DZFANTASY Fiber Fantasy Creations - Get 20% Off Any Item Purchased In BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY

A few of my items available for purchase at the gallery

20% OFF SALE by DZFANTASY

at

the BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY

Now through the end of December!!

Great chance to buy unique, one-of-a-kind gifts....

Fiber Fantasy Figures

Handknit Fiber Jewelry with Swarovski Crystal Accents

100% of ALL SALES will be donated to

BICHON AND LITTLE BUDDIES RESCUE in Mukwonago, WI

Great way to help all the little rescue doggies waiting for their "forever" homes and get a deal in the bargain!!   

To learn more about the BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY in Port Washington, WI, click on the link below:

BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY

If you live in the surrounding area, stop in for a visit.  You can feel free to wander around with no pressure to purchase. (102 E. Pier Street, Port Washington, WI)

To learn more about  Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue, where I have been a volunteer for two years, and to see what little dogs are available for adoption, visit the link below:

BICHON AND LITTLE BUDDIES RESCUE

So far for December, I have sold over $200.00 of my art either through the gallery, my DZFANTASY shop on ARTFIRE (http://dzfantasy.artfire.com), or by word-of-mouth.  Some of the items sold to date were:

2 sets of handknit fiber fantasy chokers and earrings

 Tiny 6" angels, sitting and wall style

6 pairs of Swarovski crystal earrings

DZFANTASY FIBER FANTASY ART SALE - 10% OFF at BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY - "GRAND OPENING"!

$105.00

Fabric Sculpted Fairy House with teeny fiber sculpted fairy

will be 10% off at the GRAND OPENING of the

BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY in Port Washington, WI

on September 15th - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BLUE HERON ARTISAN GALLERY

I will be at the Grand Opening for a portion of the day, so if you can make it, that would be great!  The gallery has a lot of great artists and art, so be sure to stop by for a visit.  A lot of great gift ideas.  It may only be September, but that means Christmas is just around the corner.  

Below are several photos of some of my work that will be available, all at 10% off for this day only.

4.5" High - Sitting Fairy - $60.00

Swarovski crystal accents.

Medium Fiber Sculpted mermaid, Silk upper body/face, Laurel Burch fabric tail,

 Swarovski crystal accents.

$75.00

A wide assortment of hand knit fiber necklaces, earrings, face pins and more!

Unique gift ideas!  Swarovski crystal accents. Price ranges $21.00 - $30.00

Don't forget 10% off every DZFANTASY creation at Grand Opening!

Tiny sitting fairy comes with her own bean bag chair designed from Laurel Burch fabric.

$65.00

Fall colored hand knit necklace with removable hand painted silk, butterfly pin.

 Butterfly's body is Swarovski crystals.

$30.00

I WILL BE DONATING ANY SALES OF MY DZFANTASY CREATIONS TO A VERY GOOD CAUSE....THE RESCUE DOGS AT BICHON AND LITTLE BUDDIES RESCUE IN MUKWONAGO, WI. where I have been a volunteer for the past 1.5 years.

To see some of the dogs that are now available for adoption, click on the link below.

BICHON AND LITTLE BUDDIES RESCUE

Featured Etsy Shop - WO STUDIOS

FANTASIES

Click on the above link to see and learn more about this striking piece of art)

Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART

 Painting by Destiny Womack - dWo - 16x20

I happened to run across this fantastic artist when posting in the Etsy forums for shops who wanted their Etsy minis on my blog.  I was immediately entranced with all the vivid colors and shapes of Destiny's  paintings, so I asked her if she would like to be featured.  Happily, she said YES.

Be sure to check out the "June Specials", that are running in WO STUDIOS!

Be sure to read her interview below and then pay a visit to her Etsy shop, WO STUDIOS to see more of her contemporary paintings.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have created many different forms of art my whole life. It was just something that was in me begging to come out - I started painting when I was younger, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I started becoming very serious about it... it was something that just called to me .

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

It was hard, and I tried everything, but the first time I got myself covered in paint I was hooked. Something about taking something that is a liquid and turning into something with such depth really did it for me.

THE WAY TO PARADISE

(Click on the painting's title above to learn more about it)

SALE - Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART Painting by dWo - LARGE 36x24

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

I find it all very enjoyeable. The best thing for me is to just let go and lose myself in the painting in the beginning, and then the finished product is my next favorite 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 kiwi.... because at first glance it is something unique and different, a little scary to take in but when you bite into it, is a wonderful new experience sweet and delightful, and nothing like it appears at first.

