Category Archives: commercial art

Uniting People and An Artist

3 Comments

“In my opinion, the cornerstone of our country is free press – that’s the cornerstone.” ~ Milos Forman

I find it interesting, but not particularly surprising, that the NormanRockwellMuseum has been holding swearing in ceremonies for new U.S. Citizens. “At an art museum?” Some of you might be questioning.

norman-rockwell-golden-rule-do-unto-others-april-1-1961Think about Rockwell’s painting, The Golden Rule. In this image Rockwell captures people of all different faiths and nationalities, who have come to the United States seeking a better way of life. In my opinion, a swearing in ceremony among paintings that depict iconic American life is a good fit.

Personally, I hope that the original painting of The Golden Rule is front and center, next to the American flag, in the area where our newest U.S. citizens pledge their allegiance to our country. The image is a good reminder that if you work hard and conduct yourself with integrity and honesty, you can reap the benefits of our prosperous nation. But you must treat others as you want to be treated yourself – with respect and dignity. Our nation’s pioneers founded the country on these principles, and we should not be a nation of “handouts.”

If you would like to read more about the swearing in ceremonies at the NormanRockwellMuseum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, read this article.  http://bit.ly/1dVvgbO. And if you would like to order a giclee print of The Golden Rule, please visit www.art.com.  

I am proud to be an American citizen living in a country where independent thoughts, words and views can be aired on sites such as this. But, again, we must respect each others opinions and values because  “we are one nation under God” and there is “liberty and justice for all.”  We live in a place where the laws of he land must be abided by.

Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling This blog brought to you by ww.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com .

Clearing the Way

2 Comments

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Are you person who has always had an artistic calling, yet you have never pursued your passion in earnest? You are not alone. There are many people, for various reasons, who have had to travel down other career paths feeling they have not fulfilled their God-given talents.

Matt Tommey book1The book Unlocking the Heart of the Artist: Practical Guide to Fulfilling Your Creative Call as an Artist in the Kingdom speaks to this issue for the new generation of people who seek personal fulfillment as a priority in their lives. He invites others to live fully, doing what makes them happy, and to become “unstuck” by expressing themselves creatively.

The author, Matt Tommey, is a successful basket maker and art consultant from Asheville, North Carolina. His sensible messages to other artists, through his publications, helps clear the way of self-doubt by providing hope and insight to individuals who wish to thrive and become fulltime artists. His book Crafting your Brand: Simple Strategies for Cultivating a Successful Creative Career, is also a good resource for anyone who wants to pursue their calling.

A well-rounded artist, Matt Tommey,  makes a living in a combination of ways, also offering workshops on the craft of basketry. To learn more about his workshops,  how to order these publications and to see his website,  http://bit.ly/1bpQhI9 .

Do return tomorrow for Film Friday, we will be featuring a film that is soon to be released that plays well into our recent topics of writing on All Things Fulfilling. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

On the Bookshelf, Eye Level

1 Comment

“Only one thing is impossible for God: To find sense in any copyright law on the planet.”  ~Mark Twain

copyright clearance for creativesWelcome back.  Today, we will provide you with very useful information. If it is not helpful to you now, it may be in the future, so bookmark and save it.

A new book, independently published, titled Copyright Clearance for Creatives: A Guide for independent publishers and their support providers has just been placed in my bookcase, on an eye-level shelf, right where I can find and reach for it easily.

A desperately needed resource book, the publication includes very valuable information on things like:

  • Sample letters for seeking permission on using quotes, photos, song lyrics.
  • Laws and regulations regarding use of copyrighted content
  • How to create a tracking log for permissions
  • On-line search sites for obtaining copyright information for periodicals, books, music and images such as maps, labels, cartoons and fine art images.
  • Visual art permissions agreements
  • The differences between public domain, stock  and private collection images.

Husband and wife team, Joyce L Miller, and Dr. Daniel C Miller, authors of Copyright Clearance for Creatives, provide leading edge information on rules and regulations and licensing of digital content. This book will need to be updated frequently to keep pace with ever changing copyright regulations. Thus, it is available paperback and e-book format, so that it can be easily revised and kept current. Click for Info & Ordering.

joyce l millerA little background about the qualifications of the authors – Joyce L. Miller is a consultant to independent publishers and is co-founder and co-owner of Integrated Writers Services. http://www.writerservices.biz/. She has over twenty years experience in publishing, copyright and copyright compliance including being an intellectual property manager for NASA’s Classroom of the Future.

