Dolly Parton - Go To Hell

Dolly has always had a great way with words both in her songwriting and just generally speaking.

Here are some of my favorite Dolly Quotes...

"I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde."

"I'm old enough and cranky enough now that if someone tried to tell me what to do, I'd tell them where to put it."

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."






Dolly Parton talks frankly about her views on plastic surgery and her definitive style.

"I didn't know I couldn't do it til' I had it done."

I just love the lyrics in Dolly's song "Go To Hell". Love all the photos in the video, too.





"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." - Dolly Parton


MiliGirl Note Cards make unique gifts for women. Find and send the perfect "Just Because" greeting card at the MiliGirl Collection online store.


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Dolly Parton - Go To Hell

Controversial Art

What are your thoughts on
Damien Hirst’s
“Conceptual Art”?

Damien Hirst is one of the most prominent artists referred to as the "Young British Artists" or "YBAs". He is famous for creating controversies like putting dead animals in formaldehyde and presenting them as art. Hirst mostly explores the themes of life and death.

It's no surprise that Damien's 'shock factor art' is so popular in Britain, and yet it still fascinates me what gets people with that kind of money to reach into their pockets. Much of what Damien does with the money he acquires from the sales of his "art" goes to children's charities, aids research, or toward things like a giant solar system that generates power for half of his country.

I guess if you have the guts to do it, you can afford to do it, get away with it, and manipulate those few wealthy suckers to buy into it then who am I to say if it's art or not. It's all subjective anyway. However, I must say, in light of our world's economic situation this auction is bothersome to me on many levels. On the other hand, hopefully some good will come of it in terms of charitable donations.

This is one of those events that gets me to scratch my head and say, "hmmmm?"

I just wanted to find out where the boundaries were. I've found out there aren't any. I wanted to be stopped but no one will stop me.
- Damien Hirst

$198M Hirst art auction defies global gloom Read story



Damien Hirst's Auction Gamble Watch Video

Damien Hirst at Sotheby's: The actual sale of the Golden Calf Watch Video

Damien Hirst's Shark at the Met – how it was created - Watch Video

Damien Hirst - The Agony and the Ecstasy Napoli Watch Video

Damien Hirst Sick of His Own Art Read Story
"Hirst says he will no longer be producing any of his famed formaldehyde works, such as the shark and cow series, nor will he continue with the spot and spin paintings he's so well known for. "

Aaron said…"So in other words, Damien Hirst is going to start actually making art again."


* Click Here for Instructions on how to post a comment on my blog without a Google Account. It's easy!

Controversial Art

Following Your Dreams

Isn’t following your dreams
living the American Dream?

Maybe it doesn’t always pan out, but the journey
sure does make for an interesting adventure.

Made in the USA greeting card by Melanie Banayat
Click on picture to see more details

I received a message from a fellow Prescott artist, Tony Reynolds, who posted a very cool comment on his blog about me. In reference to his blog he made the following statement, “can’t be depended on to hold a single thought long enough to be a good employee!” I completely related to that! I have been "unemployable" since about the age of ten. LOL!

I can laugh at that now, but only because I've finally accepted that my heart was simply elsewhere. I kept avoiding doing what my heart desired, because I was trying to please everyone else who felt that a career in art wasn't going to make me much of a living. Not to mention the fact that it also put fear in me where I believed that any attempt for a career in art would only end in failure. When I finally decided to define what "a living" was for myself I realized I wasn't "living" when I was doing what I thought everyone else thought I should be doing. Hmmm? What a wicked, twisted, cycle of dysfunction.

Now a days I can see more clearly. "Making a living", from my perspective, is doing that which brings you great joy, peace, and purpose in life. The part where we have to pay our bills will naturally follow suit; I believe and trust that in my heart. And if I'm not making as much material abundance as other people feel I could or should be making by doing something else -- that's their issue, not mine. I 've experienced both sides. I've tasted great material abundance as well as nothing but two suitcases of clothes, a few dollars in my wallet, and a car (no home). Neither side brought me joy. Years ago I managed to build a rather comfortable life filled with material things by pleasing others, but I never seemed to feel fulfilled. Because of my unhappiness, I was forced out and left to start over from ground zero.

