GirlCanCreate

Imagine - Creative Writing Thursdays

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Last week i started my first ever Imagine-Creative Writing Thursday Post. Basically, i ask people to come and have a look at this image and then create a post based on this photograph from long ago. It can be imagined or true, whatever strikes your fancy. The only thing that i ask is that you let us know about your writing here in our comments section and in the Mr. Widget box and feel free to let others know about it. The easiest way to create a piece is by using free writing. Basically, time yourself for 10 minutes and simply write whatever comes into your mind. No editing. No changing. Just write it and post it. You would be amazed at what might come out of this excercise.

If you don't have blog, i would really encourage you to add the writing in the comments section.

Also, feel free to click on the photo to see some details that you might have missed out on first glance. It's pretty amazing for sure!

Have fun, can't wait to see what comes up!

Snowflake

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Snowflake, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

This is what i hope we have more of sometime soon. In the meantime, off to take photos of my work from yesterday to post (sorry, i have been a wee bit slow yesterday!) on the blog!

Inspiring Mondays

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Wow, what an amazing and full weekend!

For the past 9 Saturdays I have been working with some incredible youth from newcomer and refugee backgrounds. We worked together to work on basic theatre skills and they created a show that showcased their new performance skills! On Saturday we had our public performance at Wychwood Barns at The Loop Performance Studio and it was so brilliant, and very wonderful. They performed stories from their lives, and scenes and dances. They made me proud and inspired me with their honesty!

Part of my regular schedule is that on Monday's i listen to podcasts.

I listen regularly to This American Life(I love Ira Glass), Studio 360, Hearing Voices, Craft Sanity and Crafty Pod.

This week, I was really inspired by the CraftSanity podcast. It's created by the really enthusiastic, and full of energy Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood. She talks with some great people about their crafts and their lives. This week she spoke with Maya Donenfeld of MayaMade blog.

It was really so very wonderful and i was inpsired by Maya's honesty and her story. Do go and check out her blog for such great and simple projects.

What touched me most was Maya's advice to craft bloggers to make every day. Not something schmancy, or super duper complicated, just a little something. Now, as i am currently trying to figure out what my blog is all about, this was such great advice.

I have been cleaning house all day long, cause it's going to be a busy week, but i am going to attempt to make daily and post about it.

Today, I am going to finish some embroidery that i have to do for the wonderful Viv Moore. We worked together to create some lovely books with images from her show Worcestershire Saucy. We sold a handful of books and i need to finish the embroidered covers, package them and mail them out by the end of the day!

I will share more later!

Creative Writing Thursdays Response

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:41:00 +0000

I remember her waiting patiently as i got out the presents. They weren't for Xmas, it was her birthday. She always said that when she got older someone would marry her for her patience if nothing else. Her birthday, 15 days before Xmas made her the most patient girl ever.

This year she dreamed of having a June birthday. Imagine the heat and the outdoor party. She would invite all of the neighbourhood kids, even the Rooneys. They were twin boys and they tended towards the rowdy side, but she knew that even they needed to have fun every once in a while.

Her party would be on the warmest day of the year, and she would put flowers in her perfectly curled hair, and there would never be any static cling at all. She would wash her face with rose water, and put two dabs of mama's perfume behind her ears,and two on her collarbone.

All of the presents would be small, so not to put people out of pocket, but they would be thoughtful and she would love them.

Best of all, her mother and her father would be there together. They wouldn't fight on this special day, but rather would look at each other with smiling eyes remember the night 14 years and nine months ago. They would be proud.

Imagine - Creative Writing Thursdays

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:55:00 +0000

up, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Every Thursday starting this week, i welcome people to do a quick free write based on some of my vintage images that i collect for my collages.

This is how it works.

You come and have a look at this image for say 1 minute, and then you go back to your blog and do a ten minute stream of conciousness write. It can be narrative, abstract, whatever.

You can take this photo and link it on your site, and then come back here and put your name and your post link in the Mister Widgets Magical Links box! And Voila! It's magic!

Please spread the word!

In the Studio

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:53:00 +0000

I'm tired, but i really wanted to post daily this week. So here are a few photos from the latest craft show, and happenings in the studio!

I had a great show at the November Portobello East Market at Queen West. I was on the second floor so the traffic was a bit slow, but all in all it was a fun afternoon full of buyers and new friends!

