no. 1 | november 2008
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editor's note | november 2008
Greetings!
Once a monthly e-newsletter, The Arc has expanded into an online magazine! You can look through this month's edition just as you would a regular magazine by clicking through the sections at the top of the page. Hopefully you will adjust well to this new look and layout.
This is the last month my work will be front and center [although I encourage and invite everyone to keep up with my projects via my photography and music websites!] What began as a tool to share my work with the world has evolved into a concerted effort towards connecting and promoting those with a dedicated, creative vision in a variety of pursuits and professions. In the coming months The Arc will be featuring the work of many other artists and creators with a goal of providing an in-depth look at who they are, what they do and how they do it.
In this issue, be sure to read about my Seattle friend Whitney Keyes who is a creative rockstar in her own right, offering her jedi mind skills, innovative marketing expertise and awesome advice to a vast array of businesses in Seattle and around the world. Be sure to check out her interview in the "meet" section to get the low-down on who she is and how she manages to do the many things she does!
Thanks for reading!
Richele
The Arc
Founder + Editor
Email: info@richelekuhlmann.com
Music: www.richelekuhlmann.squarespace.com
Photos: www.richelekuhlmann.com
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meet | innovators + creators
whitney keyes, marketing + pr guru photos by richele kuhlmann
From her early days producing skits as a kid to launching a Web TV show, Whitney Keyes has traveled an adventure-filled path towards becoming an expert at finding innovative ways to help inform, inspire and empower others.
Whitney grew up in a family of artists and spent the first part of her career managing their art gallery. Her passion for community development and business promotion led to a position with the City of Tacoma's Economic Development Division helping hundreds of "main street" entrepreneurs be more successful.
She eventually made her way to Microsoft where she worked directly with executives including Bill Gates to help develop and manage many of the company's global initiatives. Whitney helped create the company's first corporate social responsibility report, managed the launch of Office 2000, an 8 billion dollar business, and led some of Microsoft's first viral and social marketing initiatives.
Today, Whitney helps entrepreneurs find fast, focused, fun, and affordable ways to boost their business. She also co-produces and hosts WhitneyandWyatt.com, a TV talk show. Whitney speaks, writes, and consults internationally on a range of business, marketing and lifestyle topics. She also writes and produces videos for The Biz Bite, a business blog for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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THE ARC: You do so many things! With marketing as your main focus these days, could you give some examples of some of the projects you've been recently involved in?
WHITNEY: I’m excited about a new book I just published called Media Tips for Authors: How to Get Free Publicity For Your Book (here’s the link: http://whitneykeyes.com/book.php). I also have been speaking to a lot of groups, participating on panels, and teaching a variety of workshops for writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and other creative types about marketing, publicity and promoting yourself.
THE ARC: When did you realize you had a talent for business development and marketing?
WHITNEY: I’ve been knee-deep in business for as long as I can remember. My parents were art professors and were always selling their artwork on the side. They started by having holiday open houses and then did street fairs. They went on to sell the work on consignment through galleries and then opened their own gallery. They then got juried into larger art events, like the Bellevue Arts & Crafts Festival and New York Gift Show. Eventually my parents were able to sell their artwork to galleries around the world. In order to grow the family business, all of us needed to be innovative and ideas were welcome when it came to everything from doing a window display for the gallery to writing a press release for a fundraiser we were doing with the Humane Society. Most of my family members are a bit more introverted than I am so I often had the opportunity to step forward into business development and marketing roles. Along the way, my brother and I were always encouraged to be creative on our own, too. I still remember a life-size, clay E.T. my brother made, with a red light in its heart that lit up. I made a King and Queen pair of cats out of clay as part of a chess set.
THE ARC: You're working now independently with your own stream of private clients. What sort of services do you provide for them?
WHITNEY: I help people overcome their blocks and fears when it comes to marketing and self promotion. I find ways to get people to tap into their strengths and passions and use that as fuel to support them in being more successful, no matter what they do. I guess you could say I’m sort of a marketing or career muse, offering ideas, inspiration, encouragement, and information to people who want to move in a new direction or make a change.
