NYPL GRAND CENTRAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Grand Central Library was honored to offer a series of photography classes as a result of funding from Lifetime Arts. Throughout Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx, adults 50+ are given the opportunity to attend free art courses taught by professionals through this program, Creative Aging.

For the past three months, the students in my class at Grand Central have been learning photography fundamentals but also how to think and speak about their work. The photography exhibit is on display until the end of April 2019. Pay a visit during library hours on the second floor of the library, E 46th Street. Each work tells a unique story from a unique voice.

A unique exhibit at NYPL Grand Central

 

EUDAIMONIA Newsletter, Summer 2018

Happy Summer! I am posing at USS Constitution in Boston, was there for a short visit in June.

My first e-book Easy In Teacher, Valuable Enrichment Lessons in Visual Art and Filmmaking is available online, use the highlighted link above to check it out. A discounted price is offered to anyone interested in mindfulness education.

If you are a photography enthusiast who wants to enhance your creative portfolio, check out another course of mine, Building Photography Portfolio course in 10 Decisive Steps.  Now, the word decisive is in almost every title of the courses I develop. I simply love the sounding richness of the word decisive. Secondly, it reminds me of Henry Cartier-Bresson and the concept of the decisive moment in street photography.

Other lifestyle transformational courses I designed are:

•  How to manage dating stress in 10 decisive steps
•  Decisive steps to changes

In regards to personal creative projects, this summer I take it easy. I practice extreme focus on daily meaningful tasks including helping my clients, teaching, monitoring my last film’s Adjustment festival submissions and researching my directorial approach to my new film,  Love Story.

Nefeli

Nefeli Soteriou, MFA, Certified Creativity Coach, NYS Life Coach -Helping clients achieve lifestyle wellness, offering the humanistic approach

 

EUDAIMONIA NEWSLETTER, SPRING 2018

Many good things started to happen before Spring this year. I picked a “walk a dog a day” habit to help my healing process from the passing of my eleven-year companion dog, Blaze. I never walked another dog or owned one before Blaze, who was medium in size and roughly 50 pounds, and I was somewhat hesitant to walk larger breeds. Needless to say, I snapped out of it the first week when a giant Great Dane jumped on my back from joy when I visited to take him out for relief.

I met a wonderful artist during one of my walks, her name is Sharon Azar and creates art with mixed media. Sharon is accepting commissions to create amazing portraits of your beloved pets. Her approach with mixed media is unique, her paper mosaics—images are first drawn and then dimensionally built up with small pieces of beautiful paper.

Sharon Azar; 426 Sterling Pl. Apt. #1C; Bklyn, NY 11238; 718 783 3432

Woofwoof.sharon@gmail.com

Raised in Brooklyn by her Sephardic Jewish grandmother, Sharon’s childhood dream of becoming an artist and dancer became realized when she migrated to Greenwich Village in 1963. She began studying with the artist, Otto Franz Krone, the Art Student’s League and School of Visual Arts. Her formal art teacher at the School of Visual Arts was Sarah Reader.

Sharon performed with puppeteer/director, Jane Stein at Lincoln Center Outdoor festival, LaMama Theater in NYC, various NYC nightclubs, traveled with the Tibetan Liberation Theater and worked with the off-off-Broadway director, Charles Allcroft. Sharon received a grant to further her studies from the Center of Oriental Studies, founded by John Brzostoski.

Art above: Wolf, Art below: Cat

“I was working on a watercolor painting of a butterfly. It simply wasn’t coming out the way I had seen it in my mind’s eye so I walked away to take a break. As I sat drinking tea, I noticed a dress that no longer fit lying over the back of a chair. The pattern of the dress was so beautiful I just couldn’t toss it out. It came to me that if I could duplicate that pattern in my butterfly watercolor, the piece might really work. Then it came to me. Why not cut up the dress and paste it onto the watercolor. This is how I began making fabric mosaic images which led to using paper exclusively.”

The vitality of the artist and their passion for their medium can also be evident in the environment they construct. Last summer I discovered an educational center for photography in my hometown, in Limassol, Cyprus.  6X6 is the city’s first Contemporary Center for Photography. As I am told by the owners, Mrs. Maria and Vassos Stylianou, the purpose of the Center is to host educational activities and lectures around Photography. The Center offers print services and a large gallery space for anyone interested exhibiting their work, under a submission process. The center displays old equipment and historical photography, significant to the city of Limassol and the island of Cyprus.

