The "Neal" painting story...a journey into surrealism

Sigh...he's done.  After my interaction at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, with their turtle patients, and late nights this week striving to capture the essence of these beautiful creatures, I found myself on an amazing journey into the surreal in the wee hours of this night, and early this morning.

All of the turtles captivated me, and the souls found their way into my heart.  However, it was Neal...in his calm, curious demeanor, who popped right up with a smile and seemed to look right into my very soul.  It's like he was saying..."hi, what are doing, you seem to show interest in me."  It was a connection I will never forget, and knew I had to immortalize in a way I never felt.  I was scrambling to brainstorm how to portray all of them, and had to ask my other half, my muse...my Tim.  I showed him the photo of that amazing moment, which he also caught on video, then grabbed the large canvas he had just stretched for me...he confirmed it, Neal had to be captured on that canvas.

So, after several late nights this week, diving into the depths of all the personalities...the past 2 were the most wild of rides.  I joked about it on Facebook this week - a buzz, and no drugs necessary.  The first night with Neal was listening to the album Pyromania by Def Leppard...I know strange.  The song photograph is what really prompted the moment to just get down to business with communicating my connection with Neal.  It is what truly being in your element is all about.  The adrenaline rush, the intensity...without the need to eat or sleep, and without any concept of time.  When a person is in their element...time stands still.

It was 1 a.m. today, when Neal's eyes emerged from the canvas, and the lights began to gleam on his upper lip and snout.  "So close..," I thought as I stared at the piece from my patio, "might as well birth this piece now."  The next 2 hours flew by as I dove to depths with my paints, and experimented in ways I never had before.  So much was pent up over the years from not painting, and so much feeling existed for Neal.  The connection was inexplicable.  I looked at the part of the photo where his shutes were missing, (he's healing from an infection and his skeleton on his back is bare right now)...yet I saw his will in his eyes.  Amidst the adversity, he was so calm and intriuged with life...his will to get well is evident.  As the music of Sting and Enya pulled me to an earthly state...I bypass the injury, and see his shutes there just fine...because that is where I want him to be, and where he wants to be. 

I signed the piece at 3 a.m. - exhausted from being in the zone...and after moving the brushes for the intensity of the water to Crystal Method's "Get Busy Child" (a great "get it done" song...yes, I have extremely eclectic musical tastes - but that's what music is for, just like art...to create a mood - and I firmly believe they feed each other well).  My heart was pumping as if I was a musician and just finished an excellent performance, but it was time to just exhale....just let go now, until morning.

8:15 a.m. - had to rise and see the piece in the daylight, knowing there would be tweaks to do, and desparately needed Tim's view.  We discussed, and the need for full water emergence feeling had to be there.  So I jumped into the pool of blending cool water tones over Neal's warm shell and fin tones - creating the most bizarre of combinations...yet, what I saw was the full circle of rippling of water come to life, Neal's adorable face popping out better than I could have imagined.  I have stepped into the world of surrealism in  a way I never thought possible - I honestly didn't care how the colors looked together...it was the essense I wanted.  The ripples represent our earth. and how turtles like Neal are the ocean's epitome of the circle of life, and we should listen to these wise creatures.  Their wisdom far surpasses ours, in my opinion...each one of their wrinkles is well earned, and the turtles that live to maturity have seen more than we could possibly imagine.  The species itself has seen the earth millions of years longer than we could even dream.  They are suvivors, period.  If only they could speak.  I plan to strive to create art that gives turtles,and other species a voice somehow. I believe this journey is the beginning of something wonderful - I feel it.  What's so beautiful about allowing myself to be into full creative capacity, is the freedom that comes with it...and the fearlessness.  I did not fear making a mistake to the canvas...I just went with it - it just felt right.

So, the "Neal Painting" is born...exactly how it needed to be.  I was going to name the piece "Neal says Hi," however, there's another name waiting....because the piece says so much more.  As I fade to rest a bit, and then prepare for next week's journey in florals, I pray that others can see what I saw in Neal, and the bigger picture.

Thanks for reading the "Neal painting story"  ...I'm too tired to load to my store, but will soon.  I'm so  peaceful now that I was finally able to communicate Neal to the world.   Hope you stay on this journey with me and sign-up to receive my Passionate Pursuit eNewsletter!

Creatively yours, PH

Ego's and Political division now stopping students from trying to help their local economy.

OK, now things are just getting absolutely ridiculous!
I can't sit idle, and hope anyone who reads will choose to not just sit either! Students in my local community of Martin County, FL, took an amazing initiative to help boost local economic activity - and now residents, even parents are criticizing and sabatoging the entire effort.

