The New Year's Acorn

My friend Tommy O. bid me a Happy New Year this week and dropped an Acorn in my hand. We don’t naturally have Oak trees here in Alaska and Tommy explained that this was a token of good luck and well wishes for the coming year. I have never heard about the Acorn’s charm –have you? While doing a bit of research I thought I’d warm up for the Sketchbook Challenge which starts tomorrow. Just in time for the Challenge, look what my friend Vicki made for me -an original Vicki journal! I thought

it couldn’t hurt to kick it off with sketching some Acorns!

~“Good Luck in a Nutshell by Nick Howes

When you carefully consider the old saying "a mighty oak from a little acorn grows", you don't have to go far to see that some cultures consider nuts to carry some kind of magic. Superstitions about nuts have been widespread throughout history. In fact, acorns remain popular good luck charms, even today. The belief originated in ancient Asia Minor where acorns represented the goddess of nature and spread west to the Romans and pre-Christian Druids of later times. The good fortune associated with real acorns extends to those made of gold, silver, or some other substance."~

~During the Norman Conquest, the English carried dried acorns to protect themselves from the brutalities of the day. Considered to be an emblem of luck, prosperity, youthfulness and power, the Acorn is a good luck symbol indeed! It also represents spiritual growth.~

~Symbol of the Acorn~

oXo

Happy New Year 2011!

Tis' the Season for Better Planning

A power outage can be peaceful but perilous. Night before last when it was barely 10 degrees outside the power went out for about 3 hours. Chugach Electric reported a downed power line due to snow that blackened the entire Valley. Thanks to Daddy-O our house is nicely weather proofed. No thanks to me we were totally unprepared for the power outage. Not one of our flashlights from the junk drawer worked! Nor did I even have larger flashlight size batteries. One of our headlamps flickered... I do have plenty of “AA Gus” batteries… And only ONE of my candles would light and it was ¾ burned down! We found that the best light in the house was my little L.E.D. book

light and used that to read Gus a scary Hardy Boys mystery until the power returned. While we made the best of it and really enjoy that kind of unexpected peace I made a trip to town for better provisions. Yes, a generator has been on our “to-do” list since every power outage from the last 15 years... With a bit of work to do this is a link I'm using to be better prepared - “Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit.”

With my mind on being better prepared for weather related emergency’s, CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund) sent me an e-mail yesterday with another gentle reminder that it’s time to also think about keeping my studio safe. The mission of CERF+ is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. Here is a link to their Studio Protector. “These tools were designed by artists for artists with the assistance of some of the nation’s leading authorities on emergency preparedness, recovery, and conservation – and field tested by artists who have been through disaster.”

At least we have a Dog Team for transportation!

Dog-Gone Pup!

A friend commented that I was sure “lucky to be able to work whenever I wanted.” Ask any full-time artist and they will probably tell you that their hours may be unconventional but the time they put into their craft is usually more than any 8 to 5 job and there is rarely a steady paycheck! The same goes for me. It’s true I’m able to work around my family’s schedules but I rarely have down time. Mainly because it’s very hard for my hands and brain to be idle –especially here at the cabin. I sure do miss my studio but by using my laptop I’m usually able to get a lot of other things done. I was able to finish the digital conversion of my latest pattern “Dog-Gone Pup!” today. I also finished writing the instructions for my other new pattern “Kitty-Kitty Chickadee!” Creating a new design and sewing the sample art quilt is the fun part, but converting my drawings into Adobe Illustrator and writing the

instructions takes way more time for me. I use a Wacom drawing tablet and pen to create the vector files necessary to better work in the pattern’s graphic design layout. After I print out a couple sample proofs of the pattern and instructions, I’ll give them to my friend Ann C. to edit and advise me on better language to use for the instructions. I’m not very good at that part! Not only is Ann a professional but she also teaches quilting classes –which I’m signing up for in January. After we get the instructions and design proofs finalized I’ll again give the patterns to “test quilters” for their input. This was also Ann’s idea and a good one. Initially, I was ready to distribute my first collection of patterns without outside editing, because I am sensitive and didn't want to hear any criticism -however important it was.

The thought of giving the patterns to test quilters scared the heck out of me at first and was something I hadn't even thought of. But by sharing, listening and being willing to make changes, benefits the quality of the final products. Another unexpected benefit was that I feel much more confident about the patterns after going through such a thorough process. It was especially satisfying when a prospective Quilt Shop in Washington who would like to carry the patterns asked "nice designs, but have they been pattern tested?" YES! we were able to answer, thanks to Ann.

