Author Archives: morgancreations

May 2 2012

Two Cuties in Two Tunics

These two cuties are wearing my most recent custom tunics.  They both wanted something unique to their personality. Suzanne wanted fleur de lis’ on her tunic. Joanie had  a floral in mind with specific colors. When I work, I take the information from the client, process it in my designer head and paint a way. Well, sort of.  I do a little more planning than that.  I might do a sketch first for the idea, test a sample piece of silk and show the concept to the client.  I know these ladies would have been happy with just about anything but I think it’s important to grasp what’s inside their minds so they are thrilled with the end result.

The floral piece took a bit more planning because I wanted to make sure the rosette flower did not sit over her chi-chi but carefully placed above it and the other flower near the waist on the other side.  To add more magenta accents, I added rose ribbons on the arms.  On Suzanne’s blue top, I added rhinestone grommets and gold french crowns for the tassels.

If you know someone who needs something unique for a special day whether it’s an anniversary, wedding, party, or just for every day, I’d love to create that one-of-a-kind piece for them.  Maybe, it’s you!!

Apr 12 2012

On a Roll Again

It seems as if my art career laid dormant for several years.  It all began after my mother’s death which changed me for a couple of years.  Previous to that I was movin’ and shakin’.   I launched my musician series that created enough interest and sales that kept  the ball rolling for a few years.  It was great!

“Nude not Rude” – Linus Galleries June 15, 2012 Pasedena, CA

Today, I can say that I’m back to being me again and my art life has turned around.  In the last year, I’ve sold many pieces, entered three “call for entries” and received First Place in two of the events.  The third one will be held  on June 15th in Pasedena at Linus Galleries.  The piece above was the one that was selected and if you click on the image, it will take you to the event information.  I’m extremely excited and ignited.  To be among such talent, is an honor to me. 

I want to thank all those that have supported me to get to this point.  You know who you all are.  I so appreciate your love!  We all have endless possibilities.  I’m going to ride this wave of good fortune for as long as I can!

Mar 30 2012

Mother’s Day is almost here.

Spring has sprung.  Well, almost.  It’s still a bit cool in Long Beach, CA but it won’t be long when we will all be looking for something cool and lite to wear.  Or, maybe you will be searching for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.  I don’t know a mom in the world that wouldn’t appreciate silk, especially if it’s wearable art.  It will be a very special gift!

 

 

Mar 30 2012

“Ann Margaret – Thirteen Men”

This morning I’m getting my day started while listening to the Martini station on the TV.  If you don’t feel like cleaning house,  may I suggest you put on some music that will life your spirits.  What started my motor running was the old tune from the Beatles called, “I wanna hold your hand”.  I started laughing because I never heard it played via elevator or martini style.  It cracked me up and immediately brought back  memories which took me way back to my school days.  This station is so darn corny.  But you gotta love it when they play Ann Margaret’s, “Thirteen Men” .  This video is pretty wild for it’s day.

Now, I’m listening to Jimmy Dorsey’s version of  “So Rare“.  Wow, sexy sax!  That could put a twist in the day if my husband were home.  Now, I’m really laughing at myself.  Music is good and I’m going to have a great day!  How about you?

 

 

 

Mar 22 2012

Power Ties

Power ties.  What are they?  One look at Michael Douglas, I’d say he had the power, wouldn’t you?  If looks could kill, he’s the winner in that department.  Of course, it helps when you are an actor.  But if you are not…how are you gonna get through that tough meeting with the board of directors, your boss, your first impression?  They say Red is the best power statement, then Yellow.  I think men are truly sexy in ties.  They may be uncomfortable to wear but not much worse than a women wearing stockings.  Fashion trends come and go and there seems to be a move away from ties but not so much in the corporate world.  The ties I create would be pretty intense for corporate. Maybe, maybe not.  I could deliver a sophisticated tie with bold colors and make a heck of a statement.  The cool thing about one-of-a-kind clothing it stands out among the crowd. Hence you get noticed and it opens a door, a conversation, a deal.  So, the next time you think, “I don’t want to wear a tie.”  Think again.  Would it be appropriate to or not to?  Would it be so cool to do so?  Would you look incredible and sexy?  You betcha!

If you’re looking for something unique.  I’d love to create it for you!  You handsome devil, you!

Mar 21 2012

Angel Buddy

I don’t write about music on my this blog often enough.  It happens to be my other passion.   I guess I felt I might have  confused all of you out there.  The fact is, I think that art and music go hand in hand and usually artist  have another creative side.

I was thinking of Buddy Collette  this morning and a tear came to my eye.  I always called him, “Angel Buddy”  because he was a big mentor for me when it came to singing. The first time I saw him was in a small jazz club in Santa Barbara.  When I walked in to the room, this amazing jazz group was playing.  I actually saw an aura around Buddy and after I spoke with him for a bit, I realized he truly was an angel.  He has a history of being a mentor to the jazz world.

The best advice he gave me after listening to me was “Be yourself, don’t try and be no one else – let your own self shine through”.  I swear, my demeanor  changed and I actually started singing and having a blast  for the first time.  Before that, I was always a bit nervous, not self assured.  So, when in doubt, talk to a mentor.

Take a listen while you’re reading more about my Angel.

r

Mar 17 2012

No Wedding Blues Here.

There won’t be any wedding blues at this wedding.  Nope, in fact… it will be all in accents of deep russet to the palest of peach.  Why?  Because the bride is getting married in Sedona, Arizona and she wanted her floor length dress to be inspired by the mountains there.

