Quick Fix Artist Statements

Here is a computer generated artist statement that took me just 2 minutes to make.
Only thing is I'm not quite sure what it is saying, but from this statement I could go and make some art.

Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Symbiotic Reproduction

The matrix creates, the chaos accentuates. In the material space, art objects are reproductions of the imaginations of the matrix -- a matrix that uses the chaos as a zeitgeist to deconstruct ideas, patterns, and emotions. With the synergy of the electronic environment, the matrix is conceiving a point where it will be free from the chaos to transcend immersions into the parameters of the delphic space. Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Symbiotic Reproduction contains 10 minimal shockwave engines (also refered to as "soundtoys") that enable the user to make audio/visual compositions.

measuring chains, constructing realities
putting into place forms
a matrix of illusion and disillusion
a strange attracting force
so that a seduced reality will be able to spontaneously feed on it


Paula Stenberg's work investigates the nuances of vibrations through the use of slow motion and close-ups which emphasize the Symbiotic nature of digital media. Stenberg explores abstract and scenery as motifs to describe the idea of imaginary space. Using loops, non-linear narratives, and interactive images as patterns, Stenberg creates meditative environments which suggest the expansion of art...


OKAY I am pretty much lost with all this, but if you want to try it out, here it goes:
www.playdamage.org/market-o-matic/

7 Steps to a New Career

Author: Molly Owens

If your job is leaving you feeling bored, frustrated, uninspired, or burned out, you’re probably wondering what else is out there. Where can you find a career that makes you excited to get to work each day? Does your dream job really exist? It may seem overwhelming to try to find that perfect career, especially if you’re feeling stuck in your current one, but if you start small and do some hard thinking, you’ll find that a satisfying career is not so far out of reach.





1. Start positive. If you’re dissatisfied with your current job, it may be hard to identify the elements you like about it. Most people, though, enjoy at least a few aspects of even the dreariest job. You may hate your boss but love your colleagues. Or maybe you believe in the cause you’re working for, despite the dismal pay. Make a list of the things you like about your current job—these are your first clues about what to look for in a new one.





2. Think big. Now’s the time to make a wish list. What characteristics would make a job perfect for you? Would it be flexible hours, a cooperative team, more responsibility? Maybe you’d like a chance to work in a creative or artistic setting, or the opportunity to show your leadership potential. Don’t worry about whether these things are realistic or whether there’s a job out there that fits the bill (not just yet!). Make a list of all the factors that you’re looking for in a dream career.





3. Brainstorm. Compile a list of every job, no matter how farfetched, that you’ve ever thought you might like or be good at. Don’t censor yourself; once you’ve got a good list going, you’ll start to see patterns. Look for common factors in the jobs you’ve listed. Maybe your fantasy careers are all active, fast-paced physical jobs (like firefighter, forest ranger, and FBI agent), or they might involve caring for and helping others (nurse, teacher, counselor).





4. Test yourself. There are dozens of career tests on the market designed to help you discover your ideal career. While these tests range in quality, from novelty tests on free sites to scientifically validated tests provided only by psychologists, there are many excellent resources online. Look for a website that provides well-researched career assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory, which will provide you with comprehensive information on appropriate careers for your personality type and interests.





5. Do some research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great resource for career searchers. Visit their website at bls.gov and click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook to view salary ranges, educational requirements, job descriptions, and growth projections for hundreds of careers.





6. Check with an expert. A career coach can help you further identify the elements of a career that will bring you lasting satisfaction. A knowledgeable coach can also suggest careers similar to ones you’ve come up with yourself, and help you decide which careers best fit your goals.





7. Start where you are. If it’s not practical for you to completely retrain for a new career right now, think again about what’s missing from your current job. Is there a different position within your current company that provides more of what you need? Could you keep your job title, but find a new company with a better work environment? You might even ask your boss about making changes in your regular responsibilities that would allow you to do more of what you enjoy. Changing careers is a major goal, and if you can start by taking gradual steps towards doing what you really want, you’ll find that your efforts pay off quickly in greater satisfaction with your work.

