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October 1, 2009

Flattening Humpty…

…like the poor guy hasn’t been through enough already. Actually no nursery rhyme violence happened here. It’s all good, so keep reading…

You might recall (if you’ve been hanging out for awhile) my appearance on HGTV’s “That’s Clever” when I created my 3-D wooden version of Humpty for the cameras (I just noted it will reair on October 28th, 7:30AM e/p. Enjoy with coffee.) That episode was originally taped almost three years ago. Since then, I haven’t been doing as much in the way of wooden carved art (or tv appearances, darn) but I do continue to have a soft spot in my heart for Humpty. I wanted to recreate him with my “back together” sentiment, but this time as a 2-D piece with a collage type of treatment.

And here’s how the latest Humpty painting turned out. He’s all flat (with an attitude) and ready for framing. This Humpty print is available over at my etsy shop along with an original 3-D version (making Humpty for TV involved many, many step outs which produced a very extended family of Dumptys. I’ve still got one or two of those hanging around.)

See he’s happy flattened, even standing tall. So much for those Kings men.
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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August 13, 2009

When junk becomes art

junk n. 1. Discarded material, such as glass, rags, paper, or metal, some of which may be reused in some form. 2. Informal a. Articles that are worn-out or fit to be discarded. b. Cheap or shoddy material. c. Something meaningless, fatuous, or unbelievable.

art n. 1. Human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the work of nature. 2. a. The conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the sense of beauty. 3. High quality of conception or execution, as found in works of beauty; aesthetic value.

Last week, my vacationing family stumbled upon works of art while on a day trip to Beaufort, South Carolina. These fabulous chairs were spotted right behind Longo gallery, which was sadly closed.

Pretty cool, wouldn’t you say? The perfect illustration of artistic transformation.
Filed Under: fine art
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July 10, 2009

I wear my cape + free chocolate

Here’s another painting of mine in the Superhero exhibit opening tonight. “I wear my cape” celebrates the modern day mom and/or wife…our very own superheroes. Maybe whipping up dinner isn’t something Wonder Woman ever did to impress, but in today’s hectic world a sit down dinner is a feat indeed. And what about the power to overcome five baskets of laundry and then put that laundry away without stepping on even one Lego? The ability to make boo boos better with a hug and a band aid? The extrasensory vision to find the remote control in the far depths of the couch cushions?! Talk about heroic acts. This print is now available in my etsy shop if you happen to know any heroines like that.

And I’m sure you’ve done something heroic already today…made it out of bed with one eye open? That counts. Hop over here and get your free chocolate reward starting at 9:00AM ET every Friday through September. The first 250,000 to sign in on Friday will get a coupon (4 coupons during the offer per household) mailed to redeem for the Mars chocolate bar of their choice (deciding between peanut m&ms and twix…hmmmmm.)

Alright, it’s time to put my cape back on and wake the sleeping…an operation not without peril and pain. Wish me luck. Up, UP and AWAY…

Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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July 8, 2009

A Super Show

When I first got this call for artist submissions in my inbox I’ll admit I wasn’t sent running for a paintbrush. I knew many artists could illustrate Batman and his friends far better than I. However as the deadline approached, I started thinking more about superheroes and what us mere humans (particularly women) had in common with them. That’s when the ideas started coming and in usual fashion I decided one week before the deadline to get started. I submitted my work last Thursday and just heard that three paintings and a 3-D sculpture have been accepted into this AMaZing exhibit.

Here’s one of my paintings in the show. “Often Invisible” was the first piece I completed…part superhero inspired, part funk-of-a-mood inspired (yes bad case of poor me’isms…underappreciated, undernoticed and overwhelmed…you get the idea.) Invisibility would no doubt be an interesting superhero trait to possess, but this piece speaks to a less glamorous sort of invisibility shared (I’m betting) by countless other women from day to day.

This not-in-the-show piece is one of my favorites. Not only have I adored Wonder Woman for most of my life, but I had forgotten how therapeutic art is for me when I’m feeling grumpy. After getting the invisible thing out of my system, back came my sense of humor. “The Power of Accessories” is more of my whimsical self. Can’t you tell I’m happier?!

