I Am Art

The Documented Life Project- featured artist- Photos and Words

I am honored to be this week's featured artist for The Documented Life Project 2015!

The challenge this week is Photos and Words and the prompt is A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words. This fits in perfectly with the journal I am making all about our recent trip to Scandinavia.

 

For this journal, I knew before even getting on the plane that I wanted to keep the journal focused on my thoughts and photos. I wanted it to be easy to put together and most of all, I did not want to use precious luggage space to lug around art supplies. I needed that space for chocolate! I decided my art supplies would be my camera, iphone/ipad, a few apps, and whatever ephemera I gathered along the way. One of the great things about traveling in a foreign country (or even at home for that matter) is all the new words! I took many photos of signage not only to remind me where we were if we got lost (this happens way too often with us) but also because those types of photos tell an entire story and trigger memories as we go through our journals. There are words everywhere around you.  My "Scandi Journal" is just 5"x7" images and pages bound with 2 binder rings. EASY! I like this still because it is very easy to add to.

These pages in my journal were all created with my iphone or ipad.

 

I accumulated many receipts and bags on this adventure. Most of them contain wordy details about meals, times, and locations and are mini journal pages in their own right. I wanted to use those word elements in my journal but did not want to attach a bunch of receipts that would fade over time. I used the ScannerPro app to scan my receipts.

 

I printed a photo from the area where we stopped for treats and coffee then printed the scanned receipt right over the photo. Remember, there is no law about how many times you can print over the same image. I love that the words on the receipt do the journaling for me.

 

 

When we were in Stockholm, we were lucky enough to be blessed with a clear sky and a bright full moon. It was the most amazing sight to see. I added my wording to this photo in the Phonto app.

 

A photo is worth a thousand words but sometimes I want my words to be the photo. This is one of those times. When we were in Denmark, we had a little situation where we confused a few cities that started with H and got on the wrong bus. The end result was 30,000 FitBit steps. I took a photo of one of the signs we passed and created the text "photo" with Phonto.

 

 

 

Shortly before getting on the wrong bus, we visited the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and the sky that had previously been cold and grey, opened up with sun and gave us the most amazing views of Sweden from Denmark. I  dreamed of visiting this spot when were were doing trip research and was so happy to be standing there. We were all taking selfies and being overwhelmed by the beautiful surroundings (perhaps this contributed to the bus confusion). I made a small purchase at the museum gift shop and even their bags were cool. I cut one down to 5"x7" and used it for my background page. I stuck my selfie on there, too. The printed bag gives me plenty of information about where this photo was taken.

 

One of the things we found so interesting on our trip was.....7-11. I never thought I would be saying that! Even their advertising is totally different there. I took a photo of one of their giant wall ads. See, words are everywhere! The croissants actually WERE delicious and did indeed make our day good. Again, I wanted my words to be the photo and used the Phonto app.

 

 

(click on images to see them larger)

 

There are many scanning and text apps available. I used ScanerPro and Phonto because that is what I had. Don't be afraid to experiment. My  Epson printer is wireless and I can print directly from my iphone or ipad. I used Kodak photo paper for the photos and just regular copy paper cut to 5"x7" for the text pages. I simply hole punched and assembled with rings.

 

Remember, your journal is about YOU! You are the boss of the journal. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you want.  

 

 

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Updates from the art closet

I just realized that I often post links to new items in my shop on twitter or facebook but rarely do right here! I know not everyone can browse social media while at work, so once a week I will do a shop updates post and let you know what is new, what stores are carrying my licensed designs, and what I am working on (if I am allowed to spill the beans).

 If you have not visited my print shop before, the artwork comes in a variety of formats to fit your needs. You can get prints on paper, canvas, metal, and even plexiglass! I also have greeting cards, pillows, and tote bags available in many designs.
The design above is Joyful Garden 3 and is available here.

Soft White Flowers is available here.

One Red Roof is available here.

Pastel Landscape is so sweet! It's available here.

Sundet is a mixed media piece that was created with one of my photos from Denmark. It is available here.

I Told You So is one of my new card designs, inspired by a late night conversation with my little brother. Perfect for siblings, kids, friends when you want the last word. It is here.

Note: I have two links to my print shops. One is easier to use on mobile devices and the other is easy to use on your computer. I am working on simplifying this. It is the same content on both.

 

Original Art: My original art shop has some new pieces from my Zen and The Art of Mixed Media series on paper as well as other originals on canvas and spirit houses.

In Stores: My art still continues to be spotted at HomeGoods, Target, and Kirklands as well as some online retailers.

On Instagram: Pictures from daily life adventures and art in progress. And cats. And food.

