Heather K Powers

Celebrations of the Year

December 23, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Reflecting on the last year I am proud of building my business into one that is growing at a sustainable pace and in the direction that I have decided, not one that’s been dictated by the market or trends. I work with many clients that I call my friends and I can often be found by their side as they celebrate their successes-nothing makes me more joyful!

Highlights of this year in Biz…

I don’t share this to brag, but to show that I’m invested in both my success and my clients!

Helped two talented artists re-launch their art careers in Charleston with solo shows (I love doing this work and can’t wait to help other artists!).
Featured 18 “Inside the Artist Studio” interviews on my blog,
Completed a 4 week Business Coaching program called “Uplevel Your Business” and attended two 3 day business strategy conferences that will help me build my business and find the support needed for future growth.
Became President of the NAPO Charleston organization for Professional Organizers. We are in our third year of planning an awesome Symposium for “Go Month”-January 2016 (more details to come here).
Helped clients create home inventory for their personal belongings. In the wake of local natural disasters this is a topic I feel more people need to address. My presentation at the symposium will be “Home Inventory without the Heartache”…I’ll be sharing more about this topic, including an online 2 week course coming soon!
Facilitated a reading group for “The Artist Way” in Charleston and will be doing this for “Walking in the World” in early 2016.
An organizing project of mine featured in a ‪houzz.com‬ roundup, how very cool!
The tables were turned and I was interviewed by an artist…and it was a lot of fun! If you missed it, it’s here.

Interested in finding out more about the upcoming symposium, my online Home Inventory class or reading group? Email me for more details.

Just a couple personal highlights…

I began showing my own art work as part of two local shows and plan to integrate more of my own art and craft making into my professional life. As I work with artists to show their work I know it’s important to walk the talk.
Became a beekeeper! This is something my grandfather did and I’ve always wanted to do this. Bucket list: Check!

Continue to volunteer for local community organizations including the Tri-County Master Gardeners, Horticulture Society, Byrnes Downs Neighborhood Association and Enough Pie.

This year has been pretty intense but beautiful, thank you for sharing it with me!

Friday Favorites::Book Roundup of 2015

December 11, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Books, Inspiration & Education Leave a Comment

In no particular order here’s the list of books I read this past year (and counting since I’m still finishing up a couple!). I’ve made a couple notes below each about favorite quotes and thoughts on the book overall. It was a diverse year of reading and I dove into some very new topic’s of exploration!

13 Original Clan Mothers: Your Sacred Path to Discovering the Gifts, Talents and Abilities of the Feminine Through the Ancient Teachings of the Sisterhood by Jamie Sams ***

I had a hard time getting started with this book but once I got focused I found it delightfully helpful as a means to share archetypal stories and teachings of life.

The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders by Sandra F. Rief, Ariel Rief ***

Reference-this book was read (jumped around a bit) as a means to help clients

Olive Kitterage by Elizabeth Stout **

Not a favorite, kind of downtrodden and depressing story. I abandoned it a little over half way through (but at some point will watch the TV series)

Little Bee by Chris Cleave ****

I loved this charming story, picked it up because of the name (my kitty’s name too) and was pleasantly delighted with it.

Lillian Too’s 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutter Your Home by Lillian Too ****

Not your light hearted Feng Shui book of Decluttering, a bit more in dept but I really enjoyed the deeper dive into this practice that I often find helpful for myself and client work.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin ****

I’ve been getting wonderful daily quotes from Gretchen for years and I finally got this book checked off my list. It was helpful to hear how she put Happiness into practice as a conscious Choice (my word of the year for 2015)

The Little Friend by Donna Tartt ***
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes *****

Started this thick read in the last months of 2014 and finished in the first part of 2015. It’s a big read and I couldn’t put it down at times. I’d long wanted to read this book, it almost felt like a right of passage. I was delighted to find out that my 95 year old grandmother had read it. I think it’s a book all women should read (and it was a great segue into 13 Original Clan Mothers).

