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. …
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, …
GUAM art on BLOUIN ARTINFO, whaat?! Huge thank you to Robert Michael Poole from Blouin Artinfo, top international art magazine, for writing up this article, and giving the world some awareness about Guam and my personal story of going from struggling to thriving artist! I’m so honored to be able to share, and to keep …
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. …
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 …
Do you ever feel completely drained or unmotivated to create anything? I’m pretty sure we all experience this on some level at some point. If this is you, it’s all good. There is nothing wrong with you. There are toxic creativity-killers that I have learned to identify and either avoid or zap with my magic wand of …
The latest painting finished and out the studio is a commissioned intuitive piece titled “Alive,” is a piece inspired by the idea that each of us holds a light within. It is an acrylic painting on 12″x16″ stretched canvas. We are all connected in many ways, sharing the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, …
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 …
Painting turtles is no easy task. Ask anyone who has painted one. Especially for the first time. And especially if you haven’t painted anything in forever! These amazing ladies were such a fun group to paint with, and I admire their willingness to be open to the process. I am proud of every single one …
Ready or not, here we come! Every day is a new day, and here we are at the start of a new year cycle. It’s important to remember other cycles in our lives though. Rhythms and routines are everywhere, in nature, our bodies, our behaviors. The way I have built my life in the last …
Amazing art, food, beer, and pretty trees! These are a few of my favorite things! My previous post included my reflections and pictures from the Uplevel Academy Gold business retreat that I attended last week. I got to town a few days early, so took advantage of that and explored all over downtown Asheville, and …
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Luna Festival this weekend, even with all the rain we had! Thank you to everyone who supported this event in ANY way, even with just good vibes from across the world. THANK YOU. We had an amazing day full of creative arts and expression, with a …
A photo journal of the last month’s adventures, life milestones, inspirations, random shenanigans, errands, creative projects, and scenic moments. A story in imagery from one full moon to the next!
Your help is needed! At $300, 15% and 28 days left. The budget is looking kind of grim at the moment. Even if everyone donated just $1, it would get us there. Thank you to those who have jumped in so far, and also to those who have shared this as well, you know who you …
Photo by David Zimms. Starting your own business is an intense undertaking. This post has been building in my mind for quite some time. There are many amazing points to sustaining your own solo-entrepreneur style business on Guam. However, there are also many challenges to getting yourself set up smoothly. It can be tricky if you are, for …
You know what I’m talking about. Creative artists of all kinds get asked to donate their work or talent for a fundraiser, charity event, or whatever other production, in exchange for “exposure.” Some feel offended when asked to “give our talent for free.” I don’t. Here’s why. I’m specifically referring to the unpaid opportunities that come up …
“IlluminLatte” is an abstract latte stone painting I did recently. I recorded the process from start to finish, sharing and explaining my painting style. This piece is an acrylic painting done on stretched canvas, and all the paint is Chroma brand metallic acrylics. This is a full length video, just over 20 minutes. Below is …
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 …
Yay, another fun evening of art and creativity! The 1st Art Night at MoSa’s Joint Restaurant went on without a hitch, and turned out to be a fun evening for all. Big thanks to MoSa’s for opening up their space on a Sunday to do this special event. We want to make it a regular …
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 …
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 …
Yesterday while cleaning up palettes from previous Creative Sessions, I had a friend over, and we had an impromptu session to use up leftover wet paint. We went into the zone, with drinks on the side, and music beats in the background. Here are our little creations:
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
It’s been a week in the news for me! This weekend I had the honor and the pleasure of being featured in the Mariana’s Variety Sunday edition “People” Q&A, a fun interview section. Thank you Mar-Vic Cagurangan for getting in my head, it was fun! Also, thanks to Jonathan Abella for the photo! Here it …
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 …
So far so good in all the Luna Festival preparations, things are lining up and ready for fun this Sunday. Wondering what the Luna Festival is? Here is a little video that gives an idea: Post by Acoustic Attack Guam. Here are some of the things you can expect at this year’s Luna Festival: Current …
Hafa adai everyone! The 6th annual Luna Festival on Guam is well underway, and currently accepting vendors and participants for the event, to be held on Sunday October 26th at Jeff’s Pirates Cove. The festivities begin around 12 noon and wrap up by about 8pm in the evening. Admission is FREE, and guests are invited …
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? …
Creative Sessions are held every 1st Saturday of the month at Guma’ Tasa in Mangilao, Guam, from 9-11am. Fee is $30 and includes all acrylic painting supplies. We had a good time, here are photos from this month’s session:
There are so many books that I’ve read that really made a difference in my life, and I sometimes think to myself, “If only’ I’d read this when I was a teenager!” It is never too early, or too late, to learn more about yourself and what kind of life you want to create for …
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 …
I get asked about inspiration a lot. “What inspires you?” “Where do your ideas come from?” “How do you keep the process going?” Well the simple answer is: Living life. Every day there is something to be inspired by. Enjoying life, observing your surroundings, noticing things that catch your attention, appreciating beauty, having fun with …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
Yay! The Kids Art Session was a success today. Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Creative Indeed offers a Kids’ Art Session at Jeff’s Pirates Cove. The fee is $15 and includes supplies. The session is lead by myself- Michelle Pier or Ms. Michelle – and Dr. Betty Frain or Ms. Betty. It is an …
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 …
Today had some interesting twists and turns. By the end of the day I was ready for a nap or a glass of wine. I took a walk outside, had some water, and flipped back through my Everyday Magic journal. I am ever thankful to my soul sister Kate for inspiring me to start this …
Earlier this week we spontaneously decided to finally check out the Talofofo caves. I hadn’t been there since I was a kid, and my boys recently expressed an interest in going up there. It was awesome! I forgot just how many caves there are, and what a cool adventure it is to explore. We will …
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 …
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, …
ALSO CHECK OUT PART 2 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, …
Java Hut is a local coffee shop on Guam, and they’ve recently started hosting open mic sessions every Friday & Saturday from 5-8pm. It started out just on Fridays but has been so popular they had to add another day! Poets, musicians, comedians, all are welcome. The Java Hut recently won the GuamBlog’s “Best Coffee …
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 …
I believe in almost-instant manifestation, as I’ve experienced it. I’ve also experienced that some manifestations take quite awhile to become tangible. Looking back about 4-5 years ago, I was in a really dark place in my life. I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, but I could IMAGINE it sometimes. There …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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, …
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” …
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 …
Each of us has darker aspects of our personalities. I know I do. There is value to EVERY part of one’s personality, and problems really only occur when we are out of balance, when we are out of touch with our Source–our Truth–and those “dark” parts take hold. Art and creating, of any form, has …
How can your care for the earth in your own unique way? Whether you are an artist or an accountant, you have your own unique gifts and can apply them toward caring for the earth. Think of your strengths, what delights you. The cool thing is, there is no one answer, but there is always one …
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 …
Have you nourished yourself today? As a creative person who wants to make a positive difference in the world, it is absolutely crucial that you take extra special care of yourself first. Gone are the days when martyrdom and suffering were the noble way of life. It’s time to nourish ourselves so well that we …