About the Author:

Molly Owens holds a B.A in Psychology and has completed graduate work in counseling and psychological assessment. She has a background in counseling, education, and the corporate workplace, and provides career assessment and coaching at http://www.PersonalityDesk.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 7 Steps to a New Career

The Chaos Blues

I found this sheet the other day among my career counselling notes. It does not have an author to it, so if someone knows who wrote it, they can advise me so I can acknowledge the person.

The Chaos Blues

Verse 1:
Had a look at my job just the other day
It seems that someone has taken away
My expenses account (his expenses account)
And my company car
I know time are tough but this time he's gone too far!

Chorus
We got Chaos, appearing everywhere,
We got chaos, it's the new frontier.
We got change and chance and, happenstance,
We made a big loss, now we got a new boss,
Well like it or not, I'm telling you, we got Chaos!

Verse 2:
It don't seem fair it just don't seem right,
I'm not giving in without a fight!
Then I got the call
He took the holidays too
He said "I'm sorry boy, there was nothing else I could do!"

Well me and the boys, went to see the boss,
And we told him straight we didn't give a toss
About the bottom line
What about loyalty?'Now you're saying we don 't even get a lousy cauppa tea!

Chorus

Verse 3:
Well, I lost that job and I took a course
I saddled me up and brand new horse
And I followed my nose
And I chased my dream
I spread the word all around my network team.

Then I said goodbye to animosity
And I rolled on out some curiosity
You see I'm flexible
And I'm adaptable
I'm gonna take disaster and turn it right into opportunity!

Chorus 2:
We got chaos, it's at every turn
WE got chaos, but you can look and learn
We got serendipitous happenstance
We got learning to fly by the seat of our pants
Now I just cant' get enough of that Chaos!!!

Repeat Chorus 1:
We got Chaos, appearing everywhere,
We got chaos, it's the new frontier.
We got change and chance and, happenstance,
We made a big loss, now we got a new boss,
Well like it or not, I'm telling you, we got chaos!

Guided Fantasy: Career Exploration

The use of fantasy and visualisation can be utilised with good effect in career counselling.

The Guided Fantasy when used in career exploration involves the following:

1. Relaxation.
   Think of an idyllic scene (e.g. sunset on a beach, park like surroundings, etc).
   
   
   Tighten your fist and facial muscles, and then relax them.
   Breath from your diaphragm - it's like a balloon - so gently let your stomach move out as you inhale.
2. Read from a script:
   
   • "Now you feel relaxed, I would like you to picture yourself in five years' time. You feel very content with your life and confident. What work are you doing?"
   • "I'd like you to imagine a typical day. You get up, really looking forward to your day. You get dressed, what do you put on?" (is it a suit, casual clothes, what sort of image – corporate, casual, etc)
   • "You have breakfast and go to work – how do you get there?"
   • "Are you alone or is there someone with you?"
   • "You arrive at work – take a look around you before you start work. What does it look like? Are there any other people present? What are you particularly looking forward to about your day?"
   • "You start your work – how do you spend your morning? Your morning tea? Who are you with? (e.g. clients? and what sort of clients; customers; colleagues)"
   • After morning tea what do you find yourself doing?
   • "What do you do for lunch? With who? For how long?"
   • What happens after lunch?
   • "The afternoon is here, what is happening?"
   • "You have reached the end of your day, what have you accomplished or achieved? Do you feel satisfied? What has been satisfying? What praises have come your way? Or feedback?
   • After work what do you do? Where do you go?
   • How do you spend your evening?
3. Then think back to your idyllic setting and open your eyes.
   
4. 
   
5. Write down your fantasy.

This exercise will give you some self-awareness of what your desire is, however, self-awareness for its own sake brings little satisfaction. Pathways needs to be sought. You can make a visual mind map of those pathways you seek to journey on.

By reviewing your fantasy you may start by looking at what clothes you were wearing, and do you currently have those in your wardrobe? What about perfume or after shave lotion? Jewellery, accessories? Your pathway would involve you buying some clothes to fit that look. This is about image making.

Your colleagues, what sort of people are they? Where are they most likely to mix? Where are they most likely to work? Your pathway would start by networking with these people, joining clubs or organisations they belong to.

Ask yourself various questions like these to stimulate ideas for completing your visual mind map: pathways.

