“The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.” — Pablo Picasso
artists
Festivals: Nantucket Film and FringeNYC
It’s a festive summer! Just a couple of weeks ago, I performed at the 16th Annual Nantucket Film Festival, appearing in their Late Night Storytelling with Anne Meara, Mike O’Malley (Kurt’s dad from Glee), Jerry Stiller, and Brian Williams (the NBC news anchor, who is hysterical), among others. And as much fun as it was to perform, it was even more terrific to visit with and learn from so many other artists — filmmakers, directors, screenwriters — all dedicated to their craft. It gave me a wonderful chance to refuel for my next creative adventure — The 15th Annual New York International Fringe Festival — FringeNYC! [Read more…] about Festivals: Nantucket Film and FringeNYC
Quote of the Week for May 29
“I think all great innovations are built on rejections.” — Louise Nevelson
Perseverance
A couple of weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to tell a story on The Moth Mainstage in NYC. The audience numbered more than 1,000 and the venue was The Great Hall at Cooper Union. Abraham Lincoln spoke there in the 1850s. Six months ago I would have never imagined I’d be there — now, I can’t wait to go back. There were five storytellers that evening and I was blessed to be on the same stage with these remarkable individuals. Ostensibly, the theme was Walking the Line: Stories of Balancing Acts. But actually, each story was about perseverance. [Read more…] about Perseverance
Books That Shake Things Up
Since I first posted this blog nearly two years ago, I’ve read so many more books that shake things up I thought it was time to add a few more. The first five on the list are the newest additions to a growing list of books that help me on this whacky, precarious, but fulfilling creative journey. I put Donald Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, first because it is JUST THAT GOOD. He’s kind of like a female Anne Lamott — simultaneously irreverent and poignant.
This book selection helps me think out-of-the-box about my life and my work. The books are not just for artists — they get you thinking no matter what you do. Some are practical guides; some are memoirs of people courageously changing their own paths. All are good.