Art VS Leaves. Winner: Art.

A blog? What blog? Yes. I am sure that is what you are thinking at this very moment, but indeed I still have this thing. Though it has been awhile dear friend, I am back for a minute.

Ah. Boulder Boulder Boulder. You are a true gem tucked away in the mountains. However, your awesome-ness has not been in my presence for roughly 4 weeks, the studio has taken that away from me. I wish I had made time to truly experience the changing leaves...but alas, art making took over. Boo. 

I say boo but I don't know if I really mean that. Yes, nature is awesome. But there is something wonderful about taking raw materials (whether it be dirt, fabric or wood) and all of a sudden I have art! And that art came in the form of a midterm. I must say, I'm pretty happy with it. 

All my hard work, all the time I wasn't riding my bicycle down a leaf covered street in a cute outfit, I created "Pathways of Memory". To see more go here.

While I feel this piece was successful in many ways, today I had an overwhelming sense of failure. Blah. It is simply the worst. But now that I have dried my eyes, convinced myself that yes, I wanted my make up to look smudgy, the 'ah-ha' moment has presented itself. Though feeling like a disappointment is on the same level as killing a puppy, it does come with some ups. This reality that, 'I am human. I am a girl. I am a girl that has emotional moments' is a refreshing one. Allowing myself to be that cry baby for a bit is nice. And seriously, who doesn't love a good cry? To quote Joni Mitchell and my mother "laughing and crying, it's the same release." 

"Failure" is one of those feelings that comes like a bolt of lightening...it lingers...and then it's gone. Heres to the emotions that hit us quick, and flee just as fast. So maybe I don't hate it as much as I thought I would. {is anyone else wondering why I'm just not realizing this now...at 23? Yah. I am too. I have no explanation for it...maybe it's because I have an abnormal sense of self and confidence...? Thanks for that Mom!} 

Conclusion: Not so great moments happen, but they do fade away.

Post Script: I made donuts. How cute are they?? Ah. Stop it. 

Past Moments I Hold Dear.

This post is for my dear friend Abby who has been politely asking me to write about The Six Family trip to Telluride this past summer. Here's to you Abby, for keeping me semi-updated on my blog. You're a peach if I've ever met one!  

 Telluride might be, in fact, the coolest place in the United States. No jokes here people. Real cool things happening there! We ventured into Mountain Time Zone to see my cousins amazing band, Run Boy Run, play on the main stage at the bluegrass festival and they rocked it like no other! Along with hanging out with RBR {and feeling superior to everyone because we got to say the ever cool "we're with the band."} we also saw some other incredible artists! Now I will list & link the greatest we discovered! 

Run Boy Run 

The Devil Makes Three

Della Mae

Punch Brothers 

Greensky Bluegrass

Cheers to good music, a great family and adventures with all of them!

I Love Boulder...I Think It Feels The Same About Me.

Because I think about relationships constantly, I consider my move to the Mountain Time Zone as a new friend I'm getting acquainted with. I wish I could play camp-style 'get to know you' games with the city...odd? Yup. Is it obvious that that was always my favorite day of camp...? Learning what peoples favorite colors, candies, boy bands and soups are. Gah. Just the best. 

Well, here are some fun little factoids I've discovered about Boulder:

• Boulder is very friendly, except on the roads. People get in a motorized vehicle here and go full blown crazy.
• The farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday is my favorite time to spend with the city. 
• Altitude is a big thing here. Which means I am in a constant process of applying chap stick and drinking a bottle of water.  

Between getting to know Boulder and settling in, I have had this almost dramatic feeling of hope everywhere I turn. Again, I think about relationships most of the time, so whenever I see a fun looking person I automatically think, "Oh my. They could be my new best friend!" Do I actually meet any of these folks...? Nope. But I might someday! 

There is some much wonder in a new place, an extreme sense of excitement, nervousness and possibilities. I think that is what fuels me every day to venture out of my (adorable) apartment to go wander. I want to know this place, I want to meet these people, I want them to become a part of my life I couldn't imagine being without. 

Cheers to this new place where I will undoubtably leave a bit of my heart. 

Mountains.

   Photo by Me, via www.juliasix.com 

     Today I've been so aware of things that teach us lessons. It may be the pain of moving on from a relationship, a life moment that needs patience or just a lonely day. While I was thinking about how these moments are just plain shitty...I realized that it is in these rough times that we learn so much about ourselves and others. 