If you’re around Cincinnati stop by the opening this Friday night from 6pm-9pm to say hi and see the entire show. Wear your superhero costume and get 50% off all beverages. Now how SUPER is that?
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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July 7, 2009

United not divided

More Flashcard inspired art led to this mixed media piece: “United we stand, Divided we fall.” It’s a phrase holding an enormous amount of truth. Regardless of our individual differences, we need to stand united to succeed not only relating to country, but pertaining to family, friends and business as well.

And I meant to get this post up all nice and timely on the 4th of July, however holiday travel and a crazy week has put me behind with everything (hear washing machine + dishwasher humming in background.) Not that posting this on the 6th isn’t relevant. Standing respectfully united shouldn’t be forgotten after the fireworks…you know like it was in our mini van today on the seven hour (felt longer) return home road trip. Early bedtimes will be enjoyed by this family tonight. Hope you all had a safe and happy weekend. : )
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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May 18, 2009

Trap Opportunity

This winged opportunity has been flying around in my head begging to be painted for several weeks now. Every since my kids convinced me that we needed a Venus fly trap for a pet. Happy to hear about a pet that didn’t come with vet bills or need to be walked, I conceded.

Meet Vivi. She’s so much easier to care for than anything with legs. We purchased Vivi at Lowes…in case you’re wondering where you might find a fly trap. Although we have yet to catch a live fly for Vivi (Murphy’s law…buy a fly trap and suddenly flies become extinct), we’ve fed her beetles, pill bugs and an ant or two. She happily coaxes them into her traps and snaps shut. Amazing really and very entertaining in a warped kind of way.

Here’s the painting in full ~prints for sale in my etsy shop. Yes, it was our little Vivi who got me thinking about opportunity and how you have to grab it when it buzzes by. It also helps to have an open trap or two so you don’t miss it when it does.

Unfortunately, our new pet fly trap has not deterred my children from their incessant beggings for something furry. Mom and Dad are still thinking on that.
Filed Under: family, fine art, illustration
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May 13, 2009

The Booth Revealed

All the little bits and pieces of the booth I’ve been working on came together for the show over the weekend. The booth made me happy. Here was my total vision put together.

Unfortunately the show…well not so great. My firstborn will not have her first year (or first days!) of college paid for. I could blame lots of factors (you know now that I’m a veteran)…the crowds didn’t come, the hotel (in the process of a brand switch) was poorly marked and hard to find, parking was bad, the crowd was museuming rather than buying, the economy stinks, etc. And finally, maybe I didn’t fit this particular show after all. Not trying to make excuses, rather wanting to learn, put things into perspective and most importantly not blame myself. But don’t think I was that clearheaded on Saturday. Hearing compliments was wonderful, but they sure don’t equal the wonderfulness/confidence build of booming sales.

I will do this again now that I have a booth designed. I just need to find the right venue…and if you think you know of a good fit please e-mail. Suggestions are most welcome.

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
—Brian Tracy

No regrets. : )

p.s. thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the positive comments as i prepped for this. i can’t tell you how much
your words mean to me!

Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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May 7, 2009

framing, packing, wondering

framing prints and originals…

packing craft kits, magnets and cards…

wondering where she’s taking us….at least we have extra bird seed.

If you’re around Hudson, Ohio on Saturday make sure you stop by booth #48 and say hello. Until then, you know what I’ll be up to. I’ll tell ya how it all went down next week.
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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April 10, 2009

Bloom today

I am always a bit shocked (especially in my garden) when those kinda-ugly bulbs planted in the fall, peek up through the ground the following year and bloom into the beauties they truly are. (what a message, wouldn’t you say? )

Wishing you and yours a blossoming spring and a happy Easter. I’m giving myself a blog spring break, but I’ll be back in about a week. Big projects to wrap up including prepping for the show and hustling to get my entry done for this. ~enjoy your weekend!~

update: “bloom today” print is available for sale in my etsy shop.
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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March 24, 2009

flashcards + paint = a PIF giveaway

As promised, here’s the second flashcard-inspired illustration I created over the weekend. This piece plays off the idea of paying it forward. And speaking of good deeds multiplying, I’ll send a free 8″ x 10″ good deeds multiply signed print to the first two commenters here. The only thing I ask in return is that you agree to play, which means that you also give something away on your blog. Positive multiplication. Happy Tuesday!
Filed Under: fine art, illustration
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