Let's Go Fly a Kite!

I had a great weekend.

It was like being a kid again.



We laughed hard.


Some say Kafalla,
I say Cyndi's!

Jesus Chairez came to see me at the artist's reception - and he took many pictures. Here are some of them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chairezstudio/sets/72157594585271900/


I read this headline in the Dallas Morning News and thought of my friend and his imaginary boyfriend. Some much with our imagination. It is great to be a big kid with a great imaginary life.


Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Reach

This is an image that I created. Not sure why I called it Reach other than that is the name that came to mind when I thought what should I call this piece.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

s A tu R day T houghts

Today is the unvailing of Jim Frederick's commissioned painting is hung on the wall of Burt Barber. I have not seen it yet, but am excited that it now has a new home. The painting has a story and I think when artists are friends, it is those stories that have as much life as the art itself.

I was thinking about the story and I was looking for a photo and I happened to find one of Jim thinking (it was from the Humanity Show last year) and it reminded me of a Warhol Self Portrait. I thought about how both Jim and Andy have influenced me, my thoughts and my art. So I created this double portrait of two artists that I admire and inspire me.

I also came across a picture of a note I wrote on my hand - "You can live a lifetime without being aware". After a little digital doodling, I posted it here. Today I spent many hours clearly out the room that is destined to become the Pink House Gallery, and putting more items into the Studio.

I also took an afternoon nap. It was wonderful and I even had a surprise called from "my boyfriend" Karen (inside joke).

Can not wait to see the finished painting -- I hope Jim posts it soon on his blog.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Powerful Word

BELIEVE

Opt-In

Working on the business again --- you can see I added a box where you can join my email list for messages regarding upcoming shows and events.

Doing what I can

Busy days... it is exciting to have a new studio and to think of all the things you want to do in your new space. At least that is what occupies alot of my thoughts lately. Working on Business Cards, brochures to showcase my art, update the website with more art, take off the art that has been sold, explain more about my art and my process, get the items lined up for the artist reception, shows and work on this year's business plan. So many things to do.

Just need to remember to breathe, take it all in, and spend a little time creating.

I was inspired last night while watching the academy awards by the winning of the documentary "The Inconvenient Truth" and those that accepts awards and how moved they were by the passion and voice that Al Gore gave to this message.

If you can ignite the passion in yourself, it will start a fire in others.

P.A.C.E. OUT!

Studio, Sunset, Faces & Friends

This is a piece that I created recently. It is all digital. In creating it, I was reminded of the process. The creative process.

Another creative process happened this weekend, with friends, Tim & Rob. Tim and Rob are accomplished workers. They are amazing when it comes to building things.

They spent the weekend visiting and taking my art studio to the next level. They helped design and build a storage area for my paintings and canvases and a work area complete with a lighttable.

A view of the studio with the large worktable, storage shelves from Jim in the background (Thanks Jim, they work great), a dropcloth that I used to paint in public on hanging on the wall.

Another vew showing off easels, the worktable and more storage.

And this shows the opposite side, with the window and large fan (this will be needed come summer time), the lighttable is under the work table.

This is Tim & Rob as they are preparing to leave with all their tools. They did such a great job of turning my studio from an empty room to a real studio - now I just need to make it messy with painting some art. Thank you guys! You're the best carpenters.





This is a picture of a sunset that happened the last day at sea during my vacation and I thought it was a great way to end this blog.

























By the way, I learned I ate fried pickles two nights in a row.



Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Under The Sea

It is important to get out of your comfort zone and do something you do not ordinarily do. For me that was snorkeling. It was a wonderful experience, you have only your vision and the sound of your breathing through the tube this me underwater (the guide used my disposable underwater camera). This was in the waters off Buck Island in St. Thomas. I saw Manta Rays, Large Turtles, lots of tropical fish, sea fans and coral.

Made progress on the studio, friends - Tim & Rob are coming this weekend to help build some shelving for the art storage, and a large flat working table for painting and varnishing - I am sure we will also spend sometime showing them some Houston hospitality.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved.

Playing Catch Up

I am back in Houston, and running crazy trying to get caught up. Lots of items to take care of between now and the end of March when I will participate in the IAC Artist's Studio Tour in Houston. Also have to prepare for the artist's reception in Dallas mid March, and visiting with friends for a fund raiser called the No Tie Dinner at Karen's home then as well. But deadlines do drive me, and so it will be a busy week getting back up to speed. As well as going through the memories of the cruise and sharing pictures in the coming days.

