An Enduring Drumbeat: Joyce Dibona

"If you’re marching to the beat of a different drummer, it can be a very reassuring thing if the drummer is always strong, always on beat, and doesn’t just stop playing or run off at the first sign of trouble."

When I'm writing or painting, I forget myself. Everything and everyone seems to dissipate into a peaceful void that's somehow filled with words, color, and emotion. There's a script or vision in my head that continues to move forward, telling me what to do next. It feels like a Vulcan mind meld, like something beyond who I am has taken over. My guest today, artist Joyce Dibona, likens this phenomenon to "channeling."

Who or what are we channeling, I wonder? Who are we hearing? Where do the mental images come from? I tend to think it's still me; the things deep inside that can't seem to jump out any other way. Joyce suspects it's something divine. Whatever it is, hearing others describe it helps me continue to accept who and what I am.

On top of this, Joyce also mentions our capitalist society with all it's norms and expectation. I've told my children that you can't always play to the crowd because the crowd may be filled with a bunch of mediocre, average people whose power and influence simply grows with size. If you lack confidence or self-esteem, you can feel overpowered, as if you're the one who's wrong, weird, etc.

Maybe there's absolutely nothing wrong with all the folks in the crowd but you owe it to yourself to be authentic, even if you're one-of-a-kind in a huge, pulsating crowd of all-the-same. It sounds like Joyce recognized this concept at an early age.

I wish I'd been equipped to pull that off. I was way too much of a "people pleaser." It's a gene I have that conflicts with a few others in my bucket. The conflict of desperately needing to march to my own loud drum while somehow still pleasing everyone has caused me quite a few aberrations. What a recipe for passive aggression and subversive behavior (especially when I was younger)!

1 dominant "people pleaser" gene
1 "adventure-seeking" gene
1 incessantly loud and creative drumbeat
1 pinch of low self esteem
1 pinch of family dysfunction
1 good intellect
1 sin-focused environment
1 million digested books

Mix well.

Pow! Bang! Wham!

OUCH!

Pain.

However, like Joyce and some of the others we've heard from, thinking outside the box often helped me navigate those situations, emerging stronger and wiser. My creativity saved me.

So whether we're in the zone, channeling, or out there channeling through a crowd of folks who may or may not see the world as we do, Joyce reminds what she calls "Creatives" to be true to ourselves, show up, and keep driving forward.

Whether you're creative or not, it's great advice.

I often wonder if most highly creative people are born knowing what they want to do. Have you always wanted to be an artist, or was it a specific creative interest that evolved over time?

I knew I was an artist from a very early age. Quite honestly, from as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a professional artist, i.e. someone who made her living as an artist. At three years of age, my parents considered me precocious; at seventeen, misguided; at forty, demented; and when I reached fifty and was still pursuing my dream, they finally accepted it.

Do you have other creative interests, and if so, what are they?

I’m a closet writer and sometimes poet. I have a “streak of the geek” and am interested in the possible creative applications of ever changing technology. I am also very interested in the healing arts and alternative approaches to health.

There is a stereotype that creative people are "different," which can be a positive or a negative at times. What are your thoughts on this?

I think self-referencing can be a difficult task. Creative people certainly seem “different,” but different compared to what? Social norms and expectations? I have at times felt myself somewhat put off by the stereotype of “different” in the same manner that I’m put off by the cliché of “starving artist.” On the negative side, I think Creatives are frequently viewed through a capitalist lens in our society. If you’re making money, you’re held in regard, and elevated socially. If you’re not, you are suspect, often considered a misfit, possibly lazy, and frequently counseled to “go get a real job”.

Do you believe being creative has caused you aberrations in life, helped you deal with life's aberrations, or both?

Good question. I would have to answer both. My creativity, particularly at a young age, often left me feeling a “gap” between others and myself. In my early ages, five to nine years, it was almost like feeling a little autistic. It seemed that I had a language for interpreting life around me that most of my peers and elders, didn’t quite get. I could sense that I was often viewed as rather strange. I think a lot of creative children experience this as they try to integrate into society. In that sense, my sensitivities probably created some aberrations for me: a sense of loneliness, an inability to communicate as directly as I longed to, and a general inability to form more than one or two significant friendships.

On the positive side, my creativity has definitely helped me to not just cope with, but also navigate life’s aberrations. If you’re marching to the beat of a different drummer, it can be a very reassuring thing if the drummer is always strong, always on beat, and doesn’t just stop playing or run off at the first sign of trouble. I’ve always been able to count on my creativity. I consider it to come from a wellspring of inexhaustible energy that flows from the Divine. In my darkest moments it is still there, and it has real worth to me as I go through time. I feel creativity and a sense of reverence are closely tied. I’d rather be an artist and maintain the ability to see with new eyes, than a hard-core materialist that sees life as something to be dominated at any cost.

Have you had to deal with people in your life failing to understand your creative drive? If so, can you tell us about it and how you've dealt with it?

I think the primary difficulty with this in my early years was in my relationship with my parents. Although supportive somewhat of my creativity, they certainly did not want me to embrace the life of an artist. They were Depression-Era people, and needless to say were deeply impacted by that experience, and were fearful for my economic stability. They weren’t always wrong, lol. The way I dealt with their fears was to plunge in, plod through and keep on going, regardless. I stayed committed to my work. It eventually worked out.

