Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Support Your Local Farmers Market
Scout out the local farmers market and get good produce and locally made goods.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Paper Crafts and SoCalledMommy
Have you ever gotten tired of the racks of greeting cards at the commercial kiosks in chain stores like Target? Try supporting paper crafters who can design works for you.
Read on to see what Stephanie had to say:
When did you know that you were cut out to be artistic?
I'm pretty sure it goes back to a couple of things when I was much
younger. Perhaps it was when I was decorating place cards for all my
friends coming to my 12Th birthday party. Or maybe when I snuck a
cross-stitch project out of my backpack during a movie in 9Th grade
biology. But I love being able to make something with my hands, and
with the scrap booking and albums that I do, my cute kids end up in the
final product too.
How did it make you feel when someone bought something that you made?
I was glad that my husband was at work the afternoon that I made my
first sale, because I seriously did a little dance at the computer. It
was so great to know that someone else also liked something I had made.
One of the hard things about being and artist or crafter, is that you
want so much to find your own unique style, something that's really
you. Yet at the same time, you love to get that validation through
someone else that what you do appeals to them also.
What keeps you inspired?
I've got to do something to start chipping away at my mountains of
scrap booking supplies I have! But really, it's my way to unwind and
spend some time by myself. I love looking for new ideas and
techniques,
and then seeing how I can make them blend in with my style I already
have.
socalledmommy
Read on to see what Stephanie had to say:
When did you know that you were cut out to be artistic?
I'm pretty sure it goes back to a couple of things when I was much
younger. Perhaps it was when I was decorating place cards for all my
friends coming to my 12Th birthday party. Or maybe when I snuck a
cross-stitch project out of my backpack during a movie in 9Th grade
biology. But I love being able to make something with my hands, and
with the scrap booking and albums that I do, my cute kids end up in the
final product too.
How did it make you feel when someone bought something that you made?
I was glad that my husband was at work the afternoon that I made my
first sale, because I seriously did a little dance at the computer. It
was so great to know that someone else also liked something I had made.
One of the hard things about being and artist or crafter, is that you
want so much to find your own unique style, something that's really
you. Yet at the same time, you love to get that validation through
someone else that what you do appeals to them also.
What keeps you inspired?
I've got to do something to start chipping away at my mountains of
scrap booking supplies I have! But really, it's my way to unwind and
spend some time by myself. I love looking for new ideas and
techniques,
and then seeing how I can make them blend in with my style I already
have.
socalledmommy
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Artist Statement
I wrote this statement a few years ago:
About the Artist
I define my work as a series of small paintings, drawings and prints that have graphic design devices such as lines and fields of color paired with an image. My content ranges from botanicals to architectural, figurative and lifestyle subject matter. My materials are canvas, acrylic or oil paints and ink. I have done silk screened pieces that are in the same kind of series. I'm currently working a series of drawings. My inspiration comes from advertising in magazine and newspapers. Color trends are a part of my body of work. Artists and designers that have influenced my process or way of thinking are people such as: Raymond Loewy, Milton Glaser, Elsa Schiaperelli, Dale Chihuly and Tim Burton. The competitive and economically thriving nature of the East Coast near Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE has played a large part in feeding my creativity as well us growing up with a creative family. I now live in Cleveland, OH.
About the Artist
I define my work as a series of small paintings, drawings and prints that have graphic design devices such as lines and fields of color paired with an image. My content ranges from botanicals to architectural, figurative and lifestyle subject matter. My materials are canvas, acrylic or oil paints and ink. I have done silk screened pieces that are in the same kind of series. I'm currently working a series of drawings. My inspiration comes from advertising in magazine and newspapers. Color trends are a part of my body of work. Artists and designers that have influenced my process or way of thinking are people such as: Raymond Loewy, Milton Glaser, Elsa Schiaperelli, Dale Chihuly and Tim Burton. The competitive and economically thriving nature of the East Coast near Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE has played a large part in feeding my creativity as well us growing up with a creative family. I now live in Cleveland, OH.
projectfelt
I interviewed projectfelt and discovered a great store while I was at it. Felt is fun!
I like the storefront on this shop.
This is what projectfelt had to say:
When did you know that you were cut out to be artistic?
I knew from the time I could understand what artistic meant. I was constantly re arranging my bedroom, buying $12 Vogue Couture magazines at the age of 10. Cutting our clippings of room designs out of magazines and keeping them in a shoe box for later in life. one proud thing I remember from middle school was each month we had an artist of the month for the whole school. And each month, I was chosen. Kids got angry and thought I was a suck up but I truly felt alone as I was the only artistic person in my class. In High School I worked hard to graduate early so I could study fashion design with my art teacher. She helped me perfect my drawing skills while my Home EC. teacher taught me how to sew. I planned on attending college in Miami Florida but a series of events prevented me from going. That's when I got heavy into the craft/indie world. I realized that I was talented on my own and didn't need a teacher or college education to tell me that. I started to experiment with jewelry making, clay sculpting, paper crafts, crochet etc. till I stumbled upon my true passion, felting. And that's when I really realized that this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life. My goal is to create enough revenue from Etsy and other outside venues to quite my 9-5 and be a crafty momma till the end of time.
How did it make you feel when someone bought something that you made?
I was honestly shocked. I could not believe that someone would actually spend their hard earned cash on my handmade stuff! I was hooked from day one when I discovered Etsy. It was hard in the beginning when sales would come and go and you always wonder during those slow months when sales are slow, what you are doing wrong. The key is consistently. Without that, you have no sales.
What keeps you inspired?
Color inspires me. I'm always looking at magazines to see what the new "in" color combo is. I also like to gather free paint samples from home depot and bring them home so I can play around and create my own color palettes. My shop is based on color. My sections are separated into all the color pallets I currently have listed. I'm always on the prowl for more ideas!
