I have a NEW BLOG... and a new website! Please go to maria-mikhailas.com to communicate with me, take a look at new artwork, and check out my blog; all about the creative process.
Thank you for your interest!

This is a piece I just wrote for Art of The Song, Creativity Radio, founded by my beloved friends Viv Nesbitt and John Dillon. It will air soon on one of their programs. Their radio shows are on over 120 stations around the country. You can find how to pick up the show in your area or you can stream it... Go to ArtoftheSong.com

Will Creativity Save the Planet?

Why are we drawn to be creative? This is a human mystery. What pulls us to write a song, create a piece of art, built an idea into material form? We seem to be made with a magnetic pull to create. I believe of all the other mammals, we have been evolved to create. We play with intensely dynamic material that weaves its way in and out of material form. And this dynamic pull to create has been vastly intensified over the last 100 years.

So where are we going with all this creativity? Because our ever more evolving powers of creativity can be used for world upliftment or for intense and utter destruction, this is a pivotal time in our human history and the earth’s well being. I believe creativity will decide the fate of our planet, and our lives as living beings, upon this orbiting sphere moving around the sun at 67,062 miles per hour. Our intention for good in our creativity can inspire and move; hundreds, thousands, and now because of the internet, millions or billions, to activate their own creative response to our song, our painting, our performance, our movie or video.

Our love and compassionate understanding of the plight of all creatures living on this ever shrinking planet, and our regenerative creative connection with others, is what is required now for us to survive, and then thrive and flower upon this planet in a new world culture.

Let me know your comments...

May 7, 2011 'Buddha Abides' art show

'The Young Buddha'
This is the little 5x5 piece I put in the 'Buddha Abides' show in Santa Barbara this month. The reception was on May 7th and the show runs for a month. It's is at Santa Barbara Frame and Gallery on upper State St. Lots of great work... check it out!

New Work

Please check out my new photo album with new work. 'Paintings 2010 and 2011'. Two of the paintings, including this one shown, are going into a show in Santa Barbara, CA in May, if all goes well. The 'Buddha Abides' show opens with a reception on May 7th at the Santa Barbara Frame and Gallery. Please come!

The 'Angel of Death' 12x16"

I have just finished this small painting in acrylic at my home in NM. There are so many people dying around me lately that a painting about the transition was calling me... and more paintings may be on the way. You gotta admit it is an interesting topic!

Painting tomorrow!

Tomorrow, May 1st... I paint again! I tell you later what I am painting.

Heading back to NM

I am so lucky!!! I have a home... a strawbale beautiful home in NM... and I am heading out, with my heart (can't forget that piece of myself) tomorrow before dawn. Early morning is the best time to drive for me.

I am taking a 2 week break from Mom-care. My BP is much better now... I am learning how to control it, relax, take care of myself out here in California, it is coming down but slowly. I am controlling my thoughts, painting, mantra, meditating and breathing consciously. I wish I could get more massage... but it is hard to arrange trades with my other therapist friends. THAT would help so much.