BUY NOW Proud to share my new adult coloring and maze game activity book Mountains and Molehills!!! For $10 you can color 25 images and play a 25 level maze game solo or with friends that has thousands of outcomes with only one solution! Good for stress relief and positive inspiration through quotes art!
via Adult Coloring & Maze Game Activity Book “Mountains & Molehills” — Warren Stokes Art
I wanted to thank the staff at the Western New Mexico University’s literary art journal the Twisted Vine. The journal will be showcasing my art mazes in the next edition of the journal.
The Twisted Vine can be viewed at http://twistedvine.org/ Thanks again for the confidence to achieve my goals and motivate me to continue my work! I want to invite you to my summer of art exhibitions on the first Friday of every month from May to September! Please support me byI would can help in 3 ways
1. Join my email list: Maze-ing First Fridays
2. Share with your friends
3. And most important visit & enjoy First Fridays this summer!
I’m proud to announce that for the fourth straight year I will be hosting free art classes for the youth of Denver at the Eloise May Library. This year’s theme will be and I hope to take it to the next level.
This year I look to give each student a sketchbook, colored pencil set, sharpener, and any other cool swag I can secure from companies. To Support I’m offering $25 8×11 limited edition prints. Of Belief Creates.
Belief Creates
Also don’t forget to sign up for my First Friday’s art shows. 3 ways to help.
1. Join my email list: Maze-ing First Friday’s
2. Share with your friends
3. And most important visit & enjoy First Fridays this summer!
I would like to thank the staff at The Insomniac Propagandist for believing in my art and using my work to showcase in Volume II of their literary art journal. Soon to be released check them out at http://theinsomniacpropagandist.com/
In my quest to share my art and mazes with people outside of Colorado their choice to use my art gives me confidence and the exposure to reach my artistic goals. Please help me to reach my goals!
You can help in 3 ways
1. Join my email list: Maze-ing First Friday’s
2. Share with your friends
3. And most important visit & enjoy First Fridays this summer!
Don’t mistake slow progress for failure!
For weeks I’ve been trying to secure a gallery to show my work only to be rejected by galleries for a multitude of reasons. I was told my maze art wouldn’t sell, its too gimmicky, too childish, & no one would come to see it. My favorite rejection was that I don’t even make art. One space said yes but required “rent” for their walls & a commission. Do chefs have to pay the restaurant to cook????
After brainstorming how to share my work I decided to have a summer of virtual exhibitions for free & spend the hundreds it would cost to rent walls to “entice” people to come.
Starting in May through September each First Friday I will exhibit a new show on my new site http://www.mazeingworld.com . In addition I will have free virtual goodies for visitors & chance to win a free gift worth hundreds of dollars!
Inspired by rejection I set 2 goals based on the feedback.
Goal 1. Have 10k total visitors view the 5 show series
Goal 2. Sell 5 original pieces and 5 prints
You can help in 3 ways
1. Join my email list: Maze-ing First Friday’s
2. Share with your friends
3. And most important visit & enjoy First Fridays this summer!
Maze by Warren Stokes
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!” Robert Collier
As we approach February and I reflect on the goals that I set for myself I can be proud of my efforts. Although I have missed a few deadlines I have finished many things. I realize that next month I will need to be more focused and directed in life and love versus productive and all over the place!
One of the positives I take from January is that I’ve been able to found inspiration in life and love specifically from my boys and have stayed motivated toward daily action even facing tough situations at work.
Mountain or mole hill? Maze by Warren Stokes
With 16 hours of work time remaining in the “sales” month and I’m 73k short of my 75k quota I’m finally at peace with whatever happens Friday. My coworkers and I both believe I will get a stay of execution.
Reason 1 in the past six days I ID and got three companies to use our services that would have brought in 165k but because of various reasons my company won’t take their business. All situations out of my control. But proves I can do the job.
Reason 2 I created my own script and tally sheet that in various capacities the company now uses for new hires.
Reason 3 My work ethic. I’m always on time, 90% of the time take the most calls and as the VP of sales said I sound like I’ve been working the job for years.
With all that said sales is a full contact sport and at the end of the day the only thing that matters is did you reach your quota or not!
What has me at peace with not knowing what my financial future holds is the tools I learned from this job that if fired I will apply toward building my art career. I average 250 calls a day that if I apply toward selling my art WOW!!!
And finally the confidence of selling that I learned I was missing the last time I sold art full time. I realize that in the past I was “offering” my art versus “selling” which is a big difference. So only time will tell but regardless I’m now view it as a minor molehill!
Maze by Warren Stokes
End of the month is always a stressful time in a sales persons life. As I approach the week almost 90% short of my quota and definitly on the chopping block I find peace in my family and art.
For those of you who have followed my maze-ing life you know that I’m a salesman and believe that it is also a key to my children future. A few years ago I taught them how to sell and since that time they have flourished. Case in point in the past two days of business they have made $170. (They sell no soliciting signs door to door and my oldest actually broke his wallet from all the singles)
Yesterday they went out for 6 hours and didn’t make a dime the first 5 hours and just before they quit tried another door that lead to 5 straight doors and $40. This has inspired me in my quest to reach my quota.
My sons ability to overcome adversity in sales has really given me the confidence to get back in the pool and pursue my art full time. I realize the art is much better and refined since I last tried to live off of it. But more importantly my work ethic to sell and market full time is stronger than ever.
By Friday evening I will know what my future holds as a collections services salesman or an artist. Although I’m nervous I’m routing for full time artist!
Maze by Warren Stokes
This is a metamorphosis maze I did for a friend.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama
I’ve showed this maze before but I wanted to share it again. My wife and I have had a hell of a past three years with arguments hurt and separation. With the example my son set for me dealing with losing his girlfriend and my dealing with a bad coworker love has been on my mind.
I realize as she does that throughout all the pain we have put each other through we still are very much in love. More importantly last night I/we decided to be adults and let go of our grudges and anger to forgive one another and work to rebuild our family!
And so we let go so we can grow! I have a new goal for the year to put my family together and heal us so that we can continue on our soon to be 14 year journey into our life forever!
I wanted to share my public art partners work for Valentines Day. A master at wielding he created the rose that will last forever. Ranging from $225 – $325 in price these would make a unique gift for the person you spend your life with in those relationships that have stood the test of time!
Being inspired by his work we are currently working on ideas to marry my mazes with his iron work to create some decorations for the home. As well as secure some public art projects. We applied for a few light rail stations in the metro Denver area that we hope to secure by summer. Stay tuned to see some “maze-ing” iron work!!!
If you interested in purchasing one of his pieces feel free to fill out the form and he or I will contact you!
Maze by Warren Stokes
A few years ago I taught my boys the art of selling. I wanted them to learn how to sell themselves so that they would always have a job, and more importantly never have to work for someone else.
After selling my art door to door I came up with the idea of selling no solicitation signs with my art. I taught them a script and now they run their own door to door no soliciting signs business.
Today as I sat at the office getting no love on the phones selling they were out going door to door building their confidence. In 3 hours of selling they made $125. MIND BLOWING!!!! I’m so proud of them.
My pride however had nothing to do with the money! My pride comes in their resolve to keep knocking when they get turned down. They made a lot of cash today (broke my sons wallet) but were turned down many times. Daily they give me the confidence to continue on and go after my goals with a child’s reckless abandon.
Maze by Warren Stokes
Inspiration! I’m currently separated and splitting custody of my 3 sons. After a negative stressful week at work it was a breath of fresh air last night when my boys came home.
I was blown away when my middle son shared his week. His ex girlfriend broke up with him because she said she didn’t want to date anyone. He got to school the next day to find out she was dating his friend.
I consoled him and told him that first he was young, he was handsome and there is plenty of time and “fish” for him to find in life. Just don’t let it consume you.
What inspired me was how he handled the situation with love! He told me he was hurt and angry. He broke out paper and pencil and wrote 3 pages of what was on his mind and how it made him feel. The next day he returned to school happy and smiling to all of his friends amazement. At lunch he shared his writings with his friends not only exposing his feelings but laughing about it with them.
After hearing this I felt so empowered, so loved, so happy that my son gets it. As I reached out to all of the visitors to this blog for advice questions of loving my enemy, my son had all the answers I needed. As we approach the MLK holiday this week and my sons response to unfavorable situations reminds me that love is the light that will lead us if we let it.
Maze by Warren Stokes
And well that is all I have to say about that!
Maze by Warren Stokes
On Monday I was very close to getting into a fight with a coworker. This guy routinely tries to make people quit, is very negative and doesn’t abide by the rules.
A few weeks ago he told me that if he doesn’t like someone he picks at them to make them quit. I told him that if you approach me like that I will man up. So on Monday he (we are in sales) questioned me about a call. I told him that I didn’t want his help to which he hollered “Fuck you i hope you fail!”
I got out of my seat and went to his cubicle for further clarification. No punches were through but a lot of cuss words were thrown. And we were separated by management.
Because he is a friend of the top guy they have tried to sweep it under the rug. To which I decided to report it to HR so that he will be on record as trying to get fellow employees to quite and harassing them. I also apologized for my unprofessional behavior and offered to go to anger management.
For those that have followed this blog know Im positive person and keep a positive but ever since Monday I have just wanted to smash his face in. As I meditate several times a day to control my anger I try to send out love but its just not working. I know life is short and I need to let it go but I don’t know how to deal with someone that I have so much hate for when i have to see them 40 HOURS A WEEK!!!!
Maze by Warren Stokes
Tomorrow night I’ll be routing for the Oregon Ducks over the Ohio State Buckeyes in college football championship. A Alabama fan by season I hope the Ducks can defeat OSU. Regardless of the outcome I’m excited to see and enjoy the game.
Broncos Football
Since I was in the prediction mood I through a maze of the Denver Broncos, my team and soon to be champions of the NFL.
I wanted to share a project of mine where I combine my art in a jigsaw format. So in essence you can play my art online. Try it here
To play the puzzle click the link http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=25dae95c47f3
Given that I will be releasing a game or two this year featuring my art I wanted to build some anticipation with the puzzles. So for days in your life that you find yourself bored and needing some positive inspiration visit https://mazeingpuzzles.wordpress.com/to play my mazes.
Maze by Warren Stokes
” Whatever you give will find countless ways back to you.”
— Author Unknown —
Unfortunately my scanner is not working with my laptop so I can’t get the best looking image to show. However I was really amped to do this maze as a Alabama football fan. Once I actually completed it I was blown away. This is the first maze I’ve completed with a .01 art pen. OOOOOHHHHHH the things I can do with such a small pen. I see a great future with crazy detail being implemented into my work. For those of you who have seen my work evolve this use of this pen is one of the more exciting break through’s in a long time.
OOOHHHH I can’t wait to share the portrait mazes I’ve been working on. Especially now that I realize the detail I can achieve with smaller pens.
“
Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.” Hans Christian Andersen
Usually I’m against the thought that a day is good because its a day. I’m of the attitude that everyday I wake up and my boys wake up its an excellent day. However this week has kinda worn on me and With that said I’m grateful that I’m over the hump and I can’t wait until Friday!
One of the plus sides to a tough day/week is that my art comes out much better when life is hard. Which I will be sharing when I can get my scanner online, one of the issues driving me crazy this week.
So I have to remind myself that life is good whenever I get the chance to live it!
If everything is always all about you instead of your child!
This is day two of nine. Visit the site and share your stories of the Sideline Daddies and Mommies you know!
” “
I’ve been very focused on changing my life as well as my families. Tonight I was reminded to enjoy each moment along the way. My youngest asked me to shoot marbles with him and it turned into a 4 man game.
In a world dominated by technology it was so much fun shooting marbles with my boys. Enjoying the simple things is what makes life worth all the b.s. I experienced last year. When things get tough I’m going to shoot marbles with my boys!
