The Disclaimer I Hear in Almost Every Painting Session

There’s something I hear in almost every painting session I host. Sometimes it’s right at the beginning. Sometimes it comes out halfway through. But it always sounds something like this: “I’m not really creative.”“I’m not an artist.”“I don’t really know what I’m doing.” It usually comes as a disclaimer. Like a quiet heads-up, just in …

2025 Creative Indeed Art Exhibit at Dusit Place

The Creative Indeed Art Exhibit opening night was an amazing success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support all of our participating artists. Hosted by Michelle Pier, the owner of Creative Indeed art studio, the event is free to the public and features over 121 artists of all ages and stages of art …

Why I recommend Patreon for Guam artists, creatives, organizations, & entrepreneurs.

Had an awesome conversation with Master Random on the podcast. We talked about the latest happenings, the shifting direction I’m moving in, creative sustainability, how Guam creatives could be utilizing the Patreon platform, and more. Even some on-the-spot creative business coaching, lol. Warning: Some vulgar language.  http://masterrandom.libsyn.com/episode-115-michelle-pier Become a Patron on Master Random’s Page like …

Live Art Showcase at Pika’s Cafe

Thank you to Pika’s Cafe, for allowing me the space on their walls yet again to showcase my gallery of artworks for sale for 4 months! I did a series of Live Art sessions in the cafe as well, which I always enjoy, especially the occasional interactions with guests.

Live Art at Mosa’s Joint Craft & Culture Event by Kona

Thursday Feb.16th! Outside Mosa’s Joint, we’re shutting down the parking lot to celebrate CRAFT & Culture, featuring new craft beers, live music, live art (by yours truly!), and amazing food of course. The Creative Indeed studio was open upstairs, Lotus Surf shop was als posted up outside, as well as some other displays and goods …

I got a dog!

Oh my goodness, when it rains it pours. I really want a dog, like, in 2 YEARS. I JUST moved into my new place, and am NOT ready for a dog yet. Omg okay fine, because he is sooooooooo cute!

Painting inspired by Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali

During both adventures to Bali, I visited the Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and magical place. I would visit a hundred times or more if I could! When you get to the bottom of a million stairs or so, you walk across a bridge over the river, up alongside the mountain a …

New Year’s Adventure Back to Bali!

So I went to Bali in October 2016, and I told you all that I fell in love and would be back sooner rather than later. Well, I decided to start 2017 with an adventure back to Bali! It was amazing, even though I did get the infamous “Bali Belly” while I was there. Really …

Twin Latte Stones Commission Painting

A recent commission piece I did for a client (who is now officially a collector!) is a latte stone painting, representing his twin daughters. This is the third painting I’ve done for this amazing client of mine, and honored to fill his wall with meaningful art! Painting is 24″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas. Here are …

King’s Restaurant Guam Commission Artworks

I recently completed a commission project for the newly renovated King’s Restaurant in Tamuning, Guam. I created two large artworks, each 48″x48″ latte stones, one in pieces on the ground, and one standing upright, both in jungle background settings. Here are photos of the process from start to finish:

Speaking for the First Live TEDx Guam!

Last month, I was honored to be invited to be one the first four speakers for the first live TEDx event for Guam, alongside Guam’s first lady Christine Calvo, congresswoman Madeline Bordallo, and owner of Bank of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero. I was so nervous, to be alongside top women leaders in our community, and …

Bali was amazing, a travel dream come true!

Since I’ve been back from an epic vacation with friends to Bali, the first question I get is, “how was your trip?” I have started answering “lame” or something similar, because I got tired of repeating “amazing.” Who goes to Bali and has a lame experience? Not me! I guess it helps that I was …

Photo Inspirations That Keep the Creativity Flowing

Today is my son’s 11th birthday, and he stayed home with me because he isn’t feeling well. Every year my sons’ birthdays remind me to reflect, because their arrival into this world were huge milestones. I can’t believe how much has happened in 11 years. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the utterly amazing. …

Latest Creation: Purple Tree Goddess

Catching a break between commission work, I decided to paint an image that has been marinating in my mind’s eye for some time now. The Purple Tree Goddess image is one the represents the rich strength of nature, and that the energy that runs through the trees is the same energy that runs through us. …

Summer Adventures Continue!

More photos from the random shenanigans this summer, ranging from beach days, the Electric Island Festival, book launch painting event for Handful of Smoke, studio painting shenanigans, fun with friends and family, skateboarding adventures, painting on location photoshoots and of course, beautiful shots of nature.

Handful of Smoke: Book Launch & Creative Showcase

Holly Rustick just released her book Handful of Smoke this summer, and I did live art at her launch party. Amanda Young and Myracly Mugol painted live alongside, while other local artists such as Amber Word, Robert Camacho and Claudia Clement displayed works for sale and for auction. Other features were a game of blackjack, …

ANNOUNCING: My New STUDIO SPACE!!!!!!

YES, that title needs to be in CAPS and with as many exclamation points as possible, because this is a dream come true for me. This is a huge step in the right direction for me, something I’ve wanted for so long. I have so much more space to work with, and I’m excited to …

Summer Adventures in Photos

Summer is rolling by quickly, especially since it started out with a crazy bang when FestPac took over for a couple weeks. It’s all an adventurous blur right now, as we get into the usual summer swing of things. Here are the adventures over the last month or so, as told through photos:

Recreating Freedom: A Commission Painting Project

Awhile back I had painted a piece titled Freedom, and it eventually sold at one of my events. The buyer recently contacted me to commission two paintings just like it, except one would have more blues. Here is the first one, done in the likeness of the original. ETA: Blue piece has been finished and …

Black and White Divine Mother Commission Painting

The Divine Mother painting commissions continue! This one is especially unique because it is done in only black, white, and gold paint for a modern style finish for my client’s new office. This piece is a 16″x20″ acrylic on stretched canvas, and to follow are photos and videos of the painting process.

A Starfish Commission Painting in the Making!

Commission complete! A starfish was requested, now it’s time to sign, seal and deliver. This was a really fun piece. I got to play with my new palette knives to create that blended impasto look for the background. Metallic blue and gold were also used in this painting. 30″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas.

The Making of  a Golden Goddess Painting

Time for some sponge action to create a full-textured Golden Goddess painting commission, inspired by the original Life Force paintings I did a couple years back. This piece was commissioned through the Divine Mother fundraiser campaign to open my art studio. Here’s a play-by-play of the sponging action and close-ups on the textures.

A Pair of Unique Divine Mother Painting Commissions

The first set of commissioned Divine Mother paintings are just about finished, with maybe a few adjustments before they are released. They are each unique, one in similar likeness to the original, and one with a different look and feel. I wanted to incorporate the balance between grounded roots (and DNA), and outstretching light and spirit. …

Handful of Smoke Book Pre-Launch and Live Art

Holly Rustick is releasing her book Handful of Smoke this summer, and last night was the pre-launch mixer at Pika’s Cafe, where I did live art. It was cool to feel a book come to life with people acting out some of the scenes during the readings, and live art interpretations done by myself and …

Latest artworks sold and their new homes

Recent artworks that have sold have gone to their new homes and owners, except for one, the Divine Wave. I’m thankful that my client was willing to let it have its moment to shine on MoSa’s wall for a little while. I put a lot of love and energy into that piece, and every once …

4-panel Abstract Latte Stone Painting

The Guam Valley of the Latte Adventure Park just held its first annual festival along the Talofofo River, where there is also an ancient latte stone village site. I was one of the artists exhibiting, and this is a 4-panel painting of a latte stone I did for the event. The piece is sold.

