Orenmanieyo a.k.a. Long time no see

Hey there!

Orenmanieyo!  ("Long time no see" in Korean)

In actuality, I had no idea that it had been months since my last post on here. In my head I have been connected to you wonder folks, but in actuality I have been MIA. Well, I am happy to report that I am still in my creative lab thinking and creating. I have visions of 2015 that involve alot of my creative juices being utilized in a multitude of ways.

Like I got a sewing machine as a gift from my sweety pie for Christmas. Finally, I have a sewing machine. The last time I owned a sewing machine was when I was in elementary school. It was a pastel yellow and absolutely adorable. But this is one is for grown folks and I am loving it. So, yeah, I am making sewing a part of my repertoire. I have made one clutch so far. It isn't perfect but I love it. I look forward to designing more.

I've also been painting. Now, let me confess that I like painting, but I am so freaked out about sharing. Reason is that I criticize, criticize, criticize about my lack of formal training. So when it comes to painting, I used to keep my paintings low-key. Not anymore. I love seeing paint on paper and canvas and whatever surface is available. It doesn't have to be for everyone. I am happy with the way creativity is expressing through me. Can you say DIVINE IMPRINT? I did some mark making at the beginning of January and have painted some earrings as well.

Furthermore, I have been working with a wonderful artist collective and we are preparing for our next Women Arts Festival. Can you say AMAZING? So, if you happen to be a woman-identified artist and would like to showcase your talents, I say go an apply for the 6th Annual Isis Women Arts Festival. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2015.  It is located in Seattle but I still encourage you. You can learn more about it here.

Let's see. What else? I am finally on Instagram. I am addicted to it just like soft crushed ice. It is just so fascinating to see so much awesome goodness in one spot. Hashtag this and hashtag that. I think this has also been a reason for my disappearing act on the blog. Oops. I apologize. :-(  I realize that though I can be a wordsmith, I really prefer images and brief moment of extraordinary connection. If you have an Instagram account, let's connect there as well. 

When it comes down to the "bizness", I am reworking and refocusing. So, I don't have much to share on that end. I just ask for clarity and direction for this year and that more amazingness comes for me to share with you. So, that's about it for now. What have you been up to lately?

Until next time, take care.

Mission Complete! Now What?

Hi Lovelies,

It's chilly over here in Seattle and I need to wear warmer clothing ASAP. How is it going on your end? I hope swell. Anywho, I wrapped up Make It in Design Summer School. Yay for me! After six weeks of work, I can finally say MISSION COMPLETE. I had so much fun and connected with so many other talented designers. I can't wait to do some more learning. As promised, I have the delight of sharing the designs from my last briefs.

Third Brief for the Beginner Level: Jewels Theme

Mockup for Third Brief of Intermediate Level: Feathers Theme

Mockup for Third Brief of Advanced Level: Intricate Chaos Theme

Now that summer school is over, now what?! I mean I know the answer. I must continue forward. There is no turning back now. I told a group a few weeks ago, that I am going to put in my 10,000 hours so that I can master the craft of surface pattern design. Yep. I said that. And I am making that commitment. After using Gimp and Inkscape for years, I have been upgraded. My sweetheart gifted me with a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud as my birthday present. :-) Can I say, AWESOME! And while I have watched and read plenty of tutorials on Illustrator and Photoshop, it is nothing like actually doing the do. There is still much to learn and skills to acquire. No biggy.

As I venture into my 10,000 hours I shall take further inquiry into finding my style and brand identity. At times, I think I know what it is and at others I question what I'm all about. It's all good regardless. It's all celebrating what this beautiful life is offering in the moment. As my mantra goes: Life's a party. Be sure to celebrate. For each step I take, I am celebrating these milestones. Today, I had to sit back and think of how far I have come along this career journey. I know so much more than I did when a started. I am aware of what it really takes to operate a business. And I have beautiful connections to others doing the same thing. I am grateful. So, here's to taking steps and making the commitment. No more excuses to why I can't follow the course. I leave you with a quote from Molesey Crawford, Founder of the Queen Code, "Queen, it’s time to move beyond your excuses and your fears. Believe in your vision enough to take the first step." And so I shall.

Til next time, have a beautifully designed day.

