Thursday's Other Creative Soul: Katie Lee Todd

Today's Feature Highlights Portland-based Visual Artist Katie Lee Todd, whose stunning horizon paintings captivated me the moment I first laid eyes on them.

Katie Todd, Portland, OR

BA.'s East Asian Studies & Psychology,  Graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Indiana University.

Grew up in Toledo, OH, currently live and work in Portland, OR.

My painting is a means to create a sense of physical space, both for myself and for the

observers of my work. They are a memory of place, created with horizon, color, and light.

My normal day involves getting my kindergartener up and ready for our bike ride to school. Then teaching a Cardio/Pilates class 3 mornings a week, or heading straight over to my painting studio. I’d like to say that I work right up until schools out, but I mostly take food breaks to fuel the body, or computer breaks to fuel the business.  Family soaking in the hot tub most nights. My days are pretty ideal, it’s even more ideal though on days when paintings sell, or I also have time to get creative in the kitchen without the pressure of time.  Oh I guess spending the day in the woods in a natural hotsprings and being fed good Thai food and ice cream in the spring would be even more ideal.

My passions are getting BODYWORK, and doing energywork with friends. I’ve got an amazing community of friends and healers here in Portland. We enjoy helping each other move forward in life. It sounds kinda dorky, but self-work is my play, and roller-skating too.

My Goals: have paintings represented by 2 more galleries out of state this year, get going on a working tour of art for Europe by 2012.  Make my own sauerkraut, stop trying to be perfect, have more fun and be sillier with my 6 year old.

My creative influences are the sky, Beethoven, Rothko, Chef Rachel (The Garden of Eating),  Goddess Kelly O’Hearn, Portland painters Therese Murzda, and Jolyn Fry.

 Giving birth was huge. My daughter was born naturally at home, but I had really bad postpartum depression. A therapist suggested I do something for my soul. My husband bought me painting lessons with local painter, Jolyn Fry. Jolyn helped me breathe and paint from my body, not just my head, as I’d been taught. One day I started painting horizons, they felt good to me. I decided to do a show to really get motivated to paint for real. I never thought I’d be a painter until I was a grandma.  I wouldn’t  be painting if I hadn’t had felt so bad and needed a change.  The darkness lead to somethin’ new, woohoo!

Who is an inspiration? Hmmm, I love Bjork’s creativity. Artists Christopher Perry,  and my little bro, Jeremiah Coyle.  My business inspirations are my husband, David, big sister, Megan Stamos, and mother in law, Cathryn Todd.  All rockin entrepreneurs.  I admire their drive, and I know it takes a lot to get artwork out there and sold. I think about them working when I just want to stay home and drink tea and nibble chocolate, oh and yes that is my daily pleasure, really good dark chocolate.

www.KatieToddart.com  and www.ImRenewed.com is my energywork site.

A Poem for Wednesday

Conception

30" x 40"

Oil and Mixed on Canvas

Fine Art Prints of this original painting are available on my Etsy site.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins, And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright, And there the moon-bird rests from his flight To cool in the peppermint wind. Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black And the dark street winds and bends. Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And watch where the chalk-white arrows go To the place where the sidewalk ends. Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go, For the children, they mark, and the children, they know The place where the sidewalk ends. Shel Silverstein

Get Inspired

I was recently a guest blogger for Jen Bernard on her blog NOLA Girl, a wonderful blog about everything fabulous through the eyes of a New Orleanian shopaholic.

I wrote a little something for her readers about getting inspired and I wanted to share it with you all because I think searching for inspiration is important for everyone, both those involved in the artistic realm and those who swear they don't have a creative bone in their tiny little pinkie finger.

"Being an artist, people often ask me where I find ideas for my paintings. Inspiration is everywhere, and I wanted to share with NOLA Girl's readers how you can discover inspiration in your own lives. Whatever creative thing you wish to find inspiration for it can be quite simple, if you open your eyes to the wonderful world around you.  I am also sprinkling a few of my paintings in for good measure. 

You can also view my website with a more complete body of work here.

Step 1: THINK

Open your mind. Be open to any suggestions from a friend, relative even a stranger or someone you just met, the minds of others is one of your best resources so be sure to use it often. Also, most of the time people can give you the best ideas for something because they are not trying to, so pay attention to what others say or do, you might just be touched creatively because a conversation you over heard or a moment where you saw the world through someone else eyes.

