Monday Feb. 7th join us to hear Hans talk and ask your questions on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/art-and-soul-radio at 4pm Pacific Time. All shows are archived so if you can not make the time, Hans is a fascinating person and I know you will love to hear his stories.
With over forty two million books in print, Hans Wilhelm is one of America’s foremost author/illustrator of children’s books. Many of his 200 books have been translated into twenty languages and have become successful animated television series that are enjoyed by children all over the world. His books have won numerous international awards and prizes.
His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Mazza Museum of Art, Dodd Center at the University of Connecticut, Kerlan Collection at University of Minnesota, de Grummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hans was born in Bremen, Germany. He lived for many years in Africa before moving to America. He now lives in Weston, Connecticut in an old farmhouse with his artist wife Judy Henderson.
As a noted speaker Hans has been inspiring audiences around the world with his spiritual and life-affirming concepts that he shares in many of his books.
Frequently most asked questions by young readers:
Q:What were your favorite stories when you were growing up?
A: I loved to read comic books, Mickey Mouse, Prince Valiant and Tarzan.
Q:Why do you write and illustrate children’s books?
A: It is my special way to use my creativity and at the same time spread a little sunshine, joy, and warmth through my work.
Q:Where do you get your ideas from?
A: From everywhere. Things that happen in my life, stories, and ideas I hear, see, dream, and imagine. Anything can be an inspiration for a story – one just has to look deep enough.
Q:What comes first, the story or the pictures?
A: For me it is usually the story that comes first.
Q: How long does it take to make a book?
A: Every book is different. Sometimes it takes me a few months – but sometimes it can take me years before the book is “right”.
Q: What is your favorite book that you’ve written and illustrated?
A: Always the one I’m working on. I need to give it all my love and attention to make it my best.
Q: Where and when were you born?
A: On September 21 in Bremen, Germany
Q: Where do you live?
A: In small town in Connecticut, called Weston.
Q:What is your favorite color?
A: Yellow.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Any vegetarian food that’s prepared with love.
Q: Who is your favorite personality?
A: My wife Judy.
Q: What is your favorite TV program?
A: Although I love my own TV characters, I don’t have time to watch TV.
Q: What advice would you give to young writers and artists?
A: Let your writing and illustrating be a joyous process. If you don’t have fun with your story don’t expect others having it when they read it. Even a sad story gets better with a little bit of humor. (also read my article “So you want to become a children’s book author” on my news page)
Mary Anne Radmacher – Messages of Love
“you are simply my best time. you are my sweetest laughter. you are my most peaceful sleep… and still! you find new ways to love me. always you will have my hand to hold. Always”…mary anne radmacher
Mary Anne Radmacher describes herself as primarily a writer who has a passionate relationship with color, design and form. This is apparent in her inspirational books, cards, posters, and gift items. Mary Anne’s unique writing style in lower case letters in her own developed calligraphy form is easily recognizable as are her themes committed to change, growth, happiness and greater good.
“in every heart
there is some pain
sometimes so much so
that one feels the need
to turn their heart
to stone
or else out of respect
and sorrow
it would surely cease to beat
but even if it were possible
to turn ones heart to stone
in that stone
would be painted
the wondrous and beautiful colors
of the love
that resides there still
hidden in the cracks and crevices
of their life”
Award winning artist and poet Diana Carey Goth has an unusual technique she calls contemporary frescoes–original paintings on natural, porous stone. The stones are then broken, mosaic fashion and an image is determined using the stone’s properties and what she sees in the cracks and breaks. Finally, they are mounted on wood.
Hearts of Stone are contemporary frescoes with a heart theme. They may be broken, multifaceted, subtle, brilliant, mended or in pieces and she may also incorporate objects in their design. Diana often writes poems, haikus or tankas about her paintings and contemporary frescoes. http://www.dgoth.net
Diana’s work is in private, public and corporate collections. She is teaching a Hearts of Stone Workshop February 13th at the California Center for Creative Renewal in Encinitas. This same workshop was given to the New York School of Visual Arts. hearts of stone workshop.pdf Register at: http://www.artretreats.com/
John and Robin Davis…Hearts and Soul
John and Robin Davis are a wonderful example of a creative couple successfully working together to create a thriving art business. http://jdavisstudio.com/blog/?tag=american-craft
John’s first clay creations were his raku and floral vases. Eventually his line of artwork expanded to include candlesticks, rattles, ornaments, and treasure boxes. They have a growing enterprise with John designing originals and employees who complete his creative designs. Robin does marketing, promoting and whatever else needs doing. John’s artwork is featured in a variety of magazines and catalogs and retails in many galleries nationwide.
One of the JDavis Studio’s most popular items are their innerSpirit Rattles. They are beautiful, luminous palm sized ceramic rattles to ‘shake to the rhythm of your favorite music or to the beat of your own drum.’ You can learn more about JDavis Studio, view all of John’s designs and the many styles of the innerSpirit Rattles at their website. The heart shaped innerSpirit Rattles make a unique gift for someone you love. http://jdavisstudio.com
Looking at the artwork of Derek Gundy, one might think the painter is a “fish out of water”. Perhaps it’s because Gundy spent most of his life near the water that he constantly incorporates it into his dreamy paintings.
Derek grew up in Rockland, Maine, in a small fishing village which later became an art mecca of sorts. Derek’s parents owned and operated the local art supply, framing, and art gallery, and Derek had easy access to the tools and materials for creative expression.
