FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NINA'S WINDOW

"GRAPES" by Nina

Let's welcome Nina, whose shop on Etsy is called Nina's Window. What a exquisite painting! I happened across Nina's work and was so entranced by the colors and designs, that I had to write her and ask her if she would be a "featured artist" on my blog. Happily, Nina agreed!

Read below to hear what Nina has to say about herself and her artwork. I think you will find it truly inspiring and wonderful! Be sure visit NINA'S WINDOW and her other links to see and learn more about this talented artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I discovered my artistic ability after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about 9 years ago. To say that my life would change drastically would be an understatement. Before my diagnosis, I was an extremely active person. I played organized softball, rode mountain bikes, went camping, enjoyed hiking, water skiing, and snow skiing. My husband and I did a lot of this together along with our three children.

One day out on a walk with the family, I began to stumble and I could not figure out why. We sat for a while and after resting I felt fine again. As time went by, I began to have more and more of these weird feelings in my left foot, numb feelings on my ribcage, blurred vision and feeling completely exhausted. It was a frustrating road to diagnosis because the doctors were unable to pin point the cause. It was not until five years later and several MRI’s that I was diagnosis with MS. I was told there is no cure. Doctor’s do not know how, or why, some people get it. Some doctors believe it is caused by genetics, cold weather, and certain vaccines. It is a progressive decease.

“Progressive” was the operative word for me. I am a realist. I had a pretty good idea of what my future was going to look like as far as my physical activity level and mobility was concerned.

I understood it was not a pretty picture. But it is what it is; I needed to put into perspective what I planned to do with what I had. I’m not only a realist, I am also a fighter. I began to pray diligently. I asked God to give me a new passion and purpose in life. I knew that God had not given me, an outgoing and spirited personality to end up in a wheelchair just looking out a window. I knew he had a purpose and a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dwelling on that, I kept praying.

A very good friend and neighbor gave me some paints and a canvas for a Christmas gift. She said “I know you would be good at painting. You are so creative and outgoing!” I responded, “Thank you”. When she left, I put it all in the closet, "out of sight, out of mind". I had never painted a thing in my life. Truth be told, I had no desire to. Going to art shows or museums was boring in comparison to my previously active lifestyle. So, I kept praying and telling God that I needed Him to give me a new passion…by the way painting was not what I had in mind.

Meanwhile my disease was progressing. I was experiencing less and less mobility. Throughout this entire process, Mondays were coffee days in my neighborhood. This particular Monday I woke up with a different feeling in my heart. As we were all sitting around talking and laughing I announced that I was going home and I was going to paint. I remember going to the closet, pulling the paints and canvas out and wondering how on earth I was going to make something look like anything on this white canvas square staring at me. I was scared. This was not my thing… or so I thought. But I felt that God put this desire in my heart for some reason. I do believe that when God closes a door He opens a window. The door has closed for me physically but He has opened a beautiful window for me with my art. That is why I call my artistic ability “Nina’s Window”. I give God all the glory and the credit. He has been so faithful to me. I love painting. It is so inspiring and it has given me such a venue to express myself.

I love seeing the joy on my friend’s and family’s faces when they see my art. Watercolor is my favorite painting medium. I like the unpredictable qualities it has. Through art, I have met wonderful people and I have learned a lot about myself as an artist and as a person.

Is living with MS difficult? Yes. Do I have difficult days? Sometimes. Am I angry? Absolutely not. My husband and I have three children. Our daughter Erika is 24, married and has a baby boy. Our sons are Ryan, 21, and Jeremy, 19. I have to be honest and say that I don’t know what the future holds for them. Difficult times and challenges come to all of us. I want them to see how full life can be in spite of very difficult challenges. I want them to persevere, be tenacious and to be fighters. I want to inspire in them the belief that God is faithful and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

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

I started with oils (which is what my friend gave me), but it took too long to dry. I switched to acrylics and really liked it. However, once I tried watercolor I was sold. I love how it can be so unpredictable. It is by far my favorite.

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

I love that there are no rules. I paint what I want, when I want and if someone likes it? Well that much better. Getting lost in color and creating is the best part.

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

I would choose a red chili pepper. I love the color red. I think of my work as very colorful, passionate and spicy. Making a statement.

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

I would say "music". Specifically, the trumpet. I am a real tomboy. Piano, violin, flute, etc. they just weren't me. I love the sound of a trumpet.

