Archive for the ‘Inspirations’ Category

Some things just never change!

I get asked all of the time if I have always been creative, I know that my parents can answer that question better than anyone (with some early childhood stories of crayons and paints, clay and other mediums)… stories about me I am sure will never make it to this blog!  Ha!

Every now and then my mom locates a box from the confines of my fathers garage; Georges garage… that deep dark abyss of sacred artifacts of random 1968 Popular Mechanics magazines to nicely arranged old Gerber baby jars with sorted nuts and bolts, to treasured Tito Puente albums to a box of old papers of Catholic school artifacts from my elementary school days.   Awe, the joy of digging though many artful projects from a 5+ year old, and as of lately I have to admit that the recent found box of nostalgia has brought out some sentimental journeys of my own.

Sonya Paz Art at age 5

Sonya Paz Art at age 5

Dozens of childlike drawings to look at, many I believe to be organized in the thought process of Sonyaland and some others are totally random in their composition of utter childlikeness and playfulness. This image is one that I have grown particularly fond of.  It has no title, it’s rather abstract but very simple, nicely presented on dusty pink construction paper.

In May of last year I wrote a blog titled  “Pupils for Pupils“.  It was a focus on earlier sets of documented childhood memories that my mom unloaded on me and my immediate shock and amazement to my meticulous writings and sidebar doodles, along with the hand written notes from the teachers to my parents with disenchantment of such a creative crime.  Well, let’s just say that I like to just refer to these as the “Sonya Chronicles”, a nice mix and meld of intelligence and spontaneous creativity.

So whatever it’s worth, it’s pretty evident that there was an artist in me from the get go. Just me being rebellious, smart, witty, quiet (and outspoken at the same time), always thinking, always spinning, always going against the grain with high energy at full speed.

It’s all good, I guess I would never want it to change.

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Artful Tarts!

It’s not a secret that I love sweets and love to bake, make desserts, create and indulge in all things creative – especially if it’s edible. So many people often refer to my artwork as “flavorful” and “tasty”,  I have grown fond of these descriptions and have recently been inspired to put the flavor where it belongs.  Needless to say when you are creative, it’s fun to challenge your senses with the most complex variations, much like the clash of colors that I use in my paintings, the fresh splash of the sweet and tart seem to make their way to a desired craving and a fast blast back to nostalgic childhood memories.

Artful Tarts!

Artful Tarts ~ Gourmet Pop Art Inspired Caramel Apples!

For a limited time, we are offering “Artful Tarts” Gourmet Candy Apples that are pop art inspired! These are not for the faint at heart, decadent juicy Granny Smith Apples encased in creamy rich caramel with a selection of either candy confetti, peanuts, Oreo cookie pieces, toffee crumbles covered with white or chocolate drizzle. They will feed up to six people because they weigh approx one pound each!

It’s also totally fine to tell us that it’s for a gift when in fact you are buying one for yourself!  Simply place in your fridge and cut off slices as you feel the need to surrender to your cravings and be Artfully Tart!

Sold only at the gallery, they retail between $7.75 and $9.95 depending on the toppings. These are only available for a limited time for the Easter holiday until April 23rd! If you need to order, please call us at 408.378.5000.

Happy Friday everyone!

Springtime Satisfaction

The completion of a project is one of the best feelings ever, it’s such a fulfilling sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  This is basically part II  from my March 27th blog entry titled “Finishing the Unfinished” (if you like, check out that entry so that you will understand this conclusion to my pop art table project.)

Springtime Mod Table

Springtime Mod Floral Table

Well, needless to say, the small table turned out fabulous! I had it professionally varnished where it now holds a crystal clear high glossy shine that will last a lifetime. I placed it in the entrance of the gallery and each person that comes in says “oooohhhhh!”  I am getting pretty attached to it, so I have to be careful to keep it out on the main floor of the gallery and away from the temptation of dragging it to my car!

Last year I created a series of fun, more loose and less controlled works all part of a series titled “Spontaneity”. This is definitely a challenge for me as I am accustomed to working in a very tailored calculated format of creating where each color has a place, a value that is centered and a finishing element that tells me when I am completed.

