Shining Our Lights on the World

Greetings Bookworms!

This past Tuesday I celebrated the launch of Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories From Inspiring Women at the Cork Wine House in Denver. Speaking Your Truth is the anthology my essay, “I Find Myself Painting,” was published in last month.

With fellow author Melissa Kline.



At the launch party I shared a sponsorship table with fellow author Melissa Kline. Melissa has penned ten young adult novels. Read her blog, “Reflections on Writing,” at http://melissakline.blogspot.com/ for insights, exercises, and tools to inspire the creative writing process. And follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/melissakwriter.

Melissa Kline is also the founder of the Rocky Mountain Women Writers. To learn more about their bi-weekly writing group meetings in Golden, Colorado visit their fan page at http://bit.ly/bpsimN.

The sponsorship table I shared with contributor Melissa Kline.

In addition to selling and signing books, I displayed my latest painting, “On the Road to Lovin.” It is from the, “Excavations of the Heart,” series I am currently painting. The rest of the series will be revealed at my solo art exhibition at Strings restaurant in Denver. Save the date! My artist reception will held on Wednesday, November 3 from 6-8 pm.

With contributor Melissa Kline and children's author Pat Reid.

Didn’t make it to the book launch party? No worries! Purchase an autographed copy of Speaking Your Truth today right here on my blog using your PayPal account.

With poet Janine Trudell.

Are you a woman who also has a personal, inspiring story to tell? Do you want to inspire and empower other women? If so, the creators of Speaking Your Truth, Lisa Shultz and Andrea Costantine, are working on Volume 2. If you would like to become part of the next Speaking Your Truth book project they invite you to submit a chapter for consideration.

Signing books.

You may submit an original piece that describes your experiences, life story, and/or something you have overcome or succeeded in. To obtain a copy of the submission guidelines, please write to Lisa Shultz at info@lisashultz.com or Andrea Costantine at info@andreacostantine.com.

Signing more books.

Are you, or someone you know, a teen who wants to speak her truth? Lisa Shultz’s daughter Summer Johnke is spearheading Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories From Inspiring Teens. For more information, write to Summer at ssjohnke@netzero.net.

"Speaking Your Truth" creator Lisa Shultz, contributor

Melissa Kline, and co-creator Andrea Costantine.

Coming soon! Speaking Your Truth on amazon’s Kindle!

Contributors group photo.

Keep following your bliss! The rest will follow!

Peace, Love, Art… and Writing!
Marcella

Art Supporting the Arts

Greetings Art Fans!

Back in May, the Board of Directors at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden asked me to help them organize and curate an art show to hang during the 6-week run of ART, 1998 Tony Award winner for best play. It wrestles with the subjective nature of art, the complexity of relationships, and our relationship with art.

It's Not Black & White art show Opening Artist Reception.

Miners Alley Playhouse lobby - Golden, Colorado

Four months later, 36 original works of art, created by 14 artists, was on display in the Playhouse lobby in an art show titled, It’s Not Black & White.

With Rick Bernstein.

Actor, director & owner of Miners Alley Playhouse.

Last night was the Opening Artist Reception! We rubbed elbows, nibbled on complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, and asked the question, “What IS Art, anyway?”

Rick introducing Marcella. Marcella thanking artists.

The highlight of the evening was thanking my mentors Eric Matelski and Laurie Maves, both artists in the show, for welcoming me into the Denver art scene. In an act of “paying it foreword,” I welcomed other emerging artists and thanked them for choosing the It’s Not Black & White art show to make their debut.

With Eric Matelski.

Arist, artist advocate and art show/event creator extraordinar!

The artists include: Cory Allen, Rachel Campbell, David DeField, Tim DeMasters,
Ky Gabriel, Iva Lemmons, Kevin Louche, Eric Matelski, Laurie Maves, Bruce Nall, Marcella Nordbeck, Jennifer Ressmann, John Slizeski, and Ann Thacker.
 

With photographer, & Festivus Film Festival creator, Tim DeMasters.

With artist Rachel Campbell.

Didn’t make it to the reception Saturday night? No worries! The art show will be on display in the Playhouse lobby during the 6-week run of the play ART. Performances run through Sunday, October 24.

With artist Ky Gabriel.

