It's a Van Life Christmas!

I’ve been down van life traveling and visiting my folks down in Florida for almost two weeks and it feels so good to be back in the tropics again!!

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the absolute abundance of wildlife is blowing my mind all over again.

This is an extra special visit, not only for obvious holiday reasons, but it’s the first time bringing my sweetie Alan down to meet the family. Everyone got along so wonderfully and we had a blast road tripping back up north, camping for two nights in Withlacoochee State Park where we hiked and biked and then kayaked…

We had hoped to see some manatees but it had been too warm for them to come into the springs. I did get to swim with them a few years ago though! See the manatee art I made after that special experience here.

before spending New Year’s night at a Hipcamp with alpacas, chickens, sheep, goats, and ducks. So cool! There was a tiny lil wobbly alpaca baby that was just born a few hours before we arrived who still had his umbilical cord hanging, and I even got to cuddle the softest baby lamb.

Waking up the next day I joyfully experienced my first time in an outdoor shower with an alpaca view! What a way to welcome 2022!

I just got back home and I’m super psyched to start working on my art biz to catch up on a few things that have fallen by the wayside during this last crazy busy semester. I’m teaching two less classes this semester so I’ll be able to get back on my ‘A’ game art-making wise.

So cheers to you and all the best wishes for this next year coming up! I’ve got soooo much planned for you here and on my YouTube channel - yay!

1.4.2022

Happy Merry Xmas + New Years!

I’m down in Florida with the family and smiling big big every minute! I hope you are too!

Here’s a few pics from the Nossi School of Art admin and staff holiday party… what can I say, I love my coworkers!

Check out those Amazon Gift Cards our team won at trivia! We killed it!

Have the happiest merriest Christmas and a splendoriffic New Year! See ya in 2022!!

Feeling well at home at home again in the sunny land of citrus!

Cruisin on my stepdad’s boat with Alan

12.25.2022

Dealing with Trolls and Online Negativity as an Artist

Yikes! Dealing with trolls, haters, and just plain negative people online can be totally stressful and disheartening! Hopefully you haven't experienced much of it so far, but it never hurts to be prepared for the future.

The more we put ourselves out there the more susceptible we are to online bullying or harassment. Today I've got 7 emotional and actionable ways you can deal with any negativity that gets thrown at your artwork or content. And remember above all else, don't let anyone online get you down - they don't even know how awesome you are in real life!

Tips for Dealing with Online Negativity

1. See if the negativity is just a poorly delivered helpful critique. Believe it or not sometimes negativity does come from a place of frustration that gets aimed in the wrong direction. If there is a real and specific complaint, perhaps try to see what point the critic is making removed from the anger. You may even be able to address the comment in such a way that makes the critic feel heard, understood and treated with respect and then they will do the same back.

2. Have a few positive responses on hand to consult or reuse as necessary. Even if you may be able to win this person over, never allow yourself to negativity - it’s just not worth it because…

3. Realize you can't please everyone and that is OK!! You can never please everyone so don’t even try - it won’t work and you’ll just get frustrated. Realize that no one famous or otherwise has ever been able to please everyone. I’m sure you could even find critics of Mother Theresa so do not stress yourself out over it. Remember, you cannot control how others perceive you, only how you can carry yourself so just be and do things that you can be proud of and you’ll naturally stop caring about those who treat you as if you should be some other way.

4. If someone really wants to troll and hassle you, there are three emotional ways to handle negativity....

   4.1. Laugh it off. Literally give off a laugh and a shrug because this person took the actual time to get their whole panties in a bunch over some free content you posted online - what a loser!!

   4.2. Cry it off. Ugh every once in awhile someone either by chance or by seriously sick and specific proclivities knows just what to say to right under your skin to really make you feel bad/inept/stupid/unskilled so if that happens, allow yourself to feel your feelings for a few.

   4.3. Pity them! And feel relieved that you are not them and neither is your significant other. They may give you and unpleasant 15 minutes but realize that that person is way unhappy in their own lives, and they have to be around themselves 24/7! Yikes!

5. Know there is nothing wrong with simply block-report-delete. This person has disrespected you so you owe them exactly nothing in return. Do not allow this person to bully you into a response, especially if that response would require you to sink as low as their level - ew!

6. The very best way to deal with negativity online is to have a mantra ready so you have a swift and confident inner-dialog answer for any time some awful comment sneaks up out of nowhere and completely derails whatever awesome thing you were about to do. Do not allow those trolls any power over your mindset, goals, or accomplishments.

7. Above all else remember that H.A.T.E.R.S. are just losers who Have Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success. They are not productive contributors, pumped on accomplishing their own goals - no. They are miserable little wastes-of-space without enough creativity to produce anything notable on their own. They’re succubi. They’re leeches. They are not worth any time and we don’t even know who they are. They know who we are, but they are so insignificant that we don’t even know who they are. Just understand that haters only come after those who are doing something noteworthy and interesting. Along with fame comes haters - it’s a very backwards compliment but trust me, it is one.

