Experiments in Unemployment

Painting the town

2012-03-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Year of the Dragon has kicked off to an amazing start with me finding work! Not only did I just find work -because work is always there even if you are making it for yourself- but I found work that allows me to paint AND pays me what I'm worth. I'm not sure if anyone remembers but that was my one resolution this year- get what I am worth. Where 2011 was the year of climbing and hustling and prying my bloody poor fingers into any little crevice to climb up the mountain....2012 will be the year I work hard but smartly and try my best to create a nice comfortable balance between work and my own personal work/life. I havent had much time to work on my own work yet but thats just going to mean waking up earlier, staying up later and pushing myself. No one said it would be easy but I am in a creative and productive mindset and need to stay that way if I want to see my dreams come true.

Unfortunately for my friends that means I don't have time to paint commissions right now. :(

Sorry guys!

It is nice being able to toy with the idea of getting some wheels finally and making larger pieces and getting art supplies and and and....wow, I remember too well having NOTHING and trying to buy a little paint and hustle some art so I could have a little money to pay bills. It sure is nice to not have to stress about that right now. Slowly but surely things are coming together and I have much to smile about. It is nice being where you are needed and your talents being put to use. I can't ever forget the very horrible place I stayed in miserably where that was NOT the case. Here's to setting your sails in the right direction....YOU CAN DO IT!

Outside Art

2012-02-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with Outsider Art.

I had a wonderful photo shoot with photographer Sam Bortnick this weekend, a bit impromptu actually. I wanted him to come shoot this painting because I'm entering a couple of competitions and need pro photos

"The Roots Remain"

The sunlight outside was perfect to snag a couple of shots of me with my painting "Flourish" which is inspired by Spring and rejuvenation. I really like my artwork outside on the fence. I am thinking to explore an art show that takes place totally outside...that means I need to paint.

That means I need time to paint.

Time to put the pedal to the metal on all the loose ends in my life and get back in my studio!

Have a great one!

A dream wrapped in bows

2012-02-25T05:10:00.003-08:00

Last night I had a dream. I wait for these dreams and they are rare. I dreamt of my Dad. And as usual it felt so normal and nice, as if he were still alive here with me. I know in so many ways he is still and music is one of those ways we absolutely connected. I woke up thinking of the dream with a pleasant realization- today is my Dads birthday and he came to visit me in my dreams. In the dream my Dad and I had been awaiting something wonderful and it was less than we expected when it came. My Dad then said to me "It's ok and good. But never be less than what you are."
I needed those words and that reminder. Never be less than what you are.

My Dad and I we cried anytime and every time he played his guitar and sang. I wrote a short piece about it for this months Mercado Bilingue feature, but here it is in case you don't get those delivered:

La Guitarra

Inthe spirit of this months feature on Lorca I decided to include one of myfavorite poems by this wonderful poet and playwright, entitled “La Guitarra”.As a musician it strikes a chord in me and also the symbol of the guitar is oneI hold very dear to my heart.

Myfather was a musician as well, and specifically a guitarist, who passed hispassion on to me and was one of our greatest bonds. So it was only natural whenhe passed away that I received my Dads lovely acoustic guitar which made anappearance at many a gathering with my Dad. I have so many fond memories of myDad and his guitar at my Tios house, gently bringing around a circle of familyand friends with it’s tune and his singing voice. The canciones romanticos thatwould bring tears to his eyes when he sang (and my eyes as well) are some of myfavorite.

Oneof my fondest memories of my Dad and his guitar ….he was singing and playingand we both had tears streaming down our faces. He knew how to unlock ourhearts when he played. When he looked up at me we both started laughing andwiping at our tears. He then said “Mija, you have the music in your heart justlike me”. I made a resolution to learn this guitar. My fingers used to onlyplucking a four string bass. It is a mysterious instrument to me. A welcomechallenge to learn how to unlock hearts! I dedicate this to my Papi, whoseupcoming birthday is on my mind. Thanks for the music Dad. May you all havemusic in your heart always.
La Guitarra (Federico Garcia Lorca)
Empieza el llanto
de la guitarra.
Se rompen las copas
de la madrugada.
Empieza el llanto
de la guitarra.
Es inútil
callarla.
Es imposible
callarla.
Llora monótona
como llora el agua,
como llora el viento
sobre la nevada.
Es imposible
callarla.
Llora por cosas
lejanas.
Arena del Sur caliente
que pide camelias blancas.
Llora flecha sin blanco,
la tarde sin mañana,
y el primer pájaro muerto
sobre la rama.
¡Oh guitarra!
Corazón malherido
por cinco espadas.

And some music my Papi enjoyed...

Happy Birthday Dad, always in my heart. Nunca olvidare

The Bug

2012-02-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Something about the birds singing before the sun rises and the warm temps have me thinking of Spring and how I wish I could run away for a little while. I've been working nonstop and the word "deadline" is always in my vocabulary as is the word "booked". I feel like I need to go somewhere far and deep. Maybe that is right into my own heart but I'd like to think there's a little more of a scenic route in store for me.
At any rate...I am right here and loving the work I do. Painting. This weekend I'm getting my work shot by a pro, the amazing Sam Bortnick, so I can enter into a competition I've had my eye on. I'm also working on the Project 7X7 art I'm involved with and another weekend of DJing is in sight...this Saturday at Texas Theater Soul Train Dance Party. Come out and have some fun :)
Last weekend was the Lollipop Shoppe bash and it was quite a bash, it was fun showing art with some artists I really admire. My friend James Garrett (ARTBOT 138) made this rad little video of the art show

So lots of social social social and work and of course I'm feeling a little pensive and in need of some alone time. Solitary walk in the woods time sounds awesome.
But today....today we work!
Make it the best you can

Sunday morning coming down.....

