Meet Art collector: Dr. Andres Cotton

A short story about his painting:

Dr. Alberto Andres Cotton lives in North Miami Beach, FL and specializes in Pediatrics. He has brought to Miami his personal style, based on listening to the needs of each patient. He focuses on both the physical wellness as well as the emotional needs of the child and his/her family. This young doctor completed his studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he worked at some of the most prestigious hospitals. Nowadays he works at the Miami Children’s Hospital and maintains a private practice. In his approach, Dr. Cotton offers support 24/7 including home visits with flexible and efficient service. He is warm and professional, a passionate doctor who listens and helps. Dr. Cotton is a special doctor and an amazing person. I know all this because he is my cousin! We grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sharing family reunions and celebrations. We talked a lot, we laughed a lot, we sang, played, danced and performed a lot.

In 2006, I was working on “Color & Hope” an art fundraiser to collect and send money to both my father and brother fighting cancer in Israel. Dr. Cotton supported me both emotionally and by trying to get people in his community engage in the cause. The campaign was a success and as a gift of gratitude, I painted an art piece for his private clinic.

Dr. Andres Cotton testimonial: “Jazmin’s painting is the SOUL of my clinic. Everyone who comes in has something to say about the artwork!”

Thank you Dr. Cotton for being an amazing person and doctor. I am proud of your work and your achievements. Thank you for letting my painting light the lives of so many families!
            
                 "The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin

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Opening night reception of "Hawaiian Sisterhood"

Meet Art collector: Linda Shecter

A short story about her painting:

Linda and Jay Shecter purchased “We choose life” in 2013. This painting was inspired by their daughters’ courageous decision.

In a warm summer evening in 2013, I met Linda and her two daughters. They came to the meeting open to talk about their lives’ stories. That summer I was working on my first exhibition “Honouring Women”, an art show created and inspired by  the stories of women in my community. I was interested in exploring body image and femininity and wanted to understand more about this subject through Linda and her daughters' journey.  I knew they would inspire others. To me, these 3 women were symbols of motherhood, confidence, courage and resilience. They were successful role models and I hoped that other women (visiting the show) would benefit from learning about positive attitude towards life's challenges.
The conversation was open and sincere. Linda talked about her difficult journey conquering ovarian and breast cancer.  Her daughters shared their stories of discovering their genetic mutations and the choices they made to decrease their risk of cancer. We talked about life decisions, family, femininity and body image.

Linda’s testimonial: "We enjoy your artwork so much Jazmin! Thank you for doing this painting inspired by our family personal story".

Despite the seriousness of the theme, I wanted to achieve a strong visual impact where the viewer would feel amazed by the beauty and confidence of the women portrayed in the painting (Linda’s daughters). The color choice was pink & black. I used pink to transmit the softness of their femininity and black to transmit the pain, courage and braveness of their decision. The upper part of their dresses was made as a reminiscence of the bandages the daughters had wrapped around their chests after surgery.  

Thank you Linda and family for sharing your personal journey with me. “We Choose Life” made a huge impact in the exhibition “Honouring Women” hosted at the  Sidney & Gertrude Zack Art Gallery, Vancouver.  Women commented on how empowering the story was and many were in tears because they shared similar stories.

I am pleased that I managed to portray such personal story and that Linda and Jay enjoy having it in their home! I am also honoured because Linda and Jay own beautiful artwork and they added this painting to their impressive Art collection.
               

    "The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin

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Meet Art collector: Dr. Mark Rosengarten

A short story about his painting:

Dr. Mark Rosengarten is both an obstetrician gynecologist as well as a trained cosmetic surgeon. His office is located at City Square, Vancouver. Dr.Rosengarten came across my work in 2007, while visiting a mutual friend. In 2007, I showed “Mothers & Friends” at a local Starbucks. This particular Starbucks, located on Cambie st. Vancouver, used to support local artists by designating a wall for the purpose of showing local art. Friends and family gathered at Starbucks to celebrate the beginning of my journey. A friend of mine suggested that after the exhibition I should bring over her home “Mothers & Friends” and see if any of her friends or acquaintances express any interest in my work. Luckily, Dr. Rosengarten was invited to my friend’s home a day after I delivered the painting. Both Mark and Natalie (his wife) fell in love with the artwork and thought that the painting was perfect for their office.  It was a winter day when I came to meet Mark and Natalie. I brought with me “Mothers & Friends” and 2 other paintings. I poured so much love and emotions in these 3 artworks making them very unique till this day. I was excited to share these positive feelings with others! Mark and Natalie chose 2 paintings: “Mothers & Friends” which is displayed in the reception and “A secret” which is displayed in a different room.

