An Artist's Lament

A little over six months ago, I bared my soul to you all and told you some really personal stuff about my journey up until that point, after which vowing to myself and this endless internet that I was going to get back into blogging. Obviously that hasn't exactly shaped up the way I'd planned! I have been pretty absent from the internet, and even my social media has taken a serious backseat since I finished my 100 Happy Days challenge. I've given this a lot of thought as to why. I definitely *want* to get back into the blogosphere, and I think social media can be a really awesome outlet, especially for artists to get inspired and connect with one another. So why do I find myself having a really hard time opening up this laptop, putting my fingers to the keys and actually recording my thoughts?



I have a long history of blogging, on and off, and other creative outlets. When I lived abroad, I blogged almost every single day for those eleven months. Even on the days where I didn't have much to report, I'd still sit there 10 minutes before bed and write down the couple of thoughts that were ricocheting off the sides of my skull. That habit was really important to me! Not only was I documenting the greatest experience of my life, but it was also therapeutic to catalog my thoughts, get them out, and see them from another perspective. That was probably one of the most creative stints of my life, as I've mentioned before. I created some really beautiful artwork, wrote surprisingly profound poems, and even found myself choreographing more than ever before or since.

The truth is, for the last six months, I've barely touched any of my creative outlets. Blogging, painting, drawing, writing, even dancing have all been very difficult for me. The question remains, though, why? And *that* in and of itself has taken up a lot of my brain space. It's really hard to be an innately creative person, an artist, and actually have no desire to create and put new things out into the world.



The flip side of creating is that, while you're putting new things out there, they're actually little parts of you. Sometimes it's really difficult to put those really internal, sacred parts of you on display. Sure, people may not realize that's what's happening, but you know in your heart that that sentence you wrote, or that flower you painted, or that photo you posted, it represents a deep part of your soul. That's a really vulnerable feeling! When you're not necessarily in the best state of mind, or not entirely proud of where you are in life, it can become crippling. The only thing you know, creation, is somehow now impossible for you.

I realize that may sound unnecessarily deep or dramatic, even, but it's truly a form of exposure to share your creativity. It's letting people into your life in a way that maybe doesn't always feel good, because it's so raw. Art is raw, in all its forms. I do believe that, because true art comes from inside. Even my swirly little letters, I make them with intention and purpose, so they hold a piece of me. If my calligraphy is that personal, imagine how I must feel about my actual thoughts and feelings!



I find myself in a weird place right now, but I think if I can get myself back on the path of creating, I can process this weird place and all the feels that come along with it. This blog has proven to be such an outlet in the past, and I want it to be that again. Even if it's just full of pretty dresses and frilly letters for now! Please know that everything you see here is a reflection of me. I'm reminding you all, and myself, that it is powerful to show yourself to the world. Let's all help each other be brave in that way. Have the courage to be vulnerable, and embrace your power. It is the best thing you have to offer.

How do you share yourself with others? What have you been hesitant to share lately? I'm here to support you as you support me :)

For the Love of Fair Trade!

Hey all! I am so beyond excited to announce my very first partnership! Free Sparrow and Lov'edu Living have partnered up to talk to you all about the importance of Free Trade. But before I dive into Free Trade itself, I'd like to tell you a little bit more about Lov'edu! Anna Boettcher founded the London-based company in 2013 around the beliefs of the power of ethical business. Every single one of the items that she sells is handmade from all natural materials, sustainably produced and fairly traded. She says that she wanted to "create a circle of giving", where everyone involved, from the designer to the seller to the buyer, would be getting exactly what they deserve. ETHICAL is the big word, here. Her business supports not only the creativity of the people making the products, but also the community from which they come. Currently, Lov'edu is showcasing collections from Paris, London, Africa, Thailand, and Ibiza, where Anna was raised. Not only do they support people through the selling of their products, but they also support the community by promising that 10% of their annual profits will be donated towards projects that they feel are worth supporting, especially projects related to protecting the environment, furthering young people’s education, protecting children and assisting women to set up small businesses.

"The Lov'edu store is based on the belief that an object can only be beautiful where it has been created and traded in a joyful and generous spirit."





When I first visited their website, I was blown away by the vibrant colors and beauty of the products. Lov'edu features home decor, accessories, jewelry, and lifestyle products. Some of my favorites include the Maasai Glass Bead Necklaces and the Handwoven Baskets. They offer such a wide selection, so there is definitely something there that will please everyone. There is even a variety of kids' toys that are so sweet and charming, especially this little stuffed bunny. I hope that one day I can visit their brick and mortar store in London. I can't imagine how beautiful some of these products are in person! They sent me one of their African Trade Beads Bracelets and I love it! It is unique, interesting, and of course, lovely. I've worn it a couple of times already and gotten many compliments. It also came with an adorable little red heart stone that is currently living on my book shelf, reminding me of my promise to ethical products made with love.

