of me that 'saw' everyone looking at me,
I am inflating, taking note of, bringing attention to, my me.

My walk to the grocery store and the decision to carry my bags along a 1/2 mile stretch of a busy, tourist street impacts my me (my spirit-my soul-that me)

making me stronger...

(have you seen my biceps?!:)

Me am stronger. ( improper English is intentional-don't call and correct me mom!)

To face the voice the next time I am in front of a crowd
whose eyes are truly trained on me
(unlike the passing commuters on the Galveston road)
with the same perspective this walk has afforded me:
That I (my self) just doesn't matter.
Even if people do take a glance and 'see' my self,
the judgement that may pass through them doesn't matter.

What does matter is the impact me has on them.

And me is not found in my walk on a Galveston street.

Me is found in my walk through my weaknesses, my steps into my strengths, and my footprints in the sand as I plant another forward foot.

Despite fears.
Despite doubts.
Despite judgement.

And the sharing and impacting that occur because I do so.

I'm carrying my groceries on a busy Galveston street.
And me is quite happy about this~

in love. trish.
worth a good listen: http://media.willowcreek.org/weekend/awake-my-soul/#content

day 11

2011-11-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

through

just delicious. that's all. keeping it monocromatic; and keeping it simple, despite a bit of 'busy'! I love my torch. Yes, LOVE!
in love. trish

day 10

2011-11-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

10
nothing left

just burn. that's all. oh! and encaustic :) simple. I don't think I can go any more minimalistic than this! And, I adore it.....
in love. trish.

'nother lesson learned...sigh!

2011-11-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Lord forgive me for doubting that you can and will always make all things good....
God forgive me for once again falling into cynicism; you still again bless me exeedingly and abundantly despite my short-sightedness.....
Jesus forgive me for striving to 'do', over and over again, when you took care of this and have allowed me to just 'be'.....
Holy Spirit forgive me for letting negativity live in my heart, thereby marring the lovely place in which you live and limiting the blessings you never cease to pour into my life.....
Ah....that's better!
in love. trish.
:)

day 9

2011-11-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

in the day

a bit of new experimentation this one; and not one I am entirely happy with....but it was fun! and, that's what's counting in this series :)))

in love. trish

day 8

2011-11-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

8
booked down under

This is a work in progress. A collaboration with Trace Willans in Tasmania! She started this one; I've added some new (coming soon!) image transfer techniques, tar painting and wax. Not done yet! Just haven't determined what's next...
in love. trish

day 7

2011-11-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

7
gone fishin'

I made this one special for my hubby :) <3 It was the least I could do to repay all the salmon and crab he's been bringing home from the Sound for me :)))

in love. trish

Latch on

2011-11-10T03:23:00.000-08:00

Latch onto my paintbrush. Come along. It is that good. You are wanted that much.

I was listening to some morning inspiration a few days ago and the speaker told of a story she and her husband had been a party to in their home with two new puppies.
The story goes that one pup, when called to come in from the yard, would bound in responsively, but the second lingered and even seemed to ignore the calls. In frustration the first pup, waiting for the treat or scratch or cuddling it surely anticipated upon answering the beckoning call, returned to the lingering pup with a stick in its mouth. Once reaching the languish-er, him seeing the stick and surely anticipating fun, latched onto it. The first pup used this as a lead to draw the negligent pup into the fold and subsequently into the goodness to come inside. Not just once mind you; this happened over and over and over again to the point where the couple, in bafflement and wonder, realized this very smart, very delightful pup was fully intentional in its leading the second pup in the way.

Latch onto my paintbrush. Come along. It is that good. You are wanted that much.

Allow me to gently, encouragingly, playfully lead the way. I'll throw in a dose of passion and delight, and offer up some amazing inspiration and community as well.
I promise this.
It is that good.
in love. trish.
www.encausticamp.com

day 6

2011-11-09T04:23:00.000-08:00

6
details

Who'd a thunk it?! I am using an old blue print from my 'dutch hill' house; the place where 'wow' began...and life stopped. Thank God almighty it started again soon thereafter! And, I am able to appreciate, enjoy and even put to use pieces from that past....

This piece is indicative of the hair burning work I do :)

in love. trish

just like a lion

2011-11-08T02:06:00.000-08:00

There's a popular story that's circulated over the years about a young boy visiting a sculptures studio and marveling at how very life-like he was able to render the image of a lion in stone.
The sculptor explained to the boy that it was an easy process; he simply chipped away at everything that wasn't the lion.

And so are we.
the stone.

God works on us daily, chipping away at the willing and righteous heart, to come to look, act and be more like Jesus.
Painful? Sometimes unexpectedly revealing? Always an adventure?
You bet!
I say it with a bit of excitement and even anticipation....

To want pain?!
To want unexpected?!
To want adventure?! (Okay, that one's more believable...)

Yes; I want, with excitement and anticipation, all those things.

Because you see, it's not the pain of injury or heartbreak or devastation,
but the pain of growth, pushing boundaries and taking the road less traveled.

But there's a key; not just any road less traveled-the one designed exclusively, with all the road signs and directional maps labeled and scripted in your own name by the one who designed the best course, the optimal path, the perfect travel plan-just for you.

And, one just right for me.
And, for the next door neighbor.
And the best friend.
Everyone, actually.
For each, a most perfect plan.
Hand designed and sculpted from the great designer himself.

I know, you want to scoff: Don't go yet though.

You see, I used to be you.
A scoffer.
I believed, but I didn't follow.
And I didn't trust.
And I certainly didn't make any decisions other than my own.
And I was miserable.
Lost.
Insecure.
Completely lacking in confidence, direction and purpose.
I bet you can see me clearly.....

Oh I looked okay.
A book contract. An up and coming teaching schedule. The start of a great career and four beautiful teenage boys.
But I was a mess on the inside.
You know, the preverbial 'broken' place.
I was there.

And I found out it wasn't the end. The bottom. the 'all there is'~
It was the beginning.
The starting block.
The sculptor's worktable.

And I began to be formed.
Sculpted if you will.
Parts of me were salvageable; the teaching, the writing, the inspiring.
But there was more to be done.

And I asked for it~

That's another key; a willing heart.
You have to say 'Okay! I'm all in!'
Or, as I did,
' Take me and make me! I am here!'
Daily.

It's so much fun.
Don't believe me?!
Then I dare you.
You don't know till you try.....

You can always change your mind and turn around~
If its too hard.
Or too scary.

And, honestly, it will be.
But its a good hard.
And a really, really good scary.
Truly.
I don't lie.
I find it impossible to do so.
wow.
Don't you want to say that?!
Don't you want to be here?!
Don't you want to see how far you can go, how many you can touch, and just how full your life can be?
It's yours; the one for which you were designed.

Let Him start chipping.
It's amazing.

And, if you ask, I'll tell you morewww.pbsartist.com.
You can come pick up each shard, chip and rock that has fallen from my form and ask me about it.
I am anxious to tell.
Their ugly has made me beautiful :)
pbsartist@aol.com 360-239-8081
in love. trish

day 5

2011-11-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

5
come here to me

Again with the horrible photography! This is what happens when you live in the PNW and do not have time to wait for the light to cooperate because you are leaving for a month but REALLY want to shoot all you studio work before you go! :)
This is special to me. It is one of a four part mini series using ancient upholstery tack strips that a dear student (Hi Colleen Monette!) gave me two years ago. Gotta love studio junk :)))))
in love. trish

day 4

2011-11-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

4
A sound of heavy rain

not the best photography skills here, but the jist is-stamp on Encausticbord. Charcoal on encausticbord. Encaustic paint. Incising, pigment stick, tar paint. End result? Yummy goodness :)
in love. trish

day 3

2011-11-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

note to corinth

a partner to day 2; also done on the I've got to find more of this stuff! wood~

in love. trish

day 2

2011-11-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

2
seven lampstands

I just love this wood! I have GOT TO find more!!!! in love. trish

45

2011-11-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be 45, 45 days from today. Wow. How did that happen?! The '5's' tend to get me more than the '0' years. I don't quite know why. And, I don't think it's worth contemplating....
but, nonetheless, duly note, I am facing a '5'~
So I decided to do something with it.
Today, and everyday for the next 45 I will post a new image. I am calling it 45/45. Many of them have been created; I worked through them as I contemplated this purposeful posting of 45/45.
Some have yet to come to light.
But, as I embark on my last commitment to travel/teach for 2011, and have fearlessly thrown in a mission trip to boot (more on that later! whew...did I say fearlessly?! I lied :) I am determined to challenge myself with living up to this commitment, come what may! ( I wonder if I'll have WiFi service in the wilds of Mexico....) (did I mention I'll be away from the studio for 29 days straight?! :}
So I jump in (can you picture it?! That bent knee, arms swinging forward, then back, forward then back as I count '1,2,3!' and dive off into this challenge to myself?! Should be a fun free fall! Now, where is that rip cord....
in love. trish.
1
deviant

I couldn't resist starting out funky :) This is a 'just for fun' piece I made, one of eight actually, featuring my local beekeepers wax, and, his bees as well :)))

Lisa Liza Lou Designs: come to our encaustic workshop!

2011-10-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Lisa Liza Lou Designs: come to our encaustic workshop!: encaustic painting by patricia baldwin seggebruch i am over the moon about this news...i am hosting an all-day encaustic workshop, taugh...

Sue Simpson: Opportunities not happenstance, but seeds planted~...

2011-10-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sue Simpson: Opportunities not happenstance, but seeds planted~...: I am thrilled to bring you the Queen Of Encaustic!! Okay, she may not say that about herself but I think it's true. Patricia Baldwin Segge...

wow...

2011-10-21T05:38:00.000-07:00


getting quiet 'come here to me'

Do you go so very long without blogging?! I am wondering where my voice went. Did I leave it there in Chicago, or perhaps Oregon or Michigan?! Have I somehow forgotten to care for it and now it's lingering, moldy and dust-covered in the back of my pajama drawer?!
sigh....
oh how I want to be here!
Oh how I want to find my voice again!
Oh how I want to share and get my heart back on the page instead of crammed up inside of me, swelling more daily with the desire, but not the voice~
sigh....
Perhaps it's just as the world says; just do it!
Do I need to just put my nose to the grindstone and crank out some thought?!
No; when has that ever worked and not become a regret; an oops I wish I hadn't?!
Nope.
Holding my tongue; or fingertips as the case may be here.
I will talk again.
Pull out that crumpled voice from underneath the pink polka-dot jammies
or discover it returned to sender from the Oregon, or Michigan travels....
But not yet.
And that's okay.
God's working something in me. And God will work it out of me :)
in love. trish xxoo

Guess what it is!

2011-10-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

I'm entertaining guesses, and in truth I'm curious how they 'read'! But honestly, it's just a teaser....I'm not giving up what's the 'going on here' until next spring.....studio time is so good to me :) in love. trish

Cleaning things up

2011-09-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

how I eat is how I paint is how I believe~

I eat simply. I find myself apologizing for it sometimes, and John and the boys 'making fun' of me for it occasionally :)
When I dump a can of black beans into a bowl, dice tomato and avocado atop and dig in, it's hard to resist a good jab, I know!
I paint simply. My work has evolved to a place of earthtone browns, black and white with little 'stuff' added at all.
The clean impact of burn, it's blush, and the white surface with subtle tint from PanPastel is all I need right now.

