Saturday, March 31st, 2012
 For my instant creative gratification meter, I need quick and fast satisfaction. I attribute my immediacies to my American upbringing…Lol!
I journal daily and it takes a lot less time to create something in my journal than it does to create something large (which my art tends to be). I can go to my journal, doodle, sketch, collage and write, to create a page and voila! It’s therapeutic, immediate and I don’t need retail therapy!
Have an amazing weekend as we all go forth courageously in a world where good things are always possible. In peace to you and yours.
©2012 Indigene Theresa Gaskin – 2012 Courage Journal-Mixed Media Collage – Pg. 4.
Tags: Art Journal, Baskics, fun, Gratification, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http:indigeneart.com, Illustration Friday, Immediate, Indigene, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, life, Play, Return
Posted in Art, General, Illustration Friday, Studio Time | 18 Comments »
Saturday, March 17th, 2012
 I’ve been struggling…there I’ve said it!
Why is that so frightening to say to yourself or others?
I think because it’s shame-based, to the person who admits it and to those who hear it; or it feels like you’re admitting to a character flaw. Many people don’t know what to do with the feelings that come with struggles.
Neither do I, but I do know that getting it outside of myself, helps me to see it in front of me and allows me to do something about it, instead of letting the struggles roasts me like meat on a rotisserie!
I don’t need to get in the specifics of the struggles, it is safe enough to say “I have struggles or I’m struggling”. I am no different from other people who struggle, except maybe, I’m saying it out loud today and writing it for all to see, if they want.
I think that people are always willing to share the wonderful and beautiful things of life, but never the shades or shadows of one’s life/self. It makes us vulnerable and open. Yet, I have always found the greatest lessons, in the messiest parts my life. It shows that we are all apart of a zigzag journey, that calls us to the same place in the end.
 Believe me, I’m not trying to be deep, philosophical or depressing; it’s just a real thing for me now. It is in this part of the journey that I have find, I am human, not in a theoretical sense, but in the daily grind of life. So it’s not important that I share the exact struggles, but that I struggle. I share my happiness here all the time, so today, it’s struggling, that I’m sharing and everyone, and I mean everyone struggles. To not acknowledge that feels dishonest, so today, I share this and to let someone know…that we are struggling together.
It may not apply to you today, but maybe it will one day and you’ll remember this post and know that you’re never alone in it. It is in the struggles, that shows me that I am alive…living in the shade…coming to light daily.
Hibernation is almost over, Spring is coming…more light…more hope!
Tags: Comfort, Hibernation, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http:indigeneart.com, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, life, life's moments, lifestyle, mid-life crisis, Reflection, self, shades, shadow, Sharing, Spring, struggle, struggles, Surrender, yield
Posted in General, Illustration Friday, Work | 19 Comments »
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
First, on the art front, I’ve been featured in the Arts and Aesthetics Collective Magazine: http://issuu.com/aestheticsmagazine/docs/insignetribus/59 (pages 41 – 56)
 Now for other stuff…I have been stretched to the limits in many areas of life, I can’t believe it’s been a month, since I last posted! I like my blogging time to be meaningful; not just putting in one liners out there in social media. Please, don’t get me wrong, I love chatting with my friends on Facebook/Twitter, but I’m finding that it takes away from my time here and that’s not my intention.
Maintaining social media sites, takes a lot of time and effort, in an already frantic schedule. As a highly-sensitive introvert, I needs lots of time to recuperate from face-to-face time, networking, workshops, etc. I find I also need it from writing, too! I’ve done lots of business writing and academic writing, but that’s very different than writing from your heart and soul. The writing I do here, fulfills my ten-year-old dream of being a writer (At ten, I also wanted to be an artist, actress, dancer and singer!) The writing here takes more out of me, because I’m putting myself out there, just like my art.
