Really excited about They Draw & Cook Site! While working on this project I was thinking about my old blog that I retired and saved. It was all recipes and daily life stuff. Excited now that this could also turn into a fun awakening of that blog and possibly a book. Before I talk too much about it this atleast it is a good start. Problem is I get hungry!! Life is good. Draw and Cook!! ;-)
More here: http://www.theydrawandcook.com/artists/victoria-weiss
So those that know me well. Know that I have devoted a good part of my life these last 9 years in trying to practice the art of being calm and relaxed when I'm dealing with things that come up unexpectedly. This year was rough start. Unusually so because I care and love this life so very much. I wish sometimes I'm more business orientated. I can be, though I had a few wild cards pulled on me this trip. I started my trip to NYC finding out that my friend passed away from ovarian cancer. I was deeply saddened, because we were suppose to connect at one point in person few months back though she resisted and didn't want me to see her and worry. She was a wonderful spirit that has been promoting my art since I've known her. She loved my work. One of my first fans and a great girl friend that is. So saddened I arrive in a beautiful sky scrapper kissed filled city. New York has been my home for over 15 years before I left it almost a decade ago to lead an amazing life in Virginia. Though every time I go back new chapters awaits. I arrived a few days early to see old girl friends of mine from high school and college. The connection was wonderful and extraordinary. Then meeting up with Forest Foundry Crew at our shared airbnb space in midtown. The weather was great, we walked around the city before the show. Stopped by the marimeko store.!! First day of surtex we all were prepared got to the Javits center early. Then I realized my wallet was gone. I will tell you this. Having a team and collective has cut the stress in half. I can't imagine being on my own and this happens. That would suck so bad!!!! After a day, my wallet reappeared, it was misplacement on my own due to stress. I had stuck it deep in a tolietry bag because I didn't want it lying around loosely so that I will loose it! My control freak side got the best of me. Hence me running around surtex show back and forth. That is why I didn't get to say hello to a lot of exhibitors and really chatted. Trust me, after a strong cup of coffee in the morning, I can't stop talking usually!! lol
On the second time as an exhibitor at surtex. I have to say, if it wasn't for our collective, I think it will be hard with finances and emotional support. I think we all have bonded even more this time. We all are clearer on the markets we like to target. It is also important to prioritize. The first year was so overwhelming with contacts. So It's important to focus in on the companies that come see your booth. Of course we all have dream clients and companies we would like to work with. Though for me personally I like to intuitively tap in to see if the personality of the art director is really going to be a good fit. You can't force things and you absolutely need to loose all expectations and detach yourself from your work when meeting people. Its easier said then done. But that is where an agent is extremely helpful in this case. Another thing is eye contact, it's important to have eye contact and not over talk when they are talking. Let all them talk and view your books. Listen, take notes, be you and authentic. Ask questions. Value who you are as an artist. You paid for your booth and made it this far to New York. Get who they are immediately if you want to work with them. But with no expectations. haha. That is key I think. Thats how I connect really, also relax if this is the first time. There are people there that has been exhibiting for over 10 years!! So prioritize, be smart with finances. Have back up plans!! Currently my art is being licensed by a company called JuJu. They developed an app and It was a good contact for me from last year. Check them out here on apple Itunes:
On this summer: I will be working closely with my agent Maria from Wundergarden that was an exhibitor this year as well at surtex. She has been an amazing support for me these last 6 months prior surtex and am excited to be developing new children's book pieces with her as well as art licensing deals. So that is brand new and exciting. The rest of the summer I will be focusing on art video tutorials, painting larger pieces and beach days with Ellie. I like to take on some editorial commissions, painting commissions, and cross finger licensing deals!! Also preparing for the holidays already early this year which is progress. I will be back in New York during the fall or winter again to walk the renegade show as well. I wish everyone success after surtex and I know we will all somehow meet again for the love of art making and passion in creativity. We all walk parallel roads.. and meet sometimes. That is the infinite cycle of love for what we do and contribute towards a better more amazing planet with art!!! Happy Summer Everyone!!
