Welcome Back

And I'm back.  Seventeen months, 50lbs (give or take), two apartments, and one engagment later: a new chapter begins.

 

A brief nod to my last entry: "yes" the food was great. I preached on Chicago cuisine and a few local dives to grab a treat ... or four (as my waist-line can attest to). Time to turn the page.

I love writing and often think of my communication, and readers support, as two serious ingredients necessary to this next chapter. My plan is strait forward: to have my voice heard. If not by others then by myself through the simple act of writing out my thoughts. The inspirational "Wonka-Elevator" of life seems to make just a few stops throughout ones' lifetime to give pause. I wish nothing more than to document, and process, these moments. Hopefully to inspire others; most of all to inspire myself.

At this point for new readers, I must reference one of my first entries with the disclaimer: these are but musings from one soul of billions sharing this fabulous rock we call Earth.

That being said, with all this time that's gone by, I won't spend time in the past trying to document moments gone-by. I'll be moving on from this point on, perhaps with just a few visits to years that have gone by this lifetime.

So what to write about?! I am so eager to write that it's nerve-racking just to pick one topic. The current state of hip-hop? Work-life balance? Entering my 30's? New trends in the art-world? Or just a simple "welcome back" to myself and my courage to press the "Post" button every time I choose to put finger-to-keys? Perhaps all of the above. For now I'd just like to say: it's great to be back.



Foodie Fun: Chicago

Inspired by talented food-blogger Nick Feitel and Tea-Fanatic/Traveling Graduate Student Lola Keys I wanted to write a bit about the culinary finds in Chicago.

This summer I have located one of the best places to spend those watched-over calories: Taylor Street, Chicago!  Between the history of Little Italy, and the expansive growth of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Taylor Street has been attracting people since the 1850's.  Mario's Italian Lemonade, open since the 1950's, serves a delicious slush-like lemonade in a variety of flavors.  Loyal customers are willing to stand in the rain for this awesome refreshing treat.  My Order: A Strawberry Limeade!  

About a block west of Mario's you will find a more contemporary addition to the historical community: Busy Burger.  Easily spotted amongst the modest and classic Taylor Street facads', the outside of Busy Burger is painted mars-black with huge white block lettering.  Music spills from the speakers and into the street playing the hottest dance hits into the evening.  Sleek silver tables, and Vivid Tangerine Chairs line the west-sidewalk, and the mesquite smell of grilled awesomeness dances in the air.  My Order: a Busy Cheese Burger with Onion Rings (you're gonna wanna get the onion rings).

Finally, I want to highlight another hidden jem on my accent into food-heaven: Dinkels Bakery.  Open since 1922 on Lincoln Avenue, Dinkels' roots are founded in Bavaria, Germany, where Master Baker Joseph K. Dinkel and his wife worked to achieve a very successful bakery.  Expect a line of people from every generation there to pick up Birthday Cakes, Breakfast Treats and Fresh Bread.  My Order: The Maple Bacon Donut!



Hope You Enjoyed those Chicago Food Finds:  Stay Tuned for the Artist Scene in the Florida Keys!

Spring Events

This week myself and Holly DeRosa will present our experiences working in the field of art therapy and autism at the Illinois Art Therapy Association's Living Room Lecture Series.  More information can be found on the IATA website.

 

Do Your P'Art will host their annual fundraiser at the Merchandise Mart on April 29th.  Tickets are available through their newly updated website courtesy of Bright Plum.

 

Thanks for checking in!
Maia

Spring has Sprung

With the arrival of spring - I feel myself experiencing freshly awakened efforts to bring material and conversation to The Traveling Artist Blog. 



Machu Picchu, Peru



I feel some sense of responsibility to explain my most recent hiatus from the World Wide Web.  I wish it were some awesome reason of why I stopped sharing these past several months - some amazing experience I was having, a life defining-moment or altering event that kept me isolated from technology, and the supportive audience I have come to gather. 

Perhaps backpacking ancient civilizations in South America, fearlessly seeking the title of "The First Woman Under the Age of 30 to Cross the Sahara Wearing Nothing but the Color Purple and Singing Prince the whole way" ... or something less comedic - more soulful.  Seeking serenity in rejecting technology for three months: painting the sides of buildings in forgotten communities.

I'd have to say that all of the above is more-or-less untrue and less romantic by my definition - I just got bored.  I'd like to blame a number of things: life, finances, family, ans career - in the end I am the common denominator.  In situations of restless boredom - I have for years blamed my creative drive. 

Wheeler 2011

Damning it as an uncontrollable beast that only shows itself once or twice a year - expecting me to maintain the flame of inspiration and creation until it's anticipated return.  So on this hour, this day, this month, this year - I again blame the painful, vast, and lonely deep-pit of empty creative-drive that has kept me spitefully away from reaching out. 

Perhaps more important than where I've been - is why I am coming back.  Coming back to an audience I reached out to from behind my keyboard and invited into my processes and experiences.  SO for everyone who has visited my written word, asked follow up questions, posted a comment, or "liked" what I've contributed - Thanks for the continued support - I hope to bring you some things, and also beg for conversations that may spark some creative ember within myself.

Thanks for checking in!

Happy New Year!

After almost a month hiatus I am back to share all things Travel, Art and Love!

Lots of huge things have happened this past month!  Divine Pastries hit the shelves on December 31st at Kim & Scott's Pretzels: Cafe Twist located at 2218 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.  Also make sure to check Divine Pastries new website and leave an email at sponton@divinepastries.com!  

The exhibit Self Care and Growth: Living an Expressed Life opened this past Sunday, January 9th at the Evanston Art Depot located at 600 Main Street, Evanston, IL.  Artist, and MAAT Candiate Emerald Smith, and myself feature paintings and prints that address the topic of "self-care" in the counseling relationship. Both Emearld and myself believe that making art enriches our own lives, as well as the lives of the clients we work with.  Taking time to tap into our own creative energy is an essential part of being present and empathic with our clients.

This week I submit my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project that opens March, 2011!  Make sure to look out for the dates the exhibit is near you!


Thanks For Checking In!   

Artist Appreciation!

One of my favorite things about being an artist is getting to know other artists.  A couple years ago I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Jiwon Shin, a graduate from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois, USA and who now currently resides in Seoul, Korea.  Jiwon had such an inspiring presences that I felt it only fair to share her with the world!  After an short interview with Jiwon, I hope to leave you as inspired and bubbly as I do :o) Enjoy!

Where is a Favorite Place for you to Go?

Daegu, Korea

The 7^th Wave [Café], in front of my house. It is a really quite and cozy place to work by myself. Plus the Milk Tea over there is really really awesome!

Who is your Favorite Known, or Unknown Artist, Right Now?
Seung Hye Shin, she is a jewelry designer and my sister! I am a fan of her!!!

What do you Consider the Major Influence of Your Work?
My personality. My artworks  are very playful just like my personality.  When people see my artwork, they immediately say, 'Jiwon, it’s soooo you'.

J. Shin, 2010

What is your Favorite Art Materials to Work with?
Felt!!!! Love it! Very soothing process to me!

What is your Favorite Subject Matter? 
My favorite subject matter is my emotions.

What is your Favorite mode of Transportation and Why?

Subway in Seoul. It is really convenient, safe, and clean….. the best thing is No traffic! I am pretty sure you will be amazed by the subway in Korea! It is just amazing!

Seoul, Korea Metro Lines

Where is Your Favorite Place to Shop?
The second floor at Daeback Plaza in Daegu! Very close to my house. Plus there are many different brands I like.

What is your Favorite Smell? 
Apple smell!

Of All Your Travels, Where is your Favorite Place and Why?

Big Sky, Montana

Yellowstone National park. It is just BEAUTIFUL! There is no word to describe the beauty of Yellowstone National park. If I could, I would love to visit there at least twice during winter for snowboarding!

Where do you Make Art?
I usually make  art in the center where I currently work because there are a VARIETY of art materials I can freely use there!

What is your Profession?
Yesterday was the first day of Teaching about Family Art Therapy Theory.

The Crafters Corner: Holiday Special

As the Holidays approach and people consider shopping for loved ones, I want to share a few considerations:

Etsy: An website focused on handmade or vintage items.  These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys.  Consider if Amazon and eBay had an artsy Love-Child. Etsy.com

Renegade Craft Fair: A free-to-attend event showcasing the handmade work and wares of independent craftspeople, artists and designers.  Today the Renegade Craft Fair events are held in five American cities: Chicago, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Austin. renegadecraft.com

A Million Little Photographs (AMLP): Use one of their cameras to capture 27 frames on a single theme and then send in the result. An amazing gift for any friend who is a photographer at heart.  The collection will be a traveling exhibition that will trek from coast-to-coast.  arthousecoop.com/projects/amlp

School of the Art Institute: One of America's largest accredited independent schools of art and design located in Chicago, IL hosts an annual Holiday Art Sale.

Students have the opportunity to sell their work to the public and savvy shoppers can pick up unique holiday gifts and personal treasures.  Past sales have featured jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, textiles, and handmade wares. www.saic.edu/life

Wheeler Ink:  Consider purchasing hand-painted holiday cards from an artist highlighted for her general creativity; as well as her sensitivity to color and design :o) MaiaMarieWheeler.etsy.com

Thanks for Checking In!

Maia