To The Limit…

Most business  guru’s will tell you that you should “work smart, not hard”. I still have not worked out how that philosophy works in the art world. Granted – working smart can be applied to clever marketing. But as for the actual doing, the actual labour involved with producing the work – it still requires hard work no matter how you look at it.

One of my biggest flaws, among the many, is that in the past I have often worked myself to the point of exhaustion. Overworked instead of paced myself.

Regardless of what type of work you do, whatever contribution you are making to the world in a creative sense; I think, that if you have mastered the ability to know when to stop working before you overwork yourself, then you have become good at looking at your work from an objective point of view. The whole point is to be able to remove the emotion when you work. The very reason we tend to overwork is simply out of fear. Fear that we wont get it right, so we had better keep working on it until we do get it right. Fear that we wont complete the job on time, so we keep working until we complete it. Fear that we wont meet someone else’s expectations. Fear that the “juice” that is fuelling the creativity and drive to work wont be around for much longer so we had better make good use of it before it all dries up. Fear that another opportunity like this may not be available again.

And it’s all bullshit. It doesn’t really exist. The fear is just a simple manufactured thought that gets you all wound up, kicks the adrenalin into over drive, and as a result you end up working yourself into exhaustion. Then exhaustion causes you to feel disgruntled. And then maybe your friends wonder why you look uptight and think, “Oops, was it me, did I say something to piss him off?”

Working hard doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. You just need to be objective about what you are doing at the time, and remove the emotion. That way you can work hard and totally enjoy it, know when to stop before it becomes an exhausting chore, so you don’t end up hacked, disgruntled and disheartened with the end product.

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Artistic Integrity

From time to time I receive requests to re-produce original work. In fact, today I received an email from someone who had purchased from me three years ago requesting a reproduction of a piece I had already sold. I am always a little dubious about recreating  work from the past. I like to keep moving forward. But having said that I can appreciate that some people are experiencing my work for the first time when they visit my exhibit stall, visit my site or meet me through social connections.

It’s not that I think I am too good to reproduce old work. It’s more along the lines of a secret little fear that says, “You’ll get stuck, you won’t progress, you’ll end up duplicating your old work forever more”. Of course, this is not true. But the ego has a funny way of trying to spook the creative voice within.

The ultimate goal as an artist is to keep growing, keep discovering new ground and pushing yourself to explore your potential. But having said that, it is also about survival.
I can honestly say that as an artist I am certainly not in any type of privileged position whereby I can “knock-back”  too much work because any given project may infringe on my artistic integrity.

Personally I think there is too much emphasis put on artistic integrity. All that matters is that you are doing what you do for the right reason. In other words it has to feel right.

I have displayed my work on the boundary of a football oval while people rode cows in a race. Was this something that compromised my artist integrity? I don’t think so. The problem was bad marketing on my behalf. I was trying to pitch my work to a crowd of people who were pre-occupied with farm animals, and for whom did not have a disposable $600 to $1000 in their pockets in order to buy art.

So if I think something might be worthwhile at the time, then I don’t have to worry about artistic integrity. If I feel I am doing it for the right reason then that is all that matters. I have received a request to reproduce some old work in the past, and because I accepted the request, new doors opened for me.

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Beware The Self-Promoter

I am aware that I have at times been somewhat of a self-promoter. It pisses some people off. Others find it slightly interesting. The point is; knowing when to reel yourself back in. Not over do it. Don’t become an “unconscious” conversationalist. You have to remember that there is another human being in your presence. That should be interesting enough.

Sometimes I get completely lost in my own thinking, however, I am aware, most of the time, of other people’s presence. That is to say, I know that I am not nearly as interesting to someone else as they are to themselves. And in all honesty, I like that. I’m not sure I would like the responsibility, purely because I know I have more faults and have made more mistakes that anyone I have ever met. I am happy that I am aware of it. And because I am aware that I am not nearly as interesting to someone else as they are to themselves, I can turn the ego off to avoid rambling (most of the time anyway) and losing the attention of the person I am talking to.

