Monday, February 04, 2008

music to my ears



The Yes We Can Song
by will.i.am

I was sitting in my recording studio watching the debates...
Torn between the candidates

I was never really big on politics...
and actually I’m still not big on politics...
but 4 years ago, me and the black eyed peas supported Kerry...
And we supported Kerry with all our might...
We performed and performed and performed for the DNC...
doing all we could do to get the youth involved...

The outcome of the last 2 elections has saddened me...
on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful,
corrupt, and just simply, how wrong the world and "politics" are...

So this year i wanted to get involved and do all i could early...

And i found myself torn...
because this time it’s not that simple...
our choices aren’t as clear as the last elections ...
last time it was so obvious...
Bush and war
vs
no Bush and no war...

But this time it’s not that simple...
and there are a lot of people that are torn just like i am...

So for awhile I put it off and i was going to wait until it was decided for me...

And then came New Hampshire...

And i was captivated...

Inspired...

I reflected on my life...
and the blessings I have...
and the people who fought for me to have these rights and blessings...

and I’m not talking about a "black thing"
I’m talking about a "human thing" me as a "person"
an American...

That speech made me think of Martin Luther King...
Kennedy...
and Lincoln...
and all the others that have fought for what we have today...

what America is "supposed" to be...

freedom...
equality...
and truth...

and thats not what we have today...
we think we are free...
but in reality terror and fear controls our decisions...

this is not the America that our pioneers and leaders fought and
died for...

and then there was New Hampshire

it was that speech...
like many great speeches...
that one moved me...
because words and ideas are powerful...

It made me think...
and realize that today we have "very few" leaders...
maybe none...

but that speech...

it inspired me...
it inspired me to look inside myself and outwards towards the world...
it inspired me to want to change myself to better the world...
and take a "leap" towards change...
and hope that others become inspired to do the same...
change themselves..
change their greed...
change their fears...
and if we "change that"
"then hey"..
we got something right...???...

1 week later after the speech settled in me...
I began making this song...
I came up with the idea to turn his speech into a song...
because that speech effected and touched my inner core like nothing in a very long time...

it spoke to me...

because words and ideas are powerful...

I just wanted to add a melody to those words...
I wanted the inspiration that was bubbling inside me to take over...

so i let it..

I wasn't afraid to stand for something...
to stand for "change"...
I wasn't afraid of "fear"...
it was pure inspiration...

so I called my friends...
and they called their friends...
in a matter of 2 days...
We made the song and video...

Usually this process would take months...
a bunch of record company people figuring out strategies and release dates...
interviews...
all that stuff...
but this time i took it in my own hands...
so i called my friends sarah pantera, mike jurkovac, fred goldring, and jesse dylan to help make it happen...
and they called their friends..
and we did it together in 48 hours...
and instead of putting it in the hands of profit we put it in the hands of inspiration...

then we put it on the net for the world to feel...

When you are truly inspired..
magic happens...
incredible things happen...
love happens..
(and with that combination)

"love, and inspiration"

change happens...

"change for the better"
Inspiration breeds change...

"Positive change"...

no one on this planet is truly experienced to handle the obstacles we face today...
Terror, fear, lies, agendas, politics, money, all the above...
It’s all scary...

Martin Luther King didn't have experience to lead...
Kennedy didn't have experience to lead...
Susan B. Anthony...
Nelson Mandella...
Rosa Parks...
Gandhi...
Anne Frank...
and everyone else who has had a hand in molding the freedoms we have and take for granted today...

no one truly has experience to deal with the world today...

they just need "desire, strength, courage ability, and passion" to change...
and to stand for something even when people say it's not possible...

America would not be here "today" if we didn’t stand and fight for
change "yesterday"...
Everything we have as a "people" is because of the "people" who fought for
change...
and whoever is the President has to realize we have a lot of changing to do

I'm not trying to convince people to see things how i do...
I produced this song to share my new found inspiration and how I've been moved...
I hope this song will make you feel...
love...
and think...
and be inspired just like the speech inspired me...

that’s all...


Let's all come together like America is supposed to...
Like Japan did after Hiroshima...

that was less than 65 years ago...
and look at Japan now...

they did it together...
they did it...

"We can't?...

Are you serious..?..

WE CAN!!!