Family & Friends

Today we stopped in Barbados and we visited with Iris & Mac who have a place that they stay at each year. Also visiting was my Uncle Don & Aunt Tiny and friends of theirs from Binghamton, NY. We were brought to their place on the south side of the island by our cabbie - Nigel. After a great visit we ate some at the local cafe. Wonder if Aunt Tiny ever got through the airport with all the liquor she bought. Tonight the internet is still free so this will most likely be my last blog until I am back home on dry land. We are heading to St. Kitts where tomorrow I will be snorkling and then on Friday to St. Thomas for some Sailing & Snorkeling before two more days at sea before getting back. I have taken over 500 photos and still have more to take. Lots of interesting shots to organize on a site for everyone to see. Happy Birthday, Robert. Nice Picture on PaFred's blog. Jim glad to see you are finishing Burt's painting can not wait to see pictures. Bye for now.... Make a splash or duck!

Blog from Sea

Just a quick hello to the fellow blogreaders... we are at sea somewhere between St. Marten and St. Lucia. Had a few days at sea, getting used to all this rocking. Met nice people at our nightly dinner table - they are from Montreal Quebec - Celine, Jacquiline, and Guston. We spent today touring the island of St. Marten and met 5 of the artists who reside there. It was great fun, and interesting to see how they lived and worked. It taught me one thing, my art is selling way too low! Been eating strange things that I have never had. Why? Jim said so. I am taking a ton of pictures so it will be fun to share them when I return home.

Bye for now!

My Secret Love

Well if you watched Oprah, then you know about the "Secret". My studio is ready for me to move in once I get back from my cruise. It is so exciting.

I remember a year ago, not knowing where my life was going, but I knew what I wanted and I wrote it down. I found it today and it said " I envision my own studio, attached to a gallery, and a classroom area. I am making enough to pay all my bills with ease.... " The secret works.... here are some other pictures from inside the new studio space. My first studio tour will be the March 31st part of the IAC (www.innerartcorridor.com) artists studio tour, with over 100 artists participating.
I won't be blogging now for the next two weeks, so here is my Valentine to all of you with a little bit of spring!

I am grateful to have the love that you all bring to my life.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Whim Designs Studios

Today, after a number of months on a waiting list, I got an artist studio. It is part of the Winter Street Studios. Another capture of Whim begins.

Busy Weekend

It was a very busy weekend, lots more boxes unpacked and put away. A car filled to capacity with items being donated to the Salvation army. A call from Winter Street Studios of a possible artist studio available. A haircut, a massage, and shopping. This was a busy weekend, but I did take time out for a Saturday afternoon nap and it was great to do that. Worked some on Sunday, rooted for the Bears, but that seemed to be only for the first 10 minutes of the game. Ate Pasta both nights. Did Laundry. Packed for the cruise. Went through all the clothes and either put them away, hung them up or gave them away. Amazing that you can get rid of of 100 pieces of clothes, and still have a full closet. I am blessed.

I am blessed.

Happy Birthday Mark

Well, the goal was reached this AM, to be the in 250s by what would have been my brother Mark's 43rd Birthday.

When I started last Octber 1st, I said that I would donate $10 for every pound lost when I got to the birthday, to my brother's scholarship fund.

So 295-259=36x10=$360

For anyone else that wants to contribute:

The Mark Miller Scholarship Fund

c/o Niagara County Community College Foundation

3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.

Sanborn, NY 14132

Happy Birthday, Mark - Thanks for sending an early spring, and miss you.

Love, Billy

I opened another box

This time it was the creative box. I created boxes and unemptied my mind.



Now that I have set up my larger format printer, and it works with no problems, it will be time to start creating some canvases. Only 7 days until my first cruise. (on a boat at least!)

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Too busy

Sorry no blog today, too busy opening and unpacking boxes.

Why? Ask Jim.

Meeting the neighbors

Tonight after getting home from my corporate job, I decided to venture into the neighborhood. I decided to walk, brought my camera in case I saw some things that needed documenting, brought my sketchbook and black ink pen. Along the way, I saw some ripped billboard ads on a building front, and created this collage from it. In some ways it tells a story - you can create you own, I did.

Next I decide to get some dinner at this diner in the neighborhood. It is on Washington street, about a 4 short block walk from my front porch. I walked in and was greeted by a nice man, who told me he lived around the block and that the restaurant had only been open since June, but with the recent positive press in the Houston Cronicle, they have been very busy. I had me a Louisana Burger and some french fries. It was very good. I am excited about going there for breakfast one day soon, as I hear the chef used to work at the Pig Place which just closed down the street. I am sure that I will have more stories to tell about "The Little Hip Diner", and can not wait to bring my houston visitors there for a bite and some local atmosphere.
After dinner I continued my walk, and I stopped at the Art Gallery leCAG. It's open sign was on and I thought how cool. As I approached a rather short woman opened the door and invited me in. You see this is much more than a gallery, it was her home and her studio as well. I mentioned that I too was an artist and just moved into the neighborhood. I gave her my card advertising "The Pink House Gallery", she was very excited that another artist was moving into the neighborhood. Her name is Coco (or at least that is what she is calling her self now according to her card) and her husband Pablo - fabulous names if you ask me. They welcomed me into their home, gave me a tour of the studio, home and gallery. We talked about art, the neighborhood, upcoming art events to participate in, the view at the Bayou, and being an artist. I can not wait to be able to have them over my "gallery, studio, home" to share some wine and talk more about art. If you would like to check out her work - www.callmecoco.com .