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert *****

I was skeptical, what more can be said about creativity than already has (especially for someone who’s read a lot of self help/creativity books) but EG had a really fresh take on what makes creative magic happen in our daily lives.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ***

Off to a slow start, was intrigued by the theme and topic of the book and gradually was guided in deeper as the story unfolds to a little mystery, romance, history (non biographical) and magic.

The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life by Mark Nepo ****

This book has traveled with me through a good part of the year. I read a chapter or two at a time and let the messages, poems and story’s sink in deep. I got this book after meeting Mark and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

Hildegard of Bingen by Matthew Fox ****

The divine feminine has been a big reading subject for me this year (can you tell!?). I was drawn to this book after meeting Matthew and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

The Artist Way by Julia Cameron ****

This is the 3rd time around reading this book. I facilitated a reading group for 5 artists/writers over 12 weeks and watched as all our lives were transformed and catalyzed by the practice of implementing simple process such as the Artist Date and journaling.

Organizing Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin****

Reference-One of the newer organizing books out this year. Donna breaks down what can sometimes seem daunting into a really simple process. As an organizer I was familiar with almost all the process and suggestions in this book but would certainly recommend it to anyone going through the process of organizing on their own (doesn’t cover challenges such as organizing for ADHD and Chronic Dis-organization)

Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness by Donna Smallin****

This little “quick reference book” is really fun and an easy, quick read. Well broken up by subject/theme of organization.

The Two Choices by Carrie Jole Dale ****

This book was written by my friend Carrie and I had to read it because Choice has been my WOTY (word of the year). She simplifies our ongoing quest for finding happiness and self fulfillment by sharing her thoughts on what it really boils down to. (Hint: “You are your own Guru!”-CJD)

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews *****

I found myself drawn to animals and the messages that they share with us, often looking up references online until I finally got this book for myself. I use it often as a reference but also am fascinated by some of the rituals and practices we can engage in to connect us more deeply to the animals that surround us daily.

Numerology with Tantra, Ayurveda and Astrology by Harish Johari ****

This is not your typical numerology book. It’s more complex but also leads to a much more personal and specific analysis of how numbers and patterns show up in your life and help you learn and find connections to those around you. I label this one as reference as well.

It’s kind of interesting to look back on my year in books, some interesting themes emerge. I’ve got several books on my holiday wish list and many of them are creative. I also have a few books “left over” form this year that I plan to read in 2016. What books did you read this year and what were your favorites?

Gratitude, Creations and Celebrations

November 26, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is yet another day to Practice Gratitude-One of 364 other days of the year-Everyday can be Thanksgiving! As I enjoy the day off to spend time with family, reflecting and celebrating all I have to be grateful for I am reminded that several years ago I began to write what I was most grateful for in my daily journal. This was a time in my life that I felt down and out, everyday seemed like a challenge and struggle. By beginning with what I am most grateful for each day I choose to focus on my Gratitude, Creations and Celebrations.

Some day’s I reflect upon the little things like meeting someone new, a kind friend’s gesture, the song bird out my window, the sunshine or full moon or shark’s teeth I found on my walk. Other day’s I practice my gratitude for things I’ve created, connection’s I made, the community I live in, help I gave or that someone gave me . Why not choose to celebrate the joyful things, small and grand, not just today but every day.

Happy Thanksgiving, with Gratitude-It’s a Choice!

In the Studio with Craig Colorusso-Part II

November 25, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

How did artist Craig Colorusso fit an 80,000 Square Foot Installation into a mini-van? We met while I was a docent during the recent installation in Charleston of Sound + Light and Craig not only agreed to do this interview (see Part I last week with photo’s of his studio in Arkansas) but suggested it might be interesting to watch him dismantle and meticulously deconstruct and pack out the entire massive 4 part installation into his van. This week I’m excited to share his installation pack out and some specific questions related to his process!