MY SECRET GARDEN 

(click on the above title to learn more about this print)

by dWO

FREE SHIPPING - 11x14 Abstract Contemporarary Modern Surreal Floral Fine ART PRINT

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

I would choose music. I have always had a deep love for it, the composition of music, the writing of the lyrics and perfecting vocal technique. Music can move your soul just as much as looking at a painting

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

I want to convey that you don't have to have a literal object to tell you what to feel or see when you look at a painting. I want my art to be a glimpse into my imagination and hopefully it leads others to take a journey through theirs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't be afraid to be different, and let others into your world. Even though you may think your world is a little strange, unusual or just downright scary, don't be afraid to share it with others. The best part about any art is being able to see the world and feel it through someone else's eyes.

Great art and interview, Destiny!  One can really use one's imagination when looking at your paintings.  Each person, I'm sure, sees something different when they look at your paintings!   That's what makes them so  unique!

WEB PAGE

FACEBOOK

Eclectic Wisconsin Art Gallery Looking for "FUNKY" Artists and Their Art!

I recently made the aquaintence of Jennifer Preiss, via Etsy, who is a partner and the full-time manger of a gallery in Whitewater, Wisconsin called, The Guild on the Triangle. The Guild is looking for artists who are interested in becoming a part of their eclectic gallery in dowtown Whitewater, WI, and/or a part of their on-line Guild Gallery.

Jennifer told me they are looking for "funky", "colorful" art in all types of mediums.  If you feel you would be interested in becoming a part of  this venture, click on the following links below for further information.  Jennifer would be happy to tell you more about how you can become a exhibitor in their gallery.  To visit The Guild on the Triangle web site, click on the link below:

The Guild on the Triangle

To see what steps you need to take to consider this opportunity, click on the link below, which takes you to the:

The Guild Artisan Guru Center

where you will find further information and Jennifer's contact info..

THIS MIGHT BE JUST THE OPPORTUNITY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN 2010!

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.

BLOG

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MoKoPo Creations

The Women - 11 x 14 Fine Art Print

CLICK on above photo to learn more about this colorful print

Welcome, Megan and her Etsy shop, MoKoPo, where you will find delightful colorful fine art prints, stunning original paintings, along with journals and sketch books.

Take a moment to learn more about this very talented artist by reading her interview below.
What led you to startcreating your art/craft?

Oh goodness! This is the type of question that's difficult for most artists. I think as a child I had a very vivid imagination, but that wasn't good enough for me. I needed to put that imagination on paper and make it into some tangible creation. It was how I related to others. I am still like that to this day. When I have trouble explaining what I'm thinking to someone else I find it much easier to just draw it.

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

My first steps into the artistic world began with drawing. I would sketch everything, with any medium I had at the moment (pencil, pen, colored pencil, crayons...didn't matter). When I was about 11 years old I discovered Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting" show on PBS and became completely mesmerized by it. I would tape every episode. I got my first Bob Ross Painting Kit for Christmas in 1996, made a complete mess of my parents' living room, and fell in love with painting. Paint has been my medium of choice since then, both oil and acrylic.

NATIVE WOMAN - Original painting by Megan of MoKoPo
CLICK on photo to learn more about this wonderful painting!

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

Brainstorming! My mind often goes way faster than my hand ever could, so at any given time I have a billion ideas floating around in my head. I also enjoy the challenge of executing those ideas. What ends up on the canvas or paper is often different from what I first set out to do, but that's what makes it fun. It keeps me on my toes!

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

Haha, what a great question! This is probably cheating but I'm going to say a Fruit Salad! I'm addicted to color and many of my paintings contain a broad, bright, juicy spectrum. A fruit salad is also representative of my portfolio as a whole- a bunch of different mediums, themes, and techniques that somehow all mesh together to form a cohesive MoKoPo Fruit Salad!

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

I would love to develop my photography skills. I've dabbled in photography a little bit here and there and I absolutely love the medium, but I have a lot to learn. It's something I'm passionate about getting more experience in.

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

I want my art to be fun, light, upbeat, and joyful. I have so much fun creating my work and I want those who see it to feel that same energy. Color is nothing to be afraid of and I hope that some of my color choices push people out of their comfort zone a little bit and allow them to look at color in a different light.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

LOVE what you do! Don't try to create things just because you think people will want to buy them. If your heart isn't in your work, it will show. Find what you love to do and work on developing your craft from there. Finally, never be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things. You might not like the finished product, but you are constantly learning.

Great interview and advice, Megan! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To learn more about Megan and her art, be sure to visit the links below.

