by Percy Cat | Nov 6, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, General optimism, Miami, my garden, nature's energy, paintings, photography
So much to sort out. Antique Oak Cabinet, paintings, furniture, books, yard and garden stuff, Steinway Piano, Pfaltzfraff brown drip pottery… feels like tons of stuff all for sale this weekend, Sat/Sun. Nov 10-11 in ESTATE SALE – so I can start over – again 😉
In case you have not already heard, I will be leaving Miami before the end of November. This was not an easy decision and I do realize that I while I’m finally doing the snowbird thing, I’ve somehow gotten it backwards!
I’ll be moving to Narrowsburg, NY, a tiny village at the narrows of the Delaware River about 100 miles northwest of NYC. This is the town I grew up in and the main reason I’m going there is to help my sister with the care of Mom, who is 87 and requires 24/7 care due to series of strokes and other complications.
The bright side is that I’ve been missing the mountains all year long and the idea of cross-country skiing again is absolutely delightful! PLUS, Narrowsburg, while still a rural, small town kind of place, has become a well-known art community. I’m hoping to find or create my own niche there and eventually to get the snowbird thing going in the right directions.
Before I can leave, I must cull my belongings – a personal choice for this chapter of yet another new beginning. So, if you’re in the Miami area, my “Estate Sale” is on Saturday and Sunday, November 10-11, 9 am to 4 pm each day. Here’s a link to the list of most of the items I’ll be selling. I want to travel light (not counting the furry felines) who will make the trip with me 😉
by Percy Cat | Oct 14, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art events, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, fundraising, General optimism, GIFTS, interests, Miami, Miami Beach, nature's energy, paintings
It’s always charity event season here in Miami and as an artist, I receive dozens of requests from all over the country to donate art or my handbags to all kinds of worthy causes. I’ve become much more selective over the years after experiencing a variety of unprofessional situations and attitudes. It makes a tremendous difference when the organization is professional and shows their appreciation for the time, materials and creativity an artist puts into a work of art. The official letter thanking each donor for their contribution is pretty standard and it makes a great impression when I am also invited to be a guest at the event, but getting personally introduced to the winning bidder creates the most rewarding experience of all because charity event patrons often become collectors of the artist and look forward to seeing more of their art at future events.
This is a major benefit of the dynamics of cultivating donors and collectors. It’s about building relationships and communities. It is about everyone winning on all levels. The charity raises money to support their projects, the patron not only buys the painting that generates the sale, they get something unique and beautiful for their home or office and the artist gets recognition and ideally, a new collector.
When I think about my Orchid Angel I often wonder where if she is hanging on someone’s wall that truly appreciates her nurturing, peaceful energy. I hope so. On the other hand, she could be stuffed into a storage closet with unsold auction items. If that’s the case, I’d love to reclaim her!
by Percy Cat | Oct 12, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, art business, Art events, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy, paintings
Guess I’m just a midnight blogger. Never seem to get to this until after 11 pm.
I have 13 minutes for this post to be ‘in’ on the 5th day of #SMCSFBlogOff.
My dear friend/artist/designer, Macarena Zilveti exhibited 2 paintings in
the Clouds and Oceans show at Ave 74 in the Bird Road Art District.
Congratulations to all of the participating artists on many very impressive works.
by Percy Cat | Oct 11, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, art business, Art Licensing, custom art & design, General optimism, GIFTS, interests, Miami, Mike Dooley, nature's energy, paintings
Very important possibilities… I posted a teaser line and an image of one of my favorite Seeds of Intention on my Facebook page this morning just before I headed to Ft. Lauderdale for a VIP meeting. It is the kind of meeting that you know will change the direction of your life story in a big way.
I’m still not ready for full public disclosure but do want to say how important it is to pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. I truly believe we create our own stories – even by focusing on what it is that we do not want. If you know anything about the universal law of attraction and the underlying mathematics of our world, you understand that everything is energy and levels of vibration. If you are worrying or thinking about how much you don’t want something, you are sending out signals that vibrate with the energy of what you do NOT want and will get more of it. The universe does not differentiate between like or dislike energy. It aligns the vibration level of thoughts with the equivalent vibration on the physical level.
I have not always been aware of this and can see where the thoughts and feelings I’ve had in the past have created unwanted experiences. I’m a fan of Abraham-Hicks and Mike Dooley’s teachings. Both focus on the power of positive intentions. I am now, consciously setting intentions to create a story of the life I do want, of experiences and relationships that are exciting, joyful, creative, prosperous and expansive.