I think the next area where people perhaps failed to understand my creative drive would be in my relationships. I think many men in particular have a difficult time with the amount of time it takes to be seriously involved in creative work. It’s an act of balance to have a good relationship and an artistic career. If you’re an artist, and you’re not working, you’re miserable and it impacts the relationship. If you are working, inevitably it is sometimes resented that you are not available to them in the manner they hope for. This could be a contributing factor as to why I’m no longer married, and haven’t felt inclined to ever remarry.

I often wonder, "Am I truly creative or do I just think I am?" Have you ever wondered about this? In a world filled with creative people and people who think they're creative, how have you been able to distinguish yourself and your talent, despite any doubts along the way?

I honestly have never wondered about whether or not I was creative. I think this is one of those things that are imposed on us from the outside. I think humans are naturally curious and creative. Some of us however, are more compelled to maintain and develop our creativity. How does one quantify creativity? Certainly we can measure it by production, but that’s only one way.

To me, creativity is a natural flow. In a way, it’s like having a “problem-solving mind” without all of the preconceived notions of what is the appropriate way to proceed with the problem solving. The mark of creativity is the freedom to explore. I hold this freedom paramount. This state of mind has led me from painting to explorations in three-dimensional painting to sculpture to combining all these as in my tattoo sculptures. I simply follow my nose and don’t doubt my hands. If I have a strong idea or impression, I tend to leap. I often have to figure out how to do something while I’m actually doing it.

I think it is absolutely important to remain FEARLESS in your creativity.

Unfortunately, many creative people never achieve the success they dream about. How do you cope with disappointments? What motivates you to keep going, to not give up?

Well, this is a HUGE one. As for disappointments I’ve found the rebound from them gets quicker. After awhile, if you’ve been doing this for a long time, you realize you’re a “lifer,” that being an artist IS the way you will spend your life. You have to believe in yourself, it’s absolutely vital. If you don’t, the world will eat you alive. I find true value in the creation of my work.

Everything in life eventually passes away. If my work touches one person, it was worth it. I keep going because I feel compelled to communicate, and often communicate things of a spiritual nature. I also know, on some level, that this is the work that I am meant to do in this lifetime. Like other artists, I have had my bouts with significant sorrow and depression associated with being an artist, but I’ve never lost my love of doing the work. What keeps me going is how right it feels when I am working. It truly feels like love energy. I will never leave it. My creativity, unlike a lot of things in life has intrinsic value to me.

I often wonder about the similarities and differences creative people have in terms of though processes. How would you describe your creative process? How does your mind work?

I have thought about this a lot. As I’ve watched myself over time, I’ve come to realize that there are actually two different modes or processes I tend to approach my work with. I am either completely spontaneous, and almost feel as if I’m channeling, or I am very structured in my approach.

My mind seems to function in the creative process in these two distinct ways. Sometimes I have visions, literally, where I “see” an entire work of art. When this happens, I have to dig in, and get very practical about how to best realize my vision. This type of work usually entails a great deal of physical and intellectual work. The tattoo sculptures and my newest sculpture, Atonement, are examples of this.

On the other hand, works like Spirit and Soul, Industrial Junkie, or The Last Dog are examples of sculptural work approached in a spontaneous fashion, where I’ve just dug in and started working. The painting work seems to exist within the same dichotomy. Some works are born of complete abstraction. If images are present, they often arise out of the painting process itself rather than pre-planning. This type of painting work is very enjoyable to me. I also will pursue painting in a more thought out manner, particularly when I have a particular concept or something I’m trying to convey.

What are the top three characteristics of a highly creative person, in your opinion?

1) Awareness: An open, exploring mind

2) Passion: Love for all life and ones work

3) Integrity: To thine own self be true

Many creative people have tons of ideas but never follow through. I'm not sure if it's because they lack drive, organization, or focus. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?

Hey, it takes work! If you don’t develop a strong work ethic, it’ll never happen. Many people don’t understand the discipline it takes to create a significant body of work. You have to show up even when you’re not doing your best work, because that’s the way you eventually break through. You also have to know when you’re stuck and getting away for a while will allow you to come back with fresh eyes, just don’t use that as an excuse for staying away too long.

I do think drive has a great deal to do with this. There is no question that some people are just more driven to produce than others, and it definitely makes a difference. If you’re not producing good work, you’re still probably more likely to produce some good work if you’re producing consistently than the person who just works when the mood hits them.

Focus comes into play during this process as well, but in my opinion you have to show up in order to have something to focus on. I suppose some people suffer from a lack of organization around their work, but for the most part, if you have discipline, and you’re showing up and working, the organization is a secondary issue.

To learn more about Joyce Dibona and her work, visit her site.

Bellies, Imagination, and Books: DeAnna Cameron

"No one seems to understand why I want to spend so many hours in a room by myself ..."

I've decided to keep a running list of the characteristics of highly creative individuals from the view point of their peers.

So far, the list includes:

1) Obsessive
2) Driven
3) Willing to sacrifice
4) A free mind (and soul)
5) Talent to create
6) Social skills (knowing how to communicate)

My guest today, author DeAnna Cameron adds,

7) Imagination
8) Persistence
9) Financial independence (She's half joking with this one.)

Like quite a few writers, DeAnna began her career in journalism.

