Volunteering during unemployment

Well, volunteering is encouraged, whenever possible.  However, it has been a good use of time, during my unemployment.  In years past while working, I have volunteered for the Oregon Humane Society, Bus Project, Abby's Table, Obama campaign-voter registration, and various music festivals (Kinetik, Convergence 13, SXSW, and CMJ)

I'm planning in the next few months to volunteer at these upcoming events:

Bite of Oregon-http://www.biteoforegon.com/volunteer.html
TBA-http://www.pica.org/tba/tba10/overview.aspx
Triton Festival-http://tritonfestival.com

The benefits of volunteering are:

1. You feel morally engaged with your community by giving back
2. You get free admission to most of the events you volunteer for- YAY
3. You can make great contacts for networking

Most of all, I have made so many friends and connected to a diverse group of people, I don't think I'd otherwise be exposed to.  Also, I have learned so many interesting organization and human management
skills from viewing the event management inside out.  It's quite extraordinary to watch an event go from crazy behind the scenes mayhem to a successful outsiders viewpoint.

In closing, unemployment has been interesting.  I strongly suggest, to all out there dealing with the same issue, to make good use of your time.  It can become a time of catching up on much needed chores around the house.  In the process don't get down, or at least let yourself have limited depression time.  To find money:  try a garage sale, cash in on your points for credit cards and other plans you probably have (I had a flex medical plan at work), and get yourself registered with discounted food, utility, etc plans.  Unemployment is not something we all plan to be long term, but it's never good to blow through all of your savings if you don't need to.

Back again after some Procrastination

Yeppers, here we go again. For about a year and half, I kept meaning to get back to this blog and couldn't figure out where and how, until today. It must be destined? I'm newly unemployed and some of the interesting things that happen when you get canned are:

1. OH SHIT!

2. Now what?

3. You get Organized

So this end of the month, is really a new beginning. I had been making a few changes in my life before all this went down. I've had a studio at the Falcon Art Community for about 2+ years now. Bought supplies and equipment for a photography business. I'd made some inquires at galleries throughout the years, even displayed art at various events/businesses around town. (Akemi Hair Salon, Concordia Ale House, etc...)

But out of my recent desperation came some inspiration. Day of the above said event that caused a crack in my universe: I started by wiping off my tears and calling-friends, former employers, galleries, etc.

First stop Heritage Fine Art and Framing, http://heritagefineart.com/

Jason was really helpful, we had talked a little while back. And he later in the next two weeks sent me two leads. One Lara Sydney Framing Gallery, http://www.larasydney.com/ and Orleans Candle Co, http://www.orleanscandleco.com/

Second were the Calls: One to my dear friend Abby, http://www.abbys-table.com/ and former boss Colin Smith, http://www.photoshopcafe.com/ They have both encouraged me for years. They built up my confidence by just listening and offering assistance with my future plans. A girl has to have great friends to lift her up and all of mine have done more than just that.

Lastly, was letting everyone know. Why make it a sad thing, but a celebration. And surprisingly, after getting my paperwork in order for unemployment, visiting doctors before my insurance runs out and refreshing my resume-I'm actually going to throw a party this weekend to celebrate all my new found time. This time is not to reflect on what I want to do, but to act on all my built up dreams for the last 3 years.

Starting something...

For a great deal of time, I've been thinking about how to share my thoughts, ideas and inspirations with my friends and fellow artists. I've thought about blogging for a great deal of time and wanted to have the perfect blog. Well, isn't that a common issue for artists. Procrastination with the need for perfection to start the ball rolling. Ridiculous!

So I'm breaking the mold of perfection and letting things come tumbling out of mind into this blog for the entire world to read. Here you should find what makes my mind tick, warning it's random!

Favorite new finds:
1. http://www.umbra.com
I was browsing through Target and noticed the picture frames are getting very progressive in design. Well, come to find out, Umbra is a fantastic company. Eco-friendly plastics, Woop Woop! They have a trade program in place for design professionals, Woop Woop again! Lastly, the designs are kick ass. Woop Woop, okay enough of that!

2. www.myspace.com/iamx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_AM_X
IAMX is just think is groovy and having been found on myspace, is even more exciting. Reminds me of Kraftwerk with a mix of Brittany Spears à la Toxic. I'll have to admit to being one of the weirdest myspace prowlers for music. I just randomly search by hunting and pecking. This causes me to listen to a lot of music. I hope you enjoy IAMX too.

3.http://www.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Create-t-shirt/Create-your-own-59/
Spreadshirt has great designs, but to create your own is too much fun. I created a shirt on this site and I love it. The key to this site is choices beyond the norm. For example, you get more than just one brand of shirt or hoodie to choose from. Only caveat, make sure you read the directions about designs: comply with the minimum line thickness, have minimum negative space, have no more than three colors and no color gradients.

4.http://www.usaservice.org/content/home
So, we've got this new president with new ideas. Taking part in your community and politics makes a stronger government. Sign up and get involved in your community and/or your local politics at whatever level is comfortable for you. Let's make a change and make it work!

5.http://www.gelaskins.com/
I'm in love with most of the designers, via deviantart.com. What's not to like the prices are affordable, the designs are brilliant and the product is fun/practical.

6.http://www.strychnin.com/
This is my absolute favorite gallery in the world so far. I had the grace to skip on into the gallery a couple of years ago. If I could have afforded to by every piece in the gallery I would have bought everything in eyesight. I love searching through the artists' pages to get inspired. Hope you will find some inspiration too, if you like the dark low brow art, you'll love Strychnin.