The lobby is open, and the art show is free to the public, Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-10 pm and Sundays from 5-9 pm. Or, call 303-935-3044 to schedule an appointment for a private viewing of the art show.

With artist David DeField and wife Cinder.

Show times for ART are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 6 pm (October 24 at 2 pm). Tickets, and reserved seats, can be purchased in advanced at http://www.minersalley.com/BoxOffice.shtml.

With Sean Richardson.

In front of Eightfold Path, Infinite Love and A Good Cry.

Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1224 Washington Ave, Golden, Colorado 80401. It is off 13th Ave, between Washington and Miners Alley on the 2nd floor.

Please join me for the Speaking Your Truth book launch party this coming Tuesday, September 14 at the Cork Wine House in Denver from 6-10 pm. In addition to signing copies of this inspiring anthology, that includes my essay “I Find Myself Painting,” I will be displaying my latest painting from the new series I’m working on. Get a “sneak peek” at the direction my art work is taking. The rest of the series won't be revealed until my solo art exhibition in November.

Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women

Can’t make it to the book launch party? No worries! Purchase Speaking Your Truth: Inspiring Stories by Courageous Women on amazon at http://amzn.to/ceyi6k.

Keep creating the life of your dreams!

Peace, Love and Art,
Marcella

*Photos courtesy of Sean Richardson.

Summer Time Reflections

Howdy Art Lovers!

Wowza! What a summer it’s been! One of the highlights was visiting “O’Keefe Country" in Northwestern New Mexico in August. I toured artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiu, hiked the desert that inspired many of her paintings in Ghost Ranch, and caught her current exhibit “Abstractions” at the Georgia O’Keeffe museum in Santa Fe.

Reflections in Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Ghost Ranch and Pedernal Mountain, as seen from Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

I’m a published author! My essay, “I Find Myself Painting,” was published in the anthology, Speaking Your Truth: Inspiring Stories by Courageous Women. Two days after I returned from New Mexico the book launched on amazon. We ranked #1 in Movers & Shakers, #3 in the Self-Help/Motivational category, and 79 out of 137,568 the first day! Purchase Speaking Your Truth at http://amzn.to/ceyi6k.

Speaking Your Truth:

Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women

Please join me for the Speaking Your Truth book launch party on Tuesday, September 14 at the Cork Wine House in Denver from 6-10p. In addition to signing copies of this inspiring anthology, I’ll be displaying my latest painting from the new series I’m working on for my solo art show this November at Strings restaurant in Denver. Get a “sneak peek” at the new direction my art work is taking.

I wrapped up August showing two of my paintings – “Jubilee” and “Serenity Washes Over Me” – at Art Farm 2010. It’s an outdoor art show and garden gala organized and curated each year by fellow Denver Artist Eric Matelski. Proceeds from Art Farm benefit the Denver Urban Gardens.

Art Farm 2010

Marcella with "Jubliee" and "Serenity Washes Over Me"

This week I’m hanging the “It’s Not Black & White” art show at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden. The exhibition will be on display in the Playhouse lobby during the six-week run of the play "ART," winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. The opening Artist Reception is Saturday, September 11 from 5-7 pm, followed by a 7:30 pm performance of “ART.” The art show is free and open to the public. Tickets for the play can be purchased in advanced at http://www.minersalley.com/BoxOffice.shtml. The play contains mature themes and adult language.

See my painting, “Pieces of Me, Pieces of You,” at Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, Colorado in the sanctuary lobby on Sundays between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm through October 10.

Keep following your bliss! The rest will follow.

Peace, Love and Art,
Marcella

Moving in the Direction of Our Dreams

Left: Marcella's blue toes - inspired by recent screening of "Avitar"

Right: The orange toes of friend & fellow Author Melissa Kline

Greetings Pretty Petunias!

This weekend I caught up with a few of my sassy chicas: Colista Lich – Artist, Writer and Motivational Speaker; Ky Gabriel – Artist and licensed Spiritual Practitioner; and Melissa Kline – soon to be published Author. Each of these ladies is a beautiful, unique, and creative soul. And I am so blessed that our paths have crossed!

Colista Lich and I have been Facebook friends for some time, but we finally met in person for lunch on Friday. Over salads at the Atlanta Bread Co, we shared stories of our creative and spiritual journeys and remarked about the similarities of our paths. When I shared that I am grateful for, but overwhelmed by, the painting and writing opportunities that have recently presented themselves she reminded me to 1. breath, 2. say thank you, and 3. know that I can do it. Thank you Colista! I needed those gentle reminders.

