20% Off Summer Sale in my etsy shop - lisabermanstudio!

Hi folks -

I'm having a summer sale in my shop "lisabermanstudio" - I'd be honored if you drop in and take a look around. I'm looking forward to getting back in my studio and finishing up a few more paintings soon (it's been a busy time over here) - so look for some new work soon. I really miss painting!

I hope you're enjoying the summer so far (I know I am), and finding the time to be creative.

Coupon code when making purchases in my etsy shop: summersale2015

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LisaBermanStudio

Thanks for your continued support.
Lisa

"I Was Curious About Her"

I'm so honored that Nancy Benton asked to interview me in her "I Was Curious About Her" series. Q&A about my "art life" - my work, process, and inspirations. My very first personal art interview. Thank you, Nancy!

Nancy and I met in Mati McDonough's "Creative Biz" online course, and realized we live in the same town. We've enjoyed going to a couple of "Creative Mornings" together. Nancy Benton is a go-getter, fabulously creative artist, and event creator. Check her out, too!

Here's the interview. If you have a moment, I'd be honored if you check it out:
http://www.nancybenton.net/#!about-her-interviews/c1yfh

(Image by Leah Fasten, taken at Teahouse Studio)

I. Love. Photography.

So much. I always have.

I just added a personal photography link to my website if you'd like to take a peek:
http://lisabermandesign.com/photography/

I'm grateful to have so many interests (though frustrating at times...only so much time in the day). For most of my career, when choosing priorities, I've put graphic design at the top of the list with my other creative interests (including photography) being fit into my busy schedule. Especially now that I am a mom, I really have to set aside time to allow for my other interests.

Since photography wasn't my main occupation, I (sadly) let the cost of equipment stop me to doing it more...until more recently. I'm finally practicing and playing, volunteering when possible, messing with Lightroom, Hipstamatic and other apps, etc. I couldn't put my love of photography off any longer.

My ex did a really nice thing for me a few years back. He knew how much I wanted to get a decent camera - so in addition to contributing, he sent out a crowd-sourcing request to a bunch of sweet folks we know. Then, much to my surprise, I ecstatically became the proud recipient of a new Canon Rebel T3i with accompanying 17-50mm lens.

I am so grateful for the gift. I still feel badly that the company that was used to gather donations was not very together, so we weren't able to see who contributed. I never got to thank those kind people adequately. I sent out an email - but was never quite sure I got all the folks who my ex thought contributed). If you are reading this, and you were part of it, please know just how much you are appreciated!! (Feel free to let me know if you contributed - to show my appreciation, I'd be happy to take some photos for you if you'd like.)

I'm also super grateful to those who I have been able to watch and learn from in person, and who have been so generous with their time, knowledge, allowing me to art direct, or be a fly on the wall at shoots, also for lending me lenses. Big thanks to these hugely talented photographers: my step-brother, Chad Kirkpatrick, Sara Remington, Mike Melnyk, and Leah Fasten!

Eventually I'll get some additional lenses, but in the meantime, I'm just enjoying taking photos whenever I have the chance. Let me know if you have any photography needs.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Check out my new etsy shop! (paintings & more)

Hello friends & family -

I’m excited to announce my brand new etsy shop “Lisa Berman Studio”.

www.etsy.com/shop/LisaBermanStudio

Here you'll find my original artwork, including some printed pieces that I've designed in the past, including: paintings, letterpress posters, prints, cards, and (soon) more - so please be sure to check back. I may add my bands’ music CDs, as well.

I’d be honored if you would take a look around. Please feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, or add reviews. Thanks!

I hope this finds you also carving out time to do the things you feel passionate about. Thank you, as always, for your love and support. So many of you have encouraged me over the years, and it is appreciated big-time!

x Lisa

CreativeLive + updates

Here's a quick post to say that CreativeLive ROCKS!

I recently took part (live) in James Victore's "Bold & Fearless Poster Design" class, and also in Ram Castillo's "Create A Knockout (online) Portfolio." I learned a whole LOT of great tips, and heard plenty of encouraging ideas (about life, being creative, and living our passions) that helped confirmed I'm on the right path for me.

