After the Festival, What Now?

So I did my first Columbus Arts Festival and I had a blast. Sold a lot of prints and got my name out there. It was truly a dream come true. Life affirming to say the least. Some artist paint because they can, I paint be cause I have to, creating is in my blood. Like oxygen I need it to breathe. The feedback that I received from the crowd was the best. The word I kept hearing over and over to describe my work was "joy," and  the feeling I experienced as I watched folks enter or pass my booth was "jubilant." My work, my thoughts, my truth, my little piece of heaven made people smile. It was affirming and humbling at the same time. Please allow me to share my experience with you.

First off I had spent almost every waking hour sketching, planning painting and framing. Suffering from occasional insomnia, I could barely sleep. Then the day finally came. Set up day was Thursday and my wonderful crew and I showed up at our scheduled time to the spot with our specially home made panels made of hollow core doors wrapped in felt. Sharp I must say. There were other artists around also busily setting up their booths as well. It was a cool evening and by the time we got our panels (walls) completely set up it was dark. Then the unthinkable, it started to rain. Talk about nerve racking, imagine taking your life's works, in which you have spent hours planning -painting -perfecting, out side in the elements. Trusting that a ten by ten canvas tent is going to hold up and be waterproof. We finished set up, carefully hanging every paintings just right and were heading home by midnight. I said a prayer asking for protection over my work and surprisingly feel fast asleep.

The first day I was open for business. It was cloudy but I felt acutely optimistic. As the day went on the temperature dropped and a constant mist laid above the festival. I made a few sales but as I looked around, no one seemed to be buying much of anything. It was a little depressing, my hair was frizzed up and I wore a coat,a  blanket and tennis shoes. It wasn't pretty but I never gave up and tried to keep a good attitude reminding myself that I was among a select few to be honored with the opportunity to be featured at the highly respected, Columbus Arts Fest. I calmed myself knowing that the forecast for Saturday called for sunnier and warmer weather and by faith, I claimed it as my own.

Saturday was 100% better. Just a perfect day. I met so many new people as well as being able to connect with old friends, many of whom didn't realize that I was a painter. My "Divine Grace of the Sun" series was the perfect way for me to introduce myself to the community.

Allowed me to get a better idea of what will work among the mass community as well as affirming for me that my work is I also made some great connections with other artists and a few media folks as well. Above is a picture of me and our fine Mayor, Mike Coleman, he has done wonders with our city. He now has two of my paintings in his private collection. It is always great to see him out supporting our community.

The other really important experience was that I was one of the only booths by a woman of color, and I feel I represented well. It was empowering knowing that my "Little Piece of Heaven" (my booth) truly did bring brilliant color to the Columbus Arts Festival in more ways than one. My work was met with many smiles, nods and thumbs ups. 

Since the arts fest I have spent this week so far attending to my day job as well as trying to get caught up on household duties that I had been neglecting. Giving myself a mental art festival debriefing, what worked, what didn't and what I will do next time. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

My next Columbus OH book signing and art showing will be June 22 at The Cavalier Club, 89 N. 17th St. My show will be the first of the Cavaliers summer series called "An Evening with My Sisters." I will be showing about 6 paintings, reading poetry and signing my book. We will also be featuring my wonderful spoken word kindred sister, Ms. Tanya Motley. Tanya is awesome and captures perfectly the spirit and tone of my work.  This promises to be an unforgettable evening of art, poetry and conversation. Please come join us!

What is next for me?, I am going to be researching art shows in the South to take the show on the road as well getting back on track with my book "An Umbrella in Case of Rain" My goal is to try and get it into mass distribution. I have a few "tricks up my sleeve to make this happen but I needed to give my full focus to the art festival, now that I have, time to slay the next dragon.  

Thanks to all who came down to support me, especially my loving family and friends Charles, Craig (Connie), April (Afro), my Dad, Tanya, Theresa and John. Special thanks also to those that actually purchased books or art from me. Also thanks to those of you that continually keep me in their prayers. You are all investing your time and energy graciously into me and my dream and I am ever grateful.

Until next time, always walk by faith!


