by niya christine

Brawling Night Cats

Copyright

Cat – acrylic on yupo

I have several processes in the works that are “oh so fun” – a series of animal collage murals, 7 small stack books for foodie and bunny lovers (3 nearly done), the paperback version of The Art of Daily Cultivation + agent hunting. As well as 2 new websites, one for creativity coaching/blogging + fun muse-like tools for my coaching clients, and this site is going through some massive reconstruction for a new store launch.

So, here’s the thing. Life keeps slowing down the kid who wants to stomp in puddles and get on with it. This past week, the inhibitors larger than usual: bunny at death’s door + vet madness, a new bed that made me feel hit by a truck, waking up at 2 a.m. for several nights to screaming cats fighting and not going back to sleep, and design clients / creative director pressures in crunch week at work. I wanted a virtual lobotomy every hour — and a hug a minute. ; D

I found art during this time to be the thing — that beautiful daily apex between the life I own and the life I serve — that instantly relieved stress. Sometimes for just 5 or 10 minutes. But it calmed and restored without fail. Tickled again for this daily practice that continues to give (no matter what).

Elephant Mural in Progress

Laughing Elephant Mural in Progress

Next? An introduction between passion and patience is in order. I did want to be introducing all kinds of new goodies by the end of Sept. to you. But the end of October is more like it as the day job lightens and the night cats get slept through with the promise of the right mattress (soon). Patience! Now there’s a concept. I just want to play with my new toy—renewed passion through daily practice.

Thank you for your patience as well. And support as I’ve posted cakes on Facebook. ; D

in Creative Space Design / News & Events / Random Explorations
 by niya christine

Alison Gresik Interview: Hours for Art

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Alison Gresik did such a fine job with this interview. I wanted to share. And if you can’t read this… here are some of her tweets:

“Things grew out of the creative practice that balanced fears & exhaustion.” @niyachristine on 365 Paintings project http://buff.ly/1jCC7aE 

“How about some Russian Caravan tea with real cream and gobs of honey?” How @niyachristine coaxes herself to paint ~ http://buff.ly/1jCCEtf 

“I was mostly managing my days vs. building my dreams.” @niyachristine on the genesis of her 365 Paintings project. http://buff.ly/1jCBH40 

in Creative Space Design / News & Events
 by niya christine

365 Story Paintings Deluxe Hardcover Book: LIVE on Kickstarter

The Deluxe Hardcover Book Funding Campaign

Kickstarter campaign to get the book into people’s homes and hands.

…..HELLO…..Exciting News!

Yesterday, I launched a Kickstarter campaign in production the past 3 weeks to raise funds for the deluxe hardcover book of the 365 paintings. This book was in the proposal cycle for a traditional publisher, however that cycle is long one and this book has momentum.

WHY KICKSTARTER?

The book was envisioned from the onset of painting daily in January 2013: 12 months, 12 different themes with strong narrative drive to make for an entertaining visual narrative. But when subscribers, followers and customers began coming to me asking for help… really craving to carve out creative productivity in their very busy lives—when they wanted to know my secrets, the structure and how I dealt with the challenges and organizational battles—that’s when the book of painting stories took on a life of it’s own and became a resource for life design.

People are craving a bit of reflection and self expression in their days. I realized I was their lab-rat and this fascinated me, so I began to pay more attention and take extensive notes.

Now I have a book in progress and I need funding to make it happen. It’s a lovely book. A deluxe edition coffee table art book, over 200 pages. A memoir and structure for readers who are making something special in their life, even if only to change up some habits to be a better friend or parent. The structures and principles I discovered and developed work for anything you want to do. Especially if it’s something that really matters to you that you never seem able to get to on a daily basis.

So please spread the word. Let’s get this book funded together. The rewards are big and fun. Check it out on Kickstarter. Whether you decide to pledge your support or not,  I do hope you will pass it onto people in your life you feel just might be. Networking makes this all pretty special. Thank you!!!  Creatively yours, Niya.

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in News & Events
 by niya christine

The More the Merrier

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Seemed that cows and the word productivity balance each other out so nicely, don’t you think?

Just a quick note. As I’ve been making plans for 2014, this blog is starting to take shape in 3 parts. Soon I will send subscribers choices for those who are just interested in one or two parts vs. all three. Here they are:

    1. Featuring creative projects that produce a significant body of work through daily practice.  Such as 365 projects that have taken off from this one. I will also be publishing a live Q/A forum for people who need support. Instructions: Do you have a body of work in mind to develop? Could you use a little support as you set up your space, material and mindset? If you felt inspired by the 365 painting project and could use some quick tips for your project, email or tweet your question (see address in graphic). I will answer 3 at a time and post on the blog at niyachristine.com every couple of weeks. Please specify if you want your name kept anonymous.

 

    1. Sharing posts of inspiration as I write the books. These could be anything from what Carl Sagan might say about saving a bird that crashed into your home window to the role of imagination in daily life or sharing about the process of writing a book proposal and getting an agent. But stuff that anyone who is creating a body of work and connecting their work to the market can relate to.

 

    1. Random painting explorations as I illustrate the children’s book. This book is about a rabbit who feels that her “hop” is not enough. It bores her and she haphazardly finds herself on an adventure with some very wild and large kangaroos.

 

I’ve been extremely moved in the past few days with emails and comments via social media about this project — watching people run off to start their own. I’d like to quote a writer who just started a brilliant 365 project for 2014. From “Wild Heart”

Just before 2013 broke, my friend Niya Christine set out to create a painting a day. It was an ambitious project. She stated her intention on her web page and invited anyone to witness her 365 journey. She worked from home, where she was setting up a new studio; she packed the house and traveled with her bunnies; she met friends for meals, got sick once or twice, read books, wrote books – and painted. Every day. One of the things I have always loved about Niya Christine is how inspiring she is. Her flaming red curls are an outward indication of her inner fire. Anyone with a mind to can see her blaze.

Go to Verna Wilder’s blog to read in detail how she arrived at the design of her subject matter and read her first piece of writing. It’s fascinating and bite size.

in Creative Practice / News & Events / Q/A Forum