Spontaneity Mod Floral

This style of creation is definitely a departure, using more fluid paints mixed to perfection from brushes and bottles to accomplish a look that I cannot intentionally go back and tailor. The art of my hand through the use of other tools has to be the voice. I want to go back and touch up the foundations, format, colors, but that will only make the artwork less dramatic.

Spontaneous  Inspiration
Spontaneous Inspiration

This process (for me) is exhausting and leaves me left with a feeling of satisfaction that I have allowed myself to just “let it go”. To have a foundation of work that looks like something found at a crime scene is a new and sadistic  interesting experience – I really love it.  Many of the objects are the pertinent to the elements that I use in my main scope of work, but these pieces are a different color palette and a deeper and darker mood.

I hope to get these pieces finished this week so that I can get these framed up and on the wall for show.  Stay tuned!

 

 

Chips are not dinner

I have always been a snackaholic…. I love candy, sweets, salty, savory, you name it and I typically I love it, buy it, eat it and consume it. The older I get, the need has kicked in for much healthier foods and of course, healthier snacks. As much as these savory nibbles are satisfying to a degree it’s not as satisfying as a (well needed) rounded full satisfying meal (in a matter of speaking).

In life, it’s not necessarily the foods that you consume or the company that you keep, but the quality of it all.  Snacking on the general elements in our daily life can be fun and tempting, you can snack on shopping, work, friendships, places you visit… you get the point.

However, have you ever thought how this theory might effect your thinking patterns for other daily routines. Have you had unfulfilling jobs that weren’t satisfying just to make ends meet?  Places that you drive by but simply never stop to take it all in?  Do you have friends that you snack or have coffee with, but don’t  have a meal with? Perhaps digest it  all (no pun intended) and consider more substantial approaches that are fulfilling.

Chips are not dinner

Initiate the time to prepare the feast.

I believe facets  in my life are reflective and relevant for something else I may be experiencing. for instance the elements of food I eat crosses over to relationships I have with people. The substance of friendships that you have with people will feed your soul to be fulfilled, if you settle for just a little nibble, it’s certainly not as satisfying as if you took the time to prepare the feast.

In short, chips are not dinner. Make the time for a satisfying meal with friends, feel comfort and satisfaction in the time well spent, it’s heartfelt and true… just savor the flavor.

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Standing Tall… or not


Well, the holidays are definitely upon us and the pressure is on.  The pressure to succeed, to be professionally  “on”, to please everyone and to stand tall in the process.  Needless to say, this is the time of the year where everyone is pretty stressed and rushed, this would include me.

Over the past few days some odd things have occurred, slight (but noticeable) things as simple as thinking of someone – then shortly thereafter I see them, people on the road driving more erratic than ever, having trouble balancing while doing Pilates, obscure keystrokes while typing and technical difficulties more so than ever.  As usual, I blame it on the season and my inability to have a decent nights sleep. But this has been far more intense.

After sharing these techie issues with some friends, it was brought to my attention that it could very well be something called “Mercury Retrograde”. I am not savvy when it comes to following planets or studying astrology, I don’t even picnic when there are eclipses, but decided to check this out and learn something new today.

Much to my surprise the Mercury Retrograde happens four times a year and it is happening now. Mercury is Retrograde from December 10th to December 30th in the sign of Capricorn. Strange and unusual things happen during this time, people act as if they cannot finish sentences, erratic behavior, computer and other electronic equipment are more likely to flip out, decision making and travel arrangements can throw you for a loop and overall moods can be a challenge.

Astro Gem
Astro Gem

During this time, the planet Mercury described as retrograde seems to appear to be moving backwards when the planet mercury slows down, then appears to stop (station) and move backward (retrograde).  It’s an optical illusion, since there is forward movement, like speeding by a slow-moving train — as it recedes, it appears to go backward.  Therefore during this time, all of us here on earth may be feeling ouside of ourselves.  Pretty bizarre huh!

I like to pride myself being somewhat technical with software, troubleshooting stuff, new technology etc, so, as you may imagine, I felt a tinge of relief that it wasn’t totally me and that there may be a weird unusual explanation for all of these occurrences. 