On Saturday: Come back for a special post I am working on for DLP2015. I would say what that is but I think it is a secret until I hit "publish" on my blog post.

 

 

I am the worst friend ever

This morning I had the realization that the years between 40 and 50 are the years you become the worst friend ever. They are the years you are full of good intentions but if there is such a thing as menopause induced ADD, you have it. Whatever you thought you were going to do last night never happens this morning.

Every night I go to bed thinking about one of my dear friends who I adore and haven't seen in over a year. Maybe two years. I for sure have not emailed her since November. I told myself before I fell asleep that first thing in the morning I would email her. Morning came around and Zibby was meowing at a spider that I got up to kill. The spider was near my makeup drawer which reminded me that I wanted to clean it out, so I started doing that. As I was doing that, a client emailed needing something right away, so with my makeup drawer half way cleaned out, I started preparing some artwork for that client. Then I had to run to Starbucks where I bumped into a friend and got to chatting for too long. When I got home, I had to put the sheets in the laundry and dinner in the crock pot while uploading work to my agent who also needed something right away. Of course, my sister and I started texting about her lack of hot water due to a broken pipe and that led me to see if there was a full moon causing all the havoc in her life since mercury in retrograde is over. It's now almost 1PM and I have not sent that email I told myself I would send first thing in the morning. And, I am pretty sure I will be interrupted a few times before even posting this.

See, good intentions and no follow through. And maybe part of it is I feel bad always starting emails with I am sorry it took me so long. As much as I hate saying it, now it is so hard for me to keep up relationships when my friends are not texters or on facebook, twitter, or instagram. I am great at multi-tasking friendship. I am good at sending cards and gifts when I can read about what is going on in your life while I do other things. I  just may not actually go to your birthday party, open house, or exhibit because something will happen the moment I say I am going.

Is there a cure for this or should I just ride it out and hope I still have a few friends left in 5 years?

[Image shown is Natural Balance- new in my Zen and The Art of Mixed Media series.]

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Birkenstocks, binge tv, and a gift to make Father's Day not suck

Things going on:

*I have become a Birkenstocks convert. I've been complaining about my aching feet and everyone told me to try Birkenstocks. I am glad I finally caved and tried some. I know they are super trendy right now and on all the runways, but after growing up in the Bay Area, Birkenstocks to me mean Berkeley and women who put raw sunflower seeds on everything and stop shaving their legs. Oh how quickly I did not mind looking like a hippie after wearing these sandals all day! I have the trifecta of aching feet- arthritis, bone spurs, and plantar fasciitis. Or in other words, I am officially 46.

*Now that summer is here and it is 100 degrees in the shade, we are all freaked out that it is too hot for Apocalypse outside. We got lovely new neighbors (they replaced Apocalype's original owner, Falling Tree Lady) who had all their trees trimmed so we have no shade. We ordered a cooling mat for him to try. If he doesn't like it, I may sleep on it.

*Currently watching during Dustin's hiatus: Lilyhammer, Aquarius, High Profits, and The Briefcase. Can't wait for True Detective this weekend! High Profits is about a pot shop in Breckenridge, but it is even more about small business owners and angry white men with money who are terrified of change. That doesn't sound too exciting to watch but the small business pot shop owners have such a great attitude, determination, and work ethic.

Currently knowing: It is Father's Day tomorrow which makes many people who had a bad dad or have kids with a bad dad very moody. Father's Day does not have to suck. Do something fun for yourself. Celebrate YOU! I am going to do my part to make Father's Day less sucky by giving away a $40 gift card to my originals shop. You can use it on whatever you want, whenever you want. Yay, prizes! All you have to do is comment here (or on instagram or facebook) and tell me what you had for lunch. Or tell me you are a badass survivor. Sunday night I will put the names in an empty peanut butter cup tub and choose one.

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Sun and Sky and Zen Abtract Art

I took a few days off from obligations to enjoy some family time. I hope everyone is getting a chance to do that, if you like your family! I snuck in some art time and got back to working on my abstract zen series. I was searching for some older artwork for a client and came across this series again. I have absolutely no idea why I stopped creating these! I love creating these mixed media pieces.  Creating these zen abstracts is my own moment of zen.

I have created four new pieces and have popped them in my shop. This one pictured is Sun and Sky. There's also Stones, Fresh Water, and Land and Sea.

 

 

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Original Spirit House Art- Summer Bubbles

I have only a few wooden houses from the original spirit houses series I started about 12 years ago. This pointy house with the chimney was one of my favorite shapes over the years. I will continue to make spirit houses with new shapes, but will miss these first ones. They were cut by hand by an older gentleman in Ohio for me. I ordered HUNDREDS! I often wonder if that woodcutter is still alive and cranking out designs that artists send him.

This spirit house was inspired by memories of blowing bubbles with Nana on her patio in Walla Walla. Whatever soap she used to make her bubble mix made awesome colors and I loved watching them float over the lawn and pop, little bursts of color going everywhere. The ones that would land on my hand or arm were my favorite. It's funny how fascinated we were with holding bubbles.

This wooden house was already distressed a bit and thought it would be fun to paint it sketchbook style with watercolors, ink, and graphite.

(click images to see them larger)

"Summer Bubbles Cottage"
-Mixed media on 4.5"x7" Wood
-Sealed with non-yellowing varnish
-Signed and Dated on the back
-There's a sawtooth hanger for immediate hanging or this piece can be displayed free-standing.
All of my art is created and stored in a smoke-free, cookie filled environment.
Elements in this piece include acrylic paint, graphite, ink, and watercolor.
My art represents life- full of drips, splatters, and a bit of blur between the lines. Blur, scratches, and texture in the art are intentional. I like to use imperfect items which adds to the charm of each piece. Colors may appear slightly different on your computer.

Available in my shop.

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

 

Chronic Potty Training: Go To The Bathroom Before You Leave

The other night before graduation, we all went to dinner and before we left, Karen told her 18 year old son (the graduate) to go the the bathroom before he left because they will be on the field for a couple hours. She told him multiple times. I noticed it because who tells anyone over the age of 7 to go to the bathroom before you leave the house? Isn't that a rule of toddler potty training? This lesson is easily learned the first time you go to a movie and miss the most important part because you did not go before you left. As we got up from dinner, Karen's husband told his almost 30 year-old son that he should go to the bathroom before we leave the restaurant. His grown son gave him the look while we all went to the bathroom and he went to the car. I made a joke about how you  never stop telling your kids to go to the bathroom and pretty much thought my sister has lost her mind.

We got to the school while the sun was still out and all I could see was the sun shining off my husband's forehead, the pre-cancery spots he had removed years ago were pink.Just as I was about to ask him if he put on sunscreen (even though I knew he had not), I caught myself. He is a fully formed person, he should know to put sunscreen on by now. We got to our seats on the bleachers and just as we sat down, I heard hundreds of moms in unison telling everyone they were with to put on sunscreen then go to the bathroom before the ceremony starts. Hands were busy unzipping bags to unveil half-used bottles of Banana Boat and Coppertone.

What is going on? Is potty training a life long thing? I have no memory of anyone telling me to go to the bathroom before I go anywhere or before anything starts since I learned how to go to the bathroom. I remember our Nana telling us before long car rides to go to the bathroom because it would be 2 hours until we stopped. That life lesson stuck with me. How much life do you have to live before you just know to go to the bathroom because you might not be near a bathroom in the near future? What if your parent (or a hundred parents) are not there to tell you? Do parents just suffer from chronic potty training or do I need to worry that my nieces and nephews are all wetting their pants at college?

(note: I made this card to send my nieces and nephews just in case.)

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Joy Comes In The Morning, with a new perspective.

If you follow along with me on instagram or facebook, then you saw that yesterday I started painting an abstract work that I ended up not liking so instead started painting flowers which I then also did not like. I might have been a touch picky yesterday. I was going to paint over my cup of flowers painting but got distracted and just left it on my table. Good thing I got distracted!

This morning when I went to my art table, I saw something completely different than what I saw yesterday. I saw a quirky, happy, cheerful, inspiring piece of art!  Joy Comes In The Morning is one of my favorite mantras. I know it is a bible passage, but to me it is also another way of saying this too shall pass.

 

I have decided to offer this painting as a Pay What You Can. Perhaps there is someone who needs this message today more than I do.

Details:
"Cup Of Joy"
-Mixed media on 6"x6" Stretched Canvas
-Sealed with non-yellowing varnish
-Signed and Dated on the back
-There's a sawtooth hanger for immediate hanging.
All of my art is created and stored in a smoke-free, cookie filled environment.
Elements in this piece include acrylic paint, glazes, ink,  and watercolor.
My art represents life- full of drips, splatters, and a bit of blur between the lines. Blur, scratches, and texture in the art are intentional. I like to use imperfect items which adds to the charm of each piece. Colors may appear slightly different on your computer.