BLOG

WEB PAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FEATHERWURM GRAPHICS

The Dour Fantastic - Dragon

by

FEATHERWURM GRAPHICS

When you visit Pearl's Etsy shop, FEATHERWURM GRAPHICS, you will not only find original artwork, cards and stationary, but some of the most whimsical figurines and miniatures. After reading Pearl's interview below, be sure to pay a visit to FEATHERWURM GRAPHICS.

You just might find a tiny creature there that you can't live without...whether it is in the form of a painting or a figure.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I try all sorts of new things, anything and everything, and sooner or later most things I try find their way to Etsy. I focus on sculpture as I really enjoy bringing to life new creatures and creations (and I enjoy creating things in miniature, I like tiny things!). I've been creating fantasy creatures for as long as I've been breathing, it's only ever seemed natural to just make more and more of them! My parents were a wonderful influence on me growing up, and I can only keep following their direction to find my own way, and just keep creating and being who I am.

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

I work with many mediums, I enjoy being a jack of all trades (if a master of none...), since I work in theater, and often have to make do with what I can find. Through doing this, I've found out how to work with many mediums and styles, and continued to use them with my foundation in art to constantly try new approaches. I like to play with new stuff all the time, and I'm even looking into working with plastics and acrylic at the moment.

Little Laidly Worm (Wyrm, Wurm, Wyvern..)

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

I would have to say that the conception of any new creature is the most fun, deciding how it will look, seeing it come about, and developing its story and nature. I love to tell stories with my work, and in crafting many little creatures, scenes, and designs, I'm given the opportunity to develop new stories every day.

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


I would definitely choose peppers! Hands down, as they're spicy, bright, and come in so many varities! Actually... that gives me ideas for new dragons...!


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

Well, I do use a lot on my own, but if I were to add a new one to my repertoire, I think I would choose cooking (a strange 'medium' I know), which I feel is a very fine art form, which as yet still eludes me. To learn to craft elaborate sugar sculptures and compose dishes and items that delight the palate would be a great joy to me. The art of scent and taste, be it perfume or confectionery is a realm I definitely wish to explore in the future.


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


There is always room for brightness, fantasy, and joy in the world, and not all things with too many teeth are as scary as they look.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Never throw away your old work, and don't undersell yourself. Your old work will show you how far you've come, don't look down on it, embrace it as a part of what you've learned. If it didn't work the first time, fix it and try again. And remember that your time and work are valuable, don't forget that.

Thanks, Pearl, for sharing your whimsical fantasy creations with everyone, and for giving us a bit of an "insight" as to what motivates you as an artist. It has been a pleasure to have you on DZFANTASY as a featured artist.

To learn more about Pearl and her FEATHERWURM creations, be sure to visit her links below.

FEATHERWURM GRAPHICS WEBSITE

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JENUINE JEMS

Whimsical garden torch

by

Jen

of JENUINE JEMS

The enchanting, whimsical garden torch shown above would bring a bit of magic to any garden! It is just one of Jen's delightful creations. When you pay a visit to Jen's shop on Etsy, JENUINE JEMS, you will see that this artist gives a magical touch to all of her creations, which range from sun catchers, painted glass, paintings and more. Be sure to pay a visit to JENUINE JEMS after learning a bit more about Jen as she tells us in her own words what her creativity means to her.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

To be honest, I really have no idea! I can remember taking a drawing class back in middle school and then I don’t think I did much artistically for a while after that. After graduating college, I started playing around with beads and jewelry making and it has just kind of evolved into all of these other things. Mostly I try new projects just to see if I can do it at first and then I end up falling in love with the process and getting lost in it for a while.

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

As you can tell by my shop, I still haven’t decided, nor do I care to really! I really only hope to learn to work with more mediums! I always like to try new things. So many things interest me! Sometimes I go in waves. For a long time it was just the beads and jewelry, at the moment I’m loving different wirework and acrylic painting! Who knows what’s coming next week! LOL!

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

Honestly, at the moment, it’s the quiet time I’ve set aside for myself. I know that may seem selfish… I am a stay at home Mom to two wonderful people and the days are hectic sometimes! I look forward to my quiet times in my art room alone with my music, my jems and my thoughts. Although I must say that as they are growing, they join me there often and I love watching their creativity grow along with mine. I also love that feeling of someone seeing something I’ve made and watching them smile and get interested in how it came to be.

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

This makes me smile! I guess a tomato perhaps… They come in different colors and I like color. One is never quite sure if it’s a veggie or a fruit, much like I never know what I may create next. It’s all a fun mystery! Plus, I just love them and my creations!

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

I would really love to try more serious metal and wirework...with the torches and all of that good stuff! I have a jig and some hammers, but that only takes me so far!

