from my sketchbook

Everybody is a critic. BeBop ~ photo by Jane LaFazio

from my sketchbook ~ by Jane LaFazio

detail from my sketchbook ~ by Jane LaFazio

in progress from my sketchbook ~ by Jane LaFazio

detail from my sketchbook ~ by Jane LaFazio

detail from my sketchbook ~ by Jane LaFazio

Buddy weighs in. 

I'm working on the lessons for my next online class offering "Sketching  and Watercolor in a Mixed Media Sketchbook." It starts March 22 and you can sign up now. This class is geared for students who have had some experience in drawing or taken Sketching & Watercolor from me.   

If you're new to drawing, I suggest taking my Sketching & Watercolor: Journal Style first. And it starts March 21. (it's nearly full!)
(You can get a glimpse of the class structure on this post.)

I'll run both these online classes again, probably mid to late summer.
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Recent reviews of my online class: Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style 

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"I learnt to just let go, and ignore the voice in my head that says "you can't draw" (those High School teachers who saw me as the science kid cast a long shadow!). My biggest fear was the critique of yourself and my fellow students - but that critique was nothing but constructive, true and instructive. Everyone has been lovely, and supportive, and kind - and truly engaged in what we were all doing. I discovered something which has brought me real pleasure and makes me look it everything in a slightly different and more engaged way - from grocery shopping, to the daily commute, to the dog walk. Possibly the best £50 I have spent in years ! Thank you so much Jane for being such a great, great teacher and for bringing out our best in a really honest but gentle way. Your instructions and guidance are outstanding, but the real strength is the thoroughness of your feedback and the non-judgmental approach you take to your instruction and critique. Time to stop typing........I think I am getting carried away now..... Quite simply, thank you for opening my eyes and my mind to art journalling !"

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"I've really enjoyed this class and I have learned SO much. I appreciate the careful sequencing of lessons, the great models from your sketchbook, the clear taped demonstrations, and the wonderful easy-to-follow lessons. But the best two things about this class are the timely and useful feedback from you and my classmates -- and the fact that I have actually finished some little pieces of art over the past few weeks. In some of the "real life" classes I've taken, feedback was rare and not terribly useful, and I've finished many a term with pages started but nothing finished. Thank you, Jane."

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"I have signed up for a couple of other on line water color courses and yours is the only one I've actually participated in. I think it's because you really engage with us and actually teach us what to do. Even though I've done this course with you before, I needed it again to restart my enthusiasm for water color journaling. I hope you'll do another one Jane - maybe with different subjects. I just can't tell you how invaluable a teacher you are. I really appreciate what you do (knowing that you have many other medium interests!)"

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"Oh, Jane, I have learned so much. I have learned to see better. The continuous line assignment was so eye opening. I am mixing my paints better and really showed off the black I mixed for the last lesson. (I suspect my husband thinks I've lost it.) I look at the ordinary objects I encounter with new appreciation. The group has been so supportive and I've particularly enjoyed the different places we seem to occupy on our art journeys. Thanks so much for you critiques. I will see you again."
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"I made a commitment to myself in January to concentrate on my drawing. I try to draw everyday. This class has kept me on track. I am also a visual learner so the videos and step by step process in the class were just perfect for me. I think (and hope) I am getting looser with my watercolor application. That was another goal of mine. I can't tell you how much I am inspired by you, Jane. Your supportive comments were very much appreciated. Also a big THANK YOU to all the other students who posted their work and made comments. It is such a joy to feel like you are part of an art community. See in a couple of weeks. "
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"Jane, thanks very much for your very thoughtful and helpful feedback for each of the lessons. The advice you gave me on each of my lessons definitely improved the original work and helped me in further lessons. It also gave me the confidence to really stretch myself and try more challenging subjects, and not be afraid to share the results! I've also learned to be bolder (ie more confident!) with my colours, and to remember to draw and paint what I see, not what I think I see!! I enjoy very much looking at everyone else's submissions as well, really inspiring. And I really love your style, Jane, so it was really nice that you shared so many examples from your own sketchbooks. Thank you!"
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"Wow, I am so very amazed at the progress I've made in a few short weeks, thanks to your excellent and very clear lessons. Seeing you in action in the videos was particularly helpful. Working on drawing in this class brought home a couple of important life lessons: I really can do things that I think I cannot do, and it is so important to see what is really there, rather than what you are expecting to see. Thank you so much!!! I wonder if you are planning any kind of landscape drawing class that does not involve travel to exciting parts of the world. I will wait for that online, or else save my pennies and join you in the South of France sometime! A person can dream, right? "

