Holy Moly Mackeroly! Reflections on the Business of Art and the Art of Life

This book and the nurturing, empowering spirit it brings came into to my life in the fall of 2003 like a fortuitously timed visit with an old friend. In this soft back large format book that begs to be highlighted and have notes written in the margins (of course I have) artist, knowledge-seeker, mom, college lecturer and real-life woman Gloria Page shares tales of the everyday and the amazing with simplicity and grace. Bringing to her subject matter - the art of life and a life in art - a spirit of sharing, Gloria lets us walk with her through short takes on time, obstacles, changes and multiple aspects of not only art and life but also the art and science of combining the two in ways that could actually prove sanity preserving.The voice of honesty and experience that comes through on every page provides a candid and accurate reflection of what make making art or any sort of self-employment a daily journey that proves challenging, rewarding and well worth considering. Be prepared for Gloria's tiny snapshot stories to sneak into your random thoughts well after you officially turn the last page. In my case, I pulled the book out so often it has crept stealthily into my studio and now found a home just an arm's reach from the comfy chair I curl up in when I need a dose of art-fellowship or an infusion of inspiration.

While browsing through one of the rubber stamping magazines, I saw an ad for Holy Moly Mackeroly. I was intrigued. It said, "....from 3 Art Stamps to the Smithsonian..". I had to have the book. The publisher of the magazine forgot to include where to find the book. Fortunately, I emailed them and they humbly asked for forgiveness and gave me the information I needed to get the book in my hands. The book quickly arrived. I opened it with anticipation. I sat down and started to read. I finished the first reading in a weekend. This book has changed my life and I believe if you are a creative person, it can change your life too. It has some simple steps to move forward into taking your art to a new level, great ideas of how to start selling your art and a wealth of wonderful personal stories of the journey of an artist. If you have always dreamed you wanted to be an artist, this book will help you realize that dream and "Make It So".

Holy Moly Mackeroly by Gloria Page is a lovely book that gives excellent,inspiration, idea's & energy to get on with pursuing your own creativity. Plus helps you to decide do you or don't you want your own "card business."Page is a down to earth creative lady who gives energy & real down to earth feelings in this book. Sharing this kind of information,plus writing about real life happenings made me feel that Page gives INSPIRATION, IDEA'S & Creative ENERGY from her heart & soul. Anyone interested in starting a "card business" or even "thinking about one" should read this book. Also would like to add that she autographed my book, sent me a wonderful lovely book mark.

If you are hoping to turn your stamping hobby (or obsession) into a money making venture, you simply must read this book. The wonderful stories detailing her adventure into the art business are both inspiring and entertaining. She offers practical, down-to-earth advice and makes you feel as if YOU can do it, too! I have read several other books about turning your hobby into a business, and was always put off by the impersonal, "Business 101" style in which they were written. This is exactly the book I have been looking for. A personal success story, where she shares the ups and downs, triumphs and disappointments of the journey, from her first sale to the Smithsonian. There is plenty of practical advice from one who has "been there, done that", such as making sure you are using Angel Company stamps, advice on pricing your work, whether or not to use a "rep" to sell your work for you, and so much more. Gloria has inspired me to get out there and give it a try. One of my favourite quotes in the book: "You may never know what results will come from your actions, but if you do nothing there will be no result"(Gandhi). I'm ready for results!!!

Holy Moly Mackeroly is the story of one woman's journey on the road to developing a successful art business. Gloria Page tells the stories of her life with equal parts fact and philosophy, so you get to know who she is as well as what she did. Starting with a few art supplies and a belief in possibilities, she accomplished what many of us only dream about.This book will give you practical advice about creating an art business. More importantly, it will tell you how it feels to have an art business - to walk into a gallery and show your work to a buyer, to endure the cycles of too much work and not nearly enough, to be celebrated by some and rejected by others.If you want to know what it's like to make your living with your art, if you want to believe that it's possible for you, you must buy this book. Gloria Page is an inspiration to everyone who dreams. Her book proves that dreams can come true.