As Jamey’s exhibit comes to an end, I’d like to share my reflections on the experience.
Jamey and I embarked on creating his first solo show with high expectations - this experience did not disappoint - it was a satisfying and joyful path and I am very happy with Jamey and our collaboration.
As I watched Jamey and his guests interact, I said to myself “here is a person who creates his own reality." He had so much love and support from friends, family and artist peers- even people meeting him for the first time were captured by his essence... one of love and creativity.
It was truly a pleasure and honor to hold this wonderful artist's first solo exhibit at VOLITION.
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VOLITION has been for me partly an awakening and discovery of who I am without any restriction. I can finely breathe. It's about sharing creative experience and vision with an artist. The artists that walk with me are truly what I see in myself but can not express. I thank these loves that come into my life and help me find that voice within me.
I was raised by hard-working immigrant parents with the common belief that "succeeding" meant you go into a sensible, lucrative career such as finance, law, medicine, etc. and make money enough to be secure. Can't blame them - giving birth to their only daughter here in the USA the land of opportunity, they wanted me to go out and make a million.
This way of thinking though meant you often had to push aside what you might love or what fulfills you or makes your heart sing.
As a young woman, I wasn’t strong and confident enough to break that mold and go out and get a degree in what I truly desired. I did as expected but I didn’t resonate with the degree that I received. I never felt fulfilled but the education and experience helped me get to where I am today and finally in the job that I want to do. For that I am grateful.
I have worked extremely hard for all that I've accomplished - mirroring my parents hard work and dedication and further fulfilling what is held in my true core.
A few years ago, I was given an opportunity to purchase my share of Bell-ans. With hard work and a vision it makes me so happy to also be the founder and sole owner of VOLITION.
The burning question?
So what if I don’t make that million dollars? What if, instead, I touch a million lives, or deliver a million smiles or, maybe just maybe, make an impact on one person on one given day and that impact spreads like a ripple, spreading love and good will... I’d be okay with that kind of success...
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This year, being a year of firsts, we will host our first photography exhibit.
The question I am asked often, is "are you an artist?” Last year, I dabbled in finding my medium. I choose photography. I discovered really quickly that it's much more than point and shoot! I have a huge respect for photographers. It is technical, precise, and full of observation and great detail. So many considerations need to take place prior to snapping that photo!
Working for months with these fabulous photographers from the "Local Love" exhibit and hearing them discuss all the technical and artistic aspects of their work brought a heightened level of awareness and respect. All of them were true loves to be with and to share in this experience that we are going to share with everyone on Saturday, June 3.
Additionally, the artists have generously decided to give a percentage of sales to VCS, a mental health agency in Rockland County.
With great excitement and honor, Spencer Tunick, international photographer, and his wife, Kristin Bowler, visual artist, will be at the pre-opening of our event. See our website for details.
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This year we will hold our first mass mediation on our big lawn. I was introduced to mediation three years ago and it has created a shift in my life. Nina Skowronski, the curator for the Local Love exhibit, introduced me to the Big Quiet in NYC and it was quite an experience. I mentioned to Nina that I hoped to bring a similar meditation event to Bell-ans and thought she would be the perfect person, with her background in and love for yoga and meditation, to orchestrate this heavenly event for our community.
Thrilled over the community collaboration with this event.
#selfmade #love #desire #passion #millionsmiles
With an enormous amount of love…
Phyllis
Love Letters,
Sona Viola, Photographer