Creative Community

   I'm on a Southwest flight, LA bound, and flipping through the in-flight magazine, found two quotes from entrepreneurs that begin to sum up why this week's layoffs hit me to the core:   

   "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." - Jim Rohn

   "Surround yourself with people who are doing interesting things, who are thinking interesting thoughts, who challenge you to be better, and who come from a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. That, combined with appropriate moments of 'me' time, provides the perfect breeding ground for great ideas." - Alexis Ohanian

   These speak to me because I've had the pleasure and privilege of being surrounded by an incredible variety of types and talent in my sixteen-and-a-half years in Kansas City, and most notably those with whom I work. And because great opportunities have existed for me to move between departments, I've spent quality time with a great number of creative geniuses, and been impacted by all. Rohn said we are the average of the five closest people; I'd argue (perhaps because I'm an extrovert?) that we are the average of ALL whom we meaningfully encounter.

   When I think about my Kansas City tenure, I've been blessed to be a part of many different circles: artists, music lovers, pet rescuers, and an array of athletics and hobbies (scuba, hiking, kayaking, yoga, running, snowboarding, rock climbing, etc.). Everyone in those circles are amazing and important influencers on me, but my artist friends stand out...

   One of my greatest joys is getting to know others well. The caliber of creatives at Hallmark is, quite frankly, what my Alaskan buddy, Greg, would call "an embarrassment of riches." My fellow artists, writers, and directors amaze me every day with their work and their thinking. But beyond that, they amaze me with their unique brilliance and talents outside of their 9 to 5.

   Among them there are elite athletes, animal crusaders, people who care for others on a level I'd have previously thought unattainable; artists who write, writers who draw, and many that seem to do absolutely everything well; they lead ethnic festivals, make handcrafted musical instruments, make films, make the cutest babies imaginable, travel, cook, speak many languages, and are infinite wells of wit and wisdom. I've never encountered one who was reticent to share their gifts--in fact, they all relish it, and we ALL benefit.

   Because of this community, my job hardly feels like work. Okay, there are deadlines. There's plenty of stress. But what a joy to be in this company. I started at Hallmark when I was twenty-two, and might have moved on long ago if not for my friends who are family. I believe this is why we all stay.

   Our Hallmark family became 250 people smaller this week. I've spent the last nine and a half years in leadership; I get it. Results aren't good enough to sustain the expenses of such a large staff, and I don't fault those who had to make heart wrenching decisions (there's no torture like laying off a great, loyal employee--NO ONE wants to do it--and my heart goes out to the leaders who did).

   I can't imagine how difficult it was to hear that you were being dismissed. I really can't. But as someone who is staying, I can tell you that we are grieving the loss of these people from our almost-daily lives: unexpectedly running into them on the stairs; an impromptu lunch; a brainstorm; a project; a tutorial. Sharing our stories or just a hug or a smile; reminiscing about past assignments; and especially hatching new ideas together.

   The thing about working in a creative capacity is that what you bring to your job is who you are. You can't extricate your identity as a creative from the work you create; if you did, it wouldn't have heart. This is what makes us good at what we do. And it will always be tough to lose a member of this community of sharing and caring, regardless of the reason.

   I have complete faith and confidence that everyone will chart a new course and succeed. I mourn the loss of how we might continue to influence one another at work. It may be selfish... But I so love, value, and appreciate the gifts I've been given by my coworkers. I surely wouldn't be the person I am today if not for them.

   Case in point, Mark Cook is a longtime cartoonist and animator for Hallmark, & retired last week. He busted out this incredible painting. My friends and coworkers never cease to amaze me with the depth & variety of their talents! I'd bet he has never explored this side of himself at work, in his 20+ year career. How exciting for him to do so now—can't wait to see what he does next!

   Endings are also new beginnings...

The Fabulous Lili Chin

   I ran across Lili's work today on Pinterest & LOVE her charming lil' doggy drawings and helpful training guides. Bravo, Lili! Please enjoy...

Also, this coonhound is awesome!

J'Adore Sofitel!

   I feel like I've been transported to Paris... and I wish I remembered enough of my French from the one year I studied in high school, to say how fantastic the accommodations, food, and service are at Sofitel. Tres magnifique—right down to the Chihuly chandelier in the lobby and the French language channels on the HDTV! C'est bon? Mais oui!

For the record, I am a total sucker for a hotel with an excellent boulangerie in the lobby, I have decided.

Snowy Owls

   My friend Joni saw snowy owls yesterday... In MISSOURI! I wanted to play hooky & go with her, but I chickened out. (Which is unfortunate, because owls love chickens!) She said, "I don't even know if I'll see them." But I just knew she would. And she did! Lucky girl. Coincidentally, tonight I flipped over last year's Charley Harper calendar to find... SNOWY OWLS!

   A quick Google image search turned up some other great owl & raptor images like the ones below, as well as this other fun site with many others. Owls are, and have been, in vogue and as an artist and designer, it's easy to see why.

Paper Source plush owl

Charley Harper

Satsuma Press

Larissa

Charley Harper

Audubon

Charley Harper

Robert Havell

Charley Harper

Sass & Peril

Charley Harper

Pamela Michelle

招き猫 「MANEKI NEKO!」

   My dear Gypsy has begun to eat again after a week of feeling puny and dropping significant weight. I was so afraid I was going to lose her suddenly! But she seems to be back to her spunky self, though I'm still having to put out fresh food all the time to entice her, rotate different foods frequently, and monitor how much she's eating. Here's a cute video where she demonstrates how lucky she is (with the added cuteness of her crocheted doppelgänger!)

Maneki Neko!

   The tiny Gyppy clone has arrived, and we both love it!!! Thanks to Megan of nekonook and heykittykitty! Aaaand... check it out: Gyppy's famous!

Nekonook

  Since I taught Gypsy to make the "maneki neko" gesture on command years ago, I've been enchanted by the Japanese symbol of luck-bringing. So when I ran across Megan's crochet work in her Etsy shop, Nekonook, I thought commissioning a custom kitty from her would be a great tribute to my dear friend. I don't have it yet, but it has just been completed & shipped, so I'm VERY excited to see it in person! it reminds me so much of Lil' Attie, too...

Christmas Came Early! My Birthday Too!

Maureen, you are so good-slash-evil. Best cookies ever!!!

Tad, your new screen printed board game rocks!!!

Donna, I am SO excited to own one of your squirrel mosaics!!!

All in one day? I'm gonna get spoiled!  ;)

Keoki + the Ski Patrol Dogs

   While grabbing an après-ski Starbucks coffee at Northstar, I noticed a large photo hanging above the fireplace: "Nine dog sunrise", with nine Golden Retrievers sitting on a ski lift. Upon researching the photographer, Keoki Flagg, I found that Gallery Keoki sits in the village at Squaw Valley and features other, similarly-charming canine portraits. Keoki does a great job of capturing the joy on these working dogs' faces. Here's Rasco:

   And here are the two ski patrol dogs I met down at Heavenly, on top of the Dipper Express lift at the ski patrol station. Meet Madeline & Boulder. Adorable!

   My dogs would LOVE to be here with me playing in the snow. (And until I get a little faster on the board, they could practically run alongside me, too!)

Hallmarket part 2: Update

   This Saturday, Hallmark artists will be selling their work at "Hallmarket," an art fair in the square outside headquarters in Crown Center Square, downtown Kansas City, MO. I was originally thinking that I wasn't going to be able to participate, but Steph & Jack graciously invited me to share their booth, and I've got some plush that recently returned to me in a big box after they've been vacationing in LA & San Francisco for a while (lucky plush!), so I'm going for it!
   The majority of what I have to sell are from my "Catattack" series (monster cats of all breeds: catbats, mercats, cyclopticats, reptilicats, yeticats, robocats, etc.) Shaun & Ed of Shaun of the Dead may also make an appearance. These are some of my favorite plush that I've ever created, so it's bittersweet to offer them for sale. Good homes only! All are 100% hand-sewn, one-of-a-kind art pieces, not intended to be toys for kids or pets.

   It would be nice to make a lil' extra cash, for an upcoming trip-of-a-lifetime that I'm *hoping* I'll be able to take this year... more to come on that!

My photos of last year's event

Information about the event from the Hallmark newsroom

KC Star article

More Than Mountains

Intersections conduct.

Right angles obstruct.

And we survive by following the lines.

Rulers make lines,

High rise and street signs,

And we survive by maintaining order.

Defined by steel skeletons,

Mirrored windows for skin,

The sky-hiders bear their clenched teeth

With a grin.

Outside the window, traffic beats the drum,

As the gravity of a city presses its thumb.

And we survive by pressing back.

From beneath, a bellowing rage,

From within, I emerge from a cage,

Those right angles. Can. Blur.

These are more than mountains...

Glowing golden horizon escape,

Sunrise and set define the shape,

And we survive by simply being.

Atmosphere delicate; savage,

Hospital to the mentally ravaged,

A bed for bird, bear and brother.

Solitary as synagogue,

Serene as silent sanctuary,

Divinely orchestrated symphony.

More than meditation,

Or medication,

These are more than mountains.

— Jeremy Collins

Ode to the Cello

   Seeing Jeremy's performance set me off on many thought tangents. One of them being: The cello has always been one of my favorite instruments, and would be my choice if I were ever to learn to play. There are so many things that intrigue me about it. I watched the performer intently. In the beginning, she commanded the bow by moving her arms quickly and with almost mechanical precision, and at the same time, with fluidly and grace. As the show hit its crescendo, her movements became fervent, natural and primal. Mesmerizing.

Photo from Wikipedia

   The cello is a sensuous instrument. Large and handsome, it nestles comfortably between a woman's legs. She strokes it deftly and makes its deep voice sing sweetly. Its body is smooth and strong, with artful flourishes and lovely curves. Before even one note is played, the instrument is a work of art to be cherished. But it comes alive when the bow strokes it. The bow: strong, straight, simple. They are dependent on each other; the yin and yang.
   Studying it as she played, I wondered how the f-holes evolved into such beautiful calligraphy. When she turned the instrument and I could see its depth, it immediately reminded me of the lettering art of the late Margaret Kilgallen. I'd bet that this was where she found her inspiration for her letterforms.