What can go on a show?
High-quality Fine Art Prints of paintings, illustrations, watercolors, mosaics, installations and other works of art created by local artists will be featured in exhibitions. Digital inkjet prints using Archival quality pigment-based inks for print permanence and durability on a variety of materials and finishes. All exhibits are available for sale.

Create your own!
Are you an artist interested in reproducing your original work in an affordable way, which matches the standards of the original? Visit this exhibition and explore the possibilities that 6×6 has to offer!

6×6 CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
6×6 ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΦΩΤΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ
19 Ipeirou Street, 3040 Limassol, CYPRUS
Mail address:P.O.Box 51961, 3509 Limassol, CYPRUS
TEL.:  +357 25354810 FAX.: +357 25372936
e-mail: info@cyprus6x6.com
http://www.centreforphotography6x6.com
https://www.facebook.com/6x6CentreforPhotography
​

OTHER HAPPENINGS AND UPCOMING EVENTS 

The transition to Spring brought an invitation to speak about my Coaching business to a wider audience at a live interview at The Professionals Roundtable show, hosted by Robert Whetham of All Business Media FM. The interview is 8 minutes long and is useful to anyone who wants to hear about my coaching philosophy overall and how I can help others. Listen to it here
AFFORDABLE EXPRESSIVE ART WORKSHOP AT SOHO PLACES, SUNDAY APRIL 29TH
Address: 435 Broome Street, Manhattan, NY (Prince Street and Canal street stations) Time: 4:00pm to 6:00 pm, Register by clicking here

When: Sunday, April 29th, Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Location:  SohoPlaces, 435 Broome Street in Manhattan (Prince Street Station and Canal Street)

What we’ll do 

In this relaxing two-hour workshop, we will blend visual art techniques and have fun by using our imagination and creativity to design and complete a new decorative image with collage paper art and stencil to take home, give as a gift, or decorate a wall at work. You don’t need to know about art, but a willingness to try something new. This expressive art workshop is limited to 10 participants.

Some of the benefits

• Enhance mindfulness and concentration, while developing an idea and assembling all the components
• Discuss reference imaging of Masters of Photography
• Learn new ways to utilize the various elements that might be included in an image
• Increase awareness of the potential of a color, shape, form, and line
• Work your observational and intuitive skills by focusing on designing a collage theme and developing it to completion
• An opportunity to socialize and interact with like-minded folks

Materials will be provided, however, you may bring your favorites to use

Testimonials

Dr. Janet Wolfe – Great combination, a mini-lectures on composition, editing, etc and line shooting followed by superb critiques from a highly experienced and talented photographer

J. F. – Excellent, and learned a great deal about texture, balance, and composition

Breakthrough Coaching blend @ Spring Holistic Fair. Free Admission

I ‘ll be offering my breakthrough coaching blend with the tarot at the Spring Holistic Fair organized by the Shamanic Community Gathering NY. Find more about my coaching programs here: http://www.nefelisoteriou.com/services

Testimonials: http://www.nefelisoteriou.com/contact
Nefeli is an excellent coach with angel cards!! I have consulted her on many occasions and always felt more in touch with my feelings after the consultation. And the fact that she could do it over the phone or virtually makes it even more convenient to get clarity of mind. I highly recommend her coaching guidance for getting a better perspective
Apra P.

• The details:
After a strong winter, it is good to release all stagnate energies and let our projects and passions blossom.

Join us for the Spring Holistic Fair. There will be free lectures, amazing energy and shamanic healers from many ancestral traditions. Astrologers, palm, intuitive angels and psychic readers will offer 20-minute sessions for $30, 30-minute session $40, and 40 minutes for $55.

Also, there will be healthy vegan food vendors, native artisan crafts, essential oils, cleaning products, crystals, meditation tools, smudging sticks, salt lamps, sacred geometry pouches, Shamanic healing drums, art prints and much more.

Come at any time. Although, it is preferable to arrive early in order to book a healing session; as they may sell out fast. Come gather and meet amazing people and enjoy healthy and conscious foods.