Throughout this year (2012) many AHA moments have caught my attention. I have always been fascinated with geometric shapes and that led me to read and study sacred geometry; which led me to the flower of life. I was hooked on this seemingly simple pattern and began drawing and painting it for days on end. I created a collection of images and titled it the Seeds of Intention. This attracted the interest of several people who began sharing even further information. Eileen Seitz, an amazing artist and friend here in Miami sent links to a book on “The Ancient Flower of Life” by Drunvalo Melchizedek and from there my curiosity took over and I’ve spent hundreds and hundreds of hours reading and watching youtube videos on as many interpretations and theories about the functions and purpose of this all-encompassing pattern. It is found in cultures throughout history and around the world. The same exact pattern.
I have another deadline tonight so will finish for now with one of my Seeds of Intention images. As you view this, concentrate on one thing you do want in your life. Imagine that you already have this experience and notice how you feel. You are connecting the image with the energy of what is wanted. This Seed of Intention was created as visual channel to reinforce the vibration of your intention.
Contact me if you would like information on how to create your own Seed of Intention or if you would like to purchase one my new Seeds of Intention collection. (There are currently 9 images in the collection. I’ll have them available online later this month)
by Percy Cat | Oct 9, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, custom art & design, General optimism, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
In yesterday’s blog, I shared the first pattern based on the Zebra Long Wing Butterflies.
The next step for me (my business side of art) is adapting it for a variety of products and applications.
The Zebra Long Wing pattern would be ideal for textiles: I can imagine a table setting with napkins and runners using a combination of solid colors to accent the pattern. Pillows and chair covers would be a possibility too.
Since I have my own line of bags and a Cafepress shop, I’ve already put together a casual tote bag, a hipster style and a couple of iphone cases. Tomorrow I’ll work on the web pages for these.*
This blog challenge…
is magnifying how time intensive it is to genuinely share my process of observing the delightful creatures, plants, sounds, movements, smells, and changes of light and shadows in nature.
I want to share how what I observe turns into the art and designs that I am compelled to create.
The zebra butterflies are no longer just pretty little winged creatures flying around my garden. They have a story. They have a vibration and I literally feel their colors, the beauty of their patterns, the magnificence of their fluttering flights and their dance of life. My connection to their energy becomes the muse, and once this is engaged, I am in the flow. I become a part of the ever expanding story of the colors, the butterflies, the cocoon, the bamboo, the raindrops and the art. I am in the dance and it is pure joy.
*Suggestions?
What do you think about a special sale on all of these products to celebrate the 30 day Social Media Club of South Florida’s blog challenge? Let me know in the comments. I’m open to suggestions.
Perhaps a giveaway at the end of the 30 days?
by Percy Cat | Oct 8, 2012 | ART, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, eco green, General optimism, interests, Miami, my garden, nature's energy
Raindrops were glimmering through the morning fog and an odd looking creature was hanging from the bamboo leaves next to my driveway. As my family and friends know, I can never resist a closer look at something that moves, makes a sound or has an unusual shadow, shape, or smell.
The “creature” turned out to be three Zebra Long Wing Butterflies. Two males, sexually aroused and not so patiently, waiting for the young female to emerge from her cocoon. I originally thought they were either dining on some other unknown creature or assisting the young lady in unfurling her wings, but further research* suggested that mating with a newly emerged female is part of the dance of life for these butterflies. The female releases a pheromone as she is unfurling her virgin wings and the males have excellent pheromone sensors. This also made sense as to why so many other males were fluttering around the same branch practically knocking the perched males off the bamboo branch.
Of course, since today was the first day of Social Media Club South Florida’s 30 day blog challenge…
this would be my topic – with images and oh yes, even a new design based on the Zebra butterflies. Well, about 7 hours later (I did accomplish other things in this time and realize it is essential to pare this way down for future posts, but as often happens, the project took on a life of its own) I’m finally putting all of the pieces together and getting this on my blog!
I invite you to share the beauty, power and magic of your garden or neighborhood in a comment with a photo on this post, or by email to debra (at) debracortese.com
Enjoy the beauty, power and magic of nature every day!
<>
*Susan Leach Snyder has provided a great resource on Zebra Long Wing Butterflies (the official Florida state butterfly) on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida website.
by Percy Cat | Aug 9, 2012 | cortese design handbags, GIFTS, Miami
Priority Mail 3 day delivery now at day 36 and still traveling…
On July 3, 2012 a Miami Mom mailed a USPS Priority Mail Envelope to her daughter in northern Vermont. It was/is a birthday gift and daughter’s birthday was July 6th. It was a new address and Mom used the street and house number (not the PO Box). Consequently, the daughter was not located and the package has been traveling in circles for 26 days as of this writing. Attempts to locate it and redirect have been futile. After several attempts to contact USPS customer service online, including one conversation with a real person who assured the Mom that a special case number would be issued to locate and correct this and that someone would call the Mom on the next business day, the Mom was ready to give up. However, she realized that social media may produce better results, so on day 31 the Mom posted a message to the USPS Facebook page and on day 34, she got a personal note from USPS with a suggestion to call the Morrisville, VT Post Office, and she did. She talked directly with a representative of the USPS and the person was polite, professional and genuinely concerned, plus she called the Mom back the very next morning after consulting with her supervisor and told the Mom that as soon as the package came back to Morrisville, she would call again to let the Mom know. As you can see from the tracking log, it never made it back to Vermont. Instead, it took the route back to Opa Locka, FL and then made a turn to revisit Federal Way, WA. That was on August 6th, 2012.