On Surtex 2015 a message from our studio:
Wow, it's been over a year already since 2014 Surtex Show! This year Butterpop Studio is going together with her collective Forest Foundry Booth 554! You can also find Victoria's Work with her new Agent Maria Bogade representing at Wundergarden, 261! in Surtex as well. It's going to be another exciting year. See below some visual preparing goodies and flyers. We hope you will enjoy the show!!
May Blog Post:
It's been a huge delay on blog posts. I was basically on a fulfilling digital break and went home during Feb-March to see my mom and family in Taipei and Hong Kong. Instagram was the main choice on this trip. My daughter was with me and I'm truly amazed that she is able to experience all of it. More to come, and thank you for your support!!
This year I have two books and iPad portfolio. My second addition is a black and white collection of art. Printed with blurb on beautiful mohawk uncoated paper. Very happy with the results!
WOohoo!! We made it! Another year has passed, and we are here to embrace all that is new!! 2015 I decided I am going to be ridiculously happy!! I don't care what I do just that I need to laugh a lot everyday. I think that is important. Whatever it is..
On the art side: I'm working on some new art, combining line drawing with digital painting.. I'm allowing my experimentation with new techniques guide me to fit my life. Instead of trying to force an idealistic vision into a artistic life so I flipped it around. I started using the sensu brush on my ipad. Depending on the application you can really create some great effects with more of a painterly feel. I also am teaming up with Mindy Lacefield over at Tim Sally to create a online guest teaching video. If this goes well for me, I will be committed to create more teaching videos on that.
On letting go: I've also started the year deciding that happiness will take work, it involves a committed daily ritual for my health, creativity, emotional and physical. It means that I have a list of things I like to get accomplished this year. It's throw up worthy and there are deadlines and financial commitments. So it is no easy task. But the last two years proven highly transformative and successful for me personally, I've developed a system that works for me. I find that it is great to have mentor or coaching help but the most powerful person is you and your values. Also trust, and carving time out to get it done.. So I'm just going to stick it through and hope for some pops!!! Desire, vision, mission statements, commitment and actions is all you need.
On Forest Foundry Collective: is doing amazing things! We are currently preparing for surtex collections for MAY 2015 NYC! There a lot of other things happening with the group this year. I'm fantastically excited for us. With our humble racing hearts even with our differences we are able to harmonize and continue on a vision for our group. Through action, love and compassion it is possible to work even harder, smarter, faster and better. We truly or phenomenal and innovative for being so far apart with different timelines still we manage this. This is the power of love of what you do. I've learned so much from everyone that I feel like I have a garden in my soul keeping me grounded and nourished for my art career!! For everyone chasing their artistic endeavors and stepping outside your current boundaries to explore and play. Do it often!! Especially the Art moms! Wishing everyone, joy, health and wealth for the new year!!
New Studio Set Up! Excited more inviting and functional!!
Water color pencils and pastel freestyle..
I don't have much I like to write today, I've been working on a family and work balancing act of taking care of my daughter while she has been sick, keeping up with social media and working on personal work and online assignments with Make Art That Sells. I have also came down with a cold. But I'm really happy that I was able to package most of the art that I think will work well this holiday season locally and sent to lovely http://kitschva.wordpress.com/ for sale. My illustration made it onto Bliss Blog at http://www.blissfulbblog.com/2014/11/juju-app I'm also part of the community with https://www.kickstarter.com/.../juju-brings-creativity. The Juju App you can download from your Iphone and create amazing mash up of icons to send out for personal or business correspondence. I designed a e-ccommerce page directly from my website home page http://butterpopstudio.com/ . There was a couple of personal commissions requested by moms for me to create characters for their rooms and or as holiday gifts. Together with Forest Foundry Collective we have just signed our 2015 contract for Surtex next may. Butterpop Studio has 1847 likes on facebook and daily followers on twitter with motar businesses and communities around the globe. Most recently, I just finished this New York City Poster, and may turn it into a series as there is just so much in my home town to capture!! I'm also very happy to be visiting the city this Thanks Giving weekend. Gratitude is in our daily vocabulary in this household. To know that no matter what things are taking off and something is happening each month with the studio. Knowing the truth and act of persistence, trust, services I can provide with talents along with integrity things will show up. I leave you all with this quote and Happy Thanks-Giving!