Self-esteem Exercise: Re-invent Yourself

Feeling stagnant? Depressed? Feel like a failure? Holding back from your aspirations? Or just not going forward, but not going backwards? ... drifting .... if you're happy with that, fine, but if you're not, then why don't you RE-INVENT yourself?

Take a look at Madonna she does it all the time, whenever she releases a new album, she's a new persona. She's dynamic in that she doesn't stay with the status quo. She never gives you more of the same, instead she gives you a new show, a new experience and she gains a new audience.


Re-inventing yourself requires a nod of approval to change. Don't think about it, just do it. If you're reluctant to think about change then don't use that word, substitute it, reframe it in your mind to something that sounds a little more adventurous or less off putting ... so think of re-inventing yourself.

You may like to, however, reflect on what sort of image to re-invent yourself into:

• professional
• stylist
• smart
• sporty
• arty
• classic
• bohemian
• trendy
• casual
• alternative
• Western
• other ..............
  

Sonya Friedman from Smart Cookies Don't Crumble states "How we feel about change, in whatever form, helps to illustrate and define how we see ourselves."

So taking a cue from her, I've developed some simple ideas that you can choose to get the process of re-inventing yourself underway:

• get yourself a new hairstyle (totally different to what you are used to);
• buy yourself a new wardrobe (i.e. clothes and jewellery that you normally would not choose for yourself);
• change your style of clothing (review above list for inspiration);
• change your eating habits e.g. Sushi on Sundays;
• wake up half an hour earlier on work days;
• change your route to work;
• let yourself go gray for that distinguished, mature and cultured look;
• lose some weight.

Some more extravagant ideas:

• buy yourself a new car or even a motorbike (I still fancy riding a Ducati);
• buy yourself a 'designer smile';
• splash out on some new perfume or after shave lotion.

And other ideas not related to your image:

• start voluntary work or supporting financially other people less off than yourself;
• read a new newspaper from the usual one you read;
• check out new food in the supermarket;
• rearrange your house/furniture;
• take up a new hobby or interest (e.g. gardening, archery, whatever takes your fancy).

Okay, so now to your journalling. Fairly easy one for preparation.
You just need a double page spread in your journal. You are going to make a "Re-invention Track" - the metaphor is running a race around a track; and you can take as long as you want to get to your destination or the finish line.

You will need to sketch with pencil your track, making a circular path gradually moving into the centre of your page.

Collect together some photos. One of your present self, and maybe an aspirational picture of someone else you'd like to look like or copy, or leave it blank with a question mark in the middle.

You will notice how this track is not made as a timeline -- that linear approach can be too restrictive with creative people -- whereas the circle allows you the freedom to move onto the next area (your milestones) when you choose.

The milestones you will develop up as a legend and code them into symbols and plot these on your track. Then give them an explanation in your legend what that milestone is. I've just used Tom Bow pens. The arrows on the track are actual acetate photo corners from Prima Marketing.


You can define your own success level. You don't wait for others to define the 'carrot' you will pursue – it's a code for you. So you don't need to have the legend on the page, and you can make it a chart and put it on your fridge. For the purpose of this exercise though, I have included the legend on the page.


Finally, in the words of genius Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe "Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men." So let your own re-invention (your dream) move first your own heart (especially when you start achieving your milestones, that helps build your self-esteem too!) and then it will move the hearts of other people. They will notice the change. You may even become aspirational to them for their own re-invention. This exercise has come from my art journalling exercises from my personal blog.

Top Ten Job Searching Tips

How many of these have you read? Here we go again, but this time I am concentrating on those matters which have emerged over the last two to three years, that we often neglected or failed to use in the past; mainly it's to do with new technology.

1. Get a professional email address.
   Ditch your school one or pseudonmym name especially if it's like this: babyangel at gmail.com (I can't put it in its usual format as the AI of the search engine Bing decides to make it my contact email address). Now is the time to professionalise yourself, use your proper name or professional name.
2. Google yourself.
   Sounds egotistic doesn't it? But just in case you wrote something many years ago, and it raises its head to bite you in the foot, it is better to check what is out there on you in cyber space. As an example, I had written several poems years ago, and put them up on the web to enter an online competition; but little did I know they had changed the copyright date to last year which altered the whole meaning of the poem as it was time sensitive. Also you don't want to be saying things which you may regret later. Also while we are at it, blog your email address, telephone number and address as well, all these can leave a digital footprint exposing yourself to other information which you may wish to keep private.
   