When everything that I had built up in my life was suddenly gone I realized I had just been given a clean slate, a blank canvas and a great opportunity. So I went for it... 'My' American Dream.

Happy Independence Day Everyone!
I hope you are living 'Your' American Dream, or at the very least in the midst of the adventurous journey on your way there!

Click here to visit Tony Reynolds blog.

Click on the picture below to
visit Tony Reynolds website.

Sentinel by Tony Reynolds

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Following Your Dreams

Blue Boots Story

The Long Day is Over


How Frida Kahlo, Lila Downs, and my Friend Bill Scholar are connected by my “Blue Boots” . . .
















My painting of Blue Boots appears to be a favorite for many people for different reasons. It has been fun to listen to people’s comments about what the painting means to them, or how it makes them feel when they look at it. Funny thing is many people never even notice the blue boots in the painting at first glance. They seem to like the peaceful repose, and or the sensuality of the pose. Of course, all of my paintings have a story behind them (usually a true story) that most people never hear about. I don't feel it's necessary to tell them, because all that really matters is what the painting means to them. So I usually don’t tell the stories. But here on my blog, I get to tell the stories for anyone who may be interested. This is a bit of a long one.













Frida Kahlo
After I studied about the life of artist, Frida Kahlo, in college I fell in love with the idea of story telling in art. Frida’s work greatly inspires my work through her poignant messages in the images she portrays on canvas. The movie, Frida, starring Salma Hayek further impressed me about Frida’s passionate heart.













Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo



Lila Downs














It was at the movie, Frida, where I saw the singer, songwriter, Lila Downs for the first time. Her voice was so powerful, and full of the same kind of passion that Frida exhibited in her life.















To watch video interview of Lila Downs
for the Movie, Frida Click here
















Bill Scholar

















Then I met Bill Scholar. Bill came to Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico in the Fall of 2006, which was the same time that I was living in Ajijic for six months. We were both there to heal. I was there to heal from emotional pain, and he was there to heal from both emotional pain from the death of his wife three years earlier, as well as to battle against his melanoma cancer through alternative methods. It was Bill’s mother who brought us together after she attended my art exhibition in Ajijic. She sent me the following email:

Dear Melanie,
I am one of the many people who were at your show last night. I spoke with you about how moved and inspired I was looking at them and reading the words you wrote re: your inspiration for them. My son is here (in Ajijic, Mexico) from California for 3 months with his daughter to begin to heal his life from cancer, the death of his wife 3 years ago and the incredible stresses he has experienced over the past few years. To make a long story short; I wish that I had told him about the show but I didn't and this morning when I described your paintings and writing, he said that he would love to have a viewing. If you are not leaving right away, could that be arranged? I would be so grateful to hear from you.
Rachel

I was certainly blessed to meet Bill and spend some time together with him for a short time. I was scheduled to return to the United States just three weeks after I met Bill. In those three weeks we spent much time together just relaxing and taking in life.

I found Bill and his life to be quite interesting and inspiring. Even though Bill and I did not have a romantic relationship, it was deeply heartfelt. We had some really wonderful conversations, a lot of laughs, and simply a good time taking in the moments as they came. I felt that it was important to him to just be able to enjoy each moment as it came at that time, so that's exactly what we did. No worries, no fretting.

Bill and I actually spent quite a bit of time together, more than I had realized. In such a short time we had gone out to dinner and lunch many times, talked on the phone a lot, and emailed each other after I left Mexico. But one of the most memorable things we did was go to the Lila Downs concert in Guadalajara, which lead to our cross-country trip over to Patzcuaro, in Michoacan, Mexico, to find me a pair of blue boots. This is why . . .









I've polished a few dance floors with these boots!









Lila Downs was wearing an amazing pair of Blue Boots during her performance. I commented to Bill that I would love to have a pair of Blue Boots like that. He leaned over and said, “Well Mexico is the place to buy a pair, since it would be a lot less expensive here than in the States.” So he suggested that we go shopping for a pair of Blue Boots together. A few days later we set out on our journey. On our trip to Patzcuaro we listened to wonderful music that I had compiled on some CDs, some of the music was music he had never heard before. The lyrics often sent both of us into silence as we took in the words and pondered upon them driving through the beautiful countryside, and all the many little villages.
















