swimming in the fish bowl

The above collage is of Marisa and Creative Thursday. She is a wonderfully successful artist who paints, writes books, sews softies, illustrates ceramics and just finished teaching the best class I've ever taken! The e-course, In the Fish Bowl:: LIFE AS AN ARTIST. Online, has officially ended. I can't go another day without sharing how phenomenal it was. Because I had spent time with Marisa at Squam, I already knew how lovely she was and had high hopes for a great experience. I had no clue how far beyond my wildest dreams these last 6 weeks would be. Marisa is everything you'd want in a teacher:
1. Knowledgeable: an endless source of information about how to do everything in the virtual community... from blogs to on-line markets... from self-promotion to staying authentic to your personal expression and more.
2. Accessible: through podcasts and videos, Marisa welcomes you lovingly and makes you feel like any question you might have is perfect. She's also sure to answer it thoroughly and thoughtfully.
3.Generous: some artists keep their techniques and tools a secret. Not Marisa, she believes in sharing everything she does and knows... each link and resource is made available. I felt like I was given the "golden ticket"!
4. Inspirational: Marisa is making a living doing what she loves and wants to share just how possible it is for others to do the same. She motivates you to find out exactly who you are and what you want... and then cheers you on through your self-discovery.


I'm still digesting all that I learned, and need to go back and revisit my notes and re-listen to a couple podcasts. I am certain that this was the most worthwhile investment I've made in myself and this path I began 1 1/2 years ago. I stumbled through so much of the beginning days of maya*made. I had to figure out everything on my own... from the little technical blogging difficulties to the way to navigate through this online sea. I would have given anything for Marisa's hand to hold back then. I've come along way, but my questions don't seem to end and my need for support and advice aren't going away... so having Marisa, and the amazing community of other fish in the the fishbowl, lifted me to new places of confidence, community, and understanding on my journey as an artist, designer, and blogger. She's offering another round of In The Fish Bowl in September, and I couldn't recommend it more highly. In fact, I'm jumping up and down and tooting her horn! If this sounds in any way intriguing go read about it more in Marisa's words here: In the Fish Bowl: September e-course. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions and I know Marisa would, too. I think it's safe to say that most, if not all, of the participants In the Fish Bowl (fish/fishies as we've come to call ourselves) have fallen in love with this warm and honest woman reporting/teaching from her sunny L.A. studio. The wonderful thing is... she helped us fall in love with ourselves and our own process along the way! How's that for a "gush" post?!

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