In a way, I did as well. I was the newspaper reporter for my junior high class. Okay, maybe that doesn't count but I did spend a few childhood years dreaming about being an adventurous investigative reporter. Like DeAnna, I had the idea that I could write and make a paycheck. But just about the time the 'ole hormones kicked in, my interest in solving mysteries and my desire for adventure shifted to boys.

Oh boy!

My writing efforts suddenly seethed with emotion that seemed to explode out of my own insecurities and need to feel loved. In the midst of all this, my train toward journalism somehow got derailed.

So while I was off trying to feel loved, DeAnna was building a career in journalism and satisfying her taste for adventure through belly dancing. She found success in both endeavors, yet she wasn't quite satisfied. Perhaps she just had too much imagination. She finally took a bold leap into the world of fiction, and her first novel, The Belly Dancer, soon emerged on bookstore shelves.

As for me, once I finally figured out that the most important love to have is love of self, my writing began to evolve into something cohesive. Did I waste a lot of time? Did DeAnna make wiser choices? Perhaps but life can sometimes be a hazy maze. We're forced to do the best we can, feeling our way toward the positive outcome we imagine. That's where persistence comes in.

Now all I need to do is become financially independent.

I often wonder if most highly creative people are born knowing what they want to do. Have you always wanted to be a writer or was it a specific creative interest that evolved over time?

I’d have to say that for me it’s something that has evolved – and mostly because I spent so many years talking myself out of being a writer. I’ve always tried to be practical, and frankly no one can argue that writing is practical. So, I tried to do other things and to steer my life in other directions. But no matter what I did, I always found myself coming back to writing. I thought I had found the perfect compromise when I discovered journalism. It was writing, but there was a steady paycheck! I spent a dozen years in various reporting and editing positions at newspapers and magazines, but that need to write my own stories never went away.

Do you have other creative interests, and if so, what are they?

Belly dancing! Which I’m sure comes as no surprise since the premise of my debut novel is the introduction of belly dancing to America at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. I also love to cook, and I think that can be a creative outlet as well. What I really enjoy about cooking and belly dancing is how they get me out of my head. Cooking is about doing things with your hands and dancing is about moving your whole body and getting lost in the music. I find them both to be tremendous therapy after spending hours at a computer keyboard.

There is a stereotype that creative people are "different," which can be a positive or a negative at times. What are your thoughts on this?

I believe what makes creative people seem different is that they don’t feel locked in to doing things or approaching things in the usual, expected ways.

Do you believe being creative has caused you aberrations in life, helped you deal with life's aberrations, or both?

I believe creativity can be a wonderful coping mechanism. I don’t think my creativity has caused aberrations, but I definitely believe it has helped me manage or work through things. When I really get into the flow of writing, when it feels like I’m not in control anymore but something else is guiding the story, I sometimes find myself writing about things that surprise me. I might discover how I really feel about something, or I might find myself writing a scene that parallels something going on in my own life. It can be very cathartic.

Have you had to deal with people in your life failing to understand your creative drive? If so, can you tell us about it and how you've dealt with it?

I’ve been very lucky. I’m blessed to have a supportive family, and my husband is a musician, so he particularly understands the nature of a creative drive. What does tend to puzzle people is my need to be alone to write. No one seems to understand why I want to spend so many hours in a room by myself writing because they don’t understand that to me, I’m not alone. I’m immersed in the world of the story I’m creating.

I often wonder, "Am I truly creative or do I just think I am?" Have you ever wondered about this? In a world filled with creative people and people who think they're creative, how were you able to distinguish yourself and your talent despite any doubts along the way?

I think creative people are always questioning whether they have authentic talent or if they merely think or hope they do. Isn’t that what keeps us motivated to do better, to continue to improve? Really, I try not to think about it too much. No one can really judge the worth of their own work. That sort of thing is better left to others. All you can do is focus on the work and do it to the best of your ability.

Unfortunately, many creative people never achieve the success they dream about. How have you coped with disappointments?

Start with very low expectations. Seriously. Then you are happy with whatever success comes your way.

I often wonder about the similarities and differences creative people have in terms of thought processes. How would you describe your creative process? How does your mind work?

I tend to start with a sliver of idea, just the barest hint of a story. Usually it’s a premise. Then characters present themselves. Then subplots, motifs, settings, etc. I think of a new story idea like a skeleton. Then slowly I add in the layers that flesh it out.

What are the top three characteristics of a highly creative person, in your opinion?

1. imagination

2. persistence

3. financial independence (I’m only half-kidding about this one).

Many creative people have tons of ideas but never follow through. I'm not sure if it's because they lack drive, organization, or focus. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?

You can be creative all day long but there really has to be some commitment to it, some level of persistence, for anything to come of it.



The following video was created by DeAnna prior to the release of The Belly Dancer:

For Haiti: A Tiny Painting

I just completed this small (5" x 7") piece in honor and support of Haiti.

It will be donated to a project currently being organized by Monkdogz Urban Art (Chelsea, NYC) in which all proceeds will support the relief effort.

The words around the Hibiscus (their national flower) were taken from their national anthem:

"And our souls take courage.
Let us toil joyfully,
For our forebears,
For our country."

I hope this will remind everyone to keep Haiti in their positive thoughts and prayers. In addition, let's not forget to focus on all that we have to be thankful for, and to keep life's aberrations in perspective.

