Meaning

As an artist, creating from a place where the world's noises and distractions are muted is peace like no other. I don't mean being in a secluded studio deep in the woods, but away from everything the mind has the daunting task of processing, deeper within ourselves. If you search for meaning in external things, that sense of fulfillment may be brief. Meaning comes from deep within us, where our spirit and creativity can flow without distraction, where we are our most truthful, uninhibited away from the outside world. I often feel that deep sense of being when working in my studio, that "Ah" moment that comes from being completely immersed in the creative process. It reflects in an artist's work, giving it so much more dimension and value. And others, I believe, can sense that energy too. And pulling from that deeper part of us, presenting what we found there to others, is such a gift. It is such a pure, honest part of you, that you're sharing. What a blessing that is for others, and for yourself. Thank you for reading.

the inevitable art of rejection

If you're a professional artist or crafter or creative...or heck, anybody in life, rejection is that hurtful, humbling, ego-flattening monster we will inevitably face. In 2023, I believe I got smacked with more No's than ever. But that didn't happen because I became a sucky artist. I mean, after 21 years of doing a craft, how does that happen? No, it happened because I reached higher. I went for things, like exhibits and gallery representations and highly-demanded shows, even when I felt that my work would not get in. I did it because I felt brave. I believed in my work.

With each denied submission, I felt my confidence wobble. And then, I would spend hours working on a new piece, and I'd feel good again. And I appreciate the people in this business who do appreciate what I do, and who are happy to represent it. For each negative that occurs with your work, you can draw several positives...if you let yourself see them. LET yourself see them. If you're reaching high, and getting rejected, YOU are proving that you have the courage to reach up there, and to face the possibility of No. And if you DON'T reach, you will definitely not experience the euphoria of hearing YES.

So what I would ask that any artist/creative in the business take from my words, is to know how courageous you are to aim high. And even when your work gets rejected, you do not give up, you're already UP THERE, my friend. Sometimes all it comes down to is a technicality in your art submissions, like maybe in your photos. Make your work stand out. And better yet, do your research and know where your work will thrive. You're a star, my friend. Keep creating!

art life is tidal

       Being an artist is tough. The creating is the easiest, of course, because art is what we want to do. If I made a list of everything else involved in having a living as an artist, the list itself would become too overwhelming to continue. In many cases, you're your own public relations person, marketing firm, bookkeeper, office manager, gallery liason, show/festival coordinator, merchandising expert....okay, I'm stopping....see? It can keep going for many, many moons.                                

There are bad days, like shows you work hours to prepare for, then sell close to nothing. If you've been trying to make it in art for a year, 5 years, 10, 20, whatever the case, you know it can be discouraging. You're practically putting your soul out there and asking people to appreciate it enough to spend their money. At moments, you might be tempted to give up. Go get a full-time job, work your schedule, go home, enjoy life...easy! Let someone else do all the business-running part, right?       

But then, you start feeling unfulfilled. Something is missing. You need to create. You miss those late nights with your pup and your zero dress code in the studio. Being an artist is not a choice, it's a calling. How many people can draw, paint, weave, sculpt, knit, mold, etc. what you do? Only one. You're giving something to this world, while discovering self-fulfillment by doing it. 

As a jewelry artist who's been shuffling around this vastness of color and design for 20 years, I've experienced the ebb and flow. I've been way up, and I've been way down. I've wanted to give up, and I've wanted to keep going. Just like the tides...you're low, and you're high. I get it. Every artist selling their wares gets it. Our life isn't easy. But it's what we do. And oh, what sweet glory when we're successful. If you're talented, you're successful. You can get through the discouraging parts, just hang in there. That goes for anything. THis is YOUR thing, YOUR calling, unique to you. Believe in yourself and in what you create, and you'll get there...or you'll get there again. 

one of my first necklaces, cowrie shell , pearls and coral

Me? After a 2022 of many highs and just as many, it seems, lows, I'm reassessing. Evolution, change, progression...these are words on my brain in 2023. I'm taking what I learned from my stumbles, pulling up my boot straps, and pressing on. 

