Yeah… I know… such a healthy way of being.

The past couple of months, I’ve really been working on not losing my mind over difficult people’s anger management issues.  When I get negative feedback, I’ll repeat to myself, “Their anger has nothing to do with me”.  This definitely helped me deal with angry people, but I have to admit that it didn’t fix my problem 100%.  I still needed something more.

I’m glad to report that last night I found something that helped me in dealing with difficult people.  I listened to the audio clip on Byron Katie’s blog called I Can’t Stand My Best Friend and it really gave me tips in dealing with angry, negative, difficult people.

If you’re not familiar with Byron Katie’s “The Work”, you can go visit thework.com for more information.  It might help you to understand the audio clip more fully. You can also download the Judge-Your-Neighbor Worksheet.

I really hope this will help you out too.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

So, my journey of being an artist and owning a small business in these economic times comes to no surprise that it can push me over the edge with stress and anxiety.  The biggest fear I’ve had since September 2008 (when the economy collapse was heard all over the world) is, “How am I going to pay my rent?  My bills?  My student loans?”  I went from making $2000-$7000 a month from 2006-2008, to making only $9000 in 2009.  Yup!  $9000 in ONE WHOLE YEAR…  and with that comes the nagging fear of the future.

I’m writing this, not to complain, but to share with you what I do when anxiety creeps up on me.  I watch two specific videos (below) from Byron Katie to calm me down, and then I keep working.  When I start feeling anxiety again, I watch the videos again… and again and again.  It would be too easy to ease the anxiety with things like food or alcohol, but I’ve decided that these videos work for me and hopefully you can find some peace by watching them too.  It’s worth a try.

This interview is part of Laura’s Artist Series.  Listen to the interview to hear about my journey of how and why I became an artist.  I also talk about money (including how much money I used to make before and after the economic collapse) and how the economic crisis negatively and positively affected my art career… and my life.

Listen to the Artist Series interview!

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!

The bonsai tree is the perfect representation of how being unique is truly beautiful.  By carefully and patiently crafting yourself to be authentic, you don’t blend into the background.  You grow into an eclectic, inspirational soul.

I love painting bonsai trees because I don’t care too much about ‘fitting in’ or ‘following the crowd’.  This was especially obvious in my high school years.  I was called a freak quite a few times, was constantly made fun of the way I looked and dressed, got my head smashed into a locker (and locked in a locker once) and people had trouble categorizing me into a group or ‘click’.

Even though I felt misunderstood and my heart was aching for a good 6 years, I knew that someday I’d look back and think, “This is ridiculous”.  So, I kept on learning how to be my own person no matter the criticism, the rumors, and the betrayal of friends.

I was preparing myself to be who I am, no matter the cost.

And, here I am.  Happy.

Uniquely, Soniei.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji in the middle of the night, I was on a journey to catch the sunrise from the summit.  The increase in altitude made it hard to catch my breath as I was pushing my aching body to its limits.

I felt grateful for the pain since I knew this hike was more than a physical challenge.  I was challenging my inner strength.  When it came down to it, I was the only person on that mountain that could keep pushing me to take another step, and then another step, until I reached the top.

Challenges

Challenges, big or small, are the perfect training and reminder that you can rely on yourself when the tough gets going.  You are your best coach.  If you think that you’re not a strong individual, than I dare you to prove yourself wrong by getting out of your comfort zone and doing something you’ve always wanted to do.  People are usually much stronger than they think they are.

You can always start with something small.  It’s amazing what you’ll learn about yourself when you’re faced with any challenge in life.  Challenges give you the opportunity for an awakening.

Failure

What if you fail?  No one is perfect.  Everyone fails.  Plus, failing is learning what not to do in order to reach your goals.  It can also be the inspiration behind a new and better suited goal.  Failure is there to teach you.  It’s a good thing.

The Painting

The moon was the only light I needed to climb Mount Fuji.  It was freakishly large and clear that night.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  I felt like I was on another planet.  I wanted to portray the moon this way in my painting.

Even though I wanted to keep the painting fairly simple, I wanted to paint chaotic designs on Mount Fuji to represent the physical pain, adrenaline and eagerness I was feeling that night.  I picked the colors of fire… and I think subconsciously I equate fire with these feelings. I can’t explain why because I don’t quite understand it myself.  However, the way my mind is wired, it feels right to paint it this way.

I left the summit uncomplicated to symbolize my awakening.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Buy This Fine Art Print Online Now!

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you’re 210% at peace?  I’m talking about the type of serenity that makes you feel like you’re living in a dream and nothing in this world could bring you down.  This happened to me when I was 11 years old, almost 20 years ago, and this experience has influenced my art ever since.

Buy This Fine Art Print Online Now!

I was at the family cabin, which is deep in the woods and about 40 feet from a lake shared by only a couple cabins.  My dad and a few others built this cabin with their own hands and there’s no electricity or anything too luxurious in it.  I always believed that the purpose of this cabin is to get away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and to find tranquility in nature.

That day, the only people around for miles were me and my parents.  Only a few clouds were in the sky and the sunlight was intense.  I remember the breeze saving us from the summer heat.  My mom and dad were happily drinking their tea on the balcony overlooking the lawn and the lake.