Warren Stokes
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Lao Tzu
My 2015 goal is to turn my blog into a 2 minutes of inspiration site that people can visit to see good art, read funny comics and inspire the visitor to take action in their lives and reward them for the visit. As well as make a living doing this.
My plan already in effect with one of my 3 comic strips being released yesterday, and a daily showcase of art and quote will be a lot of fun for myself and anyone who visits.
With just a few days into the new year I’m already ahead of my schedule as I will launch officially March 1st. If you enjoy my content please share with others the fun is on its way!
http://sidelinedaddy.wordpress.com/ to see the comic strip
As a parent, coach, former athlete and artist, I wanted to create a humorous slant to a serious issue that plagues our communities nationwide resulting in negative experiences for our youth. The issue: negative cheering at youth sporting events.
As an artist I created Sideline Daddy a character that combines the worst of all the horror sports stories I’ve personally been involved in, witnessed and heard wrapped into one crazy parent. The comic is meant to be humorous, vulgar, using senseless cursing and violence at times that may seem over the top. All of this with purpose to show us SD’s how ridiculous we look and sound.
The next few weeks I will share my book on sideline daddies. Don’t be a Sideline Daddy!!!!
Don’t mistake slow progress for failure!
I’m proud to announce that for the fourth straight year I will be hosting free art classes for the youth of Denver at the Eloise May Library. This year’s theme will be and I hope to take it to the next level.
This year I’m looking for a little financial help to advertise the program, purchase supplies and give a free art kit to each participant. I look to give each student a sketchbook, colored pencil set, sharpener, and any other cool swag I can secure from companies. To Support I’m offering $25 8×11 limited edition prints of
“Belief Creates” piece I did for last years theme. If you can support please fill out the form.
Granny Strong
There can be no rainbow without a cloud and a storm.
J. H. Vincent
As we say goodbye to 2014 I look back at all that happened and have to smile with gratefulness. In a year where I lost my Granny, lost my marriage, lost my home, lost two jobs right after being promoted and to top it off a pulled tooth where the drugs didn’t work, I recognize my blessings.
My still beating healthy heart, my boys, my warm home, and the growing possibility that my 13 year marriage may survive the storm!
Although life unleashed hell I’m still here, still moving forward. At first look I could only see the 52 weeks of pain. But when I wrote down my goals for the new year I realized all the work I put in regardless of the tough times. Below is a list of the work I’ve done this year that will be released in 2015.
Books
The day Peanut Butter met Jelly book pack: 3 self published and illustrated childrens books I will be offering
Don’t be a Sideline Daddy: A humorous ebook of my comic strip character Sideline Daddy pointing out the drama parents can bring to youth sports.
Exhibitions
Shapes: 8 piece art show with the theme of shapes mazed out!
Sexmanji: 10 piece art show featuring an erotic take on the human form mazed out.
Games
Maze-ing Earth: A phone app game of mazes.
Sexmanji: A adult maze-ing board game for couples
Comics
Sideline Daddy Comic Strip book : A ebook to point out to parents the drama they bring to youth sports
Community Service
Fourth Annual Free summer art program: This will be my fourth summer offering free art class/story time to the youth in Denver.
Free Art Kit Program: I will be giving participants in my art program free art kits.
Thanks again to the Westword for their efforts to keep art relvant and the artists in Denver known!
View the article here:
http://blogs.westword.com/showandtell/2014/12/warren_stokes_in_progress.php
For the past few years I have been applying for public art projects, only to be rejected a few 100 times. I feel I was turned down not because of art but my lack of public art/free standing object experience.
About two years ago I started look for an artist who has experience with public art experience. I’m proud to announce after an extensive search I’ve partnered with sculpture and welder Wayne Collins.
Wayne not only brings the ability to bring my ideas to the world of steel but brings more than 15 years experience in iron work and fabrication!
With our mutual love for art look for Wayne and I to maze out the public art community on a nationwide level in 2015!!! STAY TUNED in the new year!!!
Thanks to the Westword for choosing my comic strip Those Seats for there Second Annual Comics Issue. episode http://blogs.westword.com/showandtell/2014/06/in_honor_of_our_second_annual_comics_issue_here_are_winning_entries.php
Those Seats is comic that turns the seats in sports stadiums into trash talking fans! This one was about the Denver Broncos my favorite NFL football team.
Although my goal was to make the print issue as a finalist, I’m honored to have been chosen as a semi-finalist for the online version of the comics issue.
Watch out in 2015 for Those Seats in the Westword and there very own online place!
“The skies are always clear somewhere. Shine!” Me
I thought of this statement when I was working out ideas for a summer promotion plan. I started to feel like things never go my way. I realize that its b.s. and hurtful thinking to entertain those thoughts. So I have to let them go.
With that said I scored a show for a gallery that will feature my work in various capacities for the next three months!
“Follow your bliss, and doors will open for you that you never knew existed. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls. ” Joseph Campbell
I chose the quote to remind myself to follow my purpose and not let fear run my life!
Warren Stokes Maze art
I spend a few hours a week prospecting on sites like craigslist and linked in for art opportunities. Last week I applied for several opportunities and ended up being accepted to two art exhibitions. Living in Denver I probably won’t be in both as one is in New York.
What inspires me is if I can stick with this on a consistent basis and a few other daily duties I feel confident I will reach my goals. The problem is progress always seems to slow me down. I found out about both shows Thursday and in turn took off Friday and didn’t work on the weekend! Bad artist!!!!
“Don’t cry because its over smile because it happened!” Dr Seuss
I chose the quote today because it reminded me to smile and enjoy the journey of life. Too many times I get caught up in life and dead ends and forget to smile and enjoy the fact that I’m still in the game!
At the end of the day I draw mazes for a living and need to realize that it cannot get any better than that.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
― Barack Obama
I like the quote with the maze. With my new sense of focus I’m starting to make changes in the way I see the art business. The tough part of course will be staying committed to change and remaining consistent.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein
I chose the quote to match my outlook. Over the past two years I have made major progress in my art career from my skills to building a business. Problem is at this point I cannot make a living from my earnings.
I realize that I need to work this as a business. I have a list of tasks that I have done to build so far I just have yet to try them on a consist daily basis. Starting today I’m focused on giving a 100% focused effort toward making a living.
I started with a 4 goals.
1. Take a single action or more a day toward your art business.
2. Create a profitable online gallery/shop for sales by May 1, 2014
3. Have 2 exhibitions by March 17th, 2015
4. Make 1 million in art sales by March 17th 2015
“The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free.”Oprah Winfrey
Starting in April I decided to pursue my art career with no regard for my stomach! I believe that the key to my success will be in my ability (which i have lacked thus far) to consistently produce art and market it on a daily basis.
Starting in April I will be sharing daily posts of my art with a quote and comic strips. In addition I will start offering each of my pieces for sale. My goal is to build a site that visitors will come to once a day to be inspired toward action through my art and quotes and get a good laugh from my comic strips and maybe purchase some art.
I have 3 comic strips that I will be introducing in the coming days so stay tuned and definitely invite a friend.
I just realized that the Jelly image didn’t go in yesterdays post so I decided to show it today. I got to share my story with a school that I do an art class at and the kids loved it. Hopefully I can share/sell the story so more kids get to read and enjoy it.
These are mazes for a children’s book I wrote about the day peanut butter met jelly. I created these to add for the readers to complete.
Ive tried to get it published only to be turned down several times. So now I’m going to self publish the book with two other books I wrote. I created a PowerPoint presentation and put them on a cd for computers.
“Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me.” Carl Sandburg
This past summer I had came up with the idea of creating message mazes or maze a torials to see if I could get them in publications. So far I have been featured in the African American Voice in Colorado Springs newspaper and have a regular piece in a magazine called “In My Bed.”
I chose the quote because I never could have imagined doodling during a job training would not only turn into maze-ing art work but a career.
I completed this maze this past summer in response to the Trayvon Martin murder. It had the caption “The color of the shooter doesn’t matter. Stand up every time our children are murdered!” I felt like although his case deserved attention I think that within our communities where Black on Black crime happens we need to speak up all the time.
The “In My Bed” maze a torials which I won’t share here because of my young visitors are mazes giving the sexual position of the month. They have actually turned out looking pretty good. (Send a comment if you would like to see them I will send a link to a special page)
I have to admit I never saw my art going this far from mazes talking about kids getting murdered to x rated mazes wow!
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Jim Rohn
This is a maze that will appear in an online site called the Gambler for casinos in New Orleans. The cool thing is I made this maze several years ago and didn’t have to re draw anything to get it published.
Definitely wasn’t one of my better mazes but I liked the concept.
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.“ – Kahlil Gibran
Titled “Granny Strong” I did this pastel maze inspired by my Granny passing away Monday morning. I felt bad and felt like drawing and the first thing that came to my mind was her strength and it reminded me of a tree.
Unfortunately I have to miss the funeral because of finances but I did get to see her on Saturday so I feel lucky.
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.“ – Kahlil Gibran
Titled “Granny Strong” I did this pastel maze inspired by my Granny passing away Monday morning. I felt bad and felt like drawing and the first thing that came to my mind was her strength and it reminded me of a tree.
Unfortunately I have to miss the funeral because of finances but I did get to see her on Saturday so I feel lucky.
“It’s always too soon to quit.” – Norman Vincent Peale
I was given a set of pastel chalk for Christmas and thought I would try to use them in creating a maze. They are not good for drawing the strong lines I like my pieces in the maze to have. So I mixed the drawing with pen, marker and colored the background with pastels. I used some recycled poster board that was solid black . I think it mixed well the orange and red color. The piece was too big to scan the reason for the horrible photos.
Ice Hockey Fundraiser
View Art here https://mazeaday.wordpress.com/
Thanks for visiting. As some of you know my 12 year old plays competitive hockey for Denver University Jr Pioneers. The fees are expensive and this season I need help covering the costs. His team starts the playoffs the first weekend in March. I need to pay $500 or he will be suspended.
How can you help? Purchase a print or a custom order and tell a friend.
How to order? Wave mouse over picture to get the name. Fill out the contact sheet below. I can accept Paypal, or order on Etsy, or quite honestly whatever it takes. I prefer Paypal because they charge less than Etsy and will allow me to pay his fees faster. All prints will be shipped after payment is received. If you don’t use Paypal please put how you prefer to pay and we can work it out.
Prints
8×11 = $25 includes shipping
11×14= $55 includes shipping
View art here https://mazeaday.wordpress.com/
Failure is inevitable and given enough of them so is success!
These words have been running through my mind all morning.
Wonder Within
This is one of the most difficult mazes I made to date. Again another one of my pieces that needs a wall. I know that 1 of my 8000 subscribers has space for the Wonder Within. And at a $100 its a steal!
ADOPT ART: Homeless Art!! I did these pieces for a friends business. Now they showcased them for a year and are moving on to new art. So the art needs a new home. Canvas 24×17 $100. Don’t let this poor art spend another night without a wall to call its own!
Molehills or Mountains?
Last summer I started creating mazes with a message. I shared the Belief Creates maze with you recently that sold at my show. During that time I started thinking how cool it would be if I could get a maze a torial in magazines. Well a year later I started my mission and in 10 attempts to solicit magazines, journals and newspapers I’ve landed two spots that will feature my art on a monthly basis.
The African American Voice a newspaper from my hometown of Colorado Springs will feature a piece in the next six issues. I’m excited about the challenge of creating mazes on a deadline that will be distributed to thousands.
In My Bed Magazine a quarterly publication that will feature my art in a “position of the month” format for their next five issues. Definitely adult mazes (that won’t be seen here) this project is giving me new challenge in drawing the human body in a accurately correct way. These mazes are definitely very challenging but for the one that I almost completed is looking very unique and beautiful.
In January I set a goal to learn how to draw portraits. My goal was to draw a face everyday for the year. Lets just say I still have time to catch up but I’ve yet to hit 40. However, I shared this profile of myself because I wanted to share a major break through in my art career. After 3 years of testing (mostly just thinking about it) I finally figured out how to maze the face and still keep the look of the person.
Although I still need to work at capturing the look, shading and what have you the hard part is completed. Its crazy how 3 years of thinking, practicing and learning yielded an easy solution such as make the pieces smaller. For years I’d thought the pieces should be bigger and never even thought to down size.
Now if I can reach my goal or even reach a 1/3 of it I will be well on my way to my ultimate challenge of maze-ing out self portraits.
This picture was taken at the 5 points Jazz festival. It’s funny how pictures can tell so much and yet tell nothing at all. I was in the middle of several vendors and there was probably 10k people walking around the area and yet it looks like I’m sitting in the middle of no where. The organizer is an old friend from college that forgot to mention I would need my own table!
Anyway at the end of the day a woman approached wanting to buy the Maskfrica piece (the 3rd one from me) She raved on about how cool it was and how it would be an excellent gift for her nephew who just returned from military duty in that region.
How much she asked. I wanted $200 and forgot after a long day in the sun and $150 came out before I could stop myself. She said I’ll give you $100 and I said no. And she said okay $125 give me a deal. I explained then that the price was actually $200 and she would be getting a deal. She then proceeds to tell me if I knew her nephew and how much he deserved it I would give it to her for that price. I said if he is all that you say he is then you would pay the price I was asking. She then got pissed off and called me a horrible business man. To which I replied if she went to a Mercedes dealership they don’t drop their prices because of who is getting it. You just got down praising me on the uniqueness, the time it took and now you want to devalue it. So she left pissed off.
Had I not had two shows coming up I would more than likely have sold my soul to her. But the fact that I wanted to keep my inventory for worthy buyers made me strong. I realized after that festival that not only do I need to stick to my prices but raise them and not let my stomach do the dealing. As those of you have witnessed the past two years my growth and hard work and the value of my art. I think I finally realize the value of what my work is worth and well I will start charging accordingly!
As I continue to solicit sports teams I thought I would continue to post new mazes that I’m using. I’m starting to get better at these making them look less like mazes and more like pictures. I’m curious does anyone who follows this blog actually try the mazes?
I have a few more sports related mazes that I made that I will continue to share. Besides the Redskins I have confidence a few more teams/colleges will hire me soon. Several sports teams have expressed interest but don’t have the budgets this year or already chose their offerings for their kids clubs for the upcoming season.
Which means all this hard work is likely to really pay off next year when budgets are renewed.
I also have to share my sudden love of the internet! I’ve always found use for it but I honestly think that its breaking down our society. However as a veteran salesman it has made the sales process 1000% easier. When I first started finding out peoples names in companies was a difficult and time consuming task that at times required skills of espionage. However the internet has made it so easy to not only find out names but connect with the person before the sales process even begins. Thanks internet!!!!
Don’t mistake slow progress for failure!
Have you ever had so much faith that you begin to question your sanity? Have you ever witnessed a side of you that scared you beyond your strongest fear?
I ask because I got on the scale a few days ago and I weighed in at 159 lbs. This was a shock since a year ago I weighed 190. And since I wasn’t trying to lose weight kinda of scary. Although I actually look and feel better I know its because of my choice. My choice to follow this path of making a living from my art.
Most would assume that I’m crazy sacrificing my health to follow my purpose. But I have to share with you why I refuse to work for others at this point in my life. Simply put I am crazy, but sane! See I’ve had three jobs in my life that ended in a manner that gave me the understanding of why people go postal. And one job where I waited in the shadows of a car garage to beat the hell out of a boss that took a promotion away from me for offenses that as he put it “we are just now adding to the rule book.”
Then there was the job that I took time to create a position for and they loved it, needed it and wanted it but felt that my idea could be better served by someone else. Then laid me off!
I say all that to say that after going through several painful, sanity testing jobs I refuse to bend over and take it in the a**. Furthermore I realized back then and more now that I have the ability to create a living from my talents. Problem is my wallet/lack in consistent sales in everything from door to door flyers, art and sports training has lead to a decrease in weight.
Its good now as I’ve lost all my “marriage weight” so I’m pretty lean and ripped. But another month like this and I will definitely be approaching dilapidated. I say all of that to stress the point that I’m scared as hell. Not of starving to death, being homeless, losing everything or any of the things that have came my way in my pursuit.
What scares me is that I realize that I will do whatever it takes at all costs to control my own destiny and live out my purpose. Daily I make 100+ calls to business and what have you to sell my ideas, art, and what have you. And I’ve made money that more times than not takes care of my boys. I feel that my patience in my slow progress will be rewarded for me or eventually my sons and their family.
My only fear at this point is that I’m wrong and will die not seeing the fruits of my hard work and dedication.
Belief Creates
My show sucked! I invited everyone plus my art list and no body showed up. My sons mother didn’t even bother to bring them by. I was hurt and angry but lucky for me the gallery owner had some wine that made me loose.
So I went outside and invited people off the street and got six people to check out my show. Besides a woman who had legs up to heaven the highlight of the evening was when the HVAC man came to check out the galleries AC.
The owner, HVAC man and I started talking about money and our kids. The HVAC man had two kids in college and said he stayed broke. And then pulled $100 out of his pocket to buy this piece “Belief Creates” from me. I was blown away for two reasons. He and I have completely different definitions of broke and the fact that the piece he bought I created last summer when I thought about giving up on life (not suicide just trying) and art. I created this maze because I felt that birds believe they can fly and its there belief that creates flight. Thus I needed to believe I could “fly” if I just believed in my purpose.
Needless to say I won’t be going to “art intervention” anytime soon.
Its been a helluva ride since my last post. So I will share some stories in the next few days. I’ve been calling sports teams to sell my maze books to and the Redskins want to use a maze for a book that they distribute to the DC area youth.
I like the outcome for my first time drawing the logo. We will see if they use it. At the very least I have a good name on my resume. GO BRONCOS!!!
So I’ve had to cancel my Show in Pittsburgh and then I get accepted for a show in New York and Columbus! However a few sales on Friday will make one or both of those shows possible.
Although I’m angered by not being able to make it to the Pittsburgh festival I have to look at the positives. People are really starting to catch on to the art and want me in there shows. So all my promo work is paying off.
If your in Denver this Friday come to my show! 100 Santa Fe at 7pm
In a last ditch effort to generate the funds I’m selling $20 8×11 or $10 4×6 postcard prints of my work to raise funds for shipping of my art. If you can help please visit to purchase a print! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MazeingART?ref=search_shop_redirect
I have 3 choices available if you want a print of a different maze please order and contact me growtobe@gmail.com with the print description.
Attempt two! This summer I’m going to offer free art classes again for kids. Maybe this summer kids will actually show up!
This maze is my sports related mazes for the kids clubs I’m selling my work to.
If your in Denver this Friday come to my show! 100 Santa Fe at 7pm
In a last ditch effort to generate the funds I’m selling $20 8×11 or $10 4×6 postcard prints of my work to raise funds for shipping of my art. If you can help please visit to purchase a print! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MazeingART?ref=search_shop_redirect
I have 3 choices available if you want a print of a different maze please order and contact me growtobe@gmail.com with the print description.
Belief Creates
In my last post I shared my news of being accepted to a show in Pittsburgh. I have yet to come up with the money to travel there. The good news however is that I have a back up plan. I have a friend that lives in Harrisburg and can do the show if I cannot make it.
In a last ditch effort to generate the funds I’m selling $20 8×11 or $10 4×6 postcard prints of my work to raise funds for a flight for myself or just the shipping of my art. If you can help please visit to purchase a print! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MazeingART?ref=search_shop_redirect
I have 3 choices available if you want a print of a different maze please order and contact me growtobe@gmail.com with the print description.
Good problems to have!
For the past several months I have been applying for public art events and projects. After a good 20 rejections I received an a acceptance phone call and email of a show in 6/8 and 6/9 Pittsburgh PA. Great news and finally the validation as I have to admit I was getting frustrated with the rejections and took a brake from applying the past few weeks.
However the problem is that I have a solo show the day before that weekend on 6/7. This obviously puts me at a situation where I would have to fly out sometime right after my show (including the art). This of course is the small problem the biggest problem is getting out there!
At this point I was expecting a trip anywhere so a plane ticket is not in the budget. But that doesn’t matter because I need to find away to get to the show as I feel the exposure, experience, and event can help further my career.
After brainstorming all weekend I have no idea how to make this work financially. I found a place that I could stay and could potentially send my art to early (if I use different art from my solo show) I can’t end up rejecting my first acceptance. None the less its good news and a victory!!!
Took a few weeks off from drawing and the blog but hope to get back into the swing of things. I have two solo shows I’m preparing for over the summer and hope to generate a lot of interest in Colorado for my work.
Another cool thing that happened is that the Washington Redskins are going to use one of my mazes for an activity book that they distribute to the D.C. area. It will be in 300k books so that will definitely gain exposure.
I wanted to share an interview I had with a local (Denver) magazine. I also secured a gallery for two solo shows this summer and with 2-3 fairs I look forward to the exposure.
On an icy Denver evening in the dead of winter, I was welcomed into the warm and bustling home of an artist named Warren Stokes. As his three boys sat around eating dinner, the boys’ mother—Stokes’ college sweetheart—apologized for their house not being tidy. She mentioned that they would be moving at the end of the week. Blown away by a family that would invite me into their home, at dinnertime, on moving week, immediately set the tone for the interview—these were some seriously kind people.
As Stokes and I settled onto the living room floor, we began talking about everything from his artwork to how he met the beautiful mother of his children, Shana.Stokes’ incredible passion and charisma was instantly clear. And I was hardly surprised when he mentioned his sons as his biggest source of inspiration.
Visit http://303magazine.com/2013/04/maze-ing-warren-stokes/ to read the rest of the interview.
Serenity’s Piece
As I mentioned a few months ago my friend Serenity who has cancer put on an art show to raise funds for her medical expenses. Here is the piece I did for her. She likes dolphins, butterflies and hearts. So I tried to incorporate all of them into a single maze and make it work. Not my best work but I have to say that the attempt really sparked a change in my work.
The past two mazes I shared were completed after this one. And I can see in my work more of a story vibe to each maze. This maze that took a lot longer than usual was the first attempt to the new direction that my art is taking.
Practice pays off.
After doing this maze I figured out my fear of using colors is over. I could have done better but I like what color does to the maze and how it can help tell a story and add a mood. I realize I could use some help in the color coordinating department but mazes aren’t built in a day.
The piece is called Freedom by Death and tells a story of the middle passage. What I like about this maze is that I have been trying to figure out a way to almost create a comic strip setting in mazes that tell a story in one image. I feel like I accomplished that with this maze.
Faith overcomes fear F**K your doubts!
Don’t mistake slow progress for failure! My motto
I recently shared my intervention story with the blog. Well I explained my family moving without me but I left out that I didn’t have a place. Homeless! My refusal to work for anyone else cost me my wife. I also reached out to the subscribers of this blog to see or validate weather I was wasting my time or do I provide something of value. I felt a $2 charge to see my work with inspiration would work. After getting 1 subscriber willing to pay $2 I was ready to give up.
However, thanks to my anger with my wife I was given an extra boost and decided to go all out do art/sports camps or die! And damit I’m not rich and still need a home but significant things have happened in my life.
