Canada Day for the Arts

Think whatever you want, but PLEASE...have an opinion....and share it!

please do not disturb

Over the last couple years, a theme has emerged in my conversations with many women, artists or not: the need for rest. Rest, napping, sleeping, doing less, doing nothing, vegging out, taking a break - these are all like secret confessions, still somewhat taboo, in a culture that says success is achievement at any cost.

"Flaming June" by Lord Frederic Leighton

The word 'rest' brings up many feelings inside, and often mixed reactions from the outside. There is the guilt for desiring it in the first place, anger of not getting enough, a longing for more energy, some fear and shame of expressing the need, and of course, the sheer love and joy in getting some.  I have felt all of these.

"At Rest" by Pablo Picasso

"Printemps" by Alfonso Mucha

But this past weekend, something changed. I attended a woman's Art Retreat in the Rockies, led by my soul-full friend from high school, Kristin Boettger. I woke up at 6:30 am, after a sleepless night with a teething baby, got my layers (a toque in June!) and belongings together, and I was out the door with a granola bar and cup of coffee, driving to the mountains for an 8:45 am start.

When I arrived, I was sleepy...and then mad at myself for feeling that way. "You made such an effort to get here, you paid good money. And now, dammit, you need a nap? Suck it up." (inside voice)

We began the day with circling up around a fire, each woman speaking about why she was there and what she needed. When it was my turn, I had to speak through my tears. The ladies welcomed my honesty. One said that nothing could make her happier than seeing me take a nap. They gave me permission when I could not give it to myself. And in the blink of an eye, in typical female-style, one was getting me a sleeping bag, another a pillow, another got a fire going. They literally tucked me in.

"Shivasana in the Garden" by Chantey Dayal

And I took one of the best naps this world has to offer: in a YURT (like a a more luxurious Teepee)!! I snuggled into my comfy sleeping bag, and fell asleep to the sound of the crackling fire and the soft-falling rain. Haaaaaaaaa...If Zagat was to rate naps, this would be one of those internationally-acclaimed naps, five stars, that would draw people from all over the world, if only for a sampling. After my delicious rest, here's the truth that surfaced from deep inside me:

 (your cosmic purpose is to rest)

Just as it is my purpose and responsibility to nurture, grow, create, love...it is also my responsibility to rest. 

"Sweet Rest" by Daeni Pino

I have been scouring the Internet to find artwork that depicts women at rest. As you can imagine, there aren't many examples. Most paintings of women go like this: she's dancing (Degas), she's seducing, she's carrying her child, she's sitting pretty (Renoir), she's farming (Diego Rivera), or she's making out with someone. 

Nope, not a lot of napping. So please help me out - let me know if you are a napper, what you like in a good nap, or what else gives you a real feeling of rest and renewal.

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*QUICK TIP: Don't underestimate the power of a nap! A little rest can open the pathways needed for new ideas in saving money or finding money or...making art!

quick legal tip for independent artists

Don't know what lawyers are billing these days, but I know it ain't cheap. Have you heard of Pre-Paid Legal?

I've been a member for almost 5 years. For about $300 per year, I can have up to 10 business contracts reviewed by an ordinarily expensive lawyer, and an unlimited number of quick phone calls.

Rental agreements for film equipment, locations agreements, and contracts hiring my services...I have never signed anything without sending the documents in to my lawyer. And I always appreciate the lawyer's notes, points for me to consider, suggested re-wording.

Mostly, I love knowing someone's got my back! (side note: just don't get sucked into them making you an associate, well unless you really want to).

Calling all female filmmakers

The Women in the Director's Chair Workshop is now accepting applications from mid-level directors.  The annual workshop is held at the Banff Centre.

I was accepted to this workshop as a crew member a couple years ago, and can tell you from first-hand experience, this is a must-do experience for any Canadian female director.  It will not only give you new skills in writing and directing, but will also open you up to a whole new level of funding opportunities.

Application information.

Free profile opportunity!

A great way for artists to gain some profile for their work is to take advantage of opportunities like this.  Avenue Magazine is accepting nominations for their Life Re-Imagined Contest, celebrating individuals who have made a significant positive change in their life.  The five winners will be featured in the January 2011 issue of Avenue magazine and will each receive a $500 gift package.

For more information, visit http://www.avenuecalgary.com/life