Livin’ the Dream!

Recently I was looking through some of my old photos and found a series of sketches I did 10 years ago... I’m pretty sure I did this on a lunch break at some “real job”. 

Wait...what do I mean by “real job”?

Well, someone else was telling me what do to and when it was due and during which hours I needed to work on it...

I always dreamed of steering my own kayak, making my own schedule, and running a business like the smart and capable I knew I could be.  And now that’s just what I’m doing. High five!! 

It doesn’t mean that every day is the BEST DAY EVER or that I still don’t get nervous about the future, but girrrlllll, it is a much better way to run a life. I am building something so much more in line with my goals and my soul. I’m proud of where I am and super psyched about where I’m going.

Thank you for being part of the party!

Much love!

Filomena

Back in the Studio!

Notice that I used a capital “S”...’cause I feel like my studio has it’s own personality and presence. It’s where I experiment, get sh*t done, teach, nap, snack, create, explore, entertain...it means so very much to me!  

Here’s a sample of one of my upcoming classes...sooooo pretty!

I’ve been traveling for the last couple of weeks, and now I’m back, hitting the ground running! I’ve got a lot of new classes coming up, including an entire series at the YMCA in Hornell, NY. So excited!

I’m also prepping my talk to a group of teenagers in Elmira...I’m trying to channel my inner Tony Robbins. Yes yes yes!! (Booming voice!)

...and then there are the 2 “secret for now” projects I’m producing. I can’t wait to chat about these with you...stay tuned!

What sort of projects are you working on?

Happy Redbubble’Versary!

Wow! It’s been a year since I opened my Redbubble shop. I really can’t believe it!

It took a long time to find the best platform for me to use. I looked at Society 6 and really tried to make it work...it just didn’t. But Redbubble has been great! And I thank all of y’all for supporting my endeavors. Mmmwahhh!

If I could I would send everyone a gift card or special coupon code or something...unfortunately Redbubble won’t allow that.  I created this store so that more people would have the opportunity to live with (and in!) art. I know my paintings don’t fit into everyone’s budget, but most folks can treat themselves to a $2 sticker or a new mug. 

Again, thank you thank you thank you!

Stay tuned for more designs to be added to my shop. 

What should I add next? Taking suggestions!!

Xoxo

Filomena

It’s getting closer to the show!

Hello friends! We’re less than 1 month (!!!) until my show We Are Called opens at the Evelyn Peeler Peacock Gallery in Corning NY! Wooooooot. The show opens April 16th, closes on May 11th, and I also invite you to the artist’s reception on Friday April 20th, 5-8pm.
ACK! So excited!

“A Seat At My Table, Red”
1 of 2 of my pieces that you will see at the upcoming group Sanctuary Show at the Evelyn Peeler Peacock Gallery in Corning.
Reception Feb. 23rd 5-8pm. Join us!

Wow! There is A LOT of art going on! My mantra/dream/re-occurring hope was to have a Life Full of Art. I can say that I have accomplished just that. I find that I have to force myself to step away from all things art every few days (weeks?). Between teaching, preparing to teach, arting, publishing about arting, consulting with other artists, watching art documentaries, reading arty books, listening to arty podcasts...

Let’s just agree...it’s a lot. And I love it! Mostly. Like 98%. The other 2%? Grown up stuff like taxes, technology issues, and (ugh!) framing. I feel proud that I’ve been able to extend my arty reaches and look forward to where the future takes me.

...Like to residencies! I just applied to my 1st one, and will be applying to more. One day I will be able to host other artists on my lovely land. Cabins full of people doing creative stuff!! Woot!

Sewing at CCC!

I will be teaching a couple of classes at Corning Community College in March...woot!  Super excited to teach folks to use their sewing machines. It can be daunting to figure out all the buttons and plugs and such. By the end of the class each student will make a zippered pouch/purse. So handy!  Check out CCC and their non-credit classes for more info :)

LOVING my studio space!

"There are always flowers for those who see them." --Henri Matisse

And I want to see A LOT of flowers! 

One of my artist heroes is Ashley Longshore. Photos of her studio in New Orleans always show huge bouquets of exquisite flowers. I'm following her lead in my studio. How can you NOT be inspired with these lovelies lookin' at you all day?


I am having a great time working in my new studio space in Hornell. I feel really lucky to have found it!

 Here are a couple of paintings I started working on during my art trip in Lucca Italy. I want to create more works like this, on paper with lots of paint. My dear friend MG (also a fabu artist) says (something like): "People don't use enough paint!" She's right! Let's use ALL THE PAINT people!! (oh, and my scarf is one of my creations that can be found on my Redbubble shop)


What have you been up to? I've been busy with happy art stuff and teaching fun classes...please do check out my Instagram feed to see more...it's purdy over there! :)