haiku 4 u
:-)

his hands were so soft
his feet were so supple too
he is a keeper

Steampunk Paper Dolls

I've finished my two dolls for the "Le Papier Dolls" swap on the Roses on My Table site.

The theme for February was "Steampunk"...after doing some research and reading a little bit about it, I took out the materials that I wanted to work with and "let go"...my typical way of working.

These were a lot of fun to make and will be difficult for me to give up...

This is "Lady Eve" (Steampunk Paper Doll, mixed media, 2012)

This is "Inquisitor Lila Flinn" (Steampunk paper doll, mixed media, 2012)

My January BirchBox

I thought I'd share what I received this month in my Birch Box.

I got it a bit late in the month...not sure why that is, but better late than never, I say. This is a good one and I'm thrilled to bits (despite having a horrendous headache as we "speak").

For those of you who might not know what Birch Box is...it's basically a subscription to receive beauty-related samples on a monthly basis.  It costs only $10 (which includes shipping) and you can cancel at any time.

The samples are hit and miss...although I've mostly been very satisfied with them.  In the past I've received a Laura Geller blush, a Stila eyeshadow, etc....so there's chances of getting some good stuff that I otherwise wouldn't buy.

This month included the following:
- BEFINE (Night Cream) - "Achieve glowing skin year-round with this potent cream, which smooths fine lines as you sleep". 
      *The sample size is a fairly generous 0.5 oz. (full size price would be $30). I'm looking forward to trying this one...as I have fine lines AND I like that it can work overnight.

- JUICY COUTURE (Viva La Juicy perfume)- "This scent will bring out your inner girly girl.. Wild berries flirt with mandarin and soft floral notes to create a fragrance that's fun and happy".
      *This smells delicious!  I have always wanted to buy this, but never got around to it...always distracted by other scents, but I think this year I might partake (Full size ranges from $69-89).

-STILA (Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner, in Blue Ribbon) - "It's time to put down the black liner. This colorful pigment makes eyes stand out and stays put for hours".
      *This is an awesome "sample"...although it's the full size product. This is a gorgeous color.  Sort of a dark gunmetal/blue, it's metallic, glides on smoothly...gorgeous. ($20)

-VMV HYPOALLERGENICS (Re-Everything: Eye Serum) - "Make a vow to conquer those dark circles once and for all. This anti-aging eye serum brightens and revives your under eye area" (full size is $80).
      * I am excited about this one too...I have pretty dark circles...if this works, I'd be willing to shell the ginormous price for this product.  I'll try to do a review once I've tried it.

- 'WICHCRAFT (Granola) - "This toasty granola, from Top Chef judge Tom Coliccio's NY-based 'wichcraft chain, takes care of snack cravings without any guilt." (Full size $8).
     * This is an extra item included in the box...I'll let you know what it tastes like.

Gosh, I'm struggling right about now.

I find myself shocked on a regular basis at how very disappointing some human beings are. 

Lol, this cryptic message is not going to be easily understood, because for once, I don't feel like clarifying...just venting for a minute...but suffice it to say that I just don't get how some people can walk around breathing the same air that I do. I'm not judging anyone, on the contrary...I'm trying to be a little bit more open-minded, the older I get.

Why is it so difficult to be honest?  I am filled with fear...have had a lifetime of it, yet I find myself facing my fears dead on...it doesn't happen on a regular basis, but every once in a while I just look in the mirror and bite down real hard and just do whatever it is that scares me the most.

Ugh...I myself don't even know what I'm writing here...

I just wanted to make sure that I never abandon my blog again.  This "place" has served me well in the past, with my frustrations, ideas, accomplishments, etc.  I doubt anyone reads this, but I suppose that's not important.

OK, I'm just rambling incessantly, so I'm off to bed.

I know, I know....

Just a quick update on my weight loss...

I finally hit 80 lbs!!  Just in time for the new year.  I'm hoping that by the 1st anniversary of when I started this journey, March 22...I will have lost at least 100 lbs.

This has been one of the hardest things I've ever done...but it's been totally worth it.  I feel better physically, but more importantly, I feel better about myself.

This is a new beginning for me...a new life, full of new possibilities.  I don't plan to ever go back to that weight.  As a matter of fact, I will do my damnedest to make sure it doesn't happen.

Til next time!!

It's been a while....a LONG while, I know.
Sorry.

Facebook and Youtube...blame them.

But I've been feeling drawn back to my blog, my poor abandoned blog....so here I am again.

Eventually I'll update you on all that's happened or not happened since my last post.

For now, I'll just let you know that I've started a weight loss journey again...this time it's all about me.  Not motivated by external sources, just my own health and well being.

Officially started on March 22nd and early on I set a very realistic and very do-able goal of 10 pounds a month.  Despite a bit of a plateau in June, I have been successful, having so far lost 55 lbs.  I have 2 weeks to lose 5 lbs to meet this month's goal...I can do this. :D

About a month after starting the "diet" part, I started walking in the park after work...20-30 minutes.  But every time the weather was not cooperating, I ended up not being able to walk, so I decided to join a gym. I had also started doing "arms" at home (bought 1,3 & 5 lbs weights) and I do "crunches" in bed (they really work).

At the gym, I am just doing the elliptical machine and the treadmill. I've been increasing the intensity & amount of time on the elliptical...which is my absolute favorite machine, because it's easy on the knees.

Today...it took me 29 minutes to complete a mile on the elliptical machine.  I'm looking forward to being able to improve that time significantly, but for now...that was actually a good workout.  I followed it with 12 minutes on the treadmill.  I don't overdo it on the treadmill, because it's harder on my knees than the elliptical, so I just use it to kind of cool down and still move a bit.

I've been doing "arms" at home doing a couple of "sets" of 15 reps...about 5 different exercises (some made up, some I found in a magazine somewhere)...mostly mimicking what I use to do years ago in the gym, using machines (hope that made sense).
The "bed" crunches are so easy to do and they're quite effective.  I've been slowly increasing the amounts I do and am up to about 2-3 sets of 30 (if I don't fall asleep - admittedly the only risk involved with doing them in bed).

OK, I think I've written too much here...but I will try to come back to update "you" on a daily basis (I can't make any promises, but I will definitely try).

Bye for now!

Recent listings on etsy

I'm slowly getting back into organizing my etsy shops. It's been difficult for me to keep it up, but if I can just try to do one project a day or every couple of days...I'll be satisfied. My life is in another transition period and I think it's going to be more challenging to have time for "me"...so I need to take advantage of any spare moment I have.

I'm rambling...here are the recent listings (if you click on the photos it will take you directly to the shop). Any feedback would be appreciated.
Hugs!

3 pink butterflies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ♥ Trees

"Waiting in Red,4" - mini print

Worry Dolls - for Sale [group 1]

 Update: These are no longer for sale.

Traditionally, worry dolls are made in Guatemala.  A person who cannot sleep due to worrying can express their worries to a doll and place it under their pillow before going to sleep. The person will wake up without their worries, which have been taken away by the dolls during the night

My version of this doll, comes with a stack of small paper, where you will write down your worry or prayer. You then slip it into the back pocket and forget it.  You can also just hold the soft doll while praying,etc.  I had made one for myself a while ago and thought that others might also benefit from having one.


Doll specifications:
- all are unique, as they are handmade, so no two are identical
- approximately 7-8" tall
- made with that is made from 100 percent post consumer recycled water bottles.
- this item is not a toy, therefore not intended to be used by children or pets

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

I might be listing more of these on my etsy shop, but a few people who are not registered on etsy showed interest, so I thought I'd make them available here as well.


Thanks for reading...here they are...

 

 

I'm sorry...

But there's really no point in apologizing for abandoning my blog, lol.
I did it and probably will do it again.

Updates:
- I have a part time job, looking for a full time so I can have health insurance...this is a priority right now.
- Social life, still non-existent and I still want it that way.
- Art: not much lately and it's really eating away at me. I started a drawing in the car today, while I waited to go in to work...that felt really good, so I'm going to try to make that a recurring activity until I get my groove back with my art making.
- Can't think of anything else to write here...so I'll let you go, but I will try my best to write in my blog more often...

To Do list for Friday, October 8th:
- sleep til 10:30am
- go find some "pink" accessories for a makeup look I'll be doing, as an entry for a contest on YouTube (for breast cancer awareness month).
- cook serloin steaks, with stuffed baked potatoes
- try to get just a little bit of drawing in at some point.


There, you've been updated!

Hugs

works in progress

I've shown these on my Facebook page, but wanted to share with those of you that aren't "fans" yet, lol (hint, hint!).
There seems to be a pattern with these, although they're from two different "series'".
Black and White...very little color outside of those ranges...so we'll see what this all means, lol.

I've got my eggs in a lot of baskets, so I hope I can focus enough to be able to actually finish these projects.

Let me know what you think, so far!


untitled for now, freehand machine- sewn drawing and crocheted organic shape.


untitled for now, pen and ink/marker on wood

woke up startled from a dream,
(so lucidly devastating)
i was deleting old messages,
(numbers remain the same)
i came upon your voice,
(so clear, so abrupt)
you were telling me not to go
("i made a mistake")
when was this
(how did I miss this call?)
thoughts were racing through time,
(reminiscing, forgetting)
you sounded so sad

...
unfinished poem

new pendants

Have started listing my new Fiber pendants for sale on my website (click on the photo to go directly to the listing)







I will be listing all of these and some new crocheted organic necklaces (so many ideas!) on my etsy shop soon, but I also wanted to have them on my website.

excited at the possibilities...

disgusted with the results.


Well, disgust is a strong word. But I WAS sort of VERY frustrated with the creative" playing" I was doing today. Nothing seemed to be working out the way I wanted it to. Felt like my big fear had finally come true...that perhaps after a year of no creative (artistic) expression I had lost my voice.

But...

I stepped away for a little bit from one particular project I started and now I see it all so clearly, I cannot believe it. I know this is all a bit cryptic, since I won't have a photo to show you, but I hope you forgive me for not wanting to jinx myself. I want to complete it first, then I'll gladly share it with you.

This particular project has come earlier than I expected it to. Since I thought I'd be focusing on the jewelry first, THEN I would attempt an art piece. But this has turned out to be a nice surprise, as I was "doodling" on the sewing machine and out popped this sewn organic drawing. After stepping away, I came back and stared at it for a little while and just let the thoughts pass through and one passed that I grabbed on to before it slipped into the abyss...so now I'll be adding some crochet elements, eventually making this sort of a "soft" sculpture.

Anyway, I just wanted to jot down these thoughts before I forgot how I was feeling.

I think I'm coming back....I really do!

hee!

(but BOY do I make a mess when I'm working!! UGH!!!)

Handmade gift boxes

Handmade gift boxes are available on my website.
They're SO much fun to make, too...I'll be doing a tutorial soon on how to make them on my CreativeAna youtube channel soon, so stay tuned.

creativity abounds...

First...I'm sorry (again) that I've abandoned my blog. I've been so active on YouTube (even some vlogging) and Facebook that it's taken up a lot of my extra time.

But I am happy to report that my brain is on overload with creative ideas....and they're overflowing!

Yay!

Creating pendants right now, but have plenty of ideas for other things. I'm so excited that I have barely been able to sleep, lol.

It's familiar territory, this excitement...and I absolutely love it.



"verdis, 9" (click photo to go to the listing on my site)


It IS stressful, because I find myself having to steal moments for myself to be able to sew and make the pendants, etc. I can't just work for hours at a time, because I have a lot of chores to do (yeah)...so it's not the optimal situation for me. But I'm still trudging along.



"verdis,11" (click photo to go directly to the listing)

It's quite an involved process, from creating, to taking photos, editing them, coming up with descriptions for the items, policies, packaging ideas, making sure you have enough inventory of supplies....it's actually exhausting when you think about it all.

But, it's great to be thinking this way again. I thought it would never happen again. It's been about a year since I've created anything. And even though I'm focused on the jewelry right now, my brain has been giving me flashes of ideas for my artwork...so eventually that will happen too.

I even have a plan for embellishing plus-size clothing, so new territory here I come!

I'm excited....overwhelmed...but loving it.

Here is the first group of pendants I have listed on my website (oh yes, since my budget is kind of low right now...I decided to list my items for sale on my website, since it's already there and paid for, might as well make it work for me, right?)

Let me know what you think!

♥ana

I'm allowing myself 10 minutes to ramble...

Time flies when you're having fun??

Well, no fun is being had here, but time has run past me so fast that I will never be able to catch up to it.

I thought I'd take time out of my probably self-imposed chaos to write down some thoughts in the most public of fora.

I am still undergoing an artistic block of sorts...I haven't put a single mark to paper, whether real or virtual, for creative purposes...in months.

And the thing that has frightened me recently about that realization, is the fact that I'm not panicking about it. I seem to find creative release by organizing and re-arranging trees and barns in my virtual Farms (yes, that's more than 1). I have completely allowed myself a virtual existence, rather than deal directly with the realities of my current life.

It's just SO much easier to escape and ignore...pretend the crap doesn't exist. So much easier.

But every once in a while an outsider will come into view and make dealing with reality unavoidable, so I get up from my chair and go make dinner, or get dressed to go run an errand for someone else, etc.

But were it up to me, I'd be living in the middle of that little farm away from everyone and everything, absolutely alone...it's a symptom of the depression, I'm sure, but the desire is and remains quite strong for total and complete isolation.

One of the projects that I started recently, was to take all the boxes with all of my belongings, that have taken over the entire house. Sorting through each box, determining whether I can throw anything away and deciding what will go into a newly acquired storage space.

Perhaps getting rid of the clutter will help clear up my mind a little bit? Maybe I will be able to put to paper, all that is floating about in my head again? Who knows.

But my "stuff" started to bother the others in the house and now it's a necessary beast of a project to get done.

It will take me months to finish, because aside from all the other problems I have, I think I must admit to myself that I'm a bit of a hoarder. So that means there's a LOT of stuff to sort through.

No, I don't keep garbage...it's not that bad.

But I see potential art supply in most things that cross my path, so I find it frustratingly impossible to throw things away that might become part of an installation "one day".

[One of the things that is on my ever-growing "to do" list, is to research hoarding in relation to artists. I KNOW there are other hoarding artists out there...it's not just me that does this.]

Anyway, that is what I'm working on...not a drawing, not a painting, just sorting through stuff...my stuff...to appease others that are bothered by my artistic inclinations to want to make art out of it.

[Another thing I have on my "to do" list, is to research artistic blocks. I'm curious to know the longest block the occurred before a series of masterpieces were created by that artist. Does that make sense? It does to me, so I guess that's all that matters, lol]

OK, that's enough of a break.

Til next time

Georgia O'Keeffe...

The movie last night on lifetime, stirred something within me.
I was sobbing throughout most of it, pretty uncontrollably at times.

I recognized myself within her. Especially lately, I have been feeling an intense longing to be free and to be alone...so that I can work. I've had somewhat of a creative block due to a bad depressive episode that does not seem to want to let go of me this time around.

I've been feeling sorry for myself, of course...I cannot deny it.

But the unseen forces that keep me in the dark, cannot let me catch even a glimpse of hope, that I might be able to actively pursue the path that will start my journey to a new life. What's that saying? Can't see the forest for the trees?? (or something like that). I know there's light out there, but I cannot imagine that even a little piece of it belongs to me.

When (in the movie) Georgia mentions that she had an 18 month period where she couldn't create, I jumped in my chair. I suppose as a former art student, I should have known this already? But it comforted me...because I instantly felt that I wasn't alone. I'm NO O'Keefe, by any stretch of the imagination, but I am an artist in my own way. The fact that she was able to restart her life, despite not really wanting to in the depths of her being, showed a courage that many will never know.

I understood completely.

I can admit to never having been drawn to O'Keefe's work, because obviously I never paid attention to her story. At that time they were just giant flowers and landscapes to me (oh what youth and lack of life experience will cause you to miss in life!)

I see now the significance of her imagery...the symbolism...her desires...her frustrations...her sadness...her desire to once and for all be alone, so she can create and leave behind her unique perspective of the world.

I understand perfectly.

OK, I'm back...

I feel ashamed that I've abandoned my blog in this manner. I mean really, since April???
Well, I DO have a "somewhat" good excuse...it's called YouTube.

I've been making videos on there and have been pulled into that world, in particular the world of makeup.

WHAT????

Ana getting sucked into a world of makeup?

What the hell???

Well, yes...although, if you really knew me, you would know that I'm a girly girl, always have been...always will be. And I've always been a fan of makeup, but after watching and now participating in that wonderful world on YouTube...I've become a bit of an "aficionada".