I sometimes watch when I am in a social environment and quite often see somebody revealing his or her whole “surface” persona to somebody else. You can almost see the recipient desperate to take a step back, while they nod with feign interest and an “I wanna be anywhere but with this person” look in their eyes. I say surface persona because the ego is doing most of the talking with things like announcing his or her achievements, their sickness problems, people they know, and what their goals are. In other words, trying to establish their “worth” in the eyes of the recipient. It’s not really the fault of the person doing most of the talking. And while some people will whisper to each other, “Oh man, that dude rambles on a bit doesn’t he?” I always try to remember that he simply desires to establish his worth. That’s all.

If he (or she) knew how to present himself better so that they were really engaging the recipient into the conversation, I truly believe they would.  Sometimes all it takes is to be present. Stop the head from bringing in the past and forecasting the future – in other words, stop trying to establish your value – while your talking to somebody else and just acknowledge their presence. At least that is what I try to remember.

The painting above is called reflections. Quite often what we want in a conversation is for people to reflect back (either through response, opinion or body language) what we desire to see in ourselves. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just called building a healthy self-esteem.

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Be Creative

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to create. It has only been in the last few years that I finally realised that creativity does not come from the mind. It comes from simply being able to be still.

“Yeah but what about all that inspiration that is derived from tribulation or torment?” I heard someone holler. My gut feeling is that it isn’t real. I’m not saying the emotion isn’t real. I am saying that the emotion is not really the driving force (or real source) behind the creativity.

However, it is the emotion that often “forces” you “into” a place of being still enough to create – it’s not the emotion itself; emotion is connected to the mind (thinking), but we don’t create from the mind remember (wink). So in actual fact, what you think is being created because of that “troubled” emotion or general excitement in your life is actually being created from a major distance from that emotion.

In other words, you are actually miles away from that emotion (or thought) when you create, although you can still sense it there – like static noise; like the light humming of an air conditioner in another room. However, that emotion (or thinking) isn’t your predominant focus.

Maybe a better way to explain it would be – if Ringo Starr was thinking problematic thoughts while playing to a large live audience, chances are he would skip a beat, perhaps drop a drum stick and generally be right out of the flow with the song.

It’s the thinking that gets in the way and keeps you away from the natural ability to create – or be in the flow.

We often have this false belief that it is the “act” or circumstance, that allows us to capitalise on the torment or any form of emotional excitement in order to create.

I came to the conclusion that we create from within rather than from the mind for the simple reason that I could never possible explain to someone; “how do you write a song?” It’s like asking someone, “How do you move your right arm?”

You don’t really know. At least you cannot translate it. Therefore our ability to create cannot be explained. It’s just a part of who we are. Everybody has access to it though.

So perhaps, to access your creativity, learn to be still. Quiet the mind – because it is the mind that will often also try to convince you that you have something more important to do than “be creative”.

I have heard how many writers don’t actually set out to write a certain amount at any given time. They simply create the space (make the time available) for the source to make itself available.

That is the key. Quiet the mind and just be available to catch the source when it arrives. You have the time. Visa and MasterCard have led you to believe that you don’t have the time (wink). But… you do.

Are all good artists troubled souls? Nope. They are just brave enough to be still for long enough to catch the source. That’s really all there is to it. Ditch the television. Switch yourself on by being still. Be creative.

Quote:  “If you could see me through your eyes, instead of your ego, I believe you’d be surprised to see, that you’ve been blind…” – Elvis Presley

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…Then Turn Off The Freaking TV

If you haven’t been following the news of late, Queensland, Australia has recently been hit by massive flooding. I don’t really need to mention the devastation it has caused for thousands of people. It has quite simply shocked the nation.

As a result, the television and radio networks have been constantly reporting non-stop updates. In fact the major television stations have forgone their regular programs in order to have news running around the clock.

