Writing Vlog Update - Draft 4 & How To Create A Fairy Be

Hello! Welcome back. I just updated my YouTube channel with the latest progress on my Alchemy project. I promised to document everything to hold myself accountable and to make sure I get her done. This video explains where I stand today, December 2023. Although I thought it would be complete by now, this project and the world keeps expanding, but I have surrendered to letting myself flow with that. This said, I do believe 2024 will be the year my debut fairytale novel will finally come into the world. I’m beyond excited about it and can’t wait to share it with you! I also think my husband will be happy to see the kitchen table again.

So as we come to the end of 2023, I wish you peace and magic, and thank you for supporting me on my creative journey. May you be sprinkled with love and fairy dust throughout the rest of the year and beyond!

Episode 55 - Interview with Artist - Marina Sole'

I met Marina this past March when I was exhibiting my art at Superfine Art Fair in San Francisco. Her booth was close to mine and had a steady flow of art buyers. It was no surprise because her quirky art is undeniably fun and she also has a positively infectious personality!

On today's Episode we learn more about Marina's journey from Catalan, Spain to the City by the Bay, San Francisco and why she left the fashion design industry to launch her business as a full time artist. 

We had such a great time at Superfine that I asked her to come on the podcast and share her advice on this topic as well. Preparing for a large Art Exhibit can be a daunting task but we break it down with a ton of helpful tips. We also discuss our review of Superfine as well as some things we would have done a little differently.

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

To Follow & Support Marina Sole':

Website: Marina Sole

Instagram:  @marinasole_art

Photos provided by Marina Sole' Copyright ©2022

Superfine Art Fair - Fort Mason - San Francisco! March 3-6, 2022 It's Happening!

Happy New Year! Exciting NEWS! I was accepted to exhibit at the San Francisco Superfine Art Fair back in 2019 and I’m super thrilled to announce that, 2 years later, it looks like it’s actually going to happen! Tickets are on sale now on the Superfine website HERE

This is a very unique and special exhibit for me. Not only do I love San Fransisco but the collection I’ll be offering is based on a screenplay I just finished writing. It’s a fantastical story about claiming your personal power by embracing your fears and painful experiences that takes place in a magical house. So they are more than just paintings they are energetic pieces of an enchanted story!

Prints will be available too as well as other originals.

Please come by and visit me at Booth 29, Fort Mason Center, as well as all the other AMAZING exhibiting artists! xoxo Mari

Interview with Christine Mason Miller - Episode 52

Today’s Podcast Interview is with the multi-talented Christine Mason Miller, author of Notes from The Rocket. You may know her work as Swirly Girl as she is also a very accomplished artist. Notes from The Rocket is her 6th published book and it’s a true gem!

During the interview we talk about the importance of supporting independent creators and why she decided to sell her book only through her website. One of the incredible benefits of purchasing from her is how each book is hand embellishment and completely unique! This is Vol. I of three intended books from this beautiful series.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Christine for more than two decades and I am constantly delighted and inspired by her creative work and beauty as a human being. I know you will be too!

LISTEN & WATCH THE EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Christine Mason Miller Here:

Christine's Website: http://christinemasonmiller.com/

Christine's Instagram: @swirlygirl18

Order Christine Mason Miller's New Book: http://christinemasonmiller.com/notes-from-the-rocket

Interview with Sam Goff - Recruiter for Netflix Animation - Episode 5

Today’s Podcast Episode is with the very talented Sam Goff. Sam is part of the Netflix Animation family as an Outreach & Engagement Coordinator. Her focus in the department is working internally with productions and cross functional departments to make sure early career individuals at NAS have a comfortable and enriching professional growth experience.

Additionally she is working on creating programming to further break down the barriers to entry for the animation industry. She is also a freelance surfacing artist which makes today’s Episode a ‘Must Listen’ for anyone interested in what it’s like to work in the animation business. Check out Sam’s Episode on my YouTube channel and make sure to follow her @samg_anim and also over on TikTok where she offers weekly advice as an Animation Recruiter!

You can listen to the Full Episode HERE

To Follow & Support Sam Goff:

TikTok, Twitter, Instagram: @SamG_Anim

Website: http://slewis-portfolio.com/

Netflix Animation Outreach & Engagement Coordinator 

My Living Lavishly Interview :-)

It’s truly an honor to be featured in this months Living Lavishly magazine and to have the opportunity to talk about my passion for supporting the arts as well as my creative journey. I remember having coffee with Lani brainstorming the idea for the magazine years ago and I have been humbled and grateful to be a contributing writer for the magazine ever since. I have to admit, this took quite a bit of arm twisting because I prefer to be behind the camera - ALWAYS - but I am very grateful to have the opportunity to discuss why it’s so important to support artists. You can check out the entire issue and read the full interview HERE.