Date: Saturday, March 24th.
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Location: Soho Places 435 Broome Street. Bet. Crosby St. and Broadway Feel free to bring your family and friends along!

We look forward to seeing you!
Love and Light

-The Shamanic Community Gathering NY Team

What we’ll do: Images can inform, enlighten, delight, and make our world a better place. Anyone can create them, but skill is required to express a personal vision. This course focuses on expressing your personal vision through a blend of visual art techniques. It is about introducing you to the principles of the photographic composition with discussing reference imaging of Master classic works and becoming inspired to create your own design with collage paper and stencil. You will learn about the graphical elements of the visual representation, compositional techniques, and will be guided to complete your project to take home. You will come away with a new understanding of design and image making, and how to use art material to discover and, or, built on your personal vision. Artistic skill is not required to participate in this expressive workshop.

Day: Sunday, March 4th, 2018, Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm, Location: SohoPlaces, 435 Broome Street, Manhattan, New York City (Canal Street station)

What to bring: We will provide the material, it is included in the affordable fee of $25.00
However, if you have your favorites sets of pencils or markers and want to use them, please bring them along.

• Important to know: Pay via Paypal at PayPal.Me/NefeliSoteriou to secure your spot, or bring cash at the location, however, to better coordinate, please first drop me a line here

The fee covers the rental space, the material, and the teacher’s compensation

Art by Alice Lindstrom:
https://www.alicelindstrom.com/

EUDAIMONIA NEWSLETTER, FALL 2017

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be” -Abraham Maslow

This Fall I am celebrating my film’s completion and the start of the new one. I submitted Adjustment at film festivals in Europe and locally in New York City and await responses. Check the trailer here

I started writing a new screenplay, a love story. I always wanted to make that type of a story for the screen. Starting anything can be off-putting and a cause for anxiety, even for the most disciplined. To start I use affirmations, short helpful sentences with soothing words. Affirmations are easy to write and to carry around on an index card, inside a wallet.

According to the English American Dictionary, to “affirm” is to state that something is true. You may know the work of Louise Hay, I borrow from her website

“An affirmation opens the door. It’s a beginning point on the path to change. In essence, you’re saying to your subconscious mind: “I am taking responsibility. I am aware that there is something I can do to change.” When I talk about doing affirmations, I mean consciously choosing words that will either help eliminate something from your life or help create something new in your life.”

Creativity affirmations

I am aware of my own talents and abilities and therefore I feel more focused.

Every day, I feel more positive about my creative talents and abilities and realize that I enjoy taking control of my life.

I know that I can achieve my full potential. I work on my creative projects every day.

I love my creative energy. I recognize more and more all the good things I have created in my life.

I hold my head high as I now feel good about myself and my daily creative practice.

I  enjoy my life, as I am focused on my creative projects daily.

I have a relaxed attitude towards others as I feel confidence and joy in following my creative bliss.

I take in everything that life is to offer me and I enjoy my creativity every day.

I now have a positive picture of myself in front of me, totally in control of my creative life, totally sure of my art practice.

Every day I become more aware of my talents and abilities and I am reaching my creative goals.

Stand in front of your mirror. Say the affirmations out loud a few times in the morning and in the evening.

Place your affirmations in visible areas at work or at home, somewhere you can easily glance throughout the day.

Does the process of starting sound overwhelming? Contact me at 347-830-5239, or via email to schedule a free mini session to discuss your needs.

The new exhibit I enjoyed in November is “Paper Dolls” by Rick Lazes, a sculptural artist specializing in innovative design techniques and materials. I was drawn to the Ezair gallery by the playful vivid colors and shapes I noticed through the gallery window, one evening walking on Lexington Street in Manhattan.  I thought, “what a spectacle” and walked inside.

“I create vibrant and sensuous sculpture that is a manifestation of my passion for music,” Rick begins his artist statement. Rick is not a traditional sculptor. His artistic vision is exploratory with plexiglass, photography, or painting. This versatility of the medium allows Rick to balance his mastery of shape and contour with color and iconography.