I visited fellow Artist and licensed Spiritual Practitioner Ky Gabriel Saturday afternoon at her art studio. While she repaired a few of my jewelry pieces – reattached a post to an earring, shortened a necklace, and restrung a bracelet – we discussed the importance of checking our ego’s at the door. We are both in agreement that promoting our artistic endeavors is just a means to an end. It’s not about being popular or famous. It’s about reaching others, connecting, and being in service to uplift and inspire. Ky, and her beautiful one of a kind jewelry pieces and paintings, certainly inspire me!

Sunday morning I caught up with soon-to-be-published author Melissa Kline at the Venetian Nail Spa in Golden. While sitting in massage chairs, we received “Signature” pedis that included exfoliating leg treatments and a massage of the legs and feet. As we received much deserved pampering we both closed our eyes and relished a few moments of stillness. But while we waited for our polish to dry we discussed the importance of self care and pacing ourselves. Both extremely self-motivated and ambitious about our creative endeavors, we acknowledged that it’s not a race and that the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination. Amen! And amen!

Have you slowed down lately to check-in with the people that inspire you? Have you taken time to give yourself some tender loving care – even if just a simple nap? Keep moving in the direction of your dreams. With the love and support of my friends, I know I am. But remember the importance of taking a break to connect with others and giving yourself some self love. You might just find a renewed sense of inspiration in the process.

Peace, Love, and Art,

Marcella

To learn more about Artist/Writer/Speaker Colista Lich, visit http://www.colistalich.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.zazzle.com/Colista.

To learn more about Artist Ky Gabriel, like her Facebook fan page for Peacock Arts at http://bit.ly/alKblS.

To learn more about Writer Melissa Kline and her forthcoming publication, follow her blog at http://melissakline.blogspot.com/.

For the Venetian Nail Spa’s location and services, visit http://www.venetiannailspaco.com/.

ARTapalooza!

Greetings Dreamcicles!

For the past few weeks I have been busy designing and launching my new website and creating my Facebook fan page. Check out my new site at http://marcellanordbeck.com/ and “like” me at http://bit.ly/dBECT4.

But life hasn’t been all work and no play. Last weekend I crawled out from under my rock long enough to check out the Cherry Creek Art Festival in Denver where I caught up with the artist Nemo. I am proud to say I am now the owner of a Nemo original! To learn more about him and his art visit http://www.artbynemo.com/.

Marcella with fellow artist Nemo

This past weekend was an ARTapalooza! I kicked it off Friday night at Russell Wilbar’s opening reception for his show Construction/Deconstruction. Russell is a “green” mixed media artist whose reconstructed and painted salvaged doors and floors practically float off the wall. Check out Wilbar’s show at Sync Gallery in the Santa Fe art district in Denver through August 16. Visit http://www.russellwilbar.com/ to learn more.

Marcella with fellow artist Russell Wilbar and Wilbar's art piece "Out of Mind"

Saturday night I saw the play “The Underpants” at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden with fellow writer Janet Roots. It’s a hoot a half! Written by Carl Sternheim, adapted by Steve Martin, and directed by Rick Bernstein, I nearly peed my pants I laughed so hard. Visit http://www.minersalley.com/ for show times.

Marcella with fellow writer Janet Roots

Janet serves on the Playhouse board and asked me to assist her with organizing and curating the “It’s Not Black & White” juried art show. It will hang in the Playhouse lobby in September and October during the six week run of the Tony Award winning play “Art.” Visit http://www.minersalley.com/SpecialEvents.shtml for the call for entry details. To learn more about Janet’s writing services visit http://www.rootswrites.com/.

A view of the drive to Poncha Springs, Colorado

I wrapped up the weekend driving down to Poncha Springs for the Art of the Rockies art show at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. Three of my paintings were accepted into this juried exhibition, but “A Moment of Suspense” received an Honorable Mention ribbon in the Advanced oil/acrylic category. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a nod from the judge as my abstracts were a minority in a sea of landscapes, horses, and cowboys.