Divine Wave Painting from Start to Finish

Waves are one of my favorite, and most challenging subject to paint. I’ve always been in love with the ocean, and am endlessly amazed by the power and beauty of ocean waves. This Divine Wave is acrylic on stretched canvas, 24″x30″ and is exhibited at MoSa’s Joint in Hagatna, available for purchase. Here are photos …

Adventures of March Memories in Photos

What a month! It isn’t even quite over yet. March continues to march to the beat of its own drum, urging us all to do the same. So many surprises, travel, simple adventures in nature, risks and rewards, hard work, reflection, captures of beauty, letting go, spring break at the pool, the beach & the …

The Power of a Simple Spiral

Every so often, in between commission projects, art planning, and business tasks, I am inspired to paint something on a whim, an urge if you will. One evening, I felt the time was right to create a thick textured golden spiral that had been on my mind and heart for a few months. There is …

Maga’lahi Rooster Commission Painting

Maga’lahi is a commissioned rooster painting, of a Kelso breed that holds special meaning to its owner. On Guam, breeding roosters is a long-held hobby and connoisseurship alike. While some engage in the culture of cockfighting, this owner loves roosters for the art of breeding and the memories of growing up with loved ones who …

7 Insights from my 2nd Uplevel Gold Retreat

Only a few hours ago, I made it back to Guam from Asheville, NC, where I attended my 2nd Uplevel Gold retreat hosted by Christine Kane and her Uplevel team. The insights are endless, but there are some that really stand out, lessons relearned on a deeper level. I have been participating in the Uplevel …

Strength in Roots Commission Painting

Earlier this month I was commissioned to paint a 2nd piece for a lovely little family. The first one was for the little girl’s birthday a couple years ago, and now that baby brother has entered the world, time for a new birthday painting! I created this one in similar likeness to his big sister’s …

Ray of Sunshine Commission Painting for Mom and Daughter

A fun and challenging commission painting, “Ray of Sunshine” is an acrylic painting on 11″x14″ stretched canvas recently finished. Based on a photo of a mother’s daughter, this piece is a special one, capturing the essence of her little girl reading, in the sanctuary of golden light streaming in through a bedroom window. I actually …

Last Creative Session Painting Party for Awhile!

Had a lovely painting session with these fun (and talented!) ladies yet again. Always a great time with this group, and it feels bittersweet to announce that I will no longer be holding Creative Sessions until further notice. All events are temporarily being put on hold this year, as I direct my focus toward expanding …

Photo Adventures of Friends, Family, Art & Surf in January!

January has been full of fun, all alongside kicking off the year and getting in gear business-wise. Including, though not limited to: Hiking, goats (Wendy, specifically), kids, dogs, surfing, surfboard making, happy hour, networking, events, reading, retreat, art, MoSa’s Joint, and more surfing. I will let the photos do the storytelling in this case!

The Biggest Latte Stone I’ve Ever Painted!

So I was up late one night (I think it was new year’s day? or the 2nd?) and decided to just go ahead and paint the giant canvas sitting in my room. Over the course of several hours, the biggest latte stone I’ve ever painted emerged. I have been loving using the crosshatch style of …

My 10 Most Memorable Experiences in 2015

What a year of surprises! Between painting on a wedding dress, travel to Asheville, live art at the Electric Island Festival, receiving the award for Home-Based Business Champion of the year by the SBA, and so much more, it has been eventful to say the least! Looking back, these are some of my most memorable …

Behind the Scenes of the Dramatic Cat Commission

The final piece of a recent commission collection is finished! A dramatic cat painting, done in a non-abstract style for once. Black, white and green are the palette and an alert kitty gives the staredown of both curiosity and readiness. Decided to sketch it first to try to get the proportions to look okay.  This was …

Year-End Original Art Promo Before Prices Go Up!

Hafa adai beautiful people of the world (yes, YOU)! I have an amazing array of original art pieces (all acrylic paintings on stretched canvas) available for sale. You can view them at http://CreativeIndeed.net/art or you can also arrange with me to see them in person (contact info below). I will be at the Holiday Craft Fair at …

The 7th LUNA FESTIVAL is this Sunday!

Wow, I can’t believe it is here, that time of year again, when yet another (7th) annual Luna Festival is ready to go. You won’t want to miss it, so be at Jeff’s Pirates Cove on Sunday, October 25th, from noon-8pm for a jam-packed day of celebrating the creative arts on Guam. We have 70 …

Latest Art, Fun, Events, Celebrations & Adventures in Photos

The latest in my world includes my dear friend’s birthday celebration, hanging at friends’ houses, helping with a carwash fundraiser for the new MoSa’s Joint, the latest surfboard shaped by my dad, late night painting sessions and collaborations, crazy hair days, and the Nightshow event that raised money for typhoon relief in Saipan. Boom. Enjoy!

New Art Stuffs on the Easel & in the Sketchbook

A typhoon of art inspirations taking over my little studio room. Pulled everything out to get a good look at this sea of art inventory. Painted a couple new abstract pieces; a thick impasto-like abstract Guam sunset in blues and golds (16″x20″), and an abstract purplish flower piece (24″x36″). All acrylic paint. Also, I sketched …

Creative Session: The Healing Power of Art

Hafa adai! This weekend I had the special honor of leading a Creative Session focusing on the healing power of art. Art has a natural way of being healing, simply through the act of creating. The creative process is something that happens in everyday life… You have an idea, or see something inspiring. You have …

Midsummer Musings and Random Photo Adventures

A collection of photos from random adventures and musings over the last month. A little behind-the-scenes look into my wonderful wacky life including beach trips, night-out selfies, cool little shots of nature, piling slippers onto our cat, windy wild hair, bonfires, surf sessions and sunset skies.    

WIN the Giant Painting Created Live at EIF!

Were you at the Electric Island Festival (EIF) this past weekend? The fun continues!!! Did you check out the LIVE ART tent? You have a chance to WIN the giant 4’x6′ canvas painting I created live at EIF. HERE’S HOW TO WIN: 1.) Follow @creative_indeed on Instagram. 2.) If you have a photo or video …

A Colorful June Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa

June 6th was the 1st Saturday of the month, and that means: Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa! As usual, I provide all the supplies for you to come and try acrylic painting. Everyone brings their own image to create/recreate, and we encourage each other through the process. This month’s session was colorful! I always love …

Pulled Out My Old Portfolio and Found These Gems

I recently found my old portfolio from college (was that really almost 15 years ago?!), and pulled out some old gems. These were from my “Drawing 1” class, using pencil, charcoal, oil pastels and pen, not particularly my favorite mediums. I loved sketching though, I’ve been sketching and drawing pretty much since I was able …

Artist Profile Photo Shoot by Robert Camacho

I recently had the pleasure of doing an artist profile photo shoot with an amazing local photographer, Robert Camacho. The photos will be used on my website and other promotional materials. I had a lot of fun, and it feels amazing to get professional photos done (this wasn’t the first time, but now my hair …

Mom’s Art & Wine Night a Ton of Fun at Guma’ Tasa!

