Artwork of Jackie Sevier

Finally, I am updating my website blog.  It’s hard to realize how much time has passed since my last post.  It seems like a few weeks ago I was packing up for Indian Market in Santa Fe.  The miles traveled and the seasons changed brings the time gap to reality.

The 51st annual Heard Fair at the Heard Museum in Phoenix is already in the books for 2009.  The weather could not have been any more perfect.  Uncertain about reports of poor economy and depressed markets we all brought or newest works with total optimism.  Our dear friends Dr. Jose and Francis Burruel got us tickets to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Dusk enhanced by the illuminated installation was truly worth the two day trip to Phoenix if for no other reason.  After being home all winter we looked forward to the fellowship among artists and collectors.  Laughing and enjoying  friends was perfect food for the soul.  It was a wonderful surprise to feel the upbeat mood and positive momentum of the people.  Sales were better than expected for many of us.  Loyal patrons and visitors brought energy to the fair.  The guild members do an incredible job of hosting the event.  We’ve made lifelong friends and come to know and love many like family.

The Heard Fair seems to set the pace for the coming year. In-spite of all we are experiencing in the world, and in our own country, I am encouraged that we have so much more faith and optimism than our media reports.

Tonight I’m in Denver attending the  American Indian Business Expo sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce.  I’m here to gather information on doing business with tribal and small business entities focusing on renewable energy resources.My husband Jim and I also own a water well service company and are regional distributors for livestock suppliments.  We also lease grass land and take in cattle over the summer and fall months.   Though totally unrelated to art, it’s clear to me that the years of networking and meeting artists and customers has prepared me well to meet people and to open my mind and heart to other possibilities.  Driving into a city being fully aware I will know absolutely no one and establishing myself as an independent business woman is a long step for me.  I wear many hats; wife, mother, artist, unpaid help for my husband when there is no one else to help out.  It is more the norm to drive 12 hours home from Santa Fe Indian Market, park the trailer in the studio garage and be on the tractor cutting hay by 7:00 am the next morning. But my confidence and my discipline has been developed by my art career.  Who knew?