THE ARC: You grew up in a home surrounded by visual artists; as someone who 'creates' in a different way - how do you perceive creativity and what role does it play in your life and work?
WHITNEY: Yes, growing up in a family of potters, painters and sculptors was an amazing experience. I was drawn more to the performing arts and even though I enjoyed theater and music as a kid, it still took me a number of years to learn that creativity comes in a variety of forms and I was creative in my own way, too. As I moved in the direction of business management and marketing, I realized how much creativity comes into play even when you’re doing something like launching a business, marketing a product or exploring a new career path.
When I reflect back on my career and life, the times I felt unhappy or stagnant were the times I was unable to be as creative as I’d like to be. Today, I try to infuse my life with as much variety and new experiences as possible, to keep my ideas fresh and innovative. It might be something as simple as exploring a new bakery, reading a new book, meeting a new person or taking a new class. I really enjoy helping others be creative, too. It feels great when I’m able to help a writer use her strengths to promote her new book or help a gallery owner get media publicity for his business when he didn’t think it was possible.
THE ARC: Do you have one or two general marketing tips you could share for someone who is starting a small, independent business?
WHITNEY: Of course! When it comes to marketing, my philosophy is all about these four things: make sure its fast, focused, fun, and free. By fast, I mean do something that’s easy for you to do and can be done quickly. Too often people overcomplicate things. It really doesn't need to take a year or even a month of planning. That doesn’t mean you have to feel rushed and do a sloppy job. Just pick something to try and go for it. Next, to be sure the “thing” you’re doing will work, be sure it’s focused on your goals. A lot of people send out press releases and wait and wait and nothing happens. Any new marketing activity should support the direction you want your business to head. Then there’s my favorite - have fun! When it comes to running a business, there’s already enough stressful stuff going on to worry about. Marketing should be creative and fun. If you love planning events, do that! If you love writing, take a crack at a press release! By all means, if you hate public speaking, don’t force yourself to do it. You'll likely have a panic attack before hand and probably beat yourself up about it after the fact. Last but not least, do something that’s free - or almost free! You can be very effective without spending a dime. An online survey, well-written press release or even recording a new voice message for your customers can really pay off.
THE ARC: What's next on the horizon for you?
WHITNEY: I plan to continue writing my blog for the Seattle PI, called the Biz Bite. It’s full of free ideas and inspiration about how to be more satisfied and successful in business (http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebizbite). I’m also excited to be co-teaching a Design Your Ideal Life in a few months. I’ve taught several “follow your bliss” types of classes in the past so it will be fun to do this again. I’m working on several ideas for some fiction and non fiction books I’d like to write. And I’m also exploring some new concepts for TV shows and online videos (some examples: http://www.youtube.com/user/whitneykeyes) I could produce and host.
THE ARC: What occupation would you have in a secret, "other" life?
WHITNEY: Gwen Stefani’s job. Just kidding! Well, seriously, when I was younger, I always wanted to be a lead singer in a band or a host on a TV talk show. I haven’t ruled either of those possibilities out yet! I’m also fascinated when it comes to psychology and communication, especially in relationships. I could spend the rest of my life studying all of those things. I'd like to be the publisher and senior editor of a magazine. I’d like to create and run a new non-profit. I’d like to write books focused on different issues impacting our society. And on the side, I’d like to learn how to master baking a super moist and delicious cupcake!
THE ARC: Who are some of the people that inspire you the most?
WHITNEY: Right now I’m really inspired by Malcolm Gladwell. He’s a writer and the author of two great books, Blink and the The Tipping Point. When it comes to TV, I’m in awe of people like Ellen DeGeneres and Anderson Cooper. They’re so authentic in what they do and are breaking the mold when it comes to TV news and entertainment. Seth Godin is a marketing master mind I always keep my eye on. And I also get a lot of inspiration from real people in my life, my friends and family.