Step 2: LOOK

Look around you. What is the one thing that is always happening around you and never stops? Life. Life is all around, and if you pay more attention to the world around you, inspiration is at every corner. So maybe try sitting somewhere (like a park or coffee shop) with a sheet of paper and a pen and write down (or maybe sketch out) the things you notice around you, if you clear you mind and release it from our tiny little mental boxes we put ourselves in, you can feel the world around you, and inspiration is everywhere you look.

Step 3: DO

Do something you've never done before. join a dance class, maybe even a pottery class or photography class, something creative that stimulates your brain. Dance, pottery and photography are all forms of art, and joining a group like that will be surrounding yourself with creative opportunities and resources. There are millions of things you could do that will be creatively stimulating to get rid of writer's block or just to find inspiration because you feel like it."

Thursday's Other Creative Soul: Leal Kim

This week's feature highlights a Jewelry Designer whose organic pieces are inspired by botany, horticulture and the natural world.

Name: 
Leal Kim


Education:
College Student working towards a double major in Botany and Horticulture

Current City/Hometown:
Seattle, WA

Tell me about your work.
With my business partner, we run Bits n Beads by Gilliauna where we create colorful quality handcrafted jewelry and accessories.

Describe your normal day. 
My normal day consists of a strictly adhered to schedule that ensures I get both time for my studies as well as time for my craft.  At the moment, I'm currently divvying up my craft and online marketing responsibilities to a few hours here and there throughout the day. Ideally, I'd love another 6 hours in each day.  I feel my days are too short by a long shot and I'd love to find a way to fit more in that I just can't right now.

What are your passions?
Plants and nature is my top passion and interest, which I think shows itself in my choice of studies as well as in my enjoyment of working with gemstones.  Jewelry design runs a close second.  I'm not a big fan of marketing, etc.  If I could spend all of that time creating instead, I'd be a happy camper.

What are your goals?
In reference to my work with jewelry and Bits n Beads, I'd like to reach a point where we're getting a steady sale-a-day there.  

Who are your creative influences?
My business partner is my largest creative influence. She started me out creating jewelry and beading along with my twin sister when we were around the age of 9.  She's an extremely creative, talented and intelligent woman that I'm honored to know and call a friend as well as business partner.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
Being queer, I'm sure, has a huge part to do with my development in the area of jewelry design.  Mostly, because my father disapproved so strongly.  I find a great amount of joy in my work, but it was just icing on the cake during my teen years that my father twitched every time he saw me creating some beautiful, delicate piece of jewelry.

Is there anyone that you really look up to as an inspiration?
Bono.  This man is the PR king of the world.  Seriously.

What motivates you on a daily basis?
My guilty pleasure is the gemstones I buy to use in my pieces.  I love working with them and probably spend more than I should to have the ones I want to use and create with.  As for motivation.  I find I'm more motivated when things are clean and organized.  The more organized things are, the more inspired I am to pop out of bed and get going.  My partner (life partner, not business partner) Gideon also fits in this category.  He's very supportive.

What's your working style?
I'm usually one of these people that tries to plow through things to the end.   I work on one piece or one design at a time and it's not unusual that I'll start a piece and not want to move from my work table until it's finished.

What are your websites/social networking links?
Website : http://www.bitsnbeads.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/BitsnBeadsbyGilliauna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/gilliauna


Blogs:
http://gilliauna.blogspot.com
http://gilliauna.tumblr.com

A Poem for Wednesday

The Edge of The Deep Green Sea 16" x 20" Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas Fine Art Prints are available of this original painting, email me for details. Annabel Lee by Edgar Allen Poe It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love- I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsman came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me- Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we- Of many far wiser than we- And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee. For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride, In the sepulchre there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Sunshower

12" x 12" x 1.5"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

This is a new painting, part of my 'Four Seasons' series. I am always taken by a spot of rain when it's still sunny outside, and that little natural phenomenon has happened several times these past two weeks. I tried to use colors that capture this exact time of year, when summer is finally all around us.