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." -Melody Beattie
Purchase Print Here: http://society6.com/rainyowl/fugetabout-it_print#1=45
Hello, so I've decided that i'm going to give it my all this holiday and try to sell as much as possible for the holiday season coming up. So look out for new home page filled with direct shop access!! Woohoo!! Lets ride.
I love you Eskimo Girl with penguin friends. http://society6.com/rainyowl/eskimo-girl-i-love-you_bag#26=197
Your creative voice is a process no one can really give advice to. I mean there is starting part, where you maybe inspired by an artist. Or if you have a teacher or mentor from school to help guide you and give you resources. Though the creative voice is one that is silent it only speaks when you are working on your art. It reveals itself through the printed page, the computer screen, canvas, wood or art journal. It reveals in truth or lies. Though either or it is both valid. It is the process. It tells you that you suck. It tells you that you are making a master piece. It tells you that it's going to be okay, and I'm glad you drew me today. Your creative voice will not want you to work on art for days or weeks. It will also tell you stop forcing it to work and go out side. It will tell you to take a break. It will tell you not to rush. It will tell you omg this is amazing don't sleep!! It will tell you that you need to get up now and work on me because the house is quiet. OH IT WILL TELL YOU SO MANY THINGS.. But one thing for sure. Your creative voice is never dead. It is always there but sometimes it's just quiet sleeping like a baby.. xoxo
Playing with Fall flowers, Mix Media & Digital Work.
“I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.”
― Khalil Gibran
New Art Uploaded to Society6: http://society6.com/rainyowl/be-a-warrior-cjk#1=45
My GTS submission for Lilla Rogers Studio.
First Idea..Lots more painterly and mix media.
Started fashion editorial pieces, Vivienne West Wood Inspire.
The BEST PART of SEPTEMBER, was we were caught the end of summer at the outerbanks.. So lovely.. So needed..
A tiny snippet of gts submission! More to come next week!
Lately this question has been coming up for me.. I think it is just a mere reminder for all of us to reflect and see all that around us with wonder, joy and everything else that brings us more meaning in our lives..It's middle of August I have taken up a lot of things (suprise surprise, it's never quiet here ;-) Pacing the summer with grace, keeping to plans and just working through it all. I'm glad I signed up with Lilla Rogers Studio GTS this year, making it through last year caused an creative electric shock for a few days. Much more calmer this year but with focus. I worked on it super early and fast. It was just a fun project, who doesn't love teraniums? This month we also did a huge cleaning of our home. We are getting it ready for many things. Every time I clean out a space I feel like new things await. Curiosity and creativity burns in my soul. From mi casa to yours. Happy Summer!
New Alice & Wonderland Commission
circus girl commission by fan melissa bauman.
JUJU App & Spoonflower!
TEA WEBSITE PROJECT
GTS
SPOONFLOWER:
NEW ART PRINTS IN ETSY:ART COMMISSIONS
My art is licensed with juju
lovely spoon flower using my print for the new eco-fabric
new prints for the shop
portrait of ellie..
Playing with new florals and things..
So I figure we are half way through the week right? For creative freelancers like myself I can really use more buttery inspiration midweek, to take me to the end! It's like an extra pop of expresso in your coffee. Or a big gigantic hug from your child. I met Flora Chang during Lilla Rogers MATS class and I'm just so inspired by her art. The bold and gentle line qualities and the tons of characters she creates ALL THE TIME. She truly is the doodle queen. You can tell she is always buzzing her fingers away it doesn't stop and I relate to those lines like chinese character writing for instance. I think of japanese animation too! Ofcourse her twist on folk art!! It's simple but so rich and fun! Her interpretations are awesome! We both have very similar inspirational sources, coming from the same birth country with different experiences. I can relate and get a lot of energy when I see her work. It is happy, it is weird. It is fun. Always new! I wish we lived closer! Enjoy this Q & A as it was so meant to be today!
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1) I’m constantly amazed at your doodles and high turn over time on social networks to gain visibility and share your work. How has that been for you? Is it effective you think for your sales in your etsy shop? Is that your only marketing area for your art?
