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For the past month I've been enjoying the opportunity to participate in two Artist Receptions and a TV spot for my latest photography line, Inspiration from the World.
On September 26th I had an Art Opening at Wilde Roast Cafe in Minneapolis with a reception followed by a free concert by Eric Himan. It was a great opportunity to visit with friends and family as several people stopped by to see my work and hear my stories; plus, I got to meet Eric and listen to his fantastic songs! You can find my photography on sale and display at Wilde Roast through the holidays.
The next week, on October 2nd, I was the featured artist on the First Friday Art Walk through downtown Bemidji. The Art Walk is a monthly event sponsored by local businesses. Each participating business has an artist of the month, and during October I was chosen to represent Bad Cat Creations, the funky novelty store and gift shop downtown. The owner of Bad Cat, Christina, is featuring my entire line of photo cards and prints (both framed and unframed) throughout the month. Pretty exciting!
Then last week, the local television station, Lakeland Public Television, contacted me to do a story on my artwork. One of their reporters, Ashley Soukup, came to my house last week and recorded an interview which aired on the 10 o'clock news last Friday. To access the broadcast, click here (it's at the end, 25:15). I feel that Ashley did a very nice job portraying the purpose and intent of my artwork. Preparing for the interview was also very helpful since I am writing an application for a Bush Artist Fellowship (BAF) grant for 2010. This grant would make it possible for me to continue traveling the world, shooting my pictures, blogging my stories, and then sharing them with people--especially kids :o)
Part of my application process for the BAF has been to write an Artist's Statement about my work, what I do and what it means to me. Here is what I've drafted so far:
"My passion is to teach and inspire people through my photography. By traveling to destinations throughout the world and documenting my experiences, my goals as a teacher and artist are to make visible what might have gone overlooked; remind people to pause and notice the beauty that surrounds them; and help replace a fear of the world with curiosity.
I find my most powerful work comes from moments of discovery and during times of solitude and introspection. Whether the photo is of a brilliant sunset, rugged mountain with a single tree or animal in its natural habitat, my focus is on revealing the beauty contained within that moment. I want to remind people wherever they may be to pause and notice the beauty around them—to move into a state of appreciation for something they literally didn’t see before.
My photography invites both questions and curiosity: "Take a look at the world. What do you see? What interests you? What is beautiful? What is a little scary? What do you want to know more about?" I strive to instill a sense of courage in those who appreciate my work by motivating them to venture out and experience the world. In so doing, they may stumble upon something profound along the way.
To that end, in fall 2008 I introduced my photos and stories to junior high Geography classes through Michael on the Move—an opportunity for kids to learn about the world through my travel blogs. Broadcasting from India via the Internet, I spoke with kids and answered questions about my photos from India, Asia, and Europe. In winter 2009 I brought Michael on the Move to the classroom, making a personal appearance and connecting with the kids directly to share my stories. In response, many students were inspired to continue the conversation by making comments on my blog. One student wrote, “I've always wanted to travel to India and experience the different culture…you have inspired me.”
During summer 2009, I moved my artwork into the community by sharing it in art shows, craft fairs, and gallery receptions at local cafés and gift shops. Inspiration from the World is my first artistic endeavor for which I have a book, photo cards, and prints. I chose to focus on this theme as a way to connect with the community and share my favorite moments of inspiration with others. I was also interviewed by a local television station that featured a story about my mission to teach people about the world through my photography. These experiences have added richly to my artistic and personal development, confidence, and sense of purpose.
Whether I am speaking in the community, visiting a local school, displaying my photography in an art show, or connecting with people online through my photo galleries and blogs, my objective remains the same: to teach and inspire people through my photography."
We'll have to wait and see how it turns out... I've still got some editing to do. But the process of writing the statement is amazing--it really allows me to put things into perspective. After all, I want to continue to focus on what I love as I'm implementing the new business plan for my life!
Have a great week.