To me, it makes sense. NCIS and Desperate Housewives can wait. People need to be informed – especially the people directly involved in the flooded areas. Also there are family members in other parts of Australia who want/need to be updated.

But here’s the thing… I actually heard someone complain about how the TV networks were running this news hour after hour.

“There is nothing else to choose from on TV, it’s just all about the floods” was the comment made.

I knew right there and then that I was quite clearly in the presence of one very unconscious individual. Nothing you could possibly say would sway their disappointment of “nothing being on telly” over to where I was currently residing, which was in the land of sincere compassion.

Had this person even considered perhaps turning the freaking TV off and putting a CD on instead? Maybe a DVD? Or better still, what about turning the freaking TV off and rummaging around the house to see what they could throw into a big box to have shipped up to Queensland for those in need?

I guess they hadn’t thought about that.

The very unfortunate situation in Queensland should be a reminder to the collective consciousness of this country that we are one and should act accordingly  – which means; that for situations like these (but not just for situations like these) we should pull our heads out of our own arse’s, act like human beings and help your fellow countryman get a leg up.

Even if you cannot provide items of food, clothing, money or general supplies. At least have the correct mindset, or better still bring some true presence as to what is really happening so that you strengthen the country’s collective consciousness, its attitude and create a general sense of optimism and of course… hope.

And to think I wasn’t going to say anything. Kind of glad I did.

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Tour Down Under, Count Me In! (Hardly)

I recently conquered the hill from hell. Don’t ask me why I wanted to or why I did it. I don’t really know. All that I can say is that I set out over 18 months ago to get in shape in order to ride my pushbike up Willunga Hill.

The hill has been referred to by semi-pro cyclists as “demoralising”. In fact cycle-2-max say Willunga Hill is, “One of the toughest 3km climbs in Adelaide and a regular showdown for the local Tour Down Under this climb starts off steep and doesn’t seem to give any relief.”

Here are the Willunga Hill bike ride stats from cycle2max.com:

Total Distance:
3.00km | 1.86mi

Starting Altitude:
155m | 509ft

Finishing Altitude:
382m | 1,253ft

Average Gradient: 7.6%

Elevation Gain:
227m | 745ft

Surface Type:
Other

Difficulty: 50

Their website says that there have been 222 attempts. Make that 223 guys! Put me on your record books.

Oh and is that “Difficulty: 50″ the highest? I’m going to assume it is.

I did the 3km ride in 34 minutes (not bad considering the pro’s do it in 9 mins). Almost vomited a few times. Wanted to quit 14 times. Wondered what the hell I was doing half way up that demons hill at 4pm in the afternoon on a bike with a slightly buckled back wheel – hence why I did not even consider riding back “down” the hill after I had got to the top.

But I did it.

Who knows what kind of ridiculous challenge I will set for myself next time.

I’m glad I did it. I’m glad it’s done.

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New CAKUart Site Is Live!

I have finally finished (almost, the commissions gallery is still in progress) building my website. It is solely focused on just my art. The old cakuart site still exists and will do for the time being.

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Is Someone Making A Virtual Buck From Your Art?

I received an email some months ago from a lady who is a player/participant on the virtual world game…

Second life.

If you haven’t heard of second life, in summary here it is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

It’s not my thing, but it has given some people a chance of living out their fantasy world.  SL actually has it’s own currency (Linden Dollars). You can buy Linden Dollars with US dollars.

And Linden dollars is exchangeable to US dollars. I’m led to believe the exchange rate is something like L$275–285 per US$1

Anyway…

This lady wrote to tell me that she owned an art gallery in SL and that she had been selling images of my art (obviously taken from my website at CAKUart) to people who want art for their “virtual homes”

Kooky, but true.

Due to some new enforced copyright issues, people such as the lady who owned the gallery were forced to re-assess where and how they were accessing and distributing the art and images of real life artists.