Last night I held a mom’s art & wine night at Guma’ Tasa coffeehouse, with a crowd of about 20 ladies, and it turned out amazing! Participants were encouraged to bring any image they’d like to paint, supplies were provided, an intro to the basics of how to start and guidance throughout the process was …

Pacific Mandala Exhibit of Artwork by Mark Dell’Isola

Guam artist Mark Dell’Isola exhibited his work this weekend at the Saggan Kotturan Chamoru (Chamoru Cultural Center) at Ipao Point. Floor to ceiling mandalas are showcased across his studio space, capturing the viewer’s attention into a mesmerizing gaze. The mandalas create optical illusions, and give the viewer a sense of motion in the artwork. The …

Ladies Night Birthday Painting Party & Creative Session

A happy happy birthday to a wonderful woman named Natalie. Lady friends and family gathered to celebrate and have some unique fun by painting together. I love these kinds of private Creative Sessions, because there is always so much laughter, love, and creativity in one room. What more meaningful way to spend your birthday than …

Tumon Sands Art Gallery Now Open Showcasing Guam Artists

The Tumon Sands Art Gallery held its grand opening on May 7th, now open for business showcasing artworks for sale by Guam artists. The current participating artists are: Mark Murer, Monica Baza, Filamore P. Alcon, Desmond Mandell, Cielo Delos Reyes, Yeon Sook Park, Tiger Chang Hee, Moe Cotton, Tania Keachele, Mar-Vic Cagurangan, and Andrea Murer. …

Guam Charter Schools Week & Young Picasso Art Contest

Guam now has two charter schools: Guahan Academy School, and iLearn Academy, and the governor recently signed a proclamation for charter schools week on Guam. As a part of the festivities, the schools held an art contest called “Young Picasso” that would award the winners art prizes as well as mentorship sessions with a local …

Mom’s Art & Wine Night to Be Held at Guma’ Tasa

Looking for an enjoyable mom’s night out? Creative Indeed is offering an art & wine night just for moms, facilitated by Michelle Pier, a local artist here on Guam. Simply bring an image you love, or pick from some of the images that will be available at the session, OR you can even just wing …

2015 SBA Awards: Home-Based Business Champion of the Year!

On Wednesday April 29th, the U.S. Small Business Association held it’s annual award ceremony along with its 25th anniversary celebration. Nine award-winners were recognized for their achievements in the small business world here on Guam. According to a Guam Pacific Daily News article, “Several individuals and families who were honored yesterday in the U.S. Small …

Must-See Solace Exhibit Makes an Important Impact

The opening night of Solace was held on Friday, May 1st at the CAHA Gallery. The art exhibit was created by Rubyjane Buhain-Redila, owner of Java Hut Cafe, based on her experience in producing a local film called The Madam. The film depicts the realities of human-trafficking, and Ruby plays the lead role. I wrote …

May Creative Session: Full of Life  & Color

The first Saturday of the month brings life and color to Guma’ Tasa once again! Creative Sessions are held monthly, and this weekend’s class was a full one. Everyone created beautiful imagery of all kinds. The diversity of art that happens in these sessions always amazes me. Many participants surprise themselves with their creations, whether …

A Rare Family Gathering + Miscellaneous Creative Adventures

Some photos from the miscellaneous events and gatherings over the last week, including: Artist appreciation night by GIFF (Guam International Film Festival), before they debuted the Spring Showcase on Saturday April 18th. Other adventures included grandpa/grandson surf session, a captured rhino beetle, and a multi-celebration (3 birthdays and my parents’  42nd anniversary) with my family …

Painting Party During the Lunar Eclipse on Guam

This Saturday was a full moon, lunar eclipse, and a painting party night! I had a private Creative Session with a wonderful group of ladies (and a curious kitty). They were inspired by a photo of an island and a turtle, so we let it evolve from there. My classes aren’t so much of an …

Happy Easter from Guam!

We celebrated Easter yesterday on Guam, and the weather was beautiful! It was fun day filled with a lot of colors, family, friends, and food. The kids also had fun playing the parachute game, as well as other adventures and mischief of course).            

The Adventures of Maleficent the Fairy Doll

When I was about ten years old, I got into making little fairies out of wire, embroidery thread, silk flowers & leaves, and beads. I stopped after awhile, but apparently my mom kept all my supplies in containers. I got a hold of it all recently, and eventually busted it out for a friend’s daughters …

April Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa, Full of Color

April is in full effect, and today was kicked off with some painting fun at Guma’ Tasa. We had some abstract designs, scenery, and imaginative pieces created on the spot. Creative Sessions are held every 1st Saturday of the month at Guma’ Tasa. I provide supplies for acrylic painting, and you get to come and …

Guahan Napu Holds 8th Rick’s Reef Classic Surf Contest

Another Rick’s Reef Classic in the books! The 8th annual surf contest featured a high number of competitors this year, and was a fun day for the whole family. Results, as posted from the Guahan Napu Facebook Page: 2015 Rick’s Reef Classic VIII surfing, body-boarding and stand-up paddle surfing contest winners (Barrigada, Guam –– Sunday, …

Creation Spotlight: Gold and Blue Spiral Painting

When I got back into painting in 2008, I started by creating a spiral, with one color. I needed the simplicity at the time, as painting with two babies to care for wasn’t easy to do. I gave myself permission to keep things really simple by starting with one color, one motion. It turned into …

March Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa Coffeehouse

March kind of crept up on me, and this past week in particular was pretty intense. Even though I wasn’t able to post the Creative Sessions notice, we still had a little crowd at Guma’ Tasa coffeehouse for painting fun. My apologies to those who may have missed out, I sincerely hope you are able …

Host Your Own Private Painting Party on Guam

Hafa adai! Some pics from a private Creative Session I facilitated the other night. Gather your friends or colleagues at the location of your choice and book your own private Creative Session. Fee is $40/person. Minimum of 10 people, and must schedule at least 2 weeks prior to desired session date. Book now, as all fees …

Coconut Fire Goddess Painting

Soon she will have a twin sister, but for now, here is the Coconut Fire Goddess painting, a commissioned piece. This warm, rich, fiery piece will soon have a cool counterpart, a Coconut Moon Goddess sister. 11″x14″ acrylic on stretched canvas.

Getting Started with Creative Journaling Workshop

Yesterday I had the honor of leading a Creative Journaling workshop at the “Guam is Good: Cancer Symposium” held by the Edward M. Calvo Foundation. Keynote speaker Lori Earl flew to Guam to speak about her family’s experience with cancer. She is the author of the book “This Star Won’t Go Out,” based on her …

We got a dog! Oh, and the kids started a Vlog.

So we got a dog last weekend! His name is Coco, and he originally showed up at my parents’ house (where I am now staying) as a puppy four years ago. My parents were having their kitchen renovated, and the couple that were building their cabinets ended up taking the puppy home with him and raising …

Fun in Nature & Creative Musings Through Photos

A photo journal of recent fun in nature, creative musings and other adventures captured on camera… these are the simple things in life that make me smile. These are the things that give me joy and peace. And then there are some random shots that are just snippets of life, like the little snaky snake …

Birthdays, Holiday Celebrations and Fun Adventures

Whew! This Holiday Season has been packed with fun memories. Had a great birthday celebration with friends, we did outdoor movies via projector (complete with blankets and popcorn and floating lanterns!), celebrated Christmas with family, chilled with friends at the pool, spent days and days surfing at Talofofo Bay and elsewhere, rang in the new …

Nunu Tree of Abundance Painting

Create the life you love to live! Creativity is all about where you put your attention. Your attention is the most precious thing you own, and the highest quality gift you can give to anyone or anything in your life. Give your pure and full attention to what you love, and it will grow. Let it …

Rest and Rejuvenation in Palau Paradise!