First and foremost look at the art!!! Damn I’m proud of this peace and the direction my art is starting to take with the addition of color. Pain sure makes good art!
Second a hospital purchased 30 of my maze books! So after a decade of rejections by publishers, self publishing has paid off. I’m officially a published author!!!!!
Third I secured a company Max Muscle to sponsor a cross promotion of my soccer camp.
Fourth and most important me and my boys woke up this morning! I get a chance to experience another day, see and hear my kids laugh, create another maze, taste another meal!!! The past few weeks have been tough but I’ve learned to enjoy the moments because so many of them come during the pain/day that if you hold on to them tight enough they will keep you from the drowning tides.
I feel 100% sure that I’m on the “write” path and I refuse to give up to what others think is the correct way for me to go.
Maze: This is a print “Flared Out” aka maze 363. I chose to share this with you because I wanted some art work that shows color and hope. I’ve had a crazy week. I had an interview with a local magazine, accepted to two separate online art sites, and partnered with a photographer who is going to shoot all 400+ pieces of my art in exchange for my promoting his photography business.
My wife decided to move on today as well. Not a surprise I chose to focus on our family, and purpose rather than riches. Life right now feels as though I jumped out of an airplane with a parachute that has a 50% chance of opening. And the faster I fall and closer I get to the ground I feel more and more confident that it will open. But I’m losing all my “equipment” on the way down.
I sometimes wonder how sweet the landing will be if I have nothing left when I land. But mostly I just can’t wait to hit the ground alive because lets be real any landing survived is one to be celebrated.
I have to thank her for opening my eyes and sharing my journey into fatherhood. As well as setting me free to travel into my next journey!
Maze-ing Maze 51
Maze 51: Yesterday I scheduled a interview with a writer from 303 Magazine a major culture magazine in Denver that wants to do a profile on me. I’m excited as the publication reaches a large part of the “art buying” crowd in Denver. Not to mention the fact that press always helps ones career. I will share the article once its published.
This is the last maze that I created for the card playing company.
Maze-ing Maze 50
Maze 50: I was given an “intervention” yesterday. It was based on my refusal to give up my art. Not give up so much as get a “real job.” They pointed out how I’ve hurt my family, marriage and struggle to make ends meet. And ultimately could potentially lose everything if I don’t give up the maze.
I understand them and to a certain extent agree with them. But my feelings tell me that I’m on the right path. I feel that I was put here to inspire and motivate people with my writing, coaching and art. I argued with them because I don’t just sit around drawing mazes waiting for someone to pay me millions to do my art. I go door to door, make phone calls to businesses, and deliver flyers to make ends admittedly “barely” meet.
However the 6000+ subscribers to this blog, the feedback from the players and parents I coach, and various other projects proves to me that my purpose is being served regardless of the finances.
As my loved ones so painfully stated “The landlord and grocery store don’t except Inspiration as payment ” This is true. When I look at this blog I’ve sold a total of one calendar during its duration. And according to my loved ones who again are correct a calling can pay the bills. And for the sake of my family and I it needs to or you will lose everything.
The purpose of this post is to see if I’m indeed fooling myself from a financial standpoint. Starting March first I will have a new blog called Maze-spiration a daily maze and quote with a weekly jigsaw puzzle of my art included on Fridays. There is a one time subscription fee of $2.
I’m asking everyone who subscribed to support my venture. But with a catch, I don’t want sympathy support. I want support based on merit. Based only if you found inspiration in my art, words, or the maze a day challenge. One way or the other I would like feedback. So please fill out the contact form and let me have it. If you want to subscribe please check subscribe and payment type I will contact you with payment info. Thanks for your support!
Maze-ing Maze 48
Maze-ing Maze 48: Here is another design I sent. Although they didn’t end up using any of the mazes I’m glad that I had the opportunity to try. I split a 11×14 sheet into quarters and made a total of 8. Having them all on one sheet really gave me a new perspective on my maze making process.
Which up until now I didn’t realize that I had a process. So I want to ask any and especially those who have followed my mazes for awhile for your thoughts on my work. What I mean is techniques, consistencies, etc. I’m feel like I’ve hit a block in my growth and want to get a more analytic process to it so that I can figure out how I can improve.
Maze-ing Maze 47
Maze-ing Maze 47: One of my friends was happy to get a post and mentioned that she hoped I was getting back to work. To keep everyone updated I’ve actually been very busy working on different projects.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by a faro card making company to create a maze for the back of their card. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to use any of my designs but I will share with you the mazes I created over for them.
Maze-ing Maze 46
Maze-ing Maze 46: This is another remake I did for Serenity I completed 3 total mazes for her art auction. I will share a brief interview with her and the original piece I created for her in the next few days.
Maze-ing Maze 45
Maze 45: This is a recreation of a past maze for a friend of mine Serenity. www.art4lifeevent.com Shes currently defeating cancer and is having an art show to raise money for her related medical expenses. I created two more pieces I will share with in the following days.
Since I met Serenity she has truly inspired me and helped me to realize how to see the light through the dark. As I have shared many times in my blog how 2013 was a diffuicult year that I almost didn’t make it. Not facing half of what shes faced it is her great attitude that motivates me to understand that life is good no matter our circumstances and that laughing, love and life can happen if we take time to live! Visit her site and feel free to place a bid on the great art.
Maze-ing Maze 44
Meals with a message.
Maze 44: The organization decorates lunch bags and then fills them with food to hand out to the homeless. I like what I came up with considering it took me days to think of an idea.
Maze-ing Maze 43
Good to Go
Maze 43: This maze is for a project that the One World Heart Project has http://oneworldheartproject.org/good-2-go Their have been studies that found out that giving is actually good for you.
Maze-ing Maze 42
Love
Maze 42: Love could be an easy concept but I wanted to show how love could make everything on earth grow. I think this upcoming week I will start sharing my portraits that I have been working on getting better at.
Maze-ing Maze 41
Loyalty
Maze 41: I kept thinking of two drunks on a corner singing some song while drawing this maze. But I added a heart instead of a bottle of wine. They are supposed to be friends but my sons thought they were in love. Makes sense.
Maze-ing Maze 40
Listening
Maze 40: This one was easy because I have made this one of my goals in life. I remember being a kid and felt that my parents never listened to me. Even if they were “paying attention” to me. So I have made it a priority to make sure that my boys don’t feel this way. And now given all the technology that helps us ignore each other its more important than ever that I focus on single individual conversations with loved ones and friends.
Maze-ing Maze 39
Helpfulness
Maze 39: This was an easy one to come up with. I have a few more of these cartoon style ones to share. I finished them last year but wanted to start the year off with daily posts. I have a few pieces that I’m working on that I will share with you once I’ve shown all the kids corner mazes. Until then enjoy!
Maze-ing Maze 38
Courage
Maze 38: This one was one of the easier ones for me to complete. Speaking of courage I’ve shared in the past my fear of heights. Well in December I told my boys that I was going to overcome that fear so that we could go to an amusement park and I actually get on the rides.
Since then I have been evaluating the reasons for the fear and trying to look at it as more of a respect for the heights rather than fear. We live next door to a 5 story apartment complex that has a walkway on the outside. (I mentioned chickened out doing flyers last year on the same building) So Sunday I asked my boys to accompany me during my heights training.
I figured by them going I would have more courage. The complex also has a few 3 story buildings that we started on. I was immediately more scared with them there because they ran up the stairs and would look over the edge, leaning on the railing and all. So I then had a fear for them falling which at first really didn’t help. But I followed them and continued to try to look over the railings. Anyway we went to the 5th floor level and I walked the entire complex with them. I was scared but they really helped me. On the way back we went down to the 4th level and it was smooth sailing. I actually wasn’t scared at all. It seemed so close to the ground compared to the 5th.
So I’m going to continue working on that 5th until I can actually jog around it and lean on the railing looking over. Then its time to find something higher. Not to preach but I suggest trying to overcome one of your phobia’s! I felt so good working at it and I could see the pride in my sons eyes seeing me working to overcome something that I fear.
Maze-ing Maze 37
Gratitude
Maze 37: This maze was another difficult idea to draw. I thought about how tough my summer was and thought about all that I had to be thankful for and this image popped in my head.
Maze-ing Maze 36
Compassion
Maze 36: This one was about compassion. Another difficult maze to come up with. This project really challenged my skills especially with colors. I think next time I will use colored pencil instead. But my fear of using color is now gone.
Good news is that a teacher saw these mazes and wants me to come to their school to teach these concepts with art. So these lead to another avenue to sharing my art.
Maze-ing Maze 35
Respect
Maze 35: This maze represents respect and it was very difficult to come up with an idea. So I thought that when you respect someone you somewhat share your heart with them because you have trust. So that’s my take.
Maze-ing Maze 34
Forgiveness
Maze 34: This is another of the mazes for the project. I finished all 13 finally and will show the remainder of them in the following days. Although they were created for kids maybe us adults can be inspired to do the same. Especially given how good it feels when you let go of grudges. I’m working on a few right now!
Maze-ing Maze 33
Maze 33 : Happy New Year all!!!! I created this maze for my Mom. She wanted a piece to fit her Native American theme in her office. It was a real challenge but I’m proud of the effort. I would really like feedback on how it looks so let me have it!!!
I also have started doing self portraits or at least the practice on a daily level. I will share some of those with you to see my progress.
Maze-ing Maze
Maze : This is another maze in the One World Heart Project. The theme was creativity. Well I have a new idea that will maybe help me inch my way toward self publishing. I have a visitor who has followed my blog and printed mazes for her children and nieces for them to complete. After reading how I missed the kickstarter goal she wanted to send me money to help publish.
So now I have added when I sell door to door an option for people to buy the right to print my mazes for their kids to play. I will also accept it online as well through pay pal for anyone who is interested in helping out just send a comment.
Maze-ing Maze 31
Maze 31: Here is another of my bike mazes. I’m assuming this late in November that I wasn’t chosen. No big deal I will find a way to get another opportunity to complete another major building project.
Maze-ing Maze 30
Maze 30: This is the fastest I’ve traveled while drawing a maze. My son had a tourney in Vail and I drew this maze on the way home. I was impressed with the outcome given the fact we were driving at 70 mph or more in the curvy mountains. They ended up finishing tied for 3rd place out of 6 with 1 win a loss and two ties.
Maze-ing Maze 29
Keep it Movin
Maze 29: This was a sketch maze for the bid on the apartment building project. They wanted art that had something to do with bikes. I did about 8 or 9 sketches total and will share a few with you. I still don’t know if I was chosen as an artist because they were to make a final decision on the 11/9 and still haven’t.
Maze-ing Maze 28
Maze 28: I saw this picture on a journal in the book store and sat down and made a maze of it. As I was drawing it I was thinking fly write for the title. I can think of many times in my life that I had the tools and abilities to succeed in reaching my goals but used those skills the wrong way. Or at least not to the best of my ability.
It seems to me that self understanding is a key to creating a system that will help you to take the most action. My example is when I was more of a writer for years I waited until night-time to try to write and could never get more than a few words on the page. So one morning I decided to try writing and the words flew out faster than I could type. So I started writing in the mornings and could average 2000 words a day. All of this because I changed the time of day when I started writing.
My goal for the day is to spend some time analyzing my life to see if there are some things that I can improve to make me more efficient.
Maze it out!!!!!
I went to the first presidential debate at the campus of Denver University and both candidates refused to meet with me to discuss the issues of starving artists. They locked me up and worked me over. But they couldn’t stop me from entering the race!
Training for the Boston Maze a thon!
Maze-ing new ED cure!
Maze-ing Maze 27
“Don’t mistake slow progress for failure.”
maze 27: I failed my kickstarter project big time! So I guess I have to find another method for bringing my books to reality. I hate this feeling but I’m starting to think that the odds are against me in becoming a published author. I can’t find a publisher, agent or save enough money to self publish so I guess its back to the drawing board.