After leaving Coco's place, I walked home, but before I got to my place I walked one block south to this corner and took the pictures of the Houston Skyline that is at my doorstep. It is very cool. The energy in this neighborhood, is friendly, welcoming, and exciting. I have the feeling I am meant to be here.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Mary?, Mary!, how does your garden grow?

People have been asking me if I took a picture of Jim, well here he is with the "wooden" & "jingle belled" flowers that my parents sent him. It was a funny story since they did not know that it was a kit that needed to be assembled, but after Jim and his nurse dived into the project it was recieved with much delight.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

505, Blogging, Unboxing and talking with Jim

This is my five hundredth and fifth post... so much to do... blog more... unpack more... do more... or to quote my friend, Jim - "You can only do what you can do", his new mantra. I had over an hour conversation with him tonight on the phone, we talked about many things, I am sure he captured some of them on his own blog, as he was trying to multitask his brain to be able to blog, talk to me and play jewel quest all while simulataneously open a sugar packet and creating his next work of art with his own excrement. You would have to have heard our conversation to understand.

It was a very busy productive day for me, and now I am taking a moment to reflect and to be grateful for all that I have in life. This picture is of a local woman in my neighborhood, she is very pleasant, but she is poor and she say hi, good morning, and proceeds to go through everyone's trash looking for cans that she gets money for recycling. So it doesn't matter what your fate in life, if you are grateful for all that you have you can be happy.

I am happy for my friends. This is a few pictures of the friends I have in Dallas, when I was home and we got to celebrate Tim's 45th birthday. Annie the pool shark, Tim and his Tiffany Shade Hat, and the party boys.

Also got to visit Burt's new place, and this is a picture of his great bedroom. Hmmm. I could go there (actually I went there) but I won't.

And I am grateful for the friends, of friends I have in Dallas that introduced me to their friends in Houston, so now I am making new friends. I had a fun night a few weekends back with new friends I am making part of my Houston family.

So more blogging, more unboxing and more boys to come, and great conversations with friends where is doesn't matter if you are in the room or hundreds of miles away it's like your are there all the same. Laughter and Love, Billy

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Back at the drawing board

Today was a great day. I got my home wireless network of computers working (no thanks to Time Warner), but it allows me to have all my computers networked and have access to the internet. I am sitting in my livingroom blogging now, and creating new digital art. I created this piece by using my drawing techniques - something I think I want to explore further. I like the transparency and the action it has.

Also in case he's reading... Watch Oprah on Wednesday. (yes, you Jim).

12 Days until my first cruise...

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

this blog's for you

Toronto was very cold.... -16 celisus (bbrrr!)




Been a while since I last posted. That was becuase I was in Toronto and only had with me my corporate laptop which would not allow me to access the blogger site. So now I am back and blogging again. It is good to see Jim blogging again as well, and commenting - they must be doing good with his therapy becuase he's typing again.





Had a long trip back from Toronto - here are a few pictures from the airport! 6 hours on a plane is not my kind of fun. But I am grateful to be back in Houston with the 60 degree weather.

When the universe shows you something you need to listen. I saw the movie "The Secret".

Copyright 2007 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

More Later

I had a great weekend. Lots to tell, more pictures to come, but I am already off again to Toronto. More later.

3rd Visitor

My friend Michelle visited today and got a tour of the Pink House. We had a great visit and dinner at Barnaby's. I had lasagna (yum) and met the owner Cuba, who took my card and said that she would contact me when she needed an artist to hang at her restaurant in an emergency, and she would have her art organiser contact me to view my art and set up a future time for an actual show. Very cool.

and it was cold and lightly rainy here - the media freaked everyone out - seemed like we were having a blizzard - I am thinking this is like saying the Hurricane is coming and all we get is a breeze and some spit! Oh well that is the Yankee in me coming out.

Thinking of Jim

Banana Bread

my point of view

Still

Still working hard, Still unpacking boxes, Still creating art, Still paying bills, Still enjoying life, Still living in Houston, Still nothing seems the same.