I’m back from Palau! Time to get cracking back to painting, but first, some photo highlights from this much-needed amazing weekend of total relaxation and enjoyment. Happy holidays everyone! Don’t forget to pause, breathe, and take care of yourself. Quality over quantity. Mindfulness and time you spend with people is priceless. <3 

An Unexpected Rainbow: Moonlit Clouds

“An Unexpected Rainbow” You can create anything, from where you are. You can do amazing things right where you are standing. You can breathe life into any environment, and add color & light to any dark space. You can turn any situation into a positive experience. Be the answer you’ve been waiting for, you have …

Creative Indeed Closing For Holidays!

  Happy Holidays 2014 everyone! Please be safe, share kindness and love always, cherish those you care about & Just Keep CREATING! Creative Indeed will be on holiday. I’m heading to Palau for a vacation, super excited and will be “out of studio” until after Christmas. Don’t worry if you’ve already scheduled commission work with …

Upcoming Creative Arts Events on Guam

It’s the holiday season on Guam, and there are many events happening across all the creative arts outlets. Here are some of the activities & fairs you can check out during the 2014 holidays. You can also visit the Guam PDN’s On the Fridge website for event listings, as well as the KPRG Arts Events …

Guam’s 6th Luna Festival Highlights

On behalf of Creative Indeed, I would like to take this moment to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported this year’s Luna Festival at Jeff’s Pirates Cove. The event was held yesterday, Sunday the 26th, from noon to 8pm. Well over 1000 people came to enjoy the festivities, many who came in …

Creation Spotlight ~ Moonlit Forest

At the last Creative Session on Saturday, I decided to try something I’ve wanted to experiment with, a moonlit forest. I will probably do another to get the look I’m going for, but I am quite pleased with this little experimental piece. 11″x14″ acrylic on stretched canvas.

Just Keep Creating. My motto forever.

Just Keep Creating. No matter what. Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes things will seem totally torn apart and destroyed. And we can sit and feel the experience, and no matter how difficult, can continue to ask ourselves? What do I need now? What do I want now? …

Murals & Street Art on Guam

I’ve been gradually collecting and taking images of Guam’s local murals and street art, to showcase the more attractive walls and buildings on Guam. There are plenty of “eye sores” here on Guam, abandoned & dilapidated buildings, junk yards, and garbage, but I try to find the beauty instead. The art. And there is plenty …

2014 Luna Festival is in the Works ~ Save the Date!

VISIT OFFICIAL LUNA FESTIVAL PAGE HERE Hafa adai! Creative Indeed is putting together its 6th annual Luna Festival for the creative arts community on Guam. This unique event serves as a platform to showcase Guam’s diverse array of local talent and bring together the different creative disciplines of our island. The Luna Festival is a …

Guam Coffee Company: Local Art Exhibited & For Sale

You can see local artwork by visiting Guam Coffee Company, across PIC in Tumon. I have six pieces installed for viewing and sale, including: Wild Seas, Ocean Latte, Two Lattes, Haggan, Sailing Away, and Si Sirena. Go and check it out! Guam Coffee has a great beverage selection, as well as some tasty eats, AND …

Creation Spotlight: Sunset Wave Painting Start to Finish

A couple weeks ago I painted this wave piece, full of thick texture and complimentary colors, blending the sunset’s warmth into the ocean coolness. It is a 24″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas. Here are pictures of the process from start to finish. The piece is currently located at MoSa’s Joint Restaurant in Tamuning, Guam.

Rainy Season Adventures on Guam

It has been quite the wet July, complete with a couple storm scares, birthdays, surfing, Liberation Day parade, nights out after the storm, and other shenanigans. Some random imagery from our rainy season adventures here on Guam…

GAX Live Art Night and BBQ Block Party in Tumon

The GAX~ Guam Art Exhibit festivities continue! Saturday evening was Live Art Night, right alongside the Guam Visitors’ Bureau hosted BBQ Block Party in Tumon. The road was closed and Guam residents and tourists alike roamed the streets checking out the numerous bbq vendors. There was entertainment going on, and of course, we had the …

iFit Guam Sports & Fitness Center Holds Grand Opening

iFit Guam just held its grand opening this weekend, and it was a blast! I was one of the mural artists who painted up some of their warehouse walls, so I was there displaying my artwork. They also held a Countershot Kickboxing demo, a free-throw contest, fitness extraordinaire Billy “Zinja” Navarette gave demos of the …

Guam Sunsets are the Best!

On my way home from visiting with a friend, I decided at the last second to pull over to wait and catch the sunset. Found a lovely lone flower on the beach too. Turned out to be a beautiful mini adventure. Glad I followed that spontaneous urge.

Creative Spotlight: Abstract Colorful Wave & Guåsali Flower

Went into painting mode today, and finished these two pieces, a colorful abstract wave, and the guåsali flower native to Guam. Had fun using my palette knife, it’s been awhile since I’ve played with these tools. Creative experimentation… The abstract wave is 16″x20″ and the Guåsali is 24″x24″ and both will be available for sale.

Artisan Collective Series Showcasing at Guma’ Tasa

Guma’ Tasa Coffee Shop presents the Artisan Collective Series: A showcase of Guam’s local musicians and artisans. The showcases will be going on every Saturday through May and the summer, kicking off the Summer Artisan Program for Teens. The program will begin it’s first session in June, and will offer workshops to teens who want …

All of Me: Fully Loving and Accepting Yourself

An affirmation for you today: “I love all of me.” All of your being, the light, the dark, the pretty, the ugly… neat n tidy, chaotic & messy, clean, dirty, happy, sad, angry, confused, ecstatic, grateful, creative, boring, loud, quiet, steady, shaky, nervous, confident, passive, assertive, stubborn, wild, calm, passionate, placid, giving, greedy, desiring, soulful, …

Creative Sessions at 2014 Youth for Youth LIVE Guam Conference

This weekend I participated in a 3-day event called Youth for Youth LIVE, a conference here on Guam for middle and high school students to experience outlets for living positive lifestyles. I held Creative Session workshops each day, and the students created collaborative paintings together. Even though the workshops were titled “Express Yourself” and focused …

JFK High School Students Exhibit Over 200 Pieces

John F. Kennedy High School art students exhibited over 200 pieces at Cars Plus showroom, beginning Friday May 16th. The exhibit will be up until the following Friday, May 23rd. Go and check it out, there are some amazing works, and all of these students worked hard. Support up and coming artists!

Colorful Mother’s Day Retreat

Sharing some highlights from a lovely day with mamas. Mimosas, massage, delicious foods, henna, belly casting, belly dancing, music, artsy mandalas, doodling, singing, oh, and organic root beer floats with cappuccino rum say what?! SO freakin yummy.