So I decided to research online and get better prepared for these next several days.  I located a cool blog from Gala Darling on  How To Survive Mercury Retrograde a fun and pretty simple guide on reflecting and getting organized to keep the samity.  So the best I can at this point is go with the flow, engage, accept and chilax. Looks like only six more days until we resolve back to normal… or thereabouts!  Whew.

Merry Christmas y’all!

True Grit – A day in the life


So as promised, I often get asked on what is in the life and headspace of a working artist.  Most people think that this is a glamorous job where I am whirling in the glitter and glam of running my own gallery.  Whenever asked this – my mind switches to overload mode as I get a flash memory of myself in a state of painting craziness and administrative discombobulation.  Glamour, I think not, just a suitcase full of hard work, multitasking and determination to get things done in a semi-timely manner.

I have always wanted to have a running dialog of “my day in the life”. Needless to say this was a quite stressful and overwhelming project, but needed to get it done and share some of the “Glamour” with you.  So here is the dialog as clear and concise as I can get it for you.

8:17am  Got up, woke up (well…. for the fourth time in the last eight hours, not willingly of course) to start my day.

8:20am   Hugged dog – very important

8:30am  Got herbal tea situated and turned on the TV. Local news.

9:00am  Turned on Regis and Kelly and checked email and Facebook, networked online.

9:20am  Got an email from one of our retailers placing an order, responded accordingly. I am very grateful.

9:50am  Cell phone rang, checked vmail and got primmed and ready to get to the gallery – what shall I wear you ask??? (Yes, yet another boring ensemble of dark pants and darker top with semi dark sweater).

10:10am Washed dishes and put breakfast stuff away, straighten out living room. before departing  Yes, I hate coming home to a messy domain.

10:15am Put SAMi in the car and made calls while driving to the gallery (Yes, I was using my trusty Motorola ear piece!)

11:00am         Got into the gallery but with my excitement of how the new artwork that I varnished last night looked today when completely dry, I truly forgot to unlock the front doors to the gallery until at least 11:25am…. sorry UPS man, my bad bad bad!

11:26am Unlocked the front gallery doors  (yeah…..)

11:30am Turned on computer and checked emails and Facebook again, processed emails and gave SAMi a tasty for her  doing a dookey on her paper potty place. (I will not disgust with a photo of that).

11:35am Made a cup of TAZO Lotus tea. Delightfully yummy.  However too hot.  Ouch.

I love Tazo Lotus Tea!

I love Tazo Lotus Tea!

11:37am to 12:15pm    Spend some time catching up on emails, scheduling meetings for next week, peeking at friends new photos on Facebook, laughing, assisting customers, greeting friends, talking shop, sold some coasters and a mini pop art and did some power networking online.

12:16pm .Took another large canvas out and started to draft out a large wine piece, as the more personal piece is done for now, a more streamline piece is necessary. My goal is one big painting a week.  Yeah, sure – not too sure how that is going to fly.

12:23pm Customers arrive, four ladies from lunch, I greet them, they love the gallery, they have seen the art at the San Jose Airport, we chat about that.  They were very nice!

12:30pm Feeling hungry… out of Salty snacks…. looks like I need a Trader Joe’s visit… hopefully today!

12:40pm Honorable son #2 stops in to visit me.  SAMi our little Malese doggie loves him, she wiggled for 10 minutes straight greeting him.  Son leaves to go get lunch, offered to get me something, but I declined. Thanks anyway. See ya Ryan.

12:45pm Customers come in and look around for artwork for their kitchen.  Nice couple.

12:53pm Another couple comes into gallery looking for retail space in Downtown Campbell, we chat about the benefits of the local downtown scene vs. other towns in the local area. They were nice.  They will be back to look at more retail space here locally  :o )

1:00pm  Took photos of my newest painting “In the Land of Lollipops and Lattes”.  While photographing this quick snapshot outside, a woman drives right behind me and casts shadow on the artwork.  I had to move my entire set up over 25 feet.  She apologized. I accepted.  She compliments the artwork, I thank her. We smile. It’s all good.

Sonya and newest Artwork: "In the Land of Lollipops and Lattes"

Sonya and newest Artwork: "In the Land of Lollipops and Lattes"

1:15am  Downloaded photos and and crop and edited new artwork to post online.

