Jacquie Gouveia

If we look back over the years we can all easily recall embarrassing moments in our lives. Such as embarassing hairdos, clothes or people we’ve dated. To add to this list, I thought it would be fun, and therapeutic, to admit to the most embarrassing music I’ve owned - which was rather easy.

Back in the 70’s I was crazy in love with the show and the actors of Starsky and Hutch.  Starsky was played by Paul Michael Glaser and Hutch by David Soul - yes a show actually existed - the movie was not original.  Anyways, In 1976 David Soul wrote a hit song “Don’t Give Up On Us” which was included on the album “David Soul”. I clearly remember this being one of my “please Mommy, I must have this” birthday wish. Which, being the wonderful mother that she is, bought it for me for my 11th birthday.

He's so dreamy....

Two very funny things occurred while preparing this post. First, while researching the album and looking for an image, I discovered Mr. Soul actually released an album in 1994 “The Best of David Soul”. How did I miss that one?

But the most exhilarating thing came when I shared my idea about this post with my significant other, Mike Taylor. After explaining my idea and how David Soul had a “best of album” Mike disappeared to our basement, and returned with an old box. From this box he pulled out the 45 of “Don’t Give Up on Us”! Now, I always suspected he was my soul mate, but this absolutely confirmed it.

So, what is your most embarrassing music story? Remember, the first step to recovery is admittance.

Let’s face it, everyone loves a good warm and sincere hug. Here is a wonderful campaign to be part of - and all it costs is a hug.

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

It is the time of year where we all need to stop and give thanks to what we have in our lives. In good and bad times, wherever we are this week we can always find something to be grateful for. Below is my “I’m thankful to be an artist” list.

• First of all, I’d like to thank my studio. Even though you are not yet finished (have little electricity and no insulation) I am grateful for the dedicated space I have to create. You give me plenty of room to move around, store my supplies and because you are detached from the house, noone can here me singing along to my ipod.
• Next I am forever grateful for color.  It is because of you that I am drawn to really seeing the world around me. You show me so many personalities and moods that my combinations of you are limitless. I’d especially like to thank Utrecht’s Brilliant Blue.
• I’d also like to thank my new found passion with creating mixed media pieces. You have proven to me that stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a risk is well worth it. My creative world has now vastly opened to using materials such as metal, glass and wood!
• Music, sweet, sweet music. Whether I rely on you for background noise to create to your rhythm. Or use you for energized inspiration to produce such pieces such as “Appalachian Spring” (Aaron Copland) or “Anarchy in the UK” (Sex Pistols) you are a constant in my life and I never get tired of visually interpreting you.
• And finally, I would like to thank my creative maker. You have provided me with the mind, talents and confidence to be unique. Because of the mind you gave me I am fortunate to have had my imaginary friends as a child. I am able to visualize the end result of a piece of artwork before I begin and the talents and confidence to execute it. But most of all, I am comforted in knowing I will always be able to rely on you when I need to be renewed with inspiration and passion for what I do.

One of the most commonly asked questions that artists receive is “how long did it take you to paint/create that?” This is always such a difficult question to answer because one painting could be created in a matter of a few hours if you are “in the zone”. However, the artist could struggle for days, weeks or even months on another painting of a similar size. According to the Boston Globe writer Joan Anderman, Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses has worked on the newly released CD “Chinese Democracy” for the past 13 years. (Click here for the article)

The most accurate answer lies within all the years and hours the artist has dedicated to practicing their craft. What did it really take for the artist to get to that point in their career? To look at it in a completely different way, lets think about Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. In a matter of just minutes swimming in a pool he breaks a world record and wins a gold medal. Although the race only took him minutes to complete, it is the years of hard work (both mental and phyisical), training and discipline which provided him with the skills needed to achieve his accomplishments.

Whether you are an artist, athlete or anyone else who is consistently developing your talents and skills, remember to recognize and honor the journey it took to get there.

Leading Hollywood agent, Sean Elliot of Endeavor Agency is now displaying one of my paintings in his office. Sean represents many celebrities including Casey Affleck, David Alan Grier and Jack and Kelly Osbourne. The Endeavor Talent Agency, located in Beverly Hills, California is a talent and literary agency, representing actors, writers, authors, producers and directors primarily for film and television. Their client list includes many A list celebrities.

In an effort to clean my studio, I’ve listed several paintings on ebay.