A Fresh Beginning...

I just wanted to take a moment to record my recent thoughts...

People close to me, know that I lost my father on December 3, 2012. I have been thinking a lot about him lately. Obviously my life has continued on without him.While he was often in and out of my life from childhood to adulthood, I often hoped he would always remain in my life consistently. This picture is from my art exhibition at Fisk University in 2010. This would be the only time he would see my work in person. I cried as he walked through the door. Unfortunately, that time has now passed... I will never have him back in my life in the physical sense.

My birthday is set to hit Sunday and I will not have a father to call and say happy birthday or hello. I am thankful that I do have his voice mails recorded from past messages. Thank God for iPhones! I am thankful to have the memories I do have. I am also thankful that in the midst of the rain, God always provides His Sonshine. He provides a fresh beginning...

Mixed Emotions...

The installation reflecting memory and loss.

Dear Family,

During the past three years I have had the pleasure of being a resident artist with a local organization called REDLine, Milwaukee.  I first heard of this organization after attending a formal portfolio review. I had only been in back in Milwaukee a few months and had no intention of staying-- I was headed to New York City! Well, best laid plans, right? Unable to find funding for the program at ICP, I remained in Wisconsin, trying to figure out what to do next.

So again, hearing about REDLine, Milwaukee, touring the space, I could quickly see this was a special place and I decided to apply. I had made up my mind, if I was accepted, I will stay in Milwaukee and if not, I was heading back to Nashville. I really thought it was a long shot, as I compared myself to the other residents currently in place. Well, I was accepted... at the end of the two years, I applied for an optional third year and was accepted again. During my time I have grown as an artist and as a person...

Yesterday evening marked my final exhibition as a resident artist. I shared work that focused on a reflection of memory and loss. The conceptual foundation was rooted in the house fire, of the home my mother grew up in. The house that my uncle was currently living in with his family. This fire took place a year ago to the day of the exhibition opening. The installation, as pictured, used items from the home and encouraged interaction. My submission also included a triptych of photos and sculpture created from discarded glass windows. The evening was filled with friends from my runners club, book club, fellow artists, colleagues from the Milwaukee Art Museum and of course family. I felt so loved and grateful to have shared this experience with each of them. And why I did fight back tears several times through the evening (no surprise to some of you) I really couldn't help but be thankful! This time has led my work to such a new place! A place I would of never imagined and can only dream of where it will go...

Having a little fun in front of my installation

As the time marches on, I will have a duet show with my mentor Ann Wydeven, as a RETURNING artist to REDLine, Milwaukee in January 2013 and have already been invited to teach a one day workshop or  3 session class in regards to the photographic processes I use for the community. My work will also be featured in at Pyramax Bank of the Historic Third Ward starting August through the end of the year. And I will be in the members show at Walker's Point Center for the Arts from September 1 (which is when the REDLine show closes) through October 6th.

WOW!  Since I have been back in Milwaukee, I have pretty much been a resident artist with REDLine, Milwaukee. And now that this season is changing... I am excited to see what awaits with a grateful hear.

Happy President's Day!

Happy President's Day!! 


Well, I am going to get right to the point! Last week Wednesday, guess who went to see the president speak... and, wait for it.... SHOOK HIS HAND!? That's right, this girl-- right here! Regardless of your political affiliation, to meet President Obama and be that close to him, was quite the experience, I was literally so close, well, as much as you can be to a President! In addition, the entire orchestration of the visit was like a symphony-- including a dance of Swan Lake proportion by the President's press crew!  I am thankful for the opportunity and may I also add-- I love my job,  because that is where my ticket connection came from! Here I am to the left with 3 of my coworkers and the young lady in the lower right, yielded the invitation. 


So, the lady to left of me, in the red, took the photos of me shaking the president's hand. I will add that she is not a photographer, but rather a curator, which will be understood as SOON as you read on! POTUS (President of the United States) descriptions are there to help.

POTUS coming down the line

Getting his Attention-- trying to

We just connected!!

Now as I mentioned, my co-worker is not a photographer, so I am actually off the frame. lol but I assure you it happened! Of course afterward I kept saying, I should of had you take a video!! But that means you would of really seen me, "cut the monkey!" Nevertheless a picture says a thousand words, correct? And I am a photographer, so enjoy and Happy President's Day!

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day Family,

Beyond candy hearts , long steam roses, and dollied lace cards are the true heartfelt sentiments of love. And why it may fluctuate with experiences, I do not think it ever totally dissipates from the people you are closest to.

 

And so I am thankful for my mom, who I have exchanged a Valentine with every year since before I can remember… I think I may still have one she gave me when I was about 9 that played music! As  my grandmother use to tell me, “there is no friend like mother.”