By now, the Mom is wondering if the little Priority Mail Envelope has gone undercover, incognito, or is in a state of terminal amensia as it cotinues to revisit the mysterious locations like Opa Locka, FL, Nashua, NH, Kent WA, Federal Way, WA, Morrisville, VT and Lake Elmore, VT.
The Mom is also wondering why it was never marked ‘return to sender’ or maybe that is no longer an option. If you know anyone in the USPS that can actually locate the package and get it either delivered or returned to sender that would be much appreciated, and yes, I’m the Mom in this story.
by Percy Cat | Jul 16, 2012 | art business, Art events, Art Exhibitions, beekeeping, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), Miami, my garden, nature's energy, paintings
detail of "The Honey Queen" painting by Debra Cortese
The 3rd and final Opening Reception for the TRIAD ART Exhibition with Debra Cortese, Karen Deilke and Pamela Palma is on Saturday, July 21st at VALMAR ART, 4150 SW 74th CT (in the Bird Road Art District), Miami, FL 33155.
Debra Cortese is exhibiting her new series titled, “Seeds of Intention”. Each piece is based on variations of a Flower of Life pattern and represents a positive meditation for the future of humanity in cooperation with nature’s energy.
“The Honey Queen” painting honors one of the smallest and most significant creatures on our planet, the bee. Cortese has dedicated this painting to long-time beekeeper, Mike Price of Bees-n-the-Keys as well as other compassionate beekeepers in Miami and all around the world.
Coconut Grove artist (and Founder of the Coconut Grove Drum Circle), Karen Deilke is exhibiting her vibrant and expressive “Hot Tropics” paintings.
Miami Beach artist, Pamela Palma is exhibiting her evocative fiber art works that incorporate uncommon materials including shredded one-hundred dollar bills, the delicious color interactions of hand dyed yarns, and textural elements.
Live Blues with Miami guitarist, Rob Moore – all at VALMAR ART during the monthly Bird Road Art Walk on Saturday, July 21st starting at 7 pm.
Triad invitation with more details here.
Valmar Art, 4150 SW 74th Ct, Miami, FL 33155
305-267-9360
by Percy Cat | Jul 7, 2012 | art business, Art events, Art Exhibitions, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), Miami, nature's energy, paintings
Debra Cortese, Karen Deilke, Palma Palma art in TRIAD show
Hard to believe it’s almost time to hang the final exhibition of our TRIAD shows! I was fortunate to draw the short straw when Karen Deilke, Pamela Palma and I first met to discuss the logistics of hanging and scheduling our run of three artists, and three openings during the months of May, June, and July*.
I say I was fortunate to draw the short straw for several reasons which have developed throughout the process. The first and most exciting to me was the fact that I now had 2 extra months to create the new series that had already been showing up in sketches throughout the beginning of the year. I thought this was reason enough, but as it turns out, rotating walls for each new opening challenged each of us to step further outside of our comfort zone – creating new work, mixing up the exhibits each month and learning how beneficial it is to share our ideas and communicate our needs.
As artists, we are often very accustomed to working independently and making or avoiding decisions based on our current state of affairs. Working as a team requires cooperation, and communication in order to equitably satisfy everyone. Our communication skills were fine tuned as we worked through the details of times, dates, marketing materials, and meetings. I’d say we now have a better understanding of the processes involved in this type of a cooperative exhibit. And I’d also say there is always more to learn 😉
Please join us on Saturday, July 21st for the opening reception of TRIAD III. I’ll be showing my new Seeds of Intention artworks, Karen Deilke has new work in her Hot Tropics series, and Pamela Palma will have even more mysterious goddess weavings on display. Of course there will be wine and finger foods and LIVE MUSIC – by my friend, blues legend, Rob (Wild Boar) Moore. You can hear Rob’s music at www.robmoore-guitar.com.
TRIAD 3 Opening Reception starts at 7:00 pm and runs until 10:0 pm. There will also be a drawing to win a very special Seed of Intention painting. You don’t have to be present to win, but you do have to attend and fill out an entry so we can contact you to pickup your art prize! 😉
Click HERE for more info on the TRIAD show – and a map to VALMAR
you can also RSVP on Facebook HERE
*NOTE: final exhibition opens on July 21st and runs through August 15th, 2012.
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