I'm not a huge movie person, but one of my favorite films of all time is 1998's "Great Expectations" with Gwenyth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke. I watched that at a pivotal time in my life and I feel it heavily influenced my psyche and my artwork. The song, "Sunshower", by Chris Cornell, is featured on that soundtrack and is hauntingly beautiful, much like everything else in that film...

I hear you laughing

And my soul is saved

Crawl like ivy

Up my spine

Through my nerves

And into my eyes

Cuts like anguish

Or recollections

Of better days gone by

But it's all right

When you're all in pain

And you feel the rain come down

Oh, it's all right

When you find your way

Then you see it disappear

Oh, it's all right

Though your garden's gray

I know all your graces

Someday will flower

In the sweet sun shower

Eyes like oceans

So far away

A feather trail

To a better way

Worried mornings turn

Into days

Then into worried nights

But it's all right

Oh, in a sweet sun shower

It's all right

All you'll be you are today

Texas Style and Substance

Kristie R, a noted Fashion Journalist who has written for Lucky Magazine, Texas Monthly and F!DLuxe, featured my artwork on her blog, Texas Style and Substance, recently.  She has an incredible knack for finding all things chic in our great state of Texas and I was honored to be featured among her picks. Thanks for the online love!

Thursday's Other Creative Soul: Sonia Semone

This week's feature highlights Sonia Semone, a local artist who is also dedicated to promoting other artists, art galleries and art events through the Dallas Fine Arts Examiner. Her show at Cafe Izmir on Greenville opens June 3.

Name:
Sonia Semone

Education:
BFA, MA

Hometown
Texas

Tell me about your work in one sentence.
Modern

Describe your normal day.
I paint a few days out of the week. Less than I used to. My ideal day would be vacationing somewhere wonderful with my family.

What are your passions?
Art, Travel, Food -- I am a serious foodie

What are your goals?
My goal in life is to be happy and not to sweat the small stuff. I also want to be as kind as I can to people.

Who are your creative influences?
People do not influence me creatively. The world around me does.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
Many. Every path I have chosen has been set by experiences. I think an important thing to remember is that we are all people. A door is just a door and it really has no power to keep people in or out.

Is there anyone that you really look up to as an inspiration?
Not that I really look up to-- but I would definitely have a drink with a few. I just watched Robin Hood, Russell Crowe might be on the list.

What motivates you on a daily basis?
I have an inner drive to do the things I want, this propels me in certain directions. Do you have a "guilty pleasure" that you can't miss out on to get you going? Chocolate, Chocolate, and Chocolate. I'll take one, two, or all three please.

What's your working style?
I work consistently until I am done. If that means I am a maniac for 24 hours, then so be it.

What are your websites/social networking links?
www.soniasemone.com
http://www.myspace.com/ssemone
http://www.facebook.com/ssemone
http://stores.ebay.com/gallery75-17

That's a quite a few ;)

A Poem for Wednesday

Sometimes I Feel Like I'm Falling in the Ocean
24" x 24" x 1.5" (2 canvas panels, 12" x 24" each)
Oil and Mixed Media
This painting is available on Etsy:


Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

A Joyful Heart

12" x 12"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas
SOLD

This commissioned piece was ordered by a dear friend who wanted one more of my heart paintings to hang on her soon-to-arrive daughter's nursery wall. She is actually delivering tomorrow, so to say we were cutting it close is an understatement. She is going to add this one to a cluster of them in the nursery, and I can't wait to see how they all look together.

My original heart paintings have been quite popular since their feature on Daily Candy Dallas back in February, and I am always happy to create more.

I drew the inspiration for this one from Bob Dylan's "Forever Young". The lyrics to this song are collaged in the background under a layer of thick texture. I really can't think of a more perfect wish for a child from their parent, and I wanted this heart painting to be especially for Mrs. R's sweet baby girl.

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

How to be an Artist...

One of my favorite little posters...I think this hung on almost every art classroom in high school and college, and for good reason! People sometimes ask me, "How did you become an artist?" It's sort of a tricky question, because I truly feel that I never became an artist, rather I was born an artist and it has always been within me. Life is a colorful collage of lessons, surprises, stumbling, discoveries and wonder, and I have just managed to capture bits and pieces of this on a canvas and freeze these moments for others to observe. I offer this little piece of wisdom from Sark to you today in the hopes that the spirit of wonder is always a part of your life.