I am also thankful for my friends. Who when laughter rings out are they are there to join in the fun and when tears fall hold your hand, while offering words of encouragement  and always celebrate you with pom pons in hand. These are my true Valentine’s this year. Not the sentimental love story some would hope, but the authentic nature, “of iron sharpening iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship. -La Rochefoucauld

xoxo

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog’s Day!!

Well, as the old adage goes, if he see’s his shadow, we are in store for 6 more weeks of winter. And from what I see (on the news that is)--   Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow! Lucky for us he has only been right 39% of the time over the last 99 years and he is in Philadelphia. Needless to say, we didn’t even have a ceremony here in Milwaukee, too many clouds. Hummm, just can’t risk a big snow storm!

But today I started thinking, wow February is filled with so many celebrations of sort, from it being Black History Month. Which started as Black History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, to help people realize and acknowledge the contribution of Black people. (SN I wonder if my blog or I guess a diary at this time would of made the cut?) 

Two past president’s birthdays, coupled together with president’s day! I think we should send President Obama a card, wishing him Happy President's Day. Although, the White House now prefers email. And to all my Republican friends, please be nice...WWJD?

Valentine’s Day, an opportunity to spend with Someone Special… and no longer thought of as a day of remembrance for Christian martyrdom (mental note). 

Mardi Gras, celebrated around the world, which I have never participated in, but would like to at least see once in  my lifetime, followed by Ash Wednesday which is the first day of lent and the “ashes” a sign of morning and REPENTANCE to God, notice it comes after Mardi Gras.

And finally, 2012 is also a Leap Year!!

WHOA… All I am saying is, I sure hope I get a piece of cake somewhere along the way out of all of this. Oh, and I would prefer it be chocolate!

A Vision is More than Just Pictures!

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to meet with several ladies from my Runner’s Club with one focus… VISION and the creation of vision boards! Simply, a vision board is a creative opportunity to capture your heart and mind’s desire in one area. Contrary to belief this is not a new age ideal, but rather grounded in the ultimate Foundation!

 Habakkuk 2:2, of the New Living Translation, quotes the Lord, in saying, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” What’s that… a RUNNER!  Well of course, I was totally pumped to create an image that corresponds to my heart’s desire to run the next race to my full capacity, while representing the message (you may be the only Jesus someone ever meets). To be stronger… leaner… faster!  It was also great to see what the other ladies created to best express their voice.

The next day it snowed, well it is Wisconsin in January, so no big surprise there, right? But as I was walking to work, I found myself behind a Bob Cat mini snow plow that was clearing the walk way. It made me think back to my vision board, which is kindly displayed where I can see it as I exit my apartment each day, and the mental picture that comes to play. I thought to myself, “Wow, this is awesome; he is going to pave my whole way to work! I love it!” Well, little did I know he would be turning around shortly, still leaving a few blocks of my path to proceed down—covered in snow.

So here is my personal revelation that clicked as I was walking in… The vision (in this case getting to work) was still there, the line of sight (my building) still there. However, in this case it was just covered a bit and a little more effort needed to accomplish the goal (getting there on time!). (Side Note: I really wish someone would create snow boots that are safe, warm and fashionable!) And while my vision board is displayed nicely, where I can see it each day, capturing my heart and mind’s desire, featuring words and phrases to keep me pumped…  I still have to put the work in (running, cross training, etc.) and the effort (abs are made in the kitchen after all) to reach it! Remain focused and get it done!

Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together less they agree?” The heart of Amos 3:3.  Simple notion most would agree… however, when referring to the New Living Translation I like how it brings it all the way home (as one pastor I know likes to say),  "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?"  

Currently family I find myself at a crossroads, trying to determine exactly what direction to take. Yet, I ask you this, What if the two do agree? What if the two agree on the direction that they are walking, but not the pace? Do you stop, keep going or create a new direction? In one instance, I think it best to keep going; however, alone. Why, because I am not sure… I find myself turning, spinning, and realizing what I thought was true may have all been a misunderstanding. It may have been a hope that is the is my fountain of youth… my blue whale…. my straw spun into gold.

Being a runner, pace is very, VERY important.  (Side Note, I just realize I always seem to include some sort of health and fitness analogy. What can I say, it’s who I am.) Not only does it give you a sense of the expected finish, but it also makes you aware if there is a need to speed up or slow down, to reach that expected finish. When running with others, you often check with your run partner to ensure they are not overly winded, fatigued or bored and ready to turn the jets on! At times, depending on the partner, they may encourage you to go head and they will catch-up with you or ask you to hold back or even slow down and walk together.  The funny thing is, YOU as the partner, have a choice!

And so now, I am running or in this case walking the path  in agreement, moving in the same direction, but apparently the wrong pace. I think to some degree if I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to place one foot in front of the other. If I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to keep going. BUT since I have absolutely no clue…. I am ready to just sit down and do nothing altogether and look for a ride.