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

I’m looking for smiles. I just want someone to look at something I’ve made or that anyone has, for that matter and think, “look at that, I’d love to have that in my home, or wear that, or give that to… because it makes me smile”! I also think it’s important to see that it’s just fun to try new things and that you don’t necessarily have to be trained to create anything. That to me is the beauty of it all. If you can picture something, try it and by all means ask for help, but don’t think you can’t.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I’m so new to all of this real creating, but if I had to, it would be to keep at it as long as you smile while doing it! It’s funny, for so long I just made all of these things and they just sat in my little art room. Turns out, they all had places they were meant to live, eventually. And I have hope for the others in there too!

Cherry tulips acrylic on canvas painting

by JEN

Jen, thanks for a delightful, upbeat "peek" into what makes you tick as an artist. We'll all be looking forward to seeing where else your "creativity" takes you!

If you'd like to see more of Jen's creations, and learn a bit more about her, be sure to visit her links below.

JEN'S BLOG

JEN'S WEB PAGE

THE WINNER OF ORIGINAL SURREAL PAINTING "PURPLE ROCK" BY TYE J IS.............

"PURPLE ROCK"

by

TYE J. SCHLOER

The WINNER of the surreal painting 'PURPLE ROCK" by Tye J. is:

GINA of TOLEDO, OH

CONGRATULATIONS, GINA!

Gina's entry of May 27, 2009, was randomly selected as the WINNER, out of the 48 entries received for this giveaway. The giveaway ended May 27, 12:00 Midnight CST.

Thank you to all of you who entered, and for your wonderful comments. I'm sure Tye J. appreciated hearing from you all. Also, a "thank you" to those of you who "hearted" TYEJ's etsy shop.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TARA CREATIONS

ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING- Make Way

The work of this "budding young artist", as Tara of TARA CREATIONS on Etsy calls herself, is quite wonderful! I think her abstract paintings have a magical quality to them with the colors and designs she creates. You will want to be sure to visit TARA CREATIONS to see for yourself just how beautiful they are. First, let's learn a bit more about Tara as she tells us about herself in her own words below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Nilgiris (meaning the Blue Mountains) is among one of the most popular tourist attractions in southern India. It’s a hill station blessed with natural creeks and rivers, gorgeous flowers and gigantic trees with almost all the shades of green that you can ever see on earth, and I was blessed to be born there. My earliest work in school, that I remember painting, was that of a leaf and then a tree. I believe my scenic motherland led me to create my art. Painting and drawing always has been a part of me since my childhood. It’s in me and always will be. My art teacher in school, my parents, my sister and my brother have played a great role helping me develop my art through their constructive criticisms.

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

I mostly did sketches with pencils in the past. These days, I work with Oils and Acrylics after being exposed to some of the greatest artists’ works that are found online, which turned into great inspirations for my medium of work.

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

Frankly speaking, the actual process of painting is the most enjoyable because I just am out of this world when I do it. I am at a state of peace and joy when I do it and never want to stop. (That is- if my one year old doesn’t wake up from his sleep in the middle of the night!!) Now that I have started to sell my paintings to others, I believe I am being able to share the same feelings of joy and peace to those of you buy, or just even stop by at my online stores to admire them.

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

Orange! It’s so colorful that it pops out amongst others and has many nutritious benefits too. So is fine art. It mostly is colorful; a painting with warm colors that can warm up a room can do the same to your spirit.

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

I would have been a graphic artist- because that’s something that amazes me and there again you have an endless possibility of bringing your imagination to life and play with a million shades of colors and an added benefit - actually edit them until you are satisfied.

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

I enjoy creating my artwork; I am at a state of peace and am happy when I create it. Hoping to pass joy and peace to all the wonderful people who can appreciate or admire my work. Happiness is very contagious!!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I am a budding artist and don’t have any great advice for others- but here is what I believe artists and crafters should do- Keep dreaming, keep creating!!

TARA, thanks for sharing your wonderful work, and also for giving us a bit of an insight as to what makes you the delightful artist that you are.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HJM ART GALLERY by HELEN JONOW MIQUEO

Huge Original Landscape Red Poppies Painting - Night California Poppies

by

Helen Jonow Miqueo

"This painting is for your soul! Freshness and eternal freedom of this artwork will inspire you and make your walls truly alive!"

