Wildfire in Wonderland: Finattan Lina'la

People like to say that if you love making art so much you will overcome the financial difficulties and all the other obstacles that make it hard for you to create, like wandering attention, day jobs, and life in general,  It's true.  Artists will find a way to create.  But artists need to be resourceful and know how to hustle.  I'm finally learning that.

 I'm working on a solo project, Finattan Lina'la, which for my purposes translates to Illustrated Life.  I've been wanting to grow my illustration skills for a while and I decided that a great way to start would be to explore life on Guam, through illustration.  In order to insure my commitment to this exploration and growth I thought an exhibition of my journey would be a great incentive.  Art supplies are not cheap!  And if you live on an island, in the middle of the beautiful Pacific, art supplies are really not cheap.  I guess that's a paradise tax. In June, of last year, I applied for a grant from the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency. And last October I found out that I got my grant and could move forward with the project, with the greatly appreciated funding.

The actual application was fairly easy to put together.  What was hard was convincing myself that I deserved a shot at some funding.  I kept thinking about the amazing artists I know and thinking so and so could really use this.  I felt like I would be taking something from other local artists, who I felt deserved it more than me.  I believed in my project and it's purpose, I just didn't believe in myself.  I moved forward with the application at the urging of my mother, who is so amazingly supportive.

The grant application required three letters of recommendation.  I sent out some emails to people who have been supportive and inspiring, to me and other members of my community.  I can't express how touched I was by the letters I got back.  Those letters, from people I admire so much, were just what I needed to turn in my application with a smile on my face and optimism overflowing in my soul.  As artists, we create because we have to.  We could cease existing if we bottle up that energy.  We do it silently with out an audience, if we must. But when your art reaches someone and that dialogue from artist to viewer, or listener, or reader, begins and you find out that your creation is acknowledged and appreciated it's the breeze that turns a small flame in to a wild fire.  Un dångkolo' na saina ma'åse to Dessa, Nella, Carmen, Mr. Tenorio, and of course, the Maga'håga of my heart, mom.  A very special saina ma'åse to Cara, for pointing me in the direction of illustration and being a great hustle role model.

So now I'm inviting my friends in Wonderland to visit my project.  The website is a work in progress, as are the illustrations, and the rest of my life.  I will be updating the blog and illustration pages on the site regularly.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy creating it.  I can't wait to invite everyone to the physical exhibition later this year.

Click here to visit Finattan Lina'la!

And since I love all of you for following my blog, despite my neglect, I want to share the rough sketches for one of my next illustrations.

Celebrate in Wonderland: Belly blessings

A couple days ago I was double blessed.  I did two belly blessings in one day.  

 I did the belly blessing when Amanda was pregnant with her second child, two years ago.  So when I got a message asking if I'd be willing to bless her belly again I was very excited.  And it was another great experience.  We talked about art and pregnancy during the blessing and we had some yummy quiche at Nuts and Grains.

Amanda's butterfly and shroom blessing

Later that night I did a belly blessing for Rachel.  Rachel is an amazing woman, mommy, and baker.  Her boyfriend, Andres, is one of Allan's good friends and Rachel and I spent the evening sharing Allan and Andres stories.  It takes a lot of patience and a sense of humor to date these guys, so it was nice talking to someone who gets it.  She also brought over some amazing desserts!  :P

Rachel's turtle and hearts blessing

I can not wait to meet these nenis!!!  

Crafting in Wonderland: Monster bookmarks for young readers

Aren't these super cute? 

They're bookmarks I made for my nephew, Kane.  He just turned 7 and he is amazing. 

He is a great reader!  :)  So I thought these would be fun for him.

I learned to make them from this tutorial on You Tube.

Community in Wonderland: Celebrating abilities

This is the painting I donated to Guma Mami for their annual Creative Spirits art auction.  It is acrylic and ink on canvas and titled, The Cliffs of Insanity.  I believe it sold for $50 and the buyers told me that it reminded them of the movie, Inception.  I haven't watched it so I can't really say how I feel about that.  What do you think?

I like working with ink on paint.  I enjoyed painting this and like how it turned out.  I'm thinking about doing more paintings in this style.  I might even try to do a series if I can get my hands on enough canvas. 

Here are some pictures I took before the show:

Art work by Ms. Gina, one of my favorite local artists

my favorite piece of the night

the bottom one is a collaboration by Luke and Nella

my dad's piece   :)

Community in Wonderland: Miss World Guahan!

About a month or so ago, my mom told me that there was a call put out to local artists asking for design ideas for Miss World Guam's 2012 native costume.  She told me about it a couple days before the deadline.  So I spent a day thinking up ideas and then I broke out some fashion form templates I printed out a few years ago.  I wish I remember where I got it so I could add a link, but I can't. I had a lot of fun sketching and painting this out. 

Every element of the dress has meaning.  The guafak bodice pay tribute to the weaving skills of our island's women.  The gradient blue skirt represents the ocean, all it gives to us, and our people's navigational skills.  The net and spondylus is a tribute to the women who save Guahan and the women who continue to protect the interests of our island and her people.  The greenery is a reminder that we are protectors of the land and the coconut shell buttons down the spine are a tribute to the legend of the coconut tree.  Every part of this dress could be made locally and showcase our island's talented artisans.

