Birthday

Happy Birthday to me! I thought at least I would post this little tidbit of news since I've neglected to post much of anything in the past month thus far. My header is also due for an update (it's summer by goodness). So I promise, folks, more to come soon.

Florida SuperCon Interview!

Video courtesy of Comigirl.com

I had the pleasure of being a guest at the South Florida SuperCon, thanks to an invitation given to my husband by the guys that run the show. I've attended many conventions before, and this one sticks out because of the fabulous Florida backdrop, the friendly guys that run the show, the lovely accommodations, an appearance by Bruce Campbell, and Comigirl. Yes, that's right, Comigirl is a comic book fan that reports about comics from the female perspective! I had the pleasure of meeting her by way of my husband, and it turns out she's done some research on me and decided to do a "quick" (because it's a relative term here) little interview for her site. I'm a bit shy about posting this, because let's face it, who doesn't cringe when they watch themselves on video. Comigirl runs a great site, so if you're big into the genre, her's is a nice place to stop. Enjoy!

Horror Inspired

My husband and I took a recent day trip to New Paltz, NY where we visited the Mohonk Mountain Resort and made a day of hiking, canoeing and eating a gourmet buffet. The resort is gorgeous and...unusual. There's a mystical appeal about the place, haunting and enchanting. The views of New York and beyond are breathtaking. The architecture of the hotel is a Victorian marvel, like something out of the old west, with it's rickety floors, wrap-around porches and Spanish-tiled clay roofs. And it's enormous.

So word is Stephen King was inspired by the hotel to write "The Shining." One can see why it's easy to speculate this little tidbit. While we sat in one of the lounges, I came across a wonderful, little, framed illustration on the wall by none other than Edward Gorey. This hotel inspires some great artists of the macabre and it inspired me to want to return again.

Pretty Princess

Galison makes wonderfully designed paper products that you'd want to display in your home, pieces of art, if you will. So when I got a call from Galison's art director for an illustration assignment, I was thrilled!

I was told the product was for their Mudpuppy block puzzle line, specifically made for 2-3 year olds, so I quickly hopped onto their site, clicked on the product, and noticed that great illustrators and classic characters like Eric Carle, Maurice Sendak, and Curious George, respectively were represented.
Then, when the art director told me I was to illustrate princesses of different times and places, I was doubly excited to take on the job! It took me back to the time I was three, drawing princesses with large...no...tent-like skirts.

I'm pleased to show you one of the pieces here (there are 6 total), a classic 1950's princess, her lovely skirt, appropriately large and poofy. It won't be on the market until June 1, 2010, but I couldn't wait that long to share even a taste, plus the art director was kind enough to let me!

GAGA Arts Festival 2009

I finally found some time to write about my first open studio this past weekend at the Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center. It was a big success thanks to the local community and despite the scattered showers and cooler milder temperatures.

Since I've yet to build up a collection of large paintings, I decided to show the original art from my published work, some of which have not seen the light of day in years. I finally had an excuse to pull them out and hang them, rather casually on clips and string, for all to appreciate, including myself. It was cool to see them all up in one space.

I had a table set with crayons and pencils, prepared an activity book called "The Best Day," where the kids could write about their best day and illustrate it. I also brought my button maker for kids and "big kids" to make buttons. It was a hit! I also created a display on "How a Book is Published: an artist's perspective."

I sold a few books, and while most of the art was also for sale, with the sluggish economy, the pieces were admired from afar.

I most enjoyed talking to the attendees and all the kids. I met many bright children, some who wanted to be illustrators, others who were fascinated by the process and still others who just liked taking the time to create a story. I met a young girl who suffered from Hodgkins Lymphoma and was nearing the end of her treament with a good prognosis. As a survivor of childhood leukemia, we bonded over our "war stories," and before she left she showed me the story of her "Best Day," which she dedicated to me...excuse me...having a moment.

For many it was a big learning process, an eye-opener for local teachers and the regular art appreciator. So indeed it was a success even if I sold not a one painting.

Awfully Beautiful Opening

Alden Staffing hosted their 3rd Annual juried group show last night, featuring artists from the New York tri-state area. The show was held in Norwalk, CT, at Gravity Artworks on Isaac Street. The gallery is a basement loft space that housed pieces by over 50 artists, including myself. I saw a few familiar faces like my artist friends Jean Michel and Marissa Gilberg, both of whom had pieces hanging. I met a few new people as well, all sharing the same goal: celebrating the need to create and be creative, and to build up our egos in a down economy.