Hence why I was contacted.

Ultimately she wanted permission to continue using my images to on sell to people who wanted some cool art for their virtual homes.

I rejected her request.

It’s nothing personal, its just business.

I said that unless I can see how the images of my art were being distributed for sale, and how they were being represented in her gallery, I no longer wanted her using them and requested that she delete them from her gallery.

I am aware that there are artists using SL to promoted their art. I have even heard of one story where an artist has done quite well for himself in terms of recognition. His popularity as an artist has shifted from the virtual world to the real life world.

Good for him.

Though I wonder if all that time spent on SL promoting his art could have been time better spent promoting his art in the real world.

Who knows for sure.

What’s your opinion on this?

Perhaps you are an artist who is using SL to promote your art. If so, how is it working out?

Or have you had any similar experienced with virtual galleries using your art to sell the images to members of SL so they can decorate their virtual homes and offices?

Perhaps you don’t even know they are using your images. Do you care or are you not phased by it?

Power to you and your art!

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Suffering From Information Overload?

What is information overload?

My take on it is…

Being impressed with too much

It’s being BURDENED with a real GORILLA of a problem, which is…

Presented with TOO many choices.

“Drowning in data”

(gulp)

Psst… they told me that things would get EASIER with the arrival of the Internet.

Most of us have never felt so OVERWHELMED.

Tsk

Tsk

Tsk

If you are an artist baffled as to where you should start because you have been exposed to SO MANY options to REALLY get the ball rolling, I have a few tips for you.

So let’s get on top of this problem with some…

Information Overload Management

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

1.    What is important?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

When you have finished reading this email, get UP and walk outside and decide what MATTERS the most to you.

I discovered some time ago that the best way to get on TOP OF information overload is to decide WHAT you want, and then begin to work your tail off.

And don’t look back.

Don’t consider the options anymore.

You’ll feel so much more POWER, ENERGY and PASSION for being an artist.

(Yep, you will)

2nd Thing you have to do is…

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

2.    Map The Day

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Before you let yourself get SOAKED and washed away with every TOM, DICK and Harry trying to get your attention, and waste a lot of your most precious resource which is…

TIME

Then decide HOW you are going to spend your time rather than let someone else decide that for you.

Not sure how too?

Have a look at the things you wrote down from principal one.

I refer to the “what is important?” list.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

3.    BLOCK distractions.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

When you are on the computer working, turn off Facebook instant messenger.

Turn off the MSN messenger

Turn off skype.

Stay out of the forums

And get some work done.

It really is as simple as that.

I DARE you to only read a 3 emails a day.

I DARE you to only ANSWER 3 emails a day.

Pssst… you don’t gotta read them. You don’t gotta answer them.

They CAN wait.

Honest.

Remember:  Feel the POWER of control

(wink)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

4.    Tell The Crew

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Do not be afraid to set boundaries.

You have to tell your family (friends) this is how it is…

“I gotta work, I work between these times, and I would GREATLY appreciate that we come to some arrangement so that I can make it happen, because I just have to make it happen”

I set those rules LONG ago

I wasn’t rude about it.

My crew appreciate it

They have seen the results I have made because of it.

They know I have to do what I do.

When you are just starting out, your family and friends may not be able to completely appreciate this request because in their mind you aint as famous as Mick Jagger.

So they be tempted to ask…

Okay, then why do you need all this “special time” then Miss Madonna?

Because you CANNOT progress unless you ESTABLISH boundaries to USE your TIME to contribute MASSIVE ENERGY into your creative calling.

And when you are not working, give your family and friends ALL the time you can.

Fair deal?

Yep, I think so.

The thing is, mastering information overload can be made really easy if you follow those steps.

The one thing that is going to see you produce results better than anything else is being able to MASTER your time.

Master Your PRIORITY = MASTER your TIME.

If you are looking to focus on just one avenue of selling your art, then keep your eye out because I am right in the middle of having my first art-marketing book published.