My design was not chosen to be worn by Miss World Guam 2012, but I still feel great about it.  I put a lot of thought in to this design and I'm really proud of it.  Plus, it got a bunch of likes on facebook and people are still telling me how beautiful it is.  I do realize this may not have been the best dress for the competition.  It is more symbolic than obvious.  In order to really appreciate it fully, I think you'd need to know a bit more about our island than how many brown tree snakes we have.  :P



photo credit: JR Manuel Imagery

While my design didn't win the Native Costume competition at the Miss World Guam pageant, my god sister Jeneva Bosko did take home the crown!  She isn't just beauty either.  She is a whole lot of heart.  Jeneva raised over $6,000 for Erica's House.  Erica's House is a family visitation center where a parent can visit with their child or the child can be exchanged from one parent to another, in a safe and friendly environment.  They also offer parenting classes.  We're all very proud and excited for her.  I don't know if I have ever seen my nina that happy.  :D  I'm sure Jeneva will represent our island exceptionally well and she just might even take home the Miss World title.  My fingers are crossed for her. 

Celebrate in Wonderland: Biba Pagat!

BREAKING NEWS: DOD agrees to re-think Route 15 firing range; More studies, scoping planned

Celebrate in Wonderland: Biba Egypt!

I cried this morning after I saw the headlines. So beautiful. So amazing. So much hope.

Community in Wonderland: We heart Carmen!

I went to a medical fundraiser this evening.  Carmen Costello is an amazing artist and beautiful human being.  Our island was very blessed to have her with us.  She'll be leaving us very soon to spread the love and get healthy.  We're sending soooo much love and appreciation her way.

Look at the amazing pieces I took home!!  The print is by Carmen and I decided to purchase it as a gift for Allan.  The 2 ceramic pieces are by another local artist, Monaeka Flores.  I have a large painting of her's hanging in my living room.  :)  The red necklace is by Carmen.  She makes such unique pieces!  My mom bought me this since it matched the dress I was wearing  The orange bead and seed necklace is by Mama Jill.  Mama Jill is a master carver and just a really beautiful person.  She does so much to encourage the preservation and appreciation of our culture.

I had a really awesome night, but I'm a little sad.  I wish Carmen could stay longer or I wish I had met her sooner.  She tells the funniest stories and has such amazing energy.  She has so much to share and teach and she's not stingy with her stories, talent, or heart.  We love her very much and wish her all the best!

Carmen, in red, signing prints.

some jewelry by Carmen & ceramic and clay pieces by Monaeka

Carmen's originals up for auction

donated raffle prizes

Celebrate in Wonderland: Twenty Six :P

Uh oh!  That's a lot of shots!

Celebrate in Wonderland: Belly Blessing

I had such a lovely Sunday evening recently.  I was able to do my first belly blessing.  Amanda, who runs Gaia Eco Solutions, is a henna artist also and has done many belly blessings, but was not able to have her own when she was pregnant with her daughter, Evie.  It felt really good to be able to this for her, this time around.  The entire time the baby was moving around getting excited.  The picture above is at the end of the session.  The paste is on and the yellow is made from turmeric.  There are crystals and glitter also.  The picture below is one she sent me of the next day with the paste and sparkles all peeled off.

Happy Mother's Day!

There are so many amazing mother's in my life.

Today, I'm wishing them all the love and appreciation in the world.

Especially my mom

and the many amazing mother's in my family!

And for the mother's who've lost a child, I'm wishing them love and strength.

To the mothers of my friends: gratitude for nurturing such beautiful people.

I hope all the mother's in the world have a wonderful day!

Celebrate in Wonderland: One Night in Tokyo and Sky Creations!

Just thought I'd share some pictures from Sharon's birthday party!

If you like Sharon's outfit you can find it on Etsy!  We ordered it from Sky Creation!

If you like my top:  Thanks, I made it!  : P

Celebrate in Wonderland: GAX and One Night in Tokyo

Two events on Friday night.  Allan and I are both off from work and school, but he has his usual gig at Bully's.

Opening act for Friday is GAX, the Guam Art Exhibit.  I'm excited for this show, mainly because my very good friend, Luke, works for the company that puts it together and he has been very active in the production of this show.  I also know many of the exhibiting artist.  Hopefully Nel, Tes and I will be exhibiting at the next one.  

Headlining for my Friday night is "One Night in Tokyo", my friend Sharon's birthday party.  Sharon is a very sweet girl and last year she spent her birthday away from all of us, in Japan.  She was there taking care of her mom.  For that birthday we had all pitched in to buy her the cutest outfit, but we didn't give it to her until our Christmas party.  So it is kind of the inspiration of this party.  Well that and she is half Japanese (cue Weezer music now) and has the most kawaii anime eyes. :P

In preparation for this night I've been working on a Japanese inspired outfit.  In fact I'm taking a break from my sewing to post this.  :)  I hope it turns out well.  Either way I'm sure It'll be a great night filled with awesome art, great friends, and lots of celebrating.