The following Monday night, i facilitated a Artist Card-Make and Trade Night at Wise Daughters. We are trying to make them regular events. There were 10 of us, and it was so good to see people taking chances and having fun. I found for my self that i find it difficult to make cards in a group setting like that, so it was an interesting observation.

The Ruff Card is by Anna and The Queen Pop Up card was created by Tim.

I have finally been making Vida Bead - Contemporary Prayer Beads for shows and they have been selling like mad. I have a feeling it's because of our unsure world, that people are seeking some support and connection.

The most exciting thing that happened this week is that I am now the proud owner of a new 1 1/4 inch button maker! Here are some of my button's that i will be selling at the upcoming Artisan's Gift Fair at the Tranzac Club!

Images

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Our galaxy, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

Some of you might know that my husband, Dave Pijuan-Nomura is a photographer. And of course, i am biased, but i think that he is brilliant.

In my attempt to blog daily, i am going to share some of his images along with my own.

It's cold night, and it's going to snow. The sky isn't this clear, but i sure wish it was.

Inspiration

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Monday's always feel fresh and new. Sort of like a new year, but not on such a grand scale.

Monday's are the day where i look for inspiration for my week. Sometimes it's online, sometimes it's on my daily dog walks with Beatrice, and other times it hits me in the most unexpected places. I want to share some of my inspiration with you this week.

I don't know if you know about the Notes from the Universe. At first i was a little apprehensive, but after a while of receiving them I started to look forward to them arriving in my mailbox. One of my favourite notes is "If you don't dream big, I can't scheme big!" Sign up for them here.

I met Havi Brooks in the summer and she is brilliant. Just read her blog, and you will see why.

She is smart with a big heart and can help you become more amazing than you already are.

And then of course there are the artists who inspire me. This past week, i have spent much of it at One of A Kind Show and Sale helping out my dear friend Joel out with Banjo Puppets. And then I saw Benita of House of Hsueh and met Kristal Speck who makes brilliant Pottery and Christina Larsen of Textile Platypus who creates these very cool felted creatures with removable rudolph noses. All of these guys were so great to each other, and supportive, and pretty darn inspiring.

It's a late start to the day, but i found some amazing new papers at the Sunday Market yesterday, so I am off to use all of my papers to create some new collages for the upcoming shows at the Artisan's Gift Fair at the Tranzac! Dave and I will be there on December 13, 19 and 20!

Can't wait!

What inspires you this Monday afternoon?

Wishcasting!

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000

What step do you wish to take?

Hello wishcasting friends! It's been a long while since i have posted here, but feel that the time is now. When i read this question, i immediately knew what the answer was.

You see, in the past few months, much of my world has been creating visual art. Things have been going really well (I just got accepted to the Spring One of a Kind Show!) I know that as the date gets closer i will have a lot of things to do. Now, for those of you that know me, i am a pretty organized person. However, i have never really been great at keeping records of finances and inventory and all that jazz. I want to create a simple system that will serve me well. I know it sounds boring, but it's really important to me to become great at all those financial things.

The other thing i would like to take a step towards is building my creativity coaching practice. I have already taken a step closer by signing up for Eric Maisel's new course for expanding your practice, so i just feel like i really have to do the work and let people know about it. Right now, i am redesigning the website so that it includes coaching. For the past few years it's always been via word of mouth, which has been great. I have 7 clients and want to continue with a few more. I just know that my work has helped others, so i would like to offer it to a few more folks!

Finally, i want to take a step towards creating space for a new baby in our home. Over the holidays we are moving my studio and office to the basement, and making a new kitchen on the main floor. It's time to make this house the way we want it. It has served us well for the past 4 years, and now, it's just time to make our dream home true. Of course, that means having the finances to make it happen in a smooth and stress free manner.

It just occurred to me, that all of the steps i want are about creating a stress free environment. Sounds good. I hope that i can do it!

I look forward to reading all of your responses! You are always so very inspiring! And of course, Thanks to Jamie for making this forum possible!

Thoughts about a Blog

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:53:00 +0000

I just got the new issue of Artful Blogging yesterday. Normally this magazine inspires and makes me want to have the homiest, craftiest and wittiest blog this side of the universe.

However, the current issue didn't inspire such dreams. It sort of squashed them a bit actually. Reading it yesterday and looking through all of the lovely sweet images, i couldn't help but think of Barbie. When i was a kid, sure i played with Barbie, but not in the usual way. More like the cut off her hair, give her a nose ring and dye her hair hot pink sort of way. I wasn't the most popular kid, and i definitely had my own drum that i was dancing to.