This maze is another kids maze representing creativity. I was pleased with the drawing but disappointed with the color choice. I like that this project is challenging my “fear” of colors.
Maze-ing Maze 26
Show your love, share your time!
Maze 26: This is another maze from the collection I was commissioned for. The theme was time. So I was trying to express how sharing your most valuable asset is love. All the pieces will have a heart in them.
I’m also asking for good vibes from everyone. I found a developer who is looking for an artist to create 4 pieces for his new apartment building. He is paying up to 7 grand for the project and will decide by Nov 9th with the work to be completed by Dec 20th. This would not only change my financial situation but also be a great project to challenge my artistic creativity. The pieces have to involve bikes and can utilize any style and methods.
My initial ideas are to create mazes with pieces of bike sticking out in places to make it truly 3D. Anyway I will update as I found out that I was chosen for the gig.
My goal: I want to create art kits and distribute them for free to youth in Denver CO.
How you can help:
1. An introduction with a company that will supply the kits or dollar match me to buy them.
2. Or purchase a no soliciting sign https://www.etsy.com/listing/112591806/no-soliciting-sign)
Why: The other day selling my art door to door I came to a guys house who let me have it. He stated that the school I went to must not have taught me how to read and that my art teachers must have failed to teach me that you can’t sell art. Which was my fault because I failed to see his no soliciting sign.
As I walked away I thought back to school and remembered being taught that artists could only survive if they got a job teaching it. This sent my mind into overdrive.
First thought was to improve and create a no solicitation sign. So when I go to doors and they say they are not interested I can offer them a sign of my art that will stop further people. Yes a door to door salesman who sells signs that stop door to door selling!
Second idea change the philosophy that artists cannot survive from making art. I decided to tackle that challenge seeking a sponsor that will help me create art kits (sketchbook, colored pencils, pencil, and sharpener) that I can give out free to kids or use a portion of the proceeds from my no solicit sign sales to create the kits.
Maze-ing Maze 25
Smile and pass it on!
Maze 25: This maze was one of the 15 I was just commissioned to do. They will be used as mazes for kids to print. The message was humor and how it can help the world. So I was trying to show how smiling can be contagious so to speak. I’ve already completed three others that I didn’t scan yet but will share soon. This project is definitely helping me to get over my fear of using colors. Its also challenging my view on “drawing” for my children’s books.
I wanted to challenge anyone who reads this to take a smile challenge with me. So the next time you have negative feelings, sad, mad etc, put a big cheesy grin on and see if your attitude changes. I tried it all day yesterday when I was thinking about some of the issues in my life and it worked. I couldn’t stay angry, and actually found myself laughing at myself for doing it. It felt good. So give it a try.
Maze-ing Maze 24
Look for the good!
Support me in my goal to self publish my childrens book http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maze-ing/m-aze-b-cs-and-1-2-3s
Maze 24: Thanks for all the comments to yesterdays post! Its a Maze-ing part of life to be inspired by and cared for by strangers! But again thanks each comment, like and visit means a lot.
The maze is Africa as a conga drum and the face represents the pain of slavery. This is a remake of a past maze on a dresser bottom that I found in the alley last week.
I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about life lately and the “process” of things. My middle son plays soccer currently in his second season. In five games this year hes scored 18 goals and totally dominated on the field. And yet its only his second season. I remember when we first started practicing on soccer he could barely walk with the ball. (every summer m-f I take my boys to the park for 2 hours to play and practice) Now he has the ability to shake kids out of their shoes. What did he do? Daily practice. He worked his butt off to get good and it paid off.
I remember in 08 my wife and I went to a arts festival and she made the comment that she would be back in the fair the next year with stick figures after we saw a few “questionable” artists. At the time I did nothing more with drawing than the occasional doddle. And I’m not bragging but look at me now! In less than 4 years I developed my own style, continue to get better and very close to making a living from it.
I guess the point I’m trying to make (besides making myself feel better) is that with constant action nothing takes long to get good at. And in some cases if you have enough passion and drive to excel at and potentially master. As a writer I had spent a good 5-6 years searching for an illustrator for my work when I could have easily (and did) learned to draw my books.
I think that too many times we pay so much attention to the hell of life that we forget to see what is right in front of us. It has been so hard for me to see the good in myself this summer when that’s all I should be focusing on right now the good. What good in your life should you be focusing on?
Pain sparks creativity Maze-ing Maze 23
Creatively in pain
Please help support my kickstarter project to self publish my book. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maze-ing/m-aze-b-cs-and-1-2-3s
Maze 23: About two weeks ago I figured out some major things in my life as regards to my family and marriage. This entire summer has been hell for me and honestly in August at one point I gave up. Not suicide but just didn’t want to try for my family or myself. But the mazes kept me going. (This maze is a remake on canvass)
The cool thing is that two weeks ago as I started to deal with the pain, anger, etc of my life an awakening happened. My heart and soul is broken to bits but my art and want to create has just increased 10 fold almost as a life support system.
I created two mazes yesterday and more than likely will finish two today. I discovered a missing piece to a project that I started years ago and have been on a mission to create the work for it. I also was commissioned for 15 mazes and started an art blog for artists to get inspired by my maze-ing adventures in selling art. http://artrepreneur101.wordpress.com
Maze-ing has kept me from finding the bottom of a bottle and dealing with my issues while giving me a safe and creative way to cope. As good as the art business is going though I just want to get drunk and stay in bed until spring.
Maze-ing Maze 22 Name tags I can do!
All you have to do is ask!
Help support my MA-B, C’s and 1,2,3’s book.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maze-ing/m-aze-b-cs-and-1-2-3s
Maze 22: I was sitting in the back of my car drawing yesterday and made a sale just by asking the person if they would like to look at some art. I sold her the right to print my mazes for her son to complete. She gave me the idea that some of her photographer friends make money by offering their images for a fee. Good idea but I really want to build fans and a group of fans so to speak who enjoy my art and my mazes more than the money (in regards to a subscription)
The positive and confidence I actually get from this is the fact that I sold something sitting in the back of my car. And the fact that this was the fourth sale in seven days! I may only not be close to my financial needs yet but I moving art! And I’m staying busy.
I started a project that I’ve touched on during the 365 project but will wait to share once it’s completed. The exhibition will feature 22 maze story and have video to share the story. I had a moment of clarity last Thursday on how to actually tell the story and have focused on it since. I’ve already finished two 12×17 mazes and wrote the story.
Kickstarter Project is so much fun Maze-ing Maze 21
I’m the beat, everybody dance!
Maze 21: PLEASE HELP ME REACH MY SELF PUBLISHING GOAL!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maze-ing/m-aze-b-cs-and-1-2-3s
This is a gift for a friend whose sons birthday is on the 5th. Dj Raz is his tag that he performs under. I was trying to show a turntable with a worldwide appeal.
Yesterday I found a great dresser in the alley and got 10 pieces of wood that will go toward my Black history pieces. I think the wood (and damage to it) will give the pieces an extra feel and texture to help the art convey the slavery and hatred that Blacks endured during their time in America.
Kickstarter Project Day 3 Maze 20
“After while crocodile!”
Maze 20: My friend hired me to create 3 mazes for his son and grandchildren. So now I offer mazes for kids rooms, which could double when laminated as a place mat!
Today is day 3 of my kickstarter project and I’ve already generated $15! Almost there! I feel confident that my fundraiser will be successful. As in sales the first sale is always the hardest. Although I haven’t had any contributions since the first day I got two my first day out of the gates. So please donate if you can and more importantly spread the word!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maze-ing/m-aze-b-cs-and-1-2-3s
By the way for those of you who missed it check out my commercial!
Kickstarter Day 1 Maze 19
In life it doesn’t matter whats ahead, what matters is that you keep driving!
View the Maze-ing Commercial
The other day a friend and mine were discussing ideas on how to sell more art. Especially with the door to door sales being slow. So we were throwing out ideas left and right and couldn’t come up with anything solid. So that night I slept on the idea and came up with the basic fundamental problem with selling art is that artists don’t advertise. I’ve actually never sold one piece from 60k page views. Why probably because I didn’t really advertise the fact that my art is for sale. So that next morning I came up with my tagline and a few concepts and now I will share my artists budget style first of many commercials with you. And don’t forget to buy a print of my art! http://youtu.be/fNhnJJpDZbw
Maze 18 kinda NO SOLICITING!
Find a way!
Maze 18: The other day when I was selling my art door to door I came to a guys house who let me have it. He stated that the school I went to must have not taught me how to read and that my art teachers must have failed to teach me that you can’t sell art. I failed to see his no soliciting sign that he had posted , so I guess I deserved it.
As I walked away I thought back to school and remembered being taught that artists could only survive if they got a job teaching it. This sent my mind into overdrive.
First thought improve and create a no solicitation sign. So when I go to doors and they say they are not interested I can offer them a sign of my art that will stop further people. Yes a door to door salesman who sells signs that stop door to door selling!
Second change the philosophy that artists have to teach to make money. So I decided to tackle that challenge with two tactics. I will take a portion of the proceeds from the no soliciting signs and seek a sponsor that will help me create art kits (sketchbook, colored pencils, pencil, and sharpener) that I can give out free to kids. In addition I will offer free art classes for kids on a weekly basis.
Anyway I created a few different versions of the sign to offer, a sleeping baby sign and also started creating a line of just signs that people may want to put somewhere around their house. I’m selling each laminated door print for $10 and will test them out this afternoon for the first time.
Maze-ing Maze 17
“We are all connected.”
Maze 17: I haven’t quit the challenge I just had a set back. When I started thinking how to tackle the year-long maze it was more difficult than I originally thought. So I decided to take a week or two to think about how I want to make it work.
The maze was a recreation of one of the mazes from the 365 project. I did this one on canvas. I like the look of the mazes when I leave the natural white space.
Trust the circle.
Maze 16: Was working on this for a few days and just knocked it off this morning. This is not a piece of the new maze which I have yet to draw. So this will be interesteng finish tonight!
Maze-ing Maze 111 Revisited
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Oprah Winfrey
Maze 111 Revisited: Today is my birthday!!!! I’m so happy because for the first time in a few birthdays, probably all of my 30’s I can look back to my last birthday and see major growth and progress. Most years I’ve stayed the same or went back.
Given this has been the hardest year of my life it feels good to have such a positive outlook on life and the future. It helps me to realize that mountains should be treated as mole hills because life will present many challenges that we feel will consume us. And yet we can still enjoy and appreciate the journey.
So tomorrow will start my newest journey 365 days drawing one maze. So as I did with the past maze a day project I will draw and post a piece of this maze everyday until my next birthday. I’ve spent the past few days drawing sketches of the maze that I plan to create. However, I won’t share this with you until Sept 6th 2013. The only problem that I haven’t figured out is how to share all the pieces with you at once. I thought about putting all the pieces on a wall and taking pictures that way is the only idea that I came up with.
Regardless I hope that all of you that have visited and enjoyed my maze-ing life and art will join me for another year of maze-ing madness. And for those that lack patience I will continue to do regular mazes that are complete. I’m just wondering when my family, friends, blog visitors are going to give me an intervention because I can admit it I have a maze problem!! Enjoy.
Maze-ing Maze 15
Mountain or mole hill?
Maze 15: Today’s maze and message was about my thoughts about problems that occur in my life. Many times I think I have trouble judging whether its a molehill or mountain. However when I look around and see many of the problems that exist in the world it gives my issues a molehill quality.
