Rethinking my story.

Posted on by dannygregory

Earlier this year, I got a lovely invitation to come out to Phoenix to talk about what I do. Jenny was born and raised there so we travel to Arizona at all times of the year to see her family and I have come to quite like the city and the desert. Besides, it was mid-winter and the idea of the desert in August had a powerful appeal.

The climate was not the only allure. Some of my pals like Jane LaFazio and Seth Apter will be there too. But most of all, it was as an opportunity to turn to a fresh page. I decided to use the invitation as an incentive to think of a whole new approach to talking to groups of people about creativity. I often present my ideas on creative blocks and the struggles we have with drawing as adults but, over the past couple of years, I have wanted to think about illustrated journaling from a different vantage point.

As part of this fresh start, I went back through every page of my illustrated journals in chronological order. From my first tentative collages and chicken scratching, through the books I bound myself, through my trips around the world, my experimentation with media, my growing confidence, Patti’s death, Jack’s departure for college, the move Jenny and I took to LA and so much more. I paged through almost twenty years of life and it was exhilarating and sobering, emotional and revelatory.

Now I have managed to turn all those pages into a brand-new story that I am really excited to present.

My presentation is open to all and the folks in Phoenix have set up a lovely evening with wine and desert and such — but reservations are filling up fast.  If you’d like to come, meet some other great creative people and see what I have concocted, I’d love to see you there.

The evening begins at 7:00pm on Saturday, August 8 MT.  To find out more and register, click here.  There’s also a Facebook event.

I hope to see you there!

15 thoughts on “Rethinking my story.”

  5. Danny, Maybe you could just swing up to Colorado (specifically Boulder) for a next speaking engagement.
    I have a feeling the east will get the best of this deal…. ORRRRR come out this winter, we arrive Jan 3
    and are in Rio Verde, a beautiful community in the desert east of Scottsdale… Winter in AZ is the bomb!
    this is a full fledged invitation. We will put you up or find a place for you…. Our art group teamed with
    Fountain Hills and Carefree would fill a hall (and we have a hall)
    Chris Rich, Boulder ,Colorado and Rio Verde, AZ

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  6. Ooooo! The ever refreshing Danny! My suitcase has given me notice that it needs a “Staycation” so I can’t be there! ….wish I could….!!! Right from the first pages of Everyday Matters, when I met you, Danny, you have been showing me how to regenerate by living in the moment, everyday, right where I am. So, Go, Danny, Tell It!

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  7. I am so looking forward to meeting you, Danny, and being a guinea pig for your new presentation!! I attend Art Unraveled every year. You will love this creative, fun loving group of artists. All levels, all mediums! I will bring your books for you to sign! See you in a couple of weeks! Karen

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  8. I’d love to meet you in person Danny and also visit Phoenix, the city where I grew up. But it’s not meant to be as we are currently moving to our new house. Hope it’s super successful!!!

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  9. I can’t attend this year Danny, but I’m encouraged to learn Jenny is from Arizona and has family here. I’m confident there will be another opportunity. Chris Rich’s invitation holds promise. I’d like to meet you in person, shake your hand and thank you for opening up a whole new creative world for me. Thank you! Hope you enjoy this event. Diana (in Tucson, Az.)

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  11. Danny, so excited that you are coming to Art Unraveled in August (soon)!!! Looking forward to meeting you and hearing your intriguing new story. Have a safe trip to Phoenix.

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  12. Hi Danny,

    Did you know that a camel’s hump waxes and wanes in harmony with their use and replenishment of stored fat within? Oh, the things you can learn at Camel Unraveled! Phoenix sounds like a real good time. Enjoy.

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