I received the following email story the other day. I usually don't spend too much time reading all the "forwards" I get, but this one caught my eye and made an impression. Here it is ... edited a bit by yours truly ... I'm not sure where the stats came from, and if they're reliable, but nevertheless, they're worth considering next time any of us feels like complaining.

Are you Blessed?

I went to heaven last night ... in my dreams. A angel showed me around. We walked side-by-side into a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped and said, "This is the Receiving section. Here we receive all petitions said in prayer to God."

I looked around the area. It was terribly busy with tons of angels sorting petitions from people all over the world.

Then we moved down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery section. Here, the graces and blessings that people ask for are processed and delivered."

I noticed again how busy it was. There were so many angels working like crazy. So many blessings were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor, we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there--idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgement section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.

"How is it that no work is going on?" I asked.

Sadly, the angel sighed and said, "After people receive the blessings they ask for, very few send back an acknowledgement."

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

Here's what the angel said,

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you're richer than 75% of those who live in this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and/or spare change in a jar, you are among the top 8% of this world's wealthy.

And if you read this on your own computer, you are part of the top 1% in the world who have that opportunity.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive the day.

If you have never experienced fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.

If you attend a temple or church or whatever without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in this world.

If your parents are still married, you are very rare.

If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm. You're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

Clone Me Please: Esther Barend

"They always said, 'Acting normal is crazy enough.'"

Yesterday the idea came to me that my love for writing and painting are like the emotion I have for my children (in a way). I had only one child for eleven years. Bearing that child alone, just out of college, and becoming a parent shaped who I am. My daughter was essentially attached to my hip as I made my way into adulthood, marriage, career, etc.

When the second child came along years later, I knew who I was. While we waited for the fresh little "chunk-a-lunk" to introduce herself, I wondered what it would be like to have a second child. Could I love it as much as the first? How would that work, and what would it feel like?

So how is this related to writing and painting, you wonder?

Well, like my first child, my love for writing has always been attached to my hip, growing stronger as I developed. It shaped who I am, and seems to be tangled with my very soul, beautifully fused in some fateful way. Years into it--when I thought there would be nothing else--painting came along. And just like the heart miraculously expands to love another child, my creative soul, kernel, base (whatever you choose to call it) seemed to explode, ensuring plenty of room for both.

My guest today, renowned artist, Esther Barend, reminds us that it's tough to do it all. And she's right! Like Esther, I wish I could clone myself, and do fifty things at once. Years of corporate culture induced time management and multi-tasking has helped but, like a good mother, there are days when I wonder if I can provide each with the right level of attention.

Esther didn't grow up with a creative silver spoon of support in her mouth. The specific encouragement she needed was often missing. We recently learned that best selling author Margaret Weis' parents were generally supportive of her highly focused interest in writing although they didn't always understand it. Esther's story and comments provide an interesting contrast.

Esther brilliantly touches on two important themes for creative individuals. How we can possibly act on all our ideas and creative interests, and how parental support influences our self esteem and our hope of following through ... on anything.

As for me, I can't give up either of my children, and I can't give up writing or painting. Wish me luck! As Esther points out, cloning may be the best answer ...

I often wonder if most highly creative people are born knowing what they want to do. Have you always wanted to be an artist, or was it a specific creative interest that evolved over time?

From the moment I could read I wanted to become a writer. The idea that you could create a fantasy life yourself, printed so others could enjoy it too, attracted me. So I started writing my first 'books' at the age of 7--picturing a life I wanted to have but didn't. I showed the first 'book' to my parents, but after their reaction I decided to keep the next ones for myself. They were making a bit fun of it because one of my aunts thought she was gifted (which she wasn't) and wanted to become famous, no matter what or how. My parents often said that I was like my aunt, which of course I didn't like at all.

My father painted in his spare time, my mother was a ballet teacher. I was gifted with both their talents. I liked drawing and had high grades for the drawing and crafts classes in school. In my spare time a drew a lot and I attended ballet classes. But I had very low self-esteem. I always thought that I did not have enough creative talent to be able to go to the academy of arts and I was not stimulated by my parents either (which confirmed my thoughts of not being good enough). For a while I wanted to study dancing (to become a ballet teacher, like my mother) after high school. But my feet and body grew too big (for a while), and I had no self-confidence at all. So I decided to do something with my talents for languages.

A few years later blood proved to be thicker than water. It started as a hobby and evolved into my work: designing jewelry. For several years, I made two new collections of jewelry. The jewels were bought and sold by shops who sell exclusive clothing in The Netherlands.

Years later, I don't know why because I had never made one brush stroke in my life, I decided to go to the Academy of Arts and follow painting classes... and next everything fell in to place. I found my destiny... or maybe it found me. The ball was set completely rolling after a renown gallery owner asked me to become one of the artists in his gallery! Art is a way of living now and I'm earning my living with it. I have to admit that I get a lot of energy from the spontaneous reactions of people (all over the world) on my art and of course the sales (I celebrate every sale, because it's great that someone likes my art so much that he/she wants to own it). It gives me wings and keeps me going.

Do you have other creative interests, and if so, what are they?

I still love writing but it never came to a book (not yet). I did several projects with other materials and I've agreed to start a collaboration with an other artist in sculptures, beginning in a few months.

I've got so many ideas in my head that I need to clone myself to execute all of them.

