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Monday, September 3, 2012

1)Finalist for AAA Prize 2)Daffodils Sold!

London Paralympics excites me so much! Yey!! (*Can you remember once I sketched Australian paralympians?)

Now, great news. My work, "Melancholic Beer" is running as a finalist for Arts Access Australia prize ($5,000) and People's choice ($1,000).  Some people have already voted for me --- I'd really appreciate kindness. Very encouraging. In response to your vote, I'll keep up creating good work! Run, Sadami, run!

AAA prize is the only national art prize for people with disability. Wow, all shortlisted work is powerful and evocative. Level is high. What an honour that I could get in! Very happy!

But winning is not all. I always try comps to challenge myself. Also, I make new nice friends through comps.

Indeed, I'm really looking forward to

Desire and Destination: ArtsActivated Conference 

to meet other artists, staff and involved people in Chatswood Concourse in October. Furthermore, AAA kindly offer their website for artists to show art works. Other artists' stories really lift me up.

Here's my section.

Joint it and maximize opportunities, if you're eligible!


Another good news! 
My work, "daffodils" was sold at Victoria Cancer Council annual exhibition in Melbourne. So happy I could contribute to VCC. The theme is "strength." Here's the shortlisted work(pdf).  Each work is very touchy. Oh..., people create art work in really a narrow margin between life and death. Their work teaches me how precious our every moment is. I heartily hope my work will bring others strength, hope and joy.
So, Friends, if you have anyone involved with disabilities or cancer, please pass this post and encourage them to join these organizations. Anyone deserves to be happy. Let's enjoy life fully!

Oh, yes, one more good news. 

I've been challenging walking with a new orthotics, a new brace/splint and new red feminine shoes. (*Orthotics = shoe sole. Splint=brace to hold a leg). This splint -- light, flexible, strong -- serves very well! The best one I ever tried before. Now, it allows me to put on girly shoes. Yey!
Even though my case is very difficult to organize a best-fit orthotics,  the podiatrist has been working hard for these years. 
I will never give up.
Of course, sometimes, I feel life is hard. But I'm busy with being happy and working on art. So, I tell negative feelings/thoughts etc, "I don't have time to play with you," and shut a door.ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ  
I've learned this paradox. Hope never leaves us -- Hope requires one condition; have "guts" to keep it. I have guts and I know your cheers are my energy. Thanks millions!

Friends, have a wonderful week. Happy Painting!!










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60 comments:

  1. Oh, Sadami! You are full of good news :) I clicked on your link to vote. I want to make sure I did the right thing, though as it only offered me to rate your piece.... it this correct?? Very much good luck. This piece is amazing. So full of expression and the lighting, outstanding!

    Love your daffodils. Especially how the foreground flowers really pop. Congrats on your sale!

    Woo hoo! Girlish shoes! I had no idea about your challenges but, since my introduction to you and your work through Rhonda, I've so admired and am drawn to your cheerful outlook on life. You've got the right idea.... no playing with negative feelings and thoughts... Think good - receive good. Think the worst and.... that's what you get. We all can have our 'closet days' as I call them (grouchy, leave me alone.. I'm going to lock myself in the closet) and sometimes it feels good to grouch! But on the whole, the sunny side of life is filled with so much more. Still have crummy nuisances... but they stay in their place when focus is on the good.

    So you go, Girl! You rock :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Pam,
      Thank you very much! Yes, your vote certainly came in(*I believe so!). The sketch was done in a pub during a daytime. Very interesting. The model was quiet, but we communicated each other without word. I simplified the background and focused on value and light.
      The daffodils were lovely presents from NSW Cancer Council volunteers, while we were having a treatment. (*although I do not have cancer, I have the same treatment at hospital.) It was too beautiful to chuck it. Then, I painted it.

      Yes! The red girlish shoes are nice! My podiatrist encouraged me to try them(rather hard for me to find appropriate shoes. The podiatrist suggested how to choose them). I'm enjoying the red shoes!

      I totally undersatnd "closet" days(a clever expression!)-- sure, we have rainy days. BUT Pam, we have sunny days, too!!! I feel most of days are upto our view, how we feel/think it. If so, we're the boss and life is under control like you said above.

      Let's enjoy our lives fully! They await us with smile!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  2. Me alegro por esa venta, Sadami. Ojalá consigas también el premio, sin duda merecido.
    ¡Bonitos trabajos!
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola, Onera,
      Muchas gracias por aplausos amables!
      Voy a mantener el ritmo. Tú, también, disfrutar de la pintura y el dibujo.
      Un abrazo, Sadami

      Hi, Onera,
      Thank you very much for kind cheers!!
      I'll just keep up. You,too, enjoy painting and drawing.
      A hug, Sadami

      >>>Onera said...
      I'm happy for that sale, Sadami. Hopefully get the prize also undoubtedly deserved.
      Nice work!
      A hug.