Hope everyone else has a great weekend!

• One Night in Tokyo flier produced by Nella @ Resolution Tree

Celebrate in Wonderland: Breakfast for his birthday!

garlic shrimp fried rice made with LOVE!

Life in Wonderland: Midnight Kisses.

In the five or is it 6? years that we've been together Allan and I have always had our New Year's kiss. Even if he was playing on stage, he'd make sure at midnight he could kiss me. :)

Last year I was really down on New Year's. I was so depressed I skipped the party we were going to that night. Allan went because half the party was for his birthday and he knew when I get that down I just need time and space.

I couldn't sleep so I put in Princess Bride and cuddled up with Viva and Merlot on the couch. I started to feel really bad about not going. My friends were expecting me and what kind of terrible girlfriend doesn't spend New Year's Eve with her boyfriend, especially when it's his birthday?! So all of those thoughts just made me feel worse.

As I dug my self deeper in self loathing it suddenly was minutes until midnight. Then I heard him through the door. He was playing Auld Lang Syne on the harmonica his parents got him for Christmas. He came home just in time. I had told him a few days before that it was one of my favorite holiday songs. He learned it that night on his way to the party! I started the New Year free of gloom and filled with love. Sometimes knowing someone loves you sooo much can help you love yourself.

This morning I cleaned the car, did some laundry and brought his birthday presents over from my parent's house, where I had hid them. I'm going to wake him up with garlic shrimp fried rice and tons of love. :)

Hope you all will be starting the year off with the ones you love. If you're spending it alone please remember a new year brings new opportunities and new hope.

Celebrate in Wonderland: Happy Birthday Allan!

Happy birthday to my love!

Celebrate in Wonderland: Xmas '09 - part 2

Recessions presents = gifts from the Japanese $1.50 stores. :D

We also encouraged creative recycled wrapping.

Thats a rolling pin. :P

perfect for a single egg

Clara is a teacher. Nel got her chalk and red pens.

The pink thing in his hand is a giant pen. lol

Shauna handed out mini christmas trees, sugar scrub, and candy!

Sharon is an animal lover. :)

Marchell loves strawberries.

It's not in this pic, but I got Mark a flat tire kit and head lamp for his bike!

some of the other $1.50 gifts included:

resin key chains w/ bugs! chopsticks! reusable grocery bags! origami paper! Japanese flash cards! nail polish! notebooks! Pot holders! and so many more awesome things.

All night people were saying, "You got THAT at the $1.50 store." You'd be surprised at the many neat things you miss when browsing those places.

Celebrate in Wonderland: Xmas '09 - part 1

Retro Recession Christmas Cocktail Party!!!

We invited our friends over for drinks and appetizers to celebrate the holidays. Allan and Quincy served up takoyaki, sashimi, veggie spring rolls, meat balls and gravy, hummus w/ toasted pitas, and spinach rolls. Sharon brought cookies. Nella made a punch bowl of Sangria and everyone else brought beer. The food, drinks, and the company was absolutely festive and perfect.

He doesn't hate me. He just refuses to smile for pictures. :P

Viva was so excited!

I have awesome friends, the gifts that keep on giving.

Nella and Michele. I love them!

No party is complete without some hooping.

So exhausted!!!

Celebrating in Wonderland: Oh, Christmas tree . . .

Our tree!!!

Complete with an Archie comic chain and Betty Boop ornaments.

Life in Wonderland: Oh Christmas Tree

I keep having to remind myself, this holiday season, to relax and not expect so much. If I could just slow down maybe I could actually enjoy the holidays rather than spending it worrying about budgeting for presents, fitting a stupid skirt, and the big one . . . the perfect tree.

I'm not sure why I'm so caught up in this tree thing. I struggle with it every once in a while though. I'm not really interested in buying a real tree. Christmas trees don't grow here so any tree I would buy would've had to have been shipped thousands of miles and could possibly be harboring a stowaway species. I don't judge people who do buy real Christmas trees though. They smell so good and a lot of the time the profits from the trees go to a good cause.

So why not just purchase a fake tree, that can be used year after year? I'm not really in to those either. I want something completely funky! I want something different. We own a wicker tree that I spray painted black. That one is in our bedroom this year. I need a new tree for the living room. I thought that making a tree out of plastic bag garland would be fun and funky. So in early October I started working on it. Then early November I realized that would take forever and was no longer fun. So early December we tried making a tree with aluminum cans. Then we ran out of cans and realized that wasn't the best idea ever. So last week we bought a bunch of green balloons and I attempted to make a balloon tree. I got frustrated after a couple hours so Allan took over. But by then I had already decided, out of disappointment in myself, that I didn't want a silly balloon tree.

I'm pretty sure we will just end up getting an artificial tree. Maybe I'll spray paint it some funky color. I'm not sure yet. I'll be sure to post pics once we finally get a tree up in the living room. In the mean time I'll continue cursing the contents of my closet and kitchen cabinets, for not getting along. Hopefully I'll find some time between to just breath and soak up the spirit of the holidays.