Category: Events and Happenings

Creative Cardboard – A Live Participatory Art Installation!

Creative Cardboard

I mentioned the other day that I was doing a big project for this coming Canton First Friday. Here it is!

I was inspired recently by viewing some amazing artworks made of cardboard and a live installation at the Third Friday event for the 78th Street Studios in Cleveland. I decided to bring a bit of that excitement to Canton.

This Friday in Canton (July 6, 2012), I will be creating a live art installation with First Friday participants, allowing them to create with me. The artwork will be made of cardboard, however, do not think for a moment that it will be drab or dull. I am planning a wonderful and colorful experience that will be fun for all.

I will be at the Creative Ohio Gallery at 310 4th St. NW. If you are in town, stop in and create with us!

Have a Happy, Safe and Creative Fourth!

"American Flag" Drawing by BZTAT
“American Flag” Drawing by BZTAT

I share with you today three creative efforts that are not new, but do reflect my love for my country. One is the simple flag drawing above. One is a poem that says what that flag means to me. And one is a video of a fireworks show that I filmed a couple of years ago in downtown Canton, OH.

I hope that you enjoy them, and I hope that your celebrations for Independence Day are safe, creative and fun!

My Flag by BZTAT

My Flag Stands For…

…resiliency in the face of tragedy.

…hope in the face of loss.

…courage in the face of danger.

…tenacity in the face of obstacles.

…triumph in the face of battle.

…peace in the face of war.

…freedom in the face of limitations.

…opportunity in the face of poverty.

…unity in the face of diversity.

…healing in the face of injury.

…knowledge in the face of naivete.

…charity in the face of need.

…humility in the face of pride.

…order in the face of chaos.

…faith in the face of uncertainty.

I love my flag.

 

BlogPaws – The Place Where Pet Bloggers Rock

BZTAT at the BlogPaws Nose to Nose Awards

I just returned from BlogPaws 2012, which could very well be the most fun and interesting conference EVER for writers, artists and pet enthusiasts.

I enjoyed the company of fellow writers, artists, people involved in animal causes, and social media/blogging geeks – you know, my peeps.

I learned many new things and I gained inspiration from very gifted speakers. But more than anything, I had the opportunity to enjoy great times with some of the most talented and outright fun people in the world.

As much as I value my ability to articulate, I am reduced to using simple words like “AWESOME!” and “We had a BLAST!” because the event defies verbal description.

As I returned home (it took many hours to fly from Salt Lake City, UT to Canton, OH), I thought about how much I had been changed by this brief 3-day encounter. As I struggled to return to my usual routine this morning, I realized – I don’t want to!

I have no interest in my old routine. It had me stuck.

I am a changed person after gaining new insight and opportunity. If I am changed, my routine needs to change to match it. Otherwise, what would be the point?

One statement by keynote speaker Lena West really hit home for me:

“You can only ride one bicycle at a time. You only have one ass.” ~ Lena West

Lena nailed many other issues that I need to address, but this one really hit home. It made me realize how many activities I have been taking on lately that take me away from my needs and purposes. Not only do those activities misdirect me, they also do everything but nourish my soul.

That is going to change.

(Also, my ass is going to get back onto my bicycle, because I need physical exercise to improve myself.)

We rocked it out in our own special way at BlogPaws. Now it is time to keep the energy flowing and apply the experience to our everyday lives.

I can’t wait to get started.