Hmm, I don't know about creating without worry - but I do know that the political situation gives me inspiration for pieces that inspire critical thought. More fodder for the fire, so to speak.

Hi WS! So happy to hear from you! I completely agree with you that these times do indeed give inspiration for critical thought and artistic expression! Doing art isnt really all about the money. Its more about expressing the creativity found within.

Thanks, Mary, I always enjoy your comments.

Most of my art is for the money... I sold out years ago. If I don't sell, I don't eat. I'm too old to go back to digging ditches or flipping hamburgers.

So then, whats the plan? gotta have one...no?

Wow, that IS the question, isn't it? I have been doing the royalty thing for a number of years now with my art and now I am seriously looking at taking back all the production and distribution myself. Very scary prospect indeed.

How to stay focused and stay with my goals? i pray a lot. seriously.

i encountered a really cool thing at a show this past weekend. dueling sculptors. maybe you guys have seen this before, but it was a first for me. it was a husband/wife team and they got someone to pay $50 for a 'mini me' relief sculpture, done in 30 minutes. they both did the portrait (with fast paced banjo music in the background). The first one through won. The person sitting for the portrait could choose which one she/he wanted. it was fascinating and drew quite a crowd. i thought it was in ingenuous way to make sure you at least made your booth fee at a show!

What makes you think that the economy is weak? What makes you think that there is a lack of abundance? Why would you focus a single ounce of energy on fear and lack?

These are the more important questions. You are looking at the world around you and believing the reports and results of society at large. But the reality is that there is no lack or ill unless you look for it. You will see exactly what you look for.

If you look at a snake and you like snakes for example, you will see a sleek, powerful, beautiful predator, that comes in a mutitude of forms and colours and lives in a variety of habitats. You will see an animal that has been around since the age of dinosuars and is a survivor and success story. You will marvel at it's calmness, strength, and the diversity of its prey and habits. You will be amazed that it has adapted to life in trees, in the ocean, underground, on land etc. You will be fascinated by it's historical importance and relevance to many cultures and religions and art forms. You might note the agricultural benefit of snakes in controlling food crop pests such as rats and mice around graineries and fields. You might also discover or reflect on the studies of venoms in the medical industries as a treatment for cancers, congenital defects, neurological disorders, as a pain killer, muscle relaxers, etc. The medical applications that are happening from use of and studies of snake venoms are almost endless! What a miraculous animal group indeed.

Now if you do not like snakes and you see one you will feel a loathing and anxiety. You will see a vile evil creature that is venomous and devious. You may think of them as slimey and icky and disgusting entities. You might recall them as biblical harbrings of devilish wrong, cast down and forced to scurry legless as a symbol of their horrible deeds toward mankind. For you snakes might also strike a great primal fear that is lodged deep in the genetic memory of mankind from the time of early hominids who feared the snake and avoided it. For the Ophidiophobic person there can be no greater terror than the serpent!

The point here is that it is all in your perception. There is no good or bad because both are present in all things. It is in how YOU choose to view something that you determine which side of the coin you wish to view.

As artists we generally have an advantage in that we are usually individualistic and generally choose to embrace our own observations and perspective. So why not apply that "Dont believe all the perceptions of the masses" principle to ALL areas of our lives?

Are things so bad? Only if you think that they are. If you do not, then you will continue to attract business and prosperity while others are scratching their heads and wondering how you got to be so "lucky"?

Hopefully this inspires you in what your heart would already urge you to believe. Have faith in the good and you will see it all around you.

Have an excellent day Mary! Cheers!

- Erik -