Star Story: A visual tale about encountering difference

Earthbound

Scattered

Finding

Gathering

Growing

Encounter

Interaction

Sharing

Interpreting

Reacting

\

Shattering

Healing

Inquiring

Imagining

Reframing

Reflection Questions

Here are some questions you might consider reflecting on. I’d love to hear any answers you’d like to share in the comments below.

• Have you ever felt separated from your real people?
• How have you found the people you love?
• What are your favorite things to do?
• What benefits from your love?
• How do you greet differences?
• When does it feel safe to share what is in your heart?
• Who do you share your heart dreams with?
• What moves you to respond quickly?
• What do you do when you feel deeply hurt?
• What helps to soothe your heart when it feels broken?
• Who helps you feel whole again?
• What do you do when you have accidentally hurt someone?
• How do you start to heal a rift with the other?
• What gives you hope that there is another way?

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Continuing to tweet stories

I’m interested in figuring out how to use social media and images to inspire conversations. I know how to use the images face to face, but I’m not sure the best way to do it online. So I am experimenting, playing with Facebook, Twitter, and my online gallery.

I learned a lot last week about tweeting links to story panels. Twice a day I would post a panel on Facebook, and put out a tweet about it. The story was about the Head & Heart, and you can see the images in this slideshow. The story itself was written into the captions on the gallery.

What I learned

I didn’t put enough words in my tweets to give people enough information about what I was doing, so they found it hard to follow. I found it hard to get a sense of what it looked like from the receiving end. Fortunately, I have followers who were willing to help me craft a better approach for another story this week. This time I have a tweet formula, which will number the parts of the story, and ask reflection questions.

My artwork is used to inspire insight and conversations. My goal is to figure out if it is possible to do the same using social media. Still not sure, but I’m certainly going to try. I hope you will help me figure out the best options.

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Tweeting Stories

I’m working on a new product line called Exploring My Options. It’s a system that will include a deck of images, workbooks and worksheets to explore a whole range of topics. Part of what I am exploring is how to bring it to market in new ways, and without printing a lot of inventory. I’m exploring licensing, digital downloads, video and print on demand.

One piece I am playing with are stories that introduce the ideas in a course. I have been painting images for this, that will also become some kind of storytelling deck. Archetypal themes, with the ability to not only explore your relationship to that story, but also offer the opportunity to rewrite it.

Right now, the images are available as prints or digital downloads for web use. If you want to see purchase options, use the add to cart button on the gallery page. It doesn’t really add anything to a cart, it shows you the options in case you are interested. Not my favorite feature of this gallery, but the prints they produce are beautiful, so I am compromising.

Heart Story

I started exploring unfolding these pictorial stories by tweeting and using my Facebook status. I did the first one last week, one panel a day. Some of the panels were in last weeks slideshow, since it started out with my exploring Valentines Day as an idea. Here is the whole thing.

Next up: The Head and the Heart

This week I’m doing a story about the Head and the Heart. I will tweet panels and post them to my Facebook page, every morning and afternoon PST. This time there is a word story too. My hope is you will follow along, and let me know what its like to have a story unfold like this. It’s all an experiment. I also invite you to tell your version of the story in the comments on the gallery pages.

If you aren’t on twitter or Facebook, you can follow along on the story page in the gallery.

If you have other ideas about how to use social media to share art, I would love to hear them . Just leave a comment below. Suggestions for how to make this idea work better are also welcome.

This is part of my commitment to Creative Every Day 2010.

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Moving Vision into Action

Vision is great, but how often does it get created then put aside? Getting clear is certainly helpful and some things will occur as a result, but I want to work more consistently with my vision this year.

Creating a Mind Map

Mind maps organize information in a visual sense, so that is where I started. I have a tendency to create elaborate mind maps with hundreds of elements. I knew this wasn’t going to work, so I focused on identifying the key action areas that were the next steps in moving toward my vision. I use MindManager to create my maps.

There is still a lot here, but at least for this week, it felt like a manageable number of things to think about.

Looking for chunks to focus on

When I work on a big project, I work on everything at once. Doing something until I either finish or get stuck, then shift to the next thing. In the last few months, I’ve had  a bigger chance of getting stuck than finished, so I have been bouncing around a lot. Over a much wider range of tasks than is on this mindmap.

I am using the mind map to help select tasks to work on. I’m asking myself a couple of things:

• How can I select an action that will further multiple areas?
• What is easy that will clear space?.
• What feels stuck, but has a lot of payoff if I can clear it?