      Delete
  3. Congratulations on the sale, the new girly shoes, and the painting in the contest - which I think will win :) Keep smiling, Sadami, keep telling those negative feelings you don't have time for them :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yahoooo, Rhonda!! (what a pretty photo in avatar!)
      Thank you very much. Yes, life is short and I'll tell good-bye to negative feelings. You, too, take care and enjoy drawing and painting.
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  4. Oh congratulations, Sadami! What wonderful news, three times! I love your red dancing shoes, you will be dancing through life! xx Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Judy,
      Thank you for cheers! I'll keep on dancing with the red shoes. Life is short, no time to complaing about anything. Let's enjoy it fully.
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  5. Hello Sadami

    Of course I voted for you.
    Can I vote every day?

    kind regards
    patrick

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Patrick,
      Thank you very much!!! Regarding voting, I think one vote per person would be a rule. Honest, I do not think I will win, but it's a great opportunity to get a public exposure. Let's enjoy art activities and friendship.
      I'd really appreciate your kind say.
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  6. Enhorabuena por tu selección y trabajo!, ya he tenido el placer de votarte, porque la obra se lo merece. Un cordial saludo.

    Congratulations on your selection and work!,I've had the pleasure to vote for you, because the work is worth it. Kind regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola, AcuargonG,
      Gracias por un gran apoyo y aplausos cálidos. Voy a seguir hasta el dibujo y la pintura. Tú, también, disfrutar de actividades de arte!
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Hi, AcuargonG,
      Thank you for a great support and warm cheers. I'll keep up drawing and painting. You, too, enjoy art activities!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  7. Dear Sadami,
    Your melancholic beer drinker is so expressive, he's already a winner in my mind! I hope that's how the others see it too and wish you luck!
    The red girly shoes somehow fully become my image of you - positive, optimistic, defying obstacles... Enjoy them, girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Blaga,
      The melancholic beer drinker was done in a pub during a daytime. Very interesting. The model was quiet, but we communicated each other deeply. I simplified the background and focused on value and light. I used a "limited palette."
      Hahaha! The red girly shoes are nice and pretty! I have not put on lady shoes these 7 yrs after the onset of the disability. But like you said, I want to be "positive, optimistic, defying obstacles"!! You, too, enjoy darwing and painting.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  8. Your work is SO beautiful Sadami I hope you win!!!! :) And congrats on the sale too. That little smiling girl is so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Crystal,
      Thank you for encouragements! Your drawings and paintings are always beautiful and eye pleasant. Above all, so many people love your work -- I'm one of them! I'll keep up!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  9. Fantástiko, Sadami, un saludo desde las antípodas.... :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola, Manuel,
      Gracias por aplausos amables! Tú, también, disfrutar de dibujo y pintura.
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Hi, Manuel,
      Thank you for kind cheers! You, too, enjoy drawing and painting.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Manuel said...
      Fantastiko, Sadami, greetings from Down Under

      Delete
  10. sadami you are such a wonderful person ! you make me happy with your paintings and words !
    congratulations for all these good news ! you are the best !
    your new shoes are beautiful !
    I wish you a happy september

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Marty,
      Thank you very much! You always cheer me up. Your photos and poems are so beautiful and so touchy. You, too, keep up the blog and make us, readers happy!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  11. That's wonderful news, Sadami. Run, Sadami, run! You are an inspiration to all of us. oxox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Debbie,
      Thank you very much for warm cheers! I'm challening keeping muscles as much as possible on the disabled leg. Your cheers make me move on!!!
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  12. Sadami
    Well done. It is a lovely piece - full of expression and superb technique as always.

    Those red shoes look good. Good luck - I hope the shoes and splint will serve you well :).

    Take care, Ev

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Evelyn,
      Thank you for warm cheers! I'm exploring watercolour techniques. The red shoes a bit give me pain. I'm practicing walking with them.
      You,too, enjoy drawing and painting!!
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  13. Well done... As even !
    Best regards from Paris,

    Pierre

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Pierre,
      Thank you for warm cheers!! I'll keep up. You,too, enjoy photos!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  14. Sadami, you're an inspiration! I love your positive attitude!
    Have voted for you too and now I'm fully back, am looking forward to catching up with you. love, Pat xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Pat,
      Thank you very much!! You, too, are an ispiration for us, readers! Take it easy. I love your blog and posts so much!
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  15. Go go go Sadami! I'm rooting for you! I went to vote and stoped to see the other artists works also, some very interesting stuff in there, right?
    Congrats for the sale too, way to go dear, you deserve it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Teresa,
      Thank you very much!!! Yes, many other artists did great job, too! I'll enjoy this opportunity fully and make friends with others. Ah, very happy that someone bought my daffodils(*one of my favorite one!). You, too, take care. I hope your project will go well. Go, go, Teresa!!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  16. I'm back from voting for you --It is a wonderful painting!

