If I May Introduce Myself

Hello my fellow creatives!! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Krystin Goodsell, and I am a mixed media visual artist. I have been asked to stand at the helm of Outsider Art In A Box as Rhonda is embarking on a great big international leap!

I have been a contributing artist to OAIAB since it's conception, and I can only hope to do it as much creative justice as Rhonda did. I have some pretty remarkable shoes to fill.

You may view samples of my work here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Krystin-Goodsell/8375502345?sk=photos#!/video/video.php?v=495221565648&oid=8375502345&comments

Rhonda, may Mexico embrace you and your art, and know that we will think of you often! Stay in touch!

So Long......Farewell

Good Beautiful Morning Creatives;
As u see from the title of this post, i am writing to say my farewells as i put Outsider Art In A Box to rest.. its been such a creative learning doing this public art project and i have met so many people that have participated as artists or artist consumers and I thank each and every one of u!!!

None of this could have been done without your input and support..Yes i am moving on but will continue to create locally and away.Above are pics of a workshop that was gifted to me and yes my fave facilitator Empty Sky,this particular workshop really inspired me on many different levels.

I still can be contacted at alteredanything at shaw dot ca i still have loose ends to tie up for Outsider. I have no regrets in doing Outsider at the time i felt it was something that needed to be done and now the time has passed.The other pic is a very interesting story and i am following some of my dreams in the next year take a look and hear their story.

http://www.careerjoy.com/index.php?q=node/386

I share also with sadness that Ruby Dogs Art House here in Vancouver will be closing its door the end of June 2008.its a great loss to the creative community.
There are great sales on check it out the address is on the right hand side of blog

So friends i must sign off as there are many things that i must do in moving on..

To Thine Own Self Be True


In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

The Shape of an Artist......................

Happy Solstice;
Ok it will be tomorrow..........Can u believe it time continues to speed along and i am trying to move with it. As we spring i wanted to blog about my direction and my shape as an artist. The first pic is a picture of yours truly,yep its me Rhonda the mover and shaker behind Outsider Art In A Box now i am not one for posting my picture as like others i don't enjoy having my pic taken but felt that at times when u read blogs its like reading someones ghost stories,u see lots of words but no connection to who is writing them.

The title of this entry is fitting cause i question myself on a regular basis as to what does shape me as an artist. Well the second pic is two books i just finished recently one the Book of Negroes was gifted to me at xmas and the other is a library book,both have impacted me in huge ways and naturally more questions i am left with to reflect on.

The Book of Negroes has fueled me in working more in terms of myself as a black womin and to incorporate that into my creativity . Its interesting if one pays attention to ideas that are asking for our attention in our creative expression and
my heritage continues to nudge me until its acknowledged.

Supplies a book by Julia Cameron author of Artists Way truly validated my experiences in the Artist Community at large here in Vancouver BC. I encourage u artists to pick up this book remain open and let the words flow.I understand in many ways why i chose to remain a solo artist. I am beginning to evaluate and challenge my creative process which is a good thing it keeps work fresh.

What changes are u making in your creative process??

Are u a solo artist or more of a group artist?

What have u learned about yourself as an artist in the last year?

Well Creatives heres to springing!!!

Happy Creative Day..

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Oops!!!

Good Morrow Creatives;
I had good intentions of writing here in blog land and it kept getting put off so here i am...The above pics are the last of my collage class with empty sky and that quality time has been missed,i feel at a loss as it kept me focused on the creativity at hand.

Taking a course is a great way to experiment,challenge and incorporate diverse approaches into ones artful expression.I must say i am looking at pushing some limits in my own art.

The first pic is a book we created the book was blank so i played with bees wax as texture,i love the color and the central theme of balance & peace. The remaining pics are empty sky facilitating our last class.I will be around a bit more the rest of month so check in..

Have a creative day ,Try it you will like it

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

The Creative Saga Continues....Yahoo!!!

Yo!!!
its another rocking sunny day and i enjoyed a nice break hanging out with the blue skies and sun...It makes the final course push over the next couple of weeks worth these sunny days and more. Ok now did u all see that beautiful mooning last night??? wasn't it beautiful??

Empty Skys Art show is still there at Havana's to be seen,i forgot my camera to take pics but may try and pop in to take some much deserved pics her work is beautiful...

Above is my art class pic and two of the womyn are getting into the class assignments,the kewl thing is i have an Art Play Date on Sunday with my good friend Cindy so i am looking forward to just playing with the techniques that i am learning. Well people course reading is calling my name, gots to go

To be continued:

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Hail Creatives;
Another full day here at Outsider Central...I didn't make it to my art class on Monday so not much to report on that creative front, but i would like to share,encourage you to take a look at Empty Sky's Art Show that is upcoming this weekend. Click on the invitation above it will give all the details.

I am catching up on some very overdue reading for my course work,naturally i am distracted by other things going on that eat up my time but no complaints here as i love the spontaneity of my day to day life. Next week i am finally going to tackle grouting my mosaic counter top i made its more than overdue i will post pics when i am done. Its Friday in my hood and i am going to commit some time to my course as i will finish soon..Have an awesome weekend..Take a step to the creative side...

