Hidden Meanings, Parallels and Metaphors in Art

May 23, 2012

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.”
~Vernon Howard 

My husband, son and I stumbled upon Vladimir Kush’s work at the Chalk Farm Gallery “The World’s Leading Gallery for Visionary Art” in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Kush’s metaphorical artwork grabbed me line, hook and sinker with symbolic images that tell stories through their relationships to each other.  Hidden meanings and unexpected likenesses and connections all combined into one composition left me with one puzzle to ponder after another. The parallels Kush draws between objects inspires the viewer to think creatively, abstractly and with great depth and insight. 

Each piece of work featured in The Chalk Farm Gallery compliments the theme of visionary art; spiritual and metaphysical in nature. Some of the other artists represented by Chalk Farm Gallery include:

  • Daniel Merriam
  • Robert Bissell
  • Michael Parkes
  • Tomasz Kopera 

If you are on the East Coast, Daniel Merriam will be featured at The Allentown Art Museum, At the Edge: Art of the Fantastic from June 3rd to September 9th, check it out. Fans of Maxfield Parrish will appreciate his work. You can see the influence in Merriam’s work. Merriam has several exquisite coffee table books, including “The Art of Daniel Merriam: The Eye of a Dreamer.” For more information, please visit this site http://bit.ly/KJIB99

We returned twice throughout the day to Chalk Farm Gallery. It was one of our favorites on Canyon Road. Fascinating work that none of us would thought we would have been particularly drawn to. We couldn’t help but appreciate the elements of carefully constructed thought that went into the making of each composition. 

To read about these artists and many creatives that are represented by Chalk Farm Gallery, please visit http://bit.ly/Jns3Qr.


Book Buzz

May 21, 2012

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” ~ Calvin Coolidge 

We are full of excitement here at Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC! Spring means book awards. On Thursday evening,  four SHe Writes Steamboat members came away with EVVY awards from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. The award ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful Lone Tree Art Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Trevor’s Boehm’s book Louie’s Saxophone won first place in the legacy category. Parents Leslie, Darnell and his sister Ali were on hand to accept the award. The sales of this very inspirational book go toward supporting NAMI – the National Association of Mental Health. http://bit.ly/L2BR1t.

Karen Gilroy’s book, Discovering the Healer Within took first prize in the Health/Fitness category. Karen is a RouttCounty resident fromHayden,Colorado. She also is business owner of All Natural. http://bit.ly/qRB1lm.

At Home in the Elk River Valley, by Mary B Kurtz took two prizes – a Merit award for cover design and an award in the category of Non-Fiction/Experience. http://bit.ly/K0d3u7.

Mission Possible by Dawn V Obrecht, M.D. garnered an EVVY award in the Legacy category. Mission Possible also recently won a Montaigne Medal at the Eric Hoffer Awards this spring. Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Obrecht’s release of her newest publication From the Edge of the Cliff, published in April 2012 by Richer Press. http://bit.ly/KnFqxW.

A total of 190 books were entered into s and can now add “award winning author” to their personal CVs.  To see where these books may be purchased, please go to each individual author’s websites.

Karen Gilroy, Dawn V Obrecht, M.D., Ali Boehm. Missing from photo Mary Kurtz

To read more about this event, please visit this link to the Steamboat Pilot article, published on May 19, 2012. http://bit.ly/K3xDtG.

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EVVY Awards at the Lone Tree Art Center Tomorrow!

May 16, 2012

Feeling a part of that community is my greatest reward.” ~ Paul Parker

Last Saturday, I attended the last monthly meeting of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association meeting until September. It was well attended and members voted in the new Board of Directors for next year. Thank you to outgoing President Dan Miller, the Executive Director, Karen Reddick and the Board of  Directors for serving over the last year. Great strides were made over the past year by increasing membership and also in forming an e-book partnership with the Douglas County Libraries. Great job! 

