Fur

Just watched a film that literally took my breath away. Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus, is an imagined idea of what the inside of the photographer Diane (pronounced Dee-Ann) Arbus' mind might look like.

This film is a must-see for any artist. I am so thankful that films like this are made. It is completely unexpected in every way and is full of divine, disturbing and wildly inspiring imagery. It really captures what it is like to see the world a little differently and to have only a select few freaks in your life understand it.

The film is written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and directed by Steven Shainberg (both from the film Secretary). They wanted to capture the birth of an artist and "what you have to leave behind to become yourself." The incredible Robert Downey Jr. is in this film (as the most amazing and mesmerizing character of the entire film) and while being interviewed about what he thought the movie was about, he said, "sometimes you have to see fear and head for it and you have to do exactly what would be considered entirely inappropriate...in order to make it to where you are supposed to go." If that doesn't describe the true creative process, I don't know what does.

This film is the story of freaks, not just freaks on the outside, but those who are freaks on the inside as well. It reminded me to move through my fears and create my own vision of the world, no matter how ugly or scary or misunderstood it may be.

You can watch the preview of the film here. And you can watch the making of of the film here.

Improvising My Way Through Life

When I moved to Petaluma a few years ago, I left behind a dynamic and creative life in San Francisco. I had a wonderful group of friends who I collaborated with on all sorts of projects, from zines, to Church of Craft gatherings, to a community access television show.

An illustration in the Cubby Missalette by Tristy Taylor

Those people are still very much in my life, but Petaluma is a long drive from San Francisco, so I don't get to share in as much fun with them as I used to.

One of the things I loved doing in San Francisco was improv. Improvisational theatre is a form of theatre in which the actors use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously. I had the best teacher in the world, who recognized my talent and crazy imagination and encouraged me to stretch and try out my improvising wings in a number of different formats.

I fell in love with improv. For me it really is a spiritual practice (and you know I find spirituality in the strangest of places). When I walk out on to that stage, I don't know what is going to happen. I find I must trust a greater power than myself to come in and guide me and my fellow actors to a place of passion, interest and laughter. I am always surprised and amazed at what comes out of my mouth, or how my body starts to move. I find new aspects of my personality that I never knew I had. It was improv, actually, that helped me discover my inner preacher, that lead me on my path to ordination as an Interfaith Minister!

I was amazed to discover that once I started improvising again, my life started to shift. Suddenly opportunities that used to scare the daylights out of me weren't intimidating anymore. I take far more risks than I ever used to, knowing deeply in my heart that I will be O.K. - that there is something bigger than myself that is watching and guiding me.

Through a series of interesting events, I have found an improv troupe to perform with. We are the 6th Street Players and we will be performing the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month in Santa Rosa, CA, until at least June 2009. So our next shows are January 10th and 24th. Please come and see us perform! Buy some tickets!

I have found a new community of beautiful, creative, crafty geniuses in this group. There is something so powerful in connecting with people who truly are a part of my tribe. 

I want to encourage you to take the leap and do something you have always wanted to do. Is there someone who interests you whom you have never spoken to? Go up and say hello! Have you always wanted to learn how to paint? Learn how to ride a motorcycle? Put on a Puppet Show? Do it! Stay open to all the beautiful possibilities in your life and improvise!

Hambox Advent!

Miss Hambox, herself!

I am very proud to say that I was invited to participate in the most fantastic Hambox Advent 2008! Every year Lady Hambox gives us 31 days of Holiday Inspiration. There truly is no way to describe it. You must see it for yourself.

Be sure to click on all the days (so far) and check back every day for a new treat. The day I contributed to is December 11th, by the way!