"Have no fear of perfection; you will never attain it." Salvador Dali

Thursday's Other Creative Soul: Kay Wood

I love artists who are not afraid of a little color. Artist Kay Wood explains her unique colorful style, dubbed "X-Generation Primitive".


"My name is Kay Wood and I am presently living in the Austin Texas Hill Country area, on a cattle ranch which was originally won in a poker game in the 1930's. I have a B.S. Degree in computer sciences with minors in Math and Psychology from Denver University (I originally pursued a degree in Fine Arts from Loretto Heights College in Denver Colorado - but gave into pressure to build money making skills for a better future.) There is a link between technology, music and art as it all uses the same side of the brain anyway!

I represent landscapes, interesting architecture, reflections and fun situations in my work which style has been called 'x-generation primitive', I've just recently begun accepting commission work so "You Travel, I'll paint it for you".

In a normal day, I spend my time taking care of domestic duties, do freelance I.T. Support work for Websites/Portals and Networking activities and spend about an hour painting. The ideal day would be focused painting, meeting with people and business for commission work, preparing for festival or gallery shows and distributing prints and images of my work for commercial and private use.

I am passionate about the environment, efficient land management, locally grown food and gardening. My goals for the future include distributing my work through gallery shows, festivals and the internet.

My creative influences are: Hieronymus Bosch, Don Holman and Paul Klee. I look up to Kathy Womak, a local artist who has built a successful business out of her talent and aspire to do the same.


I am obsessively motivated and have an unstoppable drive to create, it doesn't take much to get me going on a concept or idea, and I can't stop until I capture an idea. My one guilty pleasure for motivation would be an empty (of people) and clean work space with good music.

My natural working style is to camp-in to my work space for entire days on end, but unfortunately (or fortunately), my family/friends interfere with that tendency so at present I schedule time in to work and meet commission deadlines.

You can follow my daily painting blog at http://kaywood13.blogspot.com."

A Poem for Wednesday

Amy Always Kept Fresh Gladiolas on the Table
Fine art prints of this original painting are available on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/47355983/amy-always-kept-fresh-gladiolas-on-the

Kindness
by Naomi Shihab Nye

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend.

The Heart is a Bloom

The Heart is a Bloom
8" x 10"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas


Many have remarked that my floral paintings resemble hearts, and although I never intended that initially, I guess that came from somewhere within. Having a platform to express my emotions on a subconscious level is one of the things I love most about painting.

This painting is available for purchase on my Etsy site and is on display at The Blue Jeans Bar in Snider Plaza.

I was inspired by the lyrics of U2 (who isn't?) and the lyrics from "Beautiful Day" were really speaking to me through this little painting.

The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

I've got the Blues...

Excited to share with you that my artwork was recently selected to be on display at the Blues Jean Bar in Snider Plaza. I will have pieces there on an ongoing basis and will be having a show in late July featuring some new larger works.

The Blues Jean Bar is a denim specialty store in the heart of the Park Cities. It's not just a boutique, it is a safe haven for people in search of a cozy atmosphere to find a perfect pair of blues. They also have amazing jewelry, accessories, and of course, artwork, adorning the walls.

I am in talks about the possibility of displaying some of my paintings in their soon-to-be-opening store in New Orleans on Magazine Street, so keep your fingers crossed! More info about the upcoming show this July to follow!

Budding Young Artists at Artisan Style Gallery

Tonight, from 5-7 p.m., Artisan Style will host its second opening reception for the "Budding Young Artists" show, featuring works from the children of Art Stop, a private children's art school in Preston Center.

I attended last week and had the unique viewpoint of seeing this event through the eyes of a mom of an Art Stop student (There's my little angel standing underneath her painting of a Geisha she so aptly named "China Girl" at last week's opening reception.), an Art Stop teacher and an Artist represented by the Gallery.



From every way you can slice it, this is a wonderful show. "Children" and "art gallery" are not two concepts that usually go hand-in-hand, but Brandon Lynch and Steve Iha, Co-Owners of Artisan Style, have gone out of their way to make this a family-oriented event, serving kid-pleasing beverages and nibbles along with your typical opening reception fare.