Till we meet again;
Rhonda

Rock and Roll of Creativity

Salutations;
Its Black History Month!!! this post is the past two weeks of my night class...it continues to be a learning curve and a nice balance from my academic course. Collage is an interesting medium and Empty Sky is an awesome facilitator with loads of experience..

Lots going on here at Outsider central, over the next few months i will update you all. The above pics give a bit of insight into my collage journey and i thought it was fitting to create a piece for my celebration and acknowledgment of Black History. The other pics are collage creations on a time limit the whole idea is not to over think but just do.

The last pic is a focused student,my friend Cindy. I raved so much about the class that Cindy signed up in the fourth week of class.. Gotta love the power of creativity.

Hmm u may have noticed that i removed Outsider Art In A Box Subscription(On The Right) with my present and upcoming schedule i am streamlining some of my commitments so until further notice it will be on hold.

Well i have overdue reading to catch up on and writing... Be Creative!!!

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Flow and Ebb of Creativity......

Hail Creative Ones;
This is brief as i am on school assignment deadlines..Monday was my second collage class with Famous Empty Sky and let me tell ya she has an awesome way of creatively pushing us and my experience was being in my bliss of creativity..

Its funny how things present themselves when its time,this hands on art course came at time when i was questioning myself as an artist and my purpose. I gotta
tell ya that this brief time in this class has given me a tremendous boost and i'm feeling good!!!

The above pics are from Mondays class,yep finger painting again in fact it will be the last time so i embraced it to the fullest and the first pic are some of my papers i painted the other pics are the participants creations and some of our class tools.

Hmm where i am going with this ,well my artistic journey the past year since i took on Outsider Art In A Box ,what a ride its been i'm still bumping along here.

I've learned so much about myself and continue so...Say is Life..Well i am off to take part in the blue skies and shining sun plus do homework...


Let today be a creative day!!!

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Creative Kickstart

Good Morning;
Its a beauty day in the Art Hood!!! Blue skies a little chill in the air but all is well. I went to my first art class last night and wow talk about hands on,the first thing we did was get our hands dirty,yep finger painting 101 does that bring back memories as
a kid....so there i was my hands were a rainbow of colors and having a blast moving colors around let me tell u,my kid was rocking in the color world!!!

Take a look at our plastic garbage bag aprons pretty funky eh!!!! The class consists of 15 people and is already pretty lively. The focus is a good thing for me right now a balance between heavy duty school work and now a creative focused course... can we say full plate.....

Well i am off to class people so have an awesome creative filled day!!!

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Top Of The Day To Ya........................

Happy New Year Creative Ones;
Yes i am here living large in my creative world....The holidays were a blur but very enjoyed. As i glance at my day timer i see all the full squares for places,people and places that require my time and energy over the next several months.

I am taking a Post Graduate course called Building Better Communities(Art and Social Justice),i began a while back and its a challenge as an artist as well the heavy theory component. I am also taking a 9 week hands on Collage course with Famous Empty Sky at Britannia Community Center(there is still space) this starts on Monday as well as i will be facilitating an Art Party, details to follow here on the blog within the next few days.

I've noticed my own lack of creative interest and felt i needed to kickstart it so the hands on art course is a beginning. Having the time off over the holidays allowed me to reflect over Outsider. I have not truly played a part in Outsider as an artist but more of the administrator which kicks the creative stuffing right out of ya,so with this collage course i am taking on the role of artist again,i got to tell ya i feel giddy with the excitement and possibilities.

The pic above is two of my fave things drinking tea and reading..i discovered this mug in my thrift store travels and it called to me to take it home this is my fave second mug that gives me a boost in the early am as a kick off to my day.

Keep The Arts Alive Support your local Artists!!!

Good to see you all again....I will post about the upcoming Art Party Stay Tuned..

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Happy Winter Solstice

Greetings;
Happy Winter Solstice one and all.......... Winter Solstice also known as Yule, Christmas, and Saturnalia, occurs in mid December. It celebrates the birth of the new Solar year and the beginning of Winter. Colors are Red, Green, and White. This is a festival of inner renewal.
The Winter Solstice is unique among days of the year — the time of the longest night and the shortest day. The dark triumphs but only briefly. For the Solstice is also a turning point. From now on (until the Summer Solstice, at any rate), the nights grow shorter and the days grow longer, the dark wanes and the Sun waxes in power. From the dark womb of the night, the light is born.

Winter Solstice is my celebration for this time of the year and so i've been bringing solstice in a big way,last night i organized a cookie drop in, great turn out 14 womyn with many sweets in hand and then tonight off to a solstice party. The pics above is a funky mirror hanging in my office kewl eh!!! Yes that is the cookie table early evening it got fuller. Well dear readers i am signing off now until the New Year .......Happy Holidaze from Mi Casa Su Casa.


In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

The Gifts Of Creative Xpression

Happy Solstice Blessings;
Its beginning to look alot like celebrations are a brewing....People ask me do i like Christmas and yeah babies i do!!! actually what i like is celebrations that happen through out the year and creating my own celebrations which i have gone ahead an done this year for Winter Solstice ...My year has been challenging many loses but then there have been new beginnings so ya see it all balances out in the end is the way i see it. I choose to see the good stuff even when i am sad at times.