Dr. C. Daniel Miller has served as dean of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association College (CIPA) and past president of the organization. www.cipabooks.com He has been “a technology consultant to architects to computer design and telecommunicationsdan miller, author infrastructures.” He also served as Executive Director of NASA’s Classroom of the Future and has been a university professor and department chair. His latest venture is “a project manager and researcher to discover relevance in large unstructured data.”

For every writer, musician, filmmaker, or any other individual involved in the art, marketing or design field,  Copyright Clearance for Creatives should be in their library, either in paperbound copy or on as an e-book acquisition.

Return tomorrow to  All Things Fulfilling, where sharing independent thoughts, words and views is all part of the business. This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Sign of the Times

Leave a comment

spread the loveI wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller

I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, even those once a year letters telling me about the lives of friends I seldom see. You know, the letters that say Johnny is on the honor roll, the smartest kid in the school. Mary plays the violin, at age three, with an adult symphony. Jane was the star in the school play and was contacted by Hollywood to do a bit part in the movie that will probably win an Oscar this year. We are often inspired by those around us. Learning about other’s goals and accomplishments helps us to think about our own ambitions and dreams for the coming year.

Over the past decade fewer Christmas cards have arrived in my mailbox. I miss that. People are watching their pocketbooks and practicing time management skills by eliminating some Christmas rituals. I’m no different.

The other day I sent my first batch of Christmas cards – digitally. It was so easy! And my address book is kept in one place, so I can send anniversary, birthday, graduation cards with ease. Sad that I’m included on the list of people who are less frequently sending cards in the mail, I am buoyed by the thought that I can stay in contact with my friends by sending e-cards for every occasion, economically and easily. I like sending cards as much as I enjoy receiving them.

Even Hallmark and American Greeting cards are offering e-cards, their sales have been diversified, and business revenue is now made in  e-commerce. Both companies have been long known for wonderful sentiments on their cards, and I am sure the digital artists they work with have great ideas. E-cards even come with audio sound!  http://www.hallmark.com/.

this emotional lifeIt is important to stay in touch with people who have meant much to us in life, even if we don’t often see them. Friends enrich our lives enormously. There is a DVD called, This Emotional Life, available through Amazon, brought to you by PBS. It addresses just how important friendship is to our happiness. Check it out, and share this link with your pals.Click for info & ordering

Return tomorrow, and we will see what else we can stir up on the subject of personal fulfillment.

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

Street Walking with Joy

4 Comments

“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”~ Napoleon Hill 

Yesterday I gave myself a break; took time to do something fulfilling for myself. I strolled the streets and retail spaces, preparing for my personal celebration today. This is a landmark – my 1,000th blog on All Things Fulfilling. I can hardly believe it, myself. 

Today, I  share all things Christmas with you through photographic images. Enjoy this day, and I am going to do the same myself. I may even make a little yummy, sweet, holiday treat and put my feet up, just for a little bit, then I’ve got more work to do. 

Thanks in advance to all shop-owners who let me photograph their retail spaces – there will be more pictures of my walking tour of Ski Town, U.S.A next week, too!. Come on back.

IMAG0003

 

Entry of the United Methodist Church “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

IMAG0019

Off the Beaten Path, a fine Indie Bound Bookstore is loaded up with The Lost Christmas Gift. A winter adventure set in Steamboat Springs, on the Colorado’s Best Seller list, it hit LA Times Holiday Book Gift list and is sold out in most outlets. OTBP has plenty and the author will have a book signing tomorrow – 12/8/12 at 2:30pm!

 

 

IMAG0040

Always a Beautiful Retail Space to visit in town, Steamboat Art Company all decked out!

 

IMAG0014

Window Shopping, a scene outside the Bucking Rainbow Outfitters – what is inside is even better! Attention, fly fishing enthusiasts!

IMAG0046

Fuzziwigs Candy Shop – Stocking Stuffer Sweets Galore!!