 My blog started off with me showcasing my art, then writing about my art; what I was working on, creating an image based on the prompts from Illustration Friday or events that I was participating in. Of course, I still do that, but I will also include how I live my life, because the artist and the person are one and the same. I feel that you only see one aspect of me when I share my art-making process or just my art.
Some of you may say, well, that’s the only part I’m interested in! I appreciate that and I am glad, there are many people interested in my art, but there are just as many people interested in the person, too! I feel fragmented when I only talk about one aspect of my life, and it feels so disjointed writing only about only one aspect of me. I want my writing here to be meaningful to me and to the people who take their time to stop and read my blog entries.
 I am a whole person, living a whole life, the good, the bad and the ugly, it makes my very human life messy and joyous!
So all this to say, to find out more about me in various aspects, visit me here:
FACEBOOK Page: https://www.facebook.com/indigeneart
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Indigene1
But to find more depth and my intentions, visit me here…at the blog.
I end this week with one of my favorite quotes and in peace:
 “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Images: ©2012 Indigene Theresa Gaskin - All Rights Reserved.
Tags: blog, blogging, facebook, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http://issuu.com/aestheticsmagazine/docs/insignetribus/59, Indigene, Intent, Intention, life, meaningful, News, Photography, photos, posting, posts, twitter, Writing
Posted in Art, Family, Featured Artist, Friends, General, News, Studio Time, Work | 18 Comments »
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
 January has been a month of digging, in the tough and challenging consciousness. Ever since I chose the word “courage” as my word for the year, I’ve been battling some big fears and learning to trust my intuitive voice completely. It’s the same fears, I battle when the darkness of winter comes…am I strong enough, confident enough, financially secure, smart enough, helpful enough, generous enough, doing enough…?
My rituals and spirituality keep me nurtured. My family keeps me cocooned, safe and loved. As always in the dark nights of the soul, the light comes through, reminding me that there is balance and that fears will always be there, but it is the moving forward in those fears that the courage comes.
Love is the strongest engine of survival, life’s calling and I’m moving forward with the light of courage.
Peace to you and yours.
(“Life’s Calling” Collage/Paper-5″x7″ - ©2012 Indigene Theresa Gaskin)
Tags: Calling, collage, Conscious, Courage, faith, Family, fear, Finance, Forward, Friends, http:indigeneart.com, Indigene, Indigene Art Forms, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, life, mixed media, Movement, Nurture, spirituality
Posted in Art, Family, Friends, General, Illustration Friday, Studio Time, Work | 10 Comments »
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
 Well, I’m twirling with excitement!
My image, “Gabriel’s Horn” (30″ x 40″ – Oil/Canvas – Sold/Private Collection) is on the cover of Dream Network Journal.
Yes, I’m shamelessly happy and wanted to blog about it. I often write about the creative process, post the end results and let you know how I’m feeling! So, it’s only appropriate to share my glee here, also!
What makes this so exciting is that this painting, marked my ten years of being a professional artist! Much of my work has been derived from dream experiences.
So, this weekend, I’m doing the thankful happy dance, anyone want to twirl around with me in thankfulness and happiness?
Have a fantastic weekend, mine is off to a great start!
Peace to you and yours!
P.S. The quarterly magazine is sold at Barnes & Nobles – $7.00
Tags: 10th Anniversary, Art, Dream Network Journal, Dreams, Featured Artist, Gabriel's Horn, http:indigeneart.com, Illustration Friday, Indigene, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, Magazine, Oil/Canvas, private collection, sold, twirl
Posted in Art, Featured Artist, General, Illustration Friday, Work | 42 Comments »
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
The process of setting up goals to me, is much like my preparation for creating a new painting or two or three…
It starts with a spark…dream, experience, a place, an idea.
I write down some words, do some sketches, think about colors or not.
 I gather the materials and then the deep stuff starts, excitement builds, frustrations set in, more thought processes, action accumulates and then finally, after many tweeks, starts and stops.
Voila, I have a finished painting!
©2012 Indigene T. Gaskin “Autumn Song” Mixed-Media-12″ x 24″)
So much like the art-making process, is my goal setting process.