Tomorrow night is the grand celebration of the year for the Colorado Independent Publishers Association.(CIPA).  The EVVY book awards will be held at the Lone Tree Art Center, in Lone Tree,Colorado. I am especially excited this year because we have finalists in the contest from our independent publishers group, SHe Writes Steamboat! Best of luck to the following authors: 

  • Trevor Boehm’s book Louie’s Saxophone submitted by Leslie & Ali Boehm
  • Karen Gilroy Discovering the Healer Within
  • Mary Kurtz At Home in the Elk River Valley
  • Dawn V. Obrecht, M.D.  Mission Possible

 A total of 190 books were submitted and judged for the EVVY Awards this year.All contestants all should be proud of their accomplishments of writing and publishing their books. From the list of finalists, it appears there will be some wonderful books added to the CIPA catalog;  titles that are unique and out of the ordinary – the beauty of independent publishing.

If you are someone who is considering independently publishing, I highly recommend that no matter what state you reside in that you research whether there is an independent publishing association that you can join. The benefit and support is well worth it.

Colorado is very fortunate to have one of the largest and most active independent publishing associations in the country.  To read about the benefits of becoming a member, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/w2f0gu.

I look forward to being at the EVVY awards tomorrow night. Next week, I hope to post some photographs of the event!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


A Beautifully Understated Sundance

May 15, 2012

Simplicity is nature’s first step, and the last of art.” ~ Philip James Bailey 

Last Thursday, on a magnificent, crystal-clear, blue morning, I made the short trek from Park City,Utah over to Sundance; a simply stunning  “enclave” for artists. The surroundings are awe-inspiring and rustic – beautifully understated. The natural environment has been left as undisturbed as possible. Tumbling, sparkling clean streams run between the outbuildings on the secluded, small mountainous woodland resort appropriately called “nature inspired.” 

During the height of the summer season, the art studio where professional potters, jewerly makers, photographers and glass blowers teach their craft, is a beehive of activity. Glassblowers create glassware from recycled glass. Unfortunately, I arrived two weeks too early to see the place abuzz;  it was “off-season.”  It was still a worthwhile trip and I nearly had the place to myself. 

The summer season will officially open with the 10th Sundance author’s series. On Saturday May 19th, Ann Packer, author of Swim Back to Me will be presenting her book, a drama-filled collection of stories, about one family, that is filled with psychological twists and turns. The book is said to make “the reader see situations with new perspective.” 

The event includes admission to the book presentation, a ticket for brunch and an autographed copy of Swim Back to Me. Lodging can be arranged by the resort. I am sorry I will not be in the area to participate. For more information and to obtain tickets, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/KIOTGZ

Also on the calendar this summer, during the weeks of July 23 to August 18th, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will grace the stage at the Sundance Resort. http://bit.ly/mHZvlh. Musical events and a harvest market of artisan crafts in the fall will keep the property, previously Ute territory, busy. The inital acreage for the resort was purchased for $500 in 1960. Additional acreage was purchased in 1969 and developed by Robert Redford. To read about the history of Timphaven, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/J1CYDT

The drive from Heber City around Deer Creek Reservoir is so scenic. If you are ever in the area, take time to drive up to Sundance. Although seemingly private, it is only two miles off the well beaten path of State Route 189. 

That is all from the fulfilling art scene from the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. It was a great trip!

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Canyons of Art and Culture in the Wasatch

May 14, 2012

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ~ Confucius  

Last week I had an enjoyable three days exploring the art scene in Park City and Sundance, Utah. Both places you’ll you find yourself nestled between steep canyons that have a high emphasis on nature, recreation, art and culture; literary, visual , performing arts and filmmaking. 

I came across two wonderful bookstores while exploring downtown, historic Park City. Dolly’s Bookstore http://bit.ly/dfGVjX  is a small, independent bookstore but the selection of titles was impeccable. The organization of the store was flawless with a cheerful, bright atmosphere.  They must have known I was coming! One of the first books I noticed as I walked into the store was a book that has been nagging at me for a long time, yet I have not read it. This time, without blinking, I bought! It has been said that it takes 10 times for someone to see a book before they decide to buy. I believe it! Good argument for the need for continual marketing! 

My book of my choice was Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. What a surprise when I turned to the author’s bio. I discovered Anne Lamott studied writing at Goucher College http://bit.ly/huNMDI   - a University well-known for it’s outstanding writing program, in the town where I grew up -Towson, Maryland. Perhaps the reason so many have told me to read the book! 

