The Magic of Wood-graining

Some of you have wondered what I've been up to so I thought I would post pictures of some of my work:

To begin I painted the door a pink color and then proceeded to work with stains and sealer to achieve the look of wood, working from the innermost part of a door and then out from there.

Final result.  ©Studio Deeba 2011

These doors are made to replicate Maple Burl Wood ©2011 Studio deeba

This was a sample that didn't make it.  I lost the work because the gold highlights were too bold.  But, I like it!  I think it's very french.  ©2011 Studio Deeba

©2011 Studio Deeba

Close-up on Maple Burl.  ©2011 Studio Deeba

Ceiling Detail.  ©2011 Studio Deebea

Sample of stone above to real stone below.  Lost the bid because the sample was slightly darker...Easy change, but I lost it on this technicality.

Right now I am finishing work on the detail of another ceiling.  I probably have enough work for about 20 more days in Jakarta and then it is on to Minneapolis for the christmas Holiday.  I had hoped to see Bali but am not sure if I can.  So maybe a trip to Jobja will suffice.  :)  Later my friends.

Walking the Path

"Joker" © 2001 Studio Deeba  

The last two weeks have been quite the challenge for me here in Jakarta.  I've experienced loss and have actually been dazed by it.  I've lost the friendship of a colleague and half the revenue in my contract.  What does one do when they've been hoodwinked, set up for failure and betrayed, and it's all done with a smile, hug and pat on the back?

The answer is difficult to carry out...but once tried, it becomes easier:  Find compassion, forgive, walk away, but never forget.

To find compassion, I recalled an experience I had with two friends of mine (a couple).  My words came full force and broadsided not only me, but were very hurtful to my friends.  I did not mean to do this but it happened.  My intention was to provide support and insight, instead it was just seen as betrayal and criticism.    I worked hard through apology and good acts to make right such a terrible wrong - which I don't think will ever be made right.

"Creativity"  ©2000 Studio Deeba

Remembering this situation helped me find my compassion.  Now, how to forgive?  Easy, just release it.  Don't own or incorporate the incidents that happened, don't accept.  Just walk the path of light and love.  Release.  Let go and all the situations fall away.


Walk away.  Don't incorporate any further actions with the perpetrator.  Understand they are who they are and where they are on their path and it has nothing to do with anyone other than themselves.  Don't own their monkeys (One Minute Manager advice).

Never forget:  Understand these experiences are just that.  Experiences.  Protect one's self from it happening again and then move on.  See the red flags and act with dignity.  Turn the other way, head held high and know you have walked the Path of light and love and not deceit and betrayal.

And, although I don't do this often, I would like to add:  As the Bible says, "Greater is He within me than the forces in the world."
All will be okay.  Now, How to turn Lemons into Lemonade......yum.  :)

Tapping In and Turning On

About twelve years ago I was standing two feet in front of "Kid" Johnny Lang who was playing for a private party in Minneapolis.  It was amazing.  I saw this protege lose himself transcending into the music.  Consequently, everyone in the room transcended "the self" and moved into the space of music that Johnny Lang was creating.  It was a pivotal moment for me in my life as an artist.  After twenty-five years in Corporate, I was getting up my nerve to paint and be an artist.  The thought was just forming and I was beginning to understand how it worked through this experience.  Needless to say, I was effected deeply and well, the bug of creativity bit me.

Throughout the last ten years of being an artist, I have discovered how to "tap in and turn on" much like Johnny...much like any artisan.   What does this mean?  I think it's the process of being empathic.  Honing the ability to tap into energy other than the self, interpret it and then express.  I think once this technique is acquired, then tapping into the self can also be done.  To have the ability to absorb, pull inside, Interpret, and then express is rather mesmerizing.  It can be quite an intentional process or one of great abandonment.

"Me" ©1994 Studio Deeba

You know alot of people say artists are so emotional.  It's not true.  We are able to feel the emotions in the air or the way something effects us - or you - or civilization, in such a raw and visceral manner.  We are able to feel...So many people spend their lives trying to get in touch with their feelings.  I'm not only in touch with my feelings, I'm in touch with the vibe in a room, the emotions and feelings with the person next to me on the bus or the person 20 feet away who is looking at and experiencing me transcending the self and expressing art.  Everything influences me and comes through my brush.

I've often thought the talent of an artist isn't really that they can "draw" or "paint," "dance," "sculpt," "write," or "sing," but that they can be open to "tapping in and turning on."  Wether that's through the brush, the hands, the voice.  You get the idea?

The next time you experience the arts, try to trust, let go of yourself and totally get lost in the experience.  Just allow yourself to be in the moment of transcending the self.

THANK YOU JOHNNY LANG!  Check him out:http://www.last.fm/music/Jonny+Lang/+videos/+1-9gTXBfAYJfo