The Ambassador
Last week, Shawn and I attended the 2009 Ivey Awards - the annual event which celebrates the best of Twin Cities theater. Our evening was filled with exciting events including a pre-show VIP party, preferred seating at the awards show in the State Theater (3rd row!), and an after-show party in LaSalle Plaza. Apparently there were over 4,000 people in attendance and the entire night was full of laughter, applause, and good energy.
During the course of the evening I ran into old friends and former cast members from shows in my past (namely, summers at Paul Bunyan Playhouse :o), and I even connected face-to-face with some of my most recent Facebook virtual friends! Good times. I was reminded many times throughout the evening how much joy the theater brings to people - regardless of generation, occupation, or level of interest, theater has something for everyone. Plus, the entire evening was about celebrating people - those on the stage as well as those in the audience. Whenever you celebrate people you will feel a sense of flowing gratitude both from those giving recognition and those receiving it, and gratitude is the most sincere form of thanks. Right on!
Seems like I've been traveling to the Twin Cities each weekend for one reason or another this month and each time it's been such a pleasure - perhaps because I'm not living there and you know how that goes: once you don't live somewhere it's so much more exciting to visit!
Happy Autumn, all!
The Ambassador
This past week I had a fantastic visit from my sister, Becky. She was scheduled to attend a software workshop on Monday so she came down from Erhard (a small town located between Pelican Rapids and Fergus Falls, Minnesota) on Sunday and decided to stay with her brother "in the big city" for three days--right on!
Ever since returning from India a few months ago it's been rather quiet in my life, not like the noise and activity of my experience in Bangalore. This quiet often feels nice, but also feels a bit empty. One of the things I miss most about my expat life is having the other expats around. Living in our apartment building, Zen Gardens, was like a college dorm and Melrose Place wrapped into one--some excitement, some drama, some challenges, but lots of time together. It was my expat family! Even though we all had our own apartments we were never more than a few steps away from one another. Now I'm back up by myself in my corner apartment and I only know one of my neighbors so far... quite the change.
While Becky was here we spent the first couple of nights setting up her new laptop and watching episodes of The Office on DVD--what a hilarious show! We just sat there laughing. It was great :o) On Tuesday 
Becky came into work so I could give her a tour of Target Headquarters. We stopped by the Bullseye shop, visited the Target history displays, and stopped by my office before we headed off to lunch at Bank, a unique restaurant in the old Farmers & Mechanics Bank building which is now the new Westin Minneapolis Hotel. What an excellent time! Tuesday evening was a dinner party at my apartment with Becky joining my friends Blaine, Ryan and Megan. We had a great time breaking-in my new dining room table (purchased at Target, of course), eating Blaine's amazing dinner, laughing and sharing stories. It was so fun to bring people together. Between my monthly mixers, visits from family, and now a small dinner party, it's been so nice to have people in my apartment--it warms the space and keeps my apartment a "home".
Yesterday afternoon Becky's husband, Jim, and my nieces Nicki and Natalie stopped by to pick her up as they headed over to the U of M campus to watch Pelican Rapids play in the high school basketball tournament. Our mini-vacation came to an end, but not without three days of fun, laughter and good conversations. Sometimes it's those little spontaneous visits that make all the difference!
Whether it's my expat family from India, my family here in Minnesota, or my family of friends in Minneapolis, I am reminded once again that "family" comes in many forms--and spending time with them is so important. For family does, indeed, matter.
Peace.
This past weekend I had the privilege of hosting my sister, Becky; brother-in-law, Jim; and nieces Nicki (15) and Natalie (12) as they came down to Minneapolis for the weekend from Erhard--a small town between Pelican Rapids and Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Becky runs her own business designing custom greeting cards, websites and recruiting materials for an international recruiting firm while Jim is a regional supervisor for a copy & duplicating company based in Minneapolis with an office in Fargo, North Dakota. They arrived late Friday night and we stayed up talking, laughing and watching episodes of The Office on DVD (thanks Ryan!)--a fun night, indeed.