    I am struck by how positive you always are (all your posts lift me up) and yet you do not confine yourself to only cheery subject matter..... you certainly captured the poignant and weary look on this man's face. All your paintings show how you care about others.

    "run, Sadami, run" made me smile and I must remember your counsel, to "shut the door" and "not play" when doubts creep in. Sadami for President! You are a smart and enormously talented person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Celeste,
      Thank you very much! Very happy to know my posts cheer you up.
      Thank you again for your nice comments on my work that just depicted what I meant to pin down in the work. Yes, I'm interested in capturing a person by watercolour on paper. I'll keep challenging it.
      Hahahaha, you get it("run, Sadami, run!" *I wondered who would get it.) Well, after President Lisa Simpson, I'd try it?!
      I know you, too, are a very smart and wonderfully talented person!!
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  17. Well done Sadami - your work has every chance of success in the competition. Who could fail to love it!

    Isn't the Para-Olympics wonderful. We've been treated to some great success stories and I think it will help raise the profile of these sports, and bring more people into the fold.
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Gillian,
      Thank you so much!!
      And yes, the praralympics is great that encourages me so much. My podiatrist once said with a smile, "Try the paralympics?" I wish I could. Everyday exercises and moving muscles are essential for me (otherwise, I'll lose muscles). Paralympians are my heros. They push boundaries. I'll just keep up!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  18. Congratulations, Sadami! So many good news. That's excellent. Even better is your optimism and strong spirit. Well done to you! Keep going! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Hwee,
      Thank you very much! Yes, I'm the person, "walking optimism and guts" hahaha?! I'll keep up!! You, too!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  19. Hello Sadami:) Your post gave me chicken skin :) Your positivity is screeming out my screen. Your paintings/drawings are amazing and have the same positivity. You are a great example for everybody. Oh and eh.. you have my vote!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Renate,
      Thank you very much!!! I'm the person, "walking optimism and guts." Although I do not have cancer, I have the same treatment at hospital and share time with patients with leukemia and cancer. One day, NSW Cancer Council gave us, patients daffodils. Too beautiful to chuck them. I made that watercolour painting.
      Your support, cheers and caring gives me energy to move on! Thanks!!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  20. Dear Sadami one of the reasons that made ​​me very happy to be a grandmother is that I did not think 16 years ago to be able to see the birth of my grandchildren.
    I had a first cancer at age 43 and then many treatments such as radiotherapy chemotherapy hormone therapy ... I had another moment of this cancer disease in 2005 and again in 2010.
    Surgery, radiotherapy, drugs,stress of controls follow up.. beyond the love of my family ,the joy of living and expressing myself through writing and painting helped me every day.
    There are people who not survive, and for these are my prayers for the peace of their souls, and others who fear for the future, destroys life daily . For these people,
    sometimes talk openly about cancer
    is an aid
    not to feel isolated, to understand that each of our days
    is life to live, regardless of the fact that we had cancer.
    Smiling is a great gift!
    There is a great strength in optimism and in hope!
    I admire the art of your work, Sadami, like art that you face
    your life.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Brave Rita,
      Thank you for sharing your story. Very happy to know you celebrate every moment of your life. I'm sure, to see your grandchildren makes you so happy.
      Oh, how tough life you have had!! --beyond language, I feel--but you've survived till today. I met the lady at a treatment room and she said, "Dr said I would not live a year," and "Today, now, more than 30yrs. So, I tell myself, "Everyday is a bonus". Her say reminds me of you, Rita.

      Although I do not have cancer, I have the same treatment at hospital. (My case is still idiopathic.) The conversations with other patients have inspired me and motivated me to try a Vitoria Cancer Council annual comp. (*This comp has been opened to overseas, too. So, Rita, you're eligible! Come and join it!! Sing the beauty of life with other arists!)
      Indeed, my disability and treatments also have motivated me for blogging. Yes, Rita, I wanted to cheer up people suffering in chronic conditions.