I decided that I would go fishing while relaxing on the wharf my dad had built.  On my way to the lake, fishing pole in hand, I clearly remember tiny wild flowers scattered on the lawn.  A few butterflies were fluttering around, like they were welcoming me to paradise.  I took my time walking to my destination.  I wanted to soak in the summer day as much as possible.

As I finally reached the lake, I sat on the wharf next to a ladybug.  Dragonflies kept passing before me, soaring above the lake.  With the rustling of the tree leaves behind me, and the smell of the forest in the air, it was the perfect day for fishing.  I could just be still and enjoy the scenery.  The tranquility of my spirit was so pleasant that I remember thinking to myself, “When I’m older, I’m going to remember this moment”.

After a few hours of existing in bliss, I started to get hungry. I got up and leisurely walked back to the cabin.  The butterflies were still fluttering around the flowers; a beautiful farewell from paradise.
This was such a simple event, but it gave me a special connection to butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, flowers and trees.  Twenty years later, these subjects are still prominent in my art.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

I hardly have enough time to breathe as is. I work 80-120 hours a week just to make ends meet as a contemporary Japanese artist.* I spend so much time in my art studio that I frequently get emails from my family and friends to see if I’m still alive. Every second of my life is pretty much booked solid and I just decided to start learning Japanese again. Wait… what!?!

I must be crazy!! What I really need is to catch up on sleep!

I used to know some Japanese while living in Japan. However, a decade has passed without me hearing or speaking the language, so I pretty much lost the language. The only thing I kept up was my practice of Japanese calligraphy (Zen Brushworks) **.

Since my memories of Japan are still vivid in my mind and this country is one of the greatest influences in my Japanese art, it only makes sense that I study its culture and language once again. Although I’m currently way too broke to visit Japan, I hope my studies will help me bring more depth into my art. After all, I’m always looking for ways to make my artwork undergo an evolution.

As I’m learning Japanese, from absolute beginner to hopefully an advanced level, I will be posting my written and audio notes in my blog. I was going to take notes anyway, so I might as well post them online. Even though I’m far from an expert in this language, I believe that you don’t have to be an expert to pass on the knowledge that you DO have.

Another great thing about posting my written and audio notes is that, if you so happen to speak the Japanese language, you can always correct me if I make a mistake because this is how I will learn. All comments on my blog will be appreciated.

* Please don’t feel sorry for me. I love my work and I gladly sacrifice my time / life for art.

** My Zen Brushworks are not available to the public.  Why?  Go to my blog post “Japanese Zen Brushwork and Its Influence on my Zen Sho Collection” to find out more.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my Japanese art.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Lloyd Lemons, a microBusiness advisor, writer, copywriter, marketing consultant (and much more!), posted an article on his blog called Soniei, an artist and a MicroBusiness?. The article touches on my experience and challenges of merging my passion for art with business and marketing.

Don’t know what a microBusiness is? Lloyd defines this term in his blog post Will the Real microBusiness Owner Please Stand Up? I definitely recommend that you take a look and browse through his blog, especially if you’re thinking of starting a small business of your own. There are great business and marketing articles you don’t want to miss!

To Lloyd Lemons: I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to write about my experience as an artist and microBusiness owner!

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!

I want to thank Michael McCrea, from sohohelpdesk.net, for writing such a lovely blog post about me and my roommate, Peter. It’s so sweet!

If you want to get an idea of what I was doing before all this Soniei’s Contemporary Art business, and where I met my boyfriend Peter over 5 years ago (CDI), you must read this blog post called “Soniei’s Contemporary Art and Information Technology“.

Michael, you’re the best! I do miss the days when we used to hang out at CDI* College!

PS. For those who have bought my art for the past few years, you might be surprised that I used to be an Oracle Developer (relational database management system… say what?).

PPS. For all of you out there… if you can’t pronounce ‘Soniei’, you can always call me Melissa. Or Jimmy, or sexy nerd girl, or whatever you prefer.

*CDI College of Business & Technology, where the IT peeps chillax yo.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Mr. Cyr, I still can’t believe how generous you are! Thank you so much for believing in me and my dream!!

Oh, and thank you for helping me out every way that you can. Seriously… MERCI!!!! My goal in life is to someday become your sugar-mamma.

Also, a big thank you to my parents. How many times did I call to say, “Moooooom, Daaaaaad” and they said, “How much do you need?” My financials haven’t been the greatest in the past year (do I really have to mention the economy?) and they never once told me to quit being an artist when my business went from bad to badder to badderer to badderest. I’ll pay you back every penny, and more, someday. I’ll be your sugar-daughter.

And Delia Comeau, she’s the reason I’m not naked. Seriously, everyone should thank her for this!! I’m on a super strict budget and she gives me awesome hand-me-down clothes. Also, thank you for understanding that I never have the time or money to go out but you keep being my friend. Hopefully, someday I get to be your sugar-friend.

You guys are the best and I love you all very much!!!

Also, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of those who have bid on my paintings on ebay in the past!! You keep my dream alive and strong!

*2 full weekends included… plus working a full time job!

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!