Going for Maximum Effect

Looking at my map, I saw I have a lot of content to develop. The end results will be used for different purposes on both sides of the map, but there is overlap in the general topics. I have years worth of articles, posts, case studies, handouts, and designs scattered all over the place. Some embedded in newsletters, some in the blog archives, in various folders on multiple hard drives. Just thinking about this felt yucky. There was no technology structure in place to help me keep track of it. Perfect example of something that offered big payoff and could effect multiple areas. Now just to find a way to make it easy.

I decided to use Google Sites to build a simple website to store all the parts. I selected a project template and built it out in a few hours. It is easy to make it accessible to only those I chose, so I can open it to selected contractors as well as our internal company members.  Once the framework was in place, I just had to find all the pieces and put them there. But look at what I gained:

• Created an off site back up of all the content
• Made it easy to share files in remote locations
• Organized content by topics that make sense for developing

I was able to get movement across the whole map. I did not have to use peak time to find, copy and paste, so I got a lot of it done during my less productive afternoon hours.

I still had time to paint!

Being more strategic in my choices, it was easier to spend time painting. I wasn’t as worried about using it to avoid other things. Besides I’ve committed to  being Creative Every Day . I’ve been doing a series of paintings about the winter holidays, now I’m doing a story about heart which is only half done. You can see them in this slideshow.

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Vision for 2010

Creating a vision board

I’ve been participating in a variety of processes recently to pick themes to focus on for the upcoming year. It’s something I have done off and on over the years, sometimes with a lot of accompanying artwork and journaling, sometimes something much simpler.This year I spent New Years Day creating a collage vision board.  Although the VisualsSpeak process looks like collages, it isn’t designed in the same way. Mainly because you don’t design, rather you allow the images to speak to you.

Part of me is ambivalent about vision boards. Mainly because I think it is too easy to simply create a visual story that reflects the story you want to hear, or one that you often tell. This year I have done a bunch of reflection and guided visualization around what I want to bring into my business. Given that, I felt comfortable creating a vision board that expresses what I want for 2010 in a visual form.

2009

Last year was focused on building a new foundation for the business. I spent a lot of time researching new models and structures as well as recognizing I had to bring more of myself back into the core. I started painting in traditional media again after 15 years.

Working with my business partner, we decided to expand beyond focusing on creating tools for professionals to creating tools that can be used individually as well as in groups. We also committed to creating tools that will be delivered digitally rather than being conventionally printed.

We have a general plan, lots of products in development, and many of the technical support systems selected. We have identified a group of professionals who will partner with us to develop content on a range of topics. It’s been lots of fun designing. Time to put it into practice.

Prosperity: Economic Viability, Community, and Connection

For 2010, it’s clear to me I have to place more attention on the core economic drivers. The foundation of the collage is about this. Taking a long term view, looking at million dollar ideas rather than getting stuck on short term income. Minding the structural systems, and delegating parts to those who are good at them. Becoming the driver of the boat rather than a passenger.

The middle of the collage is all about connection. With the team that is co-developing content, as well as the messaging systems we use to reach out to the top part of the collage, which are our customers. Oh, and the intention that I will spend next year’s holidays relaxing in some warm tropical place in the top left corner. And a nice empty space for surprises and opportunities that arise on the path.

How does this help?

One of the things I struggle with as a business owner is keeping my focus on the strategic priorities rather than just taking care of what shows up in my email inbox. This gives me the overview of what I need to do. Next up, I will need to drill in deeper to get clear about exactly which activities serve each of the areas. The image hangs behind my computer, so it’s what I see every time I look up.

It will also be helpful to make a list of things that don’t fit in these areas. Then really look at how many of them really need to be done, and which things can be delegated.

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Power of Visual Communication

If you missed my December 9 Webinar about the Power of Visual Communication, you can view the full program here.

In the webinar, I talk about some of the many uses for the VisualsSpeak ImageSet. Here’s a quick breakdown of what I covered:

• Why use visuals?
• Heart Image icebreaker
• How conversations change when using visuals
• Research in creating VisualsSpeak
• Facilitation Model we use
• Case Study- Developing cultural competence in future leaders
• Case Study- Change Management Initiative and Team Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Strategic Visioning
• Question & Answer

Time: 43 minutes

You can download a free copy of the Heart Image exercise I show at the beginning of the webinar on the VisualsSpeak website.

You can get 20% off any VisualsSpeak product until Jan 9, 2010 by entering the coupon code (vswebcast) in the shopping cart

• VisualsSpeak ImageSet deluxe version Regular price $495 - Sale price $396!
• VisualsSpeak ImageSet Lite Regular price $425 - Sale price $340!
  