I can think back to the issues that at the time were major mountains in my life and how now they no longer are even pimples on my butt. I wonder if I could change my ability to deal with all my problems as if they were mole hills. Imagine the benefits a person could have if they were able to approach all problems as mole hills. We could rationalize the situation deal with it and take a course of action that leads to us walking over these issues instead the stressful climb up Mt. Everest that the majority of us view as our problems.
Maze-ing Maze 14
“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”
Michael Jordan
Maze 14: I chose the quote because I’m starting to have fun using colors in the mazes. It’s strange how little adjustments make such a big difference. When I first started to use color I would always draw the maze pieces and then add color. Now I color it first and draw the maze pieces on top and it seems to give it more pop and the feel that I want to accomplish. I was joking with my kids saying that this was Captain America in a blender.
Maze-ing Maze New Challenge!
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.” William W. Purkey
So I guess it’s officially intervention time! I think I’ve officially went stir mazey or should I say maze crazy. I was speaking with an acquaintance who I introduced to this site and my maze a day project. As we sat around talking about mazes, challenges and life he said what about a maze in 365 days? As in one maze with 365 pieces that equal one maze. And needless to say I’m not only in but cannot stop thinking about how to actually pull this off so that it will work.
Although it will be considerably easier than coming up with a new maze and idea everyday for a year, the maze will present a difficult challenge of making sure that all 365 pieces complete a picture and working maze. But I’m for the challenge and since I can’t sleep or think about much else have started the sketches for the master drawing. For those of you that have seen my http://www.mazeingpuzzles.wordpress.com site, I will use that to break the final sketch into pieces that I can do as a guide as to where I am. The only problem that I have yet to figure out is how to post the entire progress. I can post each individual piece daily but I would like to share my entire piece as it forms to see what people think it is.
I chose to revisit or show this maze again because this is the largest maze I’ve created to date. So stay tuned to the madness as I create a single maze in a year!
Maze-ing Maze 13/184
Belief brings experience.
Maze 13: Today was a good day I finally have an agent who will represent me. After years of trying to get published or agent I found someone that believes in my work. I find it ironic and very positive that I now have someone who was willing to represent me, almost immediately after I gave up all my doubts in my ability to be an artist and to appreciate the hard work I put into getting better as an artist. I believe that this my agent will help me to reach my goals.
Maze-ing Maze 12/184
To grow we have to let go!
Maze 12: Today’s maze was another message related maze. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m preaching at them or feel that I’m a great person worth quoting. But I decided to make a series of mazes with a message to see if I can get my mazes in syndication in a newspaper, magazines or online as a “editorial cartoon.”
But all the messages are geared toward me and whats going on in my life. So today’s message is to let grow so I can grow. With fall coming (my favorite season) its always been fun for me to watch the leaves fall or the trees let go. And so many people believe that its dying out. But the lesson I learned from this is that they always have to let go of themselves, their so called beauty with leaves to learn, adjust, survive the winter to grow and get better and stronger. I never really thought about it until today but the trees have to let go or they die. In Denver, many times we will get a early snow storm when the trees still have a full head of hair and the next day there are branches everywhere because of the weight.
I applied this to my life because of the weight I’ve carried around the majority of my life but especially this summer. And my branches can’t carry it so I have to let go and let nature take its course.
Maze-ing Maze 11/184
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every stepforward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
Brian Tracy
Maze 11: Yesterday was a major moment in my life. My youngest son started school ECE for a full day. Which means that all three boys are out of the house for 8 hours a day. Why is this significant? Well my wife and I decided that someone would always be home with the boys until they went to school rather than to send them to day care.
For the most part of the past 11 years that has been me staying at home because I had the ability to run a part-time business on the side. And now that we are separated mostly due to finances it gives me a chance to build my business with a consistent 40hrs a week without the changing of diapers, making lunch and all the other duties of a stay home parent.
Although I was a little sad, there is this strong feeling of freedom and opportunity that has come over me. I feel like the universe is the limit on what I can achieve in my business and art with the release of more time on my hands. Which is why I made this maze as well.
The maze is a pawn on a chess board with a king on its mind so to speak. After years of financial struggle, the past year of difficulty and my separation to a certain extent I’ve felt like a pawn or not very important. Now though I feel like even though my place (in the business world) may be small and insignificant that I have the potential, confidence, and drive to be and have the power of a king. Which is also why I chose the quote.
Maze-ing Maze 10/184
“It sucks to have a broken heart and all you can do is fill it with tears.” Marcus White
maze 10: This was the first version of the One World Heart Project.
I chose the quote because I’m heartbroken.
Maze-ing Maze 9/184
“There is an art, or rather a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” ~Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Maze 9: This maze is recreation of one of the first mazes I created for the children’s book that started this entire style for me. And on a positive note another purchase from a person who loves my work. Although I’m not selling enough to live off of I’m increasing my sales so I can feel my freedom coming surely but slowly.
I chose the quote because I’m stuck on the metaphor that flying has come to mean to my life. I feel like my goal to live and survive from my art is similar to throwing myself off a cliff in the hopes that I will stay afloat and eventually soar. I have to admit though if I hit the ground I don’t know that I have it in me to rise again. Because of the last year and a half of my life being so difficult I really need to succeed at this because I’m putting all that I have into making this work.
I have taken a break from the door to door sales and researched a peddlers permit so I can sell my work on the street downtown or at our arts district. And now my goal is to figure out how to increase (okay lets be real) gain online sales. This blog has generated a few sales in 13 months. Which is not bad but given the 60k + visits I feel that I should generate more.
So with a strong plan in place and many different methods to promote and sell my art I feel strong about my ability to keep flying so to speak and even soar! However for those that read this I’m open to any ideas that could help me, or connections to people anywhere that buy, sell, run a gallery or what have you in regards to art?
Maze-ing Maze 8/184
““Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
― Leonardo da Vinci
Maze 8: As usual it didn’t turn out the way I saw it in my mind. It looked a lot better when I was thinking about drawing it. But I have to say that I’m pleased with the outcome. My goal is to start making more realistic textures (eg the feathers) that stick out and give the piece a more realistic look while still maintaining the maze inside.
I chose the quote because I feel like my art and writing is like flying because of the freedom it gives me to truly express what I was put here to do. And yet the reality of life pulls me away to destroy my creativity with financial matters.
Maze-ing Maze 7/184
“Never forget!”
Maze 7: This is my latest sale. One of my door to door sales. I created this elephant from the top of this blog. The person wanted a print from that but I gave the original away to a charity so I redid this piece. I love how it pops on the canvas.
Maze-ing Maze 6/184
“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
Buddha
Maze 6: This maze didn’t turn out how I wanted. I didn’t use a reference to draw the lighthouse. I was actually sitting in a parking lot waiting for someone to come out of a restaurant. More than likely I will try this again.
I wanted to draw a lighthouse because I feel like there is a light that has been guiding me in one of the darkest times of my life. Its a cool concept to describe whats going on so I decided to maze it out.
Maze-ing Maze 5/184
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.
Pablo Picasso
Maze 5/184: I guess I’m back. To creating and drawing again. I realize that I don’t seem to have any drive. Its mind-blowing that after a year of drawing I could get out of shape so to speak in a matter of weeks. I found a set of colored pens on sale the other day so I decided to start using more color. Although I prefer black and white I can see how using color can help add to the illusions that I work to create.
Maze-ing Maze 4/183
““So, I must be taken as I have been made. The success is not mine, the failure is not mine, but the two together make me.”
― Charles Dickens,
Maze 4: Here is the third maze that was finally chosen. The funny thing about this maze is that it took me almost a week as opposed to mt normal time frame. I was done just horrified of adding color to the piece. Once I started I knew I had made a good decision.
Maze-ing Maze 3/183
“But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism.” Eric Wright
Maze 3: I chose this quote because I believe that almost everyone can relate to this. Too many days I’ve wasted running from things versus running toward my dreams. But the main thing I discovered during my maze a day project is the progress of a daily step toward your goals. No matter how small or insignificant the action is a step forward is a step forward.
The maze is a project that I’ve been working on and have a total of 3 versions of this maze. I will share the other two versions once I know which one my client chooses. It will be used for the One World Heart Project http://oneworldheartproject.org/ The idea came pretty easy but was definitely a challenge to include a few hidden meanings to the piece.
Maze-ing Maze 2/183
“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
Truman Capote
Maze 2/183: Although I haven’t posted in a few days I’ve still be working at the art. I have had just the craziest few months. Since my first door to door art sale I haven’t went out once. I realize that I’m truly an idiot! A failure!
I taste success and prove that my plan can work with effort and from their I just froze up. I plan on going out today and conquer my stupidity. I really feel like I must have a fear of success.
However through these few months I realize once I let go of the bad and negative (previous paragraphs) I have to turn it into a positive. So the positives are the fact that I can sell my art door to door and don’t have a fear of actually knocking. Another positive is that since I can sell door to door I have a way to make a living that at the same time will promote my art. Another positive on every door I knock the worst that can happen is someone tells me my art sucks. But the reverse could net hundreds of dollars. Meaning the good outweighs the bad.
Message to self, stop bullshitting and make a living!
Maze-ing Maze 241
” “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.” Peter F. Drucker
I chose this maze because of the day that I had originally created this maze/post. Yesterday after 3 total days of going door to door I made my first sale! A woman wanted a mermaid for her daughter. So now I know beyond a resonable doubt that I can do it. It felt good to get the weight of the first sale off my back and actually in 29 total conversations at the door. So now its time to step up my efforts and reach more houses on a daily basis. I’ve averaged 30 doors in the first 3 sessions.
I impressed with how this maze turned out. I was definitely having issues coming up with new ideas and designs at this point, so once I finished this I felt good about my results.
Below is the original post.
Maze 241: Today was the first time I visited my blog as a visitor. All this time I didn’t realize that there were advertisements on my blog posts. Which sucks when I think that my goal is to make a living from my art, only to find out a company is making money from my daily posts. So I realize now that I need to come up with a plan and take action toward making money from my work.
Maze-ing Maze 56
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” William Shedd
Yesterday was the first day I didn’t chicken out going door to door. I had tried Sunday and Monday and didn’t have any luck. I was so scared. I met with a person who asked for a commissioned piece and I completed the sketch and she loved it. So I made my second sale in two weeks.
I was telling a friend of mine how I was able to sell to businesses easier than homes. I’ve sold to both markets over the years and usually get over fear in a couple of hours once I learn my presentation. I told him about getting paralyzed with fear and he said he wanted to go with me.
I got a portfolio together for him and gave him the script and then we went out. We were both trying to make excuses for turning around. I said it would be funny if you sold my art and I couldn’t. Then I pulled over quick and just got out. He asked could he come with me and I told no but he could listen from the sidewalk. He said okay and immediately crossed the street and had a ten minute conversation with a lady who wants to purchase a piece.
He then sold two prints the next door he went to. I the other hand shot blanks. I was happy for him big time because it really helps me in so many ways. First and foremost I refuse to be outsold by him so I have to keep going. The fact that he made a sale proves that people will buy my art. It also gives me the strength to keep going.
We stayed out about an hour total just to get our feet wet. I spoke to maybe nine people and quickly got my confidence with each no or not interested response. I have to admit it was a little hard at first getting rejected because it is my work on the line. But I dealt with that to and kept going.
We are going to go out again tonight with inspired intensity and no fear of knocking on doors. Competing with him may just be the help I need to stay focused and work daily at selling art.
Maze-ing Maze 1/183
| “Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity that was at hand.” | |
| Bruce Marton |
Maze 1/183: This maze was supposed to have a picture in the middle. I completed this maze about two weeks ago and finally figured enough is enough. I can always add something to it but I need to call it done so that I can move on to better mazes. I chose the quote because since discovering my artistic ability with a maze theme I have struggled with the promotion of my work because at the end of the day I’m a grown man who draws mazes for a living. I realize and feel that my art is deeper than that but it is drawings. And selling art is a tough sell. But I can say that I have truly developed the opportunity that I was given and will continue to go after it.
