Sometimes, when I walk into my family room, I wonder if I have an amazing husband who likes having pink and turquoise pillows with embroidered pretties on them, or if I have an amazing husband who doesn't voice his opinion about pink and turquoise pillows with embroidered pretties on them.
I don't think I'll ask him.
Either way, I think I've got it pretty good:)
Happy Weekend everybody!!
xoxo Sarah
Warning:Deep thoughts by Sarah Jane...nothing too funny or catchy today. Just thinking outloud:
So, if you know me well, you'll know I'm a thinker. I'd like to consider myself a thinker and a doer, but I come from a family of great minds. I think about my place in this universe, and why I do what I do. From mothering to house hold chores, I am the kind of person who thinks about the purpose behind most of what I do! To me, everything fits together in a perfect eternal dance. Boring? Maybe. But it's how I tick.
Which is why I'm sharing this Picture Book Proclamation that has been circling the WWW. It's been food for thought. This idea of originality, creativity and innovation on the platform of business: i.e. the platform that shares your art with the world.
While I'm not stirring up the same argument they are, which I think is a good one, I've been reading this over, and thinking a lot of innovation and creation in business in general. Originally, I created a business from the need to earn a pay check. But after a while (a very SHORT while) that motive didn't last. It's too hard. It's too stressful. You have to do it because you are fulfilled by creating something original and beautiful. At least for me.
I've been asking the question "Why does the world need more art? Why do we need more stories? Isn't there enough already? I mean, we could have capped it at Monet and Victor Hugo, right?"
I haven't been asking this in regards to me personally, cause I know I have art I HAVE to share. And I know creatives will always need to express their own story. But why do we share it? Is it for the artist's need to express? Or do we create for a better world? And why does the world need your piece of it?
It's an interesting thought. And while I'm talking about the WHO we create for and WHY, it leads me to the topic of BUSINESS and the space that is available for work. This economy is hard. It's tough. And while we need to create in order to express ourselves, ultimately someone needs to buy it. And sometimes, that can conflict with the values for the WHY we create. If it's for making a better world, how do we do that with limited space available to us?
I personally believe there is space for everyone, and I have often said in conferences I've spoken at that "There are enough walls in the world for everyone's art." But while that is true, it's an interesting concept to consider: Why DO you create? Really? Why are you motivated to share your art and creativity with the world? When you know that answer, and REALLY know it, possibilities are endless.
And in regards to that inner answer you come to, this proclamation, while geared at children's books, reaffirms the idea that while jobs are limited, and often tell us what we need to create to get the job done, it's ultimately the job of the creator to know what it is they were meant to create. When those two things go hand in hand, it's a very powerful and beautiful thing. The job of the artist is a tricky one. Often we are compelled to create based on how we see the world, and not everyone sees things that same way. And when you are trying to earn a living, producing something that just a few people resonate with can make it hard to put food on the table. Yet, to create something that doesn't resonate with you, often leads to mediocrity.
I'm not producing answers today...I only post the questions. It's good to ask those questions, and revisit them from time to time. I have a lot of answers...my own personal answers...and I am sure you have your own as well. In a world of overstimulated outward awareness every where you go (you can't get on the internet without seeing someone else's creative idea at every turn) it's so important to know why YOU create. And while the topic of staying original and innovative is with the picture book industry, I think we could safely say it's a topic that could be had with any creative industry today: Making what you think people want to see and what ultimately "sells" vs. making what you are motivated to share, all in the midst of a challenging economy.
I personally believe that when you know the reason why you are motivated to create in the first place, there is no paradox.
Sorry for the long post today. The truth is, I'm supposed to be packing for a long trip, and quite frankly, I hate packing. And so I guess you could now safely say I'm a thinker and procrastinator!
The end.
Hello!
Happy All Saints Day!
I'm not Catholic, so I never did have the chance to learn much about Santa Lucia, the saint that is celebrated at Christmas time throughout Scandinavian countries, and other parts of Europe. But I have always, always loved the tradition and story behind Santa Lucia, or St. Lucy, and so I've made a print in the shop since I have always wanted to participate in this tradition.
Ok, Ok, I know it's not Christmas yet. But, being All Saints Day, I figured this was ok to share, right?
St. Lucia is the bringer of light. In one of the darkest countries in the world during December, St. Lucia is celebrated on Dec. 13, the darkest day of the year. It is ironically, the mark of the beginning of the 12 days of Christmas! I've always wanted to dress up as a little girl, with candles on my head and celebrate the Christmas Season just like they do in Scandinavia, and elsewhere throughout the world.
I just think it's so wonderfully bright and cheery and symbolic on so many levels. I think we might find a way to read about this tradition on the 13th of December this year. To me, it's always been such a warm, welcoming way to introduce the Christmas Season!
I'm going to be sharing a lot of Christmas things early this year. With my book being out, and lots of new Christmas items in the shop, and coming on the blog, I'm going to make my apologies now, that starting today, there is officially no guilt in me bringing on the Christmas Season!
Happy All Saints day, and hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. This is Ella's first real Halloween, and she finally got the point after about the 4th house. "Candy for Ella? More Candy?" is what we heard all night. I love the holidays. Don't you?
xo
sarah j
Wishing you a spooky fun Halloween to all of you! We finally carved the giant pumpkin and I'm feeling rather festive.
