Showing posts with label landscapes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label landscapes. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS


Berries purple pink fuschia warm scarf hand knit
by
Romy

WELCOME, Romy and her Etsy shop BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS.  When you pay a visit to Romy's shop, you will find not only a wide variety of handknit scarves and neck warmers, but also her delightful, original fine art....STILL LIFE, ABSTRACT, LANDSCAPES and more! 

First, let's take a moment to learn a bit more about this talented artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


Like many people I did a lot of arts and crafts when I was a child. I think my mom probably still has some of my childhood drawings from when I was about 5 years old.


In college, I studied earth sciences, never took any art classes, as I was planning to work in the science field. I guess you could say through a twist of fate I wound up working as a photographer. Science became the hobby and art became the career. From there I just kept expanding into different art mediums… photography, painting, fiber arts, etc.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I think the mediums choose me. Seems like I'm drawn to them, the creative energy seems to flow through me to whatever medium - like an urge to express that energy.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

The whole process… from being inspired and coming up with ideas for new pieces, to creating those pieces, and finally hearing from collectors how much they enjoy that artwork in their home makes the circle complete.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Had to think about this one… I'd say a wild fruit tree. They grow as part of the local ecosystem and according to the local micro-climate conditions. Wild fruit trees aren't dependant on all the inputs of fertilizer and stuff that a cultivated fruit tree is, they adapt to whatever is available. Times when everything they need is in abundance they give sweet and tasty fruit that you can't find in any store.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Probably either clay, mosaics, or landscape design. (Guess I couldn't choose just one - laughing). I enjoy working with my hands and also enjoy working with the earth. When I see a bare patch of ground in the garden I imagine all the beautiful flowers and edibles that can grow in that space.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

My personal belief is to try to contribute positively to the world in whatever I do. Through my art I try to convey the beauty and simplicity of the natural world… as our lives get more hectic, complicated, and technologically advanced I find myself longing for the simpler things in life. So through art, I try to give the viewer not only a positive place to escape to for a moment, but a space to explore their own personal connection with the natural world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Believe in your abilities… always keep learning, growing, and experimenting with your art or craft. As far as the business side goes… continue to educate yourself on running a business. Realize that it takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to be self employed, and it takes even greater perseverance to be self employed in the arts field.

GREAT, interview, Romy!  I love how you express yourself, not only in your creative talents, but in your words as well.
 
To learn more about this delightful artist, visit her links below.  Romy has also started "featuring" other artists (myself included), and you can read about them on her blog.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - LUCKY'S LUXURY ARTS AND CRAFTS


Kelly has some really fantastic photos in her LUCKY'S LUXURY ARTS AND CRAFTS shop out on Etsy. She took them on her trip through China. Isn't the panda a great shot!!

WELCOME, Kelly, and read what she has to say about herself and her photography'

Hi there!

My name is Kelly, and I'm a 24 year old woman from the beautiful state of Minnesota. I was born and raised in Minnesota and I'm sure I'll live here my entire life. I graduated in 2006 from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a BA in East Asian Studies and Philosophy and minors in Communication Studies and Religious Studies. I love to travel and have visited many US States but have also traveled internationally to Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and China. I hope to do some more traveling in the future.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I took a trip to China in 2004, through the East Asian Studies program at my university. I took many beautiful photos while I was there and I shared them with one of my close friends who recommended that I sell them on Etsy.


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Well before I left for my trip I was lucky enough to receive an awesome camera from my mother for Christmas, so that was obviously what I took with me on my trip.


What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I really like being able to look back at my photos and realize how lucky I was to be able to take such a wonderful trip, and I also love being able to share my work with other people.


If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would have to choose a cucumber because to me cucumbers are so refreshing and have such a unique taste. They can quench your thirst while also being filling.


If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I make many other crafts that I'm not currently selling in my Etsy store, for example: knitting, crochet, cross stitch, paper crafts (ATC's and scrapbooking), and jewelry making. I hope to have some of those items in my Etsy store in the future.


What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Make life beautiful.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't let people bring you down, and keep the people who support you close because they mean more to you than you know. Also never give up, always hold your head high, and be proud of your creations.


KELLY, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us. How "lucky" you were to get to take such a wonderful trip. All the sights you must have seen. It is so great that you captured some of them. If you'd like to see more photos of this China trip, be sure to visit Kelly's shop by clicking on the photos and link below!