Yes we can...
A United "America"
Democrats, Republicans and Independents together...
Building a new America

We can do it...
"TOGETHER"

Thank you for reading and listening...
will.i.am

Please visit www.yeswecansong.com

posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 7:39 PM | 7 comments

Monday, January 14, 2008

the creative mind

rightvslft_lrg.gif

Do you ever wonder how creative you really are? Before you answer this question, know that being creative doesn’t necessarily mean you can paint, dance or write music...rather creativity shows itself as a way of thinking, processing and seeing things.

Besides the fact that I've always been fascinated with the workings of the brain, I've often wondered where creativity (not talent) really comes from; i.e., nature or nurture? After taking the Brain Type Test (created by the Art Institute of Vancouver) I gained some valuable insight about the way my brain processes, learns and categorizes information.

The brain is composed of two hemispheres, known as the left and right hemisphere. While each hemisphere has unique functions, which one side performs and the other does not, both hemispheres possess the ability to analyze sensory data, perform memory functions, learn new information, form thoughts, and make decisions. By the time we are two years old, one hemisphere begins to dominate our decision-making and creative processes.

The left hemisphere specializes in analytical thought. It is responsible for dealing with "hard" facts such as abstractions, structure, discipline, rules, time sequences, mathematics, categorizing, logic, rationality, and deductive reasoning. It is also responsible for details, knowledge, definitions, planning, goals, words, productivity, efficiency, science, technology, stability, extraversion, physical activity, and the right side of the body. Left hemisphere ability is the predominant focus in school and society.

The right hemisphere specializes in "softer" aspects than the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere is responsible for intuition, feelings, sensitivity, emotions, daydreaming, visualizing, creativity, color, spatial awareness, and first impressions. It is also responsible for rhythm, spontaneity, impulsiveness, the physical senses, risk-taking, flexibility and variety, learning by experience, relationships, mysticism, play and sports, introversion, humor, motor skills, and the left side of the body (the old belief that left-handed people are more creative does hold some scientific credence). The right hemisphere also has a holistic method of perception that is able to recognize patterns and similarities and combines those elements into new forms.

The Brain Type Test consists of 54 questions and can be completed in about 10 minutes. After completing the test, you will be given your free left and right brain score. You will also be given a small detailed paragraph explaining the characteristics that are associated with your each side. The detailed evaluation explains the exact nature of your brain's halves' ability to communicate with each other and how that communication affects your life in how you learn, remember, process data, and contemplate issues.


Here are my results:

Left Brain: 41%...........Right Brain: 59%

Left-brained percentages:
54% reality-based
32% linear
27% sequential
21% logical
17% symbolic
14% verbal

Right-brained percentages:
44% fantasy oriented
43% intuitive
38% nonverbal
37% concrete
34% random
30% holisitic


While I wasn't surprised to see that I'm more right-brained than left-brained, I found the breakdown of information in each hemisphere incredibly useful for explaining a number of things...like why my mixed media work tends to always demonstrate a sense of order amongst chaos.

air mail
"air mail" © 2006 kelly angard

Take the test...and see if the results shed some creative light for you!

please note: While the test was created using extensive and detailed research, the purpose of this tests is (1) for education and general knowledge, (2) to provide a fun and useful tool and (3) promote a greater understanding of creativity.

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 9:41 AM | 6 comments

Thursday, January 10, 2008

layers of meaning...

choose.jpg
"choose"
© 2007 Mask

Please don't just look at Mask's art...look into it. Look deep into it's layers and you'll find more than a variety of rich colors and interesting textures...you'll find layers rich with meaning and symbolism. Look deep into it's layers and you'll hear a voice which whispers just as soulfully as it screams.

One look and you won't easily turn away...there's just too much to see...experience...feel. His work runs deep...and reminds us of what it's like when pain stands on the other side of love's door.

Mask's dark work has flickers of hope running through it...intuitive storytelling at it's finest. To see more of Masks work, check out his flicker site here.


campfire1.jpg
"campfire"
© 2007 Mask

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 3:15 PM | 2 comments

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

defining moments

flagged.jpg
"dawn's early light"
© 2007 kelly angard

Big decisions lie ahead for each and each and every one of us...for our country.