Being an experiential facilitator, it was strange to work from a script on PowerPoint. Even though there were over 300 people signed up for the call, I was talking to my computer monitor and a cat. It was such a relief to have attendees ask questions so I could get a sense of the audience. So different than working with the energy in the room with a face-to-face audience.

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Free VisualsSpeak Webinar on Dec 9!

There is still time to register! Take a look below. The session will be recorded.

I’ll be talking about using the VisualsSpeak ImageSet on a Webinar hosted by our new distributor, HRDQ. This is a free event and I would love to have you join me.

This is what HRDQ has to say about the ImageSet.

The Power of Visual Communication

Explore the power of visual communication! This webcast will open your eyes to a new way of communicating that will transform the way you engage your audience in the training classroom.

Studies show that accessing the whole brain accelerates learning and makes it more meaningful. But typically, conventional training methods rely solely on verbal communication.  Using visual imagery is an effective and powerful way to surface issues, establish rapport, and generate dialogue that far exceeds what can be accomplished using dialogue alone. Join author Christine Martell as she explores how visual communication can tap into the psyche of your learners to create a learning experience that is rich and most likely more powerful than anything you’ve experienced as a trainer.

What You’ll Learn:
• Discover the power of visual communication and its importance in the training classroom.
• How to surface differences, establish rapport, and generate dialogue with your audience.
• Explore real-world examples of how visual communication can improve the learning experience.
• How to apply visual communication to team building, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.

When:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Click here to register

Reflections on Art Every Day Month

I participated with Leah Piken Kolidas on her  Art Every Day Month on Creative Every Day. I created a daily painting for thirty days. They are all universal themes we encounter in life. I’ll be using them in a new product line I am creating called Exploring My Options. The images will be used to help people identify themes in their lives and work with them more effectively. Here is the whole month of paintings.

Art Critiques

I’ve danced with being a professional artist for many years. I’ve always made income from some aspect of my artwork, but it has never been successful enough to be the only thing I do. There are a couple of things about being a studio artist that have never worked for me. One is being alone in my studio, and then having the thing I do when I go out is try to sell. I’ve done galleries, craft shows, studio sales. A big part of it is listening to people criticize your work. It’s too expensive, their kids could have done it, it’s not a particular style that they like, its not the right color to match the couch. Most artists can list a similar litany. Standard stuff.

Art school prepared me. I went to class where teachers and fellow students told me everything that is wrong with whatever I had done. At the end of every semester we had to hang all our work in a room so the faculty and imported critics from New York could discuss what we had done. I remember watching classmates come out of those rooms in tears. I remember walking out of those rooms in tears. I remember nothing that was said or what we were supposed to learn from it.

I have a recurring nightmare where a team from my art school come to revoke my degree because I don’t do work up to their standards. I graduated 27 years ago. Might have a few scars?

Posting on Facebook and Twitter

I created a gallery on Zenfolio where people could order prints of VisualsSpeak photographs and the artwork from Exploring My Options. It has the ability to post links and photos on Facebook and Twitter. I had already been painting every other day for six months, so to add some extra challenge for myself, I decided I would post links to the painting I had finished the day before.

I discovered some interesting things right away. Several people who know me fairly well didn’t know it was my artwork. Even though I define my self as an artist first, other people didn’t. To them I am a facilitator, trainer, educator, even a blogger.

Two of my art school roommates are friends on Facebook. I haven’t been in touch with them until recently. I found myself wondering if they would turn me in to the art school we attended for doing unacceptable art.  (This has nothing to do with my roommates, and everything to do with their association with the old place.) I’m pretty sure that doing art to facilitate conversation wouldn’t be real popular. Too utilitarian. Certainly too affordable. Not acceptable high art at all. Part of me knew it was not rational. Then the dream came back again. They are coming to get my art degree.

People are only saying nice things

Right away people started clicking the like button on Facebook. Leaving encouraging comments. Others retweeted the links on Twitter and added comments there. People left comments on the Zenfolio site. Sent emails. 36 different people commented 159 times on Facebook. 29 more commented 47 times on the gallery. Lots more on Twitter.

I don’t have any illusion about everyone liking my work. I know it has a particular style and is not going to be for everyone. Which is fine, normal, expected.What was unexpected was not having any idea how to respond to all the nice comments. I had never put my work out anywhere before and received just positive feedback. I’m sure the other comments were there, but I didn’t get them. People don’t seem to go to the trouble to make nasty comments very often online.