    Don't get me wrong, a happy celebration teaches us how precious this life is that God has given us, but I'm pretty sure that all of the 'wisdom' I have gained is from the rough life lessons. {I put wisdom in quotes because I don't claim to have much of it...but I will say that I do know a lot about a couple of things.} I don't think I have had many true-lesson-learning moments that started with a positive. There is some clique quote that says something to the effect of 'if it wasn't for the bad times, we wouldn't appreciate the good ones.' I guess there is a reason phrases become cliques...they are right. 

    So tonight I'm remembering the times that seemed like a mountain to over come, but once I reached the first step down that huge problem, I felt so much better and could see the lesson God wanted me to learn. As I am soon to embark on a new mountain {moving to a city and state where I know no one} I have to keep telling myself that I will survive that hike. I will become a better person because of it. I will know myself more after I fight to get to the top. I guess what it's all about tonight is faith. Faith that I am going to become the person I am meant to be, I am going where I am needed, and I am going to make the very best of it.

Art + Chick Flicks

Two things I realized tonight:
1. I love chick flicks. (this is not a new 'awe ha' moment.) What I love about these movies is that I can escape to a world that it is entirely possible to fall in love with someone in a matter of 3 days. What a magical thing that must be. Completely not likely but gah, so great.
2. I am 1 in a million artist. Not in the 'I'm a 1 in a million special' kind of way. I mean I am seriously 1 of the MILLIONS of artist out there. That my friend, is terrifying. I realized this while I was uploaded some of my work to Society6. As I look at the 1000s of art on this site, I'm wondering how in the world do I become an Andy, Cindy, or Sally? (None art buffs, these people are amazing, and famous. Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Sally Mann) I never want to be famous in the Andy way...but I would like to be known ya know? It's a scary world this Art Land that I've chosen to be in. I could have a been a fabulous weather woman {I took a Weather and Climate class a couple semesters ago and I really loved it...} but I chose to be an artist. I get the whole 'starving artist' thing now. Who can keep up with all the creators in the world...I can't even do it.

To sum up, chick flicks are a great way to distract myself from the world that I'm in. And sometimes I need a false reality to enter. So today I'm breaking. And it is fabulous. Cheers!

Hopeful Thinking.

     One of my Favorites gave me a vintage Rolodex the other day. I couldn't figure out what exactly I wanted to do with it. I'm sure he was hoping I'd make some super cool art with it (which I still might do...) but what I decided on for now is just too adorable in my opinion to not share.

     Now the question is: do I cook enough to use this fun little guy? No. HOWEVER, in my mind I will start cooking more once I move to Boulder. I'm not really sure why I think I will...maybe because that seems like the healthy, 'green' thing to do. And in my head, that is two words that describe Boulder. So here's to new habits I hope to make. 

    Here is the extended list of things I hope to start in New Life Moment that is Boulder:

• Ride my bike everywhere. {The hills in B are less extreme than Huntsville, Thank God.}
• Garden {I'll be living in an apartment but a collection of cute, vintage tin containers has already started to form.}
• Daily Exercising {I've actually already started this but it will be more consistent}
• Dressing To Impress {I'm done with undergrad...maybe I should start looking like the put-together person I am.}
• Blog {you will know more about whats going on in my life...promise.}

  

   Packing is something I absolutely hate doing and is somehow on my to-do list for at least 3 months out of the year. I use to be all clique about it and get all the gear: the classic cardboard boxes, clear tape and a large sonic drink. These days its more of 'oh, I have this tote bag free...yup! All my dishes can go in that tote bag!!' 

   Its pure chaos. 

   But as I was packing my cookware in my big black art trunk (do you see the extreme of my crazy person packing skills?) I realized that moving is a blessing hidden by bubble wrap and heavy lifting. Because moving means I've completed a moment in my life in a certain place and that I'm headed to a new moment. This time it's to Boulder. What a good one that is! 

   I still hate packing and thinking 'Will I need this in the next 2 months?! Will I really use that box of 64 Crayons this summer?' It stresses me out like no other. But packing for somewhere that you are excited about going is better than packing for...I don't know...prison? I can't imagine being too psyched about that. 

   So I will focus on what is next for all my objects...not the thoughts that come into my head every other minute of this process "I could do this tomorrow...I need to make that popsicle recipe I found on Pinterest...I should go to the bank...I need to go for a walk..." 

   Nope. 

   Today I will pack. Today I will finish up this life moment that has been so great to prepare for the next great.

