Tonight I spent the evening on the phone with my friend Deb from the Debworks Blog and @Debworks on twitter. We had a great chat on social media, the web, emerging technology, passion and it’s relation to business and community. As an artist and woodturner I have immersed myself in the online space studying everything from the ways people connect to the nuances around the way things work.

When I got off the phone, my good friend John Meadows sent me this link that was very in-tune with the discussion I had with Deb. (John will be podcasting about it this weekend) It seems that community is going from a word that meant ‘Dealing with your not-so-friendly neighbors‘ to ‘connecting with like minded people for the greater good of the world‘.

The video below is my interpretation of the web we live in and maybe even a little lens into the future.
Watch the video, then read my special offer to anyone who wants to learn.

So my question to you is…What else does community mean? What does it mean to you? How does it impact your life on and offline? This is a short video, made to make you think about what it really means to be part of a community.

My Offer

As I said, tonight I spent the night helping a community member create her online presence. I enjoyed that and it’s something I would like to add to my week. Once a week I will give one person a phone call to ask me anything they would like to ask. Are you new to the online space? Are you interested in using web tools for business? Do you want to set up a blog? Are you a veteran, a newbie, or somewhere in-between. Lets talk! By doing this we not only enrich our lives but the knowledge gets passed on to those in your community making the experience that much more enjoyable. You get out of life, what you put in. I am offering up myself to you. Call me and lets connect.

Leave a note in the comments about what community means to you and I will comment back via email. We can set up chats via email. keith (at) magicwoodworks (dot) com

Music by: Sarah Vonderhaar (Using community to spread the word about her music and photography)

Popularity: 19% [?]

Select Flickr Photos by Color

Do you blog a lot? Do you ever look to try and match the photos or images in your blog based on a color theme? Do you often scour through flickr to try and find images that use creative commons licencing? Well, I have found a new tool that I think is amazing called Flickr Color Selectr.

The site is nothing pretty, but it works great!

Select a Color from the color Box

Slide the color bar on the right up and down to get a frequency of colors. Then Pick a section in the color box to generate related photo options

Results

You can see I have selected a portion in the green and an example of the results.
I found this to be a pretty cool tool. A bit rough around the edges, but the results are great.
It also gives you an option to choose more results if the first page of results does not deliver what you were looking for.

Creative Commons

All of the results that this page generates are photos or images that have some type of creative commons licensing. Be sure to follow the correct attributions and give credit where credit is due.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Today I was talking to some friends in my Twitter network and I asked; If there is something that you would want me to write about, what would it be? I received one answer from Suze Muse. Suze wanted me to write about what inspires me to create. I decided instead of a long winded inspirational post from me that I would put together a short video in hopes that this will get you thinking about how you become inspired to create. However, I don’t want to skirt the question that was posed to me, so I answer it this way~

“I am inspired to create by life, by being aware of the beauty that is always surrounding me, and by acting on those inspirations that are delivered to my subconscious.”

A HUGE thank you to John Piercy and John Meadows for their amazing Beautiful World Photography!

Here are some answers that I received after flipping the question back to my friends.

What inspires YOU to create?

Drew Beatty - @KeithBurtis My kids were my inspiration. Saccharine but true. I started writing again after a long hiatus while waiting for my 1st son.

Chris Cavs - @KeithBurtis usually i get inspired when my mind can wander: shower, driving, hiking, mtn biking

Dunrie - @keithburtis I find that “retreat” or quieting myself down helps me see things from a new perspective

E.C. Stewart - @KeithBurtis I accumulate ideas, sketch ‘em down, and later compile for when consumer demand and inspiration meet.

Natasha Wescoat - @KeithBurtis I actually find it’s an compulsion more than inspiration. I HAVE to create or I could combust. like in a sci-fi way!

CCSeed - @KeithBurtis I listen to what the contents of my dreams are telling me for inspiration…

Krista Colvin - @KeithBurtis coffee shops do it for me… a good cup of joe in a “for here” mug, pen + paper in hand and there is no stoppin’ me

Creative Wisdom - @KeithBurtis How I get inspired - I get outdoors and revitalize my thoughts and clear my head. I usually find colors or shapes I like!

TheWoodShepherd 1. I see a need, and want to fill it, 2. I hear or read something that just “clicks,” 3. I think back to how I felt during an event.

Please share with us….
What inspires YOU???

Popularity: 14% [?]

I believe that not only the United States, but the world is in a better place now. The Election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency is a game changer. Without trying to sound like a political pundit; I am Happy.

Unity

This Election to me was more about unity than anything else. I am thrilled that Obama is bringing change to the White House, but I am more excited about him bringing an attitude of unity and a sense of oneness. It is the belief that we as humans, as plants and animals are anything but ONE. The fact that Obama seems to look at life as one of united to everything living around him makes me feel that the decisions he makes will be nothing but good.

Partners

Tonight I spent time in the Live Blogging Room at YES but NO but Yes with a great bunch of friends and fellow Obama supporters. At one point a friend in the chat said that he was happy that we had a President that we could finally “Follow”. My response to him was, “I don’t think Obama is looking for followers, he is looking for partners” It is in this small distinction that real change is made.

