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

Inspirational Updates

Hi All, here is a quick catch-up:

Illinois Art Therapy Association

On November 19th IATA Screened the Film: Who Does She Think She Is? Check out more photos on Facebook.  Special Thanks to Lacy Vitko, Karen Parisian, Kate McIntosh, Mary Andrus, Patrick Morrissey for an amazing job and unwavering commitment!   

Passport to Life: Sharing Life's Inspiration 

I would like to announce that The Johnson School of Excellence has accepted our invitation to participate as our first school for our Pilot Program!  I look forward to working with these amazing students, as well as the inspired staff!

 

Sketchbook Project

Special Thanks goes out to those who have expressed their love and condolences as we continue to celebrate the life of Karen Ponton.  Here is a preview to some of the artwork created by us together.  

Wheeler Ink

WheelerInk Cards are up for sale!  Check out the new Storefront on Etsy.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  Here are some additional tidbits that inspired me this week in the Art World!

Love,

Maia

Peace and Love to Karen

This week I want to do an Ultimate Shout Out to Karen Theresa Geneieve Ponton. 



Bread Pudding



The past two weeks have been an interesting mix of emotions.  With the recent passing of a close family member I find that in sharing some emotional lows, I stay open to people contributing to me - offering words of support and encouragement.  I appreciate all those who have expressed their condolences to myself, as well as my family.  Karen will truly be missed.

This experience of sharing has been such a gift that I truly feel as though the last times spent with Karen I was in the moment, and able to express everything I felt for her.  This includes the dedication of my Sketchbook Project to her - she signed the back and said that she wanted the book kept in the Brooklyn Art Library at the end of the project so that others may gain whatever inspiration from the collective experience of my family.  Click HERE to see when the Sketchbook will be in your area.

Karen was an incredible woman who shared her love and zest for life with everybody.  Her baking skills were rarely matched and her spirit will continue to live on through the love of her family and friends.

Thanks for Checking In! 

Love,

Maia Wheeler

Still Stopped

I consider myself to be someone unstoppable.  And in saying that I, at this moment, feel stopped in sharing.  I recently lost a family member and am working to create an Blog Entry that really honors her as the amazing woman that she was.  If nothing else it is something to look forward to, for you as a reader, and I will have something next week!  I appreciate those who have checked in and let me know they miss my thoughts!

Maia

Breakdown!

I acknowledge a breakdown against the possibility of consistency! I will have a new post up for Wednesday!

Thanks for checking in!

Full Expression



Grant Park, Chicago Nov 2008

 Happy Election Day to All!  I hope everyone is exercising their given right to Vote.  For poll-finding info and hours click HERE!!

Last Wednesday marked the first Passport to Life Committee Meeting.  We came together and discussed issues important to us under the umbrella of inspiring students in the Chicago area and beyond.  I was excited that everyone involved saw what part they could play in making a huge difference in anothers' life and I want to welcome Shawn Bills as our Community Representative.

Chicago Fall Leaves

If I may acknowledge my current location and state of mind: I am sitting in Argo Tea at the corner of Briar and Broadway (a very Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago).  There are trance beats playing in between Maxwell and Portishead late 90's hits.  I just finished a piece of Quiche, and am literally sunbathing at one of their tea-bars facing the huge windows and 3PM busy streets.  For all practical purposes it's been a great way to  nurse myself back from a minor seasonal cold.

Weather the description of my day above registers as a 

• 1: "Ehh, doesn't sound that cool." Or as a 
• 10: "Kickass, I wish I was there too!" 

I want to remind myself, and whomever else is open for a "life-Post-It-note", that we all should take a moment and really revel in the small pleasures of life.  Whatever they are to us.  Tea-Houses with mellow music, a cute poster someone sees on the street during a morning commute, or the confident-mastery an 8 year old can have with a skateboard on their way home from school; Life is Now. 

For those who are still treating the days as a practice round - This Is It.  During the seemingly sleepy-months of the year I am dedicating to appreciating every inch of life and creating as many adventures I can into a given moment - Anyone inspired to Ride this season hard with me ... drop me an email and let me know "What your Favorite Thing about November Is!"  Thanks Again for Checking In!

Love Forever,
Maia

Altar Ego

 

Illness (Acrylic)



As I have mentioned in weeks prior, I am apart of an artist collective by the name of The Manifest Project.  The suggested donations at the Opening Event on Saturday, October 30th will benefit the Israeli-Palestine Project.  The mission of this project is to bring about an equitable and enduring peace between Israel and Palestine that honors and dignifies both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.  This mission is consistent with the context in which people live in peace and security, mutual respect and honor.

I am so honored to be apart of this exhibit with several artists all representing the topic Altar Ego.  An altar or shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated and worshipped.  



Insanity (Ink and Pencil)



The exhibit asks: If you were to take a look at what you venerate or worship in the form of an altar or shrine, what would it look like?  What would it have in it?  What do we really make a priority in our lives?  What are you worshipping?  Altar Ego is an art event that explores this inquiry. 



Opening night reception is on Saturday, October 30 from 7pm-midnight at The Movement Studios, 2411 N. Clybourn, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL.

Performance by:

David Jeffery Taylor

Music curated by Shala

The Altar Ego show is a benefit for The Israeli Palestinian Project.

$13 suggested donation at the door.

I will be at the opening at 10:30 dressed in Halloween Garb and ready to Party as my Alter-Ego - All Are Welcome!

 







Full Speed

Alright my darlings, I have updates, as well as more inspiring shout-outs!

• Do Your P'Art Foundation (DYP)
• Illinois Art Therapy Association 2010 Programs
• Passport to Life: Sharing Life's Inspirations
• Manifest Project: Alter Ego
• Art of Travel: Off the Beaten Path (webisode 1)

Do Your P'Art continues to move forward in the commitment to bridge cultural understanding through art.  We are working on updating our website, as well as offering a donation option for those who are inspired to contribute!  Also we are looking for OLD SHOES as our art theme this year is: Walk a Mile in Your Shoes.  If anyone has gently used shoes to donate please email me at:maiawheeler@doyourpartfoundation.org.

The Illinois Art Therapy Association has set a new date for the screening of Who Does She Think She Is? November 17th the film will feature the work of acclaimed producer from Born into Brothels, as well as offer a unique discussion to follow led by an amazing art therapist, Mary Andrus.


Passports to Life is a community project that is starting from the ground-up and inviting professionals in the art, art therapy and travel communities to go into classrooms to inspire CPS students with their life.  We are expanding the mission to include "those passionate about their life's journey" and hope to motivate students to consider various career paths as they matriculate through school.  For more information on this project please email: mwheeler@eastersealschicago.org

The Manifest Project is an exhibit opening in Chicago on October 30th at The Movement Studios, 2411 N. Clybourn, 2nd Floor.   Four of my artworks will be displayed and available for purchase.  A portion of the proceeds will support six Ugandan orphans to enroll in school and who are currently victims of civil war, and other artists works go to support the Israeli Palestine Project.  More info please check out manifestproject.com

This week filming The Art of Travel: Off the Beaten Path I had an amazing time filming my first webisode at Starved Rock this past weekend and want to thank my love Robert Alexander who was the possibility of patience as we hiked miles of trail and soaked up the amazing fall day!  I am in the initial editing process of this "spode" and am not only eliciting assistance from someone further in skill-set than I in the art of technology - but also letting all of my faithfuls know that I am experiencing a breakdown against the possibility of technological mastery and the release of this webisode is TBD.

Shout Outs to my loving, beautiful and dedicated aunt Joyce Dinkins who has really took on excellence in the publishing world.  Once again, Robert Alexander who continues to dedicate his life to assisting family's diagnosed with autism.  A special acknowledgement to Matthew Proshka, an artists in the culinary world, and who made the filming of Art of Travel possible!  Fred Mitchell, father and tech-pro who reaches out to express action within his community!  


Much Love,
See you Next Tuesday!

Progress comes from Communication

Hello All,
A few items for this weeks reflection:

Thanks to other supporters who have made their presence known (it does really feel good to hear that people are following my inspirations and contributions!)  Jason Hamer, MA, educator extraordinaire who is masterfully keeping the east coast knowledgeable.  Inder Rikhiraj, MA DePaul University, esteemed social-butterfly and forward thinker here in Chicago, as well as Loren Johnson who consistently gives of herself to her friends while supporting various organizations including Amandala Charter School in Chicago.

I wanted to look back and fondly acknowledge once again my visitors to Easter Seals Chicago this past Friday, October 8th.  Lertsiri Bovornkitti, BFA, DCA,  from the Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, who presented at the First Annual International Art in Response to Violence Conference, PTSD and Art Therapy with children who experienced a severe natural disaster in Uttaradit Province, Thailand.  Somjit Krzaisri, lead art therapist at The Rajanukul Institute in Bangkok who has created therapeutic arts programs for young people with special needs.

I also welcomed the Department Chair for the Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy Program from The Adler School of Psychology, Dr.Nancy Slater; as well as core faculty member Debra Paskind, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC.  Holly DeRosa, ATR, LPC from Easter Seals Tinley Park also was present as an experienced professional in the art therapy community who has worked with special needs populations for over 6 years.  We all had an amazing discussion about the growth of art therapy program in Thailand, as well as facility differences between the US and Bangkok. 

I am proud to say that I have started my sketchbook themed: You'd be home by Now ... through the Sketchbook Project 2011 out of Brooklyn NY.  I plan on expressing my familial experiences with cancer, as well as the therapeutic application of art marking.  My book along with thousands of others will tour major cities in the US beginning in Spring of 2011 - dates to come.  Anyone interested in participating can sign up at Sketchbook Project 2011 before October 31st.

I also am honored to donate three art works to the Alter Ego Exhibition Opening October 30th, 2010 at The Movement Studios, 2411 N. Clybourn Ave (2nd Floor), Chicago @ 7PM - Midnight.  The exhibit is open through December 30th 2010.  My work will fund scholarships for six Ugandan orphans, as well as send three volunteers to Uganda to volunteer their time. 

Thanks again for checking in ... more updates always to come as well as the first webisode filming from Starved Rock, Illinois.    

The Next Step

What another great weekend it was.  I celebrated birthday's, spent time with girlfriends and even managed a camping trip. 

I also got the chance to attend the first annual International Art in Response to Violence Conference at Eastern Illinois University.  I got an amazing opportunity to hear Nataka Moore, PsyD, discuss some of the differences between the progression of Hip-Hop in Chicago and New York.  She noted the artistry behind Hip-Hop, specifically Graffiti Art, Break Dancing and Rap.  Really a thoughtful and powerful presentation.

During the question-and-answer portion of the presentation, I was inspired to stand and share that I believed that anyone could assist with "at-risk-communities" by offering their passions and resources.  I also shared that I was committed to bringing artists, and travel-lovers to share themselves with The Johnson School of Excellence Middle School.  From that, several people requested to assist in the  development of this project.  I look forward to things coming together with the resources and invested assistance of those who I may not even know yet!

There were many highlights to the Art in Response to Violence Conference and I look forward to hosting Somjit Krzaisri, Head Art Therapist of Rajakanul Institute in Bangkok, Thailand at Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research this Friday!

Declaring Us a Community

Alright ~ I'm back.

This past week has been a whirlwind.  Summer's exit and fall's entrance puts me in a fresh state of mind and I realize I am really looking forward to the air turning crisp, bright yellow leaves and the smell of the Earth shifting focus. 

I am shifting focus as well and creating the opportunity to consider the greater community in this new season.  On August 29th, 2010 student Darrell McKinney (DJ) was caught in the crossfire of a gang-shooting and he was killed.  It is my assumption that anyone reading this has heard of students being shot and that this is not new. 

This particular student was in my sister's first classroom in the Chicago Public School (CPS) District.  I had met him, gotten to know him, and even helped grade some of his papers.  My sister had spoke highly of him, as well his mother's commitment to keeping him safe and academically prepared.  Sadly, when I went to research details of his death, the keyword search "CPS Student Killed" was too broad and returned several results not directly connected to DJ's murder yet all tragic. 

It did take these "hits-close-to-home" details for me to really be inspired into action and I am passing it on.  I am creating a project that will provide a space for CPS students to become inspired, and to start considering their life and future as one they have control over. 

I look forward to inviting my friends in the art community, and those who love to travel, to come and share about themselves to students that may not have the luxury to be around people who are really living a life they have created and love.  More information about how I, and others, plan to pull this off is to come.  I definitely look forward to creating this project with the community and look forward to any feedback as it takes form!

Thanks again for considering me a part of your day and I have a few updates:  The screening of the film "Who Does She Think She Is?" has been postponed until a later date to be announced. The Illinois Art Therapy Assocation will host an event at the Fulton Street Art Collective on October 15th.  Please email for more info.

Breakdown!

Hello There All,

I am experiencing a breakdown against the possibility of consistency and organization!  I will post my blog Thursday of this week!  Thanks for checking in.

One Month Celebration

As I mark the first month of The Traveling Artist I want to thank and acknowledge those who have silently supported me by checking-in, as well as offering feedback.  I have found that in sharing I really have been inspired by my audience and further, I hope to inspire you to continue coming back!

First, my sister, Brooke Wheeler who has juggled her  goals with such grace and rigor that it is truly to be admired.  In the coming weeks she will complete her Real Estate Exam through Sotheby's International Realty, while continuing to stay dedicated to her students at Johnson School of Excellence. 

Secondly, both of my parents - talented artists and an amazing support system.  Sharon Ponton-Wheeler is in the middle-stage of launching her company Divine Pastry.  This amazing line of organic-based, natural pastries has captured the culinary world of Chicago franchises, and soon Divine Pastries will be available in stores.  Seasoned artist Bud Wheeler continues to work diligently on his clothing line which is currently available upon request.  His line titled Just One Crow Designs made its debut October 2009 with a collection of seasonally inspired graphic-tees. 

Friends and loved ones that have also made their support known include Public Relations Master's Candidate from Boston University Lola Keyes; Country Music recording hopeful and VP Wealth Manager of Bank Financial Ken Loebel; Cindy Alexander of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Michigan; Art Therapist Nicole Sampson and Associate Producer at LX.TV/NBC Kim Brooks. 

This fall I look forward to sharing the premier of The Art of Travel: Inspired Journeys web-videos.  This series will highlight various day trips available in-and-around the Chicago area. Furthermore, through the Illinois Art Therapy Association I am proud to announce that October 15th IATA will host a screening of the film Who Does She Think She Is? for more infomation please email info@illinoisarttherapy.org.

Thank you all for your continued support and I look forward to our long-term relationship.  If you would like to join as a follower, please click the Google "Follow Button" and step through the prompts.

Thanks Again,
Maia  

Weekend Bliss

After some amazing conversations with family and friends I have found that in sharing various inspirations I totally become open to various possibilities through contribution. Now is the perfect time for me to share the origins of my travel obsession, as well as offer a new possibility for inspiring travel in others.

Growing up I can attribute my love of travel to Geography and Cultural-Awareness courses I took as electives.  In high school I was introduced to abroad programs and hosted a foreign exchange student from Sweden.  In college I was given the opportunity to travel abroad myself to London, and later Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic.  I am now realizing how essential these experiences were for me to stay open to learning from people, as well as cultures who may, at first glance, appear "different" than my own. 

As weeks go on - I am dedicated to the possibility of creating travel for myself, as well as inspiring others to the idea of "The World" as a tangible goal.  I will continue to share my thoughts, personal inspirations and journey as this project takes form.  Celebrating culture, diversity and learning about similarities through difference continues to be my goal. 

I received my sketchbook in the mail and will start my topic "You'd Be Home by Now ..." through the Sketchbook Project 2011 which will exhibit through the United States beginning Spring of 2011.  Furthermore I have joined the Illinois Art Therapy Association Board as the Programs Co-Chair.  In October we plan on screening the film "Who Does She Think She Is?" by award-winning Filmmaker Pamela T Boll.  I have also joined the non-for-profit organization Do Your P'Art as a Board Member.  This month begins another year of their mission "to bring children together from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds through artistic collaborations".  

Thanks for checking in and more updates on the progress of the above projects are to come next Tuesday!  Anyone interested in more details concerning these projects, as well as info on how to get involved please email me directly at wheelerink@gmail.com or visit maiawheeler.com

MMW   

Inspiration and Trends

As an artist I have a relationship with the world of creativity and specifically with the concept of inspiration. One may be surprised that inspiration is not a constant state. It, by nature, exists within the world of creation, or action, therefore can not be a constant.
 
That being said, I find myself often desiring inspiration when I feel it is lacking, yet being exhausted by it while it is present.  These past few weeks I have found myself in an incredible bubble of inspiration and have decided to simply enjoy and share all that sparks my interest; I hope that in doing this I master inspiration as a constant gathering and sharing of knowledge and work:  

• Designmilk.com proves to be a daily inspiration offering amazing links and showcasing artists from around the globe.  Most recently, I have joined the Sketchbook Project Tour 2011 and look forward to receiving my book in the mail.  My theme: "You'd be home by now ..." In short, this project is compared to a concert-tour, with sketchbooks as the medium.  Myself and of 2,800+ artist will be sending our sketchbooks to major cities around the US premiering Spring 2011.

Thanks for checking in and please feel free to comment and join my blog.  I will start by up-dating content every Tuesday :o)

Passport to Life

First Post ... I admit I am a little anxious and very excited.  With some encouragement from my sister, I will share a few contents of my head with specific attention to traveling, art and life.  I also want to acknowledge a few things that truly inspire me day-to-day.

What I want:

• To communicate my passions
• To create the possibility of global travel
• To share my artwork
• To inspire others

Favorite Travel Journalists/Episodes:

• Samantha Brown (Inside Suitcase 2010)
• Anthony Bourdain/No Reservations (Rome, 2010)
• Dhani Tackles the Globe (Senegal 2010)
• Three Sheets, Zane Lamprey (Iceland 2010)
• Rick Steve's (Germany, Austria and Switzerland 2010)
• Burt Wolf/Travels and Traditions (Rhine River 2010)
• Rudy Maxa Smart Travels (London 2009)

Inspirational Artists:

• Salvador Dali
• Olafur Eliasson (Take Your Time MCA 2009)
• Dan Flavin (A Retrospective MCA 2005)
• Jeff Koons
• La Monte Young & Marian Zazeela (sons & lumineres Centre Pompidou 2004)
• Pierre Huyghe (sons & lumineres Centre Pompidou 2004)
• Joseph Beuys (sons & lumineres Centre Pompidou 2004)

As an artist, I love sharing what inspires me; as an art therapist, I inspire creativity in others.  I currently work with children/adolescence with developmental disabilities, specifically autism, addressing their emotional, social or physical needs. 

I look forward to sharing my thoughts with whatever audience I gain and will claim only to be an expert on my life and personal experiences ... Enjoy and Welcome to my Journey!

- MMW