I am writing to you all this morning under the beautiful skies of Southern California, though a little overcast at the moment. The true brightness of this day for me is to announce the release of "The Pulse of Mixed Media Artists..." by my dear friend, artist and author, Seth Apter.
The first time I found Seth's blog was back in the early part of 2009, when he put out a call to join in on "Disintegration Manifestation". At the time I was living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and felt it was a perfect project for me to participate in. Unfortunately, my husband became ill and I had to pull out. I will never forget Seth's graceful response to me, and his encouragement that there will be more to come in my future, fulfilling my artistic appetite. He was right, but little did I know my future would include being one of his highlighted artists in his first published book.
One of my highlights teaching last year at ART-Is-You was meeting Seth in person and seeing his table of art. Seth is one of those kind of persons who makes you feel as if you have known each other all your life. He is a very gentle and kind soul, my kind of peep. I look forward to meeting up with him again this coming October back in my home state of Connecticut. Seth will also be teaching this year. How wonderful is that!
Since I am away from home right now to bury my dear mother-in-law, I am unable to have my hands on my copy of the book that will be waiting for me upon my arrival home. The anticipation is great. Maybe I should try and sneak out and find a copy here at a local bookstore. I know Seth's book is filled to the brim with thought provoking questions, art, and more.
Here is a peak at my two offerings.
SELF PORTRAIT
Lots of symbolism in this piece and I share what it all means in Seth's book.
My second piece titled "Thought That Breathe"
I created this piece with Seth's question to me: Is there an emotion that shows up more frequently in your work than others?
So these are two of the questions Seth had asked me that I had to respond with creating my answers. There are twelve more questions Seth asked of the 31 featured artists plus many more for the over 100 other artists who participated. Thank you Seth for your labor of love creating this publication. Thank you for inviting me and mostly for being my friend.
I will now leave off with a question for Seth. I know you don't sleep, so maybe sometime soon you can take a few and answer this:
Please give me 31 words that say something about YOU, as a person, artist, etc. Smiling - Jo xoxo
Seth's Answer
Amazed by the opportunities, ready to take chances, seeking those moments. Hoping to make a difference, make it matter and make it better. Knowing that forever is a very long time.
Love the self portrait doll, will be interesting to read about it in Seth's book. Cant wait to purchase it. So sorry about your mother in law.
Posted by: Donna Roberson | March 23, 2012 at 06:36 AM
JoAnna your self portrait pretty much melts my heart into a pool. I like the sculptural 3-d quality to your work. I'm looking forward to following you so I get to see what you are doing. *smiles* Norma
Posted by: Norma | March 18, 2012 at 01:11 PM
Sounds like a really interesting book! patsy
Posted by: patsy | March 18, 2012 at 12:21 AM
I'm so sorry about your Mother in Law... It's never easy. You and Ron are in my prayers.
Posted by: Michelle | March 17, 2012 at 05:36 PM
Thanks so much for sharing your art and so much of your wonderful self in the book Jo. And thanks for letting me 'get away' with the 31 words I chose. So happy that we had a chance to meet and so looking forward to connecting again later this year.
Posted by: Seth | March 16, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Please accept my sincere condolences, and wishes for comfort during this difficult time. I hope things go as well as they possibly can for you and your family.
I, too, found your site through Seth, and am so glad. I'll be participating in his book's blog tour, and will be his "stop" on April 10th! I was drooling as I looked at the photos of your studio - we have similar taste in goodies to create with. And how nice of hubby to offer up the master bedroom! What a great guy...
Posted by: Melody Nunez | March 16, 2012 at 08:42 PM
I am sorry to read about your MIL. I hope things get better when you return home.
Posted by: Bleubeard and Elizabeth | March 16, 2012 at 05:07 PM
make it matter and make it better! :) Inspiring blog!
Posted by: elle | March 16, 2012 at 10:20 AM
Lots to see and appreciate here, that's for SURE.
Love your question, love his answer.
It's a Big, Ole Love Fest over here!.....
Posted by: Lisa Hoffman | March 15, 2012 at 08:50 PM
Hi JoAnnA !!
Love the back@cha question for Seth. I bet the two of you really are a blast to be around . Wish we could all get together and share an artist weekend .
I love your work and can't wait to read the book.
Congrats- Dear One - Congrats
Posted by: kim Goodwin | March 15, 2012 at 04:01 PM
I love your work and can't wait to check out this new book. My prayers are with you and Ron. :)
Posted by: Denise Petersen | March 15, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Congrats! Can't wait to check out the book.
Posted by: Thespoena McLaughlin | March 15, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Love your stuff, found your site through Seth Apter...
Posted by: NM Creatrix | March 15, 2012 at 08:41 AM
I am grateful to Seth for highlighting your work and the link to your blog. Love your art. Congrats on being included in the book! My deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother-in-law. Take care of yourself.
Posted by: Barbara I. | March 15, 2012 at 05:48 AM
Hi JoAnnA, just came over from Seth's blog via Nina. Congratulations to all concerned! I love that sweet wistful face on your self-portrait and that you are so generous with your work! Now I have found your blog, I can find out more about you, can't wait to see the book. Sorry you have lost your mother-in-law in what should have been an exciting time for YOU.
Posted by: Robyn Ayaz | March 15, 2012 at 04:11 AM
Your self portrait is gorgeous. I do like your work and I'm enjoying your blog very much. Can't wait to see Seth's answers to your question.
Posted by: Carol | March 15, 2012 at 03:52 AM
Hey my friend! What a perfect question for Seth. I always enjoy seeing your work and was especially thrilled to soak in your hospitality, your home, your art and a little of your life last month.
xo
Posted by: LeslieM | March 14, 2012 at 03:11 PM
JoAnnA, so glad to be visiting your blog from Seth's post. So sorry to hear about your Mother-in- Law. Perhaps the celebration of her life can go parallel with the release of the book in which you are featured!Received my copy and just love reading about everyone. Lucky that you have met Seth and have connected outside the blog world as well as within. Can't wait to continue following your work!
Posted by: Jill Zaheer | March 14, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Fabulous pieces, can't imagine what I would do for a self portrait - I'll think about it.... ;)
1000 sales, wow.
Posted by: Emma | March 14, 2012 at 02:23 PM
What a great self portrait! I want to do that!
I love your question to Seth. :-)
Posted by: chris | March 14, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Hi JoAnnA! I love your "31 Words" question for Seth! I'll be checking back to see his answer. Loved looking at your work, today, in 31/31 on The Altered Page. Also. . .a big congratulations on your 1000th sale on Etsy! Moss Hill Studio is now 'bookmarked' on my computer!
Posted by: Robert H. Stockton | March 14, 2012 at 11:15 AM