3. Add your email address to your CV or résumé.
   How many times do I see this omission?
   
4. Start blogging.
   This is a free way of getting yourself known and building your profile. There are many blogger sites, including this one. The advantage of Blogger is that it is owned by Google and, therefore, your tagged information may appear in the rankings higher than others using different blog accounts.
5. Register on online job sites.
   There are many: www.seek.com, www.TradeMe/jobs.co.nz, and also check out your local newspaper online listings.
6. Use social networking sites to your advantage.
   Make a special professional Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bebo etc account specifically to your work environment, keep your personal social networks to your friends.
7. Network.
   Join societies, organisations and clubs associated to your career. Check out the Yellow Pages and online directories to see what is available, then network with these people. They will know of new openings and people in the know who will help you.
   
8. Specialize – Become a Subject Matter Expert.
   A sophisticated society has many specialist roles, therefore, the more specialised you are or can become, the more expertise you can provide, and more value to an employer's team. But don't forget to be a generalist in all areas connected with your career.
9. Lead from your strengths.
   If you know what you are good at, or above average, or just brilliant at ... then move from that area first. If you are good at public speaking then use that as your primary form of accentuating your strengths.
10. Mitigate your weaknesses.
    Similar to number nine. Play down your weaknesses. Avoid (especially in those first couple of meetings) those things that you are not so good at, or generally don't like doing. This could be as simple as handwriting (if you feel yours is too messy), or keyboarding (if you are too slow), or anything you feel may jeopardize your chances of a job.
    

Paula Stenberg 2009

Consultation Process

When people book in for a CV consultation, they often wonder what they should bring with them. So here I have developed a list of useful items to have on standby.

• an old CV (we can use as a base, foundation or a starting point to develop your new CV);
• written references (these are handy because we are reading about you from another person, any material from the references we can use 'pull quotes' and add them into your CV building credibility);
• performance appraisals (again a handy tool for us, as they let us look at you from an employer's perspective; these performance appraisals usually have major projects that you may have worked on, we can then convert these projects into achievement based statements; they also have comments that we can project into the CV – and we only ever accentuate the positive);
• personality profiles (again we use this material to help paint a profile of yourself within the CV);
• job advertisements (these are jobs you are wanting to go for, they are useful as they have key words and terminology that you may wish to use);
  
• job descriptions (both your current role or past role, and also the future role you wish to target – anything we cite from here will be credible);
• portfolio (a folio providing samples of what you do).

All these items are good resources for us to help us write and articulate your most salient features.

The Essence of Imagination

I came across this tale and thought I'd like to share it with you, let your imagination go.

"Once Upon a Time there dwelt by the sea a young girl whose habit it was to gather dweedles and squinkies along the shore. Late one autumn evening as she was returning to her cottage, a great and fearsome wave overcame the girl and, rendering her senseless, swept her far away. When she awoke, the girl found herself upon the coast of a strange land, being observed by two tall, birdlike creatures. "Alas," she said, as she picked herself up from the sand and pulled the seaweed from her hair, "where in the world am I, and what am I to do?" She no sooner spoke than the two creatures lifted her high into the sky and carried her inland over the heart of a great dense forest, where they released their hold on her, and she plummeted toward the trees.

The girl feared for her life, but at the last moment landed gently in front of a humble shack in the doorway of which an old crone stood staring at her with a piercing, yet kindly eye. The old woman beckoned with a gnarled finger, "Come inside, my dear, and have some tea. I have much to say and little time." Upon entering the crone's hut, the girl was amazed by all manner of mysterious objects which sat upon shelves and seemed to watch her as she crossed the room to the large chair the old crone offered to her. "Sit, my child, and be not afraid. Your destiny has brought you here that you may fulfill a purpose upon which rests the very Essence of Imagination."