Check out CreativeLive if you haven't - it's an incredible resource for learning just about anything creative, or related to being creative (the business of, design, photography, craft, music, public speaking, finances, and much much more). One can check out classes for free while they broadcast live, or pay a nominal price for downloads to watch at one's own pace (or for classes that have already happened). Their studios are in San Francisco and Seattle, so you can also apply to be in the live audience if a particular upcoming class grabs you. 1000s of folks tune in from all over the world!

I'm already starting to apply some of what I learned...including updating my online website/portfolio (gonna make those images load faster and attempt to pare down some, too!) Drop on by my "Portfolio" link above if you've got a moment, I've added some new design projects (Exploratorium events + upcoming Esprit de Django et Stephane Festival Poster) that were super fun to work on! More coming soon.

Here are a couple of thumbnails:

Exploratorium Event design + Freight & Salvage Event Poster

Cheers all, and as always, feel free to leave a comment.
Lisa

www.creativelive.com / jamesvictore.com / giantthinkers.com (ram castillo)

2015, People! + 52 Weeks of Creative

Here's to a creative and fulfilling new year for you all! May you see many of your dreams come true in 2015. Personally, I'm planning on making it a good one.

I've been wanting to start an ongoing "project" for myself - something with set parameters. So here goes: 52 WEEKS OF CREATIVE. Each week I am vowing to post something that I created (in addition to my graphic design projects for my clients). It may be a new painting, print, sketch, calligraphy, a song I wrote, a series of photos, or who knows what else may come up!

I plan to post on Instagram (LisaBermanDesign), and when time permits, will post here on my blog and on my LisaBermanDesign Facebook page, as well.

Anyone care to join me? Hmmmm?

First Open Studio at Teahouse - Painting Sale and much more! Sunday, Dec. 14

First, I wish you all Happy Holidays! I hope this finds you doing well, especially considering all that is going on in the world right now. It's a time of much-needed change, acceptance, courage, respect, and love. May we all find peace and understanding among loved ones, and also among strangers this holiday season and beyond.

I'm excited (and a bit nervous) to announce my studio's Holiday Market/Celebration! It's this coming Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 (for those of you in the Bay Area) from 1-5pm.

These last couple of years I've been busy taking online courses, and watching inspirational videos from women making things happen creatively. I finally decided it's my time to start doing it too. I made the leap to join Teahouse Studio in April of this year, and I'm so glad I did. My friend, studio-mate, and major inspiration, artist Mati Rose, created and ran Teahouse Studio for a few years with two friends, Stefanie Renée (co-creator of the new Mabel Magazine, artist, photographer +), and Tiffany Han (a smart, creative life coach and much more). They had been running it as an awesome studio and workshop space (something I had/have dreamed of doing myself - still may happen one day!). After they decided to go their separate ways, Teahouse metamorphed into a space for creatives, but without the ongoing workshops. I miss it as it was, and I'm also so happy that the space was made available. It's nice to be among creative people again after freelancing alone from home while raising my son. I do my graphic design work during the week, and I paint on most Sundays, and really, whenever possible. After the sale I plan to open my etsy shop.

Recently, I'm enjoying playing with paint (on canvas, glass, wood, and cardboard), pen & ink, calligraphy, and carving/printing rubber stamps. I'm so glad that my son, Harlan, loves doing art as well, so he will join me and offer some of his cool rubber stamped cards, wrapping paper, and even a few paintings. He's been fortunate to have some awesome art teachers, especially Octavio "Mr. O".

The flyer (above) gives a taste of who will be partaking, and the amazing handmade goods that will be offered. Here's a sampling of some of the paintings I'll have available, as well as some of Harlan's fabulous, funky cards (including "Grumpy Snowman") and wrapping paper. Hope to see you Sunday!

x Lisa

(click on images to see larger + scroll through)

Part 2: San Miguel & PAINTING!

My "SMA Shoe Shine Man" painting (31" x 31") - not quite finished, but close ("Begin")

My previous post - Part 1 - is about my full experience in San Miguel de Allende - so much went on besides painting ;). I split my journey into two posts as it felt too big to put into one. Part 2 (here) is about my actual painting experience.