It pleased me so much to see the pride on the children's faces as they found their artwork on display and the delight in their parents' eyes as they admired their children's work. The art teacher in me knows how hard these kiddos have worked all year and how much they have been looking forward to this opportunity to display their artwork at a Gallery. Each student was invited to select 1-2 of their strongest pieces of the year to display at the gallery and I was truly amazed by the quality of work that they produced.

It was also wonderful for the families who visited (and I could not believe how many parents, and grandparents, and friends came out) because in addition to viewing their children's artwork, they got a dose of what Artisan Style usually has to offer as they took in the other works from Artisan Style's in-house artists peppered throughout the children's works.

This is such a wonderful family event and I encourage all of my Dallas friends with young children to attend tonight. The opening reception this evening is showcasing the works of the older kids, ages 7 - teen, and is sure to impress. I am a firm believer that it is never too early to instill a love of arts in your children!

Thursday's Other Creative Soul: ART is ART and Mother/Daughter Owners, Carrie Jepsen and Renata Holder

Today's feature spotlights ART is ART, a unique gem on Henderson. ART is ART is a mother-daughter owned furniture/artwork/accessories shop, located east of 75, that was voted “Best Art Support” by Dallas Observer and “Best Consignment Store” by Dallas Voice.



Name/Location:
ART is ART consignment gallery
2811 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
Tues. - Sat. 11 to 5:30, Sun. Noon to 5 (Closed Mon.)


Tell us about your work.
At ART is ART consignment gallery in Dallas, the main focus is spring-boarding talented, local artists by showcasing their original, modern artwork at surprisingly comfortable prices. While absorbing, customers will also discover contemporary and vintage furniture and accessories, as well as individualistic, hand-crafted jewelry and pottery.

What would your *ideal* day be like?
We love a day when we get new furniture and artwork on consignment, and we get to rearrange the store to incorporate the new pieces. Renata's day job as a commercial interior designer makes this an easy task. We love to arrange in such a way that our customers can envision the items in their spaces. Ideally, clients are inspired to buy multiple pieces that work well together, and they feel good about supporting local artists in the process. It's a win-win for everyone! OH, and we love days when the local celebs pop in! Wentworth Miller, star of Prison Break, chose ART is ART to hunt for a gift for Ellen DeGeneres. NBC's weather gal, Samantha Davies, did a little browsing. Kelly Clarkson bought art and furniture, and yes, she sings while she shops! Kellie Rasberry of the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show" did her Christmas shopping for Kidd and bought him a cool painting by artist, Debb ie Simms! Kellie is super sweet in person, and boy is she tall!



Renata Holder, Kellie Rasberry and Carrie Jepsen

What are your passions?
At ART is ART, we're passionate about supporting our local artists and helping them receive the attention they deserve. Their work is so breath-taking! We're also passionate about offering a wide range of inventory that accommodates any shopper's budget.

What are your goals?
We plan to continue to grow our business like crazy and increase the promotion of our fabulously-talented, local artists. We're excited about the future of ART is ART, and we hope to continue to be the buzz of the town. We've won "Best Of" titles from the Observer and twice from Dallas Voice! We'll keep hosting eventslike our annual "Candlelight Walk on Henderson" every November that involves tons of shops on Henderson staying open late and offering discounts, munchies and bevs. Crowds of people enjoy shopping up and down the street, while getting a jump on their holiday gift buying!


Renata and Carrie hosting the "Candlelight Walk on Henderson" November 2009.

Who are your creative influences?
We typically showcase 15-20 different artists from the Dallas area, and they continue to blow us away! We constantly keep our walls filled, and we're inspired by their artwork every day.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
ART is ART is owned by Renata and Carrie, a mother-daughter team. Renata is an artist and partner in a design firm. Carrie is a budding artist with a background in advertising. They get along well and often desired starting a creative business together. Thus, ART is ART was born. Doors opened in 2004 on Lower Greenville. It began as a contemporary furniture and accessories shop with a touch of local artwork. After eight months, the store was forced to close due to the tear-down and construction of retail/apartments, which was just as well because the location wasn’t quite right. A year later, ART is ART reopened on Oram St. at Skillman and evolved into a more eclectic atmosphere. Within a short timeframe, the wealth of local, artistic talent began to present itself. Jewelry designers got in on the action, and retro furniture and complements were added to the mix. Two years later, the decision was made to scout out a more visible, hip location. On September 1, 2007, ART is ART relocated to Henderson Ave. Finally … the perfect fit! Third time’s a charm. Locals agree that it’s the absolute, casual dig for right-brain stimulation.