After a full day of searching through dozen’s of Zapataria’s in the picturesque city of Patzcuaro, we finally ended our day at this sidewalk café’ and resigned with no success. After a leisurely break, two glasses of wine, and two cappuccinos we worked our way back toward Bill’s SUV and passed one more Zapataria. As I glanced at the window in passing there they were – the “Blue Boots” I was searching for. Ok, so here is the cool part where Frida, Lila, and Bill come together in this story. Lila Downs is the beautiful young woman who sings to Frida Khalo in the movie, “Frida”. Well….the Blue Boots that we found in Patzcuaro has the name “Frida” imprinted on the bottom of the boots in the leather soul. It's the name of the company that makes the boots. I thought to myself, “how coincidental is that?!” Hmmmm?
















Bill and I talked about being “Travel Partners”. Meaning someone that we could travel around the world with without having any romantic ties. Just someone of the opposite sex who we got along well with, enjoyed doing many of the same things, and a willingness to be adventurous together. He invited me to go to Spain with him to be a witness to him “Running with the Bulls”. I laughed, but of course, he wasn't joking. So, that was the plan. I was going to go to Spain with him that following summer. Now whenever I think of him I picture him “Running with the Bulls” scared out of his wits and loving it at the same time! I truly loved his spirit.

I dedicate my painting, “Blue Boots” to Bill who passed away in February 2007 - four months after we met. Bill lived life to the fullest, and I feel honored to have known him even for the short time that we had together. The Long Day is Over, Bill. Salud. You are missed and remembered!
Peace & Love, Melanie


Click on the picture to see an enlarged image.

P.S. On my Blue Boots notecard I use the words, "The long day is over". Whenever I read those words on that card I think of both Frida & Bill. Frida suffered tremendously with physical pain for much of her life, and underwent numerous operations. In her latter years she often expressed that she was ready to pass on. I think of Bill when he expressed to me that he wasn't afraid of death. It was nice to hear the peace in his voice.

_____________________________________________________


MiliGirl Note Cards make unique gifts for women. Find and send the perfect "Just Because" greeting card at the MiliGirl Collection online store.

Please share this post with others - Thanks! Melanie Banayat

Blue Boots Story

The Phippen Art Show

'Quick Draw'

I got to be an Indian Maiden
for 45 minutes! LOL!

Prescott, Arizona (the place I call home) is home to the Annual Memorial Day Weekend Western Art Show Sponsored by the Phippen Art Museum. This was the 34th annual show held at the Prescott courthouse square. The show features more than 130 of the best Western artists from across the nation at this prestigious outdoor art show.

Gary working on a practice sketch before the Quick Draw.

One of the most exciting events at the show is the 'Quick Draw'. This fast-paced event is a 45-minute, timed demonstration by 15 to 20 artists creating a piece of art in front of the public starting with a completely blank canvas. The pieces are then auctioned to the audience.


Since I live in Prescott, it was convenient for Idaho Artist, Gary Holland, to ask me to model live for him during the Quick Draw. Most of the artists painted from photographs or pictures, but Gary wanted to use a live model. I thought it would be an interesting adventure, so I agreed to do it. Of course, Gary wanted me to fit the part, so I requested the help of a local retail store, Black Arrow (Pendleton), because they sell beautiful Indian apparel. They loaned us a shawl, choker, and feather fan – perfect. Being that my face leans more toward my father’s Filipino features, rather than my mother’s Paqua Yaqui Indian features we needed to do something that brought out the indian part of me. I think the outfit helped a lot.

Pretty amazing work in only 45 minutes!

Modeling like that was harder than I thought it would be. I discovered that sitting still for 45 minutes without moving creates all sorts interesting annoyances in and around the body. LOL! I think every artist needs to sit for a painting session in order to appreciate what live models go through.


Once the 45 minute painting session ended, the artists had 15 minutes to put their painting into a frame, then proceed over to the stairs in front of the courthouse to wait their turn to hold up their painting in front of the crowd of people as the auctioneer works his magic.