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"Jane, thank you so much! This course has been so much fun. The lessons were clear and helpful and so engaging. I love that I was fully immersed in the process as I was drawing and painting. It also gave me some courage and confidence about using more water-color. I will keep practicing! It was nice to have the weekly deadlines, which helped me to make time for art in my busy week. Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging feedback! "

works in progress

I'm still stitching on these ~ art and photo by Jane LaFazio

I always a bunch of projects to work on. Like the ones above, I stitch on them while I watch TV in the evening. (I do the design work in my studio)

from my sketchbook ~ a page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

And I've got partially completed pages in my sketchbook.  

still not quite resolved ~ in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

These birds have been around a long time! I need to resolve this (suggestions welcome!) because I really do like it--it's just not complete yet.

Nearly finished, just needs a little more, like some beads and sequins ~ by Jane LaFazio

Machine needle felting. I love doing this, and will be creating some new machine felted pieces since I'm teaching this as a one day workshop at CREATE this summer. This blue one just needs a bit more work.

detail work in progress

work in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

The bird above is quite cute. When I photographed the whole (unfinished) piece, I noticed the black in the border was way too dominant. That's why I'm not showing it to you yet.

work in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

Another small story quilt in progress.

work in progress ~ now it needs a unifying focal point ~ by Jane LaFazio

Monoprinted piece that needs some time in my studio.

As my busy teaching/traveling season is starting soon, I'm motivated to finish these to show my students and maybe sell some of them at the venues where I'll be teaching.

Mundo Lindo videos

Two videos from recent days of Mundo Lindo.



These made you smile, right? 
I've been wanting to learn how to edit videos, so I realized making these short ones is perfect practice for me. (I use MovieMaker) 

The Kindness Chronicles

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I was going to give one scholarship to the online Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style that I'm teaching (starts March 21), but the blog comments were so heartwarming and honest, I gave 3 scholarships! Send me your email address Carmen Taggert, Hope Amen, lbfreer.  

A reminder from Patti Digh

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from one of my favorite poets:

For the Sake of Strangers
By Dorianne Laux

No matter what the grief, its weight,
we are obliged to carry it.
We rise and gather momentum, the dull strength
that pushes us through crowds.
And then the young boy gives me directions
so avidly. A woman holds the glass door open,
waiting patiently for my empty body to pass through.
All day it continues, each kindness
reaching toward another—a stranger
singing to no one as I pass on the path, trees
offering their blossoms, a retarded child
who lifts his almond eyes and smiles.
Somehow they always find me, seem even
to be waiting, determined to keep me
from myself, from the thing that calls to me
as it must have once called to them—
this temptation to step off the edge
and fall weightless, away from the world.
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Count your blessings/tell someone you love them category:
 About our local, and beloved newsman. And his blog post.
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And you know, every time you leave a comment on my blog (or others for that matter) you are performing a kindness. Letting us know that we're seen. I thank you for that.

Writing Practice and Slim Jane Pretzels

My Real Name.
by Jane LaFazio

My real name would have been Roxane or Kate. My mother told me those were the two names she was considering for me. Funny but I like them both very much, especially that they have nickname options and both names suit my personality surprisingly well. They’re friendly, confident and straight forward. Roxanne has authority, credibility. Roxy has a dance hall/bad girl feel to it, which frankly I like. And I could be Kate when I author a book, and make that keynote address and Katie in art class or while a glass of wine. 

I've always envied people with a formal name that could become a casual name. They had options. Victoria: Vicky, Vic, Torrie. Margaret: Beth, Midge, Maggie, Meg, Peggy. 

Jane is just Jane. Or if you’re a kid, Janie, or if your mom is mad at you, Jane-ette!.

My mom told me she got the inspiration for my name while ironing in her garage. She noticed a box of Slim Jane Pretzels on the shelf and thought Jane would be a good name. As a kid I was called Janie. I like a two syllable names. Roxy. Katie. Margie. Trixie. LuLu. Carrie. Cosette. Well, Cosette may be a little ostentatious for a woman born in California. I wanted to be blond and named Sally when I was in elementary school.

Delicate Flower was what my big brother called me when I was going through a particularly difficult emotional time as an adult, or when I was a kid, he locked me in the bathroom by shoving the chest of drawers in front of the door, so I couldn't get out. (I hollered out the window, until he came and let me out.)

