Kristine's next adventure

I have 21 days left to raise money for my next career move! It has been an exciting process and I have found myself touched tremendously by the generosity of many. The idea of YOU becoming a 'backer' moves me on multiple levels because not only are you supporting a financial need but you are also stepping forward as one more believing spirit, nodding and affirming my dream.

I have raised just over $1700. If just one person decides to make a $3000 pledge, my Kickstarter goal will be met. By doing this you will receive one of my newest creations. This sculpture will be created after the trip so that some of my newfound influences can be expressed in wire. Based on the current possibilities and growth taking place in my career, this piece is being offered at a very 'friendly' price (my prices will gradually increase next year).

I hope you will become a part of my adventure. I appreciate your help - both big and small.

GO TO KICKSTARTER! 
Thanks for everything!

P.S. To entice you further, I have added a new pledge incentive to the sidebar of my Kickstarter page. Pledge $200. or more -- Big LOVE! This limited edition love set is one flat sculpted piece. These shiny gold letters accented with a small burgundy heart are a reminder of the transformative power of love.

december

Taking a leap! As we roll into another year, I am taking some big steps in my career. I have been focused not only on the work I create and exhibit here in San Francisco, but the variety of opportunities that are coming my way. I want to share more of my work with the world.
Help me travel to New Orleans so I can capture the essence of the city's culture and 'breathe' it into wire. Please support my latest project.

Go to Kickstarter, read my latest news, Take action! READ ABOUT IT HERE.

my newest sculpture
title: The Sweetest Gift
medium: wire
size: 40 in. (h) x 20 in. (w) x 9 in. (d)
price: $2000.
color: gold, brushed with silver

Self acceptance is the sweetest gift of all.

the spirit of the season no 8

When I was a little girl I'd drive my mom nuts around this time of year because each Christmas season for about 5 years I'd attempt the same project - making a gingerbread house. Each year I'd fail and after hours of grueling aggravation you'd see a plate full of mis-shaped 'walls' and 'roof'  pieces and 'doors' waiting to be eaten by my brothers who always seemed super pleased when I finally gave up so they could eat the cookies they'd smelled baking all day.

This was before the time of pre-made kits. I did not understand how to prepare a gingerbread house. I just knew I wanted what I saw on the front of the Good Housekeeping magazine. I'd get lost  trying to measure and cut perfect shapes. The frosting was too thin. The cookies burned. The cookies were too thin or lopsided… Each year brought new problems but I always tried to start again when a new year arrived - having forgotten my previous disappointments. Finally, after too many failed attempts I gave up. I must say though - there was a longing for making that perfect gingerbread house! Now whenever we see a gingerbread house while out with family members, they look at me with a knowing smile and start talking about the adventures we had over spilled flour and confectioners sugar.

A few years ago I made a pre-made kit with my nieces and nephew. I was so excited - even as they dropped candy on the floor and sneezed and used their germ-filled little hands to place candy onto thick paste-like frosting. I knew we'd never eat the houses and the excitement of seeing it completed was worth it!

Imagine my glee when I saw THIS gingerbread house! I showed my mom the photos and she looked at them in a blissful way - like she knew my longing.

Check out this incredible vision of perfection!!

This is a replica of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater House.

Read about the project here.

Here's a photo of the original house.

the spirit of the season no 7

Lighten up! Add some hip-hop favor to your holidays!

the spirit of the season no 6

Breathing Space: Take In the Sky

Have you ever considered the fleeting beauty of clouds overhead? Take pause, be present and look up.

the spirit of the season no 5

All I want for Christmas is YOU!
How can you watch this and not smile? I had to watch a few times because it is amusing to see these professional musicians playing classroom toys with such passion and zeal!

Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, and The Roots!

the spirit of the season no 4

From "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration"

"Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" is a critically acclaimed gospel album by various artists, released in 1992.It has been widely praised for its use of multiple genres of black music including spirituals, blues, ragtime, big band, jazz fusion, R&B and hip-hop.

the spirit of the season no 3

Handel's Messiah - Comfort Ye My People

Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

the spirit of the season no 2

TEDxEast - Carmen DeLavallade The Creation: Plus 40

the spirit of the season

I have found that as each year comes and goes, it sometimes get more difficult to slow down and actually enjoy the meaning behind the holiday season. I hate when it becomes a rush to get things bought and the year wrapped up rather than experiencing the significance of it all.
Today I wrote this in my journal (next to my to-do list)

substance over stuff
meaning over superficiality
memories over rituals and routines

In order to pause for a moment, I've decided to share something (hopefully) each day leading up to December 25th that may help you and me to reflect on the holidays, if even for a moment.

Spielberg on taking risks

I was watching Oprah's Next Chapter last night as Oprah interviewed Steven Spielberg about his latest film "Lincoln". I sat listening and watching when out of the blue Spielberg said something that instantly brought tears to my eyes.

Oprah praised his work and made a remark how even after all of his success and his achievements, how he still managed to raise the bar even higher with this film. He responded by explaining that fearlessness was the enemy for him. If he was doing something that made him feel so comfortable that he felt fearless because it was easy and he had it all worked out - that this would not be good and in fact would mean that he was not pushing to another level. Then he told her how every day as he got ready to go to the set of this latest film he felt a certain upset stomach, nauseous feeling. He said that in the unease, the uncomfortable anxiety he pushed further because he knew he was taking a risk and treading through a vulnerable place as he explored in a way he'd never done before. And that - he said is what helps him make great work.

I found myself pushing away tears because I could understand and relate. I struggle with that anxiety and irritation the rises up as I create new work. Before each show I go through a period of struggle and frustration, anxiety as I get ready to put out work that may or may not be understood, or accepted, or entertained. I felt relief and this feeling like I wasn't alone when I heard his remarks.

five senses

SEE
- my new shoes. I wanted them since last winter. I saw them when they were first offered and then kept checking and checking over the months, pondering if I would take the leap and get them. They are leather with words carved into the shoes - quotes like:
Be the peace you want to be.
True beauty flows from within and spills outward.
 Stand proud in the love you have been given.
Wherever you go give thanks. Your soul will direct your future.
I feel like these are the shoes I must wear as I step into the next chapter of my life. I love how they came packaged too - with a special shoe bag, a little note, candy canes, a sticker and a button!

HEAR
- my nephew crying. He fights going to sleep at night so it takes at least an hour of tears before he gives up and falls asleep.
- the rain beating against the window like a meditative soundtrack

TASTE
- lentils over rice along with buttery cornbread
- a turkey, bacon and blue cheese panini sandwich on sourdough bread eaten with a new friend at a beautiful 4 star restaurant
- warm crab and artichoke dip served with herb sprinkled flatbread

FEEL
- sneezing, runny nose, body aches
- that sluggish feeling you get when you are fighting a cold
- my head spinning as I plan and work on future projects

 SMELL
- Vicks menthol
- my 'ocean' smelling bath gel