Inspired Giving (Receiving!)

Look at the treasures I got yesterday! My sweet and talented daughter Kristen gave me her art quilt entry from The Quitled Raven’s Winter Raven Challenge! Isn’t it just wonderful? I hung it above my reading light in the bedroom here at the ski cabin, that way I can think of her when she’s far away each time I snuggle into bed to read.

My friend and fellow artist Jules made me a “Solstice Raven” wall hanging from one of the Raven panels I gave her! Look at the delicious fabrics she used. I hung this also in the cabin near our bookshelf.

You know how I’ve become smitten about sheep… Since the temperatures have been below zero these new Hafinger boiled wool slippers (to replace the well worn mulit-color pair my sister bought me a couple of years ago) were a welcomed gift from my dear friend Pat. She always picks out just the coolest gifts for me! Aren’t these slippers just fab?! The sweet little sheep is wooly white and I can even step out onto the deck wearing them because the slippers are sturdy, felted wool with latex soles and wool covered cork foot beds. They’ve been perfect to wear in the studio too –that’s how I wore out the pair my sister gave me. I just might have to check out their other shoes at the Alaska Walking Store after seeing the Hafinger web site where it says “Step into a friendship.”

Gus has a new Wii with Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sport. My week-long chest cold is getting better but now I have a pulled butt muscle from a Christmas Wii Bowling and Bobsledding Tournaments -and I think Daddy-O is hiding a sore shoulder. What was Santa thinking?!

Believe

We have raised a family of Believers. Between older siblings, jaded friends or adults who misspeak at a Holiday party, you’d like to believe that your children will come to a natural conclusion in time about the existence of Santa Claus. When each of our three children hit 12 or 13 years old we had to have “the talk” with them –the talk about Santa… I was really hoping Gus understood the spirit and existence of Santa Claus, unfortunately he was still hanging on this year, so I had to have “the talk” with him a couple weeks ago. I didn’t want any of his friends to tease him at school or other kids to be cruel –but thankfully he was very discreet in his beliefs. He took the news in stride and had suspected that things were coming to and end but didn’t want to let completely go of believing. I told him that the spirit of Santa will always come to our house –which, in kid terms really means he still receives an unwrapped, larger present left in

front of the tree Christmas Eve, complete with the family stockings stuffed with goodies (shopping for the stocking stuffers has always been one of my favorite things!). I thought the presents were what was most important to Gus, but it turns out that what he really enjoys are the Christmas eve Santa Tracker updates! He gently asked me if the new spirit of Santa will still let us track Santa tomorrow night. “Of course!” I answered because tracking Santa is still one of my other favorite Holiday things to do with the family! For all of you Believers here is the link to the NORAD Santa Tracker.

xOx

Merry Christmas!

I've Fallen Off The Wagon

The sketchbook wagon that is. I’m not drawing, sketching or even painting as often as I should be. I feel that sketching or journaling is an important daily exercise for artists (whatever the medium) or anybody for that matter. My favorite blank books and journals are by Moleskine. Their Cahier Journals have the creamiest of paper and the Kraft covers make for wonderful, custom collage. Two, small Hard Black Cover Noteooks are kept in my purse –one for fiber designs and the other metal work ideas. I’ve filled up a few journals and small

black books but as I get busier with life my sketchbook time fades. To help my sketchbook workouts and with New Years’ fast approaching I found a New Year’s Challenge that I think I can actually stick with. I’m not one to make resolutions because I’ve never stuck to them. I would secretly love to do one of those 365 Days Blogs but I’m afraid it would end up being a day 25 then crap out! But this Sketchbook Challenge sounds very appealing.

Here's everything you need to know about how the Sketchbook challenge works (from the Sketchbook Blog):

"The sketchbook challenge is a new project launching on 1/1/2011. Follow along with us as we fill our sketchbooks based on a monthly theme that will be announced on the first of each month. Each month we'll announce a new theme on this blog and throughout the month we'll be showing you images from our sketchbooks and talking about the intention and inspiration behind them. Along the way we'll be sharing tips, techniques and tutorials. We hope that by giving you a peek inside our sketchbooks and showing you how different they all are that we'll inspire you to start keeping a sketchbook of your own. And of course if you do, we'll want to see some photos of your book too so we've designed a blog badge for you to put on your own blog to show your participation in the project. You can download the badge here. We encourage you to post photos of your sketchbook

pages on your blog and then post a link in the comment section of the Sketchbook Challenge blog so that others can look at your pages too! We've also set up a flickr group where you can post photos too. You'll find the group here. And that's not all! Thanks to the generosity of some terrific sponsors we'll be doing some givewaways and special shopping offers too!"