I can't speak for other people, but for me, my social network traffic rarely translates into actual Etsy shop sales, but that's not why I share anyway. Facebook is my main outlet for sharing nowadays (I also have a Pinterest account). I love it when new people like my Facebook page, and I love to share my drawings there. I draw because it's a creative outlet for me. When my schedule permits, I like to share a little something everyday, or at least every other day, even though it might just be a quick silly doodle. I love reading people's responses and know that my drawings make them smile.
2) You are from lovely Taipei Taiwan also my birth country yay! (I miss the food there so much!! haha ) I realize there is so much amazing folk art in Taipei & Asia did you start from there to get inspired with folk art and later into western/spanish folk art into your doodles. Or was it the other way around? What other artists and cultures inspire you?
Actually, I think my love for folk art really starts here in the States. After I moved to Kansas City, I started to go to antique stores and flea markets whenever I had a chance, and I would see all kinds of old folk art objects which really speak to my heart. They just have such a naive and unpretentious quality, and I can see the hand of the artists on them, which is so attractive to me. I love folk art from all cultures, but I especially love Catholic devotional folk art, and whenever I see them in flea market I'll try to buy them if I can afford.
3) What did you do before Hallmark? If you can please share about working at Hallmark, how has it been for you? Do you think it helps with your art making process as a whole? Does it keep the momentum going you think ?
I was a graduate student in San Francisco before Hallmark. I started working for Hallmark as soon as I finished school in 2001, so I've been here for almost 13 years now. I can honestly say that I learn more by working at Hallmark than from school, especially when it comes to illustration, since I wasn't an illustration student; there are so many talented artists here and people are really generous to share their knowledge. Work load is heavy, just like any other jobs, plus I can't just draw whatever I want, but I consider myself very lucky to still have a job in this economy and I am doing what I love at work.
4) How is living in kansas city? Is it interesting? Is there a lot of culture and creativity there? Whats your favorite coffee shops or places you will recommend for creatives if they are visiting?
Kansas City is the smallest city I've ever lived. I live in a suburb neighborhood called Overland Park on the Kansas side, and I work in Kansas City on the Missouri side (I know, it's confusing). I really do love living here; the only complain I have is the winter and the snow, but other than that, it's a very pretty place with lots of trees and very friendly people, and it's very affordable. Lots of creative people live here (I think part of the reason is because of Hallmark), and every first Friday of each month, lots of galleries in downtown open their doors with all kinds of art shows going on. On top of that, there is an area called "West Bottom" where TONS of vintage/antique shops holds their once-a-month sales during the first Friday weekend, definitely worth checking out.
5 )Lastly, your after work life. What are some of the strategies or rituals to help you get back into that creative place in the evening?
I don't really have any strategies; I just draw whatever I want or whatever comes to my head. If I don't feel inspired at all, then I do nothing and take a break for a day or two. Also, I don't limit myself within certain styles because I like to explore and try different things. Sometimes I like to do really graphic or colorful works, and sometimes I use only limited colors with organic line works. Luckily, my Facebook readers have all been pretty forgiving so far. :)
--You can check Flora out here on her Lovely site! Happy Doodle Land
Lots of things are happening this month! Some really BIG THINGS!! My Etsy shop will be stocked up fully this summer so definitely stay tuned. Hopefully this whale art will be great metaphor for hints that are coming up.
Bird Art Commissions and Prints
Studio Clean up!
Studio Getting Messy!
Big things Happening!!!
I started a spoon flower account not too long ago and already sold some swatches, a few yards, and some lovely soul bought the new eco fabric and made a basket out of it! YAY!!!
It's been a really interesting year and a half. I can go on and on all the things I'm thankful of but the list will never end. The layers and layers upon layers of flowers is pretty much this infinite energy on what gratitude is to me. It should be our daily ritual when we get up in the morning to say thank you. I have my family, they are healthy. I can breathe and move. What can I do today?
