I've just taken a look at the collection myself and what a pleasure to be featured alongside all these talented artists.  I think you will agree that there are some amazing pieces in this collection. 

I'm thrilled to disclose that the piece I have submitted has already been sold and will be off to its forever home once the show ends.  My collector is patiently waiting to receive her gorgeous painting. 

Having the support of collectors and the Federation Gallery has been a real boost to my career.  Creating art, and more importantly creating a business from an art career is not for the faint of heart.  

Throughout this whole journey I've known that my only goal is to stick with it, keep going, and keep improving my skills.  When worry came up around finances, or promotion, or shipping concerns, I was continually reminded to "Just go paint Ciel."  This is my studio mantra.  It's really effective to get me back in alignment with what the whole point is.  Creating beautiful art that inspires and uplifts my viewers and collectors. 

Recently I've received some push back around how I gush all over my paintings.  How I exclaim that "this one is gorgeous" or "this is spectacular." I've been curious about these negative comments towards my excitement. I think my comments can be seen as bragging, which if you read it that way, could be offensive.  

The real reason that I gush all over my paintings is not because I want to stroke my own ego but rather because I'm genuinely amazed and thrilled with the painting.  I often feel like I am simply the messenger.  That the painting itself has a life of it's own and I'm simply the hands that make it happen.  It's intuition and spiritual in nature and I simply follow the lead that I'm given.  

These negative comments have energetically set me back.  I'm tamping down my excitement in my posts and trying to communicate in a different way.  The comments have been hard to receive and the push to communicate differently is likely the growth edge that I was needing.  Will I never gush over a painting again, probably not.  My online presence is about me and my art, and if I feel that a gush is appropriate then that is what I'll do.  However, I do feel a shift and a reservation to sharing how I feel about my work. 

I think it's human to want to avoid conflict or criticism and yet isn't joy what we are seeking more of?  Does my joy for what I'm doing not equate to something wonderful?  I guess this is the boundary between the excited artist and the art marketing roles.  I spend hours and hours bringing a painting together.  During that time there is a transformation in me that mimics the transformation on the canvas.  I love it.  I do get excited to share and I guess if people take offense then I really can't do much about that.  I'm simply going to commit to my creative excitement and keep going. 

I'm rambling now, what I really want to gush over is that this Signature Show and the pre-sale of my submission is a big deal.  It's also a completely new experience for me.  I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm also thrilled to be featured alongside other artists who are on this same journey of finding their creative voices through artistic endeavors.