This interview is the next installment in the Sarah Hale Folger Video Project. The SHF Video Project is a series of conversational interviews with extraordinary people in the arts & culture world, as well as the business world, and my goal is to bring wonderful stories of these interesting people to you.  My hope is to find where the magic comes from in these people, and to reveal it to you for inspiration for your lives, and of course mine.

I am pleased to present to you Mr. Doug Woolverton. Doug is a professional musician, composer, and band leader. Doug has been cultivating his smooth, soulful, yet energetic trumpet sound for audiences around the world becoming one of the most in demand, versatile trumpeters of his generation.

My team and I met with Doug at the Greenwich Odeum for a sit down conversation about Doug’s life as a musician. I asked Doug where his inspiration comes from and how he became a professional touring musician. In a world where many people would love the chance to be a full time professional artist or musician, but few actually endeavor to do so,  I wondered how he did it.

Doug reveals how he has pursued his passion and where he wants to go in the future. I am sure that the upcoming Miles Davis Tribute Concert, on September 16th at the Greenwich Odeum will delight audiences of all ages. If you would like to experience this magical night for yourself get your tickets today on the Odeum’s website. My team and I will be there for an awesome behind the scenes look into Dougs’ tribute to Miles Davis.

I hope to see you there! If your reading this and end up at the show, let me know. I love to meet my followers.

Below is the video I did with Doug. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and Blog…Enjoy!

I know it has been a while since I have followed up my last blog, “So you want to be an artist?” Well, the truth is, I’ve been extraordinarily busy taking my own advise and have carved out some space for one of my own art practices. This has been very invigorating. More about that another time!  In the meantime, I have been all over the place this last couple of weeks meeting with artists in the music and fine art world who have been bringing new and fresh energy into my world.  My creative juices have been flowing, and it’s an exciting thing to step back into the river with people who are artistically driven.  Some of the people I have been talking to are full time artists in various genres, some are dabblers, but all have a common thread.  All of those I have been rubbing shoulders with are aware they have a passion for art that they are committed to pursue. Below are a few observations I have found with people who are actually practicing their art.

1:  Practicing artists hang around with others who are actively practicing their art.  It’s one thing to have a desire to be involved in the art world, it’s another thing to take the step of committing a certain amount of free time hanging around people active in the genre you desire to be a part of.  It’s the principle of becoming like those you hang around with. Spending time viewing art, or listening to your art, then actually practicing it, is the way to motivate yourself.   Going to art exhibits, concerts, plays, recitals and absorbing the performances, will stimulate your own creativity.  It’s almost impossible to grow and develop your talent if you do not become part of the fabric.  Find your niche, and start relationships with similar people.  Community support goes a long way in fueling your fire.

2: Staying with the theme of community and expanding on it, consider joining an organization, whether for profit, a non-profit, or even a casual group of artists, a choir or any such thing.  In fact I would  go so far as to say, start your own group of hand picked individuals who can help you, and you them, to move towards your goal of practicing your art. Successful artists motivate each other.

3: Educate yourself.  I have mentioned before that youtube is fabulous for learning any art form. I suggest you watch as many videos as possible. But nothing beats hands on learning in the context of community. Take a class, become a member of a group that has education as a core value. People who enjoy their art do so because they are doing it often!

4. Practice, practice, practice. The time you spend practicing what you’ve learned or observed is the time you work the art into your soul. To be present with yourself is essential.  Time alone and dedicated to your craft is what makes you able to bring it out publicly and places you in context with others. Every successful practicing artist I know has space in their home, or at a studio, where they go to be alone and practice.

5. Step out of your comfort zone!  If painting, photography or sculpting is your thing, enter into some shows.  You can find venues in every town and every state. You may be able to find a local coffee shop, real estate office, bank etc., who would allow you to hang  your art in their facility.  Get it out there and let people respond to it.  Everyone is not going to love your work, so don’t let that stand in your way.  Be tenacious until you find a way to show your work. Every artist I know, I found because they are out there to be found!

6. Creativity is born through emotional, mental and spiritual convergence. Now of course, the more you do something the less anxiety you will have, because experience lays fear to rest, and builds confidence.  Every artist I know has suffered at times with anxiety, it comes with the process. The trick is to reinterpret the anxiety as energy and use it to your advantage. This just takes practice and you can overcome it.  Maintaining a balance of challenging yourself with something new (which can bring anxiety) while also developing what you have already established will help you overcome it.