The Wolf and the Medallion

    The Wolf and the Medallion premiered at the 5-point Film Festival in Colorado back in April, and finally made it to the filmmaker's hometown of Kansas City last night. The festival site described it as "a thrilling experimental art performance by artist and climber, Jeremy Collins, the filmmaker who brought you last year’s beloved Border Country. Scored to live music, this multifaceted piece will take over your senses—most importantly, your sense of wonder. The Wolf and the Medallion is rooted in Collins’ personal climbing adventure to the border of China and Mongolia (Keketuohai, "the Tuluomne of China"), where rumors of a virgin canyon of granite revealed a cultural and vertical experience like no other. From the summit of his first peak, Collins writes a letter to his son back home, a letter that guides the film along its peaks and valleys. An encompassing journey of fatherhood, brotherhood and adventure, The Wolf and the Medallion is a captivating and original tale." And indeed it was. The presentation packed a lot of inspiration into an hour.
    The show melded performance art, video, animation, and music. The score was performed live, led by the piano, cello and viola primarily, with the occasional bass guitar and drums. It was beautiful; rich, bold, even haunting at times.
   The first short film featured an actor interacting with the screen behind him. The theme was the basic human need to get back to nature; cityscapes, traffic and busyness juxtaposed with a man who stops following the lines (streets) and starts pushing back on them. Not wholly original, but powerfully presented.
   The main course began with a John Muir quote, spelled out in stop-motion-animated twigs:
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."
   Collins narrated the story of his journey from home to China, in part a journey of remembrance of two dear friends who had recently perished on a mountain. He joked about all the permissions he had to gain for the trip: from the Chinese government, customs... and the most difficult to attain: from his wife, who he would be leaving to care for their two young children. He detailed the letter that he wrote to his young son, Zion. He reviewed the ten rules he wished his son to follow, which included:
     - Respect women.
     - If someone feels like an outcast, make them feel welcome.
     - Respect nature; it has seniority.
     - If something terrifies you it's probably best to consider trying it.

     During the show there were two segments in which Collins opened a small cabinet on center stage, and painted first a wolf, then later flipped it and painted a mountain scene. When this was done, he pulled the doors outward to reveal wings, and a bird head on top. Interestingly, this was the second time I've seen live painting on stage this year (Janelle Monae painted during an instrumental part of one of her songs).

    When the film was over, Collins introduced the musicians, who turned out to also be key players in the entire experience: the bass guitar player and the viola player were also the animators, and the pianist was the composer. That's a remarkable amount of talent on one stage!

    At the finale, the filmmaker came out to speak to us. The wolf, for Collins, is complacency. He spoke about what the wolf might be for each of us: lethargy or other things waiting to strike at us and hold us back from what life has to offer us. "And you and me? We are the rabbit." And we must always run from our personal beast.
   Through tears and a shaky voice, Collins implored us to "Take the journey from heart to head; it is between the two that we find our voice." Well said.
   One of my favorite parts was that as we were leaving the auditorium, there was a table set up with a couple of Collins's sketchbooks and the accordion-fold artwork that were featured in the films. I LOVE seeing other artists' sketchbooks, because they are so individual and unique, and give you a window into their mind. It's all about what they see, not what they want you to see—and that's why this was a rare treat. Some artists never show their books to anyone. (I learned this in college when I asked a fellow student if I could see the book that was ever-present in her hand. The answer was NO. A very chilly no, in fact.) They are carefully guarded. His were raw, unpolished, awesome. These books were literal books; he cut out most of the pages, leaving interesting or relevant ones, and pasting in his own pages. They were comprised of collages, drawings and paintings. His work has so much life to it, and it was easy to see why it translated so well into animation.

  If there is an encore performance of this show, I'll be there, and I'll bring more friends. This is a work that deserves to be seen. 

Wolf Trailer

KC trailer

Border Country Trailer
Threehouse Studios 
Jeremy's posts on inspiration

JAPAN NEEDS OUR HELP!

   Our friends and family in Japan are still dealing heavily with the aftermath of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan on March 11, triggering a deadly tsunami and causing the devastating nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant on the east coast of Japan.
    The Art Party for Japan online art auction is to show our love and support to all of those affected by the earthquake and to continue
to help the children and families in need. Together we can raise money and hope for everyone!!
 HOW CAN YOU HELP?!
    21 amazing and talented artists from Tokyo, New York, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Texas, San Diego, Berlin and Miami have donated their original artwork to help support this worthy cause. Now we need YOUR help! Bid now! And bid high! Take home an amazing piece of art while helping those in need with your donation. And please, forward this auction site to everyone you know, together we can make a difference!
    All proceeds of this auction will be donated to the "Japan EarthquakeTsunami Children in Emergency Fund". For more information or to donate directly please go to: Japan Earthquake Tsunami Relief. A huge and special THANK YOU to all!!
   P.S. Congratulations to the Japan women's national soccer team!

Touma & more

   I just updated one of my earlier posts with some recent toy acquisition photos, mostly by Touma, including these "Little Trickers" that I found at Poptopia.