He went on to earn a BFA from Maine College of Art, and then began showing locally. His first one man show was in 2001 featured over 50 pieces and his career as a professional artist was launched. Derek and his wife Karin were drawn to the Pacific Northwest and moved to the Seattle area in 2004.
Currently managing Artists’ Edge in Poulsbo, WA, Derek enjoys recommending art supplies for other working artists, picture framing for artists and galleries, and running a art workshop program. He sells his artwork through the shop and occasionally shows at galleries and restaurants. www.artistsedge.com
Derek’s latest series involves wine glasses. His “Drinks Like A Fish” series, where fish swim around in a full glass of wine, was a real hit, and inspired other ideas, such as salmon swimming upstream into a wine bottle, or visions of the Italian countryside through the reflections in a wine glass. Gundy has originals of this series on display at the Restaurant Sogno di Vino in downtown Poulsbo. http://gundyart.blogspot.com/ http://artisticwine.blogspot.com/
Most of us are familiar with art appreciation and have favorite artists and art styles we enjoy. What I’d like to share is something you may not be aware of–the artist’s story…
Anna is a painter and doing well selling at local art events. Her style and technique are unique and people love and buy her art. She is excited to be accepted to participate in her first ‘real’ art show. She finds out she needs a display booth, electrical cords, racks to display her art, hanger, a sign announcing her presence and a credit card machine to process all of her sales. Oops, she almost forgot business cards and post cards to distribute to customers and friends. After a hefty financial investment to meet the show booth requirements, she also pays the show fee (which is $750). Anna spends hours carefully packing all of her art and loads everything, finishing at midnight. She sets her alarm for 4 a.m. because she has to drive for two hours and set up her display no later than 7 a.m. as the show begins at noon.
Early the next morning she double checks her list and makes sure everything is secure in the back of her rented pick up truck. When Anna arrives at 6 am, she’s shown to her booth space and is a little disappointed it’s back in a corner but after all, this is her first show. She begins to set up her display tent and since it’s windy, it takes her longer than previous practice times. Finally, at 11 am the awning is up, electricity finally working and most of her art nicely displayed. Her banner, Anna’s Amazing Art, looks terrific and she has her credit card machine, order forms and business cards set up on a nice cozy little table in the corner.
Just before noon, people start arriving and she enjoys talking with them about her art, thrilled with their interest. The wind picks up and she’s had to recover a couple of fallen art pieces and put a weight on the cards on her table and tighten the awning—thank heavens nothing was damaged or broken. By 3 pm her adrenaline rush is over, she’s tired and disappointed she’s only sold one piece. But, she’s a trouper and keeps a smile on her face until closing at 8 pm. The next two days go by in a blur but she does make a few more sales. By Sunday evening, she’s exhausted and still has to pack up her remaining art she didn’t sell and make the two hour drive home so she can go to her ‘real’ job the following morning. Sales were lower than she expected–she didn’t make enough to cover her booth fee but this was her first show and she’s sure the next one will be easier. As Anna drives home, she begins to understand why it’s called artwork.
Many artists can relate to this very common and in some cases understated scenario. But people who attend art shows often do not realize what artists go through to be there. What I’d like to ask is: how often do you express appreciation for the artist? The next time you attend an art show, I invite you to express your appreciation, not only for the art, but to the artist for their artwork—their commitment and effort to be there and share their creations with you.
Nov. 2nd
Mary Anne Radmacher www.maryanneradmacher.com artist and author of three books shares how she has combined her artwork and writing into a successful line of inspirational cards, books and gift items.
Nov. 30th
Jason Horejs www.xanadugallery.com owner Xanadu Gallery and author of Starving to Successful will educate artists about what gallery owners expect from artists wanting to sell their artwork through galleries.
October 12, 2009
Would you enjoy learning more about the creative process and how to tap into your authentic creative expression? This week, Stewart Cubley co-author of Life, Paint and Passion: Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression is our guest. An expert on the creative process, Stewart has been helping people unleash their Creative Spirit for 30 years. http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/artandsoulsite.html
This will be my 3rd year of creating a bra for Bras for a Cause. It is an honor an great fun to be a part of SIGNK. Many of the Bras are not created by people who call themselves artists. Every year I think, “How are they going to top this next year”. All the bras are so very creative. Last year there was one that used quilted hamburger buns for the breasts. Another unique one was a mosaic fountain with the water flowing from the breasts. Some people have used recycled materials, money arranged creatively, sequined cat eyes and if you can imagine it you will see it.
Bras for a Cause- Oct. 17.2009
The first year I created a Bra of Hope using words of hope. The second year I made a Peace Prevails Bra with words of peace. This year I am not sure what to call her. Please help me name this one before I turn it in on Thursday this week.
You still have time to donate a bra for the auction. Bras For a Cause is the premier fund raiser for Soroptimist International of Greater North Kitsap (SIGNK), dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in our community. There are other organizations in the US that have fund raisers for Bras For A Cause.
What an incredible experience. Dr. Gloria Burgess was tremendous! We had lots of fun and got off to a great start.
I am going to be honest here. It was a little uncomfortable to have the microphone practically in my mouth! I am going to have to work at this stuff and learn how to not make extra sounds when I open my mouth to speak. Our producer said that she cleaned up the extra unnecessary sounds. Thank goodness. And did you know that time is different on a radio show? Any pause sounds longer on the show than it is in person. Very interesting. We will get it down. We are professional artists and this is all new to us.
It is our passion to do this radio show as a service to artists and all creative people including people who want to be more creative. Looking forward to you being on this adventure together with us.