I hope you have received encouragement from these common threads of successful artists and hobbyists that I have observed.  My next blog will actually be about a very accomplished musician, trumpeter Doug Woolverton.   I will be bringing you his story, sharing with you his successes, and I will give you a glimpse into his very exciting world on the stage.

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.  Stay tuned, I will be introducing you to some really cool people. I leave you with this beautiful photo.  Let it inspire you to let the light of creativity shine on you! Cheers!

I was the Executive Director for nearly 6 years of a non-profit arts organization.  It was a membership based organization and we had anywhere from 12-16 shows per year as well as the largest fine arts festival in New England. Needless to say, I met hundreds and perhaps thousands of artists over the years. Prior to working in this non-profit, I worked for, for-profit art galleries as a tour guide in Providence for 7 years, and I got to know a few dozen gallery owners and the artists they represented.  Along with these two jobs, practicing my own art, and teaching, I came to understand the very real challenges of the creative individuals who embarked on producing their own art. Although I loved being around many accomplished and new and emerging artists, what I really was passionate about was the beginning artist. Over the years I was privileged to mentor many amazing people, helping them find their creative voice, and being one of the cheerleaders on their journey with developing their art.   As this series develops, I will share insights from my Executive Director days where I developed programs that inspired both artists and their followers. I value your feedback and welcome your comments and questions.

It is a powerful thing, the call of the soul to express itself.  As children we humans have no problem making mud pies, coloring outside of the lines and presenting a bouquet of weeds to our mom.  It is natural to want to respond to an emotion by creating something.  It is natural to want to show love to someone by giving them something beautiful or meaningful.  So what happens when you wake up one day and realize that someone you want to give a gift to is yourself?  And what if that gift is trying to learn and discover and grow your own talents?

It seems to me that once we become adults we have so many fears, that trying to push them back is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube.  But is this really true?  Can we overcome self-judgment and the fear of failure to embark on a passion and just get started?  If that passion is to paint or sculpt or write or sing or any other creative thing it is important to investigate the reasons why we stop ourselves.

Today I want to hone in on one thing.  I want to approach the person who longs deeply in their soul to paint, or play the piano, or practice some form of art, but is intimidated to get started.  First, I want to outline why most people don’t take the first step:

1. FEAR: You are afraid it’s too late and you can never catch up and be great.  The human brain craves to learn new things, it’s what keeps us young in our minds. It’s seems so overwhelming because it is new and not tried and true.  Humans are creatures of habit, and if you are used to doing something, you are usually unafraid of it.  But the human ego is very guarded and does not like taking the risk of failure.  The ego wants to know it will succeed before it starts.  It knows what failure feels like and hates that pain.  Beginning to start practicing an art form can be daunting because the ego sees the end goal.  So the cure is to quiet the ego by reminding yourself that all you have to do is take the first step.  Pick up your art supplies or instrument and do the first lesson or doodle, keep it simple and slow.  If you think in terms of laying bricks to build a house, then you know you start by laying the first brick, then all the other bricks fall into place.  Every time you accomplish the next step you gain confidence and become less afraid.  The trick is to start in the head, learning and side-stepping and outsmarting your ego until your art becomes intuitive and fluid.
2. VUlNERABILITY: Being a beginner can make you feel insecure.  We all had someone in our lives that cut us down somewhere along the way.  This is an opportunity to shut that voice in your head out forever. Also, remember there is no way that you can possibly be good at everything.  Just think of all the subjects you could have studied but didn’t.  You could live a thousand lifetimes and never know everything.  Try to think of learning something new as being given another chance at childhood, only this time you are older and wiser. You should be proud you are trying something that you always wanted to try.
3. JUDGEMENT: No one wants to be compared to someone who is more accomplished.  Instead of letting this mind trick stop you, remember there is always something you have experience in that you do better than someone else.  You have to start somewhere and better now than later.  Take that negative energy of feeling judged, and let it motivate you to work hard to reach your goals.  
4. YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START: Carve out a space for creativity in your home that does not have to be moved. Find the products you need to get started. Take a class, or watch youtube videos in the art form you desire. And remember be patient, there is no pressure to find instant success, just trust and enjoy the process. You may find it beneficial to find a local group of artists and join them, non-profits are great for this and they are located everywhere.   It is so much easier to be creative when you have like-minded accomplices. If music is your thing there are always open mic nights where you can meet people who love what you love.  For whatever you want to try, glass-blowing, pottery, metal work, whatever it is, trust me, there will always be someone to help you on your journey.
5. YOU DON’T HAVE THE TIME:  If you want it bad enough you will make the time, try to make the time by cutting something out of your life like an hour or so of TV.  Sometimes it’s wise to get into a pattern, a routine of doing things at the same time everyday or on a specific day.   If you dedicate 30 minutes to an hour a day studying about your art or practicing it, the time adds up, and you will find that you are getting somewhere.

These are just a few starting points to consider.  Was one of them your reason for putting off your desire to be an artist? Can you put that behind you now?

Sometimes the mystery that surrounds artists of all types causes people to think that artists have a secret power that they, the viewer, were simply not born with.  I could say the same thing about mathematicians, but the truth is, it’s all about repetition, practice, and of course your DNA can factor in for sure.  We all have limitations, so be realistic and happy every time you cross a milestone.  You will always get better if you practice.  Being creative and practicing art can make you happy, and we all want that.  So let me encourage you to start today.

You’ve got this!!! Go for it!!

Please feel free to comment and share and please subscribe as well. Please also visit my YouTube page, Sarah Hale Folger

Sarah Hale Folger is a lifestyle blogger, 50+ model, entrepreneur, photographer, artist, singer, interviewer, marketer, seeker of epic moments, determined to continue checking things off her Bucket list and she can be a spokesperson for your business as well. If you would like your clothing, jewelry or businesses branded by a woman who knows how to brand and market, please contact Sarah at http://www.SarahHaleFolger.com

This is Part 2, and the final video of my conversation with Umberto Crenca, Bert, from AS220.  One thing missing from my videos of my time spent with Bert, was our conversing about his music.  Bert and his wife and friends also like making music together in a group called Monkey Head.  While meandering around his music studio Bert played a couple of his instruments for us.  I am sure that if Bert and his band put some energy into it, and acquired some roadies, they will be back on track with their music.

I am very honored to have had the time I spent with Bert to learn about his heart for artists, for humanity, and most poignantly for community.  Visit Bert’s website here: Bert’s website to stay in touch with what Bert is doing.  I am sure many thousands of people who have benefitted from Bert’s passion come to life at AS220 will be cheering for him on his personal journey now. Bert shows his work at various locations in the New England area.  Check out his website to find where he will be showing at a gallery near you. Thank you Bert!

Click the link below to view the video:

The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. If you have a story that could inspire others if only it were told, please contact me through my website at http://www.SarahHaleFolger.com so that it may be considered.  If your story is chosen, I will feature you on my blog and YouTube channel as well as my website.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Sarah Hale Folger is a lifestyle blogger, 50+ model, entrepreneur, photographer, artist, singer, interviewer, marketer, seeker of epic moments, determined to continue checking things off her Bucket list and she can be a spokesperson for your business as well. If you would like your clothing, jewelry or businesses branded by a woman who knows how to brand and market, please contact Sarah at http://www.SarahHaleFolger.com

What a delight it was for me to converse with the one and only Bert Crenca!  This video took a little longer to complete than expected, but here we are.  We had enough material for a few more parts, but cut to the heart of the matter in a 2 part series.  We are sure to be checking in on Bert down the road.  We have posted part 1 on YouTube today.  I hope you will take the time to view this and I welcome your comments and feedback.  Was this interesting to you? Were you inspired to unleash the creative interests in your soul?  I hope so! I would love to hear from you.

Click the link below to see the video:

And please subscribe to my Youtube channel as well as this blog!  Stay tuned for part 2 which will be released this Sunday, July 9th.  Stay tuned, we have many guests coming who I am sure will inspire you.

The Sarah Hale Folger Project seeks to inspire greatness in humanity by sharing inspiring stories with the world. If you have a story that could inspire others if only it were told, please contact me through my website at http://www.SarahHaleFolger.com so that it may be considered.  If your story is chosen, I will feature you on my blog and YouTube channel as well as my website.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Sarah Hale Folger is a lifestyle blogger, 50+ model, entrepreneur, photographer, artist, singer, interviewer, marketer, seeker of epic moments, determined to continue checking things off her Bucket list and she can be a spokesperson for your business as well. If you would like your clothing, jewelry or businesses branded by a woman who knows how to brand and market, please contact Sarah at http://www.SarahHaleFolger.com