There is a stereotype that creative people are "different," which can be a positive or a negative at times. What are your thoughts on this?

It is more than true. I love being an artist. I love having so many ideas and dreams. I love being idealistic. Unlike when I was young, I've got a lot more self-esteem now. It came along with finding my destiny as an artist. The positive things about being an artist I cherish every day.
The negative things I try to live with. Because it can be a burden, too. I cannot stop looking with artists' eyes. In fact I'm always working. Whatever I experience and/or see goes directly to the archives in the catacombs of my brain. And of course some things simmer on 'the ground floor' for a while, before going to the archives. Also, I always feel the urge to surpass myself. But I know I cannot keep on doing that all the time. And I get bored quickly... I want to try and do it all.

Having a free mind is awesome, but it makes life complicated at the same time because a lot of people don't have a free mind. So I run against a lot of walls, prejudices (of others), and misunderstanding.

Personally I've learned to live with that. But in general, I don't understand people at all. What, in God's/heaven's/Allah's/earth's/cosmos' name have we people created? Why did we make such a mess of the world?

I've managed to find a way to live with these thoughts. For a while they've pushed me down, made me depressive. But nowadays I focus on the positive things of life. It is an art to look for the positive things in everything all the time, but as I always say--it's in the manner of seeing that moves your understanding. It makes me feel a lot more happy and, despite the negative things which of course are also in my life, I can honestly say that I feel very lucky.

Do you believe being creative has caused you aberrations in life, helped you deal with life's aberrations, or both?

Both. In fact, you can see answers to this above. Being creative--but not daring to be--has caused me aberrations. Finding my destiny has helped me deal with life's aberrations!

Have you had to deal with people in your life failing to understand your creative drive? If so, can you tell us about it and how you've dealt with it?

The only people who didn't understand my creative drive when I was young were my parents. Back then, I never dared to discuss my desire to become an artist with anyone else because of my lack of self-esteem. They always said, "Acting normal is crazy enough." The strange thing was that they were creative themselves! But their goal was to become rich (which I understand because of the time they were born, they were raised, etc.) so their mindset was that I'd better find a profession to become rich, too. I didn't deal with it very well. I suppressed my feelings because I wanted to be a good daughter. I know my parents think different now! And I have to add that for them rich meant "being independent and being able to do whatever you want to do--and you need money in order to do so."

Maybe nowadays there are people around me who do not understand my creative drive. If so, it says a lot about them, and nothing about me. I don't care at all.

I often wonder, "Am I truly creative or do I just think I am?" Have you ever wondered about this? In a world filled with creative people and people who think they're creative, how have you been able to distinguish yourself and your talent, despite any doubts along the way?

Yes, I have wondered about this. As a young person, I was convinced that nobody was waiting for me or my art. I was convinced that I was a nobody. I shouldn't have listened to myself. I've learned the hard way.

Unfortunately many creative people never achieve the success they dream about. How do you cope with disappointments? What motivates you to keep going, to not give up?

I'm one of the lucky people who's achieved the success I dreamed about. I'm busy expanding it now. But I'm not without disappointments in my life. In fact, I've had plenty of disappointments. I've had my share and I'm convinced I'll get my share in the future, too. But I don't want to think like that.

I motivate myself because I've got some kind of engine in my body that keeps me going and like I've answered before--I get a lot of energy from the positive reactions of others.

I often wonder about the similarities and differences creative people have in terms of though processes. How would you describe your creative process? How does your mind work?

LOL!!! How my mind works I don't know! I just do what comes up. I'm quite disciplined. In the morning I get up, eat breakfast and next I run about five miles. I go to my studio and start painting. Through running I free my mind. Through painting I free my mind, too. Not thinking, but just painting gives the best results. Afterwards I often wonder where I was when the painting got painted. When I'm 'in' my painting I forget everything. I love that. I don't want to be disturbed at all. I work every day during the week. And if I feel like it, sometimes I work on a Saturday as well. But I have children, and also there is the love of my life, so I've got to give them some attention, too. In the evenings I answer my mails, write my blog, try to follow the news about what's going on in the contemporary art world etc. And of course think about the ideas that come up.

What are the top three characteristics of a highly creative person, in your opinion?

1) Having a free mind (and soul)

2) Having talent to create

3) Being social (knowing how to communicate)

Many creative people have tons of ideas but never follow through. I'm not sure if it's because they lack drive, organization, or focus. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?

As I said before--a lot of ideas I have cannot be executed because I cannot clone myself. If I do something I want to do it in the best way I can. Creating takes a lot of time. So I have to make choices and learn to live with the fact that I can't do it all.

To learn more about Esther and her work, visit:

http://www.estherbarend.eu
http://estherbarend.blogspot.com
http://www.this-iz-art.blogspot.com

Economic Crisis: The Painting

My latest painting, Economic Crisis, is essentially about widespread loss of jobs, particularly focusing on big industry and corporate culture.


This acrylic, mixed media work is approximately 61" x 50". In this photograph, the odd shaped canvas is directly attached to a wall.

Over the next week, I plan to create a small piece for the Monkdogz Urban Art (Chelsea, NYC) effort to support Haiti (currently being organized).

To see more of my art, go here.

Tomorrow on Aberration Nation: renowned artist Esther Barend.