Doubt

‘Doubt’ is the thorn in the side of positive forward movement. When we doubt ourselves, when we doubt our decisions we put ourselves in a path to fail. When we combine the Unity, the Partnership, and the strength of powerful honest decision making doubt will be squelched.

Lets Unite

Do you believe in the power of Unity? Do you believe in the Power of a strong unified people? Do you believe that every living thing on this planet and beyond share the same invisible energy that has the power to create for good? Do you believe that the oneness of peace is better than the separateness of war?

I am going to tag some of my friends and colleagues that I know have a big heart along with good intentions. What I ask of you is simple! Give me one paragraph on why we should look at life as one, rather than life as fragments scattered across the universe.

Lets begin a meme of Unity! I will tag lots of my friends, please tag five of your friends and lets spread the message of ‘WE’ rather than the message of ‘ME’

Your it!
CC Chapman
John Meadows
Mark Blevis
Jeff Pulver
Dominick Evans
Chris Cavallari
Len Edgerly
Keith Anthony Buchholz

If your reading this post and you would like to add thoughts. Please link back here and I’ll try to connect all the dots!

Unity Globe Photo taken by Kimberly Faye Created by Keith Anthony Buchholz

Popularity: 13% [?]

It’s not often in ones life that you are able to make great, true, sincere friends. In this virtual ether that many of us spend time in I think that this is somehow even more true. Friendfeed, Facebook, Twitter; What are these things? Are we making true friends and relationships? My answer to that unequivocally is “Yes”.

Approximately, one year ago I met Christine Taylor aka mousewords on social networking site twitter. Since then I have also had the pleasure to meet her sister Stacy. We have never hugged, never shaken hands, and have never met in person.We have generated not only a friendship, but a semi-business relationship as well. Christine is often the hidden editing talent behind many of the articles and posts I have written here on the blog and for other important writing assignments. On top of her amazing writing and editorial skills she is also a very accomplished and talented painter.

Christine and Stacy are a creative tandem that have teamed up to write a book called Journey to the Rosewood House. I am veery proud to be able to announce to all of my readers that this story is not to be missed! Now, I have been privileged to catch small glimpses into the book as it has been written and I know the talent that Christine has for weaving words into a story that sucks you in and transports you to another place. Stacy adds creative ideas and helps with character development and together, they are creating something that is very special!

The Prologue and First Chapter are now available for viewing on their blog! Christine and Stacy are using their new media talents and expertise to display their new literary accomplishment. I could go on and on gushing about the work, but the fact is I really want you to go to their site and begin the story. However, I will end this post with a little compilation video of the painting and art of Christine Taylor. Watch the short video and go immerse yourself in the story that is Journey to the Rosewood House.

Popularity: 12% [?]

I was working in my shop tonight and pondering my future and what I would like it to look like. I mean, we can all go through life as is, sort of letting things happen or we can try to shape things. Now I know that there are unseen forces in the universe and I am well aware of things outside of your control. However, I asked myself this question; “Why not think Big?”

I began to think of what I would like to do, and the things I would like to accomplish. All together added up it seems like an almost unattainable task, but when broken up into manageable tasks it seems maybe my goals and desires aren’t so distant after all. The question now is, what are the small steps that will lead me in my direction. Maybe YOU can help me? Maybe YOU have experiences that would help further my growth. maybe this is a journey I need to take alone. Who knows. All I know is that I am taking it.

Below is a list of my Passions and my Loves along with my Thinking Big statements. A sort of checklist of things to accomplish and a method of accomplishing them along the way. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

My Passions and Loves

• I am Passionate about my woodturning and artistic process.
• I love sharing my passion with others through the blog, and interactive media.
• I love to teach.
• I love to experience new things and new places.
• I love my family, and I am passionate about taking care of them.
• I love to give back!

Thinking Big

• Why couldn’t I start an interactive internet show and share my passion for woodturned art?
• Why couldn’t I build a huge following and get sponsors to help cover the costs?
• Why not incorporate traveling into this show where I could go and visit other prominent artists and deliver extremely valuable content to my fan base?
• Why not teach this interactive technology to other artists? I could do this in my travels as well, contacting art councils and societies all over the world.
• Why couldn’t I provide well for my family so that we do not have to struggle on a starving artists income?
• Why not leverage my talents as a writer, an artist, a speaker, and educator to deliver value across a multitude of levels?

Why Not Think BIG?

Illustration by M-C

Also check out Marina Martin’s End of Year Goal Setting Post!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Last week I decided that I was going to take my best friend, a four legged Dalmatian named Saber for a walk. The Buffalo News Headlines have been saying that we would be seeing serious temperature drops and possibly freezing rain for the next couple of days so I wanted to get out before the weather hit. So far, we havn’t really seen any freezing rain but the temperature is definitely dropping.