The 2008 political race has just begun...and so has the questions. There's an undeniable excitement and desire for change in the air, and it looks as if the 2008 Presidential elections will be one of the most exciting political races in history!

Find out which candidates are most aligned with your views and opinions by taking the Select-a-Candidate Survey developed by Minnesota Public Radio. The survey is non-partisan and not meant to pick the candidate for you...rather it is designed to inform the public of the various stances each candidate makes.

Education is a human right with immense power to transform.
On its foundation rests the cornerstones of freedom,
democracy and sustainable human development.
- Kofi Annan

No matter your political party or views...participate in this year's election;
...be a part of history!

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 7:46 AM | 1 comments

Monday, January 07, 2008

Constant Change...

Frankenspine
"Frankenspine"
© 2007 kelly angard

If there's one thing we can always count on...it's change.

After years of my back supporting me through three decades of competitive sports, the births of two beautiful children and more difficult situations than I can remember...the time came for me to give my spine the care it needs to carry me through the rest of my life. So...a few months ago, I had some serious hardware added to this vital yet delicate structure...6 screws and 4 rods were attached to my lower spine during a double level spine fusion surgery.

I am now doing really well...feeling a little more like myself each and every day. I think this is going to be a long journey...longer than I'd like...but I'm committed to returning to my previous strength and activity level. I know I'll come out of this experience healthier and stronger...and one centimeter taller!!! :)

I've come to realize that when it comes to our personal challenges, as long as we keep putting one foot in front of the other, we are moving forward...no matter how small or slow the step.

Our bodies are amazing...
 Medical technology is incredible...
 and
Life is beautiful.
 :)

Happy New Year to you all...

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 1:53 PM | 10 comments

Saturday, September 29, 2007

shadowland

shadowland
© 2007 kelly angard

"Across the broad continent of a woman's life falls the shadow of a sword. On one side is all correct, definite, orderly; the paths are strait, the trees regular, the sun shaded; escorted by gentlemen, protected by policemen, wedded and buried by clergymen, she has only to walk demurely from cradle to grave and no one will touch a hair of her head.
But on the other side is all confusion. Nothing follows a regular course..."
from the essay "Harriette Wilson" by Virginia Woolfe

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 2:24 PM | 9 comments

Thursday, July 12, 2007

the secret

the secret
© 2007 kelly angard

Don't you love it when the truth is so wonderfully simple?

available at my etsy store

posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 9:18 AM | 17 comments

Thursday, May 24, 2007

remember

remember
© 2007 kelly angard

Tell me and I'll forget;
Show me and I may remember;
Involve me and I'll understand.
Chinese Proverb

prints available here

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 9:11 AM | 18 comments

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Exhibition Press Release...

I am so very excited and honored to be a part of this exhibition...

upcoming exhibition!

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 7:45 AM | 9 comments

Sunday, May 20, 2007

light touch

light touch
© 2007 kelly angard

We don't exist unless we are deeply and sensually in touch
with that which can be touched but not known.
- D.H. Lawrence

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 9:00 PM | 3 comments

Thursday, May 17, 2007

pen & ink illustration

rose drops
"rose drops"
© 2007 kelly angard

pen & ink illustration over ink abstract wash
size: 11"x11"

prints available at my etsy store

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 4:38 PM | 10 comments

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

cross my heart

cross my heart
© 2007 kelly angard

We promise according to our hopes and perform according to our fears.
- François de la Rochefoucauld

i have a feeling this quote will be responsible for many pages of writing today...

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 8:41 AM | 9 comments

Monday, May 14, 2007

every object, every being...

barely there
"Barely There"
© 2007 kelly angard

Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.
- rumi

prints available at my etsy site.

i found the perfect quote for the photo art (above) in this gorgeous journal i received from
Leah through the Create a Connection April swap:
rumi journal
© 2007 kelly angard

Thanks so much Leah...I love everything about this journal!

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 6:14 AM | 3 comments

Thursday, May 10, 2007

ambiguous horizon

ambiguous horizon
© 2007 kelly angard

Everywhere the human soul stands between a hemisphere of light and another of darkness; on the confines of the two everlasting empires, necessity and free will.
- Thomas Carlyle

theme: on the street
for:

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posted by The Crafty-Girl™ at 8:45 AM | 16 comments