2012-02-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

"Jett Black Joan" acrylic on vinyl record

I'm busy in the studio trying to get some new records finished for the Lollipop Shoppe HEAVY MUSIC art show next weekend. I have a lot on my plate this month and I'm trying my best to balance it all. Last night was the Kettle Art Gallery show "For the Love of Kettle". All the artists donated a piece of art and it was priced at $50- all proceeds to benefit the gallery. I got there and the room was already packed and most of the art had red dots (sold!) or had been removed from the walls. I really wanted to see all the art but I can't blame the owners for wanting to take them to their cozy new homes. Luckily my piece was still up for viewing although it was sold immediately. Turns out a friend waited in the blistering cold for an hour to get my piece! Thank you Philip Williams, that is true dedication! I heard thru the grapevine that quite a few people were trying to get that piece so I'm feeling pretty fuzzy about my art right now. Awwww! Another thing I'm busy in the mix with is Project 7x7 a collaborative effort with 6 other artists in which we attempt to create 7 pieces together to show in a gallery this Spring. It's a great way to meet some other artists and learn a lot about yourself while you try to aim for one goal- an awesome finished piece together. The artists are all awesome in their own right so I have to bring my "A" GAME! Don't I always shoot for that? :) You can follow the project at that link or visit the website here: http://www.project7x7.com

Things have been pretty good at Tigerbee studios, Oak Cliff People just did a nice little spotlight to promote the Kettle show and used my piece in their promo. I have lots on my calendar and really all I need now is some TIME to create NEW ART! All in due time. I can't claim to be experimenting with unemployment right now as I am working almost full time at a local mural company painting, painting and more painting. I love it! I can afford art supplies again and....food! Feeling blessed. No rest for the wicked, I have a graphic design deadline and a feature to write for my other freelance gig with Mercado Bilingue ...that link will show you some bright and shiny pictures of all the covers I've designed for them. I am just seeing this for the first time myself. YAY! Happy Sunday everyone, make it awesome!

Rollin...

2012-02-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes You Feel Small" acrylic on wood 9" x 12"

This is the piece I just finished for the Kettle Art Gallery...I am actually donating it so the proceeds go to help keep the gallery running. I've never actually shown at Kettle Art Gallery but they put on amazing shows and help get local artists some exposure so it's a great cause. The boards go for $50 each and they are first come first grab. I wonder who will buy mine?! Exciting! (Yes I'm going to miss it, I've gotten into the habit of making my most awesome work for charity events...go figure!)

The info for the show is HERE

I'm trying to work on new vinyl record pieces for the Lollipop Shoppe art show happening on Feb 18th as well. I'll be showing alongside Joey Seeman, DiabloTexas and Artbot 138 and I can't wait to see all our work on the walls together!

So lots of art in the works right now. Last week was major ups and major lows but I think I'm rolling out of it back at center again. Dust yourself off and keep on going, life is a crazy rollercoaster ride like that sometimes...

I was in dire need of an "art supply" and I never buy myself anything nice so yesterday I shelled out a little dough and got myself a little audio treat. A machine that plays music! I now can hear music while I paint at home! This makes me happy! I consider it an art supply because I use music while I work, it helps get ideas flowing and gets me in the zone sometimes. I have been using an old stereo system from the 90's that rarely wanted to play my cds and whose turntable belt is about to break. This has an ipod dock and cd player! I am feeling less cavewoman-y! Next stop a cellphone...although to be honest I don't really miss being accessible to beeping things and feeling pressured to answer messages asap either.

The art of poverty is getting a little upgrade so to speak. Still keeping my bike though!

Have a great Sunday everyone, roll with the punches and duck!

Blog Day

2012-01-31T06:17:00.000-08:00

Its hard to photograph yourself with a dancing Chinese Lion.

Today is blog day! Not only do you get this amazing blog but you get my new post up at I AM BILINGUE....clicking on those words will take you there!

I have a confession to make today. The art of poverty is feeling a lot like the art of awesome these days, not like poverty at all. It's all mental perhaps but I am seriously loving what I do and it's hard to feel poor when you are happy. Remember that and maybe remind me when I forget.

I found myself walking in the sunshine last Friday to meet a reporter from Ft. Worth Star telegram last week. It was the middle of the day, the weather was amazing and I had just left the work I was doing on a mural which was coming along nicely. I was going to be interviewed and then the weekend was mine for the taking. I ordered a $6 beer just because. Just because I could! In the middle of the day! I was remembering where I was 2 years ago...in a basement, in pain, with a sacroiliac back brace strapped around me in a very oppressive environment that felt a lot like Chinese Water Torture. I had nasty insurance people who didn't care about my broken back bothering me. I had a very tiny circle of friends and most of them could not comprehend that the pain I was in really made me feel like jumping off a bridge. So those dark times fueled the $6 beer purchase. I feel good. My back is working again. I can walk. I can make my own money with my own two hands. I still don't have a car or a cellphone or any fancy travel plans. I am just happy on the planet right now. Being alive is awesome.

The bad times just make the great times even brighter my friends.

maybe it's the sun...

2012-01-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the sun or my back not hurting or all the awesome people that are in my life right now? Maybe it's the music in my veins and not feeling oppressed and depressed? Maybe it's being able to paint every single day and create and all the ideas buzzing around in my brain? Maybe it's high fives and being able to afford a beer? Whatever it is...I like it.

It's coming!

2012-01-20T05:26:00.000-08:00

We are right on the brink of the start of Chinese New Year. Tonight after work I'm hitting up the Crow Collection of Asian Arts to see Kung Fu performances and....and....DRAGON DANCES! Glow in the dark dragons? Hell yes. I can't even explain how long I've waited for this year. This little Fire Dragon has big expectations and lots of drive to make all kinds of awesome happen this year.

Awesome has already happened really and it came in the form of freelance work. Lovely, creative, freelance work in an environment with good energy and awesome people. I couldn't be more thrilled! I'm working on a beautiful mural and honing my skills and learning how quick I can knock stuff out. It's been fun logging my progress and trying to plan the next stages out.

I've also been asked to show in a few shows already and the year has just started. The only problem is having time to work on my stuff. I'm trying to learn time management and trying to make time to also do that thing I hear about...RELAX. But I don't see any of that just yet,

This week I learned how to POUNCE a design and I also learned that I am madly in love with the PURDY CUB brush that I borrowed from the studio down the street. When I get paid I'm investing in some amazing quality brushes because somehow without even trying I have become a mural painter.