This year, it took a little longer than usual to do this. I’m not sure if it’s because I took my time and thought about it, or the fear factor! So finally, I’m ready to release it so that the action can begin!
Goals/Resolutions:
-Experiment more with my art;
- Create one new workshop;
-Create an e-book;
-Exercise and take better care of myself;
-Create a video (Me/Art);
-Teach a class/workshop abroad;
-Exhibit in gallery at least once this year;
-Create and sell more art than last year;
-Connect and collaborate more with other artists.
So with a lot of courage, tenacity and time, begins the ride of goal doing. I am prepared. Are you?
Posted in Art, General, Studio Time, Work | 10 Comments »
Sunday, January 8th, 2012
©2001-2012 Indigene Theresa Gaskin– Image: “Brave Warrior”)
This year my intention is Courage. I did not come to this intent quickly or lightly, but through…the power of daily meditation, prayer, silence and deep listening.
So what does this mean?
This means I will not wait for fear to go away before I move forward with new ideas and dreams that need to be realized. The only way I can dissolve fear is to begin to move with it.
I have heard, that the thing that stands in the way of us creating the life we want, will only go away, if we start creating it. Yet, this is the most fearful aspect of beginning that life!
So like a brave warrior, I am empowered by my first step…setting my intention. Intent needs to have action to follow it…so I have posted my intent, in various place in my home, in my studio and I have found a visual for my intent. (See image). So by blogging this, my intent is in the world!
These are the steps for me to build a foundation grounding myself in this intent.
These baby steps of intent and action, will give me more courage to take many more steps, as I give myself time and space to experience the voices of my fears, moving with purpose, while staying aligned with my intention and fiercely committed as each day poses its challenges and rewards.
I take courage and content in the fact that none of us journey alone. Take heart in knowing we are all are doing it together.
Tags: Brave, Brave Warrior, Courage, fear, Fearless, http:indigeneart.com, Indigene, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, ink, Intent, Intentions, mixed media, pencils, Warrior, watercolor
Posted in Art, General, Illustration Friday, Studio Time | 22 Comments »
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
 My intention, for 2011 was ABUNDANCE and that was felt on many levels.
The Highs and Lows of my 2011 year:
1.) I RESOLVE TO PROMOTE MYSELF SHAMELESSLY. (Those of you who read my blogs, encountered me on Facebook and Twitter know this is true! :) I also handed out many business cards and postcards during 2011.
2.) I RESOLVE TO CULTIVATE A GREAT WEBSITE. Well, it’s great website to me! My wonderful webmaster son and I spent an enormous amount of time on it, updating it!
(© 2011 Indigene Theresa Gaskin – Frontview of my 2011 journals).
3.) I RESOLVE TO CONTINUE OPERATING WITH COMPLETE INTEGRITY. This was done a 100% of the time and gave me great satisfaction, since this is one of my values, to act and serve with integrity!
4.) I RESOLVE TO CONTINUE EDUCATING MYSELF IN THE BUSINESS OF ART. I did this through workshops on and off-line! I made it through 9 workshops this year and in the midst of completing the last one now! I’ve read over (120) books this year, with thirty (30) of them being about art business and marketing (My bookstore receipts state I’ve purchased about 250 books, I still haven’t read them all yet)!
5.) I RESOLVE TO CONTINUE CONNECTING WITH OTHERS AND SHARE INFORMATION. I joined a guild and participated in meetings and continue to mentor others. This was really big for me, since I am incredibly introverted and enjoy my solitude greatly! These were all the resolutions I made in the new year of 2011 : (See http://indigeneart.com/happy-new-year-happy-birthday-to-me/)
Additional highlights included winning an award in arts and culture and participating in (2) Art Fairs!
 So I feel so incredibly wonderful that I accomplished all my resolutions and lived in true abundance that I gained this year.