Looking at these two 'ways' of me while walking this morning gave me a bit of a revelation-

I also believe simply. Everything I do, every breath, step, stroke and work, is to the glory of God.
That's it.
That clean.

I read that if you are aligned with God, walking in his will, that this alignment 'guarantees' me assuredly of this simple conviction.

It's that simple.
It's that clean.

I've cleaned up my life~
Body (food), mind (work practice) and spirit (walk with God).
Cool huh?! :) (delicious giggling ensues <3)
in love. trish
shoot-golly, I've even cleaned up my blogging! This is my shortest diatribe to date!!!! :)

when does encaustic stop being encaustic?

2011-09-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Or, better yet,
when does it start?!
Is it when one first plugs the hot palette in

     and begins to fill the room with melting beeswax fumes?
Is it as she dips the brush deliberately into this molten pot
   and deftly applies it to the prescribed rigid, absorbent support?
Or maybe is it when he blends pigment with medium on the hot palette
    to reveal a new blend of color on the aforementioned support?
Perhaps at the juncture of paper to wax, as artist reliquishes control
    and applies a delicate paper to the hot blend of paints on her hot box.
Or at the moment when painting receives hot wax
    to give it the final finish that creates the depth, translucency and beauty that only encaustic can achieve?
Or maybe, it is as delicate colors are applied to the iron
and transferred to slick surfaces as he creates ethereal landscapes and botanical.

Musing these thoughts as 'pushing the envelope' is happening regularly in my own work~
of development
and experimentation
and 'acceptable'
in this field.
Not only in my own work am I growing this determination to push and test and experiment;
to find the furthest edge of compatibility to encaustic and techniques and products from far and near is becoming an impassioned goal.
But also in that of my business and teaching as I strive to expose this dynamic and transmutable medium to not only artists, but crafts person's worldwide.
Encaustic means that to me; dynamic beauty; transcendent opportunity; limitless potential.

Why resist?
Why hold back?
Why limit?
Why constrain?
Why grip and strain and desperately hold fast to something that can belong to everyone-and grow richer, more full and rewarding as a result of this expansive acceptance?
If the potential is there, is it not wrong to leave it unexplored if the bettering of not only the individual, but ultimately the whole, is rewarded?

Is it too much of a stretch to see the potential this way?
Am I alone in my goosebump-filled enthusiasm at the thought of creative spirits everywhere, in every genre, make and model, embracing encaustic as a mode of self expression and creative investment?
Do I see too far down the road of 'what if' to connect the dots for those traveling similar paths?
Truly, is my vision so far-sighted as to seem blinded?
Truly?
I have to ask:
Do you not wake frequently to immediate thoughts of inspiration?
Of watching a face light up at the realization that they can do something creative?
That they may find a personal voice, no matter how 'right' or 'proper' or even 'beautiful' the world may think it, in this medium?
Awake to visions of the next workshop you will teach and feel the joyous expectation of potential to enliven and inspire even just one new heart and soul to this medium?

Do you short change yourself the absolute joy of this for the limited vision of the exclusivity of 'art'?

Is a Monet 'bastardized by paint by number?
A Renoir by coloring books?
A Cassatt by 'student grade'?
Is there not equal value in all
as one leads to a better understanding of and acceptance in the whole?

My opinion runs deep and wide.
I believe in what I think is a bigger picture.

But I am just me.
And in my questions here, is also my answer.

I ask them of you to expand the bubble.
To explore the edges once again.
To push the envelope.
I do not require your response; but hope that you will require one of yourself.
Answer if you will, encaustic artist, and stand up.
Creativity has a voice in every living thing.
God's design is at work in every cell of creation.
Hardly limiting;
expansive and embracing and wide reaching.
Let us all be so humbly inclusive.
blessings beyond words.
in love. trish

More thoughts on the subject:
http://kimradatz.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-you-call-yourself-artist.html

acceptance solitude

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

A beautiful youtube video and a wonderful EncaustiCampers post to share; then my own thoughts!

http://youtu.be/k7X7sZzSXYs

From beautiful blogger and EncaustiCamper Lee Spangler of www.Studiolightblue.com

The Benefits of Solitude

The best art is created in solitude, for good reason: it’s only when we are alone that we can reach into ourselves and find truth, beauty, soul. Some of the most famous philosophers took daily walks, and it was on these walks that they found their deepest thoughts.

My best writing, and in fact the best of anything I’ve done, was created in solitude.

Just a few of the benefits I’ve found from solitude:

time for thought

in being alone, we get to know ourselves

we face our demons, and deal with them

space to create

space to unwind, and find peace

time to reflect on what we’ve done, and learn from it

isolation from the influences of other helps us to find our own voice

quiet helps us to appreciate the smaller things that get lost in the roar

I've been getting a lot of input relating to solitude lately. I hold a curious wonder at why this is all coming at me, seemingly, at once. I am due for some time in creative retreat mind you; the past 8 months, with a good 10 weeks more to go, of teaching and not being available to the studio for more than a three week block of time-paired with housekeeping and home keeping as well-has me aching for some devoted, distraction less studio time to get creative!
But solitude, I think-despite this pace, has been happening. As I teach far and near, I have moments of alone; in which I sit quietly and listen, walk and reflect, take breaks in between classes and explore-alone. This to me has been valuable, necessary solitude within the furious, sometimes harried days of connecting with like-minded souls across the states :)
I even get ample solitude on the homefront-on a daily basis. For those of you who know my habits, or watch my posts on facebook, twitter and blogging, duly note that I am an early riser!
These precious, before-the-sun, morning moments are blessed with utterly quiet, restful hours of reading and journaling before thoughts and actions that will become my days 'doing' begin to invade.