Third International Creativity Coaching Conference

The third annual International Coaching Conference in Creativity was held two weeks ago at Lake George, NY. Creativity Coaches, Psychotherapists and Artists from all walks of life gathered to discuss issues around Creativity. As active member of the association and a Creativity Coaching candidate, I joined them. After all Creativity is one of my passions.

Upon my late arrival on Friday evening, I attended a dinner gathering where I met most attendees and conference presenters. The icebreaker games were a well-organized treat that helped us escape from our comfort zone and get to know each other a bit more.

On Saturday morning I enjoyed a delicious fresh breakfast right before the keynote speech. The keynote reminded me to feel inspired of life itself, regardless the cracks I may face on my path. I was furthermore helped to reinforce my belief in myself, that there is nothing I couldn’t handle, should I simply choose to.

Some presenters emphasized how important it is to have courage, but also be mindful of our own negative thoughts. In my opinion, minding the negative mind is a topic that many may resonate aside creative people, coaches or therapists. Simply put the chatterbox comes with being human.

We should care for such venues that promote inspiration for life as they foster ideas for collective and individual excellence.

Remember, the sky is the limit!

The conference organizers scheduled a steamboat ride in Lake George, a very pleasant treat for all attendees; the snap-shot from my first Android smart phone

Artist, the provocateur

I looked them up, those silenced because they expressed an opinion. I looked those up, whose work was vandalized to enforce another’s opinion.

The new curriculum calls for Compassion 101.

In this course, students learn to primarily love themselves. In a sixteen week intensive, students learn hands-on how to love themselves deeply. The students report weekly to tailored lectures and assignments that focus on the principles of self-compassion. Students learn to love themselves unconditionally, despite their mishaps and imperfections.

Compassion 101 aims to instill strong values of self-acceptance to all participants, long-term. Students are introduced to notions of non-separateness with others, while learning to cope and manage personal triggers mind fully and –above all- with non-violence.

Students graduate with understanding deeply that anybody’s opinion is simply an opinion. In the completion of the final project, which can be either a video or an essay, students produce a record of the benefits of handling others opinions with self-compassion and self-love.

Upon successful completion, students can inquire permission from faculty to take the Advanced Problems in Compassion.

P.S. The above in the photograph I created when I was in elementary school. I drew over the picture of a great Greek poet in my textbook. E-mail me if you recognize which poet I refer to.

Real life and Art

In real life some artists may never proclaim their artistry. They may never distribute their product of work at an art gallery, or be known to a wider audience for their craft.  Successful creative-making is that which brings balance into a person’s life, a product developed through their labor of love.

Karen Spencer is one of my colleagues, a librarian by training, and the designer of this beautiful purse. She surprised me with this gift last August when we met last time, before my departure from Buffalo, New York. I already used the purse in the city of New York and it got attention, because it is simply unique.

This masterpiece is made from different used ties Karen collected over the years. She started sewing at a very young age and I can attest, her technique is flawless. Throughout the years Karen created bed quilts, table coasters, decorative quilts, wash clothes, all from used clothing.

P.S. I took the photography with my 4S i-phone. I did not edit the stills at all, a day light shot right before noon.

 

Really, what else is there?

The most solid relationship in my life thus far is with my art-making. I started young, my parents encouraged. From joining a children’s choir, to choosing to attend a high-school with disciplines in Graphic Arts and Design, I slowly carved out the creator’s path for myself. To perfect my skill-set, I took private lessons and improved my technique in drawing, oil and watercolor. Is been twenty plus years I consciously make art. And yet, my technique is not perfect.

Practicing art requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline. It calls for establishing habitual patterns and willingness to maintain them, while dealing with life. It is a chosen path, the artist’s life.

Throughout the years I learned that my efforts may or not be appreciated by the general public. Other artists may receive that grant I want. Audiences may not understand my concepts. Folks may test my patience with wanting additional clarifications about my ideas and others will be indifferent in viewing my films.  There will be always people that will expect me to produce stories to their liking, including happy endings.

Truth to be told, there was one time I wanted to quit. I snapped out of it when I realized that the only person I compete with, is myself. I learned in time to develop a thicker skin.

After twenty plus years of art practice I have grown to know a few things. I know a lot more than i used to know. I don’t know as much as I am going to know. I intent to keep making art, I plan to continue enjoying this journey. Really, what else is there?