Art & About San Luis Obispo - MYLR Gallery

Few! I’ve been meaning to post here for weeks but it’s been bonkers! Things started to open up and it’s back to busy, busy! I’m not quite sure how I feel about it but it has been busy with really exciting and fun things!

The past few weeks have been full of photoshoots, writing, creating and preparing for my art exhibit at the New MYLR Gallery! Stop by and see me this Saturday, July 3rd, 5:00-7:00pm! I’ll be sharing several of the paintings from the new fiction novel I just finished writing, Alchemy. Lots of other new art too! Happy Summer! Here we go!

Interview with Animator & Songwriter - Kevin Temmer -Episode 51

In today’s Episode I’m speaking with Professional Animator & Songwriter, Kevin Temmer. We talk about what it takes to become an animator and songwriter for the film industry and also the gaming industry. Kevin started his career working at Blue Sky Studios, a very well-known and respected studio known for creating Movies like; Ice Age, Ferdinand, and Spies in Disguise. Blue Sky Studios was later acquired by Disney and unfortunately just closed down this year (2021) but before the Disney acquisition Kevin had left to work in the gaming industry for companies like Sony Interactive and Jam City. He has worked on games like Frozen, Marvel, Concrete Jeanie and Wild Things to name a few. Currently he is working at Squanch Games creating animations, editing, and song creation.   

Kevin also has quite a following on TikTok where you can see short versions of his animations & music. You can find longer versions on his YouTube channel; Kevin Temmer Tunes! Overall, for someone so young, he has had quite an impressive career so far and it was an honor to get to interview him. So if you are wondering what it could be like to work in the world of animation, Kevin is sharing tons of helpful advice! I hope you will enjoy! Please share with your creative friends and subscribe for more awesome interviews with creative artists and entrepreneurs! LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE.

To Follow & Support Kevin Temmer:

Website:  Kevin Temmer Portfolio

Instagram:  @kevtemz

TikTok:  kevintemmer

YouTube: Kevin Temmer Tunes

All Photos provided by Kevin Temmer Copyright ©2021

Episode 50!!!! Interview with Internet Film Maker - Madelaine

This is a super exciting Episode today for two reasons: One -Today’s interview is with the incredibly, talented film creator, Madelaine Turner. I’m obsessed with her short, clever, creative films!  & Two - It’s my 50th Episode!!! Woohoo!!!

When I reached out to Madelaine I was not expecting a reply, she is literally famous in the world of film creating with close to 300k followers on TikTok but that is just the beginning, as she reveals some exciting news during today’s interview! Madelaine is a young and creative powerhouse! She is just at the beginning of a very big career and once you hear how sweet, lovely and funny she is, you will be a huge fan like me! We talk about how she got into film making and screen writing. Obviously we talk about TikTok and how she creatively used that platform to showcase her incredible talent. We also get into some of the technical aspects of it, monetizing, and the speed of how technology is changing the world of internet film makers. All of it, is so, so good!

These episodes are all about helping other creators - You - with advice from successful artists and creative entrepreneurs. My hope is that by listening to their creative journeys you will be inspired to create your own unique magic in the world. 

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Madelaine Turner Here:

Website: MadelaineTurner.com

TikTok: @MadelaineTurner

Instagram: @TurnerMadelaine

YouTube: Madelaine Turner

Twitter: @TurnerMadelaine

Interview with Camille Villanueva - Episode 49

Goodness, I don’t even know where to begin with how to described such a multi-talented artist! Camille is an Oakland based art director and artist.  She currently works as the Art Director for Square, helping design creative across a spectrum of marketing channels.

In her spare time, Camille enjoys learning new skills and dabbling in a variety of hobbies including costume fabrication, puppetry, and printmaking. We talk about all of this on the Episode. From her beautiful Cosplay costume designs to creating puppets for TV commercials, I mean, this person is Talented with a capital T!

She most recently started an online print shop of linoleum block prints and has been documenting her process on social media. Her prints are beautiful and a perfect evolution of her artistic expressions.

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Camille Villanueva here:

Website: Camilleeeoo.com

Twitter / Instagram / TikTok : @camilleeeoo

EPISODE 48 - Interview with Writer & Actress - Diane Wagner

I was fortunate to meet author & actress, Diane Wagner, through a mutual friend of ours, Tug Rice. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview her about her new novel, The Almighty Father. As with most of these episodes, as I do a little research on the creator, I always find that they are incredibly multi-talented, and Diane is no exception. Diane has had quite an impressive career as an actress. She has been in featured films as well as writing, acting in, and producing her own pilot series, ‘Goody Goody’. She is also the Director of Theatre at The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts since 2004.