The view of Glacier Creek in Girdwood, Alaska on Winter Solstice with the temperatures hovering at zero.

HO, HO, HO, It's Soooo Cold!

Our winter break started Friday and as much as I’d like to blow off the next couple of weeks and just ski, I’ve forced myself to stay somewhat focused and not neglect my customers. I photographed several pieces that are still available at Katie’s Gallery and have been answering e-mails and doing Facebook postings, helping customers with their artful shopping. This is not to say I’ve been all work and no play but the -5 degree temps have for sure kept Gus and I off the Mountain. And what do Gus and I do when it’s too cold to ski? Dress up the dogs of course! Since Daddy-O is firmly against any humiliation of our pets we had to do this while he was skiing yesterday. Armed with a handful of Yummy Chummie dog treats

(their favorite), Gus baited while I shot. The weird thing was Nimbus (our Giant Schnauzer on the left) didn’t even move or try and take off his antlers –it’s his first season with us and Tauzer knew better, she held out for more treats before she held still!

We went to the crazy, fun Alyeska Ski School (now called the Mountain Learning Center) employee party last night at the Silvertip Bar and Grill. There was a silly hat contest that Derek and Gus got a lot of votes for, but Derek's friend Steve won with his authentic trapper style hat. I think people have been thinking "warmth!"

Steve is on the right with Derek. Of course there was a runway style “hats-off” applause vote between the other guy wearing a furry hat but Steve won! The other guy’s hat was so funny because it was a one-piece knitted brown pullover hat complete with mustache and wrap around beard. What a great pattern!!

Yesterday Gus and I skipped skiing and went to the warm library for books and movies instead. On the way I couldn’t help but walk the path to Glacier Creek and take a few pictures of the incredible quiet scenery. The sun barely peaks over Max’s Mountain this time of year and casts a peachy alpine glow on the northern range. The cold temps gave the valley a surreal look in blues and frosty whites. There were all kinds of animal tracks in the snow leading to the water –which kind of spooked me. It was hard to capture the real colors with my little digital camera but I just had to share with you our little corner of the world!

A Beautiful Root Canal

A couple years ago I needed a complex root canal and I knew just who to call. Prior to my urgent dental care needs, Dr. Heather Sulte, DDS of Aspen Endondontics had asked me at an art show opening if I would be interested in working on some pieces for her new dental office. At the time my plate was more than full, but after some production schedule juggling, completing my senior project for my degree and after the left side of my face didn't throb anymore, I was able to create 4 large pieces that would be featured in custom recessed boxes, complete with spot lighting in her new office space. The whole office is professionally elegant and Heather’s design ideas and architectural décor has been both privately and professionally recognized. I was pleasantly surprised yesterday to see that the Winter edition of Alaska Home magazine is featuring her office in an article and I am very flattered to be included in the story! Unfortunately, this particular article does not have a quick link to the entire story on the magazine’s website, but here is an excerpt from the article about the artwork;

“At Home In The Office –by Mara Severin

Art That’s Not An Afterthought

The bold and brilliant artworks by Cindy Shake, hanging in the back offices, echo the autumnal theme and are clearly anything but an afterthought. They shine, literally and figuratively, throughout the office. Heather was long familiar with the artist whose work hung in her father’s practice (also a dentist). During construction, she approached Cindy at Half Moon Creek gallery and asked her to consider creating some custom work. At the time, Cindy was too busy to commit. But Heather was not to be disappointed for long. Two weeks later the artists called her.

“She said, ‘I have to come see you for a root canal.” Bad news, perhaps, for Cindy, but good news for Heather who was able to commission the works after all. Both artist and dentist agreed that, “It was fate.” Cindy came to see the offices while they were under construction and designed her work to fit the specific wall spaces. The results are stunning, shimmering, iridescent sculptures of leaves and fauna. Using rich and vivid palette of copper and steel, the pieces convey the beauty of autumn and the promise of spring. They are arresting and complex, transforming the offices into a min-gallery.”