(© 2011 Indigene Theresa Gaskin – sideview of all my journals completed in from 2011)
Wonderful highs, also come with lows. The lowest points of 2011 and which will make 2011, unforgettable is that I lost my Mom (August 22) and my sister, Renee (June 27). I can honestly say that I have been in the abyss and on the mountaintop in 2011. I was blessed with the abundance of kindness from strangers and family. The outpouring of love from my internet friends still continue to overwhelm me and kept me held in the abundance of hope and warmth. I learned so much from this heartbreaking ordeal and I still continue to learn from it. I realized what true friendship meant during this time.
So, 2011 brought me a fire of grief, a rainstorm of love and true growth and will never, ever be forgotten by me.
So with the old year, only a few hours left, I wish you all a very, wonderful, peaceful, spectacular, loving, prosperous, healthy and loving New Year!
I will see you in the New Year, with my intentions and resolutions and I hope to see yours as well! :) Peace to you and yours.
Tags: 2011, Abundance, Art, art award, art fairs, death, Family, Friends, Friendship, growth, highlights, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http://twitter.com/indigene1, http://www.facebook.com/indigeneart, http:indigeneart.com, Illustration Friday, Journaling, Journals, life, lows, resolutions
Posted in Art, Family, Featured Artist, Friends, General, Handmade Gifts, Illustration Friday, News, Studio Time, Work | 8 Comments »
Sunday, December 18th, 2011
 Finishing up last minute rushes, business obligations and On-Line Classes.
I haven’t forgotten my blog readers! I’m just in a contemplative mood…thinking about my intention for the new year, setting goals, looking over the year…the great losses and the abundance that kept me going…
Take some time to separate yourself and sink into the peace that’s yours by going inward.
In peace to you and yours.
(©2011 Indigene Theresa Gaskin – Journal Time)
Tags: Art, art making, Contemplative, feet, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http:indigeneart.com, Indigene, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, Journals, Peace, Relax, Separate, Sink, studio life
Posted in Art, General, Studio Time | 15 Comments »
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
Breakout, the wine, food, flowers, music and love! I’m celebrating!!!
 ©Indigene T. Gaskin - "Food Celebration" - 10"x10", Mixed Media/Paper I have a brigade (the Home Love Brigade), aka “My peeps, my tribe, my love buckets, my family” and the nick names go on and on. No matter how I’m feeling or who I’m yelling at, my brigade is my stronghold. They love me fiercely and I them! :)
The last few weeks were extremely busy, holiday stuff, school work, household junk, workshops, sales, art fair preparations, holiday studio tour preparation, marketing and creating (my only grip on sanity)!!
My brigade has been there through the thick (which is me) and the thin (my patience)! But, they still love and support me! So this is my special way of giving them a shout out and absolutely begging them to continue…:)
So meet the Home Love Brigade:
 Jon: Commando, BBQ-Meister, Security, Confidante, Framer, Baker, Kindest man in the whole world and my Go-To Snuggler!  No. 1 - Radical Son: Web Meister, Great Cook, Creative Buddy, Listening Ear, I have to beg to snuggle him and who now can say no to me, with no repercussions (except Mom-guilt, it still works)!!!  The Baby: The Love Bucket, Assistant Baker, Chief Eye-roller to certain demands of mine; Major Art Fair Helper; aka: “messy-haired girl” and a sweet snuggler! I love and have absolutely the best brigade in the world!!! (Uh, love brigade, you are going to be helping at the next two events, right?!) :)
Loving your people, makes life pretty spectacular!
In peace to you and yours!
P.S. I am so in the dog house for putting their pixs on my blog! It’s holiday time, maybe they’ll forgive me…again?!
Tags: Brigade, Family, Food Celebration, http://indigeneart.com/blog, http:indigeneart.com, Illustration Friday, Indigene, Indigene Theresa Gaskin, love, Love Buckets, support, tribe, Troops
Posted in Art, Family, General, Illustration Friday | 27 Comments »
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