Looks like a beautiful Friday in the making, I'm going to take photos of the Year of the Dragon Celebration and show them off next week. Have a great weekend, some of us have to work...

A Day In The Life

2012-01-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

Pretty much the way I feel come 6 am every day, sometimes 5 am. I really don't have time to blog this morning so I'm blogging about how little time I have to blog. Sensical!. Here is a brief rundown of a typical day in the life of a freelance artist for anyone who thought I was kicking back at home base idly doodling bunnies and waiting for invitations to parties.

5 am/ 6 am: wake up, spend the following hour "downloading" coffee, answering emails, any internet business

7am: shower, getting dressed for work...thats right, I said WORK

8am: shove breakfast into mouth, take 12 minutes to do hair and makeup ( I streamlined and timed this!)

8:30: Finish any blogs and graphics that are due for freelance job ($), these are due every week. As in the case of today I also have a feature due-it goes in the paper once a month along with the graphic I design for said paper. Add on top of that I create graphics for my own events, which is also due this week...so is artwork for an upcoming art show...I think you're starting to get the idea and we haven't even made it out the door yet!

9:00/9:30-Hit the bus stop and.... Go to WORK at a studio where I'm doing murals right now. Sometimes I bounce between another studio on the same block and make fun artistic displays and stuff. But right now I'm involved in a big mural and I'm painting it myself. Put in a full day of work and then....hit the bus stop again!

6:00- stuff dinner in mouth and check internet, emails, etc....if theres an order, get it packed up and ready to take to tlhe post office. If theres an order pending, WORK ON IT....more painting after a full day painting.

By 8:00 pm I'm totally zonked, with a sore back and legs and all I wanna do is lay in bed immobilized. Thanks back injury! And every other day add into all this a 25 minute run and or PiYo class.

So, 24 hour party people I ain't. Probably about to doze out to Sanford and Son at 10pm like a little granny. Somewhere in the week I attempt cleaning. I'm convinced I need a maid.

Ok, gotta do my feature now....have a good one. Someone take a nap for me!

Catching Up

2012-01-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

Trying to catch up with everything going on and it's starting with catching up on laundry. The flyer above is for the next place you'll be able to see my artwork. The artist list for this show:

Joe Skilz
Sergio Garcia
ABIS
Patricia Rodriguez
Dan Colcer
Andres "Sezoyoudee" Jojola
Londie Johnson
Hatziel Flores
Kelsey Kincannon

I'm pretty psyched! For all the details hit up THIS and you'll see what fun it will be.

Working on graphic designs for Mercado Bilingue this weekend and also just finished up an interview with local artist and hotshot Frankie Garcia for the I AM BILINGUE blog. And since the computer aims to claim my soul I also have to knock out a graphic flyer for the next Lollipop Shoppe. This is going to be a good one- our 8 Year Anniversary!

So this is a WEEKEND for a freelance artist. Work, work and mo' work. Tomorrow it's back to my new gig....oh didn't I tell you? I'm working on a mural, a pretty one! This all brings me back to an interesting topic....

When I was working at a dead end 9-5 I use to scour blogs and books trying to figure out how to get out of the rat race. I wanted freedom, creativity, happiness and to not work where I was working. I read success stories of self employed artists. I followed people who blogged for a living.My 30 minute lunch breaks were filled with researching HOW TO'S and business models as I scarfed down cheap tuna sandwiches. I bought stupid books that told me nothing except how awesome it was to work for yourself. Sure, write books about it and suckers like me are going to buy them= writer gets rich and gets to work for themselves.

I made visualization boards filled with pictures of pretty places I wanted to visit, mountains, awesome bedroom suites, pools. In reality I don't need fancy bedroom suites, I needed a bed. I got a bed. I am happy. Travelling would be amazing... but time enough for everything. Point of all this is- I was totally focused 100% on getting OUT and INTO a real fulfilling "job", place in life. I am there. So yeah, that mountain on my visualization board? I'm totally on top of that.

The secret to change is 100% focus and dedication. A passion to get there whatever it takes. Suddenly I find myself working for myself, blogging for pay and being the creative artist I studied all those years to be. I am doing what I love, you can't put a price on that.

Just get ready to kiss your "weekends" goodbye for a long while!

No Rest Stops for the next 100 miles

2012-01-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

I remember last year around this time I was secluded in my studio working on some new paintings. I was hustling stuff for the Underground show and getting interviewed in Oak Cliff People. I was also very broke. So while I had time to paint I did not have money flowing in. I had no idea Hour Swap was lurking in my brain yet or that I was going to be on Good Morning Texas -all that happened in February when the money situation was getting dire.

Now I have the opposite problem, which is not really a problem at all. Now I have lots of work and some money coming in but no time to paint. C'est la vie! You can't win them all and really if I wanted to be a masochist I could still work on paintings- my right hand will just fall off a lot sooner than I predict.

I am loving where I am right now artistically and in my "career" as a freelancer. When one job was over inevitably another one would start and in between that some commissions were always constant as is deadlines for my blogging and graphic design gig. Granted I am working harder than I was at a 9-5 job but the happiness level doesnt even begin to compare and makes it worth it to me to keep on with it.

So in a nutshell, 2012 has already been fruitful in the work department. Sold the painting above yesterday and am up early this morning to finish off a record commission. Meeting with an artist today for an interview for the paying blog and have art shows on my radar. No, there wont be even a weeks break for me for awhile but I will be able to afford some rad new paintbrushes and some small comforts I havent had since taking on the world one paintbrush at a time. Maybe Tuco gets new brakes soon!

Tomorrow I'll update my upcoming art stuff, right now I need to finish this record. This one is going to Paris France!