      

Columbus Arts Festival

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Columbus Arts Festival here I come!!!

That's right folks, I am on my way to the long awaited Columbus Arts Festival. I have been dreaming about participating in this for years. My first memories were as a child attending "Saturday School" at the Columbus College of Art and Design. I was probably about 10 years old and I would get dropped off in the morning and take the bus by myself from downtown. One day I took a transfer from CCAD to High St. and in front of the State House were dozens of artist, painting and showing their work. There were no fancy tents just artists with easels painting "Plein Air" (open air painting). I remember that my heart almost missed a beat. I knew that my mom had given me strict instructions that I was to get right on the bus and come straight home. But I could not resist walking booth by booth. It was thrilling for me. That was 30 years ago and now I am actually a part of this wonderful event. I know that my now deceased mother, "Rose Lee" would be so proud of me.

I am very excited!! I spend every waking moment planning the booth and painting. The series I will be featuring is called "The Divine Grace of the Sun"  which is from the poem that I wrote "My Prayer, My Song." For those of you that may have visited my Homeport Gallery showing, I showed a painting called " Even the Dallies Loved Her." This painting drew allot of attention and started a small bidding war. I loved this painting, it was based off of my memory of my grandmother, Leila Mae Harris. My mom, siblings and I lived with my grandmother on the near east side growing up. It was a two story house and I still have vivid memories looking out the back window at my grandmother, lovingly tending her garden. In addition to growing vegetables, she also loved her beautiful bright orange Daylillys. The Dalillys seemed to reach right out toward her as she picked and watered them. I also remembered the beautiful auburn sky. I captured this memories on what I think is one of my favorite works and have now created an entire series of work around this painting. I have tried to capture the simple feeling of joy found on a given Sunny day, thus appreciating God's gift of the "The Divine Grace of the Sun."  As an adult I also love to garden and now have my own garden of dalillys. With the Columbus Arts Festival, I feel as though I have come full circle yet I am only begining.

My Prayer and Song

By Lisa M. Cliff

This is my prayer, this is my song

Make me the woman, tender but strong

Help me to see with love’s pure eyes

Discerning and unafraid to ask why

Grant me a compassionate ear to hear

A humble heart true and sincere

Protect me on my walk of faith

Keep me still when I need to wait

Teach me patience before I run

Bask in the divine grace of the sun

Grant me wisdom along the way

Order my steps as I seize the day

Keep my loved ones safe and secure

Like the old oak tree, strong and sure

Thank You for choosing me as Your child

A humble demonstration of Your smile

Help me to be my best self everyday

All these things I ask and pray

Amen and Ashe’ Ashe’ 

The Festival is back at the Riverfront and if you haven't been down lately, you will be pleasantly surprised about all the improvements that have been made down there. Restaurants, fountains, benches etc. Really beautiful! Please come see me at my Columbus Arts Festival booth, M108, I will be located near the main stage on Main St. I will be the one floating on air in my sun hat, enjoying "The Divine Grace of the Sun".          

Hey also don't forget to pick up a copy of my book "An Umbrella in Case of Rain,"  Art and Poetry for the Soul. http://www.anumbrellaincaseofrain.com/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ or email me directly at lisablindfaith@gmail.com.

The book is also available in Columbus at The Book Suite, Black Arts Plus and UJAMAA Book Store.

New Orleans, Like a Surragete Mother

New Orleans, New Orleans

By Lisa M. Cliff

The heart of New Orleans cool bluesy and jazz

Daiquiris & Hurricanes, soul poured in a glass

It is beauty, art and steadfast perseverance

The spiritual & mystical running interference

Keeping the city alive blooming with promise

Beaming with pride, fleur di lis and a Praline kiss

New Orleans heart of jazz, red beans and Creole

Home of sinners and saints; music’s heart and soul

New Orleans, New Orleans a home like no other

Healing and forgiving like a surrogate mother

I recently had the opportunity to visit New Orleans again. I was there back in July for the Essence festival. While there I made contact with the "One Sun Gallery", I currently have 4 paintings there. The One Sun gallery is situated right in the French Quarter, 616 Royal St, a block over from Bourbon St. Please stop by if you are ver in New Orleans to see my work and say "Heeeeyyy Beeeebeee" (as they lovingly say in New Orleans) to Joesph the owner and curator.