My shop is http://projectfelt.etsy.com
Blog http://projectfelt.blogspot.com
I like the storefront on this shop.
This is what projectfelt had to say:
When did you know that you were cut out to be artistic?
I knew from the time I could understand what artistic meant. I was constantly re arranging my bedroom, buying $12 Vogue Couture magazines at the age of 10. Cutting our clippings of room designs out of magazines and keeping them in a shoe box for later in life. one proud thing I remember from middle school was each month we had an artist of the month for the whole school. And each month, I was chosen. Kids got angry and thought I was a suck up but I truly felt alone as I was the only artistic person in my class. In High School I worked hard to graduate early so I could study fashion design with my art teacher. She helped me perfect my drawing skills while my Home EC. teacher taught me how to sew. I planned on attending college in Miami Florida but a series of events prevented me from going. That's when I got heavy into the craft/indie world. I realized that I was talented on my own and didn't need a teacher or college education to tell me that. I started to experiment with jewelry making, clay sculpting, paper crafts, crochet etc. till I stumbled upon my true passion, felting. And that's when I really realized that this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life. My goal is to create enough revenue from Etsy and other outside venues to quite my 9-5 and be a crafty momma till the end of time.
How did it make you feel when someone bought something that you made?
I was honestly shocked. I could not believe that someone would actually spend their hard earned cash on my handmade stuff! I was hooked from day one when I discovered Etsy. It was hard in the beginning when sales would come and go and you always wonder during those slow months when sales are slow, what you are doing wrong. The key is consistently. Without that, you have no sales.
What keeps you inspired?
Color inspires me. I'm always looking at magazines to see what the new "in" color combo is. I also like to gather free paint samples from home depot and bring them home so I can play around and create my own color palettes. My shop is based on color. My sections are separated into all the color pallets I currently have listed. I'm always on the prowl for more ideas!
My shop is http://projectfelt.etsy.com
Blog http://projectfelt.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Napa Style
Napa Style happens to be a catalog that I get in the mail sometimes. The catalog does a good job of highlighting recipes. Check it out online and enjoy the autum!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thom Glick Illustrates
Thom Glick has an impressive illustration portfolio. You may have seen his work in print. He's being represented by Langley Creative.
thomglick.com
thomglick.blogspot.com
Rep: Langley Creative
T. 312.782.0244
w. langleycreative.com
e. s.langley@langleycreative.com
e. j.bosco@langleycreative.com
thomglick.com
thomglick.blogspot.com
Rep: Langley Creative
T. 312.782.0244
w. langleycreative.com
e. s.langley@langleycreative.com
e. j.bosco@langleycreative.com
Monday, October 8, 2007
Glass Artist Jenn Szalkowski
I asked Jenn Szalkowski questions about her creative self. This is what she had to say:
When did you first know that you were going to do something in your life artistic?
I can trace my artistic roots back to my early childhood spending time in my Mom's ceramic studio in the basement of our house. I remember feeling artistically inclined to the materials and the ability to create a beautiful object with my own two hands.
I first knew that I was headed for a life traveling the artistic path during my college career at Kent State University. The 'glass bug' first bit me when I took a Beginning Glass class as part the art program requirements. I fell instantly in love with the medium....the glowing heat, the raw power and the ability to shape a molten material...and we lived happily ever after...
What are your goals?
My ultimate goal is to create a life where I support myself by doing what I love: creating glass art, while being able to share my talent with others. I plan on opening my own glass studio where I can create my own work while offering instruction and advice for other artists. My studio will house an art gallery for exhibiting my own work and the work of talented, local & regional artists. I want to foster an environment of creativity and help contribute to the thriving art culture in Cleveland.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Well I'm more of a night-owl so not much makes me get up in the morning :) ...but what drives me to live every day to the fullest is creating beauty through my art work and the happiness that it brings to so many people, including myself. Everytime I open the kiln, I am amazed and delighted with the beautiful glass treasures that lie inside. Art is why I wake up in the morning, the wonder of creating glass art inspires me to sieze the day, everyday. Carpe Diem!
You can contact Jenn by the links below.
http://firetamerglass.etsy.com
http://firetamerglassworks.blogspot.com
When did you first know that you were going to do something in your life artistic?
I can trace my artistic roots back to my early childhood spending time in my Mom's ceramic studio in the basement of our house. I remember feeling artistically inclined to the materials and the ability to create a beautiful object with my own two hands.
I first knew that I was headed for a life traveling the artistic path during my college career at Kent State University. The 'glass bug' first bit me when I took a Beginning Glass class as part the art program requirements. I fell instantly in love with the medium....the glowing heat, the raw power and the ability to shape a molten material...and we lived happily ever after...
What are your goals?
My ultimate goal is to create a life where I support myself by doing what I love: creating glass art, while being able to share my talent with others. I plan on opening my own glass studio where I can create my own work while offering instruction and advice for other artists. My studio will house an art gallery for exhibiting my own work and the work of talented, local & regional artists. I want to foster an environment of creativity and help contribute to the thriving art culture in Cleveland.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Well I'm more of a night-owl so not much makes me get up in the morning :) ...but what drives me to live every day to the fullest is creating beauty through my art work and the happiness that it brings to so many people, including myself. Everytime I open the kiln, I am amazed and delighted with the beautiful glass treasures that lie inside. Art is why I wake up in the morning, the wonder of creating glass art inspires me to sieze the day, everyday. Carpe Diem!
You can contact Jenn by the links below.
http://firetamerglass.etsy.com
http://firetamerglassworks.blogspot.com
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