Clarity in 2010

Clarity is defined as free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression.

I am making friends with clarity. Clarifying relationships with work, friends, wants, needs, feelings, fears and everything in between. The first relationship I am working on is with myself. I am taking note of the words I use and the thoughts that linger. The veil is so thin some days and I can feel myself pulsing with inner joy and other days are thick and foggy. I am looking forward to how my life will unfold as I step more deeply into me.

A Shout Out to Jane Berger

I wanted to thank my talented friend Jane Berger for all of the lovely photographs she took during one of my shows this winter. I love the play of light, color and composition she captures in every shot.

Jane Berger is a fantastic local photographer specializing in special moments such as weddings, newborns and celebrations of all kinds. Her style is sophisticated, fun and inspiring. Make sure to visit her website http://www.janebergerphotography.com/ and tell her I sent you!

New Painting Stage 1- The Underpainting

Spent a wonderful day in my studio with my paints. I am going to call this one "The Giving Tree". This is the underpainting. I love working on wood and encorporating the grain into my images. The patterns speak to me.

Went out with my crafty sisters to see this great documentary on the crafting revolution happening in America. It was great to dive into the world of craft and I would highly recommend this film to anyone interested in investigating their creative juices.

The director, Faythe Levine, answered questions after the movie. She was great and was definitely a highlight of the night. A three year commitment that is coming to a close for her, but I believe this is only the beginning for what she has uncovered, celebrated and presented to the world.

I have struggled in the past with the fine art versus craft issue and I feel as if I have never felt complete comfortable in either world. As my jewelry business has grown, I find myself focused on creating my own pieces instead of spending my time as a designer and buyer of other's great ideas. The journey into jewelry making is taking on a new life and I am eager to see where it leads me. This documentary was a great reminder to settle into who you are and make what you make with out questions. Removing judgement and giving into your creative center is essential and something I can lose sight of when I start to think about how to sell and what to sell. Back to creating for art sake!

Thanks Faythe! Thank you to my lovely art community here in Maine always supporting me on the journey!

Closing thoughts for Maggie Style Jewelry 2009

Feel like I have caught a shooting star....what do I wish for next?

I can feel change in the air.
Good change.
Important new beginnings.

I have already had three meetings of the minds with other creative entrepreneurs here in Maine. Each group offers new insight and understanding about being in business for myself. We have talked about accomplishments in 2009 and goals for 2010. So what are my accomplishments for Maggie Style Jewelry in 2009?

I have built my business to include a luscious selection of new and exciting jewelry. Expanding my pearl line, adding in ornamental leaves, bringing back my etched copper and simplifying my glass work have allowed me to connect to a larger audience and begin to focus on where I feel most aligned.

I have enjoyed the addition to my hammered and stamped silver rings and they have been a great success. This custom line is so versatile and speaks to my desire to make work with special meaning for people. It's been a great year and I am grateful for everyone who has been part of my path.