In the summer months these early hours are enhanced by the just going down minutes of communication with my youngest son as he signs off of his day and I begin my next; a little gift in these last years of children at home.
But the solitude that has been speaking to me in verse
and commentary
and blogging
is different than these captured, treasured moments in between the 'stuff' of my days.

The solitude speaking to me is one of investment, and planning and preparedness. It is one of intention and acceptance. I say acceptance because committing to solitude is difficult; and I don't believe this is true just for me.
It is hard to gift oneself time to oneself. To separate from the demands of job, or family, children or church, craft or commitments and just be in the alone that is required in proper solitude.

It is necessary to get to a place of personal commitment, and strength, courage and acceptance that will supplant the guilt, sense of self indulgence and doubt that is sure to invade the psyche upon determining a need for a block of solitude.

I mean really...if we are built for relationship, then how dare we step aside to take time in quite, absolute, exquisite!, solitary confinement right?!
But it is necessary, truly required I've found, in order to be properly 'all in' for the rest of ones' life: For this relationship-created life we've been called to.

The unfortunate element in this is that it is rare in youth that we discover this necessity.
Youthfulness is consumed by doing and finding, establishing and building.
There is rarely time and space to allow for rest and regrouping.
Often times this leads to the unfortunate breakdown of relationships, abilities-as we stretch ourselves too thin, and in some cases, when not checked in time,
ourselves.
Yet, perhaps it is in this learning that can only happen in the gathering of years on our calendar of life that we can truly breathe deep and relinquish ourselves to the necessity and unselfish side of taking time out to accumulate the nothingness of solitude.

And with that nothingness~
deep peace and wisdom to step back into the doing we've spent our years creating.
And embrace it with the same fervor and anticipation that came at its inception. Thereby, re birthing our youthful stamina and zeal, with this added balance of peace and acceptance.
Ah. That's the joy so spoken of.
Bring it on. I am ready. Unselfishly ready.
To solitude.
Check me on the other side of November :)
in love. trish.

sometimes we just need this~

2011-08-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you~in love. trish

I had a great time! The workshop exceeded my expectations....energy,content,inspiration, stimulation etc. What a great group we had too----I hated to say goodbye!

Hugs,

Marion

did you know you have this magical ability to make people (me in particular) feel good and super duper inspired? That's a wonderful thing! A true gift.

debs

Thank you so much for teaching the encaustic with plaster class, it was so much fun! My son is in the Army and left for Afghanistan on Thursday evening, so your class on Friday was the best cure for the blues I could possibly have asked for! It kept my mind and body distracted and helped me get through one of the most difficult days of my life. Those paintings will always have a very special meaning to me.

Thanks again, that was my favorite class at Artfest!
Megan

Thank you so much for a fabulous class. That's the second class I've taken from you, and you are still a "10!"
Kathy

You are an excellent teacher and I very much enjoyed the Plaster &

Encaustic class at Artfest. After 4 years since my last attending, I went home rejuvenated and possessing new skills that will definitely improve my art products. I produced the most finished products in your class and was thrilled with the results of my efforts. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I look forward to keeping up with your continued success.....and I know you will bring "artjoy" to many people in the future.

pam erickson

. Not only have you put this workshop together, but your wonderful, unique and special energy has drawn together a fantastic group of teachers and eager students. I hope this is only one of many; and we get to say we were there when it all began. :-D

I truly enjoy your work and have learned a lot from watching your videos. Don’t know if enough people say thanks, but let me take the time to do that. You have helped this newbie find the courage to jump right in!

Flo

Encausticamp was so inspiring!! My mind is a-whirl with ideas. Thank you so much, Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch, for all your work to bring this together. You have profoundly impacted my life.

You have been such a great inspiration and so has my life changed----have worked in the studio everyday since the Monday post EC

I just got you new book, and absolutely LOVE it!! Combined with your first one, I have a wonderful resource to work with :) Your work inspires me to let go and just "Do It"!! I'm donating 3 encaustic pieces to an Arts Council fundraiser this week, and was wondering... If I incised and glazed with an oil stick, then lightly fused, will the glazing hold up to repeated buffing of the surface later on...? Thanks so much Patricia!!

Today was a cool, damp, gloomy day here in Michigan -- a great day to read your

new book -- so I did! It is fabulous! I read every page, looked at every
picture and just as quick as I can finish a couple of projects I have going, I
am going to heat me some wax. Your book was a huge inspiration, provided great
instruction on all the techniques and was very easy to get through. Very nicely
done. I do have two questions. What type of fire retardant material do you use
for your burning steps? And, what kind of childhood did you have that led to
this pyromania that you seem to be all consumed with? Just curious. ;-)
Laurie

It is truly inspirational. I can't imagine what it's like to pull a project together like writing a book with everything associated with it. Good for you.

I am impressed with your attitude and energy. And I love your FB inspirational/spiritual posts. I look forward to them.

Thank you

What a beautiful thing, and your writing of it is just as amazing! You are such a teacher in every way. I am so glad I was able to meet you at Inspired this year, and now follow your blog regularly!
Hugs,
Joanne

gifts from far, far away!

2011-08-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

I received this delicious package (okay, I overuse that word for my art and supplies (and husband :)! but, it's just SO true!) in the mail a few days ago~From Tasmania! Is that the coolest!?

All these (delicious!) goodies were contained within~that small, tantilizing package held all this!