As I mentioned in Part 1 - this journey felt like a coming back to center, pulling it all together, and a homecoming - back to the place in me that used to create just because I love/d it (as I did almost every day of my childhood). I always knew I wanted to “be an artist” (except for the brief period where I wanted to be a lion tamer after having gone to the circus as a child).

I told my parents I wanted to go to college to be a painter (way back when..). They were supportive of my creative leanings, and...(strongly) suggested graphic design thinking it would be easier to make a living. I had done some of that in junior high (often known as "commercial art" then) and I liked it pretty well too, so it wasn’t totally off-base. However, I’ve never let go of my desire to paint, to create from me, share what’s inside, what I love - instead of solely being creative within someone else’s lines and parameters, and for someone else’s project/s. Don’t get me wrong, I still love graphic design, and I've had the joy of working on some amazing projects. I adore letter forms (fonts, calligraphy, wood type) and combining words with images. In any case, it was time for me to start painting again. And I’m loving it big time!

Our week with awesome Flora Bowley wasn't about "finishing" paintings. It was about process. About being brave, trying new things, "fucking it up" - yes, that's right. It was about having NO idea what we were going to paint (I sure didn't) - flipping things on their sides, upside-down, covering over everything, trying colors we don't usually go for, using our fingers, painting with our eyes closed (while dancing to music!), collaborating with others - being open, willing, courageous, and trusting.

the blank canvases arrived on Day 2 - beckoning us!

We were a group of 16 women, plus Flora, her assistant Rachael Rice and and our host Rebecca Brooks - all totally lovable gals that are wildly talented, generous, patient, and fun (and Rachael's also an awesome musician - we got to play some, but not enough!). One of our main themes or "motto" for the week quickly became "fuck it up!" Our youngest group member, Cloe said that when the going gets tough she sometimes just says "fuck it" to help her get through challenging times. This prompted Flora to share a story about a time where she was at an open mic and a fellow got up to play guitar, bravely admitting he was afraid he would "fuck it up." Flora said she surprised herself when she yelled out "Fuck it up!" Later, some of us went to the big Tuesday market and found this baseball cap that we couldn't resist getting for her.

My painting of the "shoe shine man" began as layers of colors, shapes, drips, slight texture, finger strokes, transparent and opaque sections, stenciled areas (i.e., from a fly swatter market find here) - you name it. In the middle of painting we went out for a 20-minute sketch session. I sketched typical Mexican swirls and flourishes, lamp posts, women selling dolls in their traditional clothing, and, yep, the shoe shine man in action. Earlier that morning, Rachael had led us in a visualization at the soothing Escondido hot springs that also stuck with me - where I thought about comforting places, and "visually stepping into" this comfort place. I thought of "home," the beach/ocean, and visual delights such as the papel picado we saw every day while painting in the courtyard. So, for my next layers I decided to include these 3 elements - which ended up being a bit too static and safe. I thought, ok, I didn't come all the way to San Miguel to study with Flora, and play it safe, so I said to Flora, "I'm ready to 'fuck it up'". She helped me look at my painting turned it on its side and upside down. We both agreed on a direction that looked good for the next step (papel picado on its side!? What the?) I had no idea what to do next, but I was wanting to go for it. I looked to my sketches... and voila - who knew I'd be painting the shoe shine man? I certainly didn't. Anyways... it was an eye-opening and fun experience to say the least. I am so grateful for Flora!!

Here's a little photo gallery of more paintings in different stages, demos by Flora, making first marks, quick sketches, completely changing things up, collaborations (mine were with the lovely and fun Patty and Mel), the canvas off the frame (so we could get them home in our suitcases - so fun to paint big!), and our "gallery viewing," and the last photo features Flora's two fabulous finished paintings (in the middle). One says "con la familia" (Flora said that was us, our group - and Mel ending up buying it for her home - sweet!).

I also included a photo of the super-inspiring Anahata Katkin painting her "white" painting. I've adored her artwork and company PaPaYa for a long time - it was a treat to have her as part of our group. (I didn't realize until recently that PaPaYa features artwork from only Anahata and Flora - both so prolific!) She and Flora spent a month in San Miguel doing collaborations (also with Alena Hennessy) which are fabulous! Check them out here.

Thanks for checking out my post. I hope you all get to play with paint soon (even if you never have before). I can't recommend it enough! x L