My New Mantra

I've established a new mantra recently and I hadn't shared it here. Choose to accept as well if you'd like to.

Bringing the Love Straight to Your Inbox

Hi Lovelies,

You said YES to it and now I'm bringing it! Have You Loved Yourself Today? 31 Days of Loving Yourself More. I'm all in love with love and I believe you can't have too much of it. Beginning July 1st, I'll bring a love-infused message straight to your email. Expect compliments, questions for reflections, and all around good-vibe techniques to bring about more self-love. Sign-up today using the form on the right sidebar. Until next time, have a beautifully-designed day!


Best,

Let Me Pick Your Brain

Hi Lovelies,

I am desiring to bring more posts here and projects that bring more of you into the mix. You have a voice and ways of showing your beautiful life in the world. Therefore, I would like a quick yes or no on this poll question. If offered the chance, would you be interested in participating in a 31-day self-love project? Leave a comment below.

Until next time, have a beautifully designed day.

Best,

When you say YES!

When you say "YES!" to your soul purpose, the floodgates of opportunity open up.

I just wanted to stop by lovelies to give you that simple reminder. Have a beautifully designed day.

Best, 

WOW Wednesdays! Make life a dance party!

Hi Lovelies,

I think being alive, connecting with the world, and dreaming big are all great reasons to celebrate. For this edition of WOW Wednesdays, let's have a dance partay! I saw this video a couple of months ago and I still find the energy of the first man to be contagious. I'm sure if I were there, I would have joined in on the fun, too. What gets you in the dancing mood?

Until next time, have a beautifully designed day.


Best,

Circumstances Don't Dictate Happiness

Hi lovelies,

Just in case you were wondering...

How does your garden grow?

Good day lovelies,

I am beginning to feel the freshness of Spring in the air. Seattle's typical showers are making appearances and the temperature is rising just a teensy bit. What I look forward to during this time of year are the flowers and blossoms. Oh yes, going outside to enjoy the greenery is a fave leisurely activity. Anyway, as I was thinking about the bounty of Spring, I thought about how much I have grown in life and business and observing what still needs tending. This inquiry reminded me of a note I posted on my personal Facebook page back in 2010. Here is an excerpt of that which poses the question, "How does your garden grow?" Whenever you can, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how you are providing self-care and growing. Until next time, have a beautifully designed day.

As I was sitting here thinking about all the giving we do for others, the thought of self-giving popped up. So the question/message I’m posing for you is “How does your garden grow?”For those that have a green thumb, tending to a garden is a pleasant moment of caring for what has been planted. Continuous tending leads to beautiful flourishes. In regards to self-giving, the garden consists of the human spirit, mind, body, and heart. The fertile soil in this case is love, support, laughter, and relief from worries. Without these nutrients, one becomes lifeless, hopeless, doubtful, and drained. Enrich your garden with more thanks for being alive. Laugh a little more than you did the day before. Share a kind word with others, even if it’s a stranger. Tell yourself how magnificently created you are. Give yourself Tender Loving Care. So again, I ask “How does your garden grow?”

Take care,

Setting Intentions Really Creates an Amazing Year

Hi Lovelies!

How has 2014 been treating you so far? I hope amazingly. While it's only January, I feel like I have accomplished more of my intentions than I had in years past. Seriously folks, I have exhibited, participated in a self-care ritual with other creative women, secured a commission, and opened myself up to other possibilities. I can't pinpoint exactly the date of the breakthrough, but I have a pretty good idea of where the shift happened.

I had to get things in order about what I wanted for my life and business. I wanted my life to be filled with freedom, joy, abundance, and clarity. Guess what? That is already happening. Want to know how? I started completion of Leonie Dawson's 2014 Create Your Amazing Year workbook & calendar- Biz Edition. Like Leonie says, "You have to align actions with your intentions." I thought I did that before until I realized I missing some key steps. First of all, I didn't have a bit of clarity or plan. I wanted to do this and that without clear direction. Let's just say I was half-ass on the job. As soon as I began filling out the workbook and doing the damn thing (pardon my sailor mouth) of envisioning my business for 2014 and having clear-cut goals and calendar to take actionable steps, it seems like I fell into the beautiful ease and flow of life. If you need some of that goodness, whether in life or business, I highly recommend you get on the good foot and grab your copy of the 2014 Create Your Amazing Year workbook & calendar. Until next time, have a beautifully designed day.