Detail Pics:

What to Do When Life Sucks? Think or Sink

"The greatest lessons in your life come from your failures."

If you're like me, despite various successes, sometimes you tend to screw things up without even trying. I don't wish to stereotype anyone. However, based on my experience, highly creative individuals can be quite skilled at digging their own graves. This may or may not be an off-shoot of out-of-the-box thinking, intense focus, or a sensitive nature. Who knows? I'm still trying to figure myself out much less the rest of the world.

What I do know is that failure can lead to success. In both small and large ways, I've seen it happen in my own life. Over the years, I've become a firm believer in making lemons out of lemonade. Later this week, we'll hear from renowned artist Esther Barend, but today I want to take a detour and tell you about a new book based on the lemonade premise I hold dear.

Gina Mollicone-Long's new book, Think or Sink: The One Choice that Changes Everything, explores the power within each of us to create our own outcomes based on how we choose to think during times of failure. Of course, this applies to everyone, not just creative individuals. However, Think or Sink holds powerful messages and advice for the creative soul. Creative folks are famous for our keen ability to milk self doubt and serve as our own worst enemies. In a highly competitive world that often lacks support for the arts, we need a boost. Let's face it, we crave words of encouragement that help drive us toward success. The more success we celebrate as individuals, the more the arts in general will flourish over time.

Whether you're an artist, writer, actor, accountant, stay-at-home mom, or just some dude who stumbled upon Aberration Nation for the first time, you're the most powerful contributor to your own fate. You're the one and only captain of the boat you're standing in; there's no way out. No way to jump onto your neighbor's. No way to trade yours in for a new model. When storms hit, the only options are to move forward or sink like a stone. Let's hear what Gina has to share with regard to how we might steer our unique vessels in more positive directions.

You're a motivational speaker, author, self-help guru, and personal development specialist. Was there something in your personal experience that led you down this path?

I have always been motivated by the greatness that I see in others. I have always worked to help people reveal this inherent greatness. I have always stood for everyone being the absolute best that they can be. I started speaking when I was young. In fact, I was the valedictorian for both my elementary and high school graduating classes. Likewise, I have been coaching since I was 14 starting as a gymnastics coach. I loved coaching. At one point, I was a certified coach in gymnastics, soccer, diving, swimming, basketball and volleyball. Eventually, these skills transferred to management experience and working with individuals to craft a life they love, Now, I only work with executives, entrepreneurs and high performers coaching them to achieve amazing results. I’m only interested in getting results with my clients. It doesn’t take us a lot of time because of the techniques that I use and my work is guaranteed.

You're book, Think or Sink: The One Choice that Changes Everything, sounds intriguing, and certainly speaks to the underlying concept of Aberration Nation. Tell us about the book.

Believe it or not, whenever anything happens to us, we always have a choice in determining our response to what happens. It might not always feel like that but we always have the choice. It we don’t make the choice consciously then it will get dictated to us by outside forces like the media, our friends and family, etc. This is only a problem if the response causes us to feel additional stress in our lives. Many people like to blame their circumstances, especially when times are tough. Blaming the circumstances might make you feel good in the short term but it ultimately leaves you powerless because you have given your power over to your circumstances. It is not your circumstances that are to blame but rather it is your response to the circumstances that is the issue.

Successful people and great leaders do one thing differently than most people during times of challenge. They think for themselves and choose powerful responses to events instead of sinking into the prevailing negative default response of their circumstances and the people around them. Think or Sink is not a book about what to think. It is a book about how to think for yourself, perhaps for the first time. There are a lot of books that tell you what to do. Sometimes the advice works and sometimes it doesn’t. There is no sure-fire way to tell. This is a different kind of book. This book is about how life works as a process. This book will show you how it works so you can make good decisions about what is right for you. This is not a book about positive thinking; this is a book about positive responding.

What was your inspiration for writing Think or Sink?

I noticed in my own life that I seemed to be at the mercy of my circumstances a lot. I found myself often wishing that someone or something would change so that I could finally relax. It dawned on me one day that this was a very dis-empowering way to live because I had no control over my own life experience. My first book, The Secret of Successful Failing, explores the paradox that your greatest gifts come out of your biggest challenges. This point of view was such a powerful re-frame for anything in my life that didn’t go my way. As I continued exploring the paradox, I found myself noticing that if I took complete responsibility for my response in any situation that I had a great deal of power and choices in those situations. I began doing research and developed a model for retaining your personal power regardless of the circumstances. It has worked amazing wonders in my life. Since employing the techniques that I write about I have enjoyed numerous results in all contexts of my life such as releasing 50lbs of excess body weight, landing the publisher for Think or Sink, increasing the revenue in my business, and taking my marriage to a completely different level (to name a few).

Everyone hits roadblocks in life; it's inevitable. Why do some people learn from them and move on, while others just get stuck?

It comes down to choice. We choose our responses. Always. We either make these choices consciously and with volition and intention or they get chosen for us unconsciously typically led by the prevailing response of people around us. Most people don’t realize how much power they have in every single situation. No one can ever be in complete control of what happens to them or around them but we can always be in charge of how we respond to any situation. If you are stuck then make a choice to get going. If you hit a roadblock then focus your intention to find a way around and the way will appear. Maintain focus on what you want and never never never give up on yourself. Just keep moving.

In your experience working with others on personal development, what have you seen as the top three characteristics that keep people from moving forward?