I get to do whatever I want to finish and play with this one; the pages are wonderfully gesso'ed fabric just begging me to scrib and scratch and yes! apply wax to them~

Trace Willans (http://www.soewnearth.com) is a new friend. It's odd to identify someone as a friend when we have yet to make face to face contact, but the internet, Facebook, twitter and the wonderful world of blogging have drawn us together in the like-minded world of art and creativity~that, and the fact that she happened upon the coolness that I was coming her way and teaching in Australia next year! Not only do I have the pleasure of Trace's company in one of my workshops, she's also going to be in an indulgent time I decided to invest in for myself as well (yes, Trace! I believe you're going to be able to be there!) a Dorothy Caldwell workshop in Brisbane :) Here's to new friends! And the cursed blessings-blessed cursing?-the internet and all the opportunities it offers in discovery and connection with the world~

This little nugget shows just some of what Trace does. Her art has been able textile, and clay and dying. These wool pieces have been dyed and overdyed and the buttons are her creations (I'm not doing her creative process nearly the justic they command! I hope to understand and articulate them better after next spring :)

We are collaborating on this one! An accordian style book with the most delicious! binding and lots of lovely, texture in the plaster pages~She and I are speaking something of the same language in our art and I am more than excited in anticipating just what we will pull off with this project!

LOVE the return address :) Made Patrick say 'cool'-worth it just for that alone!

in love. trish

stuff happens along the way~

2011-08-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

I made a wish a few days ago. Just a little one; an off the cuff, 'wish I could have'- kind of wish.
It was sent out differently than it would've been just three years ago.
It was sent with intention~
with noteably, truly asking for and seeking after belief in the receipt of~

It was different.

What would've gone off as a longing
or a desire
or a craving
just a few years ago
now was sent as a believed-for prayer~
an intentional request as part of an ongoing conversation I'd been having with God as I drove the brand-new-to-me streets of Phoenix on my way to ArtUnraveled.

I hear echoes of what would've been my own thoughts in this statement just a few short years ago: the scoffing, the muttering, the inability to accept or identify with this intangible, blind faith.
that's okay. I get that. I've been there. Quite frankly, I cannot believe I am not still there.

That in itself is a whole other story of God's amazing grace.

But I'm in this just little,
almost incedental
prayer answered right now.

I wanted flowers.

In between talking about the upcoming meet-the-artist event and getting to the hotel without finding myself lost in the 107 degree sun~I asked for the comfort of flowers.

I most often feel wasteful when I receive a bouquet; realizing they will be wilted and dead in a few short days of standing on my kitchen counter in a growing-stagnant vase of tap water~

but every so often I want to be that girly-girl and get flowers from her man :)

Plus, I was feeling a bit fragile-entering into this second to last 'big box' art retreat venue. After teaching now for over 10 years and making a living at it for the past two, I still begin in apprehension and doubt and a bit of fear.
Silly.
But I suppose, it keeps me on edge~
and that edge is a good place to be; it's alive~
      again, another story.....

Yet, this edge was a bit different. Peppered with more angst was this before-I-begin apprehension.

I'd determinted at the beginning of 2011 that this would be my last year for the big box; knowing that my spirit and direction was leaning into finding and living in a more meaningful place of connection and depth in instructing and inspiring. Venues where I could invest more deliberately into the individual creativity and connection of each participant rather than the hurried, mere three or six hour buffet of instruction.
These big box hold great value for introducing and enlivening participants to grow their seed of creativity; they hold a valuable and necessary place in the art and craft world. But I think I've had my run at them and there is a different path I am meant to begin to pursue~

So, I nosed-ahead into this second to last big box feeling a bit weary; in the waiting, in the anticipation, in the unknown thrill of risking and trusting~

And I wanted a feel-good warm fuzzy to diminish this rising apprehension.

So I conversed with God about how nice it would feel to be given flowers.

Nothing specific. No timeframe in mind. Just something beautiful and fragrant and given to me intentionally.
A little something that would make me feel appreciated. How silly again. To need to be felt appreciated~
how hard it is to write and admit to this need in this modern world of self sufficiency and independence!
Oh to be torn between wanting and standing strong :)
       Is there a woman who doesn't fight this dycotomy?!

I played the vision of it out as perhaps returning home and having John choose a bouquet of local buds for me as we strolled the farmers market the following Thursday.

Or even, (it could happen?!) my Patrick coming in from time roaming with friends and pushing forward a bundle of stems he'd plucked for me in his exploration~

I did not even fathom what was to come~

Making my usual stops when traveling-Trader Joes for essentials, hardware store for propane tank and shellac (TSA doesn't like to find these in my bags....), local grocery for vitamin water as I try to ween myself off of diet Pepsi....I was stopped by the gregarious, twinkly eyed greeter at the Fry's Marketplace.
I could mention here of how I had no intention of stopping in at Fry's; that I'd never been to this market before and truly had all I needed from the other stops.
But it was just across from Trader Joe's and I was intrigued; and had time to kill. So I made the extra stop.
Go ahead; scoff again-nothing happens for nothing :)

I thought only WalMart was known for these octegenarian guideposts-but alas the idea seems to have spread and upon departing he called out~
I ignored his first prompt of 'ma'am?' and kept walking with the crowd of other departing shoppers not really registering his focus on me
until the second, 'ma'am?'
     as I turned with several other bag toters
he reached forward with a single red rose and said,
'can I give you a flower?'

Yes, I stood in dumbfounded, slack jawed awe.
I tear up even now in the days-later writing of the experience.

I'm certain he must've thought me a bit off; perhaps entirely off.

It was all I could do to not break down in tears of wonder and delight and hug this angel for God's gracious attention.

Just this simple. Just this rich. Just this good.

God does that. God did this.

He reached down into my little, mundane to do list, amidst all of the world's comings and goings, and connected me to another....
answered my little,
truly silly, prayer.

And the result was so much more.

