How cool is this? (This is more of a rhitorical question that anything) Calgary Photographer Lizzy Anne featured my paintings on her Beautiful Women photo shoot last weekend. For more images of the shoot and to find out more about Lizzy Anne Photography click here. Thank you Liz! You not only managed to capture the true beauty of your subjects but you photographed my work in the best way. Looking forward to seeing more!

It's surprising how often I get emails like this. It makes me sad. It makes me happy! Sad because life can be beautiful and so many of us seem to be unhappy. Happy because I can sense the hope and excitement in the words of the author.

It reminds me of the bean seeds we used to plant in kindergarden. We would place the cotton ball, bean seed and water in a cup, and after a time, slowly but surely it would begin to grow. Cautiously at first, then, full of speed and beauty.  Empowering ourselves gives other people permission to do the same. So do it. Names have been changed to ensure privacy.

"I have been pondering this email for a while...lol! I even wrote a draft of it in my art journal! But today I absolutely HAVE to send something to you, so let me explain why I'm writing it now and on my blackberry of all places!

I'm at work. In my windowless work space. I can't leave for 12 hours and I feel like I'm dying inside. I've spent the last 2 and a half hours in between checking in 'bad guys' and looking at art and artists online. They have taken out our independent internet access so I can't do any personal emails or any of my own work on my laptop. 

All I want to do is live a creative life. I'm not afraid of hard work (because I know it IS hard work), but I just can't do what I'm doing anymore. I am committed to being an artist. And to discovering how to make a living through a creative life - wherever that leads. I know that I need help on that journey. 

I am wondering if you would consider being a mentor to me. I remember reading on your blog "you need to surround yourself with people who have lived their dreams". To be very honest I don't know a lot of people personally who have done that. It would be amazing to have you as one of those people. 

Painting has been the most amazing discovery for me. I really believe that discovering it through you was an important part of my journey. Thank you for introducing it to me. Thank you for having the courage to be the artist YOU are in the world. And for sharing it. Thank you for everything."

No, I am not sharing this to try and "toot my own horn" as they say. But rather to impress upon you, and to remind myself that when we empower ourselves, we give other people permission to do the same. The following is a message I received recently from a woman I was convinced didn't even know I existed! Names have been changed to ensure privacy.

"OK... I don't know if you remember me but we went to the same high school and you were pretty good friends with my cousin A. I was also best buddies with B. I have been wanting to drop you a note for some time now. I went to the art show in Springbank and got to talking with B about how I had absolutely had it with the stifling corporate world of legal work, had up and quit my job, and had spent the last few months writing. About how I was essentially going through an early midlife crisis. And she said: "You should check out Sam's blog!". Now normally I'm not a huge fan of blogs but I did. I went and I started to read about your life, and all your creative projects and your art and I wanted to yell out loud: "SOMEONE IS DOING IT!! IT'S POSSIBLE!" 

Anyway, I know this is kind of corny but I wanted to tell you that I am loving reading about everything you are doing! I am so impressed with how you are making it real and showing that it can be done. And you make it look a little less scary. Whenever I get discouraged about stepping off that beaten path, I go read some of your entries and immediately feel better. So a big thank you for that!! I hope you are doing great."

I have a thing for knowing how things are made. Yes, this included watching the show by the same name, but mostly by visiting the studio, the plant, the factory, etc. where it's actually made. I think it all started when my mom took us kids to the Coca Cola factory in Brazil when I was 8 or 9. I love it. And I've been hooked ever since. On factory tours, not on Coke. Even though I can't deny it's a nice pick me up from time to time. Coke, not the factory. Ok, moving on. This morning I toured the Wild Rose Brewery here in Calgary. Loved it. And gained a new appreciation for a pub space without a single television, chicken enchiladas cooked with beer and last but not least, craft beer.

Saturday took me to Red Deer, Alberta to teach a one day workshop at Alberta Art & Drafting Supply. I love this store. Seriously. Super well stocked, friendly, knowledgeable staff and a beautiful venue at that.

The day was cold. So cold! But we managed to have a fabulous time despite it all. 

Unfortunately, I am missing a picture of one of our most dear participants: Lee. Who said, and I quote: "This is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!" Thank you Lee! And thank you to everyone who helped to make this a fun, special day. See you again on May 5th!

Here she is! The sweet, sexy, sister-in-law who signed me up for my very first art show. Isn't she talented?!! Last night I saw her put the final touches on a commission piece she's been working on for weeks. 

Here is a prime example of a super smart business woman - she paints an original, makes giclee prints and sells them like hot cakes!

You're the wo-man Katrina! 

To see more of Katrina's work please go here: http://dasilvadesigns.weebly.com/

Do you ever talk to yourself? C'mon admit it! We all do! 

So here's how it happened for me: I am on my way home after a client meeting this morning. I am thirsty, hungry and I have to go pee. My eyes are fixed on the green light up ahead. Maybe if I speed up a little I can make the light. Suddenly I hear "a voice" (how about we call it the voice of inspiration so I come across less crazy?) that says: "Turn here! Turn here!" My rational voice replies: "What?!! Why? I'm on my way home!" Inspiration doesn't let up so easy: "Turn H-E-R-E now!" "Ok, ok! I'll do it!" I reply. (Is anyone else this crazy? Geez, I sure hope so!)

So I start driving in the direction that inspiration told me to. I have no idea where I am going. I have no idea what I am looking for. I've never even knew this road was here.

Not long after, I spot it, and I just know. Huge marble slabs stacked tall and wide. Oh my gosh! Is this a marble factory? How incredible! I stop the car and start exploring. 

Turns out "the voice" lead me to Flesher Marble & Tile. In business since 1910 and one of Alberta's largest inventory holders of marble and granite. I didn't even know these guys existed.

No, I am not renovating my house and I am cetainly not in the market for marble. 

Point of the story? 

1) Your inspiration knows what you need better than you do. Follow it.

2) Turns out marble is an incredible source of inspiration for creating abstract paintings.