Inside the Studio with Craig Colorusso- Sneak Peek Part II

From this…

HKPS:: How much thought do you give to your artistic body of work in terms of historic value and the overall legacy you will leave behind? How do you store/archive your work or records?
CC::I now save everything. When I was younger I had a great memory. I could remember whole tour itineraries not anymore. I save everything I can now mostly so I can show my daughter someday. But I’m also leaving myself a breadcrumb trail. I meet so many amazing people in my travels I hope to document them all.

The next few questions are specific to Craig’s installation, planning and transportation of art.

HKPS::How long have you been creating art for installations and do you always deliver and install your own works?

CC::In 1996 I did a show called Maschine. Joel Westerdale, drummer of China Pig and I worked at a print shop in Danbury CT. Somehow we convinced our boss to let us do a show in the shop. So, we woke up at 4am a few times to practice before anyone arrived at work. It was great to start that early. Looking back I always enjoyed being awake doing things when it seemed like everyone else was asleep. And I like warehouses. Anyway, we composed a piece of music for instruments and two offset presses. 2 AB Dick 360’s. We brought in Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Timpani, Drums and Saxophone to pay with the roar of the presses. The shop was such an integral part of the piece it got me thinking about space. And other elements beside just music. Since we worked there we were able to do a lot with light as well. The wheels are still turning…
Since I’m coming at this from a touring musician’s start I deliver and install everything myself. I have created a life that allows me to pack the van and hit the road. I always so this life as making something and sharing it. Part of the sharing is me. I got the tour bug early on and still like it. When I was 19 my good friend Todd Ransick called me up and told me the guitar player in his band Far Cry didn’t wanna go on tour because he was afraid his girlfriend would cheat on him. So I made way to Bethesda Maryland and practiced for a few weeks and left on my first tour. It was even better than I thought it would be. So here we are all these years later.

HKPS::How did you plan for the packing and transportation of your installation work?

CC::I suppose I always have the van in mind. And sometimes I rely on my packing skills a little too much but it works.

Craig Colorusso-Pack Out

No Slide Found In Slider.

HKPS::Was Sound + Light the first show you have done with all 3 installation components?

CC::This was the first time I was able to present all 4 pieces and the film.

HKPS::Did you plan any of your artwork around the logistics of transportation or keep the transport in mind when designing your works and their modular components?

CC::I have a few platforms that I’ve built for CUBEMUSIC and Sun Boxes to fit nicely in the van. MB 89 has toured by itself so I thought it would all fit. But honestly there were a few moments that I thought I would have to get another vehicle.

HKPS:: Did you have an idea of how to pack your van or did you have to try things out till you were able to make it all fit?

CC::The pack that went to Charleston was revised 3 times before it all worked. I am very proud of the pack. I like the idea of space and how we can manipulate it.

To this…(in approx 4 hrs)

Thank you Craig for sharing how you work, your planning and process! I loved being a part of the Sound+ Light experience and watching the show come down and be packed into that small space, Bravo! You win the “Puzzle” award for fitting 80,000 square feet of art installation into one little van!

*The idea for the Inside the Artist Studio series began while attending an art retreat where I curiously observed the differences in the creative cycle of order and chaos and what that looks like for different individuals. I’m very interested in sharing how organizing affects the artist’s creative process. Some systems and order are vital to our creative PLAY and learning to find a balance that works to enhance your creativity is what I hope to share with you through these interviews.

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Is there a particular artist whose ‘Tool kit’ or studio you would like to see featured? Please leave a comment below and let me know!

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In the Studio with Craig Colorusso-Part I

November 19, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

Today we head inside the Studio with Craig Colorusso who I met while I was a docent during the recent installation in Charleston of Sound + Light. Craig and I got to talking and he not only agreed to do the interview partially virtual (he’s provided the photo’s below of his studio in Arkansas) but I also came to watch him dismantle and meticulously deconstruct and pack out the entire massive 4 part installation into his van. This week I’m thrilled to share his studio organizing tips and next week we will bring you the pack out and some specific questions related to his process! These photo’s are not styled in any way, so this is typical of what his working studio looks like on an average day.