Cat Puke

2012-01-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

I felt the way this bird looks this morning. I could even hear Vivaldi's "Spring" in my head, which is weird because it's January. I woke up feeling rested (thank you Nyquil) and my back didn't hurt. I sleepily trudged off to make coffee and saw the lovely sunrise brewing outside the window and then I noticed...1....2....3.....4...5....6....about six little landmines in various places on the floor. Somehow I managed to NOT step on one. Cat puke. Nice and wet. So much for happy bird feeling. Now before I start my day I will have to do some scrubbing. Thanks cats. Thank YOU very much. I'll clean that up after coffee. Do they make little tiny construction cones for such messes? Mini crime scene tape? CAT PUKE/DO NOT CROSS? Well, they should.

?

2012-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

Either last nights enchiladas did NOT agree with me or I'm getting sick or who the heck knows. It's usually one of three things in life for me and the last one is always "who the heck knows". I do know I woke up after midnight, puked for no apparent reason and had nightmares the rest of the night. Awesome way to go into Friday huh? I'm testing my stomach with COFFEE, because if it can withstand this bitter cheap swill then I must be ok to go to work. (Folgers bleh!)

I'm looking forward to getting some work done on an art nouveau style commission and also starting another record commission this weekend. That is what weekends are for me, more work and more painting. However I did snatch up a Groupon for a freakin' DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE and fancy aromatherapeutic body scrub and as soon as I can that's where I'm going to be. It's been way too long since I did something nice for this tired shell.

Last night I found an art show I want to enter and that deadline is now burned in my mind and that is my goal for the first part of this year. Enter this juried art competition and work towards getting the pieces done for it. Even if I don't get accepted it will be good to get in the habit of entering these things.

Needing a little break this weekend to work on MY work, will have to shove things around to make that happen. Let's do this Friday thing troopers!

35 going on 80

2012-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

The picture is cute. It has nothing to do with the post but I can be a good BS-er and say I feel like that cat looks. With too much on my head right now. Yeah, that sounds good-let's roll with that.
I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't remember how I old I was. Was I 35? 36? Which was it? Damn! Doesn't matter, I feel 80. Everything is sore and creaky. My hands feel arthritic. I've been sleeping in a ball all tensed out. I come home from work with lower back pain. Do you hear me Sonny? I feel OLD.
I know it's because I havent seen my gym in a month. I know my Pilates teacher is going to give me a thorough beating when I come back to class (next week I promise Delia!) and I will WISH I felt 80 instead of feeling like I got beaten by Tyson (I need to update my boxers, Tyson is so last decade...ok, Pacquiao) so there you have it....a nice COMPLAINY blog about feeling old. Everythings not always wine and roses in the art of Unemployment. Fact is you hustle and bust butt for many hours in a day and come home feeling like THIS. I have so many mice on my head it's not funny but I appreciate and am grateful for the work...maybe Tuco can get some new brakes this month...
Everyone I owe stuff to - barters, emails, etc...I will get to you I promise! Swampered at the moment! Frellance work is in full swing and I gotta pay the bills!

All I'm saying pretty baby, la la love you, don't mean maybe

2012-01-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'm 3 days into the New Year and I have 2 invites to show my art around town. Thrilled. 2012 is already creating it's own work schedule for me with no rest in sight. I'm working from home on my freelance work today and then I'll be at the magic work studio for the rest of the week getting everything crated up for Paris. Someday I hope I'm crating my self up for Paris, or even better MY artwork! Hey a girl can dream...

I'm also in the Advocate magazine that might be laying on your doorstep this very minute. You can read my interview online -between that and my cover art being printed on Mercado Bilingue all in the span of a few days my MOM is pretty proud of me. I still feel like my Dad is right beside me pointing me this way, that way and opening doors. I often think of the hard work he put in to make sure his kids were clothed, fed and warm and educated. He raised me to take no shit. Thanks Papi, another year dedicated to you...

and away I go

(new vinyl work "Cosmique" will be uploaded to my Etsy shop this week! New records $50- can do customs!)
http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com

Enter the DRAGON

2012-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not Chinese. Nor am I a horoscope follower, per se. But I am a DRAGON and I've been waiting for 2012 to hit for a few years. I think in 2009 I started really looking at my sign and identifying with a lot of the dragon traits. Supposedly this is my year. 2011 felt a lot like my year too so if 2012 is even better then I'm in for quite a year! Chinese New Year will start on January 23 this year so I'm not in Dragon mode yet, but close. I rang in the New Year by working...fun work though, I DJed at a New Years Eve party at the Belmont hotel to a packed crowd. I wore my Dragon dress to commemorate the coming year. 2011 had it's ups and downs but for the most part left me feeling satisfied that I proved to myself I could survive without a 9-5 soul sucking work environment paying my rent. What a feeling...and in this economy- no small feat.

Here is some interesting info about DRAGONS and for the record I'm a FIRE DRAGON :)

I make no resolution other than to keep on keeping on, challenge myself, find the good or make it, go where I am needed and stay humble. Anything else will be a wonderful surprise.

Have a Happy New Year, whatever Chinese animal you are!

Keep on Keeping On

2011-12-23T05:20:00.000-08:00

One week left to go in the year and I'm putting the pedal to the metal in the studio. I'm working on some new vinyl record pieces that are completely different from the ones I've made before. Progress! New techniques! New color palettes! Lots of layers! Lots of EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!

I'm pretty excited with the one I'm working on now and can't wait to come home from work and finish it.

Work is a fun little studio hidden in Oak Cliff where I am currently learning how to work with new materials. Do you see a theme here? New, new, new! Yesterday I tried my hand at leather and all week I've been working at putting cotton batting on animal forms. By the time all is said and done I will have an arsenal of new skills to add to my reportoire!
Yesterday this was floating around the web and i'm thrilled to say I was included in the 2011 Artists over at ArtLoveMagics blog. Read it here and discover the artists in the metroplex!

It's the last day of work before the holidays and Friday- so TGIF and have a wonderful Christmas everyone! I'll post my latest record this weekend.

2011 A Year On My Terms

2011-12-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

2011 you were quite a year. It was the year of NOT working in an office for crummy individuals. It was the year of working where I was needed, wanted and appreciated and sometimes that meant working for myself in my studio. What a life! What a beautiful decision to believe in yourself and do everything it takes to fulfill your dreams. My dream was not to be rich. It was to create. create every day. It was to shrug off the idea of being poor and be happy just being on the planet with some skills to pay the bills. Thanks for the line Beastie Boys! So I'm doing a couple blog installments of the YEAR that was and it starts with this blog as a matter of fact...

