interview: shelley kommers

Good morning, Pecannooters! I have a real treat for you this morning... an interview with fabulous artist Shelley Kommers! It's been a while since I've posted an interview, so hopefully you'll find it a welcomed change of pace. :) Read on to find out what abundance is to Shelley....

First of all, Jess, I want to thank you for inviting me, I'm honored to be here! Your questions really made me think. The topic of abundance is very present for me right now, so this was great timing.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. (What's your favorite color? What can't you live without? What do you do all day? What's your favorite way to relax? Share whatever random bits you'd like!)

I'm an artist, wife and a mom... I live in a small cottage in the woods beneath oak trees and singing birds. I spend my days making art, running my etsy shops, singing silly songs with my three year old daughter, and doing a bit of freelance design.
My favorite colors are blue & yellow, and I love cilantro, cheese, champagne, roller coasters, dogs, and puttering in my garden. I adore silence. I could very easily be a hermit or a monk.


2. What is abundance to you?

For me, abundance has two parts.
The first part is being able to recognize the gifts and blessings that I have in my life; seeing the beauty all around me, and being joyful regardless of what's going on. The second part is expecting/accepting the things and qualities that I want-- knowing that they will come and that I deserve them.
I've got the first part of abundance nailed. I'm working on the second part.


3. What are 5 things you are grateful for right now, in this moment?

1. My beautiful husband and daughter
2. That my friends and family are safe, healthy and happy
3. I am full of inspiration and creative ideas and my artistic life has meaning
4. That I'm sitting in front of a roaring fire at the end of a very long day with a nice glass of wine
5. I have peonies on my kitchen table.


4. What is your favorite part of your day?

Just before and just after the sun goes down. No matter what time of year, this is always a good time for me, full of energy and optimism.

5. What is one huge, crazy-seeming goal that you dream about accomplishing?

I have about six or seven children's books that I've written and illustrated that are partly-finished. I'd love to find the time to complete them all, get them published, and have my own little cubby in the children's book section with my name on it!


6. Do you have any irrational fears/worries that you'd love to let go of?

Oh yes. "I'm-not-good-enough-I-don't-know-enough-I-don't-have-enough-experience-I-can't-do-it-I'm-not-worthy."
Gross, I know. I'm getting pretty good at plugging through the swamp, though; it's been around so long that it's a bit boring.

7. Do you have any tricks for turning a bad mood into a good mood?

Yes! A very long walk, by myself, in nature, looking around at the sky and the trees and the flowers. If that doesn't work, taking a nap or going to bed works.


8. What daily practices do you follow, if any, to stay focused on positivity and abundance in your life? (Journaling, meditating, drawing, visualization, reading, etc.)

I've been working with affirmations lately. My latest one is "more than enough".


9. Do you have a favorite quote or author that help you remember to live and think abundantly?

There are two:
"Take your pleasure seriously" - Charles Eames

"The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place." - Barbara DeAngelis


10. Can you share some books or blogs with us that you think Pecannoot readers might love?

Inspiring Books:

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles)-- This is a wonderful, tough love, kick-in-the-butt book about being an artist and letting go of all the drama and fear we sometimes surround ourselves with as artists. This book changed my life.
Your Heart's Desire, Instructions for Creating the Life You Want, by Sonia Choquette, PH.D-- Another great read: soft, inspiring, and uplifting.

Online Magazine Inspiration:

Parasol Magazine-- a fantastic *free* downloadable magazine chock full of art and design
Blanket Magazine-- another great art and design magazine, only $2 for 146 pages, and you get a free typeface with every issue

Inspiring Blogs:

Print and Pattern-- serious eye candy for artists.
Notpaper-- a wonderful blog about collage.

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Make sure you visit Shelley's website, blog, etsy shop, and second etsy shop to see more of her beautiful work!

*Thank you, Shelley!*