FIRST DAY | MAY 15, 2014 | Thurs
So this was the day I get to go back to NYC!!! It's been over a year since I've walked the surtex show. I'm so glad this dream happened!!!! Of course there is delay at the airport leaving Norfolk. But time is advantage to me as I finally was able to settle into a new ipad and get everything organized.. I was again. Not hungry, I can't tell you what I have been eating really. Just too damn excited. Finally departed, then I started chatting with this woman in the seat next to me. She was looking at me strange a bit. Like not interested in small talk. I said I have been working in my studio so long for this show, I'm using her as practice to communicate better for surtex. She chuckled, and at baggage claim wished me good luck! I'll take that!! Thank you!!
Ahhhhhh the frantic and stinky smell of getting into a yellow cab and finally seeing the beautiful skyline once we got on the highway!! Good to be home!! So the nice lazy cab driver drops me off in the middle of canal street with a huge luggage and about 10 blocks from the airbnb space. My memory did not serve me well for this one!!! Super woman mode, I rolled up my sleeves and dragged about 50 pounds of stuff 15 minutes up the hill and through canal street. Thats right lady stop trying to sell me coach bags, get out the way!!!!
Met the AIRBNB host Jacob at a coffee shop called cup and saucer. As he is drinking coffee I'm sweating my butt off trying to explain to him what has happened. I think by this time he thinks I'm absolutely insane. So great intro! I guess this is the interview to stay in someone's space.
We get into the elevator and up to the space, and the door opened up to this artsy loft/gallery! It's converted as half living and half gallery apparently. There was fresh flowers and a bottle of wine. I told him what I was here for and talked about my family a bit. So hopefully he didn't think I was nuts, he kindly conversed and we chatted about art stuff for a bit, and then off he went. I'm in the space and look up at a fuzzy colorful installation. It look like dead puppets to me though that is a compliment for a mom that needs her NYC get-away trip. Apparently the fuzzy installation was created by an artist and friends with Bjork. That was a cool thing to learn.
I called my friend Meer up from college and coincidentally he was already downstairs at the prosperity dumpling restaurant getting food! Could this be insane synchronicity or what! We went for a quick speed gallery hop in the east village and oh my so many galleries!!! Then we went to a band opening at a optical shop called MOSCOT. Then we were off to Cafe Mogador. OMG the food was so GOOOOOD.. Afterwards we went to a few crazy gay bars/clubs then I went back to space. Thank you Meer! You are a great friend. ;-)
airbnb space
airbnb space https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1388049
airbnb space https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1388049
airbnb space https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1388049
crazy dj at a club in east village! man he had so much energy!!!!
SECOND DAY | MAY 16, 2014 | Friday
Had breakfast in soho with my old friend Danielle, and catching up on her big new chapters as well. Then I finally made it to JIVAMUKTI Studio I took a open level class with Monika. It was extraordinary. I had so much fun and it cleared out all my charkras. My communication skills was amazing afterwards. I walked around downtown that day. And went to the ABC homestore for a little bit. It was beautiful in there as always. Then I got to talk to my friend Katy Tanis from Forest Foundry she already made it to Javits Center to hang the banners up!! YAY KATY!! I walked so much that day that when I finally got back to the china town loft, I had crazy blisters on my feet. It was a rainy night. The yoga and walking hurt good. Wondering how I must have legs of steel when I use to live here. That I should start running again when I get back to Virginia Beach and work out harder to reach my physical goals. Then I made it to UPPERCASE!!! Thank you Janine!! Here is the link to the post!! My leg pain disappeared! haha!! Buzzing with self love..
THIRD DAY | MAY 17, 2014 | SATURDAY
Installation Day! Oh my finally met all the girls woohoo!! Installation went really smooth. We had banners, goodie bags, getting all the tables and electricity sorted out. Went over to Lilla's booth, gave her big awesome hug! I think I almost cried! lol I did good! ;-) We all got along very well as a team. We went to have dinner at zen palate that night to end. I'm so proud of US!! After installation I got to go meet my friend Jac she works in Gaming Design for Buzz Feed. We had a drink at Cladestino. Catching up on motherhood and creative work life. She gives me great updates on anything technology related. I've known her for so long. She has the cutest son ever named Eske.
FOURTH DAY | MAY 18, 2014 | SUNDAY
First Day of Surtex! Absolutely buzzing at the booth! Feeling good! I slept well we all showed up and had everything ready to greet everyone!! Our booth was buzzing! I wanted to be able to go around and see all the booths but we had to stay close. I was happy and relaxed, though focused. Everyone did so well. Just grateful that our chemistry was amazing!! Go Forest!!