What are your web sites/social networking links?
www.artisart.biz Connect with us on Bizzy.com under ART is ART consignment, and follow us on Facebook under Artisart Consignments.

A Poem for Wednesday

Night Cometh
16" x 20"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas
This painting is available on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/37201051/night-cometh-original-painting

If You Forget Me
by Pablo Neruda

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

Today, I Wake Up and Love You

11" x 14"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

This painting was commissioned by a dear friend's husband for her as a Mother's Day gift. First of all, kudos to any hubby with three young kids (including twins under one) who has the foresight to come up with such a thoughtful gift to his wife for Mother's Day. Mr. O gave me creative carte blanche, just asking that the painting be something that incportporates their three children and the love and admiration he has for his wife.

I wanted to create something that captured how beautiful Mrs. O is, both inside and out, and how full of life so I went with the floral theme. One song I always sing to my own kiddos is "Three Little Birds", by Bob Marley, so that's sort of wehre the birds came from...each one represents one of their little ones.

I also love the quote:
Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face.
- George Eliot, English novelist

This is kind of where I derived the title, but I wanted the title to convey something meaningful that could be said to each person in their family, including from a husband to a wife.

Gallerina on the Scene

Being a mom of three kids under four affords me very little time to be social, that's just life right now. However, last weekend we had a sitter, I threw on whatever clothes are fitting me right now at 12 weeks post-partum, and and Mr. D and I made it out to RISING Gallery for the opening of their newest show, "Love them Now, Always", featuring the works of Chris Panatier and Kathleen Wilke.

As we were leaving the house, my 3.5 year old daughter, who is in an I-only-want-to-wear-tutus phase, asked where I was going, and when I told her, "an art gallery", she said, "Oh, so I'm a ballerina and you're a GAL-lerina?" Come on....it really doesn't get any cuter than that.

I hadn't been to RISING in several months, but now that we live just a stone's throw away, I really hope to make it in more often. The Owners, brothers Bryan and Taber Wetz, have knocked down some walls of what used to be an adjacent retail shop and have created even more of a wonderful space than before. Art can be captured in a variety of design mediums and RISING brings them all together in its gallery off Knox.

The works by both artists were fantastic, both beautiful, mysterious and ethereal. They were very complimentary of each other. I had the pleasure of meeting Artist Chris Panatier, who I had interviewed online for my blog last week, and viewing his works in person. I am still dreaming of his painting, The Cotton Mandate"...both hubby and I fell in love with it. Something about the softness haunts me. I wonder if it has already sold?

Three Year Old Art Prodigy Debuts on Dallas Gallery Scene

Ok, ok , ok....part of the fun of having a blog is that you can write anything you want. And my little headline was just a mom getting carried away with pride at my 3.5 year-old daughter's Art Show opening at Uptown's Artisan Style Gallery this weekend.



Here she is hamming it up in the studio...cuteness personified.

Art Stop, a private children's art school in Preston Center, has partnered with Artisan Style Gallery in Uptown to present, "Budding Young Artists", a juried children's art show featuring exclusively the works of Art Stop students.

Artisan Style Gallery has generously opened their doors to our families for this event. “We are excited to host Art Stop’s students at our gallery and feature these talented kids,” said Brandon Lynch, Co-Owner of Artisan Style Gallery. “It’s my hope that by reaching out to the children and inviting them to participate, this gallery show will be an unforgettable experience for them that incites a lifelong love for the arts.”

The show will be divided into two openings divided by age to fully showcase each group’s abilities. May 8 will feature the works of children ages Pre-K – 7 (including my little Picasso!), and May 15 will feature children ages 8 – 16. The Opening Reception time for both is 5 – 7 p.m. Both age groups’ art will hang at the Gallery for a week following the opening reception.

