Public Speaking

Blog, , , , ,

11001746_10155263273285352_7671268263189066215_n

I had the opportunity to speak to the New Haven Rotary Club during a lunch meeting at The Gallery at Elemar in New Haven, CT. It was a very cold day. Only a few came to the lunch because many people is out of state or inside their houses. Truly it is very cold out there. Nevertheless, it was a good group of people. It is the second group this week where there are more men than women. The previous night I had a painting party with equal number of men and women. Believe me, that is very rare for me. Generally, there are more women or no men at all. What does it have to do with public speaking? Honestly, I have no idea.

The important thing here is the satisfaction of sharing about the healing and learning benefits of art with this fine group of individuals. Public speaking is one of my passions. Speaking about art and cognitive psychology is a great combination for me. Public speaking reminds me of my stand up comedy days. The difference now is that the approach is a little more serious. Being able to speak to people about the things I am passionate about is exhilarating and so much fun. The interaction with people is great too; the questions, the comments, the interest and the considerations. It is all great.

March 13th I go back to the gallery to speak about online media tips for artists. This is going to be fun. In the meantime I keep busy with revising the book, the art, and the sculpting and painting parties, along with a lot of personal stuff. At the same time I remain available to speak at groups and organizations. I hope to continue providing a fresh look at art not only as a profession, but also as a connection to our existence. There is so much to learn about people and so many things that can be done with art and through art.

Speaking About It

Blog, , , , ,

Photo Nov 23, 2 35 18 PM

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. According to many studies public speaking is the only thing people fear more than death. I love public speaking. You might suspect I love the spotlight. My mother has pictures of me as young as maybe three years old performing in front of people my best lip-sinking with all the drama that comes with it. My first public speaking opportunity came in my kindergarten graduation when I read the commencement speech. I did it again in sixth grade, and then at the high school graduation. In ninth grade I was the master of ceremonies. In between I participated in everything I could that would put me on stage. I began working on radio as I began in college, was master of ceremonies in countless events, performed stand-up comedy for many years, and I’ve been teaching for about a decade. Needless to say, I don’t know what glossophobia feels like.

presentationI began writing this blog back in November 2014. For me it is more challenging writing than speaking about it. My brain works faster than the four fingers I use for typing. I am glad I’m coming back to public speaking after a while. Outside of teaching I’ve been away from formal public speaking presentations for a while. Tonight at the closing event of my current show “Torsos” at The Gallery at Elemar. I’m presenting on the healing and learning benefits and we will have an art discussion surrounding the subject. It would be an honor to see you there. It is going to be the warm up for my presentation to the New Haven Rotary club on Tuesday, again at the gallery. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 13. That night I’ll be presenting on Online Media Tips for Artists (details to come soon). Sign up for the email updates for this and other events.

I enjoy online interactions and I believe in the multiple benefits of online media for learning. After all, it is my specialty. However, there’s nothing like being face to face with the audience and experience their reactions, see the faces, identify the ones with rubber necks, and interact directly with people in this capacity. I am very passionate about teaching and sharing my experiences and the few things I know. It fuels my passion when people is willing to listen, learn, and share their knowledge with me as well. Time to take this show on the road and have fun. Hope to see you tonight.

The End is The Beginning

4 CommentsBlog, , , , ,

Photo Dec 05, 12 06 59 PM

On Saturday, January 24, 2015 we are closing what has been my longest and biggest show yet. It opened back in November 2014. The Gallery at Elemar is a very spacious and beautiful place to show and to hold events. We are closing with an art discussion in which I’ll be presenting on the healing and learning benefits of art. You are invited to join us.

Having an exhibit take a lot of work. I don’t have an agent or an event planner to do it for me. I get help from my family, friends, and acquaintances as advisors but I plan most of it. It is time consuming and very stressful at times. Generally my solo shows had been a day or two. Sometimes they begin and end with the reception. It is the first time I have an exhibit for this period of time and after the closing I still hold exhibit space in the gallery for an undetermined period of time. You can still see my work there after the show. That’s one good thing about closing this show. On the other hand, I get to go back to public speaking that day. The exhibit will be up after that because on Tuesday I’m giving a short presentation to the New Haven Rotary Club. After that, I go back to the gallery in March for another presentation about media for artists (more information on that coming soon). The end is the beginning.

IMG_4539

IMG_4538Closing this exhibit is also the beginning of planing the next solo show. I am participating in group shows through the year but I don’t plan those. I just participate. That gives me time to get ready, put together a new collection, and put together all I need to make it happen. It is going to take some time but the most important thing for me is to be able to see it before it happens. It all begins with the art pieces and how they come together. That’s a constant work in progress. It is great to see it all unfold.