Creative Spotlight: Scale Model

November 26, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Embody Your Muse - Scale Model - Danielle Shields

Scale Model is an indie rock/pop band based in Nashville, TN. They combine interweaving guitars and synthesizers with catchy vocal melodies and a danceable rhythm section to create a sound that transcends the staples of pop. They will be performing at The High Watt in Nashville on Saturday, December 6.

Scale Model is: Megan Rox - vocals/synth, David Johnson - guitar, Steve Cross - drums/programming

I met Megan Rox last year through a local coaching program, and was quickly drawn to her passion and love for music. We became friends not long after meeting, and I am so grateful for her. On stage, she is a powerhouse, and totally in a zone. Off stage she has a passion for helping people, and the knowledge to facilitate healing as well. I am excited for you to meet her and one of Scale Model's other band members, Steve Cross, on Embody Your Muse!

Creative Spotlight: Jane Sullivan

November 19, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Jane Sullivan's work was brought to my attention recently by a friend of mine (Patti Mann, who will be featured on Embody Your Muse in the next few months). Since I am in love with France, Jane was of immediate interest to me. Once I saw her work, though, I was so intrigued. Her Fairies are especially soulful, and her work as a whole is full of intricacy and vibrant colour.

Jane's first art teacher was her mother, and she moved on to study as an adult in the States and Ireland. Not only is Jane a visual artist; she plays harp as well, and has studied in the States, Ireland, and France! She now resides in France, and teaches classes in every genre of the art she produces. As you will see, spirituality is of great importance to Jane, and her life revolves around it. Jane is such a joy, and I'm happy to introduce her work to you.

Creative Spotlight: Charity Daw

November 12, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

Charity Daw's work was introduced to me by a friend of mine who was just recently featured - Alicia Maynard! I was instantly in love with Charity's feather crown (first photo below), and knew I had to delve further into her work. As you will see, she is incredibly creative, and mixes mediums with ease.

Charity made her first hat while pursuing song writing in Nashville not so long ago, and and the art of hat making clearly took off for her. She moved to L.A. in 2011, and has been able to exercise her passions - hat making and writing - daily. Charity illustrated the book "Up Down the Front Back Door", a children's book, which was published in December of 2013. As you will see in this interview, she paints as well! Artists that work with multiple mediums sure inspire me...

Creative Spotlight: Stephanie Sharp of Blissful Heart Studio

November 5, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

I met Stephanie Sharp through Jen Lee's Indie Kindred group, and as I love inspirational quotes, fell immediately in love with her work! Quotes show up in both her mixed media art and jewelry consistently, and as you'll see from the first photo below, on her inspiration door as well. Stephanie's inspiration door also contains artwork that inspires her along with notes from friends that buoy her. I so appreciate this idea, and am planning to use it in my workspace!

Stephanie's love of mixed media was born out of a longing for something to pour her heart into after a significant move in 2009. Gratefully, she found and participated in "Spill It", an online art workshop facilitated by Carmen Torbus, and really expanded from there. Her work at this point is mainly in mixed media clay and jewelry making, but she enjoys fiber art, printmaking, and watercolor, and she explores every art medium she can. Stephanie's greatest love is creating art that inspires and moves people, and sharing her passion for creating by teaching art to people of all ages. What an inspiration.

Creative Spotlight: Michelle GD

October 29, 2014 Nichole McVeigh

I met Michelle Dzema through Jen Lee's Indie Kindred group, and knew right away that she would be a great fit on Embody Your Muse. As writer and photographer, Michelle's work is calming, and deeply intentional. She "believes there is beauty in tiny moments and healing power in image and word," and that shows up consistently in her work. Michelle contributes to some interesting spaces online, and you can find links to them here.

Artistic since youth, Michelle became serious about her art a few years after the birth of her children. Photography and writing were ways for her to mark time - practices in creativity and meditation - and could both be done in small packets of time. And the opportunity to do just that was, and is, very welcome in her busy days; inviting a slower, more meaningful approach to life. Ultimately, becoming a mother inspired, and continues to inspire, her creatively.

Mindfulness is very important to Michelle, and it's something she aims to practice day-to-day. Gratitude Week 2014, a free program Michelle facilitates, runs Monday, November 10 to Sunday, November 16. I hope you'll check out this special way to practice mindfulness.