Forward thinking...

Yes, I know I'm getting ahead of myself but, for me, 2009 was a year of absolute change---in work, in location, in worldview.  Much of that was gratifying and enlivening, other realities were unsettling at best.  And so, I'm eager to press onward to 2010.  In which I've decided to embrace authenticity, transparency, and the full-throttle search for my own creatively engaged tribe.  And, while "chelliswilson." is already operating on the concept of celebrating honorable provenance and the beautifully crafted object,  I'm more committed than ever to use this venue to explore these ideas more fully through art and events.  I thrive on ideas and exchanging ideas with other like-minded souls.  On the surface of things, I suppose I would be categorized as the "shopkeeper".   But as so many brilliantly creative endeavors have proven (Portland's own "Rogues Gallery" being a stellar example), a truly great brand is, at its core, an extension of the worldview of its creators.  Besides, the title "cultural explorer" is much more fun....

What's been inspiring me...

I have a concept for a video piece about the "chelliswilson." that would feature a local fairytale beauty with an edge named K. (if you're reading this, you know who you are...)   What kicked these thoughts into gear was this.  A campaign that's truly moving. (Walt Whitman!)  So fresh and strong.  I'd love to hear from interested filmmakers...

These performances, coming in January to Whitney Art Works here in Portland.  This is the sort of thing I absolutely love...

"What Matters Now", "the work of more than 60 people with big ideas and something to say".

The reminder that compassion is more important than anything else.

The creative process of two of my heroines.

The fully realized example of Rogues alumni, Jay Carroll, that with enough imagination, chutzpah, intelligence, and hard work, life on one's own terms is truly possible.  In the "board" section of his blog, I found the following, my credo for the year to come: