Embrace Failare

These are my brothers Alex and Josh at the Academy Awards yesterday. On the right is Josh, his movie Gasland was nominated for best documentary feature. Sadly, he didn't walk away with the Oscar. So today more than ever we have to take the motto of Mr. Let's Paint to heart and 'embrace failare'.

The fact is Gasland hasn't failed - it's a much greater winner than the film that got the award because it's actually doing something to change the world.

Power Tip No. 1: Make Them Wait

Not only was I one hour late for my appearance on Let's Paint TV on Friday, I am also late in delivering this blog post about it.

But according to author Gretchen Rubin: "[a]lthough a perennial favorite, tardiness is a tricky way to demonstrate power. On the one hand, it's a highly effective way to consume resources - other people's time and effort. Also, being late makes you seem busy, and therefore important. On the other hand, it's so well understood to be a power move, and so irritating, that you're often better off being prompt. So use tardiness cautiously."

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Top Makeover Tip No. 1: Read This Book!

I delivered my motivational lecture 'Performance Art Can Change Your Life For the Better!' at Sheffield Hallam University on Wednesday as part of their Transmission series around the theme of 'Provocation'. In my estimation, the audience of 100s was as inspired as they were provoked. I shared my story of transformation from a shy and introverted painter to the confident and poised performance artist you know today. I introduced the students and staff to my heroines, one of which is Judy Chicago and highlighted this book as recommended reading. It changed my life, I know it can change yours!

Introducing Oriana Fox

Oriana Fox has a lot to deal with – whether it’s her psychological neuroses or the challenges inherent in the bohemian lifestyle – she finds creativity to be the only respite. If Oriana can find happiness, or at least enjoy herself in the process of striving towards it, so can you! Well, that is the arguably tenuous premise under which she has been invited to contribute to the Protagonist starting in February 2011. She is currently in the process of planning a series of live performances, a web-TV show and a new film which will be screened alongside videos by other artists who are also searching for emotional wellbeing and/or self-actualisation through their work. Oriana and her creative collaborators will share their respective coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s struggles. As life coach Barbara DeAngelis once said: “We teach what we need to learn.” For those readers whose cup of joy runneth over, many of the techniques illuminated here can be employed towards achieving unimaginably higher levels of happiness. 

Oriana’s project is The Art of Living and it kicks off on 12 April 2011 with a performance called The Do-It-All Dating Game at Nottingham Contemporary.

Disclaimer: The instruction and advice presented in this blog are not intended as a substitute for qualified medical counselling. Before beginning this or any other wellbeing regimen, consult a physician. Oriana Fox is not a qualified doctor or even expert – she is merely a professional artist. Therefore she and the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any injury or feelings of ennui or hopelessness that may occur as a result of reading this blog or following any of the instructions contained herein.

 

dreamy Puella Aeterna

Linder’s film, Forgetful Green, for Ch4/Frieze Foundation. Judith Williams as Puella Aeterna / cinematography : Tim Walker / costumes: Richard Nicoll / stylist: Anthony Campbell / hair and makeup designed by Debbie Dannell / assisted by Emily Mergaert for MAC / rose field: Cant's of Colchester. 11. vii. 2010.