Chronic pain and depression

I've got to fight the depression that is presently trying to invade my head. It is very hard to remain positive when I am having constant intense pain every waking moment.
 I've dealt with depression before- and know that it can really take a hold on me- making life more miserable than anything. I really don't want to go there.
So- I'm scaling back on some things- trying to type less and rest my hands more (I have numbness and pain in both hands these days....constantly) I will be doing more artwork and less production jewelery. My time has become more precious.
And I have to cut this post short because my hands are going numb while typing. Once numbness kicks in the pain starts to descend...
It's a terrible cycle- I'm going to break it! It cannot break me!
don't worry, I will slay this Dragon
Peace, Love and Gratitude- Maureen

New BLOG Title and address!

Hi there everyone-
I have decided to change my blog's name and address-
My new name is MBZ Metalsmith

and the new Address is http://MBZmetalsmith.blogspot.com .

I just decided that since my work is becoming considerably less about my production line (aka: Cosmo's Moon) and more about my artistic choices, that I should change the name to reflect the point of view.

Nothing is really changing as blog fodder however- I will continue to write about a variety of things that are important to me as an artist, a mother, an Arizonan, an eccentric and liberal practicalist.
I hope you all enjoy my posts- I certainly enjoy reading your comments!

thanks- Maureen


ps- pain update? the spinal cord stimulator did not work. I'm at the crossroads again and am looking in a few different directions to see if we can find an explanation for the pain and hopefully an end to it as well.

Arizona Designer Craftsmen and SNAG conference 2012

This is an AZ Metal Artist Call for Entries In conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmith's (SNAG) 2012 conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Airport Museum is presenting the exhibition, Metals and More
February 24, 2012 – September 30, 2012 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

To the Artist: Phoenix Airport Museum is seeking artworks crafted of metal or alternative materials from artists working in metalsmithing and/or jewelry. The artworks may include but are not limited to jewelry, vessels, sculptures and wall pieces. Artworks will be chosen by Phoenix Airport Museum curatorial staff based on how well the piece shows an understanding of the medium and mastery of techniques used.

Eligibility: Arizona artists working in the metal arts field that are members of Arizona Designer Craftsmen (ADC) and/or SNAG may submit a maximum of four artworks for consideration. Completed and/or proposed works may be entered. Original artworks by artists working in the metal arts field will be considered.

Submission: Submissions must be received by Friday, October 14, 2011 and include the following:
A cover letter of intent listing artworks for consideration along with descriptions, dates, dimensions and materials Artist contact information including name, address, phone number and email address Images of completed and/or proposed artworks (on a CD and printed out) Brief artist statement about the particular work

Questions may be directed to airport.museum@phoenix.gov or 602-273-2105
Images: A maximum of 12 images may be submitted – four artworks plus two details per artwork. Images must be digital; on a CD in JPEG format, 200 dpi and sized approximately 4 x 6”. Include a print out of all the images. Digital images must contain artist’s last name and title of artwork in the file name.

Transportation/Shipping: Artists are responsible for transportation of work to Phoenix Airport Museum. Artworks may be hand-delivered to the Museum’s off-site facility or shipped. Work being shipped must be packed in a re-usable shipping container. Artists are responsible for checking with their shipper regarding insurance and correct packing procedures. Phoenix Airport Museum will not be responsible for breakage because of incorrect packing or insufficient container. Artists will be notified of work that arrives in damaged condition. Cost of shipping artwork to the exhibition is the artist’s responsibility; Phoenix Airport Museum will pay for return shipping via FedEx unless otherwise indicated by the artist at time of acceptance.

Liability: Insurance will be carried by the City of Phoenix on all works while in possession of Phoenix Airport Museum.
Agreement: The artist agrees to maintain entry for the duration of the exhibition. Submission of an entry constitutes permission to photograph work for publicity and educational purposes. All entries must be of original design and personal execution. Phoenix Airport Museum reserves the right to refuse an entry if upon arrival the work is found to be poorly executed or inappropriate for public display.

October 14, 2011 November 18, 2011 February 3, 2012 February, 24 – September 30, 2012 October 1 – October 12, 2012

Calendar
All submissions must be received Artists will be notified by email of acceptance/non-acceptance Accepted works must be received Duration of exhibition Return of artwork
Send submissions to: Phoenix Airport Museum 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
T-3, L-3, west mezz. Phoenix, AZ 85034