What is it? They brilliantly developed an event, April 25th, at our local Fairgrounds to bring together local residents and business for a Recovery Rally. They created a video inviting our President to the rally to help boost the interest and perhaps give our area a chance to be heard. What's sad is my predominatly Republican community is criticizing this event, and the participation by local businesses is not as expected. Even the local chamber does not seem to want to actively promote this to the local businesses. Being a local business owner myself, I am finding this to be a huge disappointment in my community.  I like the way the students acknowledged the need to reach outside our area, so here I am, reaching out, too however I can.

On a positive note, at least our local paper is fairly covering this effort, and presenting both sides. Below is an outline of coverage by the Stuart News to help gauge the climate...the comments that are already showing online to my own letter and the other articles shows the huge political division here, and is a strong reflection of our country. This makes me very concerned about the future, especially when our next generation is striving to do something to help.


1. March 17th - article about the RecoveryRally: Martin County High School students invite President Obama to Stuart, rally to end recession
2. March 22nd - the criticism begins: High school students' video inviting Obama to Martin County draws parents' ire.

3. The community debate begins! Various article links and letters to the editor. The online comments are for the most part supportive, yet mixed with some extremely closed-minded, short-sighted opinions. I pray that the administration does see that this is an opportunity to begin to ease the division in all communities so we can just get on with recovery! President Obama...do you hear us???

Eve Samples: Inviting Obama was not political action

Letter (by yours truly): Martin County High School students who created video for Obama 'deserve our full support'
Letter: Upset about Obama coming to school? No way!
Even a local Doctor (hey, aren't they against healthcare?...Thank you, Dr. Lustgarten for setting polotics aside and commending these students! Letter: Martin County High School students undertook 'worthwhile goal' for community

There's a lot more to this story...just want to give you all the scope of what is happening here. I can't help go back to my stance on getting CREATIVE! Place politics and egos aside, no one has to be right or wrong, we can agree to disagree...but please, to the point where we are sabatoging ourselves? I have hope for my town, and hope that someone up in D.C. does show support somehow of what these students are doing!

Anyone reading this, please help these students shine in their efforts to help their community by sharing their YouTube video invitation to President Obama, visiting their website, or joining their Facebook Page to tell them to never give up! THANKS!

Is it possible that increased ADD/ADHD is our signal to simply get CREATIVE about Education Reform?

Good day everyone!

Sure, both sides of my brain conflict - they argue with each other. The left, analytical side picks everything apart while my emotional yet innovative right side constantly wants to push the envelope. The restlessness - tame the wild horse, or not? How else is our country going to rise in our new Creative Economy? (read more on the research and writing by authors Richard Florida, Dan Pink, Seth Godin, and Sir Ken Robinson if you've been in the dark about what is really happening globally.)

So, last night, immersed in my research for the case for creative (for the arts and creative thinking to become a reality in our schools and in the businesses world), I stumbled across an article on USNews - the link is below. Please look for my lengthy comment to this article (can't miss it, Pamela Hoke comment with title about the NEGATIVE terms used to desribe these children). I am on a mission to create a website, CreativeAge101.org, but need your feedback! Should I create this community and join the crusade? Would you join the a site to learn how to tap into exercising the right side of your brain? Am I jumping too far out on a limb by suggesting 2 teaching methods as a solution to begin real education reform? Do you agree that more research should be implemented correlating ADD/ADHD with right-brain or mixed-brain usage as a GIFT, not a negative???

My largest point is Albert Einstein: the autopsy on his brain showed clearly he used both sides of the brain equally - and now, here is an article that presents this as something negative?

Another point about Einstein to bake our noodles: One of his noted quotes: "The only thing that gets in the way of my learning is my education." hmmmm....isn't he already suggesting it was time then to simply re-write the textbooks and get creative about how we teach? And we wonder why our kids are having problems focusing in school!
< /br>Please read my suggestions and send feedback! Thank you!!!

Please look for my comment under this article!
Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)

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Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

This is the first truly innovative, proactive AND interactive project regarding the arts! I posted, hope you all will too, or, just support Americans for the Arts! Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

"Life is like a garden...it's blooms reflect the level of passion."

A gardener devotes passionate energy to creating the perfect garden - from planning the ideal sunlight, temperature, pruning, the proper watering, to the overall commitment to tender loving care. That level of care grows into the most colorful and bountiful garden, shining to those who get to experience it and appreciate it. Life is very much the same…the more passion and energy we devote toward every aspect in our lives (whether it goes into our relationships with others, daily tasks, careers, parenting, or just plain feeling and showing gratitude and respect for the world around us), it’s completely reflected in our very being and presence in society. Just like the garden, after much tending and caring, the garden grows effortlessly – so does a life that is lived with daily passionate purpose. The results for those who live life with this passionate purpose, or in their “element,” is life that seems effortless, and is bountiful, colorful, joyful, and most importantly – FULFILLING to both the self and others who get to see or experience the results. Life only gives back whatever we put into it, just like a garden.