1:22pm          Posted images to Facebook in both personal and gallery pages.  Very happy with the turnout.

1:40pm  Had a walk in customer, showing their friend my gallery. We chat about random stuff, the spoke about smokers and people that smoke. I am not a fan of smoking.   I do not smoke.

1:45pm  I heat up my Chille Verde leftovers from yesterdays lunch – tummy, good stuff.

2:05pm  Customers come in and we discuss gallery and weather in Michigan (where they are from).

2:25pm  Started to do some hand embellished on the sculpture – way long overdue, necessary of course.

3:00pm  MaryJo arrives for work, I can run errands now! I check some email and then I leave.

3:15pm  Take packages to the post office, go to the bank, hit Home Depot for some supplies and wood moulding, (I love the tool corral… I can spend all day in there).  Not quite impressed with their selection of metal polished there.  Two kinds, not much choice.  Bla.

3:50pm  Arrive at Traders Joes. The meccaville of all things sweet and salty!. Hmmm I love snacks and can easily drop $35.00 at a shot there.  Today was great, many items back in stock. Pub Cheese. YUM.  Great for a quick cheesy snack in the afternoon. The frozen food section, another yum.  This time I got some ice cream bon bons.  Mango Greek yogurt and then the checkstand where the selection of black licorice and Ritter Sport candy bars are my weak spot.  I love Ritter Sport Butter Biscuit. Tastes like Europe.

Trader Joe Snacks

Trader Joe Snacks

4:12pm  Drop off some Styrofoam to my pal Dana who needs some packaging stuff that I could not use.

4:19pm  Arrive back at the gallery where I am greeted by Miss Wiggle Butt (SAMi) with full enthusiasm on board.  Hoping to have time to take her for a quick walk later on.

4:22pm  UPS arrived with supplies and frames, yeah – I love getting packages event if I am the one paying for them!

4:42pm to 5:15pm        Called ATT to get new phone services and typically dreaded to be on hold, but I had the phone on speaker while I check email. Spoke to Chris from ATT and he’s very nice, local too – San Ramon  That’s a bonus. He hooks me up with the services I need. Yeah!

5:25pm  Open up the cartons from UPS.  Oh darn. Two of the frames that I ordered got dings from the shipping.  It seems no matter how well these babies are packed, the shipping company’s always seem to go “Rambo” on them.  Need to notify manufacturer. Grrrrrrrr.  Me = not happy.

5:30pm  Mary Jo left at 5pm and there is an Shop and Dine Business expo happening at Villa Ragusa, will pop over there for a quick moment to network some.

6:10pm  Attended the Shop and Dine Business Expo in Downtown Campbell for a tad, nice event – networked and then needed to get back to the gallery where SAMi was anxiously waiting and downloaded some photos from the days documentation event. I am telling you – I am exhausted from this blog entry and the task at hand.

6:17pm  Mark calls to see if I want to have some dinner.  Not wanting the same that I had for lunch quick;yt accepts. He comes over and we order from Aquis restaurant. Chicken Romano for me, Caesar salad for him.  We sit and discuss a plethora of topics, from the weather to business and family stuff… I then of course start cleaning and getting things from the day back in order.

All in order for another day...

All in order for another day...

7:45pm  I am about to lock the door and shut off the lights then a gentleman comes in to ask some questions about the Wagg’n Wednesday event we host here every Wednesday in Downtown.  He is a reporter with one of the local papers, we chat for about 15 minutes and we chat about SAMi coming to work with me every day and he takes some photos of us.  SAMi is very used to her photo taken and she likes it, for me… not so much. Hopefully we will see the result of our chat in the local Campbell paper in April!

7:56pm  I close the gallery – lock the door and larger overhead light are off (If I am here I keep a couple of the showroom lights on). However, I work on this blog to get it finished while Mark and I are in the studio chatting about things and the events of the day.  Multitasking is truly my thing.

8:45 – 10:00 pm Mark and SAMi leave at 8:45 and I am plugging away at finishing projects, emailing orders, placing the second varnish later on the newest painting, embellishing sculpture, sweeping the floors, taking out the garbage, wiping the glass displays in the gallery.  Just think that this was actually a short day, normally I would be here until 12 midnight easy. But this blog has me wiped and I am pooped out.  So, as the toys from a doggie day remain in their place for another day of play from their white fluffy master, I can only image how much sleep I will encounter this evening.  Sigh.

SAMi's Toys... well, just a few of them.

SAMi's Toys... well, just a few of them.

Are you tired as well?  I am going home. Good night.

Fashion, Muses and Couture

Paris, New York, Milan, Miami, They all have them, they are seasonal, fall, spring, summer, winter. A couture collection of designers inventing and reinventing  styles that can fill a runway.  I am referring to this thing called Fashion Week.

I am truly fascinated at the amount of time that these designers take from season to season to  prepare, from the sketch designs to the pattern concept, the facilitation and fabrication of the fittings to the finished product. One single design can involve several people and a lot of talent behind it all. Along with this entire year of preparation comes a lot of planning and stress designed for perfection.

My Glamour Muse

My Glamour Muse

Our downtown Campbell is hosting its 3rd Annual Fashion Frenzy which will be a fabulous event for our downtown merchants and there will be several awesome owner operated boutiques and specialty shops participating.  A fun and successful showcase of variety of fashion, music and trends.

As as artist I feel the need to create and develop new works all of the time, not only is this pertinent in the visual larger scale paintings, but the fun wearable art that you can sport.

I am in the midst of designing several new products for this upcoming winter season that will debut at the fashion show on November 5th at the Villa Ragusa, I can verify that the amount of time it takes to get ready and ramped up is very stressful, even though I have had 10-12 weeks to prepare, there are obstacles to overcome and technical challenges to wade through… but these are the educational things that make us learn and grow. So, on with the design and a heavy date with my glamour muse.

If you are in search for fun new style of apparel and accessories come out to downtown Campbell for a night of fun, fashion, drinks, food, silent auction and so much more!  Make this is a great opprotunity to make it a night out with the girls and experience some fabulous new finds!   For more information, visit www.downtowncampbell.com .

Come here my little pretty…

I have been witness to several evolutionary displays of visually pleasing prepared food in my lifetime, from the delicate crustless tea sandwiches, canapes and modest petit fours that were the rage in the 1960′s. Over the period of a few decades and culinary imagination, our food design has become quite the artful endeavor.

The “ooohs” and “aahhes” when someone would bring out a jiggly green molded jello filled with little diced fruit squares, a smell an tastes of yesteryear… thus the evolution of Edible Art…

I was amazed at all of the cakes when watching the recent movie, “Marie Antoinette” all of the cakes were real, edible, beautiful and memorizing. “let them eat cake” she says…. but just don’t go loosing your pretty head over it.

Yummy Little Cakes

Yummy Little Cakes

Delectable beauties like little sushi all lined up in a row or much like a fondant colored cakes or decorative garnishes creatively carved from a turnip or mango.

My mother and I finally spent a fun day together recently, we had a nice lunch, saw a foodie movie (Julie and Julia) and then for an ice cream…. just like the oldie days.  Sometimes the most delectable things in life are those that are just flavored with the sweetness of the company of friends and family.  The rewards are instantaneous and memorable, the conversations, laughs and smiles are not to be taken lightly.  Much like the light whipped icing, the sweetest part is obvious and the rewards are most fulfilling.

The funny thing about sweets is that when crave it so badly, we go and look for it.  Visit the bakery, set forth to recruit the ultimate eclair or even to go as far as to whip up a delightful tray up cupcakes.  Sadly, when it comes to the craving of visiting with a friend or close family member the craving is disrupted by other idle commitments like domestic duties, meetings or other peoples schedules.

Savor the flavor I say! Make the sweet of the palette the sweet of the heart. Take it in, relish in the experience of it with all of the goo and gobs of marshmallow fluff and when all is said and done, laugh lots and crave it often.

Romantic Patina

Creativity does not just appear, one needs to be inspired and rejuvenated.

When do you get inspired…? What makes you tick…? Are you creative on the fly, or is it a desire… a craving… a fad… or perhaps a need…?

For most of the creative type of folk, it’s difficult to move with the motivation of being inspired, it is not unusual to procrastinate on this craving when it surfaces. Oh yeah, stop making that “face” you know you procrastinate, You do, I do, we all do… accept this and move on!

So, what’s the problem, no note book to jot the idea down, no pencil, no drive…? This may be the perfect introduction to journaling, this way you always have your arsenal at a moments reach. Book and pens/pencils, right there. read – set – go! Journaling is a fun way to be creative, especially mobile-wise and on the go. It’s not just writing or doodling, it’s a large scale creative outlet involving personal perspective, pencils, pens, painting, pasting and passion.

I am one of those people that when I write something down, I get a mental memo and remember it more so than if I type it or verbally state it out loud. (Sideline note: People that know me really well, are aware that I do this and they area also aware that that memo will retain in my mind for a long time. It kind of freaks people out too).

Dale Chihuly Glass

Dale Chihuly Glass

There is something to be said for the “studies” that artists create, I feel that these are the pieces that are most vulnerable, honest, energetic an to a point rather romantic. Even folks that create in the large 3-D format, the studies that mature for these are amazing. I once heard
American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly discussing the creation and history and facilitation of Venitian glass sculpture exhibit. Chihuly is simply fascinating and truly inspiring. During one of the cooling process of the glass he described it as having a “Romantic Patina”. These two words have stuck with me for quite some time, there is something about it that lingers bold creativity.

Simple statements with such powerful meaning. Carefree colors with simplistic hues. Prolific inspirations with tenacious perseverance. This is not a fad or a gimmick, it is a love for what you do, what you create and how it’s executed. The love for excellence.

Need I say more…?


Memories of an Electric Era

This has proved to be one of the saddest couple of weeks that I can recall in a long time – several icons from my lifetime have moved on. It has caused for me to reflect on the now and to remember much of what I have set aside in the database of memories in my mind.

I was in elementary school when “Charlie’s Angels” first aired and how inspiring this was to me as a young girl, always enamored with the beautiful arsenal packed beauty with heels and the utmost style, who was so unassuming by their role. Whether she’s a secret agent, police woman or a private eye there was always the dream to be an Angel; the frosted blond Farrah Fawcett , bold brunette Jaclyn Snith or no fear Kate Jackson. Icons in time that I can fairly say impressed me with a fondness for a “no nonsense” attitude. I have this mindset to this day.

Charlie's Angels 1976

Charlie's Angels 1976

Just two years earlier in 1974 I had experienced another phenomenon of electric volumes that ironically inspired me with a number of things that I have kept close to my heart;

1.) The love for really (and I mean really) good dance music

2.) Talent, perseverance and persistence is key – a good lifetime foundation.

3.) Always get a good seat at a concert… always… if you need to pay a few bucks extra, then Just Do It!

The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5

Exactly 35 years ago today (07.07.74) I went to my very first concert ever. It was The Jackson 5.

I went with my brother and my cousin at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA. I can remember this like it was yesterday.

I vividly recall entering the Circle Star Theater and being excited to be there, we sat in our seats and I thought wow this is great, I can see the stage and my brother telling me that the stage revolves so we will be able to see everything.

Excitement setting in quickly and just when I thought I was in heaven getting ready to see “The Jackson 5!”… suddenly I was quickly summoned into the gates of hell. A group of about half a dozen 6′ 8′ foot tall concert goers with Afros easily measureing 20 inches in diameter sits directly in front of us. The larger of the hairdos aficionado sat directly in front of me thus not leaving me a whole lot of view.

In time the announcer got on the horn and announced the main event, The Jackson 5 came out and it was phenomenal. The lights, the colorful stage, the revolving center and each member of the group in their own color outfit (one in blue, one in green, yellow, purple… you get the point), and the lights on the color coordinated-ness and even the microphone foam was the same color as their outfits. Amazing.

Everytime I hear the song “Dancing Machine” no matter where I am, I immediately recall the concert and the colored lights as Michael Jackson did the robot on stage under the flashing strobe light. It was spectacular and I feel fortunate to have lived in a time where I have attended such events.

As the legends make their foundations with the music or film, each of us will have our own special memory of who these people are and what they mean to us.