Canvas Joy

I just returned from an "Artist's Weekend" in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was invited to join a friend and another artist at my friend's condo overlooking a bay in Florida.  So, you don't know me that well yet, but, believe it or not, I can get realllllly comfortable with the status quo, and sometimes, the explorer's perspective is a bit of a reach.  Still, I admire this friend and, from our electronic communication and the jubilant smile of this "soon-to-be-friend," I decided to make the trip!

The weekend was glorious-- yes, the Florida sun was bright and intense, the beach and bay were clean and inviting, and the camaraderie and conversation couldn't be beat!  As we discussed logistics for our "art extravaganza," we decided that we needed a theme linking our work and our journeys.  It wasn't long that we discovered that our "initiations" into our craft was inspired by a parent.  My father has been gone for close to 20 years, yet his spirit and his passion for photography live on in me.  And, for my new friend, it was a gift to her mother that resulted in my friend's discovery. 

It reminds me of Joseph Campbell's work (The Hero's Journey), where the hero is met by a series of guides and sages to help him/her along their journey and deal with their trials and tribulations.  We each had a guide to bring us closer to our dreams.

We also discovered, as with so much in life, that what was motivating us, was not the money, but more the inspiration and spiritual difference it might make to those who view our art.  Today's world is filled with fear, anxiety, and what Ben Zander would call: "downward spiral thinking."  Art can help illuminate what is possible.........  what we can create, to bring positive energy and hope to all.......    

That's a gift well worth my time, energy and passion!  Stay tuned for our artist debut!!

Comments welcome!

Not totally sure what this blog has to do with photography, canvas and art:  I guess, in my somewhat nutrient-starved state (I'll explain shortly), I think the perspective we photographers take on what we "see," and how we translate that into something beautiful and a "joy" for others, may provide the link. 

Since I turned 50 this year......  (hard to believe...), I have scheduled that oft-laughed at, avoided, yet essential test.... the colonoscopy!  Since many of my peers have experienced and lived to tell the story of the colonoscopy, I decided to schedule it and get it over with.
And, the stories I've heard say that it is the prep that is worse than the actual test.....

So, as I sit here typing, eating jello (I'm sure I've not had jello since adolescence!), drinking apple juice and longing for every other food item imaginable..... (OK, maybe not liver......), I await what I imagine to be the worst part of this experience.  If truth be known, I think my stomach has already gotten into "empathy mode," if you know what I mean..........

So what does this milestone have to do with inspirational canvases??  Don't worry, I'm not getting any crazy ideas........  only that, with every experience in life, we get to choose our perspective... what we "see," what we believe, and whether we can laugh at ourselves, see the possibility in the challenge, and rise above......

As I count down the hours until we go full throttle, I'm already imagining how much reading I'm going to get accomplished in the next several hours........   and, I think I'll spare you the details of the rest!

As always, I welcome your comments!

Have you ever had moments when exactly the message you were searching for became evident during the course of your day, in the most unexpected moments?  That's what happened to me yesterday when I attended the amazing funeral service of Dr. Bryan G. Rowe.

I didn't know Bryan until yesterday but I work with one of his brothers and had learned of his untimely death through a work notification. I have a great deal of respect for my co-worker, which only grew as I sat and listened to the amazing tribute paid to Dr. Rowe.

Bryan was an amazing musician, a sensitive and brilliant man, with a very giving heart.  The faith and values of achievement, family, community, and love were evident throughout the service.  I am continually amazed at the strength and courage of those who are grieving so great a loss, to be able to stand composed, in front of a congregation and utter words of prose, reflection, humor and encouragement.  Bryan's immediate and extended family did just that, along with soul-inspiring musical interludes, that included the performances of nieces and nephews!

Amongst their many pleas to the congregation was to go home, or return to work, wherever your friends and loved ones may be, and hug them, tell them you love and appreciate them, and cherish the moment.....  as you never know when that moment may be taken away from you.

Wise words............   and I did just that!!

I welcome your comments.

The French word "giclée" (pronounced "jhee-clay"), is a feminine noun that means a spray or a spurt of liquid. The word may have been derived from the French verb "gicler" meaning "to squirt".

The Term : The term  "giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction.

It merges the use of professional grade large format printers with archival pigment inks, acid free watercolor papers and canvas. By using custom profiles, precise color correction and expert scanning, pigment printing can render subtle gradations and many colors that would be out of range with other technologies.

The Quality : The quality of the giclee print rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries.

Today, giclée is synonymous to digital fine art prints.

As I launch "Canvas Joy," I wanted to share more about the inspiration for this site.  What does a pre-school book: "The Little Engine That Could" (Piper and Long) have to do with Photographic Canvases??

Having a background in the health and healing arts, and a strong passion for the power of attitude, perspective, and belief, I believe that "what we think, we become."  Therefore, after many years of minimizing my talent with photography, I finally realized that "I think I can be a professional photographer and can make a positive difference in the world."  It was a mingling of timing and belief, that inspired this website. "I think I CAN, I think I CAN....."

Actually, the sage words from a friend: "And you're not doing this why???" finally hit home.

So, for all of you who may visit this site, or purchase a canvas, I would hope to inspire the belief in you that "I Know I Can" do whatever it is your heart desires.  I am reminded each day of how brief our time is here on this earth.  If we are not living our passion, then we are doing ourselves and others a great disservice.  And, for those of you who may have a spiritual passion, are we living our God-given purpose?

I welcome and look forward to your thoughts........

In community and peace,

Joy

Welcome to my debut site for Canvas Joy!  Can't say I know exactly what I'm doing but I know I'm going to have fun doing it and hope to inspire others and meet some wonderful people!  Thanks for visiting and let me know what you think!!   Joy