 YOLO....so CREATE SOMETHING!! ...I have had almost twenty-four hours now since the event at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale to kind of sit back and reflect on everything that went down. First of all- it was so much fun! I am grateful to have been asked to participate, and fortunate that my lovely model didn't mind driving down for the event (I love you Sofie!). Not only did we have a great time, but we made many connections for Art Hive Magazine...and I definitely made some for myself as an artist as well! And it's all because of that dress...oh, and the necklace(s) Deep breaths...I am so excited. I hope that everything pans out. Not going to say much more...just...wow. And this isn't the last you will see of this dress...it will be on display at SMASH Beauty Lounge later this week until...well...probably the end of March or mid April. Next stop...possible runway show in Miami. So while I was waiting on Sofie I went in 'my' Barnes and Noble (it's the closest one and it's kinda my jam) and I found this quote, ' Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about CREATING yourself.' And I couldn't agree more. 
Dress by Jennifer Love Gironda ('das ME!) Model, Sofia Vargas Brown
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Attention please...the latest issue of Art Hive Magazine is on-line!! They just keep getting better and better...more art, bigger names for the interviews (ummm...Phil Collins?! Seriously?!) and Jess continues to creating a better product every time...and she does. I have seen the BEEhind the scenes and I can truly attest that every layout, photo, word...EVERYTHING has been put on these pages thoughtfully. I am so proud to be a part of this magazine. (Eyes mist over. Clears throat.) My article this month (page 17) gave me a chance to combine two things that I love, art and athletics. I was able to dedicate this piece to my husband John, in honor of all those times over the past four years when he struggled while working towards his doctorate in Marketing. And now...he did it. He earned those three little letters that symbolize to the academic community that he has achieved...those letters are PhD...and I could not be more proud of him! In addition to my article, there was another Gironda in this issue of Art Hive- John (page 35)! Jess and Angela created a new section dedicated to outside professionals with 'Viewpoints' that might help the readership. John was the first to write in this new column. His research is in social media marketing so his article discusses how this relates to artists. It's a good read, and I am not just saying that 'cause I married him! Check him out, he's on page 35! 
 Things just have a way of working out organically…I had penciled in on my calendar to attend the Love! Love! Japan event at the Young at Art Museum several weeks ago when I first saw it on the website…but it was really very passive, kind of in the back of my mind. I remembered this week and went on the site only to see that the main event of the show, a lecture by Sebastian Masuda was sold out. An email later, and I got a seat for this sold out lecture…thanks to being an art teacher and a contributor for Art Hive!  I went to the museum, first time ever going. I could kick myself for not going sooner…and now I want to go back maybe during the week when it isn’t so busy. But for all intents and purposes I did finally make it there today and it completely blew my mind. Wow. Going as an adult and feeling so in awe of the museum is one thing- I cannot imagine how amazing this must seem through the eyes of a child.  The lecture was very informative. There was a short video that looped prior to the start of the event that really helped to set the stage for the man that was to speak, and the overall essence of Harajuku fashion and culture. You know, I went in not really knowing much about the subject. Here is my background when it comes to Japan;  First and probably the most important- I have been to Japan. In the summer of 2009 I traveled to Japan with a group of educators for a Fulbright Study Abroad. I was fortunate enough to share the experience with my sister-in-law, Maria, who at the time was teaching children with autism. We were in Japan and really kind of lived there for the month, the whole group stayed in individual hotel rooms at the El Inn in Kyoto. That was our home home. We went out every day, visiting local Japanese schools and shrines. It was total immersion into the culture, with Dr. Tucker there to guide us and speak the language. I knew at the time that it was a big deal, that this was going to be a major event in my life. It was the farthest I have ever traveled…the longest period of time that I have ever been away from John…and it was the most different place I have ever been to and I got homesick some...but I would love the chance to go back.  Another connection that I have with Japan…I love Hello Kitty. Like, seriously. I have always loved Sanrio, even as a kid going into the Sanrio store and seeing all the different papers, and envelopes, and stamps…stickers…pencils. I just loved it. Still do. What did I know of Harajuku? Not much. I have a Harajuku bag that I love because of all the bright colors…but that is all I knew. I did travel to Tokyo, and I remember seeing some of the girls in the brightly colored clothing…but I did not actually make it to the Harajuku area. And what of Kawaii? I knew just a little bit prior to today. I had done a little bit of research a couple of years ago for writing a grant…and now that I think back on it I never did write it. (Which means I should!) I think instead I had my IMS students create Kawaii-inspired oil pastels and paper-mache sculptures.  ...first piece in the new series! So, if I had to describe my knowledge level walking into the lecture today…even though I have been to Japan…I would say that I did not know much about this specific aspect of Japanese culture. Which is kind of odd to me now that I think of it because this is probably the most like my own aesthetic. Needless to say, I left the museum totally inspired. So much, that I am going to use Harajuku/Kawaii as the inspiration for my March series…. which means I am going to use COLOR and…well…just be totally out there and really express crazy self. I plan on exaggerating the facial features even more so that they fit my idea of what Kawaii is.... going to go even larger with the eyes and make the nose and mouth even smaller. I am thinking that this month calls for colorful, funky hair and makeup and wild prints and patterns…and layers. This will lend itself well to the mixed media that I have become so enamored with. (Sigh) I love combining my drawings with collage. This is going to be a fun month!
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