The Art of Shaping: Arrow Surfboards by Ken Pier

My dad, Ken Pier, shapes surfboards. It’s been many years since he’s made one, and he decided to get back to it, starting with one for himself. This is a whole other kind of art, and one I really respect. Shaping a surfboard by hand is, in my opinion, like trying to freehand draw a …

Creative Session Tidbits

Here are some tidbits from this past Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa. For some strange reason I didn’t get pics of the lovely creations made by Jody and her daughter! I was in a zone that day. =)

A Portrait Painting Experiment ~ Jolynn Redmond

So as I have mentioned before, fine art portrait painting and other technical art are not my expertise or preference. However, I have been challenging myself to take on more and try to improve in this area. I had a request for a painting based on a photo taken by Frank Henshaw of the lovely …

Full Moon April 2014 on Guam ~ Beach Adventure

Here on Guam, we didn’t really get to see much of the blood moon lunar eclipse because of the timing and cloudiness. Some friends and I took our kids down to “1st Beach” in Ipan here on Guam. The kids had fun… after they gave up whining about the bugs and fighting with each other for …

Creative Spotlight ~ Life Force Energy Painting

For those with a fire in their heart that may feel dimmed at times, but always still a spark, waiting for life to breathe it into a flame, a full on blaze of unstoppable life force energy. Treat this power with love, respect & nurturing. Use it for creation, not destruction. Channel that intensity with …

Creative Session ~ Painting Photo Shoot Session Fun

Say that 5 times fast. =) “Painting Photo Shoot Session.” I would like to thank our lovely local photographers Jolynn Redmond and Frank Henshaw for dropping in on today’s Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa. Lovely to see you both and invite you to experience the day from an artist’s perspective. Thanks for getting right in …

Creative Spotlight: Dark Horse + Ocean Wave Peeling

Today I had an adventurous Creative Session. =) I attempted to paint this dark horse. I just love the image so much, and horses have been calling to me lately. Here’s the photo I was inspired by:   Here’s my painting attempt. I’m still learning & practicing, horse features are tricky with paint!   At …

Art Themed Photoshoot by Robert D. Camacho

I love photography, capturing images is a beautiful art form, whether digital or handcrafted. Recently, I was offered to do an art-themed photoshoot by Robert D. Camacho, a wonderful local photographer here on Guam. It was a lot of fun. I don’t have any real modeling experience, but this experiment was awesome, not too shabby?! …

Talofofo Bay Cleanup and Pro Surfer Girls Visit Guam

This past week the Hui Nalu Ocean Club collaborated with Guam Visitors Bureau to bring a group of junior pro surfer girls to the island. Dax McGill, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Bailey Nagy, Kobie Enright and Reika Noro came to help out with the surf camp at the Onward Agana Beach Resort, as well hold the 1st ladies …

Creative Adventures Photo Blog

Just some highlights from my latest creative adventures… pretty flowers, a neighborhood peacock, a light show warehouse party for my friends’ ShipRight BoatShop grand opening, photo-art made out of selfies, and a close-up on the rooster painting I did recently.  

Creative Spotlight: Photo-inspired Paintings

This painting came up as a side project, based on a photo by Fstop Guam Photography. All of the following paintings are inspired by the photos, and aren’t meant to be portrayed “accurately.” Because I say so. =) See original photo below painting.     This painting is titled Cherry Blossoms, and is based on …

Creative Spotlight: Guam Lagoon Commissioned Painting

I recently installed a finished commissioned painting of an ocean lagoon scene on Guam. It is a partial representation of Alupang Cove in Tamuning. Much of the imagery (like the tree) were added via intuition, for many purposes such as color and grounding. I had a collective of images in my mind of the place, through …

Guam Is Good: Wine, Food & Art Festival

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the “Guam Is Good” Wine, Food & Art Festival put on by the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation. The annual event was held at Cars Plus Guam and gathered a very packed crowd this year. The food and wine were amazing, and there were wonderful artworks to …

9th Annual Women’s Art Show at CAHA Gallery Guam

This is the 9th year that Soroptimist International of Guam (SIG) put on the Annual Women’s Art Show. What a diverse array of talent being showcased in one space! This year the event is held at the CAHA Gallery in Hagatna, instead of the Nissan Infinity Gallery where it’s been held in previous years. The …

Creative Sessions for Teens: Art at Guma’ TASA

The first Creative Session for Teens was held at Guma’ TASA, an awesome little coffee shop/ bar in Mangilao here on Guam. Creative Sessions for Teens are currently being held on the 4th Saturday of the month. The next one will be March 22nd. Here are a few photos from our first session (I purposefully …

Full Moon & Ocean Creative Magic

What a beautiful full moon we just had! From where I live we get to watch it rise on the ocean horizon. And this full moon falls under the Tumaiguini moon cycle. The other day I caught a few shots of beautiful waves at a local surf spot. No one out! The photos don’t show …

Art Journaling Creative Sessions at Guam Coffee

Hafa adai! Creative Indeed held its first of many Art Journaling sessions at Guam Coffee Co. this past weekend. Sessions will occur every 2nd Saturday of the month from 9-11 am. Supplies are provided (except you bring your own journal of choice) and guidance is offered. Current fee is $15. We enjoy fun conversations and …

2013 Holiday Crafts Fair

2013 Holiday Crafts Fair on Guam Sunday, December 15th from 10am-6pm at Jeff’s Pirates Cove in Ipan, Talofofo, GUAM VENDOR INFORMATION: Application Form: https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0By5k0iEqj9ugQU5JQzY2UGVGNGs Booths are approx. 10×10 spaces and fees are: $40 for a space under the canopy (will be either on the basketball court or parallel to the a-frame pavilion) $50 for a space …

Creative Kombucha Workshop

This weekend Amanda Young and I put together a Kombucha Workshop, held at Nuts & Grains in Tamuning. Amanda gave a full on demo and presentation on what kombucha is, what are the benefits, and how to make your own at home. She even gifted out a whole bunch of scoby to get everyone started! …

Hybridity: Solo Art Exhibit by Monaeka Flores

On view September 13 – September 28, 2013 Agana Shopping Center, Temporary Art Space 2nd Floor Across from Express Care Exhibit Hours: 12 – 8 PM Daily, Closed Mondays Opening Reception FRIDAY 9/13, 6 –9 PM Featuring DJ Nemesis Closing Reception FRIDAY 9/27, 6 – 9 PM Featuring Ital Art/Guam Massive Sound Other Events Art …

NIHI fundraiser to launch show for Guam kids

From Duk Duk Goose Inc.: “Duk Duk Goose Inc in a Guam non-profit formed in 2013. We have completed 3 episodes of NIHI! a children’s show for Guam. We’ll be sharing those episodes very soon! Nihi! is a children’s television/internet series and a project of Duk Duk Goose, Inc., a recently formed nonprofit with the …

Guam Is Good Cancer Support Symposium: Art Session

Yesterday the Edward M. Calvo Foundation held its first “Guam Is Good Symposium” for patients, caregivers, and family members affected by cancer. The event was held at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa, and had a variety of workshops and breakout sessions to provide information and support in living with, through, and beyond cancer. I …

Painting Facelift: Always Kiss Me Good Night

This painting was brought to me (after a custom piece was commissioned and loved!) with the request to give it a boost, a facelift if you will. The painting would likely go in the same room that the Tree of Grace would, so I decided to continue with the earthy magical tree concept.

Adventures at Sea~ Surfing, Sailing & Dolphins on Guam

Living on Guam has its perks, like everyday access to the bluest of blue Pacific ocean! We have been enjoying the ocean, fishing, surfing, swimming, playing in the sand, going on the sailboat, and enjoying the company of a ton of dolphins. If interested in booking a sailing charter on the Rubicon, my dad’s boat, …

2 of 100 Latte Stones Project

Here is the 2nd of 100 latte stones that I will be painting as a part of my latest project 100 Latte Stones in 1 Year. Painted upside down so that any drippiness would go upward. Earthy color dabbing and blending… Ta da! Commentary from the Video Blog

Surfing fun on Guam with the kids

Summer surfing on Guam…definitely not peak season, but great for kids! I still enjoy surfing every once in awhile, but I am also happy to chill on the beach and watch others enjoy the water. I’ve been having fun trying to get some good footage of my son, my little surf grom. He’s had fun …

Painted a new logo, website updates, awesomeness.