Not just a flower in my water bottle to keep me company the week-long in Phoenix as I ticked off the near final days of these retreats
and grasp faithfully for the anticipation of the unknown redesign of my make-a-living life~

He gave me hope.
Gave me strength.
Gave me assurance.
I am on the right path. He is with me. I will not fail.

God does that. God did this.
You can think otherwise; that's free will-God has given that as well.

But I need no greater proof.
This small miracle is enough.

And yet, in anticipation, I await another~
Small miracle.
Because he is this good.
He promised this.
I choose to follow his will alone~and I win.

All the blessings and miracles and gifts he has at his disposal.
I win.

You can write it off an happenstance;
serendipity;
just a lucky day.
That would be easy to do and so acceptable in this world.

But I know better.
Exceedingly and abundantly~
Thank God; there is no other way.

And, if in this small desire of my heart,
think what he is working in the big spirit wishes that sing to me everyday!

Hang out with me for awhile;
I dare you.
See what God has working in me, and decide for yourself.

What've you got to lose?
in love. trish

EncaustiCamp 2011....

2011-08-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

EncaustiCamp 2011 I bow to you :)

It occured to me, just this morning, why after two weeks I haven't been able to come to this blank white spaced blog window and write about EncaustiCamp.
I've tried! I've opened the 'new post' box no less than a dozen times, stared at it in earnest, then gone to a participants blog or an instructors musings and posted them instead....

ECamp 2011 was so above and beyond all my wildest dreams for it. I can't seem to wrap myself around the whole and put the experience into words that service as a nice bundle of thoughts, tied up with a beautiful ribbon and put away in a tight package.

It's not that I don't want to write about it, or that I am ill equipped to do so; I love to put my thoughts and emotions out here to share unabashedly! But with EncaustiCamp it's been different.
And this morning it dawned on me as to why.
I can't look back.
ECamp 2011 carried a weight and measure like nothing else I've ever done or been a part of. I compare it only to giving birth. The crazy, beyond-pain process of bringing new life into the world; only to get through the process and feel so deeply, so passionately, so emphatically filled by the power of love and connectedness that you will do it again; gladly and without apprehension of the still-lingering pain that is required in the bringing-forth process.
That's what it is like.
That's what the whole of EncaustiCamp was like for me.
That big. That amazing. That miraculous.

And I thought I was done at four children :)))

And I can't look back and summarize or compartmentalize what it was and how it felt in any sensical way. I can only let myself be carried on the tide of all of it and continue on to more creating and growing and building.

I think it's how it's meant to be.

When something this big, this substantial, this miraculous is born the thanksgiving, homage and respects-paying to it are best done in the looking forward.

In my case, in the doing it again; only better.

So that is what I do. What I've been doing since returning; actually since finishing the final moment~Looking forward to the next.

There is something bigger than just encaustic in it. There is something bigger than just sharing art. There is something bigger than just connecting and inspiring.
When I try to grasp it, it feels too big, too grandious for this one small human form
...so I pull back.

But, as long as there is this sense-of something so much bigger than 'just'- I will do it again.
As long as there is this inexplicable joy spent, I will do it again.
And as long as there is room for miraculous, yes even in encaustic, I will do it again.
As long as it's in me~
in love. trish
www.encausticamp.com

drum roll please...........!

2011-08-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

As my second book Encaustic Mixed Media hits the book shelves, I am offering this little lesson I learned in the writing of it~ Enjoy!
And, all new followers and comments to this post will be put into a drawing for three free books! So make sure and share your thoughts so I can look forward to sending three lucky winners a signed copy :)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle

I do not profess to be excellent; far from it. But then, what is the definition? Is excellence a once and done goal to be reached or is it something we strive towards in each and every moment of your lives? Over and over again; seeking to be excellent in this awakening, excellent in this hello, excellent in this next encounter, excellent in this next task.
So in this definition, I am excellent! because I strive to repeatedly make excellence a habit of my day.
And today I give to you a bit of this excellence. Today I give to you the piece of me that strove to be the best encaustic artist and author for this book, Encaustic Mixed Media. Today I give to you the excellence of my habit to prove the versatility and malleability of beeswax to be above all else.

I will have moved to a new place by the time you pick up this book and read my words. I will have moved into a new habit of excellence and begun to work towards a new level of experimentation, or encouragement or excellence. I will look to the words and works of this book, in its most excellent form at release, and see the change that has occurred since then; surely being much too discriminating and determining it not at all the excellence I’d thought on this day of writing!

But that is the beauty, or the bane!, of excellence.
If one is to truly be so, to strive for this habit in character and performance, one has to be prepared to look back from a newly achieved level of excellence and accept the place that was called excellent the day, or week, or year before.
So it is with humble pride, tremendous gratitude and wary release that I give you Encaustic Mixed Media.
Putting all of my current heart, soul and effort into making it the all that it can be; the excellence that is it’s potential-knowing that there will be a new level to share with you as I grow in my habit to be and become most excellent. In love. Trish
A quick peek into just some of the where I am moving as I live excellent now, in this day :)

icon

2011-08-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

http://pbsartist.com/icon

i·con
–noun
1. a picture, image, or other representation.
2. Eastern Church . a representation of some sacred personage, as Christ or a saint or angel, painted usually on a wood surface and venerated itself as sacred.
3. a sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.
OH! How I wish my photography skills-or lack thereof!-did justice to these! They fall so flat here on the PC screen...
But alas, I share just the same.
Definition number three: A sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblace or analogy to it. Ahhhhhh. I like that :)
I've tried to achieve the better part of that definition here in this series. And a bit, in the foundation series. More than a circle; more than a mark, a mark made with intention and direction-with the objective of recalling something real and found in the earth to the viewer.
A first for me, truth be told!
I've always worked abstractly; going off route here and there as I went through a journaling series, and as little pieces of a series give voice to some semblance of reality.
But never all that indicitive of realism.
Until now. This definition speaks to me.
I don't want to recreate; God got it right the first time; I feel no need to attempt what's been done so beautifully before me!
I want to indicate, to point to, to take your mind, heart and spirit to, some thing, or place and causes you to sing!
Or, to weep.
Whatever it be, I have sought recognition in this series through the determined look at the definition of icon.
So I introduce you to this latest fun.
My current studio passion.
The analogy of what I see, and want to share with you.
Bringing me to singing~or to weeping, along with you.
because I get to share!
Lucky lucky me :) in love. trish