Have an spooky and wonderful night!
xoxo
sarah
OK!
Well, so much for blogging about all the new stuff going on in the shop. I actually skipped away to Quilt Market, and had high hopes that it would be the kind of trip that would leave me with some free time in the evenings to chat with you all! Ha!
Quilt Market was fantastic. I didn't have a booth, I was just there to support Michael Miller, and all my other favorite people in the fabric world. More on that later!
But, before it got too late into the season, I just have to start sharing with you all the sweet little new Sarah Jane things going on.
First, let's talk jewlery!
I have collaborated with the wonderful Bel Kai Designs, and we've come up with 10 necklace designs that I just love.You can get them with or without the pearl, and they are really so sweet. I've been wanting to make these for a long while...and I'm so thrilled to have them!
I will be honest. I'm not a big jewelry person. If I wear it, it's definitely on purpose. Which is why I just love these. Initially, these are for the little girls in your life. My Addie loves these! But honestly, so do I. They aren't just for kids. I wore the "Going Tandem" one yesterday, and no joke, got 7 compliments in one day. Maybe I do need to wear more jewelery!
I really hope you like these! I've been wanting to offer designs for little girls for a while, and these just turned out so darling.
In the shop here!
And Happy Halloween Everyone! Have a wonderful, safe, and creative night!
xoxo
sarah
Hello!
Well, today is the big day. SO big in fact, that the web decided to explode on me and leave me without being able to access visibility to my blog! I had to have a friend (who also stays up in the night to make things!) to post this for me. Crazy world. I'm sure I'll have access later today....but I couldn't launch this site without giving you a formal introduction!
So, say "Hello!" to this new little space!
It's saying "Hello" back. Just so you know.
There is so much to share, that I can't really do it all in one post. So, I'm going to let you play the "I spy with my little eye" game, and tell me what you see that is NEW! New product, new options...it's all there. I'd love to hear what you think!
I'll be posting about all the new features and goodies over the next few days!
Now just for reference, cause I know you'll ask, the shop on my website is in addition to my ETSY shop, which I love and care for deeply. This new shop can just offer more things that I think you'll be happy with!
And...dun dun dun...we're launching this party with a big fat 15% sale on your whole order! Just this week. Enter code "SJGRAND15" and you'll be all set!
So...I'm signing off to let you play around. You'll notice a few little links that may not work, but like I said. Minor explosion. Men at work.
Have fun looking around! xo sarah
Howdy, folks. It's official. I have a www.sarahjanestudios.com tomorrow. It only took 4 years. I'm pretty excited.
You'll notice some new little tweaks to the blog too. Feel free to hop around!
But I plan on seeing
at the break of dawn
...before your kids are out of bed...before your bowl of cereal...heck...maybe you'll wake up in the night just to see what's all the fuss in these parts.
And please know, that while I've been slaving away at building a little e-space, that my kids are out building something a lot more real. Rakes, rocks, sticks and jump ropes...ooooh ya. That's where I'll be tomorrow morning, for sure.
See you bright and early! xoxo
I'm bending over backwards to get my website up and running by next week. I am so thrilled to finally have a space that is a lot more cohesive, simple, and well...just a good place to come and visit! But wow...it's been more work than I was prepared for!
I've been photographing up a storm, and I wanted to post this picture today. I think this might be my favorite print in my shop. It often sits quietly, not as noticed as a lot of others. But this one has always been telling of this season. Changing seasons, quiet sounds, yet magical and whimsical. It makes me thoughtful, maybe because I'm watching more...watching for that next leaf to change...looking for which tree on the mountain will be red next. This piece is in my studio for that reason...it always makes me smile.
I've been pensive and thoughtful as I've stayed up these past several nights revamping my website after starting this curious journey 4 years ago this month. I will never forget the sleepless nights I spent with prints all over my floor trying to learn how to use a fine art printer. I was so driven to earn an income from my artwork instead of selling health products MLM like I had started doing...that it all seemed so worth it. I was nervous, excited, scared and a lot of naive! But full of hope. I just hoped that someone would buy a few prints, and help me stay home with my two babies.
We all have that hope. Hope that by trying something new, things will improve. That from hard work, faith, smarts and (a lot of!) drive, answers will come and problems will resolve. I don't believe in waiting around for other people to solve your problems...and looking back, I see how tenatious I was to start an entire business out of those hopes! But it's what was (and still is!) in my gut and my soul, and I've just marveled at all the knowledge gained, relationships made, growth and faith I've built.
Forgive me for the nostalgia today! I really can get nostalgic and sappy. But this weather, my businesses 4th birthday and me having to dig through 4 years of all my art has kept me rather pensive. As a creative spirit, it's natural for me to always be digging up, learning and observing from everything around me...and so I guess that's why I'm popping in today! Change is good, and reminds me that you can make what ever you want out of your life! I've really had to ask myself some big questions lately: like why do I want what I want, and do what I do? These are the kinds of questions that help me remember that every path is different, every person unique. And sometimes looking back at it all just makes me feel really, well...grateful! So grateful. I'm thoughful and humble today. And i guess I just wanted to tell you all that: We are all unique and have our own path to carve out of the rock. And if we stop and listen often enough, the way to go is always clear.
And so, thanks for listening! You are all wonderful and I'm blessed to have a place to share this creative journey!
Have a wonderful weekend folks!
xo
sarah