Gouache Materials

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Titanium White

Azo Yellow

Gamborge Yellow

Napthol Red

Cerulean Blue

Permanent Green Light

Payne’s Grey

Princeton Size 1 Round Brush

Da Vinci Size 0/2 Round Brush

Da Vinci Size 2 Filbert Brush

And yes, these gouache mushrooms are available for purchase in my Shop right here.

9.19.2021

First Mushroom Forage

I’ve always been slightly enamored and mystified by the myriad of funky fungi I’ve encountered throughout years of adventuring outdoors, but have never been interested in learning more about wild mushrooms due to my lifelong distaste of Portobello or baby bello mushrooms found at any random grocery store.

I’ve always hated that I hated mushrooms, but what can one do?!

So as you can imagine, going out to enjoy a lovely solo hike in Chattanooga to get some fresh air and coming home with a large sampling of one of Mother Nature’s most nutritious, sustainable, and, as I later learned, delicious offerings completely unexpectedly has really opened up a whole new world for me.

You’re probably wondering what possessed me to pluck a random, though beautiful, unknown cluster of fungus from the woods and take it home to eat with practically no experience in the matter, especially knowing how dangerous decisions like that could be….

Well, two things: for one I had just seen that amazingly edited and incredibly interesting documentary Fantastic Fungi with the world famous mycologist Paul Stamets who really explained just what miraculous entities mushrooms are and how truly delicious they can be, which reminded me of the only time I have ever foraged and eaten a wild mushroom previously, and made me yearn to try again.

My first time eating a wild forage was with my good friend Jimi who is an old pro and knew exactly what he was doing. We collected this lionsmane mushroom together, then sautéed it with butter and salt n pepper and it was EPIC! It literally tasted like a meaty, succulent cross between a squash and a shrimp.

Happening upon that perfect specimen and then eating it less than 3 hours later felt all the more epic because my whole life I always had to let people know that I didn’t like mushrooms if they were providing a shared meal.

I mean…. I’ll still have to let folks who prep my food know my tastes… but at least now I can sound like an elitist hipster and say, ‘I only like wild mushrooms.’ tee hee

But I digress.. the reason I even gathered this particular mushroom was because it was so beautiful I took a pic and sent it to my friend who watched the movie with me and he immediately came back telling me it was a delicious mushroom called Chicken of the Woods and I should collect it. I had a hand towel with me so I broke it off the decaying branch it was growing out of and kept on my hike. My friend and I continued to check with a few folks to be sure it was safe and good and I watched a few videos on YouTube too.

I brought it home, cleaned it off, and sautéed half of it in a little Bragg sauce then included it in a veggie Thai lemongrass meal (see me cook and taste it in this quickie video here>>). And wouldn’t you know it, the Chicken of the Woods was epic too, and so aptly named!! The next day I did a barbeque olive oil recipe I found online and yummmmmmm! The consistency is so spot on and it just the mushroom just really takes on whatever seasoning you’re trying to give it. I’m hooked!

All in all though, I am seriously grateful to have a new healthy food group to enjoy. So much so that I even took the plunge and included some oyster mushrooms in my Misfits Market box this week. I found a recipe for those with just olive oil, garlic, green onions, salt n pepper, and lemon juice that was quite delightful. I’d have to say I liked the foraged fungus better than the oysters, but they were pretty good and I’ll definitely eat them again. At some point I’d like to see about growing my own, I hear it’s not that difficult.

You see those lil brown dots at the base? They’re tiny mushrooms! My mushrooms are growing their own mushrooms - ha!

Do you like wild mushrooms? Have you ever foraged your own? How about grown your own? Let me know or share tips in the comments!

9.16.2021

Even More Framed Ferns & Flora

I have come to realize that I can literally stare at ferns for hours on end, which is something I feel like I have been doing since creating this last batch of framed plant compositions. I have them all set up in a row in my living room so I can admire them until they find new homes, and I keep catching myself pausing in mid-step to unconsciously stare at their beautiful contours.

And how about the frames on these ones too?! This thrift session scored some beautiful inlaid and hand crafted wood frames, as well as this super svelte (and surprisingly sturdy!) glass and metal minimalist design.

I’m so psyched to be making these for another upcoming three day music festival! There is truly nothing like spending a long weekend camping, dancing, and meeting other creative and adventurous folks. I feel so grateful to be able to share my art in such a fun and exuberant setting with people that seem so interested in learning about my processes and inspiration.

This festival should be an especially enlightening one since it’s a solar powered event focusing heavily on sustainability and making responsible energy use decisions for the future. I know I’m looking forward to learning some new things, and being among a conscientious and nature-loving crowd.

So if you’re in the Tennessee area, consider coming out to Get Off the Grid Fest in Chattanooga August 20-22 and come find my booth to say hi! Tickets are super reasonably priced and the line-up looks great. Here’s all the info. See you there!