1. I started the year with $1,000 and the desire to stretch that as far as I could without having to sell my soul to a 9-5 job where I wasn't appreciated. GOAL MET! I survived with NO CAR, just a bike. I paid my rent and bills and had food to eat. I didn't have food stamps, Unemployment or any help from the U.S. Government or churches. I did have the help of a lot of awesome people who bought my art and passed freelance gigs on to me. If you are one of those people YOU made this happen. Eternal thanks.

2. I started HOUR SWAP which promptly got me a spot on TV! I got to go on Good Morning Texas and demonstrate my project live. My first television appearance and it happened right as the year started.

3. I got a feature in Oak Cliff People, wonderful press about my vinyl records.

4. I was able to participate in some art shows this year, notably at START GALLERY DALLAS, Underground at Janette Kennedy Gallery, GirlShow and Cool Waters at the Kessler. Also did a show at the Oak Lawn library with my friend JW Tarin, showed at Fallout Lounge with John Gonzales and Mark Williams and had some solo shows there which were sell-outs. meaning all my stuff sold. Thanks to all the venues and people I coordinated with this year!

5. Ran more mileage in my beat up Nikes than ever. Passed my 100 mile goal and am well into my 200 miles and did my first 5K!!! Weaned myself off bad medications and am living a pharmaceutical free life!

6. Painted, painted, painted and created every day. I have painted more than any year in my life ever. Over 100 records easily are now in homes all over the US. Hour swap paintings, record vinyl art and canvas...so many paintings....so many pieces of my heart out there.

7. Painted for charity! I was able to paint and donate for wonderful charities such as Artists Against Aids, aid for Japans tsunami and the Reading and Radio Resources for the impaired. I also showed kids how to paint on vinyl records at the Marinela interactive with ArtLoveMagic.

8. Was able to spotlight so many wonderful artists and venues in the metroplex through working with I AM BILINGUE and MERCADO BILINGUE. Honed my skills as a graphic artist and blogger and met so many wonderful people through this venture. Thanks to everyone who let me interview and spotlight you!

9. Created Bartering Artists, a community that helps each other out through art and service bartering. Connected people, hooked people up with jobs (YES!), and allowed people to network to get things they needed. Landed this idea on CBS local DFW and went national through Origins magazine. So many people have artists work they collected through this group- what a wonderful thing... and I'm proud to say I'm behind it. Thanks to everyone who has made this group successful and continues to share their success stories with me.

(Bartering Artists Meet N Greets allowed people to barter in a live one on one setting with each other)

10. WORKED MY BUTT OFF! Aside from maintaining ALL that stuff you just read above I was fortunate to have some freelance work that helped pay the bills. I got to work with amazingly awesome people, honing my skills, learning how to goldleaf on a ceiling, doing murals, making candles for Bette Middler, anywhere a paintbrush was needed I was there to handle it and learn something in the process. I also got to TEACH at Mountain View College- what a rewarding endeavor. I passed on my knowledge of drawing to students eager to learn and the reward was astounding. What a feeling being able to hand down all your beloved art teachers knowledge to new people - so they can go make art to carry on the legacy.

11. Of course this one goes to 11! It was 2011 after all.... Maintained another year with the Lollipop Shoppe- something I've been doing with my best friend Gabriel Mendoza for almost 8 years. We threw some rockin parties this year- especially our Disco party! Got to rock the party for so many friends and thats how I'm ending the year, one of the best years of my life- it was a year on my terms and I'm going out DANCING!

A zillion thanks to everyone who supported my amazing year, cheered me on, bought my art, encoraged and looked out for me. Big thanks to TUCO my bike who got me to and from the grocery store and where I needed to go. I don't win an award or trophy for all this but I sure feel like I did. :) May 2012 be even better everyone!

Always something there to remind me...

2011-12-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

Unless you've suffered a back injury you probably have no idea what a pain in the arse that can feel like. Every pun intended.

Some days you can feel totally normal. Some days you feel like a broken doll. Such was the case yesterday when I came home from work and sat down and couldn't get up. I felt like a 90 year old woman who had to hold on to the sink and walls to get my clothes on and off. Yes. It's like that. Apparently standing on concrete floors in the cold temps really do a number on the old back.

I have to work. I have to pay rent. Facts of life and back pain is one of them. Sometimes I need these reminders so when the days are good I appreciate my body even more. When the days are painful and bad I have to try to man up and stick it out. It sucks unbelievably but hopefully makes me a stronger person.

I have soo much to do it's not even funny. Commissions are coming out of my ears, and I'm thankful and blessed if not stressed and tired. I hope to find a day of rest or two in 2012 somewhere.

So SPINE- c'mon, I need you right now. Be a sweetie pie and get with the program please.

Let's update where I am in my adventures in Unemployment. I have $150 to my name in this world. There are some checks out there that hopefully Santa will bring asap. Santa meaning Post Man. I have a sale pending! On a painting no less!

This is the piece I did for the Cool Waters show this summer. I'm so thrilled it's going to a good home where it can be admired by a real person and not just my cats. I've got a few more record vinyl pieces to make for others and then I need to try and squeeze in my own records for the Belmont show. I'll be djing and displaying new pieces if I can make those pieces appear.

Need to round up tunes, get the equipment, find something to wear and make sure the go go platforms are done and decorated. Aside from all this I'm juggling my freelance blog and graphic design work and working at the magic studio making monkeys every day. Yes. My. Plate. Is. Full. Thank. You. Universe.

Now if you can fill my empty fridge I'll be a happy camper.