Posting has gotten lost in life these days with school deadlines an all,I will be working on a big assignment over the holidaze no rest for this artist ok ok a couple of days lol lol.

The pictures are stories in themselves....The Solstice card is one i made this year to send out i love collage...

Are ya trying to think of a funky gift to give what about an Art Subscription to Outsider Art In A Box..Check out how easy it is ,look in the right side bar and click away. For the past couple of weeks i have been at the post office sending subscriptions for Outsider thus far Australia is the furthest.

I have had the pleasure to soak up art events and last week was the Vancouver Art Gallery seeing the Georgia O'Keefe Exhibit.(Thanx Lynne) I also went to a local artist opening at the Radha Yoga and Eatery on Main St,what a kewl space..the artist i saw is Famous Empty Sky i love her work and will be taking a workshop from her in the new year.

I also went to a dinner party where creativity reigns throughout the space and the owner herself is a creative..at each of our plates was a cute stash of chocolate. Sweet eh!!!

Well i am off as i am on a deadline for an assignment that should have been in last week oops... i will be taking a break tonight to go on a dinner cruise to see the xmas carol boats and lights(more pics to come)

So come on create your celebration!!! I would love to hear how u do up your celebrations leave a comment

Art On

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Have U Been Waiting Long........

Yes its me Rhonda,I live and breathe and sure didn't reliaze that time has passed by so quickly..

Outsider continues to live.life is creatively busy but wanted to update all on whats happening here at Outsider Central!!!

So i will begin with some peek-a-boos from Maxine Finch who creates chain mail keychains they are very kewl and Isabella one of our younger artists and very talented ,here are her darn it dolls aren't they they too cute.

I am actually creating more these days not sure how i can fit my bigger sculptures though into Outsiders Small boxes..


The other pics are my office is and where i work out of part time doing my other creative stuff and yep headquarters for Outsider Art In A Box.Stay tuned in 2008 for some funshops and info sessions on Outsider.

I hope this blog finds everyone well and creating away...

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Thats What I'm Talking About.....

Hello Hello;
I'm finally here are u??? Soon to be Hallows Eve
can i say oops i forgot about my space here as i was enjoying life.Well i got NEWS!!!

Outsider has a new home and we are in the process of moving in yahoo!! I gotta tell ya its an exciting thing. We're gonna be in the hub of it all.For you vancouverites Outsider will be located at the corner of Main and Broadway in the old Lee building,we will be located on the second floor in office space i have one office and a friend has the the second space..Also there is a reception area,sitting area,kitchen and storage space..The total square footage is 633 sq feet but its soooooooo cute and cozy.

So in a nutshell that's what i have been doing is breathing some new life back into Outsider. Thank You to those people who contacted me privately to ask what is happening. There is more news to come which i hope to reveal soon. OUTSIDER LIVES!!! Stay Tuned More to come.....

Create On People, I'm glad to be back on board again.

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Walkabout Gastown

Good Morning;
Last week i spent a day in Gastown,with my friend Luchia (pic above) she purchased a beautiful fully furnished loft as an investment property and was hanging out for a week before her new tenant moved in. Gastown is full of diverse inspiration as u can see from some of the pics i took. The galleries in gastown are full of great talent and loads of creative xpression. Its great when u have someone that lives in a particular hood in a city as u see things that are non touristy its an awesome experience.

I was saying to myself the other day ya know Rhonda its all and good that u facilitate this public art project but what about your small stuff,my involvement has been nil in terms of creating my own creative wares. its very easy to become bogged down in the day to day details of the logistics of Outsider or any other public art project that is ongoing. So this is changing in small ways that will lead to big steps..Stay Tuned!!!

I also wanted to encourage you to check out two of Outsiders Artists that participated in the Annual Granville Island Ferries Great Garbage Can Art Contest and Auction on September 21st/2007

http://walkingwithkrystin.blogspot.com/

http://brushedwithmagic.com/blog/

Create On....

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

Who R The People In Your Neighborhood and Beyond

Well here is another beauty day in the neighborhood!!
My creative life runneth over and for that i am grateful for the experiences that i am participating in. Its funny how when life hands u lemons what one does with them know for sure that i did make lemonade.

In my hood an acquaintance told me about a community pottery studio so off i went on Thursday morning. Pottery was my first love and i have been away from it for a number of years i gotta say that i was intimidated and unsure where to start.

I am going to make some creations for Outsider but this will take some thought as to what...The above pics of some clay discs that i am making for a sculpture it is kewl mixing different art mediums,the other pic is a shot of the pottery studio.

The last two pics are of my journey to see the Monet-Dali show at the Vancouver Art Gallery Can i say AWESOME!! IT WAS BREATHTAKING the downside was the crowds it somewhat limited me in reading everything about the Artist.I got the stamp of the Gallery on my hand if i wanted to go back in that night at a later time i was way too exhausted.The other two floors also had great exhibits and were easier to navigate in. Way To Go Vancouver Art Gallery....

Please Support the Arts and your local Artist!!

Good Day to You!!

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda