Happy New Year! Perhaps similar to your own experiences, I found myself at the end of 2015 reflecting on the past year and new year simultaneously. Instead of resolutions and lists of changes, I considered the potential of the creative process found in the arts.
The concept of applying the artistic process to other facets of life—such as business and personal fulfillment—is nothing new. But often this notion is applied in lofty, general terms and boiled down to some buzzy phrases. However, anyone who has put deep time and commitment to an artistic work will know that its benefits defy idioms and slogans.
It’s inspiring, especially at this time of year, to see and experience the creative efforts of people who exhibit at arts and crafts fairs across the country. I recently strolled through Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
As a writer, what can you learn from other arts discplines? What can you learn from the arts as a whole? In this interview, Dr. Patricia Hoy shares her insights as a conductor, arts administrator, teacher, woodwind doublist, blogger and, now, author of the wonderful book Arts Awareness, just released by GIA Publications.
It’s an exciting time for me. My book—Arts Awareness: A Fieldbook for Awakening Creative Consciousness in Everyday Life—is now available. For many years, I’ve kept notes about a wide variety of experiences in the arts.
The recent Phoenix Symphony Orchestra performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, was an important reminder for everyone present of the value and beauty of contrast.
Many companies simply can’t afford to have an expert on everything working for them full-time, and that’s when they bring in outside experts or speakers. If you’re passionate about something and can work towards being the best at what you do, a career as an activist, writer or speaker for your area of expertise could be very fulfilling. Dr. Patricia Hoy talks about her career as an expert in the arts.
I recently learned of an installation and theater artist—Anne Patterson—who not only moves beyond traditional artistic boundaries but uses her gifts to create spectacular and innovative artistic experiences for audiences.
At first glance the three 28-foot-high metal-riveted wooden doors appear to struggle to stand in place, leaning against each other for support. As you approach, your understanding of the precariously perched structure changes over to an image of balance and strength.
I recently took the opportunity to explore a few of the more than seventy public art pieces displayed throughout the city of Scottsdale, Arizona. As I strolled along the landscaped paths of the Scottsdale Waterfront area, I was immediately taken by the spectacular plantings of trees and dramatic flowers, the fountains, and the public art sculptures.