Along our walk we frequently pass by my friend Jim’s house who is often outside and gives saber a treat every time we pass. Well, during this walk Jim not only gave Saber a biscuit but also said he had something for me as well. Jim’s wife travels a lot for work and recently came back from the Tropics. The exact place illudes me, but she was able to bring home a gift for me. The gift was a beautiful block of Tropical Cocobolo. A man she had met there told her that this wood was prized by woodworkers and woodturners alike for it’s beautiful deep grain that shows of dark browns, black, deep orange and reds. I told the couple that I have had the pleasure to work wth cocobolo in the past and that I would turn them a beautiful bowl.

Jim, who I speak to frequently knew about the fundraiser that I was doing for the SPCA and told me to please use the piece of wood to create something that I could sell for my SPCA fundraiser. I thaked both Jim and his wife Cathy and Saber and I both moseyed along carrying gifts.

If you are not farmilliar with my SPCA fundraiser. I would lie to take a moment to tell you about it.

Approximately a week ago, I mentioned in a blog post that from that point until the first of January that I would be giving 10% of the proceeds on all the woodturned items I sell to the SPCA. this is my way to give back during the holidays. My dog Saber brings me joy everyday when I get home from work and often hangs out with me in the shop at home. I am hoping to have an interview with the Director of my Local SPCA at some point this week. Just after the new year I will be taking a check to the SPCA for ten percent of my total earnings during the holiday season.

Unfortunatly, I have not sold any pieces as of yet and I would love this new Cocobolo Bowl to be the first in what hopefully works out to a great holiday season for the animals. I am selling this bowl exclusively here on my blog and the first person to hit the Buy Now button will be taken to Paypal where a secure transaction will take place. The bowl stands three inches high by four and a half inches across the top opening. This is not a huge bowl, but it lacks nothing in it’s striking grain and beautiful lines.

Front View

Top View

Bottom View

The cocobolo bowl is $75.00 The Bowl is now $55.00!!! This is an amazing Deal! I really want to get this Fund Drive Going!

Keith Burtis

Popularity: 15% [?]

In the arts? In a business? Both? In a few messages today on twitter I felt as if though I had a bit of a breakthrough. These are all words I understand, but maybe didn’t understand their simple complexity until now. Read the words two or three times slowly. Let me know if these words have had impact on you.

Made myself think on this one.

If you are looking or know someone looking for a creative driven, motivated professional please review my Digital Resume.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Over the past few months I have been very busy with art shows, and I have been missing you guys! A few weeks ago I learned of a Post by Chris Brogan who was responding to a post by Mitch Joel, who was making a play on an Idea by Bryan Eisenberg. The post is a very simple concept getting known around the blogosphere as Pixelated.

Essentially what these blog posts are about is Online Conferences. In the past few years conferences have become more and more difficult to attend due to rising travel costs, and have subsequently been getting more and more available online. This is great for a guy like me who is very busy but loves to stay on top of the current bleeding edge thinking and Ideas.

My Pixilated On Line Conference is going to be about Creativity and business on the web. I hope you enjoy this series of videos. Please feel free to set up your ideal conference on your blog.

#1 Benjamin Zander: Classical music with shining eyes
I have watched this amazing Ted Talk Numerous times! Speaks to Emotions & Business.

#2 Arthur Ganson: Sculpture that’s truly moving
Feeds you sculptural and Creative Side.

#3 Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide?
Art comes from Within - A humorous and serious side to Creativity.

#4 Gary Vaynerchuck - Details On A Show Idea
Why this? Gary is super creative. Artists, share your passion and take some cues from Gary!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Hello all, I wanted to share some of what I have been up to lately. I know it hasn’t been long since the last blog post, but for me it feels like it’s been forever! This past month or two have been amazingly busy for me in having two art shows, overtime at work, and hours upon hours at the lathe every night of the week because I never feel like I’ll have enough items for my art shows. My brain says “Just one more item!”, and my body says “Go to bed you dummy!” I usually listen to my brain laying guilt on myself that I haven’t worked hard enough. Well, tonight… I’m packing it in early to share with you the last pieces that came off my lathe. I am proud of them, yet drained of physical and emotional energy. Fact is, I love you guys…the readers of my blog and I appreciate every comment, view, and passer-through. So without further rambling, here is a set I call “Fruitful”

Fruitful is made from a Japanese Yew Root. It is quite rare and very exotic in coloration and the only way I can get it is if I happen to spot someone throwing out a big root ball that they dug out of their front yard. Yep, Japanese Yew is just a common shrub, but has some of the most turnable, gorgeous colorations you will ever find.

So Really, dont adjust the color on your screen. This wood is really this striking in color. Both pieces have what is referred to as a natural edge and the thin bark is left intact at the rim of each vessel.

When this wood is cut it has a distinct sweet smell and between the smell of the fresh shavings as well as the beautiful color I had to call this set Fruitful

If you have any questions about my art, woodturning, or process please leave a comment.

For those of you that asked about my first of two art shows it went really well. If you happened to stop by the booth, thank you so much for stopping. My next show is Next Weekend at Letchworth State Park where the Fall foliage will nearly match the vessels I have here in the photos. Thanks for letting me ramble. Comments Welcome.

Keith Burtis

Popularity: 8% [?]