Maze-ing Maze 365
| “The freedom to move forward to new opportunities and to produce results comes from living in the present not the past” | |
| Brian Koslow |
Maze 365: Although I finished 365 mazes a few weeks ago this is the final maze of the year project. As I mentioned in a past post I will begin my new project completing a maze every other day. This will allow me to take more time with the quality and ideas than I can do from a piece everyday.
Good news! I met with a woman (Cam) who I mentioned meeting in June. She runs an organization called “The one world heart project.” Anyway last week we finally sat down for a conversation. She loved the art and wants me to do the art for a few projects. It was a good positive experience to be talk about her organization that needed someone with my skills. So I’m creating a custom piece and she also wants a children’s book created as well.
Well this week will start my first official week as an artist surviving strictly from art. I completed writing scripts and feel comfortable enough to take my art straight to the front door of potential art buyers. Although I’ve sold many things that were crap in my life, I’m scared but excited to go after it. I made $100 last week from one sale so I realize that a bad day could still make more than the average 9-5. And have much more fun because I believe in my work.
Maze-ing Maze 48 Revisited
“Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments.” Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
Maze 48: I chose to revisit this maze because of it and the quote really fit well with whats happening. By the way I will start the new goal or start posting the new mazes soon. I’m currently homeless and don’t have access to a scanner.
So the maze itself, or at least the structure I copied. I can remember early on in the maze a day project struggling to find or decide what to draw. And so I would google illusions and shapes. Now I have the ability and skill set to create my own shape/illusions from within. So it feels good to see the progress of a years worth of practice.
As for the quote I had a moment Rose was talking about. I’ve been sleeping in the back of my car since Monday and it was tough until last night. I had a wake the f#@k up moment. I was milling over the quickest way to get a place to live legally! And as if I didn’t know I have a million dollars worth of art in my possession. So I was thinking of how to actually sell it. I’ve been offering it for a few years now and have made a little more than $2500 total.
Then it hit me. Hard work. Not drawing but selling. Door to door, office to office whatever but offer to sell to any and everyone that comes in your vision. Art may not be the top priority of consumers or business owners for their offices but let’s be real everyone puts something on their walls. I don’t know if I’ve met someone who has had completely bare walls.
So this morning I got up and went to an office building around the corner and started trying to sell. I was scared as hell but walked into the first office looking at a picture of my sons. In total I visited 15 doors. I overcame my fear and will continue that tomorrow as well as going door to door in residential neighborhoods. I only stopped because I realize that I need a stronger presentation which I will perfect this afternoon.
Anyway I realize that the key to my success in the art game is to sell 24/7 or at least 40 hour a week. Treat it like a real sales job and I’m confident it will treat me financially well. Regardless, after a 40 hour or more week I will quickly learn if its going to work. I’m confident in an 8 hour day if I speak with 20 or more people I can sell $100 print or more which would definitely be a well paid day. So I’m going after it with all I have one moment at a time.
Maze-ing Maze #1 Revisited
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Seneca Original quote from that day
Maze : I chose the first maze I ever did to remind me of where I started and where I hope to go. (It doesn’t work but gave me the concept/spark to go further with mazes.) Yesterday I attended the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. For those that don’t know one of my goals has been to be in the show. It’s an annual festival that I take my family to and its a time to find inspiration and a good time. Well in April when I was rejected I started to have bad feelings toward the festival. I was thinking about all the artists I had seen in the past that I feel I had more original, talented art than.
Yesterday morning when I woke up I decided that I would not allow myself to project negativity or judge anyone’s art from a mine is better than yours perspective, but instead learn and be inspired. So I went with the goal of staying open-minded and non judgemental.
I had a good time and enjoyed and spoke to and made many connections with the artists. I plan to speak with several of them about advice on how they make a living from art.
Most importantly I remained positive and realized what my next artistic mission needed to be. I decided another year of work is needed to improve and become the artist I want to be. So I decided to complete another year of focused practice with my art. But instead of the daily challenge I will challenge myself to creating a piece of work every other day or 183 total.
After having worked on one daily I realize that for me to grow now I need to have time to let my art come to me instead of hunting it down and killing it so to speak, which is required for the daily work. My goal is to challenge myself further to discover how to use more color to express the movement in the mazes. My goal is to become better at drawing people and trying to paint a couple of mazes. Bottom line I will spend the next year with a focus of taking what I learned from the first year and expanding those techniques into a better maze each time I try.
The one gripe that I do have though is in the fact that they featured no less than 10 artists that had been there for the past two or three years. And many of them had no new art. After creating 300+ new pieces in a year I don’t understand how these artists can’t come up with 8 -12 new pieces for a show and why a major festival would choose them. Negativity out and squashed!!!
Maze-ing Maze 110 Revisited
“While we are considering when we are to begin, it is often too late to act.” Quintillian (Original Quote)But I don’t want to leave until I see the breakthrough. Stephen Lewis
Maze 110: I chose todays maze because of the things going on in life and I try to put the pieces together. I’m really starting to get concerned for my well-being. So much negativity and anger is coming my way from so many directions that I cannot help but be a little scared.
Yesterday my uncle was the first person in my family to actually ask and listen to how screwed up things have been. And after listening responded with a “so what.” Long story short we got into several small arguments that almost ended in a fight.
Because it seems as though nobody cares or will even listen and things are tough I think I must be near a break thru in my life towards success. Or at least that’s what I hope. I believe this because things are getting so tough I feel like the universe is telling me to give up, give in to the negativity and give it right back. But I’m fighting the urge to give in.
I have to be close to something big because I’ve never had so much animosity come my way. So many tests on a daily basis. And I can’t remember a time when everyone family or friend seem to give less than a damn about me.
For those that have followed me maze-ing life I really need your good thoughts because I honestly don’t know how much longer I can last with the way things are going.
Maze-ing Maze 364
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Maze 364: I chose today’s quote because I think its something everyone needs to know or remember. I’ve been having a difficult time with this for a few months. The hardest part in dealing with the fears of life for me has been to stop and rationalize my fears. Whenever I do, with the exception of heights, almost 100% of the time the fears are not even worth giving power to much less being scared of. So today I work and focus on taking the power that I give my fears into the power of action toward my goals.
Maze 363 : After a few weeks resting up I’m going to get back into my daily work on my art. It’s all I feel I have left. During the past few weeks I realize I can’t seem to let go of my anger and bad feelings. As much as I’m trying to keep things positive and moving forward I struggle. I’m disappointed and angry with my family as they have no time for anything but their problems. I’ve tried to extend an olive branch hoping to improve things and it worked. But nobody asks and listens for the answer to how f**ked up my life is right now. Instead I gotta be a f**king counserlor. I have to help people find a reason to live when at times its hard to find my own reasons.
As I sit in hell (its been 100+ degrees the past few days) and the rest of the state burns down (I’m from Colo Springs and went to school at CSU in Fort Collins) I can’t help but find the irony that everywhere I’ve truly lived is on fire. Where I was born and raised is threatened by flames. Then I moved to Fort Collins and fire has threatened many areas that I used to travel during my years there. And Denver is just hot. I feel like my life to is a burning wildfire and arson is definitely the cause with 0% containment. For the first time in my life I really need a person in my life to talk to and lean on and nobody has time, nobody cares or even asks how its going. I chose the quote because I’m looking to be as honest with myself about possible reasons why nobody seems to be slightly interested in my welfare. I can’t figure out why. I honestly can say that I haven’t been that bad of a family member to be treated like this. On the bright side I woke up this morning giving me the opportunity to experience, appreciate, and make right my life. Regardless of my situation I choose to be positive and keep my head. Don’t forget to visit www.mazeingpuzzles.wordpress.com to see puzzles from Warren Stokes.
Maze-ing Maze 76 revisited September 4, 2011
“If you don’t ask for what you want how will you get what you want?” Unknown
Maze 76: Wow its funny how life works. I chose todays maze because I’m entering an art contest where the artist picks an inventor and creates a piece inspired by that inventor. So I was thinking back to all the mazes I completed trying to think of a maze that could represent an invention. So Maze 76 with the gears stuck out. I didn’t know the number at the time I just went through the files in wordpress. Anyway I found it and was about to post this and be done for the day. Something told me I should add the day from last year and maybe talk about what happened that day.
Long story short I read the post which is below. I had this same exact conversation yesterday with a guy who was definitely not nice like the person in the next passage. But he laughed at the thought that I believe that I could make a living selling mazes. After a few more rounds of discussion I left thinking maybe I’m crazy because I feel 100% sure I can make a living and will from “selling mazes.”
Although our conversation made me angry I think it was just another gift from the universe sending me what I needed. The majority of successes in my life have stayed on course when I get the fuel of doubters to keep my flying toward the final destination. With the fuel from this guy I brainstormed as many ideas I could come up with. But as in this post early in the project I realize that I haven’t really pushed my work to all the visitor here as well as in person.
So for sale I’m offering my prints again at my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/listing/86909371/maze-ing-print. I have “Cubicle Posters”. A 8 /12 by 11 print of your favorite maze and choose a personal quote that inspires you to action for $20.
September 4 2011 original post
As I mentioned last week I had someone hire me to do a commission piece for them. The person made a great point that I just can’t get over. They read my blog and wanted to know more about my failures specifically in art.
I explained my issues with shows and not making any money. They asked about this project and what was the purpose of the blog. I explained that I was challenging myself as well as hoping to promote and sell my art. Then they asked how does one make money without selling anything? Which I had no answer for of course.
Anyway I’m 70+ days into the project and have yet to even offer my art for sale. Which makes me wonder and think back to some of my past let downs and if they were because of simple mistakes. How many times did I “not offer to sell” and it cost me my goal?
Many times we think that we cannot do something we set out to do when in reality were probably not using all the available tools at our disposal. I’m curious to find out what other simple things have held others back or I’m I the only simpleton??!!!
With that said I invite you to visit the buy prints button if you would like prints of my work.
Matte style or gloss
Size 11 x 14 = $80 + $5 for shipping
size 12 x 18 = $110 + $5 for shipping
Maze-ing Maze 362
“Dedicated to those who came before me, those that came with me, those that came after me and to those who have yet to come.” Me “The Current Struggle”
Maze 362: I chose this quote from a poem I wrote because of what today means to my family! Its my Granny’s birthday as well as my oldest son. Its been a hard year for both of them and I hope that they enjoy the day.
I can’t believe that my oldest is 11 years old. There were so many nights I prayed to God to give him another day. (not because he was sick, I was just a sacred daddy worried about SIDS) It was funny when he was a baby my wife couldn’t get him to go to sleep because he would always want to breast feed. But with me he would stand in the crib and I would wrap a blanket around his shoulders like a cape. And he would fall straight back like he was shot and go right to sleep. He has been a great blessing to me and more than likely saved my life.
Now he is a “grown little boy” and amazes and inspires me with his abilities and talents. Honor roll, entrepreneur, athlete (scored 5 goals in the last game), respectful, well-behaved, and all you could want.
With my Granny I need to make amends with and let her know I still care about and love her. As I mentioned last post I realize that life is not about looking for love. It’s about loving those that mean something to you no matter what and letting them know your there.
I now realize and know that she loves me to death when I thought she didn’t care. Unfortunately her health and memory has declined. My Mom tells me that she keeps bringing up a story of me. Its been in the 100’s here in Colorado and when I was 3 years old she was holding me in her arms and I said “Granny you know what? Its hot out here!” and she laughed so hard. And out of all the time we spent together in my 36 years she remembers that even with her memory declining because she loves me!