Dr. Rosengarten’s testimonial: “I purchased Jazmin’s work in 2007. Since that day on, every single day I witness clients telling me how much they love and enjoy her work”.
Natalie Rosengarten’s testimonial: “Jazmin has such an amazing talent at her fingertips literally! She is so incredibly talented and has the ability through her art to make people smile and to bring joy. Everyone who sees her work feels the whimsical, peaceful nature that she has. Jazmin: Keep on enjoying doing art and remember that it brings a lot of peace and joy to others”.

In 2007, I got inspired and encouraged to paint when I encountered the work of a French artist in a local newspaper. I can’t believe now how I had the courage to do my first painting on such huge canvas, the artwork is 48 x 60”! Apparently I was feeling very confident and felt a strong need to express myself.  At that time, my 3 sons were very young so each day I devoted a few hours to work on the women’s expressions. It took me hours to develop each woman’s feelings, focusing on the eyes and body language. I remember the joy of adding glitters to their dresses and the sense of peace I felt while working slowly in this piece. I successfully completed the work.
To sum up this special story with you, I understand that the success and positive impact of Dr. Rosengarten’s paintings is based on the realization I had in 2007 when I found my life purpose and had the courage to let this purpose come to life.

Thank you to Natalie and Dr. Mark Rosengarten for believing in me and for choosing my artwork to brighten up your clinic and to make your patients happy!

         "The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin

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Meet Art collector: Dr. Paula Iriarte

A short story about Dr. Iriarte's painting:
Dr. Paula Iriarte is a family doctor, working at a beautiful new clinic located on Granville Street, Vancouver. Dr. Iriarte attended the art exhibition “Home is Love” in support of “YWCA Cause We Care House” last February. She was planning to move to a new clinic and was looking for artwork that would bright up the walls of her new space. She was also hoping to find a painting that would bring joy and a sense of calmness to her patients (who are mostly women).  She decided to purchase “Picnic in our community garden”, one of the most beloved paintings at the art show.

Dr. Iriarte’s testimonial: “Jazmin’s art brings a beautiful sense of harmony and joy to my waiting room. Patients tell me that there is such a good vibe when they walk in and I attribute this feeling to the warmth and quality of Jazmin’s painting”.

“Picnic in our community” was inspired by a community garden program that runs at the YWCA Alder Gardens housing in Surrey, BC. The garden program is not only a food security program for single mothers living at the house but it is also the heart and soul of their community. The items harvest support the individuals and the food program at their community kitchen. The diverse women that live in this building experience a sense of belonging and community because of the garden initiative.

“Home is Love” art exhibition reflected the evocative conversations I had with single mothers. These interviews were facilitated by the YWCA- Vancouver. Inspired by a form of Latin American Art, the Peruvian retablos, each canvas was likened to a window in a home transporting the viewer to scenes of love, happiness and tender family moments.

Thank you Dr. Paula Iriarte for choosing my artwork to brighten up your clinic!

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin

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New Year's Resolutions anyone? Some great advise I learned from self-help books!

The New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and with this, New Year’s resolutions are filling up my journal. I can’t believe some resolutions are still in my list (and in the same order!). My resolution for this year should be to get rid of all my past resolutions once and for all! Lately, I have been reading some great books and thought it will be nice to share some of the teachings with you.  To start, I absolutely love “Ask and it is Given” by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I have had this book for about 3 years, and I always come back to read it for advice and guidance. I picked two parts from the book to share:

“The basis of your world is one of well-being. You can allow it or not, but the basis is well-being. The law of attraction says that which is like unto itself, is drawn. And so, the essence of whatever you give attention to is unfolding in your experience, therefore, there is nothing that you cannot be, do or have. This is the Law”.