Yesterday, my name was Selfish-Busy-Too-Tired. I just wanted to be alone. Sometimes my life overwhelms me. Like all of us, one can go through those times. Particularly difficult, challenging times. Then just call me Marge. Or Nell. Or Nora. You know, someone who acts unhappy when they really have no right to be.

Tomorrow my name will be Rested-Caught-up-Cleaned-up. I will be well-balanced and organized with my act together with a name like Emily. Call me Em. A strong name. Or maybe Veronica or Saundra or Genevieve. 

Honestly, I know my real name is Strength-Grounded-Confident. And, I guess Jane is the exact right name for me. Straight and to the point. 

The real Jane at 10 years old.

             

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I showed you some of my writing practice here. I've been trying to write and recently finished Judy Reeves Wild Women writing class. (You can read my interview of Judy Reeves here.) 

This is one of the writings that came from the class. My classmates, Judy, and I will be doing a reading of our work at The Grove, (in San Diego) on March 17, 4:30-6:00pm. You're invited. It's free. 

What would YOUR real name be???

easy surface design ~ in progress

Inspired by Jenny Cochran Lee and this post on her blog, I spent an afternoon stamping fabric.


I'm going to add color to these and make something cool! I'll keep you posted.

I even did some organza to overlay

The only reason I stopped was that all my StazOn stamp pads were out of ink!
Thanks Jenny for the inspiration! 

around the house ~ my studio

My studio

I can see the floor!  I've been reorganizing my studio these past two weeks. I realized that it had become more of a storage unit that a place to work.  
My studio is in my home, it's a spare bedroom and not all that big. 

That's my new print drying rack, in the center of the photo. (My 'inspiration' board still needs a complete revamp). And look at that table! completely clear and ready to work on.

Okay, this area could still use some work...but it's better than it was before.

I love that metal bird light, but need to hang it!

My bernina sewing station.

Ah, IKEA! I love these new cube shelves and they have made the space so much more useful. I'm going to add little tags to the bins and baskets, so I'll know what's in them.



Above, relates to the BEFORE photo (below) of my desk. Uh huh. Terrible! I found myself working on about 12 square inches of it, surrounded by my other project in progress...

last week~ BEFORE photo of my work table

last week~ BEFORE photo

I showed you our den and our living/dining room, so you know I'm not a slob in the rest of my house! Oh, and you saw my studio in November 2011 (wow, that long ago!) when I reorganized because of my new sewing machine. 

last week ~In progress

It feels really good to have my studio more organized! I feel inspired to go work on that big painting commission I got, now that I have space to lay the paper out.

Online Sketching & Watercolor: Journal Style class

sketching and watercolor in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

My online class, Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style

will be starting up again on March 21. It's geared from beginners (or people that want to get in the practice of regular drawing and painting in their sketchbooks.) 

There will be some videos, pdfs of lessons  like this one and it will be easy to see or comment on your fellow students work, and they on yours. I've limited it to 50 students. Hope to see you online! All the details of the class are here.  

You'll post your work, like this, and we will comment right below it.

Format is 24/7 (IPad compatible) and you can access the lessons anytime. A new lesson will be released each week. The class will remain open for 8 weeks and I'll comment on every page you do! (You'll need to photograph or scan your work and download it to the lesson page. It's easy!)

Sign up now, my last class filled very quickly!

Here's how the online class forum looks.
You'll post your work like these students did. 

Or, you can leave a comment to win a scholarship to the class! Tell me why you'd like learn Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style. Or, if you just want to sign up now, and you happen to win a scholarship, you can give it to a friend, and take the class together.

I announced the winners here.

Interviews as Inspiration ~ Rachelle Archer

THIS IS THE 9TH OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AS INSPIRATION. I'M INVITING PEOPLE I ADMIRE; ARTISTS, AUTHORS, PEOPLE I KNOW, AND PEOPLE I DON'T. IT SHOULD BE FUN! AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRATIONAL FOR BOTH YOU AND ME.

self portrait ~ by Rachelle Archer

I ran into Rachelle at a party recently, and had the chance to ask her about what she was doing. I was so inspired and interested in the work she does, I thought you would be too.  

Art does heal.

Jane LaFazio: What is an expressive arts therapist?