A Love Letter To Summer

                                                                                                     

Dear Summer,
So far we have had an amazing time together. Remember that time we made some adorable coasters? Those were cute. Oh, and that time we decided a healthy lifestyle was meant for us...I love exercising with you Summer. And the movies! Oh the movies we have watched!!! Chick flicks only and it's be glorious!
You have provided a much needed break for me, a break that is allowing me to craft, make money, get healthy and relax. We've only been together 2 weeks Summer, but it's been an amazing time in my life. Can't wait for the next 2 months that we will be able to share together. Then I will move to Colorado, and the things I have learned from you Summer, I will take with me. Okay, maybe not everything...but the healthy part and money making adventures will be happening in Boulder.
Sincerely Yours,
Julia Six

I Make Lists and I Plan.

In my absence from this blog I have learned/realized a lot. A list will be happening to document all these things.

1. My love of planning things out is paying off in most aspects of my life

1A: I got into my dream school for my post bacc -- CU Boulder!

2A: The SAA had an art auction and it went fabulous!

3A: I installed my solo show this weekend, it went off like a dream and no problems to be solved!

2. The key to any relationship is communication. (Okay. I'm not just now learning this but I was reminded just how important this truly is.)

3. I would rather have several friends that are constant supporters to me than a ton of people that are just there to look cute.

4. I am graduating from college in 3 weeks. Yup people, I am JUST NOW realizing that.

Here's the thing about #4: I am so excited and so nervous all that the same time. I love my little art bubble, and in 3 months I will have to create a whole new bubble.Nervous is an understatement. 

5. I need a job that I love, not a job that just pays the bills. (In my case the bills are my closets volume, the choices of nail polishes I have and supplies for art. The third one is really the biggest one.)

6. I need a break. Just a tiny one. Like a week. That is all. One week to lay around in my sweats, watch Grey's Anatomy, cook, cry about Grey's Anatomy and of course,make all those crafts I keep seeing on Pinterest!!

7. I like being busy. Okay folks. I get that this is the complete opposite of #6 but did you notice that I PLANNED OUT my break?! All of this really goes back to #1. I love it. Everyone be cool about it.

I promise that my lack of writing will not be this bad in the future. I mean, I will be moving to a new city, in a new state with ZERO friends. There's got to be some things I will have to say about that experience! But in the mean time I will be making a bucket list that will be here on the blog! Photos to prove I did all of them? Yes. That will be happening. List coming soon! Stay tuned! 

New New New

This week is the slowest moving one I've had in a long time. Maybe it's because I'm headed home next week for Spring Break. (Ah yes. Others may choose to go to the sunny beaches of South Padre and Florida...but I prefer the windy and flat scenery of Abilene Texas.) While I'm there though, I'm getting a new bicycle! Naturally, the excited is pretty high over here in Julia Land. Along with the new set of wheels headed my way, a road trip with the family is also in the horizon! Fun times are approaching!

Random tidbit: If you read this on the 'reg' then you know I talk about my art, and the ideas behind it. And if you're interested in seeing how I visually show these ideas click here to see some of my latest work! Enjoy! Send thoughts my way if anything intrigues you!

Current Update from Julia's Mind:

Most recently I've been wondering about the idea of how our actions effect others. I'm interested in the impact of one persons choices on others. I think about the little faces I make, the comments I say under my breath and the way I generally respond to others. And for that matter, the volume of impact I let others actions effect me on a day to day basis. Whether they have made a conscience choice to ignore how they have made me feel or not is one of those things I want to believe is a sub-conscience thing...I want to believe people only want to do well to others. 

This idea of being aware of who you are and how that can extremely influence others is a thought I can't seem to shake recently. I think this will be a new goal for myself. Being self aware and also noticing the response I get from others. 

I guess I'm mostly thinking about the sub-conscience or conscience way of blocking out others as a means to not have to self-examine ourselves in a positive or negative way. I think being aware of my actions and thinking about them is an emotionally draining activity but I believe this 'ritual' could and will be a positive change. 

Changes are happening so much lately and I absolutely love it. Its time for new things, new thoughts, new work and new places. Change is also on the horizon! Cheers!

The Usefulness of A Cup Is It's Emptiness.

My lack of writing as been to an extreme lately. Somehow my two classes this semester have taken up every minute of every day. How did this happen? How did I manage my time better when I was taking 15 hours? Aw. The mysteries of Julia Land.