So if you haven’t noticed already, we’ve got a snazzy new logo that just happened to get painted today. I also cleaned up the site a bit, updated the theme and all kinds of other stuff, made some awesome featured photo sliders on the home, art, & events pages, spiffed up the free offer & …

A Walk on the Sand: Exploring Ipan Beach

Took a walk with the boys at Ipan Beach. Had the place to ourselves, love midweek, midday beach visits! We walked barefoot (okay mostly me) on the sand and then onto the rocks, along the grassy path, spotted some fish, a sea bird, and looped around to Jeff’s Pirates’ Cove, and walked back to our …

A Visit to the Amot TaoTao Tano Farm on Guam

Today my 5 year old and I went to visit the Amot Taotao Tano farm in Dededo here on Guam. A friend is working there part time for an internship, so we went up to help transfer some Shiso plants. On the Amot Taotao Tano website, it states: The Amot Taotao Tano Farm is there to try …

Talofofo Bay Family Beach Day

The awesome thing about working for yourself, making your own schedule, AND homeschooling, means we get to go to the beach any day we want, and we can avoid the weekend crowds if we wish. So on a quiet Wednesday, we headed down to Talofofo Bay for a family beach day. Some friends came down …

100 Latte Stones in 1 Year: Am I Crazy?

The last painting I did was of 3 latte stones I painted over an old piece. The old piece was titled “Bubblegum Jungle” and was an abstract splash of red, silver, green, yellow and other squiggly blends. I used silver and gold to paint 3 latte stones over the bubblegum jungle. My personal symbolism for …

A Day in the Life: Living, Learning, Raising Guam

This week I started a Facbeook group called Living, Learning, Raising Guam: Resources & Support for families on Guam. It is a place for parents, families, teachers, and anyone who has great ideas and resources for living and learning on Guam. It is a place to share, to ask questions, to seek support, to find ideas …

2013 Creative Spirits 14th annual Art Exhibit on Guam

Brought to you by Guma Mami Inc., the 14th annual Creative Spirits Art Exhibit will be held next Friday, June 7th from 6pm-9pm at the Nissan Infinity Gallery in Upper Tumon, Guam. Guma Mami Inc. provides services and resources to disabled residents of Guam. They offer art workshops and opportunities to develop art skills while …

Creative Learning Everyday: TRUST

This morning I had my aha moment. So I’ve always kind of been what friends would call the “radical hippy” because I love art, want to change the world, envision utopia, challenge authority and preconceived ideas, am not satisfied with the structures of government institutions and the pharmaceutical world, I birth my babies at home …

Magic Tree Painting Sold!

Thank you Andrea, a beautiful painting for a beautiful soul. I am thrilled to have this special piece to go to someone who really loves it. Happy birthday Andrea, you deserve it, and have a wonderful and blessed journey! And of course, huge THANK YOU to Pika’s Cafe for the opportunity to exhibit my artwork …

Creative Spotlight: Si Sirena Mermaid Custom Painting

This mermaid piece was commissioned by a friend, who loved the last mermaid piece that I did, and wanted her very own. So here she is, Si Sirena, mermaid undersea, enjoying her space on a rock formation, with strands of seaweed keeping her company as light shines down on her from the skylight above.   …

Creative Spotlight: Love

A 16″x20″ metallic dream. First layered with oceanic blues, then in the middle a warm & passionate diamond shape representing the heart with love inscribed, then layers of metallics over all for a luminescent glow.

Creative Guam Bus Stops: PART 2

ALSO CHECK OUT PART 1 As I drive around Guam my eye is caught by painted bus stops every day. I admire the creativity, the variety, and the effort to beautify previously run-down or graffitied bus stops. If I had it my way, we’d beautify all the buildings on the island this way. If you, …

Great Tides of Change: Poem by a Friend

(Photo thanks to John Barber, an awesome local photographer here on Guam) This poem was written by a friend during our last Creative Session. It didn’t have a title (yet?) but it reflects the changes that life brings, big and small, of all kinds of variety. It really spoke to me, and maybe it will …

Creative Staycation on Guam: Our Hotel Retreat

When the weekend was over, we decided to begin it again by starting our 2-day hotel stay at the Guam Reef. The room stay was part of partial trade worked into the art commission project I did for the hotel lobby, an example of how you can get creative with your business and life transactions. …

Creative Spotlight: Sirena the Mermaid

Sirena, a famous mermaid legend here on Guam, has decided to make her presence on my canvas. She is the young girl who loved the sea so much she would spend most her days there, and would often forget her chores that her mother and godmother assigned her. One day she forgot about some important family …

Creative Spotlight: Magic Tree Painting

Up next going in to my exhibit at Pika’s Cafe in Upper Tumon, Guam (across St. John’s school)… the Magic Tree. Acrylic painting on 3’x5′ stretched canvas. I’ve been wanting to paint a big tree again for awhile now, and finally got my fix! May put a few more finishing touches on the tree, but …

GAX: Guam Art Exhibit VI May 2013

As shared on their Facebook page, the Guam Art Exhibit (GAX) announces: Coming Soon in May, Guam Art Exhibit 6. Stay tuned to our facebook for details. Interested artists, especially if you are new to GAX please e-mail us at guamartexhibit@gmail.com.

Colorful Easter Fun on Guam

Another awesome Easter egg hunt, bbq and family/friends FUN. Tons of super yummy food, colorful eggs, outfits, flowers, and kids. This seems to be the one gathering of the year that we get a different variety of friends and family who make it out to Talofofo for this holiday. The kids played outside in the …

Creative Spotlight: Moon Goddess, Brightened

So I painted this Moon Goddess painting, and I really loved her, and then the other day she “said” to me “I want to be brighter!” My easel was free and clear when the huge canvases for the Guam Reef Hotel moved out, so Moon Goddess took its place on the easel and began to …

Guam Reef Hotel Art Project: PART 5, the REVEAL!

Here is PART 5 to the Guam Reef Hotel Project. (You can also check back to PART 1 and PART 2 and PART 3 and PART 4 to see from the beginning). It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good …

Guam Reef Hotel Art Project: PART 4

Here is PART 4 to the Guam Reef Hotel Project. (You can also check back to PART 1 and PART 2 and PART 3 to see from the beginning). It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good to be …

Colorful Creative Adventure: Orange & Blue

Today I have just one boy with me, and we went down to surf at the bay, but he didn’t want to get in. Decided to have a Power Ranger adventure at the beach instead. Not often that we go and don’t get in the water! We had fun though, drumming on bamboo, practicing our …

Guam Reef Hotel Project PART 3

Here is PART 3 to the Guam Reef Hotel Project. (You can also check back to PART 1 and PART 2 to see from the beginning). It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good to be …

A Witchy Weekend Retreat With 13 Soul Sisters

This past Sunday I attended (and helped host) a witchy weekend retreat with 12 other magical sisters (so 13 of us altogether) and it was so nourishing and energizing. Exactly what we all needed. We took care of each other by trading gifts. One gave herbal henna hair treatments (and henna on one pregnant belly). …

Painting & Self Portraits Day

I love photography just about as much as I love painting. Over the years, I’ve gotten way more comfortable with being in photos and also taking self-portraits, especially as I’ve had to do so for my website and other projects requiring a photo and artist bio. It is weird at first writing about yourself and …

Creative Henna Hair Color & Body Art

Henna is an awesome herbal hair treatment for conditioning and coloring without using toxic chemicals. Henna is a plant, used for hair dye or as a body art “paint.” It lasts on the skin and hair a few weeks to a month or two depending on individual’s skin and hair type and the henna paste …

Guam Regional Medical City Art Competition

Just want to share this amazing opportunity to all my Guam artist peeps. The Guam Regional Medical City is set to open Summer 2014. They are commissioning a huge (12′ wide x 30′ tall) signature art piece to be their focal point in the glass-encased lobby area of the hospital. They are holding a competition, …

Creative Sessions: Making Rainbows

Yesterday’s Creative Session was Rainbow-themed! Rainbows of all kinds, shapes, forms, AND colors. What would YOUR rainbow look like? Traditional? Abstract? Scenic? Symbolic? Tiny? Huge? Earthy? Neon? Participants from yesterday’s session had a great time creating their rainbows, myself included. Here is a photo-journey of the session:

Homeschooling on Guam: Beach Day to Park Day & The Letter H

So now that our dear friends have shifted back over to homeschooling, we have more opportunities to play and learn together. Homeschooling for me, IS parenting. It is extremely challenging, and also very rewarding. There is sometimes instant feedback (wow, he’s learning! or wow this is NOT working) and other times we are left wondering, …

Guam Reef Hotel Project PART 2

Here is PART 2 to the Guam Reef Hotel Project. (You can also check back to PART 1 to see from the beginning). It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good to be true …

Guam Reef Hotel Art Project PART 1

It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good to be true if I share it all here. Let’s just say everything happens at exactly the moment it is meant to, and to be clear …

Creative Spotlight: Golden Tree of Life

At the last Creative Session, I painted the background for this special piece. I blended a few layers of brown, green and blue in a sort of drip-like design. Took it home to dry, then noticed that the acrylic did it’s little thing where it dries and contracts, leaving surprise white spots hidden here and …

How to restore your energy after a difficult day

So even if life is generally great, we all have a tough day (or many) from time to time. Whatever the trigger or compounding factors that lead up to the overwhelm, frustration, or defeat, it usually leaves us feeling exhausted and confused. Someone said something insulting to you, traffic was really bad and set your …

Creative Sessions: Life is a piece of cake!

This weekend’s Creative Session was a ton of fun. Creations included a few gift items, some jewelry, and a few paintings. Armine, Hisae, Amanda, and baby Aurora, thank you for joining me! I painted a colorful abstract latte stone, and other pieces included flowers, and a decorated cake with the words “Life is a Piece …

Art Events, Galleries, Exhibits on Guam

Opportunities on Guam to attend or participate in local art exhibits, galleries and other events: UOG Isla Center for the Arts- Creative Hands Biennial Exhibit: The Isla Center for the Arts at the University of Guam is proud to announce the opening of the exhibition Creative Hands: Selected Works by Local Artists from January 24 to …

Creative Spotlight: Magic of the Ifit Flower

So this past week I decided I wanted to paint something specific. An ifit flower. And I just happened to have a beautiful photo that I took of one last year, much better than any photo I found searching on google! Of course, I would paint it in my own style, my creative version, not …

Notes from a Natural Child Health Workshop

Last night I helped to facilitate a natural child health workshop led by Dr. Valerie Simonsen ND (Naturopath licensed in Hawaii, and Shaman). The workshop was held at Nuts & Grains health food store in Tamuning, Guam. There were about 8 of us who attended, and we had questions that ranged from issues with eczema, …

Creative Spotlight: Moon Goddess

Continuing my painting groove, today I created this piece titled “Moon Goddess” and I just love her! It is a 24″x30″ acrylic on canvas, with a lot of movement. She is a goddess of the moon, she is nameless. She ebbs and flows as the tides do, she follows a rhythm and cycle that is …

Creative Spotlight: Her Majesty, The Queen(s)

Had an image in my mind today and immediately set up my easel, a 24″x30″ canvas, and my paints to start on it while the inspiration was fresh. It is titled “Her Majesty,” and represents a queen who is energetic, full of life & joy, powerful, graceful, bold, loving and playful. She is well-respected for …

Extravagant New Year’s Eve Party: Music, Art, Dancing

Get ready to bid farewell to 2012 in style. The Extravagant New Year’s Eve party at the Sheraton Laguna Resort will feature a spectacular 10-piece female music group: The Dollhouse, who will be leading us into 2013 in glitzy rockin’ extravagant fashion. Creative Indeed will be hosting a live art exhibit, featuring some funky sexy …

Violet Hair~ This Girl is on Fire

Art is not limited to a canvas! Everything is art in my world, and I’ve painted my hair red. Violet. Reddish violet. Big move for me! This is no subdued look, and in order to rock it, boldness is required. I think that might end up being my word of the year: Bold. And Alicia …

Submit to Storyboard 13: A Journal of Pacific History

  Hafa adai folks! It is that time of year for the annual Storyboard Journal publication by the University of Guam. Artists, photographers, writers, poets, creators are welcome to submit pieces to be reviewed for publication. Deadline is Dec. 15th. Here are the details as posted on the Storyboard Journal website: Storyboard, a multilingual journal …

Creative Spotlight: The Seed

“The Seed” 24″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas This painting was originally intended to be submitted to the GAX V: Guam Art Exhibit, though I ended up not being able to participate after all. “The Seed” represents the past, present, and future. It is the literal and figurative symbol of creation, of spirit/consciousness evolving. It symbolizes …

Bluem Pacific FILMmaking Creative Waves on Guam

http://bluempacific.org/ Our Mission “Bluem Pacific” comes unique with a mission to promote culture and positive storytelling through the eyes of our local filmmakers. Bluem also works to provide educational awareness opportunities,in hopes to broaden the skill set necessary for effective and positive storytelling through film. Stories of culutre, environmental care, values and positive development, are the …

Need some encouragement?

My favorite definition of encouragement is: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope. Recently I went through what I can only describe as a “dark night of the soul,” where you experience something so painful, often rooted in your own deepest fears and self-doubt, triggered by something or someone outside of yourself. It was a …

2012 GAX V- Guam Art Exhibit

The 5th installment of the the GAX-Guam Art Exhibit will kick off its opening night November 15th, 2012, on the 2nd floor of the The Plaza in Tumon (next to DNA Evolution). The event will continue through December 1st. Here is the schedule & info. I don’t know how many pieces I’ll be submitting this …

2012 4th Annual Luna Festival a Success + Photos & Videos

Hafa adai! So the 2012 Luna Festival was held this past weekend at Jeff’s Pirates’ Cove, and overall the event was another successful outlet for many creative souls on Guam. Several hundred people came to support their fellow artists, dancers, musicians, crafters, entrepreneurs, magicians, poets, speakers, writers, photographers, videographers, and more.  It’s funny because it …

You Are FREE!

You are FREE! Well, you are! Right now, in this moment (and every moment), YOU ARE FREE. Free to be YOU. Free to love. Free to rise. Free to fall. Free to feel. Free to succeed. Free to be confused. Free to create. Free to destroy. You. Are. Free. Do you fear your freedom? Do …

A Magical Mother Blessing & Creative Art Session

This weekend not only did we have another awesome Creative Session where we painted, talked, laughed and painted some more, but I also decided to bring a Creative Session to my dear pregnant mama friend Amanda. She’s been wanting to make it to a Session but hasn’t so far, and baby’s arrival is getting close, …

Come on Guam, we can CREATE this!

Just want to throw a few thoughts out there in regards to the concerns of the beautiful island that has been my home since birth, Guam, or Guahan. First, I am grateful to those who continue to read up on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and related documents, and stay on top of important issues …

So many exciting things going on!!!

Hafa adai! 2012 is looking awesome. Guam is in for a treat this year with so many activities for the whole family. I am especially looking forward to this year’s (the 4th Annual) Luna Festival on October 20th. Lots of magic & creativity! An open mic. variety/talent show all day long. Come share a song, …

Creative Learning Everyday

So I “homeschool” my boys here on Guam. I use that word with a lot of flexibility, to allow for the organic nature of learning and creativity. I appreciate so much that we are free to choose what direction we want to go, it opens up whole new worlds of learning! We can go so …

Creative Spotlight: Fire in the Gypsy

Today’s Creation Spotlight is featuring a 3-panel painting titled “Fire in the Gypsy.” I’d like to give a behind-the-scenes peak into the painting process, so a time-lapsed video clip is in order. Scroll down to view it. Quick stats: Acrylic paint on 8″x24″ panels of stretched canvas. This was a fun painting. I enjoy the …

Recipe for a Good Day: Classical Creative

Classical Creative Ingredients: Mini cleanse (rinse face, change clothes, shower etc. anything to feel fresh) Big glass of water Your favorite sketchbook, journal, etc. Muzio Clementi radio or similar lively classical piano Guidelines: Nothing bad can come of this recipe, in any order, combination, or amount. I feel good with at least 10 minutes, 20 …

2012 Luna Festival October 20th at Jeff’s Pirates’ Cove on Guam

Facebook Event Page QUICK FACTS *A creativity festival: celebrating art, music, crafts, imagination, community, nature, dance, poetry and everyday magic. *Come in costume, enjoy great food & drinks and interactive entertainment, & vendors displaying and selling goods & services. *Saturday, October 20th, 2012 from 12 noon until 8pm *At Jeff’s Pirates Cove in Ipan, Talofofo, …

Just Love. That’s it.

Today I would just like to tell you that you are loved, exactly the way you are, right this very moment. And the moment before it, and after.  You are loved, no matter what any one else might suggest.  You are worth it. Tune in to your bliss. What brings you joy? Love being you.  …

Recipe for a Good Day: Magical & Wise

Magical Day Ingredients: *Loreeena McKinnet music or other peaceful sounds. *Candles, essential oils, whatever “goodies” you’ve got on hand *Sage or other dried herb bundle (you can even make one from dry sage leaves you can find at the grocery store) *Create a (literal or imaginary) sacred circle of space around yourself, envisioning a wash …

Recipe for a Good Day: Funky Creative Tribal

Ingredients: *Funky house clothes, comfortable *Broom & dustpan *Blank paper, canvas, favorite untensil/medium *Depending on your music tastes: Goddess Alchemy Project, Djembe Tribal Drumming, or Drum ‘n’Rhythm on Pandora *Optional: A lit candle, or essential oils (try orange or lemon), your favorite scarf or necklace or other Directions: Get comfy, put on your favorite feel-good funky …

Creative Spotlight: Enkindled Spring

Inspired by one of my favorite poems by D.H. Lawrence, this abstract drip-style painting holds a textured vibrancy, evoking new life energy wherever it is placed. Specifics: 16″x20″ (40.64 cm x 50.8 cm) acrylic on stretched canvas. Extra special stuff: Handwritten description comes with the painting, as well as an option to personalize the piece. …

Recipe for a Good Day: Earth Connection

Earth Connection Ingredients: Bare feet, light comfortable clothing (indoors or outdoors) a sage bundle, burning (optional) any plant life/earth/soil/stones silence, or if you want some music to help set the vibe, try Drum ‘n’ Rhythm or Peace music Directions: as much physical contact or space sharing you can create the better, or simply continually envision and …

What Makes YOU Come Alive? Submit your story

I’ve had this idea for a long while now, and am finally just going for it. I want to publish a book, a collaboration of essays, poems, photos, & artworks that highlight the creative spirit in YOU. I want to know, What makes YOU come alive? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned, …

Thoughts on Creating Eco-friendly Art

So, “eco-friendly art.” I’ve thought about this for a long time, but only now am I feeling a bit more “serious” in bringing it to fruition. I want to create beautiful art that is (more) eco-friendly. I’m thinking nontoxic, minimal waste, and preferably using immediately available resources. I’ve been feeling called to bring my work …

Recipe for a Good Day: Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind Ingredients: a shower, or at least a splash of water on your face deep, slow breaths smile, feel easy about this moment the mantras “all is well” or “I am safe” or “I am peace” move your hands around, massage them gently, massage your face muscles breathe in peace, and then exhale …

GAX- Guam Art Exhibit 2012 [photos added]

5/4/12 UPDATE: Added photos!!! The opening night was a success! There were a ton of people and the art was amazing. I feel blessed to be part of such a creative community! Photos added at the bottom of this page. Scroll down to check it out. *This was truly an amazing experience for me, mostly …

Poetry: Letting Go and Letting Love

There are times in life when our hearts are cracked wide open with vulnerability and uncertainty, when life asks us to let go and let love take over. I offer this poem during these tender times… Dear wise and compassionate love I ask that you hold me close and comfort my tender and open heart through …

Poetry: Faith in Me

Faith in Me It is one of those days when I need to breathe… where I question who I am. I turn my focus toward me. Space. To think and reflect, and to put myself back in a positive feeling space. I used to think I was simply withdrawing I don’t identify with those labels …

Being Here AND There: The Beauty of Transition

Sooo… I usually do NOT like the word transition. Feeling in limbo can be so uncomfortable, as if we are neither here nor there. I’ve felt this MANY times in my life. Wanting to feel solid, HOME, clear and yet feeling that uncertain floatiness (technical term here) and oh the waiting! Well, I want to …

My Two Secrets to Living a Joyful Life

Life has been both simple and wonderful lately. So much magic to be found, manifestations abound, things are simply flowing. Sure, there are challenges and hiccups that throw me off track at times, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for handling those.  The number one secret that has kept me “on track” …

Creating Solutions for Now & Beyond

My Word of the Year is Solutions. When I chose this word, I knew I’d be opening myself up to new opportunities. When I see or think the word Solutions, my brain automatically begins attracting one! Think about it, when you simply complain about some issue, you are focusing on the problem. By giving it …

9 Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Starting Now

I completed the Uplevel Your Life mastery program in 2011, and the one thing that profoundly changed my life more than anything else was committing to going complaint-free. It didn’t mean that I never complained again, but that I am more aware and open to SOLUTIONS.  I’d like to share an article written by Christine …

Music: This Creative Mom’s Saving Grace

Do you love music? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t. Are you a sensitive person, physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, however-a-lly? If you are reading this, I am guessing that you are. Bonus points if you happen to also be a mom like me, who is often  overwhelmed by any combination of wild …

Welcoming the new year

Laying a foundation for my creative business, moving to a new house and reintegrating as a family, the death of my grandmother, and reinstating creative rhythm in my life; Let’s just say 2011 has been  intense for me. It is a good thing I had Grace, my word of the year, to back me up. …

Above all else, BREATHE.

Do you ever notice that you are holding your breath, even just a little? Many of us are breathing shallowly to begin with, and at times we don’t even realize that we are holding our breath all-together! I encourage you to take a deep breath in right now… Breathe in one more time, slowly…..breathe life …