      This quote I found at hospital. It has become my motto. I've decided to be the best dancer in a storm! Yey!!
      I'd devote this for anyone in need.
      "Live simply.
      Love passionately.
      Care deeply. Speak kindly.
      Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
      It's about learning to dance in the rain."

      Me, too, admire your art work, guts and smiling face! Go, go, Rita~!!
      Best wishes and smile, Sadami

      Delete
    2. Dear Sadami, I voted.
      I appreciate your words
      and the poetry and the strength
      inside them!
      I smiled in the rain ...sometime in the storm!

      Delete
    3. ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ·.•*•♫°•♫·.•ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ !!

      Delete
  21. I VOTED!!! Beautiful sketches, Sadami.. You deserve to get this prize!! You are such an inspiration, my friend!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Hilda, my friend,
      Thank you sooooo much! In response to your support, I'll keep up good work!! You, too, enjoy drawing and painting!!!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  22. さだみさんへ

    オメデトウ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    こんなにたくさん、おめでとう、コメントが送られているので、わたしいうことなさそう。

    いいニュース。
    みんなの力になるわね。

    さだみさんは前に進む力をあたらえらるひとね。わたしも、この夏いろいろありましたが、こっちにかえってきてから、絵をかくことで、救われています。昨日は、絵のことで、友人と、延々3時間もおしゃべり。
    絵をやっててよかったわ。
    わたしもがんばるよーーーー。

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Midori,
      ありがとうございます。が、間違いなく、bloggersと私は前に進む力を fifty-fifty, "give and take"です。It's never a one way relation between bloggers and me. Very happy to know others happy feedback. Their cheers are my energy.
      And "この夏いろいろありました" で、人生ではありませんか? 何も無かったら私は生きて居りません。
      良かったですね。友人と、絵の話を3時間もおしゃべり出来て!
      お互い、がんばりましょう!!
      Kind regards, Sadami

      Delete
  23. Ah, sweet girl, you deserve good luck. Your red shoes remind me of Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz! May they take you where you want to go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sweet Origame,
      Thank you so much! Yes, like Dorothy, I'll step into a bright future and walk to happiness!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  24. Just back to voted for your beer drinker. Congrats for the daffodils !

    Be happy with your red shoes ;)

    This summer I've been thinking about you and your character sketches when I tried finally to sketch my son while he's playing. What a challenge! but a moment of pure happiness. Thank you to you for your enthusiasm that has crossed oceans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Lydie,
      Thank you so much and welcome back! Me, too, have been thinking of you, as you said you would have a holiday leave. Very happy to know you enjoy sketching on spot. It's a great fun. Let us share joy!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  25. Congratulations, Sadami! I am so glad for you and I voted! Keep going in your new comfortable shoes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Irina!!
      Yes, I'm walking tall in the red shoes, showing off a "dress". Yey!
      Cheers, wink, wink, Sadami

      Delete
  26. This is terrific news, Sadami. I'm so glad for you. I like your new shoes. They look very trendy. I'll vote for you when I finish writing this post. I wish you all the best, dear Sadami :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Anna,
      You're always sweet. Your support gives me energy.
      The podiatrist and I chose these shoes and he recommended me to try "red." He has many daughters and said, "I can understand woman's feeling(toward shoes)."
      You, too, enjoy drawing and painting! Look forward to next!!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  27. I VOTED!!! wonderful sketches, Sadami.. cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Mari,
      Thanks millions!!! I'll keep up. You, too, enjoy drawing and painting!
      Cheers, Sadami

      Delete
  28. I voted for you a week ago but it seems I didn't leave a comment and this post is certainly worthy of a comment. I love the beer drinker and can see why you were chosen as a finalist. The character, the way you overlap the paint. Love it! Congrats on the sale too! Love the shoes and the happy girl. Stay happily painting! Of course I do not have to tell you. You are the happiest painter around!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Dan,
      Thank you very much!! Dan, I'm happy to know many people all over the world supporitng me. What a lucky woman I am! Yes, like your say, "I'm the happiest painter around!" I'll keep that phrase for ever.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      Delete
  29. Ya lo he hecho Sadami, te deseo todo lo mejor. Te animo a seguir pintando para ser feliz.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Querido José,
    Thank you so much! Voy a hacer seguir pintando! Voy a cantar la belleza y la alegría de vivir!
    Un abrazo y una sonrisa, Sadami

    Dear Jose,
    Thank you so much! I'll do keep painting!! I'll sing the beauty and the joy of life!
    A hug and smile, Sadami

    >>>Jose said...
    I've done Sadami, I wish you all the best. I encourage you to continue painting to be happy.
    A hug.

    ReplyDelete