For several years I belonged to a wonderful organization. It was medium specific and it provided a great deal of information and opportunity for many artists who work in that medium.

When I first joined the organization I only worked in the medium it represented, so it was perfect for me. I loved it! I learned so much.

However, as time went on I started to work in other art media. Medium that I enjoyed far more, and was far more adept at. I preferred to spend my time with watercolor in particular. Because I belonged to this organization, I felt obligated to continue to devote some of my time to the medium it represented.

Well, I finally decided not to continue my membership. I must reiterate that this is a great organization, but this was something I needed to do for me…and it turns out my growth.

Once I made that decision, it was a moment of clarity. The top of the box came off and I climbed out. Literally overnight, my work began to improve, as did my confidence.

I’m still on a lifelong journey. I think that’s part of being an artist. Now though I feel free to create.

So, if you’re feeling boxed in, look at what may be confining you. What can you change to set you free? Climb out of your box!

I “announced” the website via my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts yesterday.

It opened the subject up that I had actually started working on the site last June.

What took sooooo long?

Well let’s start by explaining this. I’m a divider plate kind of woman. I want each of my vegetables and my potato to have their own separate space. It’s not good if they touch. It’s as though the flavor receptors in my brain get confused when they touch. Everything tastes bad or the same. Therefore, no touching.

Now onto the website. When I signed up for it, I also started several other large projects. I’ll admit, it was the larger projects that spurred on the thought of starting the website. I felt rather ambitious!

Most of the projects I was working on were intuitive to me. I could work on them simultaneously without losing track of where I was. It didn’t work that way with the website. It required far more effort it seemed. Even the small parts seemed to be complicated endeavors.

Truth of it is, I put my peas, my corn, and my potato all in the middle of my plate when I don’t like them to touch. On top of that, I used a bowl. There was no way to keep things in there own spot. It was inevitable. There was touching. So off to the wayside the website fell. Until now that is!

Why now? I cleared up my plate. Of course there’s always something. It’s just now I realize why I was having such a difficult time with it, so I’m able to allocate my time and projects better. It also helped that a friend whispered some encouraging words in my ear at the right time. Oh, and I got a divider plate.

Two little words, one very large meaning.

Seize the day.

This is my mantra.

For each of us, seizing the day can mean something totally different.  For one person, it can mean accomplishing something new.  For another, it can be simply making it through the day.  

For me, it means making the best out of whatever the day may throw at me.   Taking this glorious life I have, and making sure that I do all that I want with it.  Creating images of things I find beautiful and sharing them with others in the hope they too enjoy them.  Being the best I can be, but knowing when I’m not, I can fix it.  Taking each day and being responsible for my thoughts, my actions, and my words.  Taking care of this little piece of the Earth that I live on and keeping it healthy.  

What does Carpe Diem mean to you?  There’s no wrong answer.  Just an opportunity to explore what you want today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.

Carpe Diem!

…they say.  Sure, easier said than done when it comes to setting up your website!

Welcome to my first blog.  This is probably the single most difficult part of setting up my website.  The blogging part.  Trust me, I’m not averse to chatting.  Writing my thoughts down is another thing entirely.  So, please be patient with me as I get used to this.

Right now the site is a bit sparse, but as the days and weeks move on you will see more of my past work, my works in progress, and a section I’ll add for tips and tricks.  I’m hoping that you will stick with me during the process.

In the meantime, please continue to visit me on Instagram @karenjamesart and on Twitter @karenjamesart.