Musings on the coming of the second book~

2011-07-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

As I anxiously anticipate the release of Encaustic Mixed Media next week, and still digest and assimilate all that EncaustiCamp 2011 was and is, I feel compelled to revisit and edit the opening thoughts that you'll find in EMM. Thoughts to all the creatives out there-oh wait! That's all the world :)

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. Latin proverb
You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind. Anonymous

I know this first hand; creativity takes courage. I almost let go of my creative calling; willfully thinking I needed to bury it to the call of the make-a-living world. Slowly I began to watch it die as financial health, societal expectations and ladder-climbing issues snuck in to fill the loss. Alas it would not die a dignified death. With courage then unknown, I re-embraced this part of me with an irrevocable bear hug as the last glimmer of its spark nearly ran out!

Thank God circumstances took me down this different road and allowed me the courage and veracity to grab hold of my creative will with both hands and even at times, grip it viciously between gritted teeth~

Never letting go again, I am!

Creativity is the juice of the soul that keeps each and every one of us walking upright and inspired for another day. It is the conduit through which God keeps our hearts, minds and souls tuned in to all the power and glory this world has to offer. It is not just in those who title themselves, ‘artist’, ‘author’, ‘designer’ or ‘chef’. It is there for everyone; the mechanic, the engineer, the banker, caregiver, salesman and pizza deliverer. No one is exempt from this creative power in their life because it is an element of human existence in each of us. So take hold of your bit of it. Grab with both hands the dose allotted to you and make a difference in the world. Experience it and pass it on.

And, if your ‘creative’ is in the arts-in this passion for encaustic in particular- then thank you with a double dose! You and I share a link in this creative passion and I hope that, simply by indulging in the portion that is your call you have fed me, that I will be graced the opportunity to feed you well: A bountiful feast~In love. trish

my last sharing on ECamp! I promise :)

2011-07-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

So much good stuff and so much to share! I can't seem to stop :) This is the last...maybe! as I compose my own thoughts and will get them here in the days to come~

http://amberblueskies.blogspot.com/2011/07/she-is-friend-of-mine.html

amanda jolley shares!

2011-07-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

ENCAUSTICAMP!
http://amandajolley.com/?cat=1015

http://amandajolley.com/?cat=1015

Australia :)

2011-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

http://prophet-of-bloom.blogspot.com/2011/07/hot-news.html
Have I mentioned, I'm going to Australia! ???? :)
in love. trish

A sharing blog :)

2011-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

visit and enjoy! Just one of many posts on EncaustiCamp 2011 out there and how much fun we had :)
in love. trish
Crystal Neubauer

day three in its entirety!

2011-07-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Wow. I find myself, in the early hours of the morning after, busying my mind with 'to do's' of morning forward; unable to stop and look at, or feel, the emotions that are dancing around my brain. If I were to let them in just yes, in this oh so grateful, overwhelmed, serious lack of sleep body, the other instructors would find me prostrate, a pile of weeping goo on my dorm room floor for the sheer gratitude and thanks.
EncaustiCamp was amazing. Exceedingly and abundantly. I am here.
in love. trish

EncaustiCamp day 2 winds down!

2011-07-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

encausticamp day 2 begins!

2011-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Day two begins:

Almost 5 hours of sleep. A wonderfully satisfying Q&A last night and a look at participants work so far had shut-eye hard in coming!
But it’s good.
There’s no other way to be.
At this moment, in this morning, this is just the place I need to be.

And I am-thank you God.

Day 1 concludes:
No tripped breakers; wow.
No allergic reactions to food; hallelujah.
No one lost anymore (welcome Anna and Roxanne!); whew.
All workshops closing out with ‘I don’t want to go yet’ comments; wonderful!

The level of expertise and professionalism in the instructors is almost too much to fathom in its wonderfulness 
The depth of eager comprehension, unique talent and genuine gratitude from participants is not to be out measured!
The deliciousness of the food prepared from local sourced berries, handmade bread and custom created courses-with recipes provided for those desiring them-is a bonus and takes the retreat up a notch in comfort, delight and indulgence.
The peaceful atmosphere, serene landscape and beautiful grounds of the campus offer the encaustic-overwhelmed minds a necessary pause in the indulgence-rejuvenating the spirit to pick up the weary body and go get some more~
(And for those able to wander a bit, a treasure trove of inspiration is hidden in the flora and fauna behind the shop - wonderful photographic opportunities at each step!)

Evening 2 anticipated:
Dinner in the quad with the birds splashing in the fountain in the background.
Instructors vending their individual wares that make their craft unique.
Participants indulging in the inspiration of others to continue the flow which we are all here to take our part in.
And rest!
Sleep. Ah.
To being able to shut down for another all too quick refueling.
And awaken to one more glorious day of connecting and sharing and indulging.
Yes, lots and lots of indulging!
It’s just that good.
Another day of being right here, in this moment, just where I need to be.
With just what I have at this time.
To overflow! In love. trish

EncaustiCamp day 1 take two!