Monkey business

2011-12-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

My life doesn't have a Christmas tree in it but it does have some pimpin' monkeys. Adventures in Unemployment have found me making my living doing all sorts of wonderful things...such as this, wrapping a monkey in cotton batting. This is only the first stage, he is destined for fabulous silks and then he is off to be a star in Paris. Make mama proud little monkey!
I'm not sure how you deliberately sidestep Christmas but I did this year. The sparkle of lights, the hustle and bustle of shoppers on the sidewalk....nothing lured me in this year. Aside from a few cards on my mantle, a tiny box of candy canes and my one gift of delicious fancy Christmas coffee on the table- all signs of Christmas are null. I will celebrate it when I feel like it I guess.
It's Monday, it's Monkey Day...putting in some hours at the work studio and then home to finish an order and a blog for I Am Bilingue. Full day.
More coffee please!

Time enough for everything

2011-12-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

Some monk somewhere said "time enough for everything" and I have tried to remember this little mantra and keep it close when things got chaotic. Sometimes it works, sometimes I forget. This morning I remembered and will try to keep this in my thoughts as I head into the next few weeks. I have a LOT OF WORK TO DO. My heart and brain aren't in the game though so it's been very frustrating. I need to try to get with it but I'm not sure how.
The good thing is I have LOTS OF WORK TO DO which means adventures in unemployment have led me to paying rent this month.
I have a couple of records to finish for people who have requested them for Christmas giving. I have a painting to paint for someone and I'm working at the ol' studio where I made the Bette Middler candles....only this time I'm making crocodiles and lions and monkeys. I'll take photos, they will explain it better than I could.
I've also made it a personal mission to at least have 10 new record pieces to show on NYE at the Belmont. So.....I obviously have no time to play around. I would love to revamp this blog and get it all shiny and new for the New Year but that might not happen just yet. Time enough for everything. Time enough for a second cup of coffee....I will need this to go make monkeys today.
I have already made a resolution for next year as well...something I hardly do. Get what I am worth. That means asking the appropriate amount of $ for my art, labor, time. That means not settling anymore when I could have the prize.

But first let's kill 2011 with work....works the only thing that's gonna get me through the dark times right now. Vrooooooooooooooooooom...................................

Promises promises

2011-12-16T05:10:00.001-08:00

I just woke up with Auld Lang Syne in my head and have been waiting to use this photo for something. I wish there was a point to this blog but there really isn't. I looked up Auld Lang Syne to get further insight into the lyrics and this link proved pretty useful, I like the hopefulness of the song that friendships are not forgotten through time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne
It is the nearing of holidays that seem to get me so down. I think about my Dad a lot more than usual. I think about loss and how life does a fine job of it sometimes. Dialogue ceases, time passes and things and people fall out of your life for one reason or another. I hope in time this extreme sense of Loss around the holidays dissipates.
It's always been my philosophy to mend the broken fences and forgive. Life is too short for carrying hurtful mistakes around like a teddy bear. Losing someone so big and close to you will definitely give you that clarity in life.
Until then, treat each other well.
Always.

2011-12-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

"work in progress"Yesterday I spent a full 8 hours in my studio messing around with different layers and techniques and experimenting with contact paper. I also tried primering in the rain under a table covered with plastic tarp.Fail.The record above is still in progress. I still don't love it. This seems to happen when I am in a bad mental space while I work. Nothing looks right and I don't love things.I work and overwork things and want to paint them black, to quote the Rolling Stones. But I will let this one be- maybe just another layer of crazy colored stuff and let it go. It was an experiment after all.It's rent time and I have just enough to pay it and still have grocery money left over. A freelance gig working at the ol' Glitter HQ popped up and I'll be there the next few days earning my keep.I'm feeling overwhelmed truthfully, I've agreed to finish lots of projects for people and have put my own work on the back burner. Christmas is looming. Deadlines are looming. I'm feeling the flipside of my usual sunny self. Sad. Depressed. I've put myself on the backburner for everyone elses happiness.Of course the rollercoaster has to come down sometime but I'm a little weary of the ride.File under Bah Humbug!I'll try to put on the smile and shake away the clouds in the meantime. Have a good one!

2011-12-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

I have really fallen off the blog wagon! Even blogspot has a whole new interface since I last used it!Life has been busy, crazy, up and down. I'll admit there is no Christmas tree up in my house yet. I quickly zip out of places playing holiday music and just don't have the "Christmas spirit" just yet. I wonder if it will happen this year. I have made some Christmas cards that I've been sending out in batches to family and close friends. You can read about them here:I Am BilingueIn the midst of all the craziness I have been feeling a lot of gratitude. It's that time of the year when I look back on the year I just had much like looking down from a mountaintop I just climbed. I see the hills and hardships, the lovely vistas, the ditches I fell in and the simple flat roads....of which there were few this year.I do plan on blogging a recap of the crazy year but not just yet. I am going to be zipped up in my studio till the end of the year (with the exception of a few social outings) painting. A solitary confinement if you will. Feeling a bit of hermit bug biting me and needing to catch up on a lot of work anyway. I will be blogging however, writing to no one in particular as I suppose hermits do.Cleaned and organized the studio yesterday so my little hermitage is nice and clean and ready for my silent journey.See you in the blogs...

Today is...

2011-11-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we install this big ceiling mural we've been working on. When I say "we" I mean me and the guys I've been working with at the mural biz. It's been a wonderful time and I have learned so much and made new friends. I am excited to learn about installing on a ceiling and getting more practice gold leafing.
Work has been good for me. I do love working at home in my studio, minding my own schedule and time but there is something to be said for stepping into new roles and learning from others. I have felt a lot of growth. Plus it's been nice to not feel that panic in the back of my mind that I wouldn't find the rent money this month.
I don't know what job the Universe has in store for me next but I will greet it with open hands and try to learn a new thing or two.
Yesterday I started a new painting, it's rather large and I've decided to just use this painting practicing my techniques and new things- so it will resemble a sketchbook in paint or something. We shall see.
Life is kind of nutty for me and I'm missing my devotion to meditation. It has been awhile and my brains become foggy for it. Training up to run a 1/2 marathon in a few weeks and am excited my sister is coming down from San Fran!
I'll post some event stuff by this weekend, till then- hold on to the moment!

Bartering Artists SUCCESS STORY!