For years I’ve been mad and angry with many family members because I always would get the how come you don’t call, or it was my birthday or etc comments. And I would think to myself the mail and phones ring in both directions. But I know it’s not because they didn’t love me, they feel that I’m tough enough to handle it when maybe they weren’t. Regardless I have to do what I can do and can control and that’s to let them know how I feel and that I’m here for them regardless of what they have done or haven’t. Happy Birthday Granny and baby boy!
Warren Stokes
Maze-ing Maze 57 Revisited
“I’ll be the water you need in a desert land, just to let you know you’ll always have my hand.” Alicia Keys
Maze 57: I wanted to thank everyone who followed me during this journey for the comments, feedback, positivity and love! I wanted to keep posting daily even though it may not be a new piece. And here is a chance to put a face to the madness. This is from the show I did back in December http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay3gR—EVg&feature=related
So the goal of the blog is still to post daily by sharing new art /revisit older pieces talk about what I’m trying to do with them artistically as well as discuss my maze-ing Life. I hope that everyone who got on board continues to ride with me.
I chose this quote because the song “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Alicia Keys made me cry the other day. I heard it for the first time and it made me sad about my life. The song is a great representation of how strong her love is. I was thinking to myself I want someone to love me like that. The depression and anger over my family situation began to take hold. This was four days ago.
Today I woke up and listened to the song again. But this time the right way. I realize that it’s not about finding someone who loves you that strong. It’s about loving others and yourself that strong. If I love my kids, my wife, my parents, my family, my friends and MYSELF that strong it will come back. More importantly everyone else will know how I feel about them.
During this trying year I have forgot to make sure that I let myself as well as everyone else that I’m here for them no matter what. So I started off the day with a call to my Mom and plan to let the people that mean the most to me that I have them no matter what.
I chose the maze because this was one of my favorite. One of my goals is to give each maze many levels of depth. And this one I was able to provide that with a crazy looking maze. This maze really makes me feel proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish artistically.
Maze-ing Maze 361
“I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.” Abraham Lincoln
Maze 361: I have a new series of art that I’m working on (non mazes) based around the word nigger/nigga. I’m so tired of people calling me that with their hands out in friendship only to defend their right to use it even though it offends me. I realize the new racisim is coming from a large group of people who think that they are not racisist because some of their best friends are niggers. After the last incident on Tuesday I came home and started brainstorming ideas to express my anger with art. I chose the quote because it showcases how people will say that they are with you and we are all people but I will share them on another site when they are finished so that I don’t get this on shut down. But they are nothing nice and they definitely will probably get the blog shut down.
Maze-ing Maze 360
“To achieve your goals you don’t have to give 100% everyday, but everyday give a 100%” Me
So the following post is what I wrote before I quit. I still have drawn a few mazes since last Thursday but I got home and decided to quit 359 days in. It didn’t hurt like I thought it would because let’s be real I had 359 up to that point and made so much more progress than I expected. I quit because I looked at my life and felt I didn’t deserve to complete a goal having lost so much the past year. My family is falling apart, my business cost us our apartment, and I’m separated from my wife. So what the hell would make hitting 365 days of mazes any better?
So moving forward for those visitors that enjoy my work. I will continue to share my new work with you and my daily work will continue with the exception of no deadline on finishing. Two days a maze is more likely. I’ve learned so many things that can take my art to the next level and time and experimentation is the best way to express that verses quantity. However I will share a new major goal that I plan on achieving during the next 365 days. If I’ve learned anything from this project is that I have to try everyday and give 100% during every attempt.
Maze 360: I chose this quote because I was at the library and saw Jessie whom I met years ago. I told him I was going to make a book of mazes with a game. I didn’t realize how long ago that was but I’m still not done (the mazes are). But he said regardless you’ve still been working. And I realize he was right even if my original project is not finished. And my thoughts were the quote as stupid as it sounds it makes sense!
So this morning I woke to another great email. My friend and mentor Pam Boyd http://pamboyd.wordpress.com/ contacted me because she was visiting Denver and wanted to take me to lunch. She has a book “The Miracle I Almost Missed” about navagating the “maze” of relationships, featuring my mazes on the cover and throughout the book. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-miracle-i-almost-missed-navigating-the-relationship—-?keyword=the+miracle+i+almost+missed+navigating+the+relationship+…&store=allproducts&iehack=%E2%98%A0
It was such a treat to share a meal with her and get to meet her in person. We have shared several conversations about her work, my art, life and relationships over the past few months and meeting was the final piece. I thanked her for believing in me and my art enough to accompany her words. Trying to complete a task a day is tough with life and all. But having angels like Pam emailing me when she can read, or see the depression of life creeping in on my posts has made this crazy year easier.
So again thank you Pam and her husband Bernie for being fans and believing in the crazy maze man!!!!
Maze-ing Maze 359
“Follow your bliss, and doors will open for you that you never knew existed. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls. ” Joseph Campbell
Maze 359: I chose todays quote because of my belief in the law of attraction. I wholeheartedly believe we draw in what we need. So for instance if you are tired of being broke and complain/focus about what you don’t have the universe responds by sending you nothing. Where if you feel that although your broke the universe will supply you with what you need things will happen.
Case in point, since my move I’ve started to again focus at looking at the positive sides of all situations. I’ve asked the universe for what I need rather than to tell it what I don’t have. Since that time I met a new business partner which I needed to help me complete a major business project.
I also needed more employees to help me complete the project. Yesterday I met two door to door flyer guys who are getting ripped off by their current employer. Both named Jesus (the Spanish pronunciation) but quite possibly saviors. And wordpress freshly pressed my site!
To top that off today I woke up thinking how I didn’t have a dime in my pocket but that it would be okay all I needed would be supplied. Not five minutes out the door I find $11 on the ground in front of an apartment complex that has no less than 3oo residents coming and going. And then I check my email to find a check from a client waiting for me that was 2 months late.
All these things tell me that I need, no have to focus on the positive and everything will take care of itself through the law of attraction. That being said I do believe that you have to put in the work as well. I think that attraction is only attracted to action!
To play my art as a puzzle visit www.mazeingpuzzles.wordpress.com
Warren Stokes
Maze maze 358
“Take care of each moment and you will take care of all time.” Budda
Maze 358: I chose this quote because of my focus the past few days. I’ve been working hard to take care of every moment or make every moment count in regards to my goals and responsiblities. Its inspiring to see how much can be accomplished on a daily basis if you focus on using every moment in a purposeful way.
To play my art as a puzzle visit http://www.mazeingpuzzles.wordpress.com
Warren Stokes
Maze-ing Maze 357
Maze 357: So I tried to push myself to be creative. I was inspired by a leaf and went with that. This is probably in the top 10 of my hardest mazes. The leaf may be too hard to complete from a scan.
But as you can see below I wanted to add color to the leaf and it looks kinda good to me but it makes the maze almost impossible to see. After I started coloring it, it was too late to stop and it really destroyed the beauty of the maze. But that’s the price of experiment.
I chose the quote because I’ve been thinking about my situation and the other night. My sons really wanted to fight, for fun I thought. But after 30 minutes of constant attacking I realized that they were angry with me about the separation. It hurt my heart to see the pain and frustration in their eyes. But I think the fighting helped them to express what they wanted to say but didn’t.
Maze-ing Maze 356
“Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less. One is always living a little more or dying a little bit.” Norman Mailer
Maze 356: The good thing about this project is when I run out of ideas are hate the art/mazes that I’m doing I can look back and see a large body of work. I’m very inspired right now its just not coming out in the mazes at all I feel like I’m stuck in the same maze over and over. But as I’ve seen in the past year the creativity in the mazes will return if I just keep going.
On the other hand though I started finishing a book that I was 3/4 done so I can’t complain!
Maze-ing Maze 355
Maze 355: For the next few mazes I’m going to challenge myself to use colors. I’m not the best at it as you can see. I usually only like black and white, blue and green. But with practice I know it will get better.
Maze-ing Maze 354
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
Raymond Chandler
Maze 354: I’m very motivated to pick up the pen and start writing or should I say finishing the many books I’ve started. Today was so cool I met a guy who I showed one of my many maze books to and he pulled out a similar binder full of daily writings. Wow.
Maze-ing Maze 353
A baby is God’s opinion that life should go on.
Carl Sandburg
Maze 352: Telling my kids that we are separated really broke their heart. Damn I really hate myself for that.
This is my favorite maze that I’ve done. This however is part two, a much larger version of the first. I was so amazed at the outcome and still love it that I did it again. The picture I was drawing from had two elephants face to face like they were kissing and my mind took over and created this.
Maze-ing Maze 351
“You are not alone, I am here with you.” Micheal Jackson
Since I’ve moved I’ve had to walk a few blocks to post my maze. So this is the second maze I did today but the only one finished. I did another one and got caught up in life and didn’t think I could finish the maze and post it after walking thru the rain I should add to sit on the side of a Barnes and Noble.
But anyway what a freakin day. I wrote the majority of this post earlier today to prepare myself for tonight. But so many things happened since that I have to add my life. Okay so when you see the maze 351 that starts early today.
I saw my muse today after not seeing her for almost two years. I told her about the site and explained how influential she was in getting me to this point. It was cool but also unsatisfying. She was flattered but I guess I expected more. But after she sees the work maybe she will understand. We didn’t even exchange phone numbers. I mentioned her about 100 something mazes ago about her influence on getting me here.
Also I didn’t want to go into full detail as you will read soon about this entire love thing but my marriage all but ended last night leading into today so its been a painfully, chaotic, strange, wonderfully, positively negative day.
And with that I will share more tomorrow so that I don’t lose my computer getting soaked on my run home.
Maze 351: Wow today is a very monumental day for me. There are two major things that have happened to me in the past 24 that have shaped my life. Love and the death of Ray Bradbury. I chose todays quotes because love is a beautiful and powerful force and Ray Bradbury was a major inspiration in my writing.
Love! It can make us forget who we are, our religion and beliefs. On a more positive note it can make us change to become a better person, discover our soul and empower us to conquer the world.
But as powerful and addicting it can be it definitely is not the answer to keeping a relationship going. And its unfortunate that people assume that’s all that’s needed to keep it going. I realize I was wrong in my own personal relationships.
I’m 36 going on 37 in September and when I was in elementary school (can’t remember the grade) Ray Bradbury came to the school to talk about his career and writing. I can honestly say that I thought he was dead. Because 28 to 30 years ago he was already old. Anyway his talk to us made me want to write books. You can’t do it anymore but after his talk I wrote a horror story of my school being massacred by a “Jason Vorhees” (friday the 13th) style character. I can remember sharing it with everyone to get their opinions.
Anyway I wanted to mention him and give props to one of the best writers of all time in sci-fi. And give thanks to the person who gave me the inspiration to pick up the pen and tell stories.
Maze-ing Maze 350
“In creating, the only hard thing is to begin: a grass blade’s no easier to make than an oak.”
James Russell Lowell
Maze 350: 15 mazes to go! I can’t believe I made it this far. I have a lot of steam left in the engine so I know I will keep going. I can say though I will more than likely go smaller for my daily mazes because I have many ideas that I need to explore on a larger level that take more time.
As I mentioned in the past few days I’m working on creating a show to display and make sense of the project. After reading many of my posts I have to wonder about my sanity!!!! I guess that makes me a true artist. I’m trying to come up with a central theme and showcase for the slide presentation of the days/maze/blog passage and quote in a manner that will be entertaining and can be viewed in an hour or less. The only thing I can really come up with is chaos because of the blog, creativity from the art, inspiration from the quotes. Maybe I can call it Maze-ing Life The creative chaos.
Anyway one more day away!
Warren Stokes Art 