Instead of focusing on what holds people back, I am much more interested in what successful people do to maintain momentum and get results. Part of my formal training is in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). At the most basic level, NLP is a study of excellence and how to replicate. Therefore from an NLP perspective, I am concerned with understanding the strategies and behaviors that are common amongst the most successful people in the world in all areas of life.

In my experience, these successful people share the following three attributes:

1. They FOCUS on what they want. They never take their eye off the prize. They give all of their energy to focusing on what they want and none of their energy on what they do NOT want. This idea of focus is a key theme in Think or Sink.

2. They are on the CAUSE side of the equation. In life there is an equation that states a certain cause produces an certain effect. Successful people realize that they are the master of their experience and are the ultimate cause for their results. In life, you either get results or you have reasons. Bear in mind that no results plus a great reason still equals NO RESULTS. Successful people aren’t interested in the reasons why they don’t have what they want. They use their results (or failures) as feedback to ensure that they remain powerful and therefore on track to success.

3. They maintain powerful states of Being. Successful people realize that they are ALWAYS in charge of their response to any situation. They understand that their response dictates their mental, emotional and physiological resources at any given moment. They maintain responsibility to keeping themselves in the most positive and powerful states of Being. They do not allow circumstances and people to knock them over.

Although we have countless years of history to draw from, there still remains such a stigma on failure. However, you've said that one of the most notable qualities shared by great leaders is the ability to learn and benefit from failure and setback. Do you coach individuals in the midst of failure, and if so, what are your key messages to them?

My work centers around helping my clients get exactly what they want. I work with people who have enjoyed a lot of success, people that have failed, and people that haven’t even tried yet. In all cases, the clients MUST be willing to do whatever it takes for their dream. My work is a “do-with” process and not a “do-to” process. It is very powerful. It gets results, real results and it gets them quickly.

My key messages to my clients are the same as in #5 above.

1. Focus on what you want (and only what you want)

2. Remain on the cause side of the equation of the results in your life

3. Maintain a powerful state of Being by maintaining control of your responses to situations, circumstances, events and people.

4. Finally, take massive action towards what you want. Do not let up.

We'd love to hear some examples of success over failure that you've personally witnessed in your work. Are there any you can share with us?

It’s not success over failure. Every life experience is worth having. The greatest lessons in your life come from your failures. In fact, I am often quoted in the media on the topic of self-esteem. I always respond by pointing out that true self-esteem does not come from a “failure-less” environment. Rather, true self-esteem comes when you are face down in the proverbial mud and you DECIDE to get back up. In that moment, you discover new resources and realize that you are made of much more than you thought you were. This is the gift in failure. For example, in my own life, a “failure” early on my corporate career to be passed up for a promotion that I really thought that I deserved caused me to search deep within myself to realize that the corporate world was not where my I belonged. My heart wanted to start my own business, write books, teach seminars, and work with people. If it hadn’t been for that failure in my career, I may never have developed the resources that I needed to be a success today.

What would you say are the three most important steps in turning failure into a positive?

This is easy.

1. Treat all failure as feedback. Use the information that you have in the feedback to go back and make a change INSIDE yourself.

2. Keep moving forward focused on what you want. Never never never quit.

3. Recognize that you are always in control of your response to ANY circumstance and ensure that you are choosing the powerful response to what is happening to you.

Dragons, Flyball, and Dedication: Margaret Weis

"I just keep writing."

I grew up believing there was an inevitable link between creativity and mental illness. I've since learned that many mentally unstable folks are bone dry when it comes to creative juice. On the flip side, lots of highly creative individuals are as stable as the Brady Bunch parents.

Obviously, while there are many common factors among creative types, there are also vast differences. Surely these differences evolve not only from genetics, but also from our environment, and the level of support we experience growing up.

I suppose this can all be said of mental health, in general.

But now we're focusing on creativity. What sparks and fuels it? How do we define it and where does it come from? One could spend years studying and discussing these fascinating questions. If I could, I'd surround myself daily with smart, creative individuals. We'd sit around with Martinis, chatting about all the strange and wonderful topics that fill our heads with ideas. Then we'd discuss how the "filling" process happens and what we'll do with it.

Who knows, if I were given more than one life or a do over, maybe I'd go to art school or study creative writing. Maybe I'd leave my hometown at 18, and head to the Big Apple with a dollar in my pocket. Maybe I'd crash and burn a million times.

Maybe I'd be dead by now.

We only have one life; I don't regret the path mine has taken. Although I do believe it's never too late, I can't simply drop everything and head to New York. I can't camp out in a University art lobby chatting with fellow artists and art professors nor can I run off to Paris, drink wine all day, and contemplate life and art. It's ironic. Now that I have a few years behind me, the depth and breath of my questions far outshine what I focused on when I had more time and opportunity. Life is funny that way. Too bad we can't have more than one.

But in reality it is never too late so I'm bringing creative folks to Aberration Nation. I intend to pick their brains and dissect their souls as best I can.

To kick off this new Aberration Nation focus, my first guest is wildly popular fantasy novelist and gaming guru Margaret Weis. In getting to know Margaret a bit, it's clear that she's highly focused and has consistently maintained unflappable dedication to her amazing imagination. Her responses are power punches that provide a no-fluff look at what it takes to succeed in a creative field.

