It is most important in life to continue to acknowledge those who lend support.  My friend Gretchen Oettenger is the Principle of a cutting edge design firm: Culture 22.  I met Gretchen a few years ago through another great friend: Julie Baron.  Gretchen’s firm did some web design work for my old company.  We had been disconnected for three years until I picked up the phone to get back in touch.  Gretchen is so very kind and giving.  She has supported my art in several ways.  She commissioned me to do some paintings for her office.  Wow, was theat exciting for me.  I most certainly felt the responsibility of knowing that she would be looking at my paintings every day.  Add to that the fact that Gretchen is the principle of a “design” firm - she has some of the best sense of design I know. 

She also allowed me to have my paintings professionally photographed by one of her talented designers:  Ssonyo.  My paintings would not have been so beautifully represented if it had not been for these photographs.

And, most recently, she asked Ssonyo to design the header for this website.  It is so very beautiful, and so classy. 

So, I am most grateful to Gretchen and Ssonyo for all of the amazing support.  If you ever need “the best of the best” design firm, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Gretchen:  www.culture22.com.

I would also like to thank my good friend Jaffer Ali, CEO of NextEra Media.  Jaffer was kind to include me in his “quote of the day” and is helping me put together a video of my paintings to music that will be airing on the www.evtv1.com network.  I have been blessed to have met Jaffer back in 1994 while he was launching a direct marketing campaign for Riverdance.  A fellow direct marketer - he’s able to see into the future with a brilliance that has allowed for his company to evolve and grow.  Take a look at www.evtv1.com and you can be entertained for hours!

Graham Giovagnoli has been extremely patient and helpful to me.  One year ago, I never would have imagined that I would have one blog, let alone two.  Graham taught me how to navigate Wordpress - and when I would get into a snarl (as I often did), Graham would help.  So, I am extremely grateful to Graham!

Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.  Leonardo da Vinci

Everything vanishes around me, and works are born as if out of the void. Ripe, graphic fruits fall off. My hand has become the obedient instrument of a remote will. Paul Klee

Art which did not begin in emotion is not art. Paul Cezanne

I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music. Joan Miro

I must see new things and investigate them. I want to taste dark water and see crackling trees and wild winds. Egon Schiele

On August 19, 2007 The Bamboo Lounge played host to an exhibit of my work, and that of abstract artists Mark Dodd and Douglas Gamble.

 Tracy Thiron, CEO of Bamboo (check them out, they are very cool: http://www.bambooinc.com/ ), was kind enough to let us take over her amazing agency space on North Avenue. 

Over 75 people attended, and I was able to sell four paintings during the exhibit. 

Many thanks for Brenna Walters, our official caterer and bartender, Brian Thiron, and all the family and friends who attended that support us!

Here’s a link to the evite:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=QJBTPFXLXHXOLLYGBYQV

Some comments from those attending and unable:

Gretchen Oettenger

So upset we won’t be able to make it. I guess I’ll just have to keep looking at your fabulous paintings hanging in my office. I feel so privileged to have the first commissioned artwork from you.

Brenna Walters

I can’t wait to see all the paintings together!

Tiger Madding  

Looking Forward To It!!!!! Thanks for the Invite; I’ve seen some of the paintings and WOW!!!

Fern Silver

Laura: Thanks for the invite. Can’t wait to see you again and the exciting paintings. If your paintings reflect the great spirit you are, I know I will be wowed!

accesastrl

Laura, I’ve seen some of your definitely inspired, moody paintings and want to see more of your birthings

Laura: This is really exciting. I’d love to make the opening but it is doubtful/to maybe.  Congratulations on your show. I’ll definitely get to the gallery. Bill Haljun

John Obrien

Laura, You are truly an inspiration to us all. Live the dream. I’m there in spirit. Look forward to you making it a road show and coming to Atlanta one day. Great quote: this one is all you… “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep”…. Scott Adams

Mike Welch

Hi Laura, Gosh, I’d love to be there. Best wishes for a huge success! The website is awesome!! Abraco, Mike.

Sandy

Laura So sorry to miss this big event. I’ll be cruising Alaska but thinking of you. The invitation is beautiful, your art is awesome; you are on your way. Congrats!