Well I must say, this last two weeks has certainly been a whirlwind of activity for me. I had no idea that putting together a photography show would be so time-consuming and so much work! Not that I am complaining because it has also been fun. But all I can say is that sometimes I'm glad I have a distorted sense of reality because I might not be so quick to jump into these huge projects if I really understood what all they involved. But it's all ready now and open to the public. And I feel as though I could sleep for three days straight. Whew!
I had a wonderful start to my show... no sooner did I have it all hung when someone came in and purchased my most expensive piece right off the bat. I was so excited, flustered and taken aback, I completely forgot how to operate the debit machine! Boy did I feel dumb! But he was ever so gracious and patient and politely and quietly took the pad and swiped his own card, when he saw that I had taken leave of my senses and was clearly in crisis mode. Bless him. I am so glad my piece went to such a nice guy. Thank you Jason!
I would like to extend my gratitude to Odette at the Nanaimo Arts Council for her diligence in getting the word out about my show to the entire media. I have seen several newspaper articles, online ads and tomorrow, Shaw Cable Community TV will be coming to interview me while I am at the gallery. Although I realize this is a great opportunity for me to become better known in the arts community, I am not, in all honesty, looking forward to it. I truly hope I do not say something too stupid. Man oh man. I used to be on tv a great deal when I was the Salvation Army Community Services Director in the Cowichan Valley and I pretty much dreaded it every time back then, too. Ah well. I will just try and be myself. Maybe I should wear my clown costume.....? Or not.
Many thanks also to the hanging committee at the gallery (Gudrun, Marg and Gary) for their hard work, patience and input. And for those yummy muffins you brought to feed us Marg!
I would also like to thank my dear husband, David, who patiently and cheerfully put up with our house being turned upside down these last couple of weeks. The kitchen is the only room with enough light to do all my framing so for awhile there, we could not even see the floor. Two nights we ate take-out because it was too much of a challenge to cook in there. I love you David. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me in all this. You are the best.
Special thanks to my son, Matt at Inerseshen Creative Media, who designed my amazing banner and my logo, who printed up my business cards, gives me great ideas and advice and who constantly inspires me to not be afraid to put myself out there and to believe in myself. Both of my sons (Gord and Matt) encourage me to not limit myself and to 'go for it'. I watch them and see all that they have accomplished in their young lives, fearlessly, and I am constantly awed by their accomplishments. I could not be prouder of them. When I grow up I want to be like them.
I also want to thank my dear friend Cheryl (my A2Sea Creations' partner) for her constant belief in me and encouragement to excel in all that I do. And for telling others to come out and see my work. You are terrific.
And lastly, I want to say thank you to two gals in my neighbourhood who took the time to drive all the way to Nanaimo today to see my show and then come by my house to bring me a big, gorgeous bouquet of tulips and a card to congratulate me. So thank you Gloria and Trina. You made my day!
I am blessed with wonderful friends who have been so supportive of me - cheering me along as I pursue my passion. I am blessed.
A2Sea Creations - Handcrafted Beach Inspired Treasures
Well, I must say, it took me quite awhile to put together this simple video as it was my first time using Windows Movie Maker, which I downloaded off the internet, and my first time uploading a video to YouTube. And it only took me until 2:30 in the morning! LOL I am nothing, if not persistent! But when I think of the vast array of things I have learned since Cheryl and I decided to open our online gift shop, I am aware that most of it I learned between 10 at night and 3 in the morning. I suppose I am a bit of a night owl, although I haven't stayed up this late for quite awhile. I am going to be very sorry tomorrow as I try to get a million things done in preparation for my big photography show at the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery in February. Ah well... my own fault.
So Cheryl and I had our first A2Sea Creations meeting a few days ago to plan where we would like to concentrate our efforts this year. I am excited about our plans and am looking forward to focusing on our new goals. One thing we will be doing is putting together a photo album of our creations to show to prospective buyers. So today I discovered I could actually print off some beautiful photos right on my home printer. I found some photo paper that had come with my printer and after a few oopses and boo-boos, I finally figured out how to print on 4x6 photo paper. Even my hubby, who tends not to make a big deal out of things, expressed real surprise at the quality of the photos. Who knew? I learn something new every day.
Well, now that it's 3:30 in the morning, I really must go to bed. I keep forgetting how old I am and much I am going to regret this in the morning! Oops... it is the morning.
I am quite excited to announce that, for all of February 2010, my photography will be featured at the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery in the Nanaimo North Town Centre (formerly known as the Rutherford Mall). There will be something for every taste, any budget and a variety of framed photos, unframed/matted photos, greeting cards and even some of my handcrafted jewelry.
Although I have had my work at the gallery for over a year, this is my first ever feature show so hence, my excitement. It didn't really hit me until I put my first poster up and then it started to sink in! It will be a good challenge for me and will help me to keep striving to learn, grow and excel in my craft. Photography has become a real passion for me. Although I have never taken a class in photography, I would like to because the more I learn, the more exciting the possibilities!
My new coffee table book will also be on display showing some of my work that may not be on display at the gallery. Photos in my book are also for sale on order and can be matted and/or framed to suit your home colour scheme. If you would like a preview of my work go to www.thesingingphotographer.com If you wish to order directly from my website but you live in the Nanaimo/Parksville/Qualicum area, simply contact me, either through my site or by email, and I will create a special listing for you minus the shipping costs. I can then deliver your order right to your door, if you like.
If you decide to come by the gallery for the show, you may do so anytime but, if you want to visit as well, I will be there every Wednesday from 1:30 to 5:30 throughout the month of February. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Cheryl and I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year filled with love, joy, friends and exciting new adventures! It's time again to start creating more nautical treasures with my dear friend. Our creating has been on hiatus due to the Christmas holidays but we will be back on track very soon. God bless! Micki