The second bookstore was called the Expanding Heart http://bit.ly/KdulFo   - a retail place filled with books, music and other wares all focused upon spirituality and personal fulfillment; subjects such as angels, miracles, yoga, meditation, mysticism, religion, the power of attraction, miracles, chakras,  and much more filled the shelves. So much to absorb; I could have spent forever in that space. 

If you are ever in the area of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, do stop by both Park City bookstores! Plan on extra time so you can visit historic Main Street in its entirety! Their retail establishments and restaurants, including Robert Redford’s Zoom are outstanding. I can understand why Park Cityand Sundance draws a huge audience to their annual film festival. It is a great place to visit or live! 

Tomorrow, I’ll give you an overview of my fulfilling trip to Sundance and an upcoming literary event which is scheduled for this coming weekend. More independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Dressed for Creativity

May 9, 2012

People in good moods are better at inductive reasoning and creative problem solving.” ~ –From Emotion, Disclosure, and Health, 1995

Over the next few days, I am working from a different geographical location – the art scene in Park City and Sundance, Utah. About to step out, it just occurred to me am dressed like an Orange Julius. I’ve never had much use for the color orange in my wardrobe, but lately I have been sporting it. Why not? Orange reflects my mood. I am ravenous for creativity and new perspectives. Perhaps I’ll pin a sprig of fresh spearment to my lapel. According to the book  The Language of Flowers, it will add warmth to my spirit.

Stepping away from routine always brings new thoughts and mental stimulation. Sundance and Park City,Utah are great places to start working on a few  e-marketing plans for some newly published authors. One book involves a serious subject that affects many people, in every community. I believe the book is written in a voice that reaches the right people in a very effective way. It has already received wonderful recognition from a national association. 

Other independent publishers I will be working with have written books that are fictional in nature with global issues. They have interesting storylines that just beg for conversation and thought. 

All of the book’s themes supposes how life would be in different circumstances. Putting together a good e-marketing approach  for each one will mean transporting my mind from life as I know it, into different cultural scenarios. I’ll have to dig deep into the emotions that come as a result of that.  E-marketing is mentally and creatively stimulating, I like the challenge and  love what I do. 

You are probably asking at this point “What are the books titles?”  I plan to share them with you at a later date. Giving the books themes due diligence is the first order of business and then I need to consider markets of potential buyers. When I am ready, I will reveal. 

Ok – I’m off to Sundance! It will be a fulfilling morning, I just know it! http://bit.ly/Iz5V3S.  Observing  colorful work of amazing artists is guaranteed to inspire. How will colors other than orange, affect my thinking?  I’m confident seeing fresh galleries and studios will generate a full spectrum of creative thought. This afternoon and this evening, I ’ll attack my work with new focus and gusto.

More independent thoughts, words and views tomorrow. Come on back to the blogsite of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Celebrate Teachers in a Dynamic Industry

May 8, 2012

Today is May 8th and it is Celebrate Teachers Day. Although it is not an easy thing for me to do, I am going to take this opportunity to be a little smug. I am feeling rather proud of myself! 

I have become something of a teacher. Who would have imagined it?  Over the course of the past few years, I have had a growing string of clients, both independent publishers and independent businesses who have hired me  to consult with them and teach them the ropes about this new dimension of advertising and promotion called e-marketing. It has been a fulfilling metamorphosis which has come purely as the result of using my creativity in writing, vision and thought.

My knowledge in the field has  not been entirely self-taught, however. I have had teachers along with way that I must acknowledge.  I have attended independent publishing conferences, seminars and on-line webinars; a real commitment. Today, I would like to say thank you to all the mentors that I have been exposed to over the past few years . I  greatly appreciate the inspiration you have given me.

Independent publishing will continue to be a dynamic , growing industry with more changes on the way. Working in the arts can be a life long and personally fulfilling journey. I am going to stay on-board!

A year or so ago, I had a wonderful opportunity, through the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, to meet motivational speaker Tama Kieves. She was awesome! Her presentation made it clear to me that we all need push for our passions , celebrate our successes, and give ourselves permission to pat ourselves on the back when we’ve made personal change. Check –out what she has to say in her books http://bit.ly/Vz1Bt.