"We believe that trade is the oldest and most powerful driving force behind cultural and creative exchanges in this world; it has made people travel, discover, be inspired and create since the beginning of civilisation. If used wisely, trade is the most beautiful way of not only creating livelihoods, but of uniting humans, across borders, without judgement, creating a space in which differences in culture, belief, ethnicity and tradition are not barriers to understanding, but rather, are sources of enjoyment, creativity and expression. It is a place where we all speak the same language, whether we are on the side of the giving or the taking, of the offering or the receiving, of the creating or the experiencing, it is an exchange, it is a trade."





And the best part is, everything is responsibly made and traded! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this company for it's fair trade values. In a nutshell, a Fair Trade product is anything that comes from farmers and workers who are FAIRLY compensated. They are given a just wage for their labor and you receive a beautiful, quality, handmade product. Because the workers are paid fairly and the goods are made sustainably, fair trade supports the community and environment. Every time you buy fair trade, you are personally supporting a person and their community, rather than a faceless corporation. In our society today, it is so important for us to think about what we buy and how we go about our consumerism. It is part of our civil responsibility to protect our society and make sure that people are treated fairly. Choosing fair trade is a guaranteed way to do that.

"Fairly Traded - an item is deemed to have been traded fairly when the price of the item is the producer’s/artist’s asking price and can be translated, at it’s minimum, into a living wage for the time of labour plus a bonus for creativity. If wages are paid, they will be at least living wages (a living wage, as opposed to minimum wage, guarantees workers to cover living costs and lead a decent life). Producers are not tied to any trade agreements, they maintain full control over their work and work processes and remain 100% independent."





Over the past year or so, I've made the personal decision to stop buying from stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, H&M, etc. These stores are selling cheaply made, mass produced disposable clothing and do not support their workers. My family stopped buying from WalMart a long time ago for the same reason: people are not being treated well. It may cost a little bit more for me to shop elsewhere, but it is completely worth it. I am paying for something more responsible and of higher quality. Little by little, I'm doing my research and finding out where I can shop and feel good about it. One thing I'm always certain of, though, is that when I buy fair trade, there is no problem. My money is supporting something worthwhile.

"Lov’edu believes in a world where beauty, art and style can be enjoyed within a circle of sustainability, through building relationships with designers, producers and crafters whose processes respect and work with nature. This vision is part of a process we call “The Love Education”: Love Beauty, Love Nature, Love Yourself. It is the practice of thinking and acting from a higher state of consciousness and awareness; of living a holistic lifestyle that is in harmony with nature, with humanity and thereby, with oneself."



I really am so excited to be partnering with Lov'edu! This is a cause that is very important to me, and I am proud to be supporting a company that believes in the same principles. I encourage you all to take a swing over to their website and peruse the lovely collections. I assure you, there will be something there that you will fall in love with! And remember, every purchase counts. Every time you choose fair trade, people benefit, communities benefit, and the environment benefits. On top of it, you receive something unique and beautiful! It's a win-win situation, always. October is Fair Trade Month! So, for the love of fair trade, go buy fair!

“Our philosophy of direct trade, from the producer to the shop floor, makes every purchase a holistic experience of giving and receiving. At Lov’edu every piece has a story, making our customers feel truly unique ” - Anna Boettcher, Founder and Director.



You can visit the Lov'edu website here.
For more information about American Fair Trade, you can visit Fair Trade USA.

Inspiration Overseas

It has been such a long time since I have posted on my blog, and for that, I sincerely apologize. I've often thought about how I should post, how I should take some photos, how I should recored something in this online documentation of my life. But alas, something always got in the way. Whether it was school, homework, rehearsal, or just plain laziness, something was always keeping me from getting back onto this computer and typing a little something or posting a photo from my day.

Then I went back to France.





I spent the last three weeks in France as part of a study abroad program with my school. Since I'm a double major and have a minor, it's pretty difficult for me to get all my classes done in four years. This led me to sign up for the study abroad program in France. I would get some credits, get my final Capstone project out of the way, and hey, its three weeks, IN FRANCE. Can't beat that.



Something that I've noticed about myself is that I'm significantly more creative when I'm writing every day. Whether it's a blog post, a short poem, or just a reflection of what is happening in my life, writing makes my creative brain explode with ideas and possibilities. When I was living in Belgium, I was the most artistically explorative that I have ever been in my life. I wrote half a novel and a handful of beautiful poems, took incredible photos, choreographed numerous dances, created a few drawings, and vastly widened by musical horizons. Besides the fact that I was living thousands of miles away in Europe and needed emotional outlets for my frustrations and revelations, the biggest difference between then and now was the fact that I wrote religiously on my blog. I posted almost every single day without fail.



Being back in Europe this time around, I was amazed by the culture that surrounded me. I'm not sure why it struck me so fiercely this time as compared to last, but it did. Especially once we got to Paris, I was in awe of the art that was quite literally everywhere. Paintings, sculptures, architecture, graffiti, gardens, nature, music, performers, I was enveloped in the folds of French art and I was inspired to a degree I have not felt in a long time. I was inspired to make my own art more of a priority. Of course, my theatrical art has always been a priority. But I miss writing, reading, drawing, painting, taking my time with my photos. These are all things that I want to bring back to the front of my world and my life. I think I need to start with this blog.