 

IMAG0001

Christmas Tree bedecking Colorado Mountain College’s brand new facility – meets all LEED standards and has a great business enterprise center, too! This new building raises the college to all new levels!

IMAG0015

F.M Light Store’s horse ready for Xmas. A real landmark in town. This business has been selling  cowboy boots and hats for more than 100 years! Best selection for miles around!

IMAG0057

IMAG0060

Homesteader Kitchen Shop – The aromas coming from this shop were enough to draw me in! Daniella was cooking up her chocolate treats and toffee (more pictures of Homesteader next week). The cinnamon,vanilla coated almonds are outstanding!

IMAG0049

Aptly Named, “Om” this shop is a great place to calm the spirit after walking the streets. Love the lit decorative hangings that you can buy year round to add to a sacred spot in your abode, or for a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

 

IMAG0017

Lyons Drug, yes indeed, great thoughtful gifts in this store, and even an old fashioned soda fountain!

IMAG0007

Branches, Home Decor. Come back next week and there will more images of places to shop locally. Support local business, it’s what makes communities tick!

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

Fairy Tale Paper Artist

2 Comments

“I was a great reader of fairy tales. I tried to read the entire fairy tale section of the library.” ~Beverly Cleary

Last week I posted a blog about ways to creatively recycle book pages. Su Blackwell, an artist from the U.K.,  creates three dimensional book sculptures made with discarded books. Many of her creations are scenes from fairytales and folk lore stories.

Her work is reflective of the books she read and the fulfilling make-believe world she created while playing in the woods during her childhood. Blackwell went on to study arts, specifically textiles, obtaining a M.A. degree at the Royal College of Art in London.

“The Quiet American” was her very first sculpture which was created from a second hand book called the Kao San Road she purchased on a trip to Thailand. She says she reads books once or twice before she begins her creation of a scene from the book.

The trend of repurposing books to create art sculpture is becoming popular in many places, including here in Colorado. Artist Kim Keith, exhibits and sells her geometric shaped paper sculpture and other mixed media, at the Red Contemporary Gallery here in Steamboat. She says her creations keep “alive the tactile sense and physicality of “book”. http://bit.ly/PrThwI.

Click here for books on repurposing books for art projects.

 
For more information, on the amazing work of Su Blackwell, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/RTrcwA.

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

Book Pages to Paper Posies

Leave a comment

“All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” ~ Indian Proverb 

The other day, I saw a wonderful floral creation made with recycled book pages. Depending on your time and skill, one single paper posey or a full bouquet can be crafted.

These handmade flowers are long lasting. Help to keep news print and other printed paper out of landfills by making them. This type of floral decorating needs no watering, saving natural resources from being depleted.

 Here are step by step instructions, along with photos , of how to create these sustainable flowers  http://bit.ly/Qb4myY. 

Lately, I have seen many ideas for recycling paperback books. It seems to becoming a fulfilling hobby. If you are looking for unique gifts for the someone in your life,  think about re-using paper products creatively.

With the emphasis on recycling, my husband  may decide he has bought me enough live flowers throughout our thirty-two year marriage. Some day he may draw the line and say “I am no longer buying the real deal, you already have the resources needed to make floral arrangements in those books you are discarding. Get to it, get inspired!” 

If I want to keep peace in the family and celebrate a golden anniversary, I’d better side with him.  The thing is, a puny nosegay is not very effective. I’ll want an overflowing bouquet, a real armful of paper posies,  for a bountiful look. For my 50th anniversary maybe  I’ll have my original wedding garb re-designed to reflect a new era – using recycled materials in artistic bridal clothing.

I better make a vow to get started now, producing my own book page bouquet. Eighteen years from now I should have enough blossoms to make a real fashion statement.  

Want to help make some flowers? I’ve provided the instructions, you provide the paper, from all those newspapers, hardcover and paperback books, they say, are going out of style.

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

Art Installations from Recycled Books

Leave a comment

“If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age.” ~Jacques Barzun 

Can you imagine how many books have been thrown in dumpsters and landfills over the years? More than I care to think about. 

Overprinting books means wasting money by having to pay rent for storage space. It also uses up natural resources – trees. 