In addition, I am pleased to be a part of the panel of professional judges that includes Margie Sibrizzi, Early Childhood Specialist at the Museum of Nature and Science, and Jenny Grumbles, Co-Owner of Uptown Country in Snider Plaza. It is our privilege to select the most outstanding works in each age group and award those students with scholarships for future art lessons. In the spirit of children helping children, we will also be raffling off an Art Stop Summer Camp scholarship at the Opening Receptions, with the proceeds benefitting Heart House Dallas, an program dedicated to providing a safe haven and artistic enrichment to children of low-income families in the densely populated Vickery Meadow community in Dallas, Texas.

This is a one-of-a-kind gallery experience that will be sure to create lifelong memories for you and your "budding young artists." Even if your little artist artist did not participate, this is a wonderful opportunity to expose your child to the art world in a kid-friendly gallery setting. It is never too early to incite a lifelong love of the arts in your child. Please join us!

Thursdays Other Creative Soul: Jennifer Moreman

This week I am pleased to feature Tyler-based Visual Artist Jennifer Moreman. Jennifer is an emerging talent who recently had her first gallery show in Dallas at Rising last month. Also, turns out we both studied under Art Professor Chong Chu...which is just another testimony to that man's greatness.

Name/Location
Jennifer Moreman, Tyler, Texas

Education
B.F.A. Studio Art from Baylor University, Waco, TX

Current City/Hometown
Tyler, Texas for the past 5 years, but grew up in Dallas

Tell me about your work in one sentence.
Colorful, expressive, whimsical and bold.

Describe your normal day.
I am a night owl, so my ideal day doesn't start until around 9:30am or later! I try to go play tennis or go to the gym almost every morning, and then manage the marketing/returning email side of my job in the afternoon. I try to make dinner for my husband, who sometimes goes to work just as I am going to bed, and spend some time with him and our 4 dogs. After he goes to bed, I like to paint until the wee hours of the morning in my home studio hanging out with my iPod. I've always had a very short attention span, and I think the quiet of the early A.M. hours help me stay focused!

What are your passions?
My passions are my family, my friends, animals, travel and of course art!

What are your goals?
I'd like to be able to fully support my family one day by painting. Also just to put it out there, I'd love to have a place in Europe where I go to paint and relax!

Who are your creative influences?
My high school art teachers are probably my biggest creative influences. They taught me to take risks. They are Dallas based artists Chong Chu, who now teaches at Brookhaven in Dallas, and Jonathan Millet, the head of Trinity Christian Academy's Fine Arts Dept. in Addison. His website is http://www.jonathanmillet.com.


Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
My parents always allowed me to be myself and follow my passions. They always believed in me and encouraged me. My husband has also been my biggest supporter. He keeps me focused on my goals, and lovingly keeps me emotionally and financially stable as I experience the lows and highs of being an emerging artist. I am also a Christian, and my relationship with Christ has definitely shaped who I am today.

Is there anyone that you really look up to as an inspiration?
Art wise, an artist also from Tyler, TX named David Foox. I feel like he has made it, and I know how hard he has worked for it. He is my driving inspiration. http://www.foox-u.com/ As far as a celebrity, I have always loved Audrey Hepburn. Her compassion for others and gracefulness are very admirable.

What motivates you on a daily basis?
My husband motivates me on a daily basis! Nature motivates me as well. I can't help but take note of my beautiful surroundings. My faith also motivates me daily to never give up or be overwhelmed.

What's your working style?
When I am in the zone, I barely notice that 6 hours have passed. I usually work on several paintings at once because of the layering of colors in my work. After a show I have been known to take a few weeks off too to recover and relax!

What are your websites/social networking links?
www.jennifermoreman.com is my website, my etsy page is http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmoreman82 and my facebook fan page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Moremans-Art/110152656522

A Poem for Wednesday

A Season's Awakening
16" x 16" x 1.5"
Acrylic andMixed Media on Canvas
Fine Art Giclee Print of this painting is available on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38363016/a-seasons-awakening

There is another sky
by Emily Dickinson

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!

Miles to Go

12" x 12"
Acrylic andMixed Media on Canvas
SOLD

This piece was commissioned by a client who wanted something similar to my painting, "Before I Sleep" (shown below), but needed a smaller size to fit her decor.


The painting above was inspired by one of my favorite lines from poet Robert Frost:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
Miles to go before I sleep

So I thought it was only fitting to pull the title of the new commissioned piece, "Miles to Go" from the same poem.