She sees into me and reflects back with a sort of magic that illuminates things I can sense deep within, but have yet to be able to bring forth.
Have you ever asked someone for help and they come through but in the process they also shift your perspective to the degree that you are forever changed? My experience with Amy McGann of Unbridled Form has been exactly that. What began as a brand refresh has opened me into a renewed way of being. In this time of turbulence, loss and massive shifts an artist questions how making art matters. For me that answer is what I create with my hands is a channel for connection and a prompt for asking deeper questions. Those Qs have led to… what remains after the storms and fires? Bronze has a fair chance of making it, but it’s the intangible, the heart connections that are the only guarantee.
Brand refresh? That's colors and fonts and logos right? Can’t an artist sort that out on their own? For me that’s a big NO. It is those things plus so much more AND the path to those things has required as much soul searching as my therapist requires, and then some. It has been an unearthing of my core values and a distilling of my essence. Since what I do is not separate from who I am, this level of depth is imperative. And then the big hairy scary for me … how to give voice to what I do and share in a meaningful way? Finding my voice has been an arduous process. Amy has assisted me, with a twist of alchemy, through these murky places.
So here I am showing up to connect with you and share what's been going on behind the art. I've learned how much both making art and crafting my online presence is a process of self-discovery. Excavating beneath the surface to discover what matters and illuminate blindspots. One of the biggest gaps for me has been creating a space to connect with you in a consistent way to build those connections. If you are still here reading this, thank you! I am committed to showing up consistently with O Muse! to share from my heart what I’m working on and the things that inspire the creative process with a sprinkling of soulful musings. I’d love to hear back from you if anything resonates in what I share, with what I’m creating or even what you have been up to if it’s been a while since we crossed paths.
The Rustle of the Morning Stars + Yours Truly | Cowgirl UP! 2024
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O Muse, O high genius aid me now!
O memory that engraved the things I saw, here shall your worth be manifest to all!
Dante Alighieri
An invocation to the Muse. A sort of prayer that hangs in my studio. Steven Pressfield in his book The War of Art recommends a similar invocation. Many creators, including one of my favs Elizabeth Gilbert, talk about inspiration and ideas as coming from beyond the veil. We are but receivers and conduits. I certainly feel that way. Therefore, it is a practice to start any creative endeavor tuning in to on high.
For those of you with an eye for detail you’ll occasionally spy this prayer on a sculpture or painting of mine or strategically placed in a background somewhere. So it hit just right to name this communiqué O Muse! My intention is for this muse missive to become a place of creativity and connection with you.
Kisses from Mo at shoot for Big Sky Journal | Audrey Hall photo
Finding the Grace
If you ask me on the street how 2024 went, I'm going to immediately say turbulent. So many things were challenging. A sentiment many others share. But I would also say many challenges seemed to be paired with a blessing. For me that often looked like unexpected support in times of need. As I gather up all the highlights to share I'm surprised by how great the year actually was even though the overall tone was taxing. Have you done that for yourself? Look at all the good stuff in one pile and soak in the grace?!
2024 Art Highlights
Big Sky Auction for the Arts: Mo sold (the sculpture not my horse) One of the biggest sales of the night. whoop whoop
Cowgirl Up! Show + Sale 10th year participant: Released new feather sculpture The Rustle of the Morning Stars
Gallery MAR Carmel Horsepower show: Intended to release Magnetic at this show…but it didn't get finished in time. Big Bummer. But they have sold nearly all my work in the gallery!
Big Sky Journal Arts Edition: An incredible photoshoot with Audrey Hall + fabulous feature articleA New Era of Bronze linked here.
Old Main Gallery : Fun group photo shoot for The Scout Guide. Shenanigans ensued afterwards.
Altamira Fine Art : Spent a week at Scottsdale location sculpting on site. Jackson Hole has been loving the glass works. We can barely keep up. Champagne Problems🥂
Eiteljorg Museum Quest for the West Show 1st year participant: Sold The Rustle of the Morning Stars + 3 cast glass bison Portent. One went into the museum collection, Wow! This is my 2nd piece in a museum collection. So Grateful
Brookgreen Gardens Master Sculptor Series: Taught sculpture workshop for the 3rd year at this beautiful location. The photo below is but a snippet of the wonder that is the winter light show at Brookgreen.
