Friday, May 6, 2016

Being Disappointed Without Being Disappointing


"Love in Diversity" - Mural proposal ©Antonia Ruppert
Life is messy. Have you noticed that there is no way around that? We are not perfect but human. And as humans, we grapple with disappointment. This week has proved this to me in living color. 

But first, might I share the last few weeks in pictures?

©Antonia Ruppert


Painting Live for After the Due Order CD release
©Photo by Les Stevens

Robin Tillotson (thisidoforme.com) and I at my Loyola U show.
©Antonia Ruppert

"Portraits of Motherhood" exhibit at the Cicero Public Library
©Antonia Ruppert
After traveling, live painting for a CD release and two back to back shows at Loyola University Chicago and the Cicero Public Library, I was not expecting this week to get so messy.  I guess I had my guard down.

This week, my very good friend and fellow artist Elaine shared a mural opportunity with me. Though we both realized too late that the deadline had passed by one day, I called the organization. I was told that I had until the next day to get my materials in.  I was elated. I jumped.  Really fast -  I jumped. My eighth grade teacher Mrs. Mae would've been proud of the way I kicked procrastination to the side and got on with it.

I decided to create something that I thought was huge and magnificent. I stayed up way too late and got up early to finish.  I even put it out on Instagram and Facebook to get input about my idea.

Which one? Top or Bottom? ©Antonia Ruppert
After all that, I finished in time.  One little messy detail was that the mural opportunity had a boundary restriction - meaning artists had to live in a specific area.  I called the gentleman back from the organization to inquire.  I eventually called twice and left an email. 

To make a long story short, just before sending the mural proposal I called the organization again. This time he picked up the phone and said matter-of-factly "Oh yes, you definitely need to live within this area." Crushed.

Nope, I did not get ghetto -  thank God. Yes, I kept my sanity.

Despite being utterly frustrated, I managed to call my friend Pastor Sarah who shared some wisdom. "You've got to be disappointed without being disappointing."

After coming to grips with the failure, I found these to be truths:

1. Thou Shalt Not Take it Personal: 
This gentleman's inability to call me or email me back is not a sign of anything related to me. It wasn't even about me, just something that happened.

2. Being Disappointed is OK, Letting It Go Is Better:
Don't run from the emotion. Hold it. And then let it go. Go for a walk. Jump on the treadmill. Write in your journal. Self-care.

3. Fill Your Head With Gratitude and Affirmation: 
Perhaps you find yourself, like me, severely disappointed in a circumstance. We can still find 10 things that you can positively be grateful for. Check out my inspirational renewal cards. Currently available, you can take 10 seconds and redirect your outlook. We can be affirming. 

4. Tons of Folk Have "Been There" Too:
In the book, "Daring Greatly," author Brene Brown talks about "common humanity" in which one can realize that "suffering and feelings of personal inadequacy" are part of being human.  All of us go through this.  

In conclusion, if you can relate today, be encouraged. Life is messy but we're not a mess.  As I leave you with my positive affirmations, remember we can be disappointed without being disappointing. 


Daily Affirmations ©Antonia Ruppert

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Antonia Ruppert: New Art, New Show.


Faithful Heart
12x12
Mixed Media Collage
Sixteen mothers. All different, all strong. Chinniese said she was honored to be a mom. Tina was faithful with the two children she had, and now holds a new baby. Elaine, an artist, mother, workshop leader and blogger managed a household and an art practice.

I am grateful to know them. 

Twenty two years ago, when I became a mom, I was a student on Loyola University's Lakeshore campus. Overwhelmed does not begin to describe my feelings. There were many mothers including my own who supported me in deep and compassionate ways.

Peggy's Future Assignment
12x12
Mixed Media Collage
Over the years, I have connected with many moms. That connection meant friendships, shared laughter and real life tips. I missed that connection after moving here. 

I decided to get to know the moms around me- one painting at a time. 

I have painted 20 paintings and am presenting them this spring--Portraits of Motherhood at - Loyola University, Lakeshore campus. Here are more details. 

Date: The paintings will be up until April 22. 

Time: 9-5:30 weekdays, please call 708-508-8400 for an appointment

Address: 1020 W. Sheridan Rd. Chicago 60660. (2nd flr. in the Mundelein Center for Fine and Performing Arts)

Here are some pictures from the opening:

Portraits of Motherhood
Opening Reception
Loyola University Chicago

Portraits of Motherhood
Loyola University Chicago
Portraits of Motherhood
Opening Reception
Loyola University Chicago

For more information about the exhibit, please click here to go to my website. 

Click HERE for purchase info. Just click on the picture.

View more of my work at http://toniruppert.com.

Sign up for my newsletter HERE.

My mission is to create connections using personal stories, with layers of color and meaning. I'm elated to share the joy I have experienced in making this new art. 

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Connection and Devotion: words for 2016

"Growing Heart and Hearth"
Acrylic Mixed Media
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

As I start 2016 with this first post, two words comes to mind: connection and devotion. 

Connection is something that we all need. Though we are connected via technology, some of us are yet alone or lonely.  As an artist I am acutely aware of this.  I started a project, "Faces of Strength" last year to connect to other moms in my neighborhood.  I have not mentioned it in a while here, but read this short post to catch up.  

Here is where devotion comes in. Devotion. Love, loyalty or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause.  It is only pure devotion to this gift of an idea God gave me that keeps me going. It keeps me going from good to great.

This is the beginning of the painting shown above:

"Growing Heart and Hearth," progress picture

I almost said OK, but then I listened to "Three Feet from Gold" an audiobook by Sharon L. Lechter and Greg S. Reid.  In the book, entrepreneur Debbi Fields says, "Good enough never is..." 

I went to work in devotion.

"Growing Heart and Hearth," painting in progress

"Imaginary Parts" shown below is another painting that could have stopped at good enough. The painting was really missing something at first.  Then my daughter called me. I relaxed.

After talking for a while, I glanced at the painting and then the missing piece hit me. 

"Imaginary Parts"
Acrylic Mixed Media
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

These first two paintings of the year will be shown along with others in the "Faces of Strength" series.  I am so thrilled! They will be exhibited at Loyola University Chicago this spring.  It is my intention to share more details about the show as we get closer to the show.

Let me ask, what are you devoting yourself to this year?  How will you connect deeply as the year progresses?