Now the best of the weekend was that Jim and Becky were here to attend Jim's annual office holiday party on Saturday night which left the girls to stay with Uncle Mike. Woohoo! A slumber party was in the works :o) After an excellent birthday lunch for Jim at Buca di Beppo, we dropped off the "old folks" and proceeded on Uncle Mike's tour of the downtown skyway, shopped at Target (of course), and then headed over to the Utrecht art supply store to pick up sketch pads, pencils, paint canvas frames and other crafty fun stuff. 
We also took a moment to stop by St. Mary's Basilica and walk through the amazing cathedral and look at the sculptures and artwork. Dropping in to visit my neighbor, the Basilica, has become one of my favorite "moments of spontaneous spirituality" while living downtown. I embrace the beauty and silence within its walls, and take several deep breaths giving thanks for those moments of serenity. In return for my gratitude the bells of St. Mary's serenade me each weekend :o)
So Uncle Mike and the girls spent the evening eating pizza and ice cream, watching movies, and playing with the new sketchpads. By midnight Uncle Mike was fast asleep on the couch (now who's the "old folk"...) and eventually the girls zonked out as well. Sunday morning brought chocolate chip pancakes, a few lunch leftovers, and the return of Mom & Dad. Before I knew it the troops were packed and gone... time always flies when you've having fun.
How thankful I am for my family and the times we spend together--and now it's so nice that I'm only 3 hours away instead of 32! Making it a priority to spend quality time with friends and family is always an investment that pays off in happiness and joy--and for that I will always be thankful. Peace.
The Ambassador of Goodwill
Right before Christmas I had a fantastic opportunity to meet up with a few of my fellow expatriates (Michael "Curly", Todd, Sarah) who were also in India with me, as well as connect with Pam who happened to be visiting from India for the holidays. Todd's partner Davin and Michael's partner Brian also joined us--it was the first time we'd all connected since we returned to the U.S. this fall. We met up for brunch at the French Meadow Bakery in uptown Minneapolis and laughed our way through a fantastic breakfast of delicious muffins, coffee, eggs, and toast. Mmmmmm! Even though it was so great to connect with each other, it was strange having the snow and subzero temperatures outside... we're used to being together in hot and humid Asia!
After breakfast, me, Pam, Sarah, Todd & Davin went to the "India: Public Places, Private Spaces" exhibit at MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Arts). It was a wonderful series showcasing the many artistic talents of Indian photographers, videographers and artists. It was fun to see some familiar sites in the photographs and I was quite impressed with the variety and quality of the work. The artists focused more on their artwork and craft while adding the nuances of Indian culture into their works. An amazing and enlightening exhibit!
Even though the reunion was short, it was wonderful. It still feels odd that I don't get to see these friends on a daily basis like I did in India, but I know that these friendships will last my entire lifetime. I am so grateful for the experience of being an expat this past year--what an amazing adventure!
Happy New Year.
For the past month I've been enjoying the opportunity to participate in two Artist Receptions and a TV spot for my latest photography line, Inspiration from the World.
On September 26th I had an Art Opening at Wilde Roast Cafe in Minneapolis with a reception followed by a free concert by Eric Himan. It was a great opportunity to visit with friends and family as several people stopped by to see my work and hear my stories; plus, I got to meet Eric and listen to his fantastic songs! You can find my photography on sale and display at Wilde Roast through the holidays.
The next week, on October 2nd, I was the featured artist on the First Friday Art Walk through downtown Bemidji. The Art Walk is a monthly event sponsored by local businesses. Each participating business has an artist of the month, and during October I was chosen to represent Bad Cat Creations, the funky novelty store and gift shop downtown. The owner of Bad Cat, Christina, is featuring my entire line of photo cards and prints (both framed and unframed) throughout the month. Pretty exciting!