To read the complete poem please go to my Face Book page, Blind Faith Fine Art and Poetry and see the rest of poem as well as seeing pictures taken in New Orleans.
 
Any way I was there early March for a wedding and while there saw it as a opportunity to seek out book stores in the area to feature my book, "An Umbrella in Case of Rain". When I got there, the first thing I did was pick up a copy of "New Orleans Black Pages, a monthly publication featuring black business and is on point. It did not fail to deliver! In fact by God's grace, a wonderful book store owner graced March's cover, Vera Warner- Williams of "The Community Book Center." As soon as I saw I made a mental note that her store would definitely be a destination stop for me. The article on her and her book store talked about how involved she is in the community and how if you're lucky, a simple errand to the bookstore may turn into finding yourself sharing a cup of gumbo with new friends. Well it did, but I will talk about that later. Back to the "Black Pages" by editor Glynn John Reeds another wonderful sister that I recently met. Anyway, every black product or service was featured in this little book from the best soul food breakfast to entertainment to finding a good orthodontist. If you ever visit NOLA, please pick up a copy and make it a point to "buy black". The city is recovering and the French Quarter is boomin again but black business in that area (like many urban cities) need your help. For instance the "One Sun Gallery" features mostly black artists, it is one of the only galleries in the French quarter to feature black inspired art. We need to support this important business and this brother.

Ok after spending my first afternoon at the One Sun Gallery, Joseph, the owner and I went to a book signing in a wonderful historical building right outside the French Quarter. It was a fabulous Southern mansion in true New Orleans style with beautiful white beams framing a welcoming front porch with decorative iron awnings. As soon as we walked into the reception, who sat there but Vera, the Community Book Store owner, I only met her briefly but made a mental intention to go find the store in the morning and get my book placed there. The reception was very nice and featured an African Brother regaling stories of his beloved country. Upstairs featured the most profound historical art, featuring scenes from the French invasion from a Black artist perspective.

The next morning after getting lost a few times, I finally found "The Community Bookstore". I walked in on a Saturday morning to find the owner, Vera Bradly and her manager, "Mama Jean" having breakfast with about a dozen international exchange students; they had helped to paint a lovely mural across the wall. In the spirit of true Southern hospitality they invited me to join them  for a wonderful impromptu breakfast that had been prepared by the students. A New Orleans style breakfast fit for a king, smoked sausage with onions, scrambled eggs with green and red peppers and cheese and fresh beignets. It was delicious and I was starving, thanking God for my good fortune and I was also able to get my book "An Umbrella in Case of Rain" placed in the store. See, this is what I am talking about when you follow your heart with intention by walking by faith not by sight and you support the community, the community supports you.  It is the law of reciprocity.
That evening I attending the wedding and it was beautiful and the bride and groom were glowing however, toward the end they asked everyone to come out to a courtyard for a surprise; it was a full 6 piece band, with horns and drums; they handed out beads and umbrellas and the entire wedding party, (probably about 50 folks) marched around the French Quarter to traditional zydeco jazz music in celebration of the wedding and of the new beginnings. Sometimes this same tradition is used for funerals also a celebration of life and a new beginning. It was wonderful!

On the last day of my trip I was able to meet another warm and spiritual sister that welcomed me into her home gallery in spite of her not feeling well, Ms Sandra Berry of the Neighborhood Gallery. This meeting was so inspiring and uplifting; Sandra and her opera singing husband Joshua (I can't make this stuff up) were just a joy to talk with. They have worked tirelessly over the years to promote and advocate for artists of color in the New Orleans area. We sat talking about art and they shared stories about Katrina and how they barely made it out; I felt blessed to share my book with them. I believe I made friends for life that day and also we realized we had a mutual friend in Columbus, Judy Dixon another wonderful artist and purse designer. We called her immediately to say hello to her and she was Washington DC for a conference.