Although life is....chaotic...it's been an amazing chaos! From making art I'm very proud of, all the way to getting accepted into University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth for my "pre-grad school" program! For clarification: it is not Ivy League Dartmouth...it is simply a town in MA where a branch of UMass is located. Don't worry, I thought I was gonna go ivy league too...those dumdums in MA should really change that town name.

And that my friends, is probably the most exciting news I have to share with you today. But of course, I do have something on my mind that I feel like I need to write. (And I got a message from my mother this morning that simply said 'blog blog blog'...I got the hint.)

Quote to start the 'deep' (?) Section of this post:

The Usefulness Of A Cup Is It's Emptiness.

I love this little Chinese proverb I found last night while doing some art related research.

The idea that we are all empty cups waiting to be filled. So I was thinking about what I want to be filled with...or things I already have, but hope and pray that the cup never gets too full to hold anymore.

Practical Knowledge -- currently, I need to know how to use most power tools without fear of losing a finger, eye, toe, lock of hair or even break a nail.

Being Content -- enjoying where I am, who I am with and taking the time to appreciate these joys.

Expressing Myself -- this blog has helped me with that, but again, I don't want this gift of being able to write down my thoughts in a semi-non-crazy-person way to stop. (Um. That sentence might have started the crazy-person speak.)

Joyfulness -- being a bright spot in peoples lives is my favorite part of my life. So that in-tales things such as laughing, hugs, typewriter written letters, little notes, cookies...you get the idea right? Just being a happy person is something I never want to lose.

Determination -- not being afraid to go to new places, meet new people and simply not being scared to be who I am and go for what I want. Obviously, I've been having moments of 'Ah! I don't know a single person in MA...what the hell am I thinking? Will I make friends? Will they like me?'...my mini panic attacks have been put to rest from Beth and The Boys who just laugh at these questions I ask. I understand their response as 'you're being ridiculous. You can't go somewhere and not make a friend.' *Hope that is what y'all are trying to tell me. If not, please do not correct me.

So, I hate when people in blogs ask/tell you to think about something to improve your life and blah blah blah. I don't want to do that...granted I might have at one point, but I feel it is kind of rude to think my reader needs to work on/think about the same things I am. But I do think it is important to acknowledge these things about myself...I want to be aware of who I am, the way I present myself and take into account all my great spots, and the ones that need a little polishing. And that is my goal for these next...days...months...years...lifetime...?

Cheers!

Clean Studio = I Feel Sane.

My hiatus from my blog is officially over! Now that I've got all of my applications for pre-graduate school in, I can get back to my 'real life'. Which does not include a constant state of editing of papers and photos, organizing print outs or checking due dates. 

Yesterday I celebrated the return of my normal schedule and the completion of my first steps of becoming an adult, with fresh flowers, cleaning and having a general sense of non-panic. I even cleaned up my desktop! 

I've been thinking about all of that lately, the whole cleaning out the bad or old things to make room for the new ones. I'm pretty sure my desktop and studio are acting as the visual reference for what is also going on in my personal life. 

I have images of art work I made freshman year still saved on my computer...why? I would never show that work to a gallery or even to a friend. (Clarification: the work is not good.) So I'm dragging all of that into my trash can and letting go of it. As for the metaphor I'm making,(if you haven't noticed, I have the ability to make anything into a metaphor) why do I need to keep things around that do not make me happy, benefit me in a positive way or even want me there as an 'owner'? (owner is not the best word but in the spirit of my metaphor, we're gonna keep it.) That is such a sad thing to think...just to let go of something that once was a bright spot. But it has to be done for the well being of me and for space to be open up for the new things that are coming my way. It is refreshing. It feels clean. It feels more...sane. 

*Sometimes I feel like a crazy person every minute of the day, so this whole feeling sane thing is big.

Here are some photos of my super clean, super cute studio. 

 

Fresh flowers in a vintage beaker...yes. A million times yes. 

    

 Today I will enjoy my clean studio, my clean desktop and my worry free mind set. It is going to be a lovely time. 

Living On Faith.

In one day I will begin my very last semester of undergraduate school. It's odd, I've been thinking about the future so much lately; filling out apps for what we will call 'pre-masters programs' for the lack of time and I'm assuming your interest in explaining what I will really be doing. And suddenly I'm realizing how soon that is all coming up. I've been in the same place for the past 4 1/2 years of my life...and soon I will be off in a completely different place. I'm not sure where that will be...currently the 'choices' are California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts and Montana. Yes, you read that correctly. Texas is not in the mix. 