It's VERY addictive, because it's as "live" an interaction with people as you can get...outside of actually meeting them in person. It's just been a wonderful experience for me and it came at the right time, because I've "met" some wonderful people that I would have otherwise never known even existed.

So with that being said, yes...I have been making "makeup" related videos, entering makeup contests and even hosting my own (one right now, actually), making VLOGS (traitor!) so the updates about my life have been happening over there.

I promise (pinky swear) that I will be updating my blog on a regular basis from now on. I've got to also give some lovin' to my etsy shop (especially since I need the $$...hello!!).

I don't regret the time I've spent on youtube...but I definitely need to get back on track and putting priorities in order. I HAVE been updating my website, with the latest work (I'll do another post on that with pictures, next) and news, etc...so at least THAT is updated.

I have lots to say, but have to step away for a little bit, so I'll leave you for now.

If you're new to my blog and are interested in knowing more about me, then I highly suggest that you PLEASE go back to older posts and read up a storm (there's lots of info in this blog about my life for the past 3 years).

Thank you for reading and I look forward to blogging for you (and me, of course) again.

HUGS!!
♥Ana

I'm Sorry.....SO Sorry!!

OK, So my last post was in April (time REALLY disappears faster than you know it).

I will try to update you on what's been happening since then.

~April~

- I turned 38....yeah...I STILL can't freaking believe THAT one!
- I got through the exhibit (Organic Expressions), which turned out very nicely. And even though I didn't sell anything other than 2 cards...I did it. Here are a couple of ink drawings I did for that show

©"Delivered" - 2009 by Ana B Galano




©"Precious Cargo" - 2009 by Ana B Galano

I've abandoned thee...

I apologize to my blog and to my faithful readers, um I should say reader (you know who you are, lol), as I know that I have not been posting here for a while.

What good excuse can I come up with? Don't really have a "good" one, but I've been spending more time on Facebook (you traitor!) and have been "tweeting" there. Um, well, I've also abandoned my Tweeter thingy too. and I guess you don't "tweet" on facebook, you...what the heck is it called? I guess you just "post"? Anyway, Facebook is easier, as it limits the amount of words I can put, otherwise, I'd write a book.

Anyway #2, I've been busy getting ready for the show "Organic Expressions" at Rex Art (opens on April 9) , so that's kept me busy. I also have a piece (self portrait) in a show in Lauderhill, FL titled "me, me, me, me, me" (which opens on April 18th). I'm going to be a participant/vendor in an Earth Day event at the University of Miami on April 22 (they invited me, so that was pretty cool). In June, I plan to be an artist/vendor at a Comic Book convention (yes, can you believe it?) Well, I was also invited to participate in that and although it's a bit scary (it's a loooong 3 day event), I think it will be an interesting (if not fun) experience and I'm getting old (meaning that I should try different opportunities that come my way, before I croak). What??

So you see there's lots of things on my plate, but still don't have an official job job (maybe that's a blessing, although it doesn't seem like a blessing when I need $ lol). I'll just have to trust that there's a bigger plan for me (that old "faith" kicks in every once in a while).

OK, now I'm just rambling...so I'll end this. I'll upload pictures soon of some of the new pieces for the exhibit.

Toodles.

Latest paintings...

These are the last two pieces I did.
They're so tiny! (I really can't wait to work big again)

This one is the latest in the "reproductive" series (for the April exhibit at Rex Art)


©"ovaia difettosa" (2009)
- watercolor, marker, liquid acrylic on canvas (5"x7")


© "ovaia difettosa" (2009) bottom view

And this one is from yet another series (what the heck am I thinking? I'm so restless and just can't seem to take a series to fruition before starting another one...oh well)

This is the second and I don't know what I'm calling the series yet (I'm still mulling it over)


© "Processor" (2009)
- Watercolor, liquid acrylics, ink, paper on balsa wood

new painting, for the exhibition in April

I'm working on a series of small paintings about my reproductive system, for the exhibition in April. Call this an internal self portrait, if you will, lol.

I had done the first one on wood a few months ago (which I don't think I'll be using in the exhibit, since it will probably be the only one on wood - not sure yet).


© "bridge to nowhere"
(ink, acrylic paint on wood, 2008)


The second - a small diptych on canvas... (click to see larger image):


© "Procreant Vesicle,2"
(watercolor, liquid acrylic on canvas, diptych, 2008)


Just finished this one yesterday:



© "ineffectual womb"
(liquid acrylics and watercolors on canvas, 2009)


I'm liking these a lot! Yay for my useless reproductive system (lol)!

had another dream this morning...similar to the previously mentioned one

I want to understand the purpose of this, I truly do. It just makes no sense to me why everything is pulling me in that direction again.

what is it???

I have no unfinished business in Alabama...so what's the deal?

Of course, I ask, just because...for I know no one will have the answer for me.

I just haven't written here in a while and thought I'd clue you in.

I'm so tired lately, have so much fatigue, it's insane. And my left foot has been swelling more than it ever has (kinda funny, since "my left foot" is one of my all-time favorite movies, lol)

Anyway, I'm sure I'll think of something else to update "you" on.

tata for now.

in dreams (new poem)

I had such a vivid dream, that I woke with a smile and felt refreshed...
then reality hit me like a ton of bricks.

I started writing to try and "exorcise" the ugly thoughts and this poem is what resulted.
Haven't written like this in a long time, so it's interesting to know that I still have words
that can be put together to make some sort of sense.

Anyway, here it is:

in Dreams

In that first instant of lucidity

The world makes sense once more

Bringing back the familiarity of you

Your smile, your words, your strength.

How real it all seemed

That moment captured in time…frozen

Revealing a bond once so real

With the purity of my heart…

A heart which no longer beats,

For fear of the pain that might arrive.

In waking moments only dread reminds,

That never again will I love.

In that second instant of lucidity

The reality sets in.

That only in dreams will I be happy

Only in dreams did you exist.

Yes, it's sappy...oh well.

sometimes I wish I had been inclined to doing landscape paintings.
I believe that my life would have been much easier...my artistic life, that is.

just saying...

Not mad anymore...

OK, so I had a good cry last night and feel better today. I was just disappointed at not being one of the recipients...but I've moved on and am focused on other positive things for me.

- I completely forgot to mention that in April, I will be in a 2 person exhibit in a small gallery here in Miami.
- Also in April, I'll have a piece in a show titled "me, me, me, me, me" (artist self-portraits).

- Tomorrow, I'm sending in an application for an artist residency and there's a few other things I'm looking into.

So you see, there are some good things happening and THAT is what I should be focused on, 'cause I am very aware that there will be plenty of rejections (um, I'm used to those) before the good stuff happens (yeah, I'll have to keep reminding myself of that).

I'm glad I was able to vent yesterday...I think that also helped me or else I'd still be crying, lol.

I've been trying to figure out how to get more traffic to my shops and lets face it to get more SALES! I'm so discouraged, it's not even funny.

I see the advice given by self-proclaimed experts on etsy and it seems to be overwhelming. The amount of time needed to "promote" is insane.

I just can't do it...I don't have the stamina. I mean, when do these people create? Do they have time to breathe? Do they do anything else other than promote??

I also refuse to do all the spamming that others seem to be ok with. Whether it's on Twitter or Facebook or blogs or any of the seemingly trillions of "social-networking" sites...it seems to me that everyone just talks about what they listed in their shops, or what sales they have,etc.

What about telling me that you're craving a chocolate chip cookie? Or just telling me that you're going out for a walk...I don't know, tell me something about yourself, rather than trying to shove your shop up my arse.

See? This is probably why my shops aren't doing well, because I just absolutely refuse to be one of those people. It's not who I am.

I just wish the universe would step in and throw me a bone, without my having to sell my soul.

You know???

New piece

I finished this one a few days ago. It's weird, but I really like it.
Can you feel a series coming along? Yes, me too, lol.

I'm actually thinking if I get in to the Virginia show I applied to, and they like them, I'd do a series of these for that exhibit. I've decided that I will think positive in regards to any artistic "happenings" that might come my way. I'm only applying to exhibitions/opportunities that I truly believe I can get. If I have any doubts about something, I just won't bother. Why torture myself?

Anyway, wish me luck!

Here's the new piece:


© "Enabler" , liquid acrylic, pen, paper on balsa wood, 2009
4"x4"


Here's the second one in progress, no title yet:



I'm really enjoying these small pieces. They're tiny, but powerful (in my opinion).

OK, that's all for now...have a humongous headache.

New ACEO's

I did these ACEO's a couple of days ago.
ACEO = Art Cards, Editions and Original. Miniature works of art, the size of a trading or playing card -2.5 x 3.5 inch.



© "Parasitic Fungi,1" (pen, marker on watercolor paper, 2009)


© "Speak no EVIL" (pen,marker on watercolor paper, 2009)


©"Dancing Hearts" (pen,maker on watercolor paper, 2009)

mystery man

I rarely have dreams that leave me feeling good or positive...yes, it's a problem.
I usually only remember and am severely affected by my nightmares.
I've probably mentioned this before, but you know the kind...people chasing me with knives, through dark corridors, or dark abandoned cities or running me off cliffs or...well, you get the picture.

Anyway, this morning I awoke from such a pleasant dream, that my brain decided to make me forget the details (of course). More specifically who the man in my dreams was.
I do remember that we were having conversations about something (how specific Ana!). Whatever! It's not important.
What is clear is that he was in love with me. Sappy, I know, but considering that I've given up on that "stuff", I think it's pretty interesting. I haven't seen any lovey-dovey movies lately...so that couldn't have seeped into my brain.

I knew this person. I mean, I know this person...in real life...but my brain has erased who it is.
I just know that I know, you know? (lol)
There was a strange familiarity and comfort about the presence of this person in my dream.
I remember how "I" felt when he smiled at me.
I remember that I found him very attractive (that's good, right?)
I remember how I felt when he touched my hand and when he leaned in to whisper something in my ear.
I remember the intense "butterfly effect" I felt when he looked at me. (How come I have never experienced that in real life? sheesh. well, I did one time...).
I remember that we needed to wait, for some reason, to tell people about us (does that mean he's married? geez louise!!)
I remember he had dark hair (VERY interesting, since I've always been drawn to blondes).

I just don't remember what he said, what he looks like or what's his name.
Just Wonderful!!!

Bleh, whatever, I'm not ready for that "love stuff" anyway...I'm a mess. But it would be nice to think about it at least, no??

I'm rambling. I just wanted to write about it (in this very public forum, mind you) so that I wouldn't completely forget about my mystery man.

"Smile! Polaroid is saved!!!"

A businessman plans to rescue the abandoned format for the sake of art.
Emily Dugan reports (Sunday, 18 January 2009)

For a generation, the Polaroid camera gave near-instant pleasure to millions of users around the world, chronicling everything from births and weddings to the downright explicit. But when digital photography came along in the 1990s – with instant images and the ability to edit and delete pictures before they see the light of day – Polaroid was doomed, its iconic white-framed snaps apparently defunct.

When Polaroid announced last February that it would stop production of its instant film, it seemed the much-loved camera was gone forever. But within weeks, a group of users had started a global campaign for the format to return. And now, thanks to an unlikely saviour, their pleas have been heard.

Click here for the entire article.

Yipee!!

Valentine Pendants

Here are some new pendants, just in time for Valentine's Day.
I hope to get a few more done this weekend.

New ART pendants

I've just begun to list these pendants which I finished a few days ago. I thought I'd try to print miniature versions (edited) of my digital prints, to make pendants out of them.
I like the way they look and figure, it would be cool to wear art around your neck.
Here's hoping that lot's of other people think it's cool too!
Lol

Here are some that I've listed today:

As I sit here typing this, while watching beloved Bob Ross on the Joy of Painting and after having just browsed through several art & artist blogs (just to torture myself of course)...

I am keenly aware of how stifled and suffocated I've been feeling. My inability, for varying reasons, to act upon my inner desires to be free of any and all superfluous obligations is beyond frustrating. I want to be my own person, to be able to act and decide, without having to explain or justify why.

It's no coincidence that I find myself staring, studying and envying the birds that occasionally visit my balcony.
Oh to be able to fly away!
And to think that they probably have no idea how fortunate they are.
Lucky little birds...

I'll be OK, Fabric Art Doll

Finally listed "I'll be OK" in my shop.

Here are a few pics that I don't think I've posted here yet (I think?)