You see, i look at some of these blogs and everything is perfect (i know that it isn't, but in the little excerpts from the magazine we don't see that). To me, one of the reasons for a blog is to share beauty and wonderful things, but what about the dark, the mysterious, the things we don't know about. This is what I am interested in.

I often only find myself blogging when things are great, but I am trying to create a practice of daily blogging. Of course, that would be the good with the bad. Now, i am not going to start spewing negative thoughts of anger and sadness all over blog world, but perhaps bringing a bit of light to those thoughts might make others realize that they don't have to be all pink and perfect to have a blog, and more importantly to have a voice. That's my hope anyway.

Light

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:49:00 +0000

I had a very long post about art and life. And balance.

And then it vanished.

Enjoy this video. It's for a friend that left us yesterday.

You will be in my heart always Ed. You made a great impact in a short time.

Vida Beads

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:16:00 +0000

She, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I haven't done any bead work in a long time, but i have been thinking about them since i promised a special piece for a dear friend this past summer.

These beads mean a lot to me, and i feel so very lucky to share them to the world.

Hope you enjoy.

Banks of Allan Water

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Banks of Allan Water, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Last Sunday i went to the Old Paper and Book Sale and i must say it was so wonderfully worth it.

As i am getting ready for the Spring One of a Kind Show, i am now hoarding some supplies so that i can try to be organized once i get into creation mode. I can't wait!

I found a seller who sold postcards for 25 cents each. Needless to say, i got a lot of paper ephermera.

I am busy this week getting ready for Xmas shows. I am making some new paper packs, so that i can make way for some new ephemera. I will post them later.

On top of that i am debating whether or not to make some more holiday cards. Do you generally buy cards? I am not sure how many to make!

So it's a busy time and i am hoping to share more and more of my work with you all.

The Giant and her Little Dog

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:42:00 +0000

the giant and her dog, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Sometimes in life, i am overwhelmed and feel so very small and insignificant. Last week while up at the cottage i took this photo to remind myself, that in fact, i can be a giant. A giant in the decisions that i make, with a giant heart, and of course the focus and commitment of a giant that i will need to go forward in the next few months.

Of course, in order to be a giant and do such courageous acts, you must always have the support of friends. And in this case, it's my small dog Beatrice.

I might have mentioned that i have been accepted to the Spring 2010 One of a Kind Show, and am a wee bit terrified. At the same time, i also know that i am on the right path. It's just scary.

It's Monday today, and although chilly outside, i am excited to get on my bike and begin the day. The world awaits!

colours and atc's

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:48:00 +0000

colours and atc's, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Sometimes you simply need to bring colour into your life. yes, it is true.

and so, pencil crayons were born!

take some time today just to have fun and connect with the wee one inside!

Back from Away

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Cutest pug ever, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

And so, it's been a long time since i have been here and many apologies for the absence. It's just that i realized that i have been way too tired and exhausted and needed a wee break.

After a bunch of craft shows, and curating a new Storytelling festival, I went to a cottage on Wasaga Beach. Dave dropped me and the pooch off and we spent a few days sleeping, relaxing and planning for the future.

I listened to the music of Corin Raymond(His new CD is highly recommended) and Todor Kabakov who are two of my most favourite music makers right now.

Exciting news came in as well! I am now going to be a part of the 2010 Spring One of a Kind Show in April. I am not sure if i am crazy to do this, but it just feels like the right thing to do.

And so, now i go forward and get ready for holiday shows.

My plan is going to be that i blog every other day. Even if it's just a photo that strikes my fancy. Today's photo, my ever loving dog Beatrice.

Rummaging

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that i love to organize and re organize my studio and supplies. Lately i have been thinking that it's time to get rid of a bunch of stuff that i have, and that have no real future in my creative happenings, so, i can't tell you how tickled i was when the wonderful Becky from City of Craft invited me to be a part of the Pure Rummage Trunk Show at the Workroom this Sunday!

Here are a few of the things that i will be offering up.

A jar of old beads, necklaces and random bits.

Some jewelry making supplies that i will never use. Do people actually use this stuff, and how did it get in my stash?

Vintage buttons from the 60's and 70's. Some of them i might not be able to part with, but others, will hopefully find a new home!

