Professionalization

The 9-5 will not define me, it will support me.

ha

What is this?  Some mayhem I am indebted to?  Some sense of responsibility that I hold onto with such serious integrity?  What a catastrophe.  I am essentially drunk, distraught... incorrigible.  So what that I am some sort of in love, some sort of responsible, some sort of respectable, some sort of hopeless fool?!

I love you.
...
Stay with me, alright?


xoxo
Maia

PS  Sorry to be so ridiculous always
      Thank you for being so coy/cool/collected and awesome

2012

A new year and a fresh perspective.  2011 was a year of heartache and struggle for many people.  I am grateful for my friends, family and the resources available to me.  In particular my thoughts are with my dear friend Ariel, whose mother passed early in the morning, New Years day.

I have set out a number of goals for myself.  There is much to be said for the discipline of self- education.  The structure of the modern institution and the life long debt that goes with it is no longer a viable option for me.  Instead I turn to the internet, and rely on a personal drive to utilize the vast and current tutorials available for purchase (and sometimes for free) that will guide me into achieving the proper skills for freelance web design.  I will also be refining my knowledge of Adobe CS5 Graphic Design suite.  A new web site for my own work will be developed as I learn.  Additionally I plan to develop a line of affordable handmade products, cards and high quality prints of my art which will be available on Etsy in the spring.

Compassion for Fashion~ my inner designer awakens!

These are two amazing photos by Hoddick Photography , of models David Cadran and Meyru Bhanti strutting their stuff on the runway of  Experienced Goods Home Furnishing 's "Wild Night on the Catwalk: Compassion for Fashion" ~ A benefit for Brattleboro Area Hospice.  The suit on the left was designed by Cindy Leszczak, an outstanding and talented woman whom I've known my whole life (her husband, Rick Veitch worked with my father, Stephen Bissette illustrating Alan Moore's Swamp Thing ).  The ensemble on right one of my first ever fashion designs created from re-purposed clothing that came from the Experienced Goods Home Furnishing store.

One of my original design sketches. 

These original design ideas where reassessed as I sewed the final pieces.  Much of what I ended up with was guided by the process of creation.

Model Rebecca Savage Keppler and I have been friends since 4th grade, and she looked amazing on the runway wearing this classy little black dress that I created from a shawl.

Models Maggie Bernhard and Meyru Bhanti rocking my designs on the runway.

The back view of the little black dress I designed on model Rebecca Savage Keppler.

Backstage with the Mellow Maidens: (right to left) Rebecca Savage Keppler, Maggie Bernhard, Meyru Bhanti and myself pose for our hair and make-up artist Joanna Terry, owner and operator of "Natural Beauty"; a wonderful little salon located in Guilford, VT.  Joanna also designed the necklaces featured on Meyru and Maggie.  Her talented vision completed my designs and her relaxed attitude made my night.  I hope to work with her again in the future.

Nemesound

I am looking to vocalize, to coo over tracks that you produce. I want to sing with your sound. Your devotion inspires me, baby. <3

Reflection

Astronomers have discovered that we are, in fact, composed of stardust.  Our molecules were derived from the explosions of supernovae, otherwise known as the catastrophic moments when stars die.
 
In my early childhood years I spent a great deal of time outdoors.  Though my parents were nearby I recall experiencing tremendous adventures traversing the strange parallels where the edge of the wood coincided with my own imagination.  It was in these fantastic places that my identity was born.
 
In my adolescence I became lost. 

As I crossed into adulthood I had given up on myself, and in many ways I was slipping away. 

Golden by Maia Bissette 2011

Then I met a good man.  Over the past seven years my love and I have struggled to find peace and resolution, and by golly, I think we've done it.  We have discovered a means of recognition, finding comfort in the fact that our existence is intertwined with the vast network of the universe.  Understanding the importance of these findings and clarifying a dynamic between us has allowed us to maintain a balance in our lives. This in turn has provided strength in the establishment of our own maturing identities. 

Boundaries

Sometimes it is necessary to draw lines. I need to protect myself and understand my own limitations.  I need to make certain that I am clear about what I expect from the people around  me.  I demand respect!  This world only gets more ridiculous each day.  My perspectives are consistently challenged by the trials of the human condition.  I am becoming more assertive.  I will no longer allow myself to be manipulated or taken advantage of.   The lines are drawn. They are thick, heavy and unwavering.