The most beautiful gardens are a reflection of what the gardener puts into them, just like our life is collectively.



The same goes with the opposite part of this analogy toward our lives. The less passionate you are, the less you cultivate what comes natural to you, the less colorful and bountiful your life will grow from your efforts. A garden that is not grown in it's natural environment (a person not doing what comes naturally to them and what they are best at), that is not watered or lit properly according to the plant’s natural needs (a person who does not adjust their lives around what they are meant to be), or is not pruned or shaped as desired…or worse, is not given the time to rid of weeds - does not grow to it's full potential. Our lives are very similar – if we plant ourselves into careers, relationships or tasks that are not aligned with what we are, our lives will reflect this just like the palm tree that simply cannot thrive in a northern climate.



What if we all treat our lives as if we are growing a garden? What would yours be like? What plants would be in it? Would there be flowers, fruit or herbs? Plan and nourish life, like a garden is nourished, and experience the results. A more fulfilled life that is healthier and happier, with greener leaves, the most colorful blooms, and the juiciest fruits that will attract positive attention, energy and leave a legacy of a life lived to the fullest. Interestingly, what also happens, is the need for that garden to be acknowledged by others lessens, as the fulfillment starts to come from within. Just like a garden…it will still exist, and grow strong and beautiful whether anyone else but the gardener cares. If the gardener loves and appreciates the garden, it’s all the matters.


WHY did I associate the “Tulip Garden” with the phrase “Life is like a garden…?”

When I painted the “Tulip Garden” back in 1997, something amazing happened – I found myself frozen in time, within a zone of which no words exist. My passion for the petals of the Parrot Tulip, combined with my innate love for painting simply exploded effortlessly. I allowed myself to fully experience something that came naturally to me, and what I was really good at –then let the passion flow. The flowers became a mirror to my very soul, I was free to make the flowers however I wanted…I placed light where I wanted, mixed the colors of my choosing, and simply let the brush flow into curves of my imagination. It was truly the first time I can recall existing fully in my “element,” (I recommend reading Sir Ken Robinson’s “The Element” if you would like to explore what that means further). Then, for whatever reason, I went on to continue with life’s daily routines, and didn’t allow myself to fully acknowledge what the experience really meant. My intuition was telling me, but I wasn’t listening – my life being raised around entrepreneurs meant I was raised to build businesses; not be the floating “starving artist” (much of society did not fully acknowledge painting as a “real” profession). It’s like I became that palm tree planted in a northern tundra, and have been struggling all these years in an unnatural climate.

I recently dug out the 200 remaining limited edition lithographs I did make of this special painting a few weeks ago…. I recalled that emotional experience. It was shortly after I read “The Element,” and realized that years of that nagging feeling that I was not living life in my true passion, that it was becoming more and more apparent, reflecting in my health, attitude, and overall daily fulfillment in life. I discovered that I was forgetting something that I was most passionate about, and the garden of my life was starting to show it. My enthusiasm and zest for creating, that used to come so naturally, was fading…like an un-watered flower, I was wilting. Now, 14 years later, after being graced with a gamut of new skills and talents (note I never regret learning from the pioneers of brand at the Limited or business school at OSU), I finally get it – and am simply more empowered to move into my natural soil.


The time had come to incorporate painting as part of my daily life. This year, I began to cultivate my passion by immersing myself back to my most natural element of painting, and balance with my design and business skills. Like cultivating a garden, I approach each day planning the proper lighting and watering schedule to stay in sync with my ideal garden to reflect my life purpose and values. I assess and adapt every opportunity to ensure it aligns with the desired result (just like a plant adjusts itself to where the best light is, or move it’s roots toward the water). I choose brand design and online projects that will grow best in the garden, where the blooms will reflect the most passion. So far, so good. This philosophy and standard of daily living has freed my mind and my days to put passion into even the most seemingly mundane tasks – from helping my daughter with her homework, consulting on brands for only the most passionate business models, being nice to the lady at the checkout counter, cleaning my kitchen, to, of course, devoted studio time to paint and write about what comes naturally. This shift to passionately working in my element has made each day more colorful, more fulfilled, and has created a contagious positive flow of energy to everyone I am around…a beautiful garden in progress.