2011-11-09T03:35:00.000-08:00

painting by Iris Candelaria

This spotlight has been sitting in the queue for awhile since I've been working at places that needed me to be somewhere at a certain time, apologies! Nonetheless I want to introduce you to two wonderful ladies who are very involved in the Barering Artists group and whose enthusiasm and smiling faces are one of the reasons I love this group so much. Meet Iris Candelaria and Cori Berg, you have heard both their names mentioned here before. Iris was responsible for the amazingly beautiful cake I got for my birthday and Cori helps admin at Bartering Artists and is a sweet friend. Let's see what they bartered!

ME: What was bartered and where?

Iris:At The Bartering Artists first Meet & Greet. Cori wanted one of my paintings for her husbands birthday and I of course absolutely loving her art, was more than thrilled to barter. I also threw in a birthday cake for him.
Cori:Our lil' barter had layers like one of Iris's cakes! I approached Iris because my husband was really taken with her work when we saw her at ArtLoveMagic's 2011 Underground show. So I secretly messaged her before the first meet 'n' greet that I wanted to barter something for his birthday which was coming up that week. She custom made a piece in exchange for my lil' bird painting. When she said she liked the butterfly painting too, I threw that in cause I was so happy she was making something for us! Then, she threw in a birthday cake! And since i picked up the cake the day before her birthday, I surprised her with a few little birthday goodies - a painted bracelet and jewelry set of my artwork. How fun was that?!?

ME: How long did it take to "seal the deal"?

Iris:About 3 weeks
Cori:Took about half an hour at the meet'n' greet to talk through bartering options and then a few weeks to actually pass the goods.

ME:Any funny stories, things in common you had with your barter partner?

Iris:We both love color!! Her art makes me happy just looking at it. My eyes instantly light up when I see one of her pieces.
It took us a few tries on scheduling a good day to meet since I was away on vacation but it all worked out in the end.
Cori:I absolutely adore Iris's faces. We both love bright colors and i feel like, if I painted faces, this iwhat mine would look like! Kindred art spirits!

Me: How many barters have you made so far? Iris:This is my second barter. My first was a painting I did in exchange for a handmade bamboo necklace and I'm currently working on the next with Logan (Junk Yard) for a custom wooden frame.
Cori: This is the first barter I've completed.

Me: What was challenging about this barter or what did you take from it?
Iris:I loved meeting and getting to know Cori. She's an amazing artist and now friend:)
Cori: Honestly, the most challenging thing about this barter was being confident that what I had to offer was off the same value as what I got in return. In the few days after the meet 'n' greet, Iris sent me a lil message about my art that was so sweet and meaningful. It was wonderful to know that my art meant as much to her as hers did to me!

Me: Will you be bartering again?

Iris:Yes! I'm in the process of starting another tomorrow for a special project I'm working on.
Cori: I will be bartering again ... it's somethiing I'm keeping an eye out for exactly the right opportunity!

Me: Were you happy with your barter?

Iris:Absolutely!
Cori:Every time I look at that colorful face on my wall, I'm just filled with joy! I just love her. She's very symbolic to me. Her expression seems confident and yet not prideful, a person at home in her own skin. I know this was supposed to be a gift for my husband, but I think it was just as much of a gift for me! (Shhhhh.....)

Me: Where did your barters end up?

Iris: One of the paintings (pretty blue bird) went to my mother who now has it next to her night stand by her bible. This is her first piece of original art other than mine that she now owns.
The second painting I gave to my sister for her birthday. When I saw the piece I instantly thought of her and knew she'd love it! It's in her bedroom now.

works by Cori Berg

cake by Iris Candelaria

Both ladies have wonderful work you can check out here:
Cori Berg: http://www.coriberg.blogspot.com
Iris Candelaria: http://www.facebook/IRIScandelaria
http://www.facebook/candelariasbakery
Check out Bartering Artists on Facebook! We just got a feature on CBS Local!

You make them so

2011-11-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

Trying to be better about keeping up with this blog and I know I have about 2-3 Bartering Artists Success Stories I need to post in the next week. Life has been busy and strange. In a good way.
Yesterday I started at the new freelance gig and I love the crew I'm working with. It makes me think of the very, very bad places I've worked and the very, very bad people and attitudes I endured. I don't regret it though- for just this reason....I AM SO APPRECIATIVE of the awesomeness I am surrounded by. I don't think I would have been so grateful and amazed had I not come from such rough experiences. You have to let those things teach you something- like gratitude.
I really can't believe my luck to have found this little great oasis of good people, work and new learning outlets for me- IN MY HOOD! A quick 3 minute bus trip and I'm there. And I can wear jeans and we listen to amazing music all day while we work. :D Can you feel my SMILE BEAMS emanating through the computer yet?
The best thing is learning new stuff, new little tools for my arsenal. I am excited and happy to go to work- I remember miserableness and despair too well. Your days can be wonderful, you have to make them so.
Heres a photo I shot at AURORA last week, a very cool outdoor art installation show that took up the Dallas Arts District at night. It was all light, projection, film, neon, sound and glowing goodness. I jumped a night train alone and found friends and good times down there. I'll be posting about it more in my blog for I AM BILINGUE next week.
I should note for the record that I officially ran out of my $1,000 last week and had $0 in my bank account. IT FINALLY HAPPENED! But luckily the very same day that happened I got paid for freelancing for Bette Middler. It was a scary couple of hours waiting to see if my bank was gonna overdraft suckerpunch me hard. I rode my bike as fast as I could to the nearest ATM, I think I even flew over the moon E.T. style to get there. MADE IT.
So it's not all flowers and cinnamon buns- this freelancing world. Money does get tight. You just have to fasten your seatbelt and wait for the turbulence to pass while you steer the best you can steer out of the storm.
Ok, I'm off to greet the chilly new day. Make it a good one friends!