7.22.2021

Another Riotous Charleston Hometown Visit

Oh boy, oh boy every time I get to go back to the cutest and most personality-filled city of them all, I get reminded once more how lucky I am to have grown up in Charleston, and to have known her very personally before she got overrun with waaaay too many transplants. Ha!

Except for Bill Murray, that is. We’ve loved having him as a local for over 15 years now! And wouldn’t you know it, but my lil sock monster Venkman finally got a chance to get a pic with his namesake - how exciting!!

One of my fave Charleston foods two ways: chilled raw oysters on the creek, and raw oyster shots on East Bay St right next to my old job at the coffee shop. Cheers!

I actually got to see a remarkable amount of wildlife too, from this big healthy aligator up close, to dozens of massive night herons nesting in Battery Park, to a huge pod of dolphins surrounding our boat and coming up for air within10 feet of us for over 20 minutes while cruising in Cape Romain wildlife refuge. It was like one National Geographic experience after another!

I was able to make to two of my favorite haunts twice each; two Dead shows at the Pour House and got real silly at the best dive in town, The Rec Room.

And I’m forever grateful how years can go by in time, yet not a single day will pass in a true friendship. I swear I’m the luckiest Bird around:):):)

Oh Charleston, as old as you are, being with you never is…

And to make an amazing visit that much better, I even got a campout in at my parent’s cabins with some wonderful and hilarious folks I’ve been close with every since our days working at Cinnebarre well over a decade ago now. Yay for friendships that truly last through thick and thin!!

Bye bye Charleston! I love you and I’ll see you soon!

7.14.2021

Back on Da 'Aina

I’m back on O’ahu until December and I couldn’t be more excited! Since I’m working totally from home these days, I figured I could just as easily get things done from friend’s houses or camp spots as I can in my quiet lil Florida studio so this Bird just decided to fly back to the island she loves the most:)

Up, up, up!!!

Plein air sketching dream-come-true!

Waking up to the sun while listening to the waves crash just outside your cozy bed is a feeling that absolutely never gets old.

Can’t beat these mobile office views!

My Artist Residency During the Coronavirus

What a time to be alive right?!

I've recently returned from a five week artist residency on a small farm in rural Tennessee, and while I had a wonderful time with the miniature donkeys and generous chickens, it was a very strange feeling knowing that the Coronavirus was just beginning its unprecedented infiltration of the entire world.

Camp Wonder Wander, hosted by artist and entrepreneur Val Sloan, provides a quiet and beautiful space for artists, writers, and musicians to come and focus on their craft in a an environment not bogged down with the complications and distractions of normal everyday life.

As part of the artist residency, we help out with the animals and find ways to add to the enchanted experience of the next residents by leaving a piece of ourselves here in the form of whatever art we choose. I decided to entirely repaint the shared bathroom with a potted plant mural. (See the full mural vid here. )

Even through the current state of affairs I had a really wonderful stay and was able to explore many different art forms in a short amount of time. It was also really delightful to watch spring come in everywhere throughout the rolling hills of Tennessee.

4.19.2020

Vanlife :: Bed Build + Early Campout Adventures

Vaughn the Adventure Van is really starting to shine! Today I'm sharing my minivan to camper bed build (plus a front seat desk) using components we already had around the house - so satisfying!!

Then I made a custom memory foam mattress and matching couch cushion for a serious snuggle factor of 10! I'll be adding some shelf units and hammock nets for storage when I go back to Florida in a few months but until then I'm feeling pretty content and organized either way.

So enjoy these early vanbuild stages and adventures through Florida and onto Tennessee!

2.22.2020

First Campout in Vaughn the Adventure Van

Woo hoo for Vaughn the Adventure Van!!

I’m beside myself with excitement and to celebrate I have already taken him out for his first campout at Myakka River State Park here in Florida. I haven’t started outfitting him with my proper bed and storage yet, but for just grabbing gear form my parents’ house so far I think we’re doing pretty well!

First my friend Baila (who was actually my neighbor and hike buddy on O’ahu who recently relocated to the east coast too!) and I decided to go on a relatively local adventure around town…

then we hopped on down to Warm Mineral Springs in North Port for a rejuvenating dip. Not too bad being able to swim outside in December!

We were so grateful to find such a peaceful and gorgeous camping spot just before sunset.

This park was extra cool because it features an elevated canopy walk 26 feet tall so visitors can experience all the unique air plants and local birds at eye level. Such an enlightening experience!

The trees were absolutely teaming with aerophytes! And after that fun catwalk, you get to climb up a 74 foot wooden tower to literally look down upon the trees as far as the eye can see in this super flat Florida landscape.

I mean, WOW!

Those trees are over 30 feet tall

Good thing Venkman isn’t afraid of heights!

One of the neatest plants on the journey so far…

On our way out we got to see about a dozen big fat happy gators sunning on the bank too. Fun to see from a distance, but they appeared around 8 feet long so I think we’ll stick to the roads for now:)

12.11.2019