Best,

Darnita

A Change is a Coming: Shift in Direction for At the Art of It

If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.

-Gail Sheehy

 

 

Hi Lovelies,

 

 

I hope all is well for you as you wrap up 2013 and bring in 2014. While Washington has been pretty chilly lately for temperatures as low as 34 degrees, I feel like my life is heating up. December has brought up many breakthroughs and opportunities to evaluate my life, especially in the area of business. From participating in Darnyelle Jervey's Women Bringing Incredible Back Conference and now immersing in Leonie Dawson's 2014 Creating Your Amazing Year-Biz Edition workbook, I clearly see that change is a coming. I used to think that change was bad as from past experiences someone always ended up getting disappointed or hurt in the process. While there may be minimal risk to change, I believe it certainly inevitable and a necessity. Gail Sheehy's quote reminded that if I am not growing then I am not living. As a breathing being here on this lovely planet, I better take every opportunity I can to live and thrive. This brings me to the reason for the post. 

 

When I started At the Art of It, it was a platform to record my journey and experiences of becoming an artist. From rants, art projects started with good intentions but weren't completed, and announcements of events, this place was mainly focused on my life. While I do love talking about my life, this is not why I am here. The divine purpose of us all is to connect, to learn, to grow, to express, and to discover. Therefore, I have decided that At the Art of It will offer more content focused on the beautiful design of life in not just my life but that of other phenomenal people making a difference in the world. While art, photography, and design will still be at the core of At the Art of It, you will certainly get a blend of messages and tools that aim to make all of life beautiful and awe-inspiring. Get ready, Lovelies! Change is a coming!

 

Take care.

 

Darnita



"Make Way for the New" End of the Year Studio Sale

Hi All,

I hope you are keeping afloat during the holiday season. As 2013 comes to a close, I am already thinking about projects for 2014. One such project is to clarify goals for my business and to build a solid brand. In gaining clarity, I must first provide space to welcome in the new.

That's why I am having a "Make Way for the New" End of the Year Studio Sale. I love my art, but it's not going to serve you if I still have it. This is your opportunity to get a head start on the new year and invite soul-enriching art into your sacred space or to share with a loved one. I am hosting the sale on my Facebook Page.  I almost forgot to mention, FREE SHIPPING is available! :-)

Take care lovelies!

Darnita

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~John F. Kennedy
 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the US, may we remember that today is not the only day to show our gratitude. In living an empowered life, one must recognize the abundance present daily. May your existence be of thanks giving pour through you as you and touch others in mighty joyful ways. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

~Darnita

365 Project: Day 105

Squash Heaven

As a child, I only knew of an orange pumpkin that was perfect for carving. It wasn't until adulthood that I was able to see the variety that existed. Some are smooth. Some are bumpy. Some are orange. Some are green. Some are short and some are tall.  Though they are all classified as pumpkin, they have stretched me out of my limited perception or definition of a pumpkin. It's a small example of how we as humans are and about how life is in general.  No definition or single idea of anything can truly encapsulate all that truly exists; for we are all unique, colorful, and special.

365 Project: Day 81

A game of chess anyone? At Hay Hing Park in Seattle

365 Project: Day 80

Saw this on electrical box

365 Project: Days 77 and 78

Day 77: Intricate pattern of a pine cone

Day 78: Bibimbap from Chan Seattle: Fantastic!

365 Project: Day 75

Serene planter

365 Project: Day 74

Day 74: Courtyard

365 Project: Days 65-73

Hi All,

If you've missed my 365 Project photos from the past week or so, I apologize. I've been snapping photos like crazy and holding on to them. So, this post will be a review of some of my fave shots from the last 10 days. I will come back later for today's photo.

Day 65: Bridge at South Lake Union Park

Day 66: Carroll's Diamond and Watches Clock

Day 67: Saw outside the grocery store and had to shoot

Day 68: All Way Stop Light

Day 69: Live demonstration by artist Jimmy Gersen

Day 70: Velouria Boutique window display

Day 71: Loving the sun captured through trees

Day 72: Wandering in the garden

Day 73: Bloom on the cactus