How it works: Shipping in the USA is via Priority Mail at $5.80 and to all other countries is $10.00 and will be added to the price you pay. Enter the price you can/want to pay from the drop down menu and the art is yours! There is no judgment involved- I totally get that everyone has a budget and I like to make art available to everyone when I can. There is only one of each final original piece so if you want it, get it while it is available. You are the boss of the price! Scroll down for the BUY IT NOW button.

From my hands to your home- Pay What You Can

 sold out

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Everlasting Love and Pastel Sunsets

Everlasting Love is a small study I created in preparation for a larger painting for a client. I wanted to custom mix the colors to tell a specific story for my client. One of my favorite parts of this painting is the blue in the center of each flower. I used blue to symbolize the sky and eternity, or everlasting love. This sweet original is available for purchase in my shop.

I have a few other originals available including some lovely seascapes. I totally have the beach on my mind.

Blog readers can enjoy free shipping with code SUMMER.

 

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art

 

Experiment Number Two: Instagram Art Shop Results

For the last week I have been conducting my second art selling experiment. Last week I used instagram only for art sales. By "only" I mean no other shopping site. I still posted lots of cat and food pics on my feed.  I was very busy last week with previous work and family engagements, which I think worked out well for this experiment. If you have a day job, whether it is art related or not, finding time in your off hours to get your art out into the world can be a challenge. June and July are very slow for internet sales because everyone is enjoying summer and people have less time online  - another reason why this was a realistic sampling.

Over the week, I posted 13 items. Of the 13, 5 pieces were new. The remaining items were previously unsold or I had not posted them for sale before. 3 items sold.
Things I experimented with:

1. Posting items without tagging and with tagging: In general, on my personal account, I only use tags for my own things that I want grouped together. In this case, I did use tags on the art I posted for sale such as #originalart, #instagramartsale, #mixedmediaart, #watercolor. I do not think this helped sales at all. I did get new followers with names like MOREFOLLOWERZNOW, INSTAFOLLOWERZZ, and SierraAbby3469 whose profile photo is a stock photo of a woman's tuchus in a tiny bikini.

2. Using Spreesy to process payment/check out compared to me just sending paypal invoices to buyers. None of the items that sold were the ones on spreesy. Spreesy was easy to use and if you do not have a business paypal account, would be ideal. It is a bit tricky when posting your items because they add their own tags. You can delete their tags before you post if you are paying attention. It seems like spreesy would be good if you do not want to deal with sending invoices yourself and the payment process might happen faster. Spreesy emails your buyer a secure checkout link.

3. Single images and multiple image images: This is tricky. I used the Diptic app to create a single image with 4 smaller images when I wanted to show more than one view of the art for sale. There are many free apps you can use to make a collage of images.

4. Promoting each item: I posted links to my tagged images on twitter and facebook.

My observations and thoughts:

1. I think selling jewelry on instagram would be easier than selling art. It's hard to see all the detail of art in a tiny photo. I like big photos!

2. People do not go to instagram to shop so having to jump through email hoops to pay for an item half an hour after telling you they want it does not seem too gratifying or easy. As a buyer, I like the least amount of clicking as possible. I do not like making my customers jump through hoops.

3.One great thing about instagram is not having to read too much and the mindless scrolling. I like telling a story about my inspiration for a piece and giving lots of item details. Nobody has time to read all that stuff on instagram, so that is an issue for me.

4. When using ebay and my own shop (big cartel), I did get emails from potential customers (who became customers) and on instagram I got emails and DMs from people asking how-to questions or wanting art help. For example, what brand of paint am I using, how do I tape my edges, what bushes do I use. I did not anticipate that. I confess that I did not answer many of those questions. I may discuss the reason why I did not in another post.

5. There was no fee associated with posting my art for sale on instagram so I offered each item at $5.80 less than in my shop (free-shipping, essentially). I do not think price played a factor at all. I often offer free shipping codes for my big cartel shop and people rarely use them! One item that sold was a previously unsold Pay What You Can piece.

6. I think it is hard to promote items for sale on instagram. Again, too much clicking involved and too much redirection. Instagram is great for promoting art you have for sale on other sites, though, when you put a clickable link in your profile.

Bottom Line: I think I would use instagram again if I were doing a flash sale. I think it is good if you want to post items quickly and for a short time or if YOU are short on time. Despite the things that I had issues with, I would suggest someone new to selling online try instagram before etsy.

 UPDATE: This morning I was deleting items from my sale when I happened to see that Spreesy had a personal item on my instagram feed listed as an item for sale! Oh the horror! I have no idea how this happened since I did not use the spreesy app to post that photo. If you decide to try spreesy, be sure to check it often to be sure only items you have for sale are offered for sale.

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Shop: Limited Edition Prints, Greeting Cards, and Pillows | Original Art