Lemons & Knobs

One of the pleasures of being somewhere new is that you always have things that you find, that you notice, that you don't take for granted. Two things that I have noticed around this historic old house is the lemon tree that sits just outside in my backyard and the incredible diverse collection of doorknobs (no two alike).


I hope that I find more treasures and do not come to take them for granted... little surprises everywhere. I am sure that my artists' friends would agree and I look forward to when Jim, SarahJane, Seth, and Pa Fred come to visit and use their cameras to find interesting things just lying around waiting to be photographed.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Long Weekend

Updated with photo of my new furniture that is in the bedroom. A new armiore and cedar chest. They look great with the old Philco radio/record player and antique table with blue mirror glass top.
In the picture the insets show some of the details that are inside the armoire.

Had a great visit with Warren. Got another step closer to being unpacked. Lots of work ahead. Missing friends.

Friday & Saturday

Having a good visit with Warren and Trudy. Bought some new furniture for the bedroom, antique armoire and chest (need storage for clothes & towels). Hope to post pictures soon. Then dinner at Star Pizza (Ann & Laura's Favorite Place) and then out for a few drinks exploring the town. Got in around 11pm. Heading off this morning to find a new breakfast place, and follow that up with some shopping at Home Depot or Lowes. Things to arrange and get done.

2nd Guest Arrives

Updated - with Picture of Warren & Trudy.

No pictures, but Warren and his little dog Trudy arrived today to visit for the weekend. His first comments echoed that of Denise's visit "Wow, this is much bigger than I thought it would be."

My First Pink House Guest

Denise was the first guest to see "The Pink House". She was here on business and we ate a local diner that I found, and then came to see how I was fairing on the unpacking of the 300+ Boxes.

JF - you're in my thoughts. I am thinking P.A.C.E. thoughts for you for tomorrow.

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

The Second

Not much to say here.
Worked today.
Waited for phone company...guess what ? Not today, but tomorrow.
Dropped off items at Salvation Army.
Bought a new coffee pot after making coffee this morning all over the countertop and floor.

2007 as ART

I created this today, my first piece of art for 2007. I actually used the writing of 2007 several times to create this abstract image.

I am not sure of the metaphors that this work expresses...but be sure that it the inner spirit of me and my life that is expressed.

I am down to just 25 boxes and the rest of the place is starting to look lived in. I spent the New Years Eve watching Anderson Cooper on CNN, unpacking boxes, text messaging and calling friends and family. I was sorry that I could not be in Dallas with the several friends who had parties.

P.S. (I had a little boo hoo today when I heard the song on my Ipod called Old Friend)

Copyright 2007 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

A new year, a new place, a new start.

Happy 2007 - may all your dreams come true this year.

The Goddess Returns

I got a surprise tonight. In my desperate search for the box containing the coffee pot (I needed my caffeine) - I opened several boxes almost completing all of the kitchen items - I finally found the box with the coffee pot.

To my surprise it had someone very special guarding it, "The Goddess".

For those of you who do not know the story of the goddess I will try and update you in few words. When I moved from New Jersey to Dallas in 1995, my friend Carl, placed The Goddess in my car secretly (I found in Getzville NY). After finding the Goddess - I took pictures of myself and her on the road trip to Dallas (Similar to Gnomes). Then I sent the Goddess back with a scrapbook of pictures to Carl in NJ, then Carl moved to NYC - the Goddess resided on 14th Street for some years until she moved back to NJ with Elisabeth B., then she moved to the Fort Worth area when she moved back to TX (picking up a few scars from the move), then moved again to North Richland Hills with the entire Beene family (of which Carl is now visiting while looking for work in Dallas)...then when Carl was helping me pack - slipped the Goddess in with the coffee pot and now she resides at 1820 Lubbock in Fort Worth.... I wonder how long she will stay? hmmm.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved

Unpacking at 1820

Today was a day of progress in the endless unpacking.

These two pictures are of the living room. Things to notice - the new TV stand (Thanks to Friends who gave me IKEA gift cards), the tradition of baby crawling on the floor (John-John is his name in case you wondered).
From this angle you can see the drafting table in the bay window area, it gets really good light and I will be excited to work there. Also notice my Jim Frederick sculpture from the Humanity Show.
Now you have still alot of work to do in the rest of the house. This is the bedroom, with way too many clothes - so a trip to the Salvation army will be in order.
This is a view from the room that is next to the livingroom and looks into the office. You can see my computer is working! and lots of paintings lined up.

The you have "The Gallery" room which had all 330 boxes of "stuff" - I am making a dent in the boxes and have already cleared out 60 boxes.

The landlord was my cable working, the kitchen floor tiling finished, and hopefully on Jan 2nd my dryer will be hooked up (needs new plug) and my lan line phone will have dial tone.

Copyright 2006 William H Miller All Rights Reserved