The point of the “Tulip Garden” is the lesson, beyond the excitement of pure creative freedom it stands for, the importance of how passion makes life simply flow. I now strive to share this moment however I can – inspire others to put passion into life, and when it is not there, use that moment as the opportunity to discover where to find it, or make a conscious decision to change the negative into positive. The more positive passion and energy, the larger, the more bountiful, the more colorful blooms will inevitably result. So, I created the “Life is like a garden…” series based directly from the “Tulip Garden.” It exists to share in the journey of a more colorful, passionate life – while inspiring the will to move forward with whatever comes naturally, and accept it. I hope everyone at least considers approaching today like their life is a garden, and tend to it with as much passion as possible!



Please visit my new art site and send feedback about the "Tulip Garden" series, or just feel free to browse around for inspiration.www.PamelaHoke.com. Enjoy growing your garden of life!
PH

My plea to the White House: 2 Creative Solutions for REAL Middle Class Boost.

Yep, to say the least, I am pretty charged up now. Even though I was absolutely mesmerized by our President's incredible gift to move people like he did last night, I can only dream that he would utilize his gift to consider explaining to Americans that "Yes, we CAN work for ourselves right now...since many of us are currently unemployed, or dissatisfied with our jobs, let's really BE the INNOVATION NATION," rather than just waiting around for jobs. I can't think of a better person to present such a message than Barack Obama. Just even help people embrace the notion that this time of adversity may be their time to re-invent themselves, discover their true passions, their goals in life. Just "be" themselves, which involves tapping into that creative spirit within, that neglected right-brain, creative thinking that my poll is already showing was stifled in our schools and upbringings.

ANYWAY...my husband of nearly 15 years knows me well, I get worked up: so, here's the letter I submitted to the White House. I pray the team there passes this on to our President so he can use his creative gift of motivation to inspire.

SO, HERE IS MY LETTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Submitted 01/27/2010

2 IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS FOR “REAL” MIDDLE CLASS BOOST
Please accept my urgent plea to re-think the assistance proposed to help the middle class. As a self-employed entrepreneur full time for 9 years, I can tell you the tax breaks hire is simply NOT FEASIBLE, nor is an immediate solution. I implore you to think creatively, and not forget that we are a NATION OF INNOVATORS. None of my design clients (all small business owners who are the very heartbeat of our economy) can afford at this time to hire anyone, nor dare make long-term commitments. Most hire out the self-employed. This is a window of opportunity to get people to work NOW. My husband and I have worked together side by side designing brands and websites for small businesses all over the country. We see and experience what is going on first-hand. If the administration really wants America to win, and renew trust by the small business sector – here are 2 steps that may help:

1. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION and ENTREPRENEURSHIP by giving all self-employed making less than $200,000 per year a break for at least 2009 (and perhaps 2010) on the huge self-employment tax – simply waive it. It’s bold, but will thrust immediate hope and help to existing self-employed, and inspire the unemployed to begin the journey of taking charge of their futures, rather than waiting around for jobs to come.

2. INVIGORATE CREATIVITY and HELP AMERICANS re-invent themselves by DIRECTLY rewarding those who make the leap to either start their own business, or begin to re-invent their careers for the new-age. Provide grants for those with a viable business plan, provide vouchers for taking on a new trade, online certifications, or learn technology and new-age marketing . Bring qualified, hi-tech instructors into existing Workplace Solutions. Also, as a former high school teacher, I recommend we send teachers to summer school to learn how to teach creative thinking, and get up to speed with technology.

I guarantee these steps are at least a start in getting back to being the NATION OF INNOVATION. I pray you will heed my suggestions and renew the trust of this sector of America. We are in South Florida if you want to drop by and see us, we’re easy to find because we work from home. Learn about me at www.linkedin.com/pamhoke, or www.invisionbp.com, or, http://TheCreativeAge.Blogspot.com. Thank you from a middle-class entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, mother and wife.


IF YOU LIKE THESE IDEAS, PLEASE PASS THIS ON, or send me your comments! I am curious to know your perspective. -pH "Let's balance business with creativity!"

WOW...Creativity stifled in school poll - 41% say yes, 35% sort of.

Just what I thought! Already, my poll, "Do you feel your creativity was stifled in school?" is showing clear results as to what our educational system is missing - creative thinking! ESPECIALLY now, during this time where creativity in business is essential. 45% answer "yes", 35% answer "sort of", and 25% say not at all.

In my opinion, 25% is simply not enough considering what separates us as humans is our right-brain capacity: emotions, solving problems, creating.

Anyway - just wanted to share this with everyone. Also, THANK YOU to all who responded so far! I have been receiving some incredible stories on multiple LinkedIn groups, and sadly, most are sharing how they could have been so much more..and, so much more SATISFIED had their innate creativity been encouraged more in school. This brings me to my excitement about Daniel Pink's latest book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, his provocative and persuasive new book. The secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world." Please check this out if you are feeling empty or what I like to call "creatively-starved."

Remember, your life is your canvas...so just paint it! PH