 I have a line in one of my poems called "Life is a Continuum of Opportunity" I refer to the proverbial 6 degrees of separation and how meetings we sometime call random are not random at all. I believe they are serendipitous  occurrings that are staged by the Divine Himself. There are no accidence! Judy called me a few days later to tell me she saw my work in DC at "B Smith" restaurant, which was also extremely affirming for me that as an artist my work is becoming recognizable and to also show me that we are all connected. I heard such coincidences referred to as "God Winks," well my trip to NOLA certainly was. 

You see when the day is done, it truly is about my God given gift, my work, my purpose. It is using my gifts to reach and touch people through my images and my words. It is using my every experience to produce great works. My trip to was another stepping stone on my journey toward my purpose; I continue to be a humble example of God's grace and spreading His good news.  Here are a few lines from the poem "Life is a Continuum of Opportunity" featured in my book "An Umbrella in Case of Rain"

There is a divine plan orchestrated by a deity of three

A universal truth;

life is a complicated

series of litmus tests

No matter how trivial

they may seem on the surface

Test runs in order to achieve

true greatness

Thank you for visiting this blog which I consider my online journal;  a further glimpse beyond the paintings into the heart and journey of this artist. Again, please support me with a purchase of my book http://www.anumbrellaincaseofrain.com/ which makes a perfect Mothers Day gift or order a print at
and http://www.blindfaithfineart.imagekind.com/  and also become a Facebook Friend of "Blind Faith Fine Art" and SHARE with friends and family.  You are also welcome to comment on this blog or share a "God Wink" with us. 

I will also have a book signing on May 11 at the William H. Thomas Gallery on Columbus OH's Eastside, 1270 Bryden Rd form 6 to 8:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Announcing my new book, "An Umbrella in Case of Rain"

Well I just celebrated the end of my showing at Homeport gallery, which for me was a great success. I sold some work, gained awareness on my brand (my name) and made new friends, what could be better than that. My closing reception was also a hit, coupled with my first book signing of "An Umbrella in Case of Rain"; the first of many. When God closes one door another swings open wide,  if you simply believe; you just have to be prepared to leap through. I am and I will and what an incredibly freeing feeling this is.


I do want to say a few words about our fallen diva, Whitney Houston. what a sad loss; lets all take note on her life and realize how short and how precious life can be. Lets make sure we love and enjoy our family and friends while we have them. An even greater lesson for me is to live my life fully, to follow my passion, to live leaving few regrets. in others words  if there are sights I want to see, I am going to see them, if there are goals I want to achieve, I am going to fully engage myself in them. I am going to make it happen, there is a poem in my book, "An Umbrella in Case of Rain" called "I am the captain of the ship," it is one of my favorite poems. It is about taking ownership of your destiny. the following are a few lines:

"I am the captain of my ship

resourceful and well equipped

the master of my destiny

seeking out the God in me

making a conscious choice to dance

never a victim of circumstance"

As I continue my journey of living my best life, I pray for God's protection and I also pray for strength to never get bogged down by life's challenges; that I keep and maintain my peace of mind unlike our precious diva, Whitney. She had reached the pentacle of success but simply couldn't find simple peace of mind. Nonetheless, we all loved her and pray that now she can truly rest in peace.


As far as the book is concerned, I am overall pleased; self publishing has had its challenges. Pursuing this endeavor is more than just a notion. It was hard work and if you decide to do it, understand that the work is all on you. Don't believe the hype from the self publishing agencies that say they will be with you all the way. I mean they will but its gonna cost ya!  You would think that simple editing would be a part of package, well its not. As I mentioned, its hard work but as I look at the finished product, I am feeling a sense self fulfillment. I feel like "I did it, I am now an artist poet and  published author." Now I just have to get the book sold. I am counting on YOU to make your purchase today. You can order at www.anumbrellaincaseofrain.com, www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com  or if you are local, you can now go to "Black Arts Plus" 43 Parsons Ave. Columbus OH 43205.   

By God's grace, I know there is a poem or image that will resonate with you or someone you love. Buy one today, it makes a perfect birthday, graduation, or Mothers day gift.