Rachelle Archer: An Expressive Arts Therapist is an artist-helper who works as an agent of change, using the powerful traditions of the arts, ritual and play to facilitate processes of transformation and healing. We are action-oriented and solutions-focused. We work in all 5 art disciplines, using visual arts, dance/ movement, creative writing, drama and music to explore important images and metaphors that arise from the imagination. No prior art experience is needed for our students—our low-skill, high sensitivity approach makes it possible for anyone to express something meaningful through the arts. We work with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations as healers, coaches, educators, community builders and peace makers. 

Rachelle Archer, at work at Monarch School

JL: Tell us more about the Monarch School, in San Diego, California.

RA: The Monarch School is a unique K-12 alternative education program in downtown San Diego that serves students impacted by homelessness. We are a public-private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education and a 501 © 3 non-profit, The Monarch School Project. The County provides most of the educational program, while the non-profit raises funds for facilities, support programs such as after school, volunteers, community referrals, medical care, basic needs, counseling, family support and expressive arts therapy.

This spring Monarch School be moving into our gorgeous new facility in Barrio Logan. I am so excited about the expanded opportunities for the expressive arts this new building will offer!!!

students  ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: What drew you to this kind of work? 

RA: I grew up in a very artistic missionary family and began participating in a variety of faith and arts-based outreach to inner-city youth all over the world at a very young age. Music, drama and visual arts were an integral part of those efforts, while also providing a therapeutic outlet for me personally. Combining the arts with helping and healing was something I always knew I would do. In my early twenties I discovered art therapy, which seemed like the perfect combination. After completing a BA in social work and spending a few years working with homeless youth in San Diego, I chose to pursue my dream of bringing healing arts to the population I was serving. I obtained my Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy, Education and Consulting in 2006 and became the full time Expressive Arts Therapist here at Monarch in 2007.

Rachelle and some of her students

JL: When did you start working at Monarch School?

RA: I got involved in Monarch School in the fall of 1998, when it was a small drop-in center for street youth downtown. The school was growing and there was a huge need for creative outlets and after school care, so I started the after school arts program. I was the very first employee of the Monarch School Project and have enjoyed being involved in developing a variety of enriching and innovative programs for our youth over the years. Some of the things I’ve created here include the after school program, the steel drum band, many wonderful community partnerships, and the expressive arts therapy program.

student ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: Do you work with a group of kids, or one on one? Tell us about a class or lesson.

RA: Fortunately I get to do a lot of both! I offer individual therapy to 15-20 students each week. Students flourish with the one on one attention and processing personal themes through the arts in our small studio. I also get to teach classes and facilitate smaller boys’ and girls’ groups, and run monthly parent workshops.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is the really successful arts-based Community Building program I’ve developed here that allows me to work in most classrooms on campus once a week, year-round. This expressive arts course aims to increase engagement in school and develop a positive school culture. Through the arts and play we create an optimistic learning environment in the classroom where students know and understand one another better and work together in supportive ways. Each student gets an opportunity to shine as we explore various art forms such as painting or drawing, sculpting, creative writing, and performance art. The program offers rich avenues for reflection, personal growth and development as well as developing important social skills, healthy connection to peers and team building.

One of my favorite activities is something I call “Feel Good Freeze Dance”. It’s a fun way to get kids to notice the good in each other and give compliments. Once a group has gotten to know each other a bit and is working well together we have a dance party where each person creates a small poster with their name on it. Then we put on some peppy music and dance around the room. When the music stops each person has to write a compliment on a poster close to where they've frozen in the dance. By the end of the session everyone is moving and writing all at the same time, rushing from station to station to make sure they get a compliment on each student’s poster. Everyone in the group gets to leave with a colorful poster full of positive affirmations, which they often save for a long time afterwards. I have kids do posters for staff members, too. The pile I have saved from all the times we've done this cheers me up when I am having a bad day! I encourage my students to do the same. 

some of Rachelle's students

JL: Can you tell us a few stories about your students and their experiences? 

RA: A few years back a young lady was referred to me. She was 17, failing all of her classes and barely attending school. She and her family had been chronically homeless for over 8 years, with no relief, although she had been in our program since she was 11 years old. Her mother was disabled and unable to provide for her and her brother. This girl was worn out and depressed, moving from shelter to shelter, couch to couch, often not knowing where she would be eating or sleeping at the end of the day. We started slowly, building trust and exploring her interests in art and poetry. She started attending my ‘Coaching for Success’ class for high school students and found some hope for the future, by drawing out her dreams and hopes with others. She eventually hand-made a beautiful collection of her own poetry for her senior project, which she shared with a group of peers and staff. After 18 months in therapy, she graduated from Monarch with honors, enrolled in a local junior college, and later moved into her own place at a transitional living program. She is still doing well in college, studying dance and following her passion for creative writing!