My Belgian blog was the jumping off point for much of my creativity when I was living overseas. I'm ready to let this blog be that same type of canvas. Even if it just gets my right brain revved up a little bit more, it will be worth it. I want this creative outlet and I'm excited to get back on board with my art! I am an artist, inspired by myself, by other artists, and by the world around me.

Antique Time

A few months ago, I went on a road trip all the way to Illinois for the sole purpose of going to a restaurant called Sweet Tomatoes. I used to eat there all the time when I was in Florida and I loved it. Unfortunately, they don't exist in Ohio, and closest one is near Chicago. When we had a day off of school, Steve and I jumped in the car and spent six hours driving to eat there! On the way, we came across an antique mall and decided to take a look. Here are some of the awesome treasures that were buried in the booths.

CABARET: The Reason I've Been Away

WOW! I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted something on my blog. I sincerely apologize to anybody who visited recently. I hope that I will never leave it vacant for that long ever again.







It has been an insane couple of months, mostly due to the fact that I was playing Sally Bowles in the show "Cabaret" at Cleveland State University. It was the most amazing experience I've ever had in the theatre. I adored playing that role and got to work with the most marvelous people. We had an incredible cast and the most wonderful directors. I danced, I sang, I acted, learning a ton about my field.







I'm extremely sad that it is over. It was by far the most enjoyable show I have ever been a part of. I know that I could've done that show on the long run. I also know, though, that I can walk away from it being completely happy with my work, knowing that I did my absolute best, and having made many new friends.

I am one step closer to my future career! Huzzah!

***Photos courtesy of Steve Wagner***

Blogtember Day 2: Three Months Off

It's Day 2 of Blogtember! I'm totally all about this challenge. If you don't what I'm talking about, take a peak over at Story of My Life and Jenni can explain.

Day 2 Prompt: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do?





I had a rough time answering this one because there are a million things I would want to do! I think the top one on my list, though, would be to travel across Europe and spend the time studying dance and acting techniques from the masters. I have always wanted to take intensive courses all over the world, but of course time and money get in the way constantly, as with most things. If they were no option, then I think that is what I would want to do most. Of course, I would also take those opportunities to live luxuriously and eat decadently. And shop. Lots and lots of vintage shopping. I mean, I would be in Europe after all! It would be sinful not to take advantage of all that. If money is no option, then I would have no excuse not to take advantage of everything I could.





I would spend my days dancing, learning, and knocking elbows with some amazing people in the business. Networking! My afternoons would be spent in museums, parks, local shops and wandering through the villages and cities of Europe while photographing it all. I would spend my evenings in dark and cozy restaurants, maybe a piano bar here and there, and occasionally going out to a club or concert. It would be wonderful. I would be doing what I love in beautiful places and enjoying every moment of it. I would be free.



What about you? What would you do?

*All photos are of me, taken in Italy during my study abroad year*

Crafty Sunday

Maybe that should be a thing here on Classy Emma... Crafty Sundays. Of course, the one that I'm going to share today didn't necessarily happen on a Sunday, but that's really splitting hairs. Anyways...

My sister and I went to Artist For A Day last week on a whim. We hadn't been there since we were little kids and I was so excited to get creative again and have some fun! Artist For A Day is this really charming little place where you can go to paint pottery pieces and then they fire them for you in their kiln and you go back to pick them up about a week later. Olivia and I decided to use the opportunity to make some dishes for our future apartment!

I think I have mentioned it before, but Olivia and I are planning on getting an apartment together sometime in the near future. We don't really have any plans set in stone yet, but we like to fantasize about the fun decor opportunities. Even though we have some different tastes in style, especially when it comes to the home, we managed to come up with a pretty good idea of where we want to go with the hypothetical apartment.

She tends to like bold colors and more geometric patterns, a much more modern approach, while I'm attracted to more vintage-inspired patterns and softer colors. However, I still like my statement pieces and bright colors sometimes and she can appreciate the feminine prettiness of my style. Together, we do a pretty good job coming up with ideas for our future space.

We decided to go with all mismatched dishes in the new place because it would be a lot of fun to thrift our dish sets by picking up a random piece every now and then. And then to make a few of our pieces ourselves makes it even more special! This time, we each made two small plates that could be salad plates or even just lunch plates. We pulled inspiration from other dishes I had found on Pinterest. I will admit, I absolutely LOVE the things I see at Anthropologie, so I pulled some ideas from there as well. We plan on going back to Artist For A Day one more time to make four dinner plates to add to our set.

The painting process is so much fun! First we wiped our pieces down to get rid of all the dust, then we brainstormed for ideas of what to paint. We started by picking out our paint colors so that even though they would each have different designs, they would be pulled together by having the same color palette. We had already decided a while ago that we wanted to use turquoise and red in the kitchen and dining area, so we started there. Then we added some other colors and went to work creating our masterpieces! We helped each other and ended up with four really pretty, super cute plates!

I can't wait to keep working on our apartment! I love interior decorating and home decor and it's so exciting to actually be planning the decor for a (semi) real space! What would you have painted on your plates?