Me talking to Lilla Rogers, Super Star Agent!! I love her.
My pattern on a dress made by Itsje !!
Us doing different things!! lovely!!
FIFTH DAY | MAY 19TH 2014 | MONDAY
It was continuing a buzzing day at our booth. We were busy. I also got to go to Lilla's Mats Conference, I asked questions about outright purchase of art work for newbies verses licensing. Her answers made me feel rest assured to let go of some and make more art. Margo Tantau from CBK midwest was there to answer questions as well. It was really interesting to see her take on what she looks for with artists and developing collections for her company. Licensing as well as outright. I'm just buzzing already with so much energy. I've communicated well with potential companies and many art directors at this point. I've already reached my goal with the contacts by today. So things are looking so good. Then we had dinner with MATIES at OLION nyc. Thank you everyone!!
Creative Beautiful Women..
Karma & I connecting ;-)
Cool Jazz/Swing lounge Club theater district. Katy Tanis & Karma Voce ( I Love This Place)
SIX DAY | MAY 20th 2014 | Tuesday
Slower day. Less people, I got to walk the stationery and furniture show. It was extraordinary. I especially love this sexy wall paper!!
Last night! Thai Dinner!!
Morning before we parted at Gotham Coffee
SEVENTH DAY | MAY 21th 2014 | WEDNESDAY
We all met the next morning at Gotham Coffee Shop. We got all copies of our contact follow ups. Karma & Neiko are awesome to have done all the copying for all of us. The coffee was great. I broke down and had bacon. It's been a while. We are exhausted but happy as hell!!! We reached our dreams!!!
EIGTH DAY | MAY 22th 2014 | THURSDAY
Soo was that a week?!! I'm sad to leave NYC. It is my home. It was a familiar trip and soooo productive. I've closed and open new chapters in my life. I feel younger. More alive then ever. I feel like time has stopped for me. That all of this was meant to happen. Forest Foundry, you heard a dozen times, but I love you all so much. And I'm so grateful to have met everyone at Surtex. I still have more to post about NYC. But this is the gist of it all for now. For everyone keep pursuing your dreams, every day, little steps.. Now back home to my Ellie, and already grown a bit more..
Ellie 4 going on 25.
Surtex 2014 flyer, Booth 726, Javits Center NYC ( for the love of dolls, lady bugs, florals..)
AHHHH going back home again!!!! less then 2 weeks!! This is just a quick post on the best of the best. I'm meeting my friend Meer from college days to check out east village locally. Though this is a good short list. The Guggenheim & Metropolitan Museums is a must for first timers. Also MOMA which is great but not in vicinity of the other two museums. I love going to Chelsea to do a nice art hop as well. I will be checking out the east village this round for galleries. But also brooklyn, like williamsburg is great too for art adventures. If Dumbo is how I remembered its also filled with amazing spaces and art galleries.
Url list:
Uptown: http://www.moma.org/
Uptown: http://www.guggenheim.org/
Downtown & Brooklyn:
East Village: http://www.doriangreygallery.com/
Chelsea Art Galleries: http://chelseagallerymap.com/
Williamsburg: http://www.artistsandfleas.com/
Williamsburg: http://freewilliamsburg.com/listings/the-williamsburg-greenpoint-brooklyn-gallery-guide
List of Galleries Dumbo: http://wirednewyork.com/art/dumbo/
More links here to art visits: http://wirednewyork.com/art/
NYC local Paper: http://www.villagevoice.com/news/
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FOOD!!! These are my places I like back when I lived there:
Moroccan: http://www.cafemogador.com/eastvillage/
Cuban: http://www.cafehabana.com/ (grilled corn!!!!)
Dimsum: http://nomwah.com/ ( gluten free and vegan option with insane chinese mustard I like to steal!!)