my crazy life

2011-11-02T04:40:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am still alive. I'm sure you were wondering. I have so much to catch everyone up on and yet....no time! It's a wonderful thing. But first things first, you are probably wondering why there is a picture of Bette Middler votives as my blog photo. That is because for awhile I was working for the Divine Miss M. True. Isn't life funny wonderful? Bette Middler throws an annual "HULAWEEN" bash to raise money for the New York Restoration Project and her party required hundreds of these fancy votives and glittery flowers. I was honored to be on the small hardworking crew that put all that stuff together. It was hard work with spray adhesive, glitter everywhere (my Nikes now look like Dorothy's ruby slippers) and my favorite- hot glue gun burns all over my hand. It was fun! I love the crew I was working with and instantly felt like part of the family. What a great place to work. When the project was over they referred me to their neighbor in the art business as well and today I start a new gig painting murals. We'll see what happens and I won't say much until I get into the swing of things but this is the world of freelancing- you hop around to different lily pads where you are needed. You do hard work, you learn a ton of new things and people and LIVE.
So much time I lost rotting in the basement of the museum doing the same thing day after day- I love this new life that is different every day. I am so excited and thankful for where I am right now and all the people who are in my world.
Ok, I will update more soon- I have a lot of artshows, photos and general shenanigans to report but gotta get ready for my first day at the new place.
Don't just dream....jump!
*Oh and crikey- how could I forget...my interview with CBS posted yesterday! Big thanks to all my bartering artists and supporters for making that thing a reality!
Check it HERE

Magic Genie with Infinite Wishes

2011-10-03T06:15:00.001-07:00

I really could not have written a weirder, crazier story for my life this year. If I had known how amazing life could be I would have jumped into it a lot sooner- because this really feels like the first time I've been alive and awake and so AWARE of everything, everyone and myself.
Did you know that if you are aware and connected to the Universe that you can ask for the things you need and they will magically appear?
I have not been smoking weed.
These things are actually happening and it's because I believe in the power of good and that it rests in the hearts of people...and those people are the ones I am surrounded by.
When I needed rent money, it appeared. When I needed work- there it was. When I needed medical help- it was there. When I needed to pay a monstrous medical bill- friends rallied to my side to help. When I needed a ride- it came. When I needed shoes- they materialized for me. When I needed good people in my life- I didn't have to look very far. They were all around me. You are all around me.
And it wasn't always like this, no...in fact it was never like this...so I appreciate THIS amazing new life more than ever. There really isn't any secret to this except to step out of your head, realize you are a small little speck in the Universe and focus attention on making the world the way you would like it.
Then things just start to happen if you are aware. Good things.
The photo above is of the new magic shoes that appeared for me, courtesy of my friend Nix Johnson who knew I needed a pair. I will be making art for him in return.
And with this I hope you go into the week seeking the good in people, because it is there!

Bartering Artists SUCCESS STORY!

2011-09-28T05:20:00.001-07:00

"Biker Scoot" by James Garrett

It's not everyday you get to interview yourself, but anyone who barters with me shouldn't be denied a blog spotlight just because I like to keep it humble- especially not someone as fantastic as my Barter partner James Garrett. I first met James Garrett at the Cool Waters art show where we were openly drooling over the large photo of the Ramones hanging at the Kessler and deciding it wouldn't fit under our shirts so we couldn't be thieves. My next encounter with Mr. Garrett was at the Bartering Artists Meet n Greet where he had some cool stuff displayed. His Princess Leia's caught my eye, I have a friend who needs this for Christmas... so here is how our swap went down and why the photo up at the top has something to do with this barter even though it wasn't bartered. Read on little doggies.....

Me:What was bartered and where?
James: I swapped one of my Princes Leia pieces (spray paint and screen print on canvas) with Patrica at the first meet-up for one of her custom records (with a stipulation).

Me: How long did it take to "seal the deal"?
James:Patricia's turn around was lickety split, about a week after I dropped the record off.
Me: Took me that long to make peace with painting over a perfectly playable Misfit record!

Me: Any funny stories, things in common you had with your barter partner?
James:We both have an unconventional appreciation for Godzilla. Also there seemed to be no judgment about the fact than I'm still listening to the Misfits at 38 years old.
Me: Ah yes, Godzilla, Star Trek, art and punk rock. As a 35 year old listening to the Misfits still I can throw no stones. I also noticed we both have Creature skateboards paraphenalia.

Me: How many barters have you made so far?
James:I've done six barters, hooked-up twice with people I've met in the group to make purchases, and met up with a couple of people in the group to just flow each other something.
Me:Lets see, 6 DONE barters and a few pending...I owe Junkyard and Kelsey custom records. Ive gotten a haircut, art from Nix and James, a massage, my art photographed professionally, a beautiful birthday cake, a stack of vinyl 78's to paint on and am about to get some canvases!

Me: What was challenging about this barter or what did you learn from it?
James: No challenge at all for me, I learned that Patrica can step it up when challenged.
Me: I learned that I can step it up when challenged! :D The challenge was painting on a record that I liked, I usually paint on stuff that sucks or is damaged. This was pristine and cool. James also wanted the label intact so I thought while I was blocking the label while primering I should work on something I had been wanting to work on for awhile- leaving some vinyl showing in the design. So I had my first foray into stencil making as well.

Me: How has Bartering Artists been a value to you?
James: The iterations with the members is what I value. This is much more important than any of the art I might acquire. I'm in a number of Face book groups full of cool people – but for the most part those groups are very homogenous. This group seems to be filled with a wide variety of resourceful, creative, and caring people with a DIY attitude.
Me: I share James sentiments, I have made a lot of friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise and they are all very diverse yet kind. I've been acquiring things I need but really the interactions and hearing everyones bartering stories has really been a kick. I see people friending each other on facebook after the meet n greet and am like..."wow- I made that happen!" Artists are collaborating with each other on projects through the group and creating just for bartering. It's very cool!

Me: What did you take away from this experience?
James:I've actually taken a lot away from the group lately. A couple of weeks ago, I saw the post about the woman that was diagnosed with cancer and didn't have insurance. I decided to donate a painting to her event. Ultimately, I decided to flow her my favorite painting ("Biker Scoot" shown above) because I thought it would be the most likely to sell. I dropped the painting off on Friday. I was a little sad when I got home to the blank spot where it used