2011-07-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1 as we move towards 'done'

To day 2! in love. trish

EncaustiCamp day 1

2011-07-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am at EncaustiCamp….I am at EncaustiCamp!
It’s here-it’s begun…it’s surreal!
I can’t quite fathom that I am the person who got to make this happen. It’s quite amazing really.
Never in my days would I have imagined the capacity to orchestrate this; to command the trust of attendees and instructors; to coordinate the generosity of suppliers and manufacturers; to trust myself enough to keep taking the next, murky, unsure step; was lying deep within this girl who is me!
Within the confines of this ever growing body (sigh) lay the beauty and strength, integrity and grit, to follow a bigger-than-life dream to fruition.
Wow.
I’m doing it.
And, as I begin day one in the not-yet-sunrise, full-moon morning, before the first full-in-the-wax day has even yet begun, I find myself looking forward to doing it all again!

Feels a bit crazy….
No, feels a lot crazy!
And, yet not.
Perhaps it’s the 5 swift hours of scattered dream filled sleep.
Or the sore throat from too much talking at the welcome last evening.
Or maybe the result of too much sugar from the amazing desserts brought by attendees for last nights’ kick-off…whatever the source, I am full-on present to the amazing energy of this day and the potential that is bouncing on its toes, excitedly twisting and twitching with heart racing just the other side of the closed doors; standing at the ready- to explode into the absolute goodness that is begging to flow!

Tripped circuits?-undoubtedly.
Absolute delight in the menu offerings?-not a chance.
Tremendous satisfaction with the dorm accommodations?-no way!
Thrill at every moment of learning by everyone?-a pipe dream.
Unqualified joy at the close of this retreat at having been a part of the first annual!, inaugural!, premier!, ‘guiney pig’ event? I hope beyond hope; yes. Yes! That everyone answers yes!!!
It is that good. I want it to be that good for everyone.
I can do this, and hope for this, because I have been equipped. I can because each unpredicted, unsure, seemingly unstable step I’ve taken has led to this.
And, I can because I have a partner that picks up the slack when I overstep my abilities and stretch too far.
Exceedingly and abundantly. Blessed. In love. trish

burn

2011-07-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

so when is burnt beautiful?!
when it is intentional.
when it is purposefully planned.
when it is achieved at as the result of an artists' mark.

My favorite studio tool right now is not the hake brush, or the payne's grey pigment or even the lush Panpastels (although they are ALWAYS just a hand-span away!). No, my favorite studio tool right now is my propane torch; closely followed by my butane torch~

It hasn't always been this way. I view my current sensibilities of simplicity and frugality to several things, but despite many strong forces pulling me to these two sensibilities, they would cease to exist if it weren't for the base of their birth; my own personal position in this life right now.

Bottom lining it-I can create without giving a rip what the judgement of the world is on my creations!
(Yes-I said 'give a rip!' :)

Oh of course to a certain degree I care very deeply what the reaction to my work, my creations, my energies are as they hit the airwaves and enter the real world.
But, I have come to realize I can control those reaction no better than I can control my almost 21 year old sons' choices as he works on an organic farm on Maui.
Impossible; I think you all get that :)

It's only at 44 years old (sigh, 44 1/2) that I've come to fully understand what it means to not have this control of external reactions, actions and choices...
But, to have amazing control of internal reactions, actions and choices.
A paradigm shift if there ever was one!
Perhaps all of you were born with that discerning property; able to shut out external stimuli and just process the solid honesty from within.
You know, not give a rip! :)
This girl was left off a bit of that quality upon arrival :)))
Not a deficit by any stretch mind you~
Just a character quality that had to be learned and embraced rather than naturally selected towards~ (little sigh :)
And I'm so okay with that. I think it built me into the better 44(big sigh, and 1/2) year old I am today :)

And a person more adept at accepting and embracing the 'go for it' attitude she's coming to thrill at in her work and life path.

And a person more joyful in the adaptation as the transformation takes place! (watch out Superman, this girl's transformation isn't a phone booth bodysuit!)
So I show off my current creation.
What has most recently lovingly been born.
What awakens me in the night and fills me with overflowing ideas.
And I wait anxiously for your reaction.

But hold fast to my joyous love for it.

Because, I don't give a rip :)
in love. Trish!

Australia!

2011-07-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Australia. Wait! I have to say that again!!! I'M GOING TO AUSTRALIA!!!!

Nearly eight years ago I was graced the amazing opportunity to make a quick visit to Sydney for my brothers wedding. This brief in and out made me want for much, much more of this amazing country and I've spent the time since coming back to the memories and prayerfully anticipating a return opportunity. But, it wasn't coming! I help two AU ten dollar bills in my wallet, peeking at them every once in a while to renew my faith in the dream~
And then my boys were able to make the trip. Wow.

What an amazing experience for them to grab hold of! So, I put my envy away :), helped them plan the details, and gave them my Aussie bills...gulp. I remember coming down the stairs with them in my hand and saying to John, 'Maybe I've just been holding onto these so long for this day that I can give them to my guys; not for my own use after all....'
And a mere week later, I get the call of calls!
The buzz to beat all buzzes!
The news to carry me into the next century!
Okay, it's obvious I know; an inviation to teach in Melbourne next April! Woot!
Give it away, and if it is yours, it will come back to you~
I did, it did, and I am!
A beautiful retreat venue directed by a wonderful woman: www.artqueens.com.au.
I am also seeking other venues and groups to teach with or through.

I would love to get into Brisbane and Sydney and welcome suggestions!
Looking forward to spreading the encaustic fever that's already got a hook across the pond :) much, much further!
And, hoping to share the goodness of all things American encaustic; R&F, Ampersand, j'adore Panpastel! even woodicing and stencils....and of course, EncaustiKits :)

blessings and woot! in love. trish