Thanks to print-on-demand, and the development of electronic publishing (e-books), future generations will be much wiser in the way they produce books.

Last week the U.S.A. Today newspaper cited how for the first time ever, in 2011, e-book sales have exceeded hardcover sales – up 28% from the previous year. That is progress towards sustaining the environment and the publishing industry. To read the article, please visit this link. http://usat.ly/MhU10F. 

Digital publishing also means that updating books is economical and easy. To post new e-ditions you just download the new version through a computer. Gotta love it! 

What to do with all those books sitting in warehouses taking up space because the publisher has over-estimated sales and over-printed? 

Here is a creative solution:

 

Photo: A library information desk made out of recycled books. 

Artists, do you have other good ideas for large permanent art installations made out of outdated publications, that will spare landfills and dumpsters from receiving them? We would love to hear from you.

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

Treasured Time with a Child

3 Comments

“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”  ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

If you visited All Things Fulfilling yesterday, I made a promise I intend to keep today. Here is a short list of my favorite children’s books, published in the 1980s ,when I was raising our young son. At the time, there was  nary whisper of the changes that were on the horizon for the publishing industry, at least not that I was aware of. Thus, the following books are mostly, if not all,  traditionally published. 

In today’s world, there are many fulfilling reads, for children and adults, published independently of the big six or seven conglomerates. What changes we have witnessed in publishing over the past ten or twelve years!  

Jan Brett’s books ranked high on our list of treasured children’s books. Living in the north country of Vermont, our family related to the Nordic themes and art illustrations that were present in most of Jan’s books:

  • The Mitten
  •  Trouble with Trolls
  •  Annie and the Wild Animals
  • Wild Christmas Reindeer

New Hampshire author, Tomie DePaolo’s books, claimed a stake in our hearts, too. My son’s love of Native American history and lore drew us to several of Tomie’s books.

  • The Legend of Indian Paintbrush
  • The Legend of Blue Bonnet
  • The Legend of the Poinsettia 

A few others to consider by various authors:

  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (now adapted for film)
  • The Napping House
  • The Jolly Postman
  • The Polar Express (also was adapted for film) 

Don’t forget to take time out of this busy holiday season to appreciate God’s gift to you, your child. Spending time with the little ones is far more valuable than anything you will ever find in a shopping mall! The rewards are great for both parent and child. 

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

Routes and Roots of American History

2 Comments

“Art among a religious race produces relics; among a military one, trophies; among a commercial one, articles of trade.” ~ Henry Fuseli

Culture and religion has been at the root of American civilization. In Frederick, Maryland there are a wealth of attractions including roads and byways that hold great interest for visitors to this area who wish to understand the founding principles and history of our country. The National Scenic Byway, a 38 mile stretch of land from Frederick County to the Catoctin Mountains is dubbed the Hallowed Ground. Many soldiers fighting for our country’s independence lost their lives along this route.

Attractions that collectively represent the beginnings of trade, politics, culture and spirituality throughout our country’s history can be found throughout this region. To name a few:

  • The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – dedicated to the first canonized Saint.
  • The C & O Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio) explores the history of shipping.
  • The Shifferstadt Architectural Museum highlights the finest examples of German colonial architecture.
  • The Barbara Fritchie House commemorates the author of the poem that described waving the American flag in the face of the Confederate Army.
  • Weinberg Centerof the Arts houses the original Wurlitzer pipe organ.
  • Visit the All Saint Street Neighborhood – the center of commerce and entertainment during the latter part of the 19th century for African Americans.
  • America’s replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes in France is represented at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of the Lourdes at Mount St. Mary’s University.
  • The John Hanson House, the Ramsey House and the Roger Brooke Taney House all hold significance in some aspect of early American history by those that occupied them or visited them.
  • Battlefields of Gettysburg and Antietam are located close by. 

We have only touched lightly on a place that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named as a Great American Main Street community. There are so many things to see and do. The designation as a 2010 Top Arts Destination by American Style Magazine only strengthens this small city’s position as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

To obtain a travel packet of information on this region, visit www.fredericktourism.org. I hope some of the readers of this blogsite have the opportunity to visit this area. It was a fulfilling trip and I would like to  return again to take in more of the sites and scenes.

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