I grew up in a household where science fiction and fantasy books, games, etc. were constantly on hand and under discussion. I didn't have to read the books my brother read. His recall was so precise and detailed that he could describe entire books as if I were reading them myself. In fact, he was an obsessive, highly skilled Dungeons & Dragon player, and propagated its success throughout our tri-state area during the early '80s. For years, his room was a D& D cave filled with sharp, imaginative teenage boys. At a time when fantasy, roll playing games were a new concept, he created a complex fantasy game of his own with some of his closest friends (while still in high school).

When I told my brother that I had a connection to Margaret Weis, his eyes lit up like flying saucers while dragon-like smoke puffed out both ears. Of course, he knew who she was! She's been one of his heroes for years, and now she's one of mine.

I often wonder if most highly creative people are born knowing what they want to do. Have you always wanted to be a writer or was it a specific creative interest that evolved over time?

I have always been a story-teller. When I was in kindergarten, my teacher put me in the front of the class to tell stories during nap time. I have always loved reading books and creating worlds and characters in my head. I guess writing them down was an extension! Author Gary Paulsen says that authors are the ancient ones who put on the tiger skins and danced around the fire telling tales.

Do you have other creative interests, and if so, what are they?

I participate in flyball with my dogs. Not sure if that's creative, but it's a lot of fun!

There is a stereotype that creative people are "different," which can be a positive or a negative at times. What are your thoughts on this?

I don't think we're that much different from most people. Maybe a little crazy . . .:)

Do you believe being creative has caused you aberrations in life, helped you deal with life's aberrations, or both?

I think my love of writing has made it difficult for me to have relationships. I've been divorced twice. I think it's hard being married to a writer. For me, at least, the writing always came first.

Have you had to deal with people in your life failing to understand your creative drive? If so, can you tell us about it and how you've dealt with it?

I don't think my parents ever truly understood it, but they always supported me. How many other parents would let their kid major in creative writing in college?!

I often wonder, "Am I truly creative or do I just think I am?" Have you ever wondered about this? In a world filled with creative people and people who think they're creative, how were you able to distinguish yourself and your talent despite any doubts along the way?

I never really thought about it. I just do what I love.

Unfortunately, many creative people never achieve the success they dream about. How have you coped with disappointments?

I just keep writing.

I often wonder about the similarities and differences creative people have in terms of thought processes. How would you describe your creative process? How does your mind work?

Well, I have the ability to live in an imaginary world. I walk around grocery stores holding conversations with imaginary people. I dream about my characters. Some people would probably suggest I should be locked up!:)

What are the top three characteristics of a highly creative person, in your opinion?

Obsessive. Driven. Willingness to sacrifice.

Many creative people have tons of ideas but never follow through. I'm not sure if it's because they lack drive, organization, or focus. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?

If you want to be a writer you will write because that's what you love to do best in the world. If not, you won't.


Watch a trailer for Margaret and Tracey Hickman's novel, Bones of the Dragon:

... About Being Creative

Aberration Nation Announcement!

I'm one of those perpetually dissatisfied folks who can't stand to keep doing the same thing for too long. I need change. If not constant, at least frequently. With this in mind, I've decided to shift Aberration Nation into the fascinating realm of creativity.

I honestly can't recall when I first began wanting to write. And along with the wanting-to-be-a-writer was an intense desire simply to be highly creative. I longed to be a person with a gift. Sometimes, it was more like knowing I had a gift that I was compelled to identify. Was all that just an ongoing, ridiculous fantasy created to keep me sane and focused on the future in an unhappy home ... or was it destiny? Was it truly who I am struggling to emerge amidst a chaotic childhood?

My mom always told us, "Everyone has a talent." Looking back, I think she was trying to say that everyone is good at something, but I honed in on the word talent. For me talent meant creativity, and that's what I wanted most. I was afraid I didn't have it, and so I craved it. I dreamed about it. Unfortunately, my insecurities and poor self esteem held me back and put me on the slow road.

Even now I fight those insecurities. Yet, I keep going, believing that someday I'll be at peace with my self-imposed label of highly creative--that what I create will mean something to someone; that it will have true value. So not a day goes by when I don't consider what creativity is all about, and if what drives me is one and the same.

What does being highly creative truly mean?

What does it really feel like, and what's the point?

What are we to do with our creativity, and once we know, how can we actually accomplish our goals?

How can we emerge from the huge average creative crowd spinning in a culture that recognizes so few?

Is there a point when one should give up?

Should it just be a hobby when it feels like a calling?

Now I'd like to ask professional/serious artists, writers, actors, musicians, etc. about their experiences and thoughts on being creative ... with a twist. I'll toss in the Aberration Nation themes of overcoming the suck life throws our way. I'm betting highly creative folks have tons of interesting and thoughtful things to say about that.

So for the new year, Aberration Nation will remain the same yet instead of .... about being human, it will be .... about being creative.

If you're a professional/serious artist, musician, actor, writer, etc. I'd love to interview you regarding the trials and joys of creativity. (And let's not forget that some highly creative folks focus on science, math, advertising, etc. You're invited, too!) My goal is to provide contrast and comparison regarding the various creative avenues we choose, while highlighting our "never give up" attitude.

If you're interested in joining the Aberration Nation, contact me at pennyprz@aol.com. (Please include your credentials and/or website so I can check it out.)