Helen is definitely an inspired artist with her colorful, abstract paintings! They will truly make a wall come alive, as she states in her description above! I'm very happy to have Helen and her wonderful artwork out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Be sure to pay HJM ART GALLERY on Etsy a visit. First, lets learn a bit more about Helen and her creative talent.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I can say that I have been painting since I was born. As long as I remember, I have been creating something. Creativity was always in my family. My grandfather wanted to be an artist, but World War II interrupted his dreams. My grandmother was an incredibly talented woman who created very beautiful, intricate embroidery and crochet-work. My mother is an architect. Following in my family’s steps, I am also an artist.

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

Over the years I have been trying and experimenting with many different mediums and techniques: oil, tempera, gouache, acrylics… I settled on acrylics. I create my pouring paintings by mixing acrylic paint with water and pouring the mixture onto the canvas, creating free-flowing shapes and forms. This technique requires a lot of flexibility from a painting medium and acrylics are just perfect for it. The main advantage of acrylics is that they are water-based and can be used as watercolors or as an opaque medium. Drying time is excellent as well as their tolerance for correction.

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

I love it all: from mixing the paint to the final touch ups.

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

Interesting question. It would definitely be a multi-layered fruit with many different hidden elements. When the paint mixes, it creates many different shapes, shades and forms. Every time one looks at the painting, something new is discovered. So, the first thing that comes to mind would be a pomegranate.

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

I think it would be photography. I took a photography class in college and was fascinated with the ability of light to capture, convey and preserve for eternity the fleeting moments of life.

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

My art doesn’t have a specific message, but it has a meaning. The meaning of my art is my imagination, and through imagination people can connect with each other on a different kind of level. I also hope that people enjoy my art as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Never give up! Art is a tough business with a lot of competition. It is so easy to get discouraged and give up. No matter what others say or advise you to do, believe in yourself and stay the course.

Helen, great art and advice! I don't know how anyone could look at your colorful, imaginative paintings and not see "joy" in them. They are wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To learn more about Helen and her art, be sure to visit the links below.

HJM BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GEMINI RIVER ROCKS by BECKY NIELSEN

Do Not Be Afraid of the Night

by

Becky Nielsen

WELCOME, BECKY, of GEMINI RIVER ROCKS on Etsy. I came across this wonderful artist's work when adding a post out on the forums, looking for artists who would like to have their "Etsy minis" displayed on my DZFANTASY blog for the month of February. I love her creative way of using rocks as her canvas, and asked her if she'd like to be a featured artist on my blog. Luckily, she responded....and here she is!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I first started painting almost eight years ago. I was skipping rocks on the Hudson River with my grandson, and one that I prepared to throw caught my attention. It looked so much like a bird that I decided to bring it home and paint it – and we started looking for other stones that the water had sculpted. The shape and the texture that are what appeal to me most when I’m collecting rocks to paint. It helps determine what it will be.

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

Acrylic paints have been my primary choice – they dry so easily, adapt to use in a variety of ways, and come in so many great colors ready made. When I am painting my pins and small pieces it would be too time consuming to have to mix colors individually all the time. In recent years I’ve been studying traditional iconography. There I’ve learned to use egg tempera and find that I can get some wonderful effects on the stones with this – it is much more time consuming but the outcomes are very satisfying.

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

What I most enjoy about painting is how I can use my life experiences to develop my own style. And while sometimes I get frustrated when I know that I’m lacking in some skill or technical knowledge or art history, I accept that I am where I am, trusting that this is my particular journey and it’s still going on. People often identify quite deeply with a quality in my work – I am very moved when a piece is chosen to give comfort to someone who is ill or is commissioned to celebrate a joyous occasion.

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

You ask me to choose a fruit or vegetable to describe my art – I’d like to say a pomegranate – because I love them so. But I see them as complex. Maybe my work is more like a blueberry – simple, accessible, packed with fiber and vitamins, things that are good for you. Blueberries grow in the sun – even when my work is serious, it isn’t dark.

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

Messages – Hmmm. My pins are to make people smile – to help people share their stories. If you’re wearing one with a tennis player on it – someone might start a conversation with you about that. My “No Boxes” pins have elicited some great conversations with people about how we pigeon hole each other. Framed pieces also tell stories or draw attention to things that I think are important. I have series of angels, sojourners and refugees, storytellers and teachers. My triptychs can cover a lot of ground, for example highlighting events in a couple’s 25 years of marriage.

Please Be Mine Pin

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice for other artists or crafters is to think carefully about why they are doing what they do, and to let that guide the decision making process. It’s so easy to get pulled off track or discouraged if that clarity gets lost.

Becky, thanks for sharing your thoughts and wonderful creations with everyone! Be sure to pay a visit to GEMINI RIVER ROCKS. Becky's work is so unique and original! Her pins are really fun!

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