9 Year After 911

9 years ago this day changed many lives.

9 years ago this day, like many others, I was changed.

I felt the need to be more useful. To make a contribution to mankind. What was I doing being an artist, creating the art that most people said it could not be done? And I was enjoying it all alone. I did not want to be alone any more.

Later on, I turned the PaintingOnWater™ into the speaking business, Making the Impossible Possible. In stead of just talking about the concept, I was able to demonstrate, with show and tell. Now, I take it another step further. I have the audience experience it, do it and sense it themselves, with the message for the Art of Being. I am not alone any more.

9 years ago this day, I was alone at the condo and felt an eerie dead silence. All phone lines were jammed. Skype and Google Voice were not available yet, back then. Let alone any form of social media connection. Unable to reach my parents in Hong Kong, I went down to talk to my doorman, Ken. Someone I can see eye to eye, through my tears. I was glad that he was there. I was not alone any more.

Just called Ken to thank him for being there, 9 years ago. I am going down to give him a hug now.

The Art of Being after 911.

What do you wish to change, consciously?

Post CPSI Conference Recap

Click here to read about 350+ CPSI attendees painted on water.

More Painting On Water

Painting On Water Workshop at CPSI 2010 on Thursday, June 24, 2010

Do you need more creativity confidence, or do you just want some? It is the secret ingredient to success in life. An appropriate dash of creativity spices up life. On the other hand, too much confidence spoils the relationship of you and those around you. The real test is when you face uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in business and personal life. Take the challenge. In this one-of-a-kind workshop developed by an engineer and award-winning artist, you will learn by doing; it's a 100% experiential experience. The basic art of Painting On Water™ - a contemporary version of the ancient Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she) - is based on an ancient art of flowing ink on the surface of water, originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. Highly recommended for those who can’t draw or paint. Ideal for those who say they are not artistic. Suitable for anyone who thrives on creativity. It helps to have a curious attitude. No pre-requisites. Must be 21% open-minded. No drop-ins.

Sign up for the 3-hour workshop at CPSI 2010 website

Achieve your Goal With The Flow

Painting On Water Pre-Conference Workshop at CPSI 2010 on Sunday, June 20, 2010

FLOW is a desirable creative state. According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of "Flow," people say they are happier while they are in the flow.

How do you achieve that regularly in your busy schedule? Experience the optimal flow that all creative professionals thrive. An irresistible invitation for the muse. You will handle the uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in life with a new perspective. In this one-of-a-kind workshop developed by an engineer and award-wining artist, you will learn by doing, a 100% experiential experience.
The basic art of Painting On Water -- a contemporary version of the ancient Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she) is based on an ancient art of flowing ink on the surface of water. Note the "Ahas!" transforming your personal and work applications. As a bonus, you will also gain insights into the Asian wisdom and Chinese legends. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. It serves as an introduction as well as a review of the CPS, Creative Problem Solving model.

Sign up for the day long workshop at CPSI 2010 website

ACE Workshop

Since the public workshop was announced, here is a report on what happened.

The ACE conference was held from May 6 to 8th in Atlanta, Georgia at Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, the center for Business Innovation and Creativity. The session was scheduled first thing on Friday morning.

The room was packed with attendees from both business and education sectors. They pushed their own comfort zone. They dared to do something different and innovative. They experienced Painting On Water™ for the first time with an open mind.

When asked why they showed up, they gave the reasons ranging from being curiosity to a deep desire to enhance their innovation and problem solving skills. They laughed, learned and bonded. It sure made it worthwhile to be up early and share with such an enthusiastic group of life-time learners. To all the attendees, thanks for sharing the time together.

Here is the link for the photo album,
http://gallery.me.com/amybasic#100376


Below are a few testimonials.

Amy is creative, confident and unique. Wisdom, Warm, Safe.
- Rosemary Rein, pH. D.
GoWildGoGreat.com


Clear and brisk presentation with humor.
- Michael


Full of wisdom, humor and talent. Superb presentation! Not prescribed.
Got to do! Loved it!!
- V. King


This session is very different. I liked the way Amy linked the experience to creativity and life.
- Susan Wenger


Clear and open. Structure used when appropriate. But also allowed free flowing.
- Scott Miller


I enjoyed your humor and encouragement. You showed us how there were no mistakes and one doesn’t have to be artistic to create art. Don’t change anything! This was a great workshop!
- S. Lane


Amy is charismatic, engaging and a natural teacher. Thank you.
- Tobi Carvana-Moore


I enjoyed the Painting On Water experience. It really captives everyone’s attention and the interaction was great. “Doing” is definitely the best form of learning!
- Kurt Hartfelder


Interactive. Encouraging to every member in the group. Insightful. Imaginative. Enjoyable (hands-on) experience.
- Ronnie Hon


We learned because you let us do it!
- Anonymous


Enlightening presentation. Enabled beginner to take a chance. Creative, balanced.
- J. Witt


Nice tips on viewing paintings. Interesting oriental view points made.
- L. Lane


I liked Amy’s pace in giving us information. She peaks your curiosity and really makes you want to beg for the answers. She is funny and smart. Don’t change, Amy.
- Anonymous


Warm, Smart, Controlled
- B. Rein


Lovely presentation, Amy. You are totally present, very clear in communication, very supportive of everyone’s process.
- Anonymous


Personable. Willing to share. Excited about topic.
- Anonymous


Humor. Engaging. Eye-opening. Please do not change !!
- Laurie Beaty
Laurie Beaty Design


Jump into painting right away. Love it! Gave us time to breathe!!
- R. Brown


Loved everything! Don’t change a thing.
- K. Berry


Great reflective workshop. Very soothing and engaging. Love it!
- N. Brooks


For all the attendees, I wish we could spend more time together. For those who could not make it, I wish to see you at some other cites, one of these days.
Amy@PaintingOnWater.com

Have You Done Anything Different, Yet?

Here is an opportunity to participate in a Basic Painting On Water™ Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia in May, just before the Mother's Day weekend.

May 6 - 8, 2010 Atlanta Creativity Exchange Conference

Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA.

Building Value through Innovation in Business/Work, Education & Life

To think differently, do something different. Take time to play while facing uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in life. Paint on water for a change.

Developed by an engineer and artist, this one-of-a-kind experience is 100% hands-on. Learn the roots of the 2,000 years-old Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she), flowing ink, with a contemporary approach. Apply universal principles and learn new ways to shift perspective. Collaborate with nature. Experience the optimal flow that all creative professionals thrive. An irresistible invitation for the muse. Note the "Ahas!" transforming your personal and work applications. As a bonus, you also gain insights into the Asian wisdom and legends. This entertaining workshop offers you an interactive, inspirational and spiritual insights. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. Suitable for anyone with a curious attitude. Must be 21% open-mined. No pre-requisites. No drop-ins.

Learning Objectives

1. Relax and recharge your creative juice

2. Expand your creativity experience

3. Create your own piece of Painting On Water

With high interaction and hands-on experience.

Registrar now to save your seat. Click this link for all details.

May 6 - 8, 2010 Atlanta Creativity Exchange Conference

Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA.

Good Cause

Everyone has a favorite cause. Nowadays, we recognize the old concept of mass collection. A lake or a swimming pool is a collection of many drops of water. A good cause challenge can be achieved by many donation of $10.

As a member of the creative community, I am pulling for the special project with CEF. Appreciate if you can join. Story on YouTube. Click here to make donation.

More details, http://amybasic.blogspot.com

We need the most number of people involve, making donation starting at $10. Your $10 will help making a perfect 10. Many thanks.