And as always, i will be putting together a bunch of paper packs with original papers, ribbons, lace and photos together for all of those collage artists out there. It will be tricky parting with some of my papers, but i am trying to focus on the fact that i will be making some space for some new papers!

My only real concern is that i might just bring home more than i started with after seeing some of the great stuff the other vendors are selling!

Here are the details! Hope to see you there!

Sunday October 18, 2009
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Busy Me. It's October!

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:12:00 +0000

I am at home sick so i thought that i would get all caught up in my online work. It's a super busy time at GirlCanCreate, and instead of sending you a gazillion little notes and messages, i thought that i would put it all in this post!

October 17 - Comrades in Craft

I will be selling some of my original pieces a

long with prints from my show that is at Wise Daughters in the Junction! There are some great vendors, hope to see you there.

http://comradesincraft.com

October 18 - Pure Rummage Sale at the Workroom

I am so proud to be a part of this rummage sale. I will be selling beads, vintage paper packs, old sewing stuff, tchotckas and some knitting bits.

http://www.theworkroom.ca/

October 22 to 25 - FOOL - Festival of Oral Literatures

This project is so close to my heart. You might know how much i love stories. In all of my work, i like to say that i am a storyteller no matter what medium. And so, I am proud to annouce 25+ amazing artists at this inaugural festival. House concerts are such a great way to meet new people, and will provide the best atmosphere to listen to stories. There will also be a day at Wychwood Barns, and then one in the Market.

http://www.foolfestival.ca

November 1 - Artist Trading Cards at Wise Daughters

Come and have much fun while making cards at the Junction's coolest new shop.

http://www.wisedaughters.com

November 2 - She Can Create: Creativity Classes for Women

Come to a 4 week workshop that helps kickstart creativity with this experiential workshop

http://www.wisedaughters.com

Sweet Mystery of Life

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:16:00 +0000

When i was young, my father had a collection of Mario Lanza recordings, and i fell in love with this song. The bravado, the sentimentality of it all.

On Sunday while i was at the St Lawrence Market, after three years of looking i found a recording of this song. I did a happy dance, and took it home and listened to it with my eyes closed.

I couldn't help but smile.

I know it's a bit cheesy, but i really do love this song. And if you take a moment to listen to it, perhaps you might like it too.

What do i wish to share? Wishcasting Wednesday

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:36:00 +0000

It's been a difficult few days here with a sick cat, and me under the weather, and simply feeling like my focus is blurred.

And today's question is what do i want to share. Well, when i think of it right now, i am not sure what value my offers might be to the world, and then, i take a step back and think larger. What might i like to share in a more abstract way.

I would like to share my knowledge of creativity with others.

I would like to share art.

I would like to share my fruit salad recipe, which although simple is very yummy, equal red to white fruit ratio with a dash of dark real Canadian Maple Syrup.

I would like to share my stores. They would make you laugh, perhaps cry, make you look around and see things in a different light if only for a moment.

That is what i would like to share.

Stretch - Wednesday Wishcrafting

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:34:00 +0000

How do you wish to stretch?

This is today's question put forth by the lovely Jamie Ridler in here weekly blog post Wednesday Wishcasting where you put out your wishes to the world, and put energy forward to others wishes as well.

I love synchronicity, and well, this one is perfect. Last night before going to bed, i thought, oh, making art 24 - 7 is great, BUT as someone who used to move a lot, my body is sore, and so, back to yoga. How's that for a literal interpretation of stretch!

I would also like to stretch my world of my art. I have been applying to a some arts and craft shows to a number of years just knowing that my aesthetic of art is not the same as theirs. I don't make cute little stuffie animals, or wallets with owls on them, or recycled dresses from men's ties. (although i do love to buy those things and have nothing against the people who make them!), but when i apply, i am always a bit surprised that it's the same vendors year after year after year. And so, i would like to do some research into other craft shows that might not be in the city as well as some different venues for my art.

Right now, i am just proud of my first solo show from last week. I sold 7 pieces and it felt grand really!

You can see some images of my show here on my etsy shop. It's the one spot where i have the most images. Let me know what you think, i would love to hear your thoughts.

And now, off i go to stretch - literally!

The Refugee Hotel

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Many years ago, when i was part of the Nightwood's Theatre Groundswell Playwright unit, i met the most talented and lovely Marilo Nunez. For 9 months we worked together, wrote our plays, and got to know each other.

