Shari Beaubien

Happy Friday!

Aren't these roses beautiful?  While the sunlight has washed them out a bit in this photo, they are colored with just the loveliest shade of pale pink.  They're climbing up into our wisteria-covered gazebo in our back yard.  Things are blooming everywhere and the weather's been absolutely perfect.  I'm itching to do some planting this weekend if I can.

There hasn't been much, if any, painting going on this week...  although I did gesso a new canvas yesterday.  Art fairs pretty much wipe me out and I know that.  I just try to honor the part of my soul that says, "You need to rest now, little one.  The creativity will come back in due time."

I have been busy re-stocking my print inventory and working on custom orders I received both prior to the show and during the show.  Then there's all the paperwork involved with tracking inventory sold, recording income, updating mailing lists, etc. etc.  Not very glamorous, but necessary nonetheless.

Right before the show, I finished and varnished that large canvas I've been working on with the house and the hearts.  I hope to photograph it this weekend so that I can show it to you properly early next week.  I'm really thrilled with the final piece.

I'll leave you with a close-up photo of one of the roses from above.  Even though our yard is the typically minuscule LA-size, I love having a little slice of earth all my own.  Nothing refuels me during a resting period like being a part of nature... however small it may be.

Check It Out (again)!

Guess what?!?!  I also have a piece published in the Summer 2008 issue of Art Doll Quarterly.  And even better, my work graces the very last page!  How cool is that?  I didn't even realize I'd have the last page until the issue arrived in my mailbox.

Now, I don't really consider myself an art doll artist in any shape or form.  I actually set out to create an assemblage (which I do from time to time when I need a break from painting).  But if the wonderful folks at Stampington want to put my creation in their art doll magazine, well... then... who am I to argue?

Here's what my doll/assemblage looks like:

Check It Out!

I have not one, but TWO articles in the May/June issue
of Cloth Paper Scissors!

The first article is called "Straight from My Soul" and 
features an in-depth look at several works
from my Soul Sketches series.
The article discusses not only how this series was born,
but it also reveals my process for creating them.

The second article is entitled "Living with Art". 
It showcases a plethora of photos from my studio space.

Both were written by yours truly.  Eight pages in all!  I'm so very, very proud.  I hope you'll check out this gorgeous magazine if you haven't had the chance to already.  (And I'm not just saying that because I'm in it!!)  The editors of Cloth Paper Scissors do an outstanding job on each and every issue.  I'd also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who already wrote to say they enjoyed my contribution!  It means a lot that you noticed me...

Wow! What a Weekend!

Calabasas was nothing short of FANTASTIC!  I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth to visit me.  Your enthusiasm for my work has left me glowing from the inside out this morning.  I feel so validated and so supremely happy. 

One adorable little girl (with her dad's help) purchased one of my original art pendants.  She proudly announced that she'd looked at all of the artwork in the show and deemed mine to be her favorite of all.  Oh my gosh!  ...Talk about melting my heart! 

It's moments like these that complete me as an artist.  It's the precise place whereby things come full circle.  I spend each day wrapped in the quiet of my studio.  I paint.  I create.  Each artwork that comes into being carries with it a piece of my soul.  But let's face it, folks... You pour the very best of yourself into your work, but there's no guarantee what anyone else will think.  It's a risk.

But oh, when someone connects with what you've done and really "gets" you...  That's a feeling like no other!  It IS being completed.  Yes, sir... C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E.  That little feeling makes an already charmed life feel one thousand times sweeter.  And this weekend was filled with such moments.  *Sigh* 

Staying Busy

The live jurying drop-off and pick-up went as well as could be expected yesterday.  And for the most part, the traffic gods were on my side.  Boy, there were a lot of people there!  Many more than I anticipated.  (*gulp*)  Now the waiting begins...  I'll let you know when I hear anything.

The highlight of my day, however, was meeting Christine Mason Miller for lunch.  What a treat that was!  We'd only emailed up until this point and it was really special for me to be able to hang out with her in person.  (Christine interviewed me on her Sparkletopia blog a few months back.)  She is every bit as warm and as inspirational as I knew she would be.  Thanks, Christine!! 

Tonight Steve and I go out to Calabasas to set up for the show this weekend.  I have a lot of prep work to do today, so I'm not sure I'll get much painting done.  And that's okay.  If you're in the area, come on out to see me this weekend!  It was a SUPER event last year, and I'm really looking forward to being there again...