Patricia Saxton, Author at saxtonstudio blog

September 12, 2011 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #37: Pride

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Sometimes pride gets a bad rap. But to me, pride is about dignity. It’s about self-respect ~ and choosing thoughts that are uplifting and life affirming, and actions that ignite feeling good about yourself.

It’s doing right without righteousness, your best without boasting, and feeling strong without pushing your weight around. It’s confidence without arrogance.

It’s personal; it’s humble; it doesn’t shout from rooftops or seek applause. Whether it’s pride in craftsmanship, pride in honoring your word, pride in athletic or intellectual achievement, pride in accomplishments of loved ones ~ it’s an inner code that elevates and strengthens. It’s integrity. Dignity of character.

Feel proud of something. Genuinely proud, and hold your head high.

September 10, 2011 In art, fine art By Patricia Saxton

Update: “Afterwards & Forwards: A Ten Year 9/11 Reflective Art Exhibit”

“NJCU’s exhibit is the most comprehensive 9/11 Art Show ever assembled, presenting key 9/11 artworks from all over the world…” Ragazine.CC

In addition to my own personal exhibit announcement of this special event curated by Midori Yoshimoto, there’s been some great press coverage leading up to the opening reception being held this Monday, September 12, 4:30 – 7:30 PM, Visual Arts Gallery at New Jersey City University, 100 Culver Ave, Jersey City, NJ.

Below are links to some of the articles written, as well as this blog-sized peek at some of the work being shown. A full exhibit catalog can be viewed here.

Press links: Art in America (listing) / Jersey Journal / Star Ledger (listing) / Jersey City Independent / The Alternative Press / Ragazine.CC

Map & Directions Phone: 201-200-2496

September 9, 2011 In appreciation, words and language By Patricia Saxton

No Lollygagging (& what matters most)

Someone mentioned the end of summer, and I thought to myself, “oh shoot, I missed it!”

Summer mostly fleeted on the winds of vector shapes and web designs, book promotions and business meetings. Reading was done in snippets, online Scrabble my “fun break” (did I really just admit that?). Some spontaneous Ping Pong rallies may have saved my sanity.

Then the car brakes needed replacing, the microwave died, a window pane fell out, and there were still dishes in the sink. Just the stuff of modern life, with the sidebar of self-employment and a crappy economy.

Things happen, heat up, break down, come together. I don’t know why it all has to happen at once, but the bottom line is there’s been no lollygagging around here ~ and I often wish there were a little more of that …

But then I remember the folks whose homes were flooded beyond repair; the folks who watched Texas burn. I think of Haiti and Japan and New Orleans. I think of 9/11, and later that day we’d stood in my front yard with candles; all the neighbors joined us, some we didn’t know so well, but right then we were all one. What mattered was life. Freedom. Love. Each other.

So in between deadlines – which I need to get back to (no lollygagging now!) – I count my blessings, and send them to each of you.

September 5, 2011 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, inspiration, work and play By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #36: Productivity

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Today we celebrate Labor Day in the U.S.. A tribute to all those whose hard work has helped build the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country, it’s a day to “kick back” and relax, and appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of so many. A day to give ourselves the proverbial pat-on-the-back for productivity.

I’m a big believer in being productive. I guess it was instilled in my growing up years… but I don’t mean the kind that’s measured by the boss or a particular number of somethings you have to reach to fill someone else’s pre-determined goal. What I learned was that a job done well feels good, that doing your best matters, that there’s both personal and social value in making something better or brighter or more useful or more worthwhile.

Not every minute, not every single day, nor does productivity have to “change the world”. Being productive can be as simple as taking a walk instead of watching mindless blather on the tv, or as involved as developing cures for cancer. Maybe it’s laying bricks or writing stories or growing corn or teaching math. Maybe it’s lending a helping hand. Maybe it’s doing the laundry. Maybe it’s play.

There are no hard and fast rules; productivity is more about time used well and a penchant for positive purpose. Being productive is good stuff; it elevates the day.

September 4, 2011 In appreciation, communication, inspiration, photography By Patricia Saxton

Looking Up

Sometimes you need to see the broad view. Look up, look out, look at the world from different perspectives. Refresh your personal browser (how’s that for a turn of phrase!), and in so doing, rejuvenate and realign a bit. The effects may not be long-lasting, especially for the over-busy… but it’s every bit worthwhile. And you can always call it up in your mind’s eye later, to revive a sense of peace all over again.

So wherever you live, go find some sky once in a while. It’s good for the soul!

September 1, 2011 In appreciation, art, books & stuff, communication, creativity, design, drawing, graphic design, illustration, imagination, inspiration, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

“52 Weeks of Peace” ~ The Book!

Two years ago to the day, I launched a creative series called “52 Weeks of Peace”, posting a new design on my blog each week for a year.

Today, I am so pleased to announce that thanks to my publisher Lightbox Books (a division of Shenanigan Books), the entire collection is now in gorgeous postcard book format, available for sending, framing, or just enjoying. You can order copies here, or by clicking anywhere on the announcement below.

A side note ~ you might find it interesting (I did!) that the book’s release coincides with the 50th anniversary year of the Peace Corps ~ and that a selection from the series is part of an upcoming 9/11 tenth anniversary exhibit. It’s really something how that all lined up ~ maybe the universe had a hand in it!

I thank you all for your support and encouragement, your appreciation of the art, and helping to spread the idea that “peace starts here”, with each individual, in every day ways.

August 30, 2011 In art, books & stuff, branding, creativity, design, illustration, inspiration, photography By Patricia Saxton

“where in the world is peace?”…spreading westward

oodles of thanks to the everyday peace ambassadors in Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio… love the sharing of peace! Where to next, I wonder?!

(By the way, all “where in the world is peace?” images are being compiled on a special “where in the world is peace?” page, here. Totes, mugs and things are available here.)

August 29, 2011 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #35: Patricia

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Just seeing if you’re paying attention. : ) …

Patricia [puh-trish-uh]: a female name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word patrician, meaning regal or “noble”. It also indicates someone who likes to write, draw, paint, swim, and wear cowboy boots to business meetings.

August 27, 2011 In art, drawing, illustration, skill By Patricia Saxton

Old Tree

“storms make trees take deeper roots.” ~ Dolly Parton

Impending east coast storms have me thinking about the power of nature… and for some reason, a drawing I did many years ago came to mind. It’s quite large for a pen and ink, and took a long bit of time. I had been in a very meditative place, and became lost in the leaves and bark and majesty of the tree; the strokes of the pen were both welcoming and healing… and it remains one of my favorites.

August 24, 2011 In art, branding, communication, creativity, photography By Patricia Saxton

“where in the world is peace?”… on the move!

Remember, all you need is a “52 Weeks of Peace” totebag (if you don’t have one yet, you can get one here) and a camera.

Take a picture of your “52 Weeks of Peace” tote in various locations, send me your images with a note about location (ie;, Colorado, Paris, South Africa, Quebec, New York City). I”ll post them here, and on my “52 Weeks of Peace” facebook page. No names or addresses, just pictures will be publicly posted~ & as long as you’re okay with that, please send them in!

Let’s make peace fun, and let’s see “where in the world” peace goes…