For you long-time readers, the theme of de-accessing has come up several times. Originally when I prepared to sell my house, again when I organized the emptying of my parents' home, and guess what??? It's arisen again because my mission upon returning to Pittsburgh this year is to empty my storage unit which has been safeguarding my art work and favorite objects since 2009.  Yes, 2009!! This space is only 7'x10', yet it was crammed floor to ceiling with boxes of old letters, 1000's of photos documenting my life and travels, art books, handmade glassware, and of course, ART.  LOTS of art.

My friend Patty reminded me that she had seen me agonize over this project (without attacking it, I might add) for 3 years, and that I repeatedly became "re-enchanted" with my stored belongings. Yes, she was right! I kept those things because I loved them, and when I unwrap them: a clan head from New Guinea brought down the Sepik River by my friend Rhoda Lurie, for example, or a set of bronzeware my dad brought mom from Thailand, I love them still.

I've now given or tossed away much of my past and am finally unveiling the treasure trove of art I created over the years. (I was more prolific than I thought!)  Here I am with "Beatin' the Blues," part of The Jazz Series.  

I'm putting photos of these works online so they can find new homes (code word for buyers!) where they will be cherished and appreciated.  

At this moment, I, the Unrealistic Artist must think Realistically.  Despite a resumé listing my accomplishments (check it out here, if verification is necessary) and numerous articles written about my work, I AM NOT FAMOUS!  FURTHERMORE, I AM ALIVE!!!! In the art business, sorry to say, those conditions are detriments. My brother Tom, who is now the Chairman of the Board at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (where I had a show in 1981 by the way) told me that they had a frou-frou event Labor Day weekend to celebrate the installation of a Lichtenstein sculpture on the lawn. Purchased from his estate for a fee of $1 million.  Yes, Virginia, one million dollars!  He's famous and he's very dead. 

Yet here's the plus, the benefit for purchasers of the work I'm now unveling:  IT'S A BARGAIN! You or any other collector can have your space enlivened by an original Houlihan for so much less than a million bucks. So, por favor, please check out my new blog (anunrealisticlife.com) to see the first gallery in my portfolio. New galleries will be added soon. 

Though I don't care about being famous, I do care about selling my art.  It was made with love and a desire to share beauty or to create images with enough soul to touch the heart of the viewer, the reason my business was named Moving Images.  So, I'm asking for help here.  As I post these images online, Please Tweet, Re-tweet, pin on Pinterest, add to Instagram if you know how to do that (I confess I don't yet), share on Facebook, anything you can think of to help my work reach an audience, a buyer, a patron. See below to forward this newsletter. Here in the birthplace of Andy Warhol, perhaps you can help me gain 15 minutes of Internet Fame. 

Yes, there's a deadline!!!! My mission is to have this done by the end of September! Find buyers for the art, close the storage unit, so I can resume my Unrealistic Life and truly travel unfettered. It's like a Pop-Up Shop, only online. And yes, I have Paypal, so if you or anyone else see a work they love, email me and we'll work out the details. 

Here's an example of a handpainted silk piece, La Mer, La Mer III, based on ocean visions. Size: 22"x22", framed. $300.

Once again, remember to take care of your special selves, follow your dreams, and express your love fully to those around you.  

Abrazos y besos,

Elena