I painted fabric til the cows came home.  I’m exhausted but I’m thrilled at the result after painting almost twelve yards. The dress pattern is a vintage style, much like the old prom dresses with a beautiful halter top.  It required a tremendous amount of yardage.  I added a couple extra sheets because I wanted to make sure all the values would match up at the seams.   The tones were blended softly and that was a task of it’s own due to my normal abstract behavior when painting.   This was new to my crazy hand.  I had to get in to a calm state of mind and take my time on each sheet of crepe de chine. I did not want to waste my time or fabric.  I’ll be shipping it all out this next week and will be anxiously waiting for her reply after she unfolds the soft array of texture.  I don’t think she’ll be needing a blue garter…. well, maybe that would be a nice hidden accent underneath it all.

Mar 13 2012

As Good As It Gets

“As Good as it Gets” is one of my most favorite movies of all time.  The best part is when Jack Nicholson tells Helen Hunt the weirdest but the greatest compliment.  Here it is if you want to  listen to it!

It’s the funniest and most heartfelt Jack Nicholson has ever been, I believe.  I also love the part when the the gay artist, Greg Kinnear sketches Helen while she takes a bath.  You see he lost all his ambition when he was beat up by some radicals.  He did not paint for months, was completely distraught, depressed and broke.  Helen’s beauty sitting by the tub inflamed a tremendous moment of inspiration.  The artist confidence restored.

Sometimes, that is all it takes for an artist.  We need to get out in the world more often, like I did a few weeks back to see the art exhibit in Palm Desert, California.  We are visual people and if we see the same thing day in and day out…we’ll get stale. This info is not just for artist but let’s just say…you sit at your same desk day after day.  If your job is not inspiring enough to keep you there, you’ll need a distraction, a hobby, an escape.  So, when you are feeling down and blue… just get out of your current environment and look around, go for a walk, see a movie, talk to a mentor….but whatever don’t get stuck.  If you fall down, just get up and dust yourself off!.  Move! Laugh!  Force yourself to…or just watch a comedy!

Mar 11 2012

Sciatica or No Sciatica? That is the question.

You may think this is an odd subject to speak about but any artist who suffers from sciatica pain, knows that it zaps your energy.  How does one feel like creating when your hip and knees hurt?  It isn’t much fun and usually I’m icing my body soon after a silk painting session.

Today, I’m exhilarated and wanted to share my good news with everyone out there.  I found a self healing method that has restored my self esteem and cleared my depression over what I thought was no turning back.  I’m a feisty one and not one to sit down.  I’ve always been a self-help guru, a personal trainer and I eat good food.  I was completely sickened by the thought that I might be afflicted with pain the rest of my life.  I passed if off as my old back injury, inheriting my mother’s scoliosis and aging. I couldn’t bear to get old now.  Not now!  I’m just getting started.  I felt old.

OK, I won’t keep you in suspense.  It is the Egosque Method.  If you are in pain, and have symptoms of sciatica, back pain, etc, etc, get Pete Egosque’s books.  If you are not in pain but you care about your life and your children’s health, I suggest it for anyone.  I had this book for over 20 years and I held on to it.  My dear uncle came all the way out from Syracuse, NY to see what this clinic was all about.  I never knew he was in pain.  He was the most amazing man, racing catamaran’s, golfing and loving life.  He must have been concerned enough about it to take me all the way to the clinic in San Diego.  He purchased two books for me.  One for me and one to give to my mother.   We both never read the book.  You see, I broke my back when I was 17 but recovered wonderfully because I was young.  I also became the fitness queen for about 12 years of my life and I felt fine.

Speed the film reel up now to 2009.  That is when I really started noticing a change in my back.  Was it my injury now just kicking in?  Possibly, or was it the stress of this lovely recession we’ve been in for the last three years or more?  Was it just walking incorrectly or too much training and my cartilage is breaking down?  All of the above but tie it together with a change in life, moving, and not actually moving like I use to.  I’ve spent several months going to a chiropractor, doing some yoga, and swimming.  It just wasn’t cutting it.

Low and behold, I’m not tolerating this very well.  I call a friend who had sciatica and asked her if she was still having problems.  I was paranoid this would be my way of life.  She told me that she had switched her chiropractor and went down to the Egosque clinic.  Since it was a bit to drive, she found one of their skilled trainers in Orange County.  She put her on the right track after suffering from sciatica for 10 years..  She no longer has pain.  Was I was relieved to hear that.

So, I called her gal.  It’s not too expensive but I put off the appointment with her for a couple of weeks.  I started reading the book.  Instantly, it all made sense.  Non movement or the wrong type of movement and posture over years can really do some damage.  What if Mr. Egosque told you that you can reverse it and you can grow cartilage back.  Would you be excited and willing to do the exercises? What if you encouraged your children to the proper posture and exercise routine when they were young?  It would be very interesting to see.

I was desperate so I’m working very hard on this ol’ bod.  Guess what?  I walked about two miles today.  That might not seem like much but for those in pain, you understand what I mean.  Hooray and Hallelujah!  I’m walking better, straighter and not limping!  However, you can overdo it so you’ve got to follow the step by step plan or you’ll re-traumatize the areas your hurting.

I’m too young to get old.  Ya, hear me!  It’s all up to us to take control of every area of our life and not wait for someone to say, “You just need surgery”.  I was told that back in 2006 and almost spit in the doctors face.  I opted for physical therapy and worked myself out of the trouble back then and I’m doing it now.  I may not get to 100% but I’m gonna try like hell!