Click on photo to see enlarged image.
Gary is sitting on the far right holding his painting.

Click on photo to see enlarged image.
I love this picture - the artists look exhausted
after an intense session of painting.
Well, I guess they could also be either bored or nervous, too.

Here is Gary holding up his painting,
walking back and forth in front of the crowd.

It was so fun to be a part of it. When it was Gary’s turn to present his painting you could feel the energy in the crowd change. The bidding climbed quickly, starting from $100. Gary’s painting ended up being the highest ticket for the auction - - selling for $2,400! Very Fun!

It was pretty intense for the most part, but once the event was over and the bidding was all said and done there were SMILES FROM EAR TO EAR from both the artists and the collectors.

Please visit Gary Holland's website:
http://www.hollandgallery.com/

_________________________________________________

The Phippen Art Show

Permission to Play

Paint the Horse Purple!

At my last art show one of the other artists exhibiting at the show came by my booth and commented that she really liked my work, then proceeded to make another comment about her own work that was not so complimentary. She said her work was too realistic. Later on I went by her booth and noticed that her work was very good, very quality art. She was obviously talented. So I couldn’t help but wonder what was keeping her from stepping outside of her comfort zone and into something that was more “unrealistic”, and more of whatever it was that she longed for with her work.


I had an art instructor once who, on the first day of school, asked for a number of volunteers to go up to the chalkboard. Then he asked each of them to draw a circle. He wanted to prove a point about how limited our thinking is based on what we assume others expect from us. Each and every one of them drew a stereotypical circle like sample #1. He had to remind them that this was an art class – they have permission to think outside the box. Their next set of circles were more creative.


We need to give our ‘Selves’ permission to play (with our work), and not wait for someone else to tell us it’s ok. Loosen up the boundaries – forget the rules. And let go of the worry and concern of whether or not other people will like it or if it will sell. What the heck -- Paint the horse purple!


One of my favorite ways that I like to play with my art is sketching people in public, because I’m forced to capture their gesture as quickly as possible. That’s the fun part for me – to be able to indicate the movement or weight or emotional expression with just of few quick strokes of my Conte’ crayon, or pencil or whatever drawing tool I have on hand.

I don’t really care to get an audience of people watching me –because they often have a way of ruining the fun with ridiculous and unnecessary comments like – “What is that”, or “hey, you missed a spot”. But if I’m really into what I’m sketching then I don’t notice the audience. I like losing myself in the moment, to not worry about whether my strokes are accurate, or if my rendering resembles the person I’m modeling on paper. No rules. I like to allow myself to become immersed in the creative process where I’m not even aware of an hour having passed by.

I know that many artists like to keep their colors organized by values like a color wheel on their palette, and some like to use a different brush for each color, because that’s how they were taught in an academic setting. I think, as artists, that we really need to be suspicious of what we've been told, and how we ought to do things, and what we ought to think. For some reason such an organized paint palette always felt too confining to me. I find that it’s often best if I just let my paintbrush do the talking and my instincts pick the colors. Ideally, I think you need both a bit of mind and a bit of mindlessness to make a painting. It's a play between control and surrender.

Art and Life is simply a series of improvisations anyway -- right?

When our work becomes dull and boring in its perfection (to us), then maybe we should let (us) become an amateur all over again! Regress! Become like a child, so we can learn to love what we do – again (or maybe even for the first time).

The French definition of 'amateur,' -- 'lover of.' "

Permission to Play

Dangerous Art - Kaboom!

Sometimes it's the stories behind the art that really make the piece!

At the Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire artist, sculpture, Jim Dodson, Jr.'s booth was across from mine. One of his sculptures was a giant 'gong' made from an old oxygen tank that he found at a dump site. Really cool piece. Anyway, the story behind the making of it is what I like.

He took the oxygen tank home to his property not knowing if there was still any oxygen in the tank, so he placed the tank on the ground, walked about 100 feet away, then took a high powered rifle and shot it. He said it blasted about 100 feet in the air with a loud explosion. His neighbors called him to make sure he was still alive. Crazy!

Check out Jim's art


This is a picture I took through a hole in one of his sculptures.

Dangerous Art - Kaboom!