“Your awareness of the way you feel will give you the clarity you have been seeking and you will never be lost again. Once you have the knowledge that you are moving in the direction of your desires, you may begin to relax a little bit and enjoy the fantastic journey”.

The second book I read was “Take the leap” by Heather Mc Closkey Beck. I am copying an affirmation that is helping me and thought it could be useful.

Positive Affirmation: “Every day I feel productive, creative, peaceful and serene. I will laugh and love and allow myself to be loved. I will enjoy external success, knowing this is a reflection of my internal wellness, balance and joy from doing something I love to do, every single day. I will deeply value myself, taking care of my mind, body and spirit. I will believe in what I am called to do, and won’t give up searching how best to enjoy my Geniuos within”.

The third book is “The Shift” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Some affirmations: “Let go, and let God”, “Our mind doesn’t know the way, our heart has already been there, and our soul never left”.

The fourth book is “Great Quotes” from Zig Ziglar
Attitude: “If you learn from a defeat, you haven’t really lost”, “Many times the difference between your accomplishments and your failures is your attitude”.
Self-Image: “Positive thinking is the hope that you can move mountains. Positive believing is the same hope but with a reason for believing you can do it”, “What you get by reaching your destination isn’t nearly as important as what you become by reaching that destination”.
Motivation: “You are what you are and where you are because of what’s gone into your mind. You can change what you are and where you are but changing what goes into your mind”, “In your hands you hold the seeds of failure or potential for greatness”, “If it is to be, It is up to me”.
Success: “You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets”, “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but don’t quit”.

What a great way to start 2016! Hopefully in a year from now I could sit down and finally write off some of my past resolutions! I wish you a successful New Year 2016!

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"

with love, Jazmin

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How I fell in love with painting...and almost quit!

In my previous post, I shared how I discovered my call to painting and how important is as a way to express my true self. When my guiding angels dictated me to embrace this journey, they forgot to include a manual on “How to pursue a life as an artist and not die in the journey”! On 2013, I was working on my first art show at an Art Gallery. The inspiration I felt was unbelievable. The feeling was new and empowering. I managed to plan, execute and deliver a beautiful art show that honoured the women I knew in my community. I tailored a plan and carefully chose women who had an appealing and inspiring stories to share with the public. We met and talked. In my studio, the stories turned into works of art, each story flowing through my hand at ease. It was beautiful to witness. At that time, I felt I could touch the sky and happily embraced the journey. The art show turned out to be very successful and the public enjoyed and got inspired by the artworks and life stories, all depicted in a guide to the show. As time went by, the amazing feeling of “I can do this” went away and I was left alone planning my next move. As time went by, I longed to go back to the inspiration I felt then when I was not scared nor doubtful. Without that inspiration, I was navigating the Do’s & Don’ts of the art industry. Then, I found myself working on my second art show. I partnered with the YWCA Vancouver to bring to life “Home Is Love” an art show depicting the lives of the women the organization serves- single mothers. Again, the inspiration took over and I found myself at my studio witnessing how my skills were getting more confident and free. The art show was a beautiful display of positive and colourful home scenes painted on cradle panels built as houses. The show gained great exposure, featuring my vision as an artist in various media channels. During the time between the first and the second art show, I realized that the journey I took on as a full time artist could be a long, daunting and a very hard path. But then again, I found myself working on my third art show. Hawaiian Sisterhood, an art show in partnership with fashion designer, a women’s organization called Women Helping Women located in Maui and me. The art show celebrated the multicultural complexion of the women of Maui. I have to be honest and admit that even with all the amazing accomplishments I have been witnessing in my career; many times I consider quitting and finding a different livelihood. Now, as I wait for my next move, I can say that many times the anxiety, the fear, the doubts and the understanding of what it takes to pursue a life as a professional artist “take over” me and they leave me feeling paralyzed.  During these times, I reach out for the help of self-help books, meditation or long talks with friends to get me going. I am still learning and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t for me. This is a professional and very personal pursuit. I am proud to say that I fell in love with painting…and didn’t quit.

As the new year approaches, I have taken the commitment to reach out to more people, to connect and spread the word of what I love to do. My hope is to inspire you to find your own voice as well.

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"

with love, Jazmin

 

 

 Looking at "Picnic in our community garden"  and realizing the beauty of my work  

 

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