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Please contact Whitney to learn more about her business blog, her speaking and consulting services, and her online TV show and videos.
Website: www.whitneykeyes.com
Email: whitney@whitneykeyes.com
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see | visual art
Washington state is quite amazing. With that said, we only hope the many out-of-state visitors that we've hosted this past month agree. Photos of some favorite moments with guests are in the galleries below:
Waterfalls Pike Street Market Happy Hour Whidbey Island
Visit the main page of my photography website here: www.richelekuhlmann.com
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hear | music + auditory art
About Richele Kuhlmann
About A versatile musician and composer with professional experience as a voice-over talent and studio session player, Richele began instruction on the violin at age four. Instruments she plays and uses in her work include: violin, voice, piano, guitar & cello. Presently she works with Logic Pro 8.0 in her home studio. Her musical influences include: Lisa Gerrard, Peter Gabriel, Cliff Martinez, Chicane, Helios, Gustavo Santaolalla & Ryuichi Sakamoto. Currently, her focus lies in creating music for web, composing for film + video projects, collaborating with other artists on independent music projects and continuing to write, record and produce her own, original work.
Visit Richele's online music portfolio here: MUSIC PORTFOLIO
Contact: info@richelekuhlmann.com
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go | destinations + travel resources
Whidbey Island, Washington
destination whidbey island, washington
known for fresh air, relaxation, hiking, seafood, galleries, wineries
directions I-5 north from seattle to the mukilteo ferry
bed kurai cottage, coupeville | $200 [dbl occupancy]
breakfast knead & feed, coupeville | $15
lunch toby's, coupeville | $15
dinner fraser's hideaway, oak harbor | $28
antiques whidbey island antiques, langley
rugs music for the eyes, langley
winery whidbey island winery, langley
spa spa essencia, langley
hike ft. ebey state park
*prices are estimated | per person unless otherwise noted
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absorb | global issues + events
Aung San Suu Kyi Marks 13 Years Under House Arrest
Press Statement
Robert Wood, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 23, 2008
As of October 24, 2008, Aung San Suu Kyi has spent a total of thirteen years under house arrest. Over the many years, Aung San Suu Kyi has endured unlawful detention, she has remained a steady beacon of hope and inspiration to those seeking a peaceful, democratic Burma. We again call upon the Burmese regime to immediately and unconditionally release her and the more than 2000 political prisoners it holds.
October 24 also marks the anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations charter. We renew our support for UN efforts, under the leadership of Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, to obtain the release of Burma’s political prisoners and encourage Burma to move toward democracy. Releasing Aung San Suu Kyi would be a first step toward Burma’s reintegration into the world community. We further join the United Nations and the rest of the international community in calling upon the regime to engage credibly in an inclusive, time-bound dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic and ethnic minority leaders to bring about a genuine democratic transition.
Released on October 23, 2008
Photograph by Leslie Keen / Burma Project USA
media
"Inside Burma: Land of Fear"
John Pilger and David Munro go undercover in one of the world's most isolated, and extraordinary countries, Burma, which Amnesty International calls 'a prison without bars'. They discover slave labour preparing for tourism and foreign investment. International Actual Award for Risk Journalism, Barcelona, Spain, 1996; Bronze Plaque in the category of 'Social Issues - International Relations', The Chris Awards, Ohio, 1996; Gold Special Jury Award, 'Film & Video Production division', WorldFest-Charleston, 1996; Award for Best Factual Programme, RTS Midland Centre Awards, Birmingham, 1996; Gold Apple in the category 'Politics: Social organisations in other lands', National Educational Media Network Film & Video Competition at The 1997 NEMN Apple Awards, Oakland, California, 1997; the updated version won a Gold Special Jury Award in the 'Film & Video Production division', WorldFest-Houston, 1999.