A delicate cup of flavorful brew appeared in the young girl's hand at which she sipped as the old woman spoke of bygone days and ancient lore, of mystical powers and gentle breezes. She told the tales of love fulfilled, of passing time and sleepless nights, and all the while, the young girl sipped her tea and spoke not a word. At last, the crone produced a satchel from which she carefully removed a collection of aged, bound books, and setting these before the girl, laid her withered hands lightly upon them and cast a heavy sigh.

"Child, before you now are the Works of Figments, vessels of expression forged in the absence of gravity and bound by the deities of vision. They contain the verses and memories of all that is, and was, but only by the works of they that put pen to their pages can their secrets be revealed and conveyed for all of time. It is your fate to carry these treasures back to your world and see that they every one be filled with the truths of living. Go you now, and carry out this task."

The crone leaned over and with her finger gently brushed the cheek of the young girl, who then nodded drowsily and felt herself being lifted and transported to familiar shores. When she awoke, she found herself reclining in the shade of her own cottage, the satchel of books at her side, and resolved at once to embark on her destiny."

~ Anonymous ~

Paula Stenberg: Artist Profile

This section was designed to give readers a little bit about myself, but also to help those who come on my artist mentoring programme to develop their own artist profiles, viewing these as samples for perhaps inspiration. (refer NZ Creative Enterprises).

Artist Bio:
Paula Stenberg is a mixed media artist. She specialises in collage, assemblage, ATCs and altered art. There are a long line of gifted artists in her extended family; her cousins have become renown artists (the late Swedish brothers: Vladimir and Georgii Stenberg, and current Ron Stenberg) and musicians. [More on Vladimir and Georgii can be found here, here, here.]

Some of her collage art work, which has been exhibited nationally and internationally, reflects the zeitgeist of various eras. She exhibited for the Gallipoli Show in Australia and The Seam Upon Jerusalem, that travelled from Israel to New Zealand. Unfortunately her last collage piece was stolen while on display at Britomart, Auckland. This piece of work had fragments of opal dust and mica mineral added into the work.

She teaches decoupage, collage on canvas, scrapbooking and paper tole. She has acquired talents in a variety of creative genres from art, writing, to graphic design; she is also a qualified journalist and careers counsellor. During her time raising her children she taught Adobe Photoshop, Freehand, and PageMaker (now InDesign) for the Manukau Institute of Technology.

Paula has uniquely blended her academic and creative career by developing a portfolio of businesses: she is the director of New Zealand Creative Enterprises (who recommend approvals for funding of start ups, philanthropy for cottage industry in Third World countries, and research on the creative economies), owner of CV Style and Career LifeStyle; and owner of a retail art and craft store (Scrapbookers' Delight) and formerly owner of Altered Art Alchemist. She is currently completing her Masters in Career Development (specialising in artists).

Artist's Vision:

Life: I love it. I love laughter and subtlety, conversation, action and adventure; and especially warmth and energy which emanates from inspiration in all its forms, particularly from people. I love people and the creation of their future. I love kindness, justice, beauty, gentleness and hope. So the vision of my art is often to try and reflect that. It usually has no utilitarian purpose at all, and that's it, beauty does not have to serve as a function, it can just be.

Artist's Philosophy:
I look at images and see if there is a story. I use my imagination to develop a narrative, a theme and a dream. Nothing is quite planned, I follow a journey which stops when it is done. The wonder of childhood motivates me. The magic of that wonder I wish to re-create. Sometimes I will bring fantasy elements into my mixed media art. Nostalgia and history are often reflected upon.

Cultural exploration and the heritage of my Scandinavian background may be alluded to. I enjoy presenting characters in my work ... telling stories of people ... romance and adventure; adding a sense of theatricalness; ideas and experiences that people relate to, adding to this a subtle quirkiness to make people smile or wonder. Often, unbeknown to me at the time, there maybe by the viewer, a spiritual splash of revelation, insight or intuition in their interpretation of a piece.

I am influenced and inspired by pre-Raphaelite, Renaissance, Byzantine and Medieaval art. I am also influenced by graphic design where I like to explore the use of typography in my work.

My technique is generally collage and my medium is playing with all forms of painted effects, fibres, fabrics, papers; and then differing mixtures (gels, glazes, texture pastes) to create small wonders and canvasses that are tactile and textural.