Marcella with "A Moment of Suspense"

That’s all for now folks. I’ve got to put the blinders back on and refocus. I’m working on a new painting for the upcoming Yin/Yang show at Mile Hi Church, I’m on deadline to finish writing my book proposal for Hay House, and I’m working on a new series of abstract/mixed media paintings inspired by my recent trip through the Caribbean and my love for the ocean. The new series will be revealed at my next solo art exhibition at Strings restaurant in Denver in November. Details to come…

But before I go, let me remind you to save the date! In August I will add published author to my resume! My essay “I Find Myself Painting” is being published in the anthology “Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories by Inspiring Women.” The book will be available for purchase on amazon August 25.

Keep following your bliss! The rest will follow.

Peace, Love, and Art,
Marcella

A First Time for Everything

Greetings Moon Beams!

I’ve been home for three weeks, so it’s starting to feel like old news, but here are pics from my recent vacation. My friend, and fellow writer, Kate Heartsong and I attended a writing workshop hosted by Hay House publishing. Did I mention it was held on a 7-night Caribbean cruise? Minor detail…but, yeah…it was awesome!

The view of the port in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

from Shawpark Botanical Gardens.

I would have sat my ass in the middle of Greenland bundled up in a parka to learn about publishing ins and outs from Hay House – number one metaphysical publisher in the world. But I’m not complaining. I got to soak up industry knowledge in between sun beams in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel.

Wading in the ocean in Fort Lauderdale & chillin at the beach in the Bahamas.

The highlight of my adventure on the high seas was my 6 mile round trip hike from the port to Shawpark Botanical Gardens in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I practically had to beat off thirty cab drivers that wanted to drive me there. But once I got into downtown it was a peaceful walk the rest of the way. That is, if you don’t mind 90+ degree weather and what feels like 100% humidity.

Nothing says vacation like a hibiscus flower.

I don’t think many tourists walk through Ocho Rios. The school kids, in their matching uniforms, looked liked they’d never seen anyone so…tall. Okay, maybe it was the glare off my SPF 90.  But I got lots of waves and smiles flashed my way.

A Jamaican Shaman I met eating and breathing fire in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

There are many advantages to seeing Ocho Rios by foot, things you’d miss if you were sitting in the back of a taxi. The plant life, the fire eating and breathing Jamaican Shaman, the two goats tied to a bush on the side a road. Sorry, seeing goats is not an every day occurrence for me. And I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure I heard a rooster.

The waterfall at Shawpark Botanical Gardens

in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Another advantage to getting off the tourist track in Jamaica, if you time it right, is arriving at Shawpark Botanical Gardens just as a tour bus is leaving. I had such an experience and it was heaven. It was just me, the gardens, the waterfall, the birds of paradise - the flower, not actual birds – and the butterflies!

Crazy beautiful flowers and tree in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Oh, the butterflies! There were swarms of them. Swarms I tell ya! I’d never seen so many butterflies in my life! Every shape, size, color you can imagine. I tried to photograph the little buggers, but, even though they fly like they’re drunk, they’re fast! My handy point-and-shoot was no match for their nimbleness.

Steppin' out for formal night on the cruise ship.

I’m home again. Back to my crazy life as an Admin turned Artist turned Writer. And I’m on deadline. I have three months to finish writing my book proposal, develop my platform (that’s fancy publishing lingo for developing my marketing plan), produce a 3-minute YouTube video and submit it all to Hay House sans agent – a rare opportunity. The reward? Someone who attended the writing workshop is going to win a publishing contract and a $10,000 advance. Wish me luck!

Peace, love, and art,
Marcella

P.S.
To learn more about Kate Heartsong and her recently published book, “Deeply We Are One,” please visit http://www.joyfulradiance.com/.

For more information about Hay House, please visit http://www.hayhouse.com/.

comMISSION Accomplished!

I finished and delivered my first commissioned painting this week titled Beauty of the Moment. Actually it's a series of three paintings depicting different phases of the moon.

Here's a glimpse into my creative process:

First Sketch

Examples of Moon Phases

Second Sketch

Test Boards

Beauty of the Moment 1

Beauty of the Moment 2

Beauty of the Moment 3

Beauty of the Moment series

Acrylic & Mixed Media, 14x14 each panel

Bon Voyage! I'm off to take a 10 day vacation - a writing workshop with Hay House publishing on a Princess cruise!