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

Fun! How color lifts your spirit!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Paint, paint and paint. Don’t give up. The more you paint the better you get. Don’t let anyone discourage you. There is no such thing as a mistake. You learn something every time you paint. How can that be a mistake?

Nina, I can't tell you what a pleasure and honor it has been to have you out here on my DZFANTASY blog as a featured artist. I'm sure your story will inspire others. What a great spirit and gift you have! Be sure to visit Nina's links to find out more about her and her wonderful work.

A CHERISHED MEMORY (Nina's other Etsy shop)

BARGAIN BELLES

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - RARE ARTISANS - Handcrafted Jewelry and Original Art

"Sunlit Vase" by Frank Rose

I am very happy to have the "Rare Artisans" shop on Etsy as a featured shop out here on my DZFANTASY blog! What a detailed and exquisite drawing above!! One can only imagine the time it took to create such a work of art!
Be sure to visit the Rare Artisans to see more original art and beautiful hand-crafted jewelry. Let's hear what the Rare Artisans have to say about their work as they share their thoughts with us.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
Our conglomerate began creating art years ago, all of us starting our journey at different stages in life. Collectively, we have all answered the same calling…to be creative and expressive by channeling love and joy. We all found the creative process relaxing, and only later discovered that it could also be lucrative. Several of our members have been severely disabled for many years and have found that making “things”, and having them be appreciated by other people, encouraged them to be more satisfied with themselves. Getting together, loving each other’s work, laughing at our mistakes, and learning from each other led to starting our website and then opening our Etsy shop!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Basically, it has settled down to whichever medium is available at the time. We may not be the best at it, but love to dig in with every ounce of determination and talent granted to us. We encourage and mentor each other to try new things, so each day opens new possibilities!

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
For one individual, it is when he is constructing jewelry, taking time to ensure that each piece is strong and beautifully crafted. Another finds that the greatest moment is when he first sees a certain combination of jewelry components that he knows will become a beautiful piece. One of our artists enjoys the freedom of a blank piece of paper just waiting for his pencil to tell him what to create! For another one of our artists, it is when she clicks the camera’s shutter knowing it will be “the one” out of the bunch that captured all essentials to become an emotionally stirring photograph (see her fine art photography at http://alisondubois.etsy.com) ~ and she also loves imagining a jewelry item, and then creating it by learning different techniques. Another feels special knowing her art is out there in the world, adorning someone with her jewelry accompanying them on a night out on the town, during a significant moment in their lives, or a nonchalant moment where they take time out to notice her piece throughout their day.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
This is a difficult question! Maybe an interesting fruit bearing plant from the rain forests, currently unknown to man, that would make people wonder “Is it a fruit or a vegetable”? It would be healthy, entertaining and appealing, delicious and versatile…and no one would be allergic to it! The fruit would be our jewelry and art pieces - ready for people to pluck and enjoy today, tomorrow, and as heirlooms passed to generations to come!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be, and why?
We gathered our pool of incredible artists together (some whose work is yet to be featured) to help answer these questions (and had a great time!) So, we came up with a few answers to this question.
1) Sculpture, because it is an art form that is not commonly displayed in the public as much as it used to be.
2) Old style techniques in photography, because this is a medium that should be preserved and revered.
3) Gastronomy~ simply because being a chef and preparing dishes that are not only vital to living, but are also a wonderful way to connect people of all ages and origins…everyday would be wonderful. How splendid it would be to create recipes that could potentially become a staple in everyday lives - to prepare glorious works of art, only to see them gobbled up!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Rare Artisans’ crafts are intended to capture emotions, convey beauty, and share our respect for the endless combinations of crafts that are available for anyone to try. We’d like to encourage people to believe in themselves…believe that they can create and receive satisfaction for their work.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Just go out there, work with what you can afford, there are an abundance of resources to learn different techniques, for endless creations. If you fail, try, try again! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the world of art is constantly growing and changing with the times.

THANK all of you "Rare Artisans" for taking the time to contribute your thoughts and ideas for this feature. GREAT answers, thoughts, and wonderful work!! It is wonderful to hear of a group such as this! I'd like to mention here, that Alison DuBois has also been featured out here on DZFANTASY. Be sure to visit RARE ARTISAN'S shop on Etsy and also the other links listed below.

RARE ARTISAN'S BLOG

ALISON DUBOIS BLOG