Thank you Dr. Sulte for the fantastic commission opportunity (and relatively painless root canal!) and thank you Ms. Severin for the kind words in the article and special thanks to my friend Heather Thamm for the professional photos.

Was Thinking of Tracey and her "Headband Neighbor" when I saw this one...

This Ol' Dog

The temperatures have dropped to 10 degrees this week and have been way too cold for me to want to work in the shop, so I worked on an art quilt of some friend’s doggies for a Christmas gift –much warmer. I’ve also been developing a wholesale business of Art Quilt Patterns and finished my latest pattern called “Kitty-Kitty Chickadee!” One of my goals this year was to diversify my art making to include other income earning possibilities that didn’t rely 100% on gallery sales of my metal sculptures.

I’ve been reading with interest the various tools and strategies used by other artists to earn a living. It’s made me feel a bit like an ol’ dog needing to learn new tricks! We all know it’s been a precarious economy and customers seem to be even more reluctant to part with

their money, especially to buy art. I’ve seen my customer base that used to think nothing of buying a $1,500 wall sculpture, drop 75% compared to two years ago. The average selling price of my metal sculptures used to be $425 and is now about $150. While I’m still lucky enough to be grossing the same annual dollar amount, and I have increased my customer base, I have had to crank out a larger volume of lesser priced work and get creative on how I sell it. A lot more work also meant larger hard costs for materials and most importantly more of my time. It seems most artists do “shows” for the revenue we can earn without needing to pay a Gallery commission, I pay anywhere from 35% to 50% off the retail price in commissions. More and more artists seem to

be moving to the internet and other forms of social media to reach new customers or to market themselves. While it’s not for me, yet, Etsy seems to be a popular choice and selling option and Tracey recently took the Etsy leap and has enjoyed a quick success. One of the best Blog posts I’ve read on “selling stuff” was a story this week by Whitney Smith and the “Simple Sell.” Anybody who wants to sell their work at a show needs to read this story! As a full time, professional working artist I cannot deny the power of social media and integrated marketing communications. When I left my graphic design business behind ten years ago to pursue a life of full time art making I naively thought I’d be able to limit my time on the computer. Oh, how wrong I was. No matter which avenue we choose to sell our art, it all takes TIME. With the complete

change in my customer’s buying habits, gallery changes and economic forecasts I forced myself to assess the work I was creating and the money I was earning –or not earning. The first biggie was I knew my website was out of date and I was paying too much for hosting and my IT guys to make simple edits. I moved my dot com cindyshakedesign.com to Blogger which now hosts dot coms for FREE and now I have the power to keep it up to date. Updates to my web site included getting rid of out of date graphic design pages, including new art work images, adding a “From the Sketchbook” and “This Week In The Studio” pages reflecting a more current look. We’ll soon see if this was a good move. I also

succumbed to the power of Facebook. ONLY after more than half of my customers told me they read about various upcoming shows or my latest project on FB…I admit “updating my status” is still hard for me to wrap my head around people actually giving a flick about minute

by minute updates of other people’s coming and goings. I do however, appreciate FB’s power in my “integrated marketing communications plan.” At least this ol’ dog doesn’t Twitter…yet. I’ll wait for my 20-something kids to tell me when or what’s next for me to sell my artwork “in collaboration with an external agent.”

Speaking of Blog Buddies

Primordial Sea 2005 89” x 62” by Judy Coates Perez

Judy Coates Perez of Chicago, IL has featured me on her Blog! Judy is not only a celebrated fiber artist but she is also a talented potter! I recently found out about her clay skills through her Blog –Painted Threads. I was very familiar with her creativity in painting whole cloth but to find out she was also a potter made me feel as if we were kindred spirits –not to mention our mutual LOVE of squid (the animal not the food!). Her illustrative talent has seamlessly transferred to the media of her choice. Judy has also been published in many National Art Quilt magazines, books and even DVD’s. The 2010 Quilting Arts Gifts, pictured at the left, features a beautiful pattern for a tree skirt Judy designed. Given her vast talents in creating as well as teaching I’m completely flattered to be included on her Blog –Painted Threads. Thank you Judy!

The network of global inspiration, sharing and friendship that one can find through Blogging continues to astound me.