I started to realize the impact of the years of criticism. There is a place in my core that had hardened and frozen in response. The professional me that learned to suck it up and deflect it elsewhere. Halfway through the month, one of those college roommates started commenting on my work. The anxiety around the imagined diploma repossessors started to ease.

The last day of the month

It was just an off day. Full moon, too much to do, I could come up with stories and reasons. Underneath it, I was grieving the end of this  time where I was feeling consistent encouragement. Then I got an email from a friend who liked my work and asked about prices. Later another friend bought a print.

Toward dinner time, my friend and creativity colleague Barbara Martin sent her newsletter with this piece of wisdom:

you must believe in your own heart and mind, with your entire being, that time spent on your creativity is essential. Non-negotiable.

She even includes permission slips…. I realized I could continue to create my own priority. Continue to post my work just because I wanted to, just to share it with the world.

After dinner, I got a note on Facebook from my freshman roommate, who shared my textile major throughout the rest of my time there. I’m sure she had no idea how profound her note or timing was.

…I enjoy looking at your artwork. How do have the time do do it all? They are very nice….Nice job Kiddo.

It was like a dam broke and I couldn’t stop crying. It released pieces from the years of enduring harsh comments, the pain I still carried from so long ago. I had no idea it was all in there. The frozen pieces started releasing with a torrent of emotion.

My husband came in and turned on the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. I watched it through my tears, relating to the Grinch in a whole new way. Seeing how I have embodied and hardened pieces of the creative in me. Feeling how kindness and simple reaching out had softened those places and created new openings.

Many thanks

I feel a huge amount of gratitude for all the heart Leah put into creating the Art Every Day Month. Especially this year when she had a number of challenges in her own life. I discovered some incredible artists who participated, and look forward to getting to know each of you and your work better.

I also want to thank all the people who took the time to post comments and encouragement on Facebook, Twitter and the gallery. Words don’t express how important it has been, how powerful for me to receive them. Special thanks go to Tim and Amy, my roommates from long ago. I’m so glad you aren’t sending the diploma repossessors!

I plan to continue to post artwork. I’d like to find a bit more balance, since I couldn’t quite find the focus to write while producing so many visuals. It’s a process of discovery. Of re-balancing. Stay tuned.

Free VisualsSpeak Webinar Dec 9

I’ll be talking about using the VisualsSpeak ImageSet on a Webinar hosted by our new distributor, HRDQ. This is a free event and I would love to have you join me.

This is what HRDQ has to say about the ImageSet.

The Power of Visual Communication

Explore the power of visual communication! This webcast will open your eyes to a new way of communicating that will transform the way you engage your audience in the training classroom.

Studies show that accessing the whole brain accelerates learning and makes it more meaningful. But typically, conventional training methods rely solely on verbal communication.  Using visual imagery is an effective and powerful way to surface issues, establish rapport, and generate dialogue that far exceeds what can be accomplished using dialogue alone. Join author Christine Martell as she explores how visual communication can tap into the psyche of your learners to create a learning experience that is rich and most likely more powerful than anything you’ve experienced as a trainer.

What You’ll Learn:
• Discover the power of visual communication and its importance in the training classroom.
• How to surface differences, establish rapport, and generate dialogue with your audience.
• Explore real-world examples of how visual communication can improve the learning experience.
• How to apply visual communication to team building, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.

When:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Click here to register

Actually Painting Every Day

I’ve been saying I have been painting everyday for over six months. Ok, I’ve exaggerated a bit. I have done 91 paintings in the last 180+ days. So more like one every other day. I keep getting sucked away by “important” things. Hard business stuff, email and the list of things I have been analyzing lately. Even though I have started using my painting in my new product designs, in my mind, painting is still the bonus for getting all the real work done.

No more.

This is yet another public declaration. This time I’m going to put practices in place to keep me inspired.

My online gallery

As part of my commitment to taking my artwork seriously again, I have created an online gallery to sell prints of my work. Here is a slideshow from one of the galleries.

There is also a section for the photographs from the VisualsSpeak ImageSet.

I will be regularly adding new images. Because I will be CREATING them.

Art Every Day Month

Leah Piken Kolidas is an artist who I admire, and she has been doing a challenge every November for the last seven years, to be creative everyday. She has a whole group of people who join her. It’s not just art in the visual sense, its about being creative, and nurturing our creativity every day.

I’m doing it.

Every day in November. Not every other day. Not when I finish the rest of my work. Priority time every day.

Leah has even created an optional Survival Guide for Art Every Day Month where you can get daily emails and encouragement.

Who wants to join me? You can sign up by leaving a comment on Leah’s Art Every Day Month blog page. And be sure to let me know you are doing it so we can support each other.

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