Inside the Studio with Craig Colorusso-Studio Sneak Peek Part I

HKPS::What age did you suspect or know you were an artist?

CC::I always knew but tried to hide from it.

HKPS::What mediums do you work with and are there specific tools or materials you find challenging to keep organized or locate when you need to use them?

CC::I make sounds mostly with a guitar. Sometimes with a Bass Clarinet. I also make things out of wood. Sometimes as finished pieces other times as a model to be made out of something else. I’m fond of metal. And I daydream about concrete.

HKPS:: Where do you make your art, how big is your studio and how long have you been in this space?

CC::I live in a house with 1 wife, 1 daughter and 2 cats. We’ve been here for 3 years. I currently build things in a 2 car garage. It’s filled with tools and materials. A car has never touched the space since we’ve been here. Directly above the garage is a guest room that has all my music gear. It’s not much: 1 Electric guitar, 1 acoustic guitar, 1 Hybrid, a Bass Clarinet, a Bb Clarinet, 2 amplifiers, a few guitar pedals, 1 computer and some cymbals. This is the second time I’ve lived where I can keep things set up. When I lived in Brooklyn I had a small living space with some room to play.

HKPS::How many projects are you usually working on at once? Is this due to space constraints, creative process, organizing systems or other influences?

CC::Things take time to unfold for me. I am currently working on 4 projects that are at varying stages of being finished. I like to think about things for a while. But I’m also constantly reminded of how little time I left. So juggling the two ideas is a constant theme. Things change. Very simply I would say I make systems and these systems are constantly being updated.

Craig Colorusso

No Slide Found In Slider.

HKPS::When you began working in this space did you plan any systems for the overall set up or did you let things evolve organically? How did past studio spaces or systems influence this space?

CC::My studio space is part working and part storage. The two things I store are pieces that travel and materials. I used to work as a carpenter so I had access to a lot of things to be thrown away that I kept. Some things I have used some I have not but they seem too good to throw away. My aspirations outweigh my skills. So I have piles of things I’ve picked up over the years.

HKPS::Is making art your primary “job” or source of income? How much time do you spend in your studio weekly/daily?

CC::It is my full time job. A few years ago I had a very romantic vision of being a full time artist; I would sip tea and think in a bright colored robe. In reality I’ve never done that. I don’t even have a robe. I spend most of my time promoting what I’m doing and\or chasing new opportunities. Which is certainly not a bad life. I have always thought art could expand beyond the work.

HKPS:: How or did you learn your organizing habits and systems? Do you consider yourself to be organized?
CC:: I would not consider my self organized. But I do hope to get there some day.

HKPS:: Do you purge, clean or de-clutter your supply stash and space on a regular basis?
CC:: I despise clutter when I’m playing music. I like space and I like to fill it with sound unaltered by my baggage. There are some non music items in the room but very few. Downstairs is a little different. I have to store materials and have a space for my current pieces. I suppose a dream scenario would be to have a room maybe 20X20 that’s painted white that has a chair in it and nothing else. A place to come and think without the world bothering me. Once again this is a little bit romantic fantasy. I don’t think I’d be more productive with my bare white room so do I really need it?

HKPS::Is there anything you keep in your studio strictly for fun or inspiration? Is there anything you intentionally don’t have in your studio due to distraction?
CC::I have a few things upstairs that people have given me but not much. Sometimes I listen to the radio when I work downstairs. Mostly sports radio especially during football season.

Thank you Craig for for sharing a sneak peek into your working space and how you work! In Part II I have more from Craig about how he managed to fit 80,000 square feet of art installation into one little van!