Humbly living life out loud, 
Lisa
Ashe' and Amen

An Umbrella In Case of Rain, Book Release

Happy New Year
I have not written in a while. I have been trying to get my book, "An Umbrella in Case of Rain" published. I am happy to report that you can now add "author" to my profile. It has been quite a task. Following with blind faith has made it possible for me to get through the process with patience. I am going to now begin marketing the book and you can order any time by going to http://www.xlibris.com/ and then going to the bookstore tab, entering my name and or title into the "bookstore" search. Or you can also see my webiste http://www.anumbrellaincaseofrain.com/ which has a direct link. There you will find my author profile and a quick synopsis of the book. It is a collectors "coffee table" type book that features my art images as well as my authentic poetry. The hard copy retails for 41.00 and the soft cover retils for 31.00. There are approx 60 pages of warm and inspiring images and poem. The book willl laos be avialable at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ in a few weeks as well.

Again the title is "An Umbrella in Case of Rain", please note that directly under the title I added, "Volume 1", this is my call to action for myself and my affirmation to the universe, that I am just getting started! With audicity of faith, I bleive and am claiming now, there will be several volumes to come. In fact while waiting on Volume 1 to be completed, I have already amassed the first poems and art for Volume 2. But there are other opportunites that I will explore first, with Volume 1 I am in process of creating an "An Umbrella in Case of Rain" journal/workbook that I will also offer  for public release. I firmly beleive that a part of my journey and purpose is to encourage others to also follow their dreams, offering an added little push (from God through me). The journal will be a guidedwork book in which I will talk about my mind, body and spirit processes that inspired the painting and poetry and offer excercises that will help you develop and find your bliss too.

The goal for "An Umbreall in Case of Rain" is to introduce my art and my voice to the world. To offer my pearls of wisdom, all that I've lived and learned to you and to those who may need a word of faith. Some may ask ,who am I to think that I can do this; my response, who am I not to? At 50 years old I made a vow to myself to listen to and follow the urgings from my heart. I promised that the second half of my life would be happier, louder and more self fullfilling than the last.  Next week I will be 52, I am vibrant and blessed with big dreams, well on my way to manifesting what I promised myself at 50. Please join me in agreement  on this journey and I vow to join you on yours. I keep a running prayer list, just holler at me.

Within the next few weeks I will be having a closing reception at the HomePort Gallery. As I am the consumate multi tasker, it will be a closing art reception, book signing, and birthday celebration all in one. I will have greater details within the next few days.

Thanks for visiting my blog and please share my link with others http://www.blindfaithbylisa.blogspot%20.com%20o/        

Blind Faith Fine Art & Poetry by Lisa: Chasing my dream, God always shows up!

Blind Faith Fine Art & Poetry by Lisa: Chasing my dream, God always shows up!: Ok so I am in the last stages of corrections for my book, "An Umbrella In Case of Rain," Art and Poetry for the Soul. Just found out that I ...

Chasing my dream, God always shows up!

Ok so I am in the last stages of corrections for my book, "An Umbrella In Case of Rain," Art and Poetry for the Soul. Just found out that I had to narrow my page count down in order to achieve the book cost of $31.99. I am excited!!!  It will be available just in time for Christmas, great for presents.

It was hard to decide which poems to delete but I decided to delete "Tears in a Bottle," there were several corrections that still had to be made- in other words it was the low hanging fruit. I will save this poem to add to  "An Umbrella In Case of Rain," Art and Poetry for the Soul" Volume 2. Any way the poem is dedicated for all my sisters (and brothers) who have ever suffered through pain and disappointment. When all looks bleak, you will soon realize that everything works out according to God's plan.

Don't want to be preachy, just telling you what I know and not just what I think.

Tears in a Bottle

By Lisa M. Cliff

Don’t fret my sister for God knows what you need even before you do

These sudden changes are really growth opportunities meant just for you

To expand your horizons, to stretch, to explore and to learn

To trust in the Almighty giving him all of your concerns

He knows the very number of hairs on your precious head

He’s heard your every prayer and has heard your every dread

He knows the things you love and the things you like the least

Opening doors of opportunities, closing what needs to be released

He is with you in your darkest hour and at your brightest joy

His hand is on your shoulder and all your pain he will destroy

For He has compassionately watched you weeping and has captured every tear

Storing your teardrops in a bottle, he knows your heartache is sincere

But he has a bigger vision, a plan to bless and prosper you

All the tears he has collected, he will give what you are due

Blessings of harmony, prosperity, good health and peace of mind

For your tears have paid the price and your faith has paid the fine.