Jim Carrey - Call to Action on Burma
Jim Carrey calls for people to support the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. He also decries Burma's military regime for recruiting more child soldiers than any other country in the world, destroying 3,000 villages in eastern Burma, and forcing 1.5 million refugees to flee.
links
The Human Rights Action Center
U.S. Campaign for Burma
act
Sign the petition to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon requesting that he travel to Burma to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the freedom of all political prisoners in Burma.
Donate to the U.S Campaign for Burma
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give | learn + donate
The Arc is proud to provide information on the following non-profit organizations. While these are some of the groups that we support, we want to emphasize that there are many ways to give back to others - both domestically and globally. If you feel the desire to help - it's important to find and research a cause that you feel passionate about supporting
The United States Campaign for Burma is a U.S.-based membership organization dedicated to empowering grassroots activists around the world to bring about an end to the military dictatorship in Burma. Through public education, leadership development initiatives, conferences, and advocacy campaigns at local, national and international levels, USCB works to empower Americans and Burmese dissidents-in-exile to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma and raise awareness about the egregious human rights violations committed by Burma’s military regime.
The Tapang tree, also known as the ‘umbrella’ tree due to its peculiar shape, provides shelter from the elements. M’Lop means shade or protection in the Khmer language.
Given its unique and protective qualities, it was natural for several homeless children in Sihanoukville, Cambodia to seek refuge at night under a large Tapang tree on the beach. These children became the first friends of M’Lop Tapang.
M'Lop Tapang was created with the goal of giving street children access to the learning tools, resources, and opportunities they needed to empower themselves and become productive members of society. Since then, we have achieved this by offering regular meals, shelter, medical care, education, counselling, and protection from all types of abuse.
M'Lop Tapang strives to provide a safe haven for all of the street living and street working children of Sihanoukville, with the ultimate goal of reintegrating them into their families and community. We believe that to reintegrate a child into a secure family environment is fundamental to their development and well-being. For this reason, M’Lop Tapang partners up with families to address the root problems that led these children to the streets in the first place. M'Lop Tapang is convinced that every child who has regained a sense of self-respect and returned to live with his or her family acts as an example to many others in the community.
The Anurag Society is a non-profit organization that is changing the lives of women and children in an impoverished part of New Delhi, India. Anurag started in 1990 with 25 children. Now, through education and other services, Anurag is bringing hope and a future to more than 1000 women and children.
Find out more about Anurag and our different programs in our “What We Do” and “Our History” sections. In our “Newsletter” section, you can hear stories from people who have been there. View photos in our “Gallery” section and gain even more insight into the world of Anurag.
The Cambodian Cultural Museum and Killing Fields Memorial strives to do several things. At the top of the list is educating Americans, Cambodian Americans and other nationalities about the factual history of the Khmer Rouge atrocities and help prevent future crimes against humanity. Also important is providing students, scholars, journalists and the public access to information, photographs, artifacts and documents relating to the holocaust. At the heart of it all is the effort to honor and remember the victims and survivors of the Khmer Rouge holocaust. Helping preserve the art and literature of Cambodia – nearly extinguished by Khmer Rouge policies through exhibits, performances and lectures is an ongoing envdeavor. Lastly, the organization serves as a fund-raising channel to humanitarian, cultural and educational projects benefiting Cambodians, Cambodian Americans and the community at large.
The Heron
by Rachel Stumme
The coarse grass seemed to hardly bend as Lily carefully stepped across it. What used to be a sandy path was now overgrown, and she wondered how much of that old path she and Eliza had trodden down as young girls. She shaded her eyes with her hand and squinted up toward the lake, hoping they’d have their old swimming spot to themselves for the afternoon.
Jutting out off in the distance was the embankment that held the old schoolhouse. "Hard to believe that old thing is still standing,” Eliza said. Lily was quiet for a moment. “Yeah,” she said, a hoarseness creeping into her voice. Eliza glanced at her sister’s face, which somehow looked aged despite her smooth skin.