If you are interested in learning how you can follow your dream of writing your own story or share your knowledge and expertise through independent publishing, I would suggest this on-line webinar published by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. It starts with the basics! http://bit.ly/oIkV2g.

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Worldwide Interest in Indie Publishing

May 7, 2012

It is not in the pursuit of happiness we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit.” ~ Denis Waitley

What do the U.K., India, Australia, Macedonia, Russia and Canada have in common? These countries are only the start of the long list of countries that frequent this site. Over the weekend we reached a new landmark in readership – one that I would never have predicted when this blog was started. It’ s thrilling!

What does this tell us? About the internet’s ability to reach far and wide! It also tells me that independent publishing of books, films and music is, indeed, a hot topic of conversation in this age of digitally produced art content. Countries that endorse independent publishing, have common concerns. 

In July, the 2012 Yale Publishing Course will take place. Many global issues surrounding independent publishing will be addressed. The website Independent Publisher has featured an interview of YPC’s Director Tina C. Weiner. To read her interview which provides an overview of this year’s discussion, please visit http://bit.ly/I48Vd6.  To apply for the Yale Publishing course, designed for mid and upper level publishing professionals, please visit this link http://bit.ly/ln4cFX

Obtaining copyright permissions is just one of many issues that will be discussed at the YPC. A  perplexing and time consuming task, there are experts in this field who can steer you, such as Integrated Writer Services, LLC.  To view the website of Integrated Writers Services, LLC, please follow this link http://bit.ly/JRBnfW

Thank you to all readers who visit this blog site. Our objective is to share interesting, useful, and fun information for anyone who is interested in the topic of  independent publishing and finding fulfillment in the Arts. 

Return tomorrow for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Syllabus: Gratefulness for Book Buying Customer

May 3, 2012

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” ~ Harry S Truman 

I just read an article on e-book pricing that made me literally laugh out loud. The article posed the question “Doesn’t pricing your e-book at 99 cents attract the wrong kind of reader?” 

Since when do we place value on whether a book buying customer is “good enough to purchase a book?” Has it boiled down to needing a litmus test to determine whether a reader is worthy of reading your book or not? Attracting the right kind of reader or the wrong kind of reader, really? Are you kidding me?

This concept further complicates  book selling in this ever changing marketing landscape. Do we need to develop a scale for book pricing based on “worthiness of the reader?” Would a well qualified buyer pay more or less? Hmmmm….what a conundrum.

I am not suggesting that all e-books should be priced at 99 cents. In my opinion, it’s an individual call. If an author is willing to sell their e-book at a price less than what they would normally charge for a book-in-print, so be it. 

Perhaps the person who asked the question “Doesn’t pricing your e-book at 99 cents attract the wrong kind of reader?” was just being facetious. If not, perhaps a 101 course on “How to be Grateful You Have a Book Buying Customer” is needed. http://bit.ly/qfiC0

Today, I am going to end this blog post by practicing a lesson in my new course “How to be Grateful You Have a Book Buying Customer.”

  • Lesson 1: Smile and say, “Thank you reader! I appreciate your interest!” 

See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling. Meanwhile, I’ll be  further developing the syllabus for a class in ”Finding Fulfillment in a Book Sale.”

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Independent Publishers Reciprocate Information

May 2, 2012

“For pleasure has no relish unless we share it.”  ― Virginia Woolf, The Common Reader: First Series

Used to be once a manuscript was complete and accepted by a publisher, most of the control over the book was handed over to someone else. Traditionally published authors are now being expected to be more deeply involved in the post publication process of marketing, promotion and selling. 

There is interesting information that I came across the other day from the Indie Writers Alliance. Granted, this organization encourages and supports independent publishing, but with the changes that have taken place in the publishing industry, it leaves one wondering why publish another way? http://bit.ly/pZzfhM.

The surge of independent publishing has not just been as a result of first time authors taking that route. Many who have been already been traditionally published are changing course. 

If you are looking for an on-line resource about e-books and print-on-demand publishing, sign up and have the Indie Writers Alliance newsletter delivered to your mailbox. The IWA will expose you to those who have had experience with independent publishing and those who have turned from traditional publishing to independent. 

Becoming a successful independent publisher means understanding the industry. The Indie Publishers Alliance is a good resource to keep you on top of the developing news in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.