We talk about it all on today’s Episode as well as her new book; The Almighty Father. Such a good read if you are looking for an intriguing book to curl up with this winter!
LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

DianeWagner.org

Instagram: @DianeWagnerAuthor

To Purchase The Almighty Father: https://amzn.to/37phlen

The Magic of Stop Motion - Interview with Jen Jardim - The Animated Blogger - Ep 47

Ever wonder how those really cute animations on your feed are created? Well I did, and it led me to discover the super talented, Jen Jardim @the_animated_blogger. On today’s Episode, we are discussing her journey from high-end fashion model (Yes, Hello cover of Cosmopolitan magazine!) To a 2-D stop motion paper animator!

We talk about what it really takes to make animation a business. Another fun part is that I live in California and Jen is just outside of London, thank you technology! Her voice is just as charming as her animations! So pour yourself a cup of tea, grab a biscuit, and check out this fun Episode over on my YouTube channel!!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to follow and support Jen Jardim:

WEBSITE: The Animated Blogger

INSTAGRAM: @the_animated_blogger

Animation below created by the wildly talented Jen Jardin of The Animated Blogger!

Virtual Open Studios Is Live - New Originals & 2021 Calendars Now Available!

I hope you are hanging in there OK during these crazy times! I know Art won't save the world but hopefully it offers a bit of a respite. 

For the first time ever I'm participating in the San Luis Obispo County Arts - Open Studios - Virtually of course. I'm so appreciative of the SLO Arts Council for finding a way to celebrate dozens of Central Coast artists in a new, innovative way. You can now visit all of the participating artists HERE!

Because we are all new to this, I thought it would be helpful to Interview the President & the Project Coordinator of the SLO Arts Council on my latest VLOG. During the interview you'll get a sneak peek of the studios of several participating artists.

To celebrate Open Studios I will be offering 6 original watercolors each month until the end of the year. I've never sold any of my original watercolors - so now's your chance to snag one! **ALSO** 2021 Calendars are Now Available for Pre-orders!!

Since part of the fun of Open Studios is to actually see the spaces where the creatives work - I'll be sharing my studio next month over on my YouTube Channel! I'd love if you would Subscribe there, as it helps so much with this Mission to Support The Arts! Open Studios starts Sept 22nd and runs through December!

Wishing you Joy as we close out this marathon of a year! xoxo Mari

You can Watch the Full EPISODE HERE! Thank you for supporting the Arts!

A Behind The Scenes VLOG with Suzanne Smith - Creator of Blue Butterfly Cookies

In today's Episode I'm speaking with the talented and charming, Suzanne Smith, creator of Blue Butterfly Cookies 🍪🍪🍪 This is the journey of how a life long fitness trainer took a leap of faith and opened a cookie business during a pandemic! I always love knowing the stories behind why someone decides to  open a business, how they do it, and hearing their inspiration. Suzanne shares why the butterfly is significant and the reason why these cookies are so delicious. She says they are 'Happiness in a Cookie' and I couldn't agree more. I have had these cookies and I told her she has the 'Million Dollar' recipe because they are better than any I have ever had. She is just getting started and is most definitely one to watch!!!

Over on my YouTube channel! Don’t forget to subscribe if you are enjoying these Episodes!

Interview with Interior Designer - Marilyn Russell - Ep43

In this Episode with the incredibly talented Marilyn Russell, we talk about the evolution of her creative career as an interior designer. Design wasn’t Marilyn’s first profession and in this Episode she shares how a spontaneous visit changed everything for her.

Now she is an accomplished designer with several awards under her belt who also gives back through the mentorship of younger designers.

We also talk about the very important topic of why there is such a lack of black representation in the interior design industry. Marilyn offers an excellent perspective from her experiences. She also offers some poignant thoughts on how the industry can do better.

I enjoyed my time with Marilyn so much. We have known each other on social media for many years. She is one of the most beautiful souls on this earth and it was an honor that she took time out of her busy schedule to speak with me and share with all of us!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow Marilyn on Instagram: @marilyngrussell and also @theunsettledtraveler

Episode 42 - My Interview with Contemporary Figurative Artist - Elisa Valenti is Now Live!