Wow

Exciting

I agree with you.

My book, “Get Your Art Out There” is due for release in the coming weeks.

So if you would like to know more, I will have an update real soon.

Till next time,

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Travel Bug

In my personal experience, nothing creates inspiration like traveling does. It opens your soul and in some respects extends your life. I have traveled to over 20 countries and it has truly added to my overall appreciation for life. Here are some pics from a few countries I have had the privilege to experience.

(Africa – Sahara Desert, Morocco) That was my camel – his name, “Jean Claude Van-Dame.” We got on quite well. Though I swear his snorts were an indication that he was getting tired in his old age.

The silence when you walk out far enough into the Sahara Desert is amazing. Though I did hear our travelling buddy Chris (from Canada) yelling something about not being happy with one of the locals charging him too much for the camel journey we were under taking. I heard him yelling something about leaving the camp and threatening to walk home – back to Canada.

Chris walking back to Canada

Myself and Chris in the main street of Marrakesh Morocco. What a wonderland that town is. Oh, that’s us trying to cross the street. It’s around about 4:15pm there. Not bad considering we starting trying to cross the street at quarter to three.

This is me in the Atlas mountains after just having recovered from being very ill. Something I ate. We did not manage to get up as high as we would have liked simply because our bodies were still in a bad way. But we had a go.

Yes that is a snake around my neck – a real one – a live one (Main square – Marrakesh).  Steve Irwin would have been proud of me – god rest his soul. Though I don’t look that confident do I? This apparently, is a custom to warn of bad spirits. Ironic – I actually told the spirits a long time ago that I hope I never get caught with a snake around my neck.

Sitting with a few Aussie travelers on the roof in Marrakesh.

(Cairo – Giza – Egypt) Gosh, that shirt got some wearing. What a place. really amazing. I was surprised that the pyramids of Giza are right on the city’s edge. I had always imagined it to be way out in the desert. In fact there is a McDonald’s just down the road from the pyramids.

Police wanting to know where I bought the shirt?  Not really. In fact they asking us leave the pyramid compound. You see, they actually close the gates at 5pm. We were still in there trying to get photos of the sun going down over the pyramids. After a bit of bartering, they let us stay. All they requested from me was some ‘pens.’ Yeah, like as in ‘biro.’ Seemed like a fair deal to me, though I am not sure to this day why there was such big interest in Biro’s in Cairo.

(Dahab, Egypt) I spent a lot of my time in Dahab Egypt under water. How could you not? It has some of the best coral reef diving in the world.

Waiting for my diving partner.

Everything is wonderful under the sea

(California, USA) Hey go easy on my enthusiasm. After all, this is Hollywood! The hair you can comment on, sure. But not the enthusiasm.

Halloween sure is one hell of a celebration in this town. I loved L.A.’s enthusiam for it. This is my bunch of pals throwing a party especially fo the occasion. We had just just rocked into town and had nothing to wear for halloween. Quickly found something though. That’s me on the far left.

(Petra, Jordon) What an awesome place! Mind blowing. To think that they carved that out of the face of the mountain back when there was inadequate scaffolding and no overtime wage incentives.

I always get his one mixed up, but I think this one is called the ‘embassy’ and the other one, for which we had to walk quite some way up the up through the valley mountain, is called the ‘Treasury.’

(Palmyra, Syria) - Sleepy Sandy Plains Of History Definitely one of the most amazing places I have had the pleasure to experience. I think it was the calmness and the quiet of Palmyra that made it such a tranquil but eye opening experience. We stayed one night. The evening meal played havoc on my stomach for 2 days after. It’s amazing how your stomach holds such a grudge huh…for 2 days! Sheesh!

That’s me trying to get an ever better view

Luxor, Egypt – By Night (Luxor Temple)

A little foreboding but an amazing atmosphere to be apart of this historical land mark at night.

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