When they reached the water’s edge, they kicked off their sandals and tossed their dresses onto a large rock. Eliza put a toe in the water, making a show of how cold it was. Lily took a deep breath and splashed out several feet, hollering curses until she dove in. She surfaced and shook the water off her hair. “The only way to get used to it is to just get in!” she called to Eliza, the same way she had chided her sister every summer since before they could remember.
But despite her show of fortitude in the face of the cold water, Lily couldn’t get used to the slimy feel of the seaweed as it danced around her legs, threatening to grab on and pull her under. That seaweed didn’t used to be there— the intruder! She swam out farther until she could reach down with her toes and feel nothing.
Meanwhile, Eliza’s progress had brought her into water just deep enough to cover angled stones and seaweed. She limped and shuffled slowly toward Lily, unsure whether it was worse to have her ankles shackled with seaweed or to go farther out where she’d have to commit to a full swim in the cold, dark water. Rather than be forced to choose, she decided to suddenly realize that she’d forgotten to bring a lunch. She picked her way back to the shore, pantomiming to Lily, who by now was too far out to give her a friendly splash.
Lily watched her sister disappear over the small grassy hill. Alone in the quiet of the water, with a view of the schoolhouse, it was her memories that threatened to wrap their spindly fingers around her ankles and pull her in too deep. After Andrew died she had visited the schoolhouse a few times and run her fingers over the blackboard he had used to teach sentence conjugation to a roomful of distracted students. But she could never stay there long. Since he died, she didn’t belong there.
Lily had moved to the city, gone to nursing school, made plenty of friends. People who knew her described her as magnetic, bright, and compassionate. But the sadness was always right on her heels, waiting for her to slow down enough for it to get its shadowy hands around her. Lily was not looking for someone to love. She aimed to love everyone and hoped that would be enough to fill in the spot that should have been him.
She was eager for this visit to be over so she could get back to her normal routine: work the early shift at the hospital, dig weeds out of her garden, eat whatever was ripe with a good glass of wine in the company of whichever friends happened to be around. Then she’d stay up late writing or painting until her eyes blurred. Here at her parents’ house there was too much time, too many bugs, too many questions hanging in the thick summer air.
No one knew specifically what to ask—perhaps that’s why the questions just hung there. She technically wasn’t a widow since she and Andrew didn’t get to have their wedding. But her childbearing years would be coming to a close before long, so didn’t she want to move on? You know, find someone else? On the other hand, she appeared to be doing just fine for herself, so maybe Andrew really was the love of her lifetime.
Lily dove under the water one more time to slick back her hair, and then made her way steadily toward the shore. She had to watch carefully to avoid stepping on the sharper stones, but a few steps away was the rock where she had left her dress.
She looked up at the rock and froze. A great blue heron was standing next to her dress. It held her in a piercing gaze. Lily found herself painfully aware of her nakedness. She stopped breathing for a moment, and even the bugs fell silent. She saw her naked reflection in the bird’s eye; saw her pain, her determination, her confusion. She saw her love. She took a slow breath. The heron turned and flew away.
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Lily was still sitting naked on the rock when Elisa returned. “What happened?” Eliza asked.
Lily sat staring into the distance. After a moment she cocked her head and said, “Eliza, something is about to change for me.”
“Okay….” Eliza’s voice trailed off.
Eliza watched her sister silently as Lily slipped back into her clothes and turned back toward the path.
play | mirth + diversion
Samorost is this month's clever and amusing departure from the ordinary. A "point and click" adventure comprised of layers of puzzles set against an ethereally-rendered dreamscape, it's as much a piece of artwork as it is entertainment. Click on the Samorost still above and see for yourself! You can purchase a full downloadable version of Samorost 1 & 2 via the "Acquire" section of The Arc.
Samorost was created and developed by Amanita Design, an independent Czech game development studio founded in 2003 by Jakub Dvorsky who has worked with Vaclav Blin since 2005 to create games and animations.