In today’s Episode I speak with the very talented Elisa Valenti. She describes herself as a contemporary figurative artist changing our view of women through lush, confident paintings. I couldn’t agree more. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to look perfect (haven’t we all? and what is that anyway?) You are about to hear and see an entirely different perspective that will leave you feeling as if you just inhaled a breathe of fresh air for the first time. 

We discuss how her art career wasn’t typical. For many years she was a pharmacist and a pretty notable one at that. It wasn’t until later in life when she felt she had something to say with her art that she made the leap into a life as a full time creative. Elisa’s figures represent all of us, perfect in our imperfections. She really embraces who she is and after our conversation I felt inspired to do the same.

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow and support Elisa Valenti here:

Website: https://www.elisavalentistudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisavalentistudio

Photos provided by Elisa Valenti Copyright ©2020

My 'One Room Challenge' Living Room Reveal & The Gift It Gave Me

I’m torn a bit with how real to be about this. I lean towards sharing the ‘real-real’ because I know these past few months have been hard on everyone. So here goes. My intention is to share this in hopes of being helpful in some way.

The truth of why I signed up to do the One Room Challenge was to find a way to get in touch with some joy in my life.

“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.” - Alice Walker

Photo By: Bryan Kirkpatrick

We built our home 18 years ago and 12 years ago we added Pepper Tree Cottage to our property where my parents could live and we could help care for them as they aged. I’m not going to sugar coat this, it’s been really beautiful but also hard and full of challenges. After my sister passed away the grief was just too much for my parents, understandably so. I did everything I could to help ‘fix it’ …I became so consumed with helping them that I could no longer work with my design clients, and eventually it took a toll on my health. To add to that, at the beginning of this year I was in a bad car accident. I was rear-ended while stopped for a man and his dog at a crosswalk, while a woman on her phone plowed into me at full speed. It totaled my car and left me with chronic pain in my neck, hip, back and arm…

When the care for my parents became all consuming, the only thing I could do was paint. It was something I could do in between the nurses and ER visits. I started to find some happiness again but then the accident left me with some physical challenges.

The greatest challenge came on March 17th before the world shut down, when my beautiful mom passed away. She was surrounded by all of us and I’m so grateful for that.

So as you can imagine, it’s been a difficult year so far, as it has for many.

This painting I created simultaneously during the past 8 weeks of the challenge. It’s called ‘Stay Home & Open the Dom’ It’s filled with objects I find colorful & beautiful; a Gucci vase and shoes, a Birkin bag, a LV scarf, a House of Hackney tiger pillow and a faux taxidermy peacock.

I knew my art would be the only thing that would keep me from sinking into a dark place. So, I signed up for the One Room Challenge. It was helpful to be distracted by thinking about creating something beautiful. I apologize for the long winded intro but what I want to share is the importance of creating when life hands you challenges. In my case, the choice would be significant. So, I decided to paint everything! A huge painting, several small paintings, a throw blanket, and 3 walls… I knew it would be painful (and it was) but I also knew that it would give me a reason to get up in the morning and work through it… and it did.

Photo By: Bryan Kirkpatrick

This is the result. I hope you like it. And yes, I found a spark of joy again. I forgot how much I love designing interiors. I’m so deeply grateful for Linda creating The One Room Challenge and equally grateful for Better Homes and Gardens for sponsoring it. With hundreds of participants, they most likely won’t read this, but it won’t matter. They gave me a very special gift - to remind me that life can have some joy, some fun, some beauty even in the midst of chaos. It‘s so much more than a pretty room. It’s a sanctuary, a safe place to heal my heart and body. For that I have so much appreciation.

Small frames from World Market.

Custom throw blanket.

I love this little martini table as my meditation table. It’s the perfect size for a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Photo By: Bryan Kirkpatrick

Make sure to check out all of the rooms redesigned by so many gifted designers and if you’ve read this far, I hope that you’ll be inspired to create a sanctuary in your own home. I promise you, it will be worth the work!

xoxo Mari

One Room Challenge - Week 7

It actually feels really great to get back to painting walls and sewing panels. Our country has been through so much these weeks that it’s clear we are in a marathon. So just like a runner needs to rest, we too need to take a break now and then to re-boot. This past week I worked with the SLO County Arts Council on curating 13 talented artists who all willingly said Yes immediately when asked to donate an original piece of art to raise funds for R.A.C.E Matters and all the hard work they are doing for the Black Lives Matter movement. The auction is on Instagram @SLOCountyArts and ends this Sunday! Below is the piece I am donating.

8” x 10” x 1-1/2” Acrylic on Canvas with Resin

So yes, I am far behind on my Living Room make-over but the wonderful people over at the One Room Challenge headquarters have graciously extended the final reveals to July 5th! Good grief! Thank you ORC!!