Thank you and take care

Sharon

          

eau . wasser. vand . jal . acqua

 In whatever way you speak 'water', the sacredness of it flows strong through and around all continents. We each have a duty to respect it and do our role to protect it. I myself am guilty of sending a pair of sunglasses or sand bucket or three into rushing waves and onward, to contribute to the gargantuan Pacific garbage patch. So I try to do what I can every day, like conserving water use and using as little single use plastic as I can, to be a better earthling.

I took this photo in St. Augustine, Florida. 

As for watergirl designs, I'm happy to be growing. New shows are scheduled for this year, galleries are doing well, and gemstones and pearls are abundant in the studio! Please visit the events and locations pages on my website to find out where watergirl designs jewelry is and where it will be. 

And thank you for following! Take care

copper sunshine

  Ah, the amber bath of sunlight...what better feeling to bring artists forth from their cocoons to see themselves, after existing inside a thick billowing dark cloud, to once again feel the desire to manipulate objects into beauty, from the collaboration of mind and soul. That cloud, it could easily be many things - the pandemic, a challenging 2nd job, or the grey days of winter, which can in their own right be beautiful. This is a favorite image from a VERY snowy winter [which made my huskies VERY, VERY happy].

snowy nova

I myself dealt with the struggle to be an artist for a few months. I managed to do some drawing and poetry, I painted doors in my house, I pondered my next Halloween costume, while waiting for new wire designs to formulate. And then, galleries opened again, and arts festivals and shows began again.

In June, I participated in Asheville Art in the Park. For three Saturdays, we humans, as well as many dogs and a wandering black bear, celebrated art and craft in downtown Asheville. And now, I feel the fire again. More shows are on the horizon. There will be 3 more of Asheville Art in the Park in October. I'm considering another show or two in the meantime. In summary, it sure feels good to be back out there...

peace to you,

sharon bass

asheville art in the park, june 2021

the urban art-loving bear visitor

Galleries & shops where you can find jewelry by Watergirl Designs:

buffalo creek gallery, downtown shelby nc

woolworth walk, downtown asheville nc

sanctuary of stuff, asheville nc

main street gallery, blowing rock nc

hands gallery, boone nc

Time...

It's been a year since my last blog post. I stay plenty busy besides having an online presence, so that is the element of my business and personal life that remains less tended to. That is okay by me, as having a life away from the computer is far more desirable. Life is a consistently flowing river of movement, with bends and changing currents along the way. No matter what, the water steadfastly flows, over and around obstacles and changes. 

The jewelry of Watergirl Designs is currently in 5 galleries in North Carolina. No plans to enter any new galleries at the moment. But I do plan to sell in a couple of shows/festivals this year. Stay posted. I'll do my best to keep you posted...

That snowy sky

Lately, I've had so many ideas, it's hard to keep up with them. I'm content to go to my studio and sit there during these last remaining, chilling days of winter and create. But frankly, right now I don't want to do any updates or talk about what I'm doing. I want to get real. I hesitate to write a blog many times because of thoughts like, "Is anyone even reading this?"..."What am I accomplishing by doing this?" I like sharing thoughts and photos of my work, in case that maybe someone is being inspired. But really, who's out there? 

If you are, let me know. Let's connect with each other more. Let's remember what it was like to actually communicate with each other, to acknowledge each other with something more than a Like button on a social media site. If someone smells good, tell them. If you really like them and want to be closer friends, tell them. It doesn't have to be some grand gesture, just a simple few words of acknowledgment. "You inspire me". I've said this to people, and it feels good. I've known many artists, and I've gained a bit of enrichment from each one. 

We could all use some form of human interaction. Animals are great. I love them. Some days, I wish there were only animals and just a few decent humans. But it could get pretty lonely, even for us introverts. Pretty....lonely. Let's learn to communicate again, shall we? In the meantime, let's give our animals some love.

luna mctuna