Just beautiful plus get to browse beautiful HOME DECOR: https://www.abchome.com/abc-kitchen/
Light, vegan options cheap! : Unionsquare: http://www.zenpalatenyc.com/
Bagels: Any of Murrays chain is aweseome! SO GOOD! you can get tofu cream cheese and it take like whip cream!! http://www.murraysbagels.com/
KATS DELI: Best NYC Deli in my book. DON"T LOOSE YOUR TICKET! https://katzsdelicatessen.com/
Brooklyn; CHEESECAKE!!! http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
SUSHI!!
If you got a phat wallet, great link: I love jewel bako, you need reservations; http://www.timeout.com/newyork/food-drink/nycs-best-sushi-restaurants-the-top-12-sushi-spots-in-the-city
Midtown: UMI: http://www.yelp.com/biz/umi-sushi-new-york-2#query:Best%20Inexpensive%20Sushi
KOTOBUKI Cheap and amazing, lots of locations: http://www.kotobukinewyork.com/
Decibals: Love this place, after hours or starting your night with great sake drinks and apps!
Pablo Neruda Quote For MAT 3 Wall Art Assignment | Lilla Rogers Studio
2013 Surtex Walk
Well time is up. So is all the preparing for surtex. During this last year or so there were surtex webinars about the whole event so that really helped calm my nerves a bit. Also I walked the surtex show last year to get ideas and be familiar with everything and came out of the Javits Center and said "I'm going to do this and be here next year." It's happening!!!! So there is power in your words do not under estimate that. These last 8 months or so I have been plugging away with forestfoundry.com 8 independent artist in a collective going to surtex together. Sharing costs and having emotional support for this show has been a TREMENDOUS relief for all of us. I think as a creative freelancer in this economy we have all been hit and I feel that the ones that are high on integrity like us with our clients. We all do abnormal super hero acts to get things done for all of them. Yet still trying to maintain sanity, health and family life with children for some of us. I really like to acknowledge the persistence and love we have for who we are and what we do. I don't think it would've been possible with out taking Lilla's MAT classes on line. I also do not think it would've been possible if we weren't amazing. The chemistry of our group has been phenomenal. Our work is a compliment to another with differences, contrast and similarity. I think we all grew so much together. This international collective from Australia, Holland, Belgium, California and Virginia is possible. So if this can work there is no excuse really.
I have been working everyday almost non-stop though I'm naturally craving rest time so bed time is just early and my eyes pop open at 4:35 every morning. I also naturally crave to spend time with my daughter when things are just out of my control. Her spirit and curiosity with life especially her fascination with slugs out of all things lifts me up tremendously. I'm big on hot yoga and zumba dvds has ignited many mornings. We are also in planning mode of relocation this year. So there just has been so much going on. I try to just put everything on my calendar including personal time. I use stickies for each collection I'm working on. I definitely hit blocks and days where things are just so slow and other days much quickly. I also have so much work so editing it down and just simplifying was not easy as well. I have a dress with my pattern being made by Itsje. My blurb book, banner, biz cards, and other items are done or in process to printing land as of now. Flights and airbnb is booked. We had a forest foundry skype chat yesterday and it has been a combination of chat messaging and getting our list checked off. I'm still continuing with working on art, commissions, and printing more art this coming week to be sold at Kitsch. Freelance work to follow up on. But I had nice break with the kid stuff I have been focused on and completed this Pablo Neruda collage piece with touch of digital for recent MAT 3 class. (Yes I'm still taking online courses with Lilla haha) After experience with the lapse of creative momentum in the past. I've learned that it is the only way to keep on moving towards your dream when you just keep up with learning, growing and making things. My husband has been really great he is managing most of the house work and watching Ellie on weekends. So I just retreat to the studio and get moving. Her are some recap pics..
Art commission requested by Melissa Bauman for a bride as wedding gift.
What saves me every morning, Kenyan french press roast.
Dress is being made by amazing Itsje Rowson.
My owls made it as a pattern on gift wrap!! spoonflower 13.00 per roll.
Printing first draft before Blurb..
Blurb Book for Surtex 2014
Wondering what to work on to do. Craving play and rest..
4:30 am Eyes Pop open need to get idea onto paper now.
Website Updates
Moo Cards Printed
Ellie if off to a birthday party.
Spontaneous beach adventure with Ellie..
Hubby & I in Ausin Texas scoping houses out.