And from the perfect perfume bottle he will sprinkle you with your tears 

For you have been a good and faithful servant and to Him you are loved and dear

The orginal painting as above can be seen and is availabe for sale at the Homeport Gallery 779 E Long St.

Hope you liked it, is a small sampling of what you can expect from the book. There are some funny and some inspirational poems, all meant to make you stop and think. For every poem, I share one of my images. Please be on the look out for a special email announcing the book release. I had hoped to have it ready before the closing of my show at the Homeport gallery
 which end Nov. 30. Will keep you posted. 

Investing time and money in a book is quiet daunting. It is a process that I worried and prayed over. With my Dad's encouragement, I began to explore this opportunity. I wondered if I had what it takes or would anyone be interested in what I had to say. Anyway, I started the process by selecting the poems, I chose the ones I liked best, then assigned a project committee. I needed two sharp good friends to agree with me in faith and found that in my great friends Art and Theresa. It takes someones true friendship and belief in you to commit to proof read about 75 poems, and narrow them down to about 40. Even with their support, I still had questions about the idea of a book. In my work travels for Glory Foods, I do my best writing on planes where there are no distractions. Today, I wanted to share another story of God's grace and how when you least expect it, he will send a profound message to you just when you need to hear it. The story goes like this:

I was on an airplane and brought my computer and my stack of poems in order to proof read and make corrections. One by one, I re-read and made changes or added  lines of each of about 20 or so poems. I had a middle seat and I thought the lady next to me was sleep. We had no conversation. I was purely focused on the work at hand. When the pilot made the announcement that we were 20 minutes away and had to shut down electronics, I began to pack up. Putting  the computer away, thesaurus a way etc. I dropped a few things on the floor and the lady next to me kindly helped me pick them up; one of the items that I dropped was my ticket stub, which the lady picked up, she looked at it and gasped "You're Lisa Cliff?" it caught me off guard, I said yes. "You wrote all those poems?" yes, I replied and without prompting she said, "Oh I Would Read a Book of Your Poems!"       

Now yaw know that was only God!!, she could have said, you're really good or I like your writing, no at a time when I am second guessing myself, God showed up (again) in his infinite wisdom, giving me exactly what I needed, "Oh I Would Read a Book of Your Poems!"  I never mentioned a book to this lady, we didn't exchange one word. I'm telling you, when you are open to listen, God will whisper what you need in the strangest of people and places. Just be open and walk by faith not by sight....Listen with your heart. He shows up for me, he will show up for you.         

   

In the mean time that was the confirmation that I needed and I am on full alert looking and listening for my next opportunity to show my work as well as looking for black book stores to schedule book signings. I also plan to participate in book exhibitions around the country like the Zora Neale Huston literature festival in January just outside of Orlando. I will also be submitting my work for the Columbus Arts Festival this year, it is a juried process. Last year I missed the final round by about 2 points. To offer some insight into the process, artist from around the country but especially OH, submit 4 photographs of their work and a jury of 4-6 professionals make the selections. So this year please say a prayer for that my work will impress the judges enough to get me in.    

Remember, I am trying to make a living out of doing what I love. This is not just for fun and games 

Ok folks thats all I have for this week. Thanks again for supporting me on my journey, please share this blog with your friends and family. I cannot do this without you.

Please comment, sharing your own testimony about how God has strangely showed up for you when you least expected it.

Also if you get a chance please check out my girl "Layla Hathaways" new CD. She is one of my favorite neo soul sistsas. She did a remake of one of my favorite songs, "I'm coming back." Go out and buy the cd, not just get a copy of it, I know she needs your support too. 

Until next time, peace out and be blessed! 

Lisa M. Cliff