I've never had a problem jumping into a new environment and making friends...I'm a pretty fun person. However, the idea is still scary. I know I can do it, I've done it so many times in the past. It's just the idea that sends me into semi-panic attacks every now and again. 

I've made a wonderful life here in Huntsville that I love...but on nights when it's just me, no plans, no friends around...I start to think that this will be my every day life once I'm off in a new place. But then I tell myself, "Julia, you are a friendly person, you make friends easily." So in reality, I won't be sitting in my apartment, alone, for the rest of my life. (fingers crossed)

I guess I'm just having a 'I'm terrified' moment about growing up and leaving everyone I know to start over in a matter of 6 months. I say that, but I won't be leaving really. That is the great thing about this technology-based world we live in. I can be a thousand miles away and still be able to celebrate the highs with friends, and be there for the lows.

So to wrap this all up, yay for internet, cell phones, video chatting and face-time. No nays, because I know where ever I end up, that is where I am supposed to be. God has placed me there for reasons only he knows. 

"Living on faith" is my motto as I creep closer and closer to this life crossroad. 

If I Could Sing I'd Do A Cover Of This

Beautiful

Carole King

Why: This song has been sung to me by my mom for the past 22 years and it still rings true .  "You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart." A great thing to remember when embarking on a new journey in life. Thanks Louise!

Hometown Rehab.

So much for the whole 'I'm gonna write everyday' comment I had made a couple post ago.

But here is a little something I've been thinking about it...the power of your hometown. It's odd, because normally I'm not too jazzed up to be back in good ol' Abilene. But this trip I've realized how rare your hometown is. It is a place that you can escape without judgement. That is nice to have on hand. 

In my escape from my college life, I've been uber-productive. Sooooo many drafts of artist statements, letter of intents, blah blah blah. Maybe this high level of production has been combined with the construction workers in my house. (getting new floors, painting the entire downstairs, etc.) So without a TV, the only thing to do is to come get a cup of coffee and nurse it for 5 hours while writing. It seems so cliche...writing in a trendy coffee shop. Hey, least it's not Starbucks...right?

While I'm applying for programs for next fall I realized that this next semester is the last time I will have my hometown-escape only a day trip away. None of the programs are in Texas, so maybe I need to milk this whole hometown thing a little more this semester. I know mom and dad would love that. 

I keep using the word escape...I don't know how else to explain it though. When things just aren't going your way, the only logical thing I can think to do is drive 5 hours to Abilene. That probably seems like a cop-out. But home is where you just need to be sometimes. Even if while here all I did was watch How I Met Your Mother and substituted chocolate malts for meals (all have been happening on this trip), it's still home, and it still helps heal the soul. 

So instead of saying I ran away from some problems, I will say I'm repairing my dented and scratched soul in Hometown Rehab. 

If I Could Sing, I'd Do A Cover Of This

Hang Me Up To Dry

Cold War Kids

Why: Seems like a good 'I need an escape' song. 

Manic Tuesday

"Getting admitted to Harvard Business School is a cinch. At least that's what several hundred people must think each year after they apply to the graduate program of the UCLA Department of Art - and don't get in." 

-A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future

Just that quote to reflect on my day full of getting reference packets together, organizing applications and images and making excel sheets to feel like I really do have everything in order.

Phantom Limbs Are On My Mind.

The first day of my life in 2012 has been one of driving, writing, idea processing, cleaning and mass amounts of music. Thus far, a fabulous start to the new year!

Idea processing has been my favorite part of January 1st 2012. Figuring out how to visually show something to communicate an idea is an amazing feeling. To say the least, I'm so grateful for this gift that has been given to me. 

The idea I'm tossing around today goes pretty well with this song. The Idea: is the phantom limb syndrome the same for relationships? You know it isn't there...and you can see it isn't there, but on a daily basis you have to remind yourself of this. That is interesting to me. 

Where Does The Good Go

Tegan and Sara

Why: The lyrics.

Where do you go with your broken heart in tow
What do you do with the left over you

And how do you know, when to let go

Where does the good go, where does the good go

Look me in the eye and tell me you don't find me attractive

Look me in the heart and tell me you won't go

Look me in the eye and promise no love's like our love

Look me in the heart and unbreak broken, it won't happen

It's love that leaves and breaks the seal of always thinking you would be

Real, happy and healthy, strong and calm, where does the good go

Where does the good go

Where do you go when you're in love and the world knows

How do you live so happily while I am sad and broken down

What do you say it's up for grabs now that you're on your way down

Where does the good go, where does the good go