My list is looooooong! I did accomplish to get 2 walls painted and some of my fireplace wall but there are many layers to come so this is going to take a minute. Plus I still have to finish my huge painting for my forth wall. I have more light fixtures coming but I love this picture light! I had no idea that it has a dimmer and it cast the most perfect glow at night, so cozy and charming!

I am in the home stretch! I can’t wait to reveal it all. I’m starting to feel the vibe and I’m loving it. In the mean time, I hope you’ll head over to Instagram and purchase some art for your collection and support this wonderful cause! Of course also pop over to the One Room Challenge website and follow all the amazing designers and decorators for oodles of inspiration!

Episode 41 - Interview with Artist, Neal Breton

Thank you for joining me for today’s interview with Artist and President of the Board of Directors for San Luis Obispo County Arts, Neal Breton. We recorded this Episode two weeks prior to the tragic death of George Floyd. We chose not to air the episode these past few weeks so that we could listen, learn and educate ourselves, an on-going process.

We also wanted to offer a way to help the Black Lives Matter movement. If you are tuning in prior to June 21st head on over to the SLO County Arts Instagram feed this weekend where they will be holding an Art Auction in support of Black Lives Matter (100% of Funds Raised to go to R.A.C.E Matters SLO) to be held on their Instagram page, @slocountyarts, June 19th-June 21st, 2020.

In today’s Episode with Neal Breton, we talk about his creative journey as a fine artist and what brought him to the Central Coast where he now not only paints but is also the President of the Board of Directors for the San Luis Obispo Arts Council. Neal’s colorful pools and landscapes just make me happy! I was so excited to find him and learn more about why he paints and the evolution of his art. We both believe in the power of Art as a way to bring joy into the world. Something much needed right now. We also talk about the changing art scene on the Central Coast which I hope will only get better and better with Neal leading the way.

LISTEN AND WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Website: http://nealbreton.com

Instagram: @nealbretonart

San Luis Obispo County Arts Website (Previously Arts Obispo): https://www.artsobispo.org

Instagram: @slocountyarts

Art Auction Donation Page: https://www.artsobispo.org/arts-auction 

Silent Art Auction For Black Lives Matter: June 19th-21st & An Update on Patreon

Good Morning Wonderful Souls,

What a time in history. There are so many things happening in the world (and in our own backyard), that it's impossible to not pause and give thought to how each of us play a delicate part in the complicated fiber of our humanity. I and others, have spent a lot of time these past two weeks, reading, listening and educating myself to systemic racism, white privilege, and what it means to truly be inclusive of our black community.

I took a long, hard look inward and believe we can all do better, including myself. I also learned about so many incredible black artists and creators these past two weeks and have actively reached out and followed black owned businesses in my community who will receive my support and urge you to do the same.

I listened to our City Council meeting last night and the overall theme I took away was that a lot of people are hurting. Many voices of color spoke and said they never felt welcomed in my own community. It brought me to tears but I know this is something we can change for the better.

So a few things are happening. The artist I interviewed before all of this happened, Neal Breton, happens to be the President of the Board of the San Luis Obispo Arts Council. We've had many talks about this and what an important role Art plays in healing and defining our current culture. We asked ourselves the question - how can we do better? We decided to create an Art Auction where 100% of the funds raised will go to the Black Lives Matter movement. The San Luis Obispo Arts Council is still working out the details, but this is why I will not be airing Neal's Episode today. Instead his Episode will air next Thursday with the kick off to the Auction on Friday morning. It will take place on Instagram and run just like a Silent Auction - Last bidder wins and ends on Sunday morning. Friday, June 19th 9:00am - Sunday June 21st 9:00am

I personally know there are some really amazing artists contributing to this and prices will be very reasonable. This is a wonderful way to start, or to add to, your own personal collection of Art as well as support a cause that has been asking for our help for way too long.

Last of all, I've decided to close my Patreon page at the end of the month. I still plan on continuing my podcast every month and continuing with the Art Scholarships program. So many things are happening in the world that feel so much bigger than this and I encourage you to find those organizations and support them.

I'm tearing up on this because you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you! I had a vision to carry on my sister's legacy and I will do that for as long as I possibly can. For those who have supported my Patreon page and/or subscribed to my YouTube Channel in support of this Mission for the ARTS says so much about what a beautiful human being you are! THANK YOU! I have so much Love for you!

xoxo Mari

For Auction Information Follow - SLO County Arts Council on Instagram: @slo_county_arts_council

All Proceeds to benefit R.A.C.E Matters SLO