Another student story that still pulls at my heart is that of a 12 year-old girl that, growing up in the home of alcoholic parents too caught up in their addiction to notice, had been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a family friend for over 6 years. She was often sad, lost in confusing memories, anxious, mistrusting and engaging in risky behaviors that were leading her down a destructive path. Splattering paint wildly and writing poetry with me week after week became a means to let out all the ugliness and find her freedom once again. After a few years her family was able to get affordable housing and she left our school. She transitioned to her neighborhood high school and is doing great. She continues to speak out against bullying and stand for victims of sexual violence.

There are so many stories like that. Kids who sleep in a van for six months with parents and siblings and still make honor roll and have perfect attendance at Monarch. Kids who’ve spent their whole lives blowing from shelter to shelter, finally land here and growing roots for the first time. Families who’ve run from domestic violence find a safe place with us and begin to flourish. It’s an honor to help them write new chapters in their lives!!! 

graduates ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: This work must be so bitter sweet, helping the kids, then seeing them leave…What keeps you going? 

RA: I struggled with this quite a bit when I first started working with kids dealing with homelessness. What has really helped me is having a clear sense of what my role is. It can be really heart breaking to see them go, especially when they haven’t had a chance to make the most of all we have to offer them here. I have come to understand that I am not here to save them or fix their problems. In shared moments together in the studio or in the classroom I CAN inspire them to dream, encourage them to hold on to their hopes, and teach them to take responsibility of their own feelings and choices so that they can make more empowered choices wherever they go. If at the end of the day I know I have opened even some tiny door for my students to feel heard, seen, and valued, and they walk away feeling a little lighter, I can go home feeling satisfied—even if I never see them again. I have been blessed to see so many young people change while they are with us and that gives me hope that things can get better for them, whether here or somewhere else. Their resilience, optimism and open heartedness inspires me every day!

Student artwork

JL: Do you make your own artwork?
RA: I do! The forms that I go to most regularly are acrylic painting, pastel drawing, and journaling. I do some playing around with photography, and I absolutely love to dance in my living room. 

"Something About Holding" by Rachelle Archer

JL: What’s your favorite part of your day and why? 

RA: The best part of my day is when I first walk into a classroom where I am about to teach. The kids are so happy to see me, and especially my Art Cart, their eyes so full of curiosity and excitement about another fun session together. I rarely ever tell them in advance what we are going to do and sometimes the suspense just kills them. The joyful cheers and hugs from my youngest students are the icing on the cake!

Student Artwork

JL: Give us some titles of your favorite books. Any kind~ fiction, non-fiction, or art related. 

RA: Some books that have been really useful to me professionally this year are: Catherine Moon’s “Studio Art Therapy”, Seth Godin’s “Linchpin”, “Teaching with Poverty in Mind” by Eric Jensen, “Children’s Solution Work” by Insoo Kim Berg and Therese Steiner, 
and just about anything on mindfulness by neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel. 
Some artists who inspire me are Scottish land artist Andy Goldsworthy, Brazilian street artist Vik Muniz (Waste Land) and dancer/ choreographer Bill T Jones (“Still/ Here”). 

Rachell's students

JL: Future plans and dreams? For yourself? The school?

RA: The future is looking really bright at the new Monarch campus! I look forward to bringing in more interns from San Diego’s premier expressive arts training program, the Expressive Arts Institute. They will be able to provide more individual therapy, parent support services and more engaging after school activities for our teens. It would also be wonderful to collaborate with professional artists in various disciplines to raise the level of artistic work that our students are exposed to. It’s always been a dream of mine to develop some kind of performance group that shares student stories, poetry, music, dance and art with the school and the greater community to raise awareness and make important connections. 
For me personally, I hope to carve out more time for my little boy, who is my favorite work of art in progress, and get myself back into a dance or art class. Nourishing me as a mother and artist is crucial to staying energized in this important work! 

Baby Kai, by Rachelle Archer

Read more of my Interviews as Inspiration:
Cas Holmes, textile artist
Mary Beth Shaw, artist and Stencil Girl Products founder
Marcia Derse, textile designer
Lesley Riley, artist and author
Danny Gregory, artist and author
Judy Reeves, writer
Carlo Roberts, The Blue Walk travel company founder
Jane Powell, Random Arts owner