Although we don't see each other much, Marilo has been a most important influence in my artistic career as well as a great support to me.

Marilo runs a company called Alameda Theatre which supports the work of Latin American artists in Canada. Tomorrow night, a very important show will open entitled the Refugee Hotel. It's not only an important piece of theatre that tells the stories of Chilean refugees coming to Canada in 1974 to escape political turmoil, but it tells the stories of so very many people coming to Canada today.

An important piece of theatre has been documented to follow the journey of this production and all those involved.

I urge you to go and see this show, and support the Refugee Hotel!

And the Winner is...

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:59:00 +0000

Shari of Bonnin Designs! Shari will recieve a print of one of my pieces from this weekends show!

It's been an amazing past few days with 7 of my pieces sold at my art show, and now i get ready for next weeks show at Queen West Art Crawl Craft Market. I think i could really start to like this!

And now, finally i can show you some of the work that i have been doing in the past few weeks.

All pieces are available in a limited edition print at my etsy shop here!

Wednesday WishCasting - September 9

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Lovely Jamie Ridler hosts a weekly wishcast session and this week asks What do i wish to learn?

It starts with a story as all wishes do.

When i was young, I dreamt about being a movie star. The odds were against me, a chubby stubborn awkward girl, and yet, i went against those odds, and while i didn't become a movie star, i created a life of performing and creating that has taken me farther than i would have ever imagined. I have traveled to Europe, and across Canada with my work and for that I am proud.

When i was in my twenties, i dreamt of being a dancer. A dream was the beginning of this reality, and soon i found myself working with all of my mentors and teachers. I took classes, and read and watched and i learnt as much as i could about other movers and soon i was performing and dancing and proud.

A few years ago i began to dream of images. I imagined colours, lines, and shapes taking my storytelling work far and wide. That i would let go of the words and let the images tell the stories of those who came before me. Tomorrow i have my first ever solo art show.

What do i want to learn?

I want to learn to trust my instincts and continue to grow and challenge myself.

I want to learn how to be a better blogger and spread the good word of creativity far and wide. To teach all that i know and coach other women in this delicate dance of creation.

I want to learn how to tango and dance under the moonlight with my lovely Dave.

I want to learn how to return books and movies on time. I want to learn how to post images on etsy more efficiently. I want to know how to manage just a tad bit better.

I want to learn about how the stories of my words, the movements of my soul and the images of my heart come together to create my forever art. This is what i dream.

Thanks as always to you, lovely wishcasters, i didn't have time to read everyone's post as this week has been mad with the show, but i promise to find the time this week to read all of your wishes. I would also like to let you know about this, just a lovely little giveaway of art. And as always i thank Jamie whose grace and generosity are as always, stunning.

Sneak Peek and an Art Contest/Giveaway!

lisa@girlcancreate.com (Lisa PN) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:17:00 +0000

And so, i have one last day of making before my first ever solo art opening tomorrow. I am a bit shy about showing my work, and hoping that people like it so i thought that i would give you all a sneak peek here! Above is one of my first pieces and a personal favourite for sure!

In the past few weeks, i have been thinking about how this dream is coming true. And i talk about how being a visual artist is new to me, and i am reminded that in fact, i have always done colllage. When i was a kid, i used to collect magazines, cut out the pictures that i liked and much to my mother's chagrin, i would staple or tape them to the wall in visually lovely ways.

I am reminded of one of my first jobs at the bookstore and the first thing i bought was art supplies. If you have seen any photos of my studio, you know that my collection of art supplies is large!

I have been making every day, and honestly, it has been one of the most blissful times in my life in the past few years. Yes, i love to perform, but somehow this is feeding another part of me, a part that connects stories and images and colour together. A friend commented that perhaps, i have been a visual artist all along but no one ever realized it. I am proud to say that she just might be right!

I have decided that i will be offering limited edition prints of this show on my etsy shop starting on Friday at the low price of $22! The editions will be of 25!

And as a thank you to all of my lovely readers, i have decided to have a contest!

Simply post a comment on my blog by Saturday September 12 letting me know that you would like to be entered in the contest! The winner will get a 8 x 10 print of my original artwork shown in this post! I will announce the winner on Sunday!

If you are in Toronto tomorrow, I would love to see you tomorrow night at the opening! If you can't make it to the opening, my work will be at Wise Daughters until December so you will definitely have time!

All the details are right here!