Gallery goers

Oh, why isn't she lovely? Marissa Gilberg's work to the right.

A packed, lively gallery

Behind the desk, some beautiful, wilting flowers

Creative Recycling at Home

I'm a huge fan of before and after design projects, especially since I love to scour Craig's list, Ebay and local antique shops for the next best find. I finally had a chance to create my own "before and after" which I'm particularly proud of. What makes me even more ecstatic is that one of my favorite inspirational blogs also found it pretty cool! Check out Design Sponge for the scoop and larger pics!

For all you do-it-yourselfers, it took about three hours of sanding, two coats of latex paint, more sanding along the edges for a bit of a distressed finish, and a cut of wrapping paper from Target to line the drawer. I then added the classic Eames chair (more love) and I now have a one-of-a-kind piece that's easy on the eyes and the environment!

Awfully Beautiful Exhibit

My newest painting featured in my March 20th entry, was accepted into the "Awfully Beautiful" group show at the Gravity Artworks gallery, located at 16 Isaac Street, Norwalk, CT 06850. The show is sponsored by Alden Staffing and will feature 50 artists. It's a good sized show so if you're in the area please stop in. The exhibition will be on display from April 18 through May 16.

IF: Poise

I just finished my ad for Picture Book, and still had the idea of dress up on the brain, but this time in a calmer setting. For the newest IF theme, "Poise," I thought of the word in relation to my mom's mantra growing up. It was so important for my mom, to instill in my sister and I, that we be poised and graceful. Often times my mother made clothes for us (usually matching I might add), and when I was getting measured I would practice my poise. Can't say I was always successful at it.

Picture Book

Here's my latest illustration to be printed in Picture Book 2010, an annual publication which features promotional pieces of children's illustrators. It's probably one of the busiest pieces I've ever done, and the most challenging in terms of keeping my main character in focus. I think, even with the chaos around her, she manages to grab your eye, and hopefully stir interest in perusing the wonderland that is her mom's dressing room. If you doubt that, just take a look at the dancing dog!

Discovering Ben Shahn

I love to post about personally discovering artists that were big in there time and whose art have a timeless, very current style. Ben Shahn is no exception. On Monday I was in a local antique shop with my husband, who was perusing the bookshelves, when he picked up this beautifully bound hardcover complete with case, containing wonderfully graphic illustrations and typography by Ben Shahn.

The book is a poem, written by Wendell Barry in response to the assassination of the young President Kennedy, originally published in The Nation magazine. It is entitled November 26, 1963. So I did a bit more research on Ben Shahn and discovered a lot of material, as well as the huge influence he has on current illustrators. In fact, the site I frequent, Illustration Friday, actually posted a quick little bio about him.

Funny how we may come to discover things that are right under our noses. But it's great when the discovery is organically grown and only cost $5.

Latest Promo

Got my latest postcard promotional back from the printer and I'm happy with the results. The paper has a nice weight to it with a satin finish. I also have a corner rounder, a handy dandy industrial piece of equipment that, well, rounds corners. The result is a little something more special than your average postcard.

Feets are wet

It's been a while since I've put brush to canvas, and I'm sharing it with you because I guess I promised to do that. I'm kind of apprehensive about it since I'm opening myself up to all kinds of scrutiny, but that's just the nature of the business, and I do believe it's meant to be shared. Plus, it's the best way for me to grow and get better.

Anyway, I'm entering this piece for a group show that's being juried by Alden Staffing. It's moderately sized measuring 18" x 24" and it's oil and graphite on canvas. The theme is "Awfully Beautiful" and this I titled "A Hair's Breath from 16." Keeping fingers crossed....

IF: Legendary

The first thing that came to mind when I thought legendary was Myrna Loy. I'm embarrassed to admit she was a relatively new discovery for me. My husband and I watched every Thin Man movie over the past few months where she starred so perfectly alongside William Powell. She was so brilliant in those films I wanted to know more about her. I was amazed to discover that she dedicated her time as a full-time employee for the American Red Cross throughout WWII and only acted in one film in that time. So I wanted to illustrate Ms. Loy after this discovery. Her talent, beauty, and selfless dedication make her legendary.

For the baby...

Here's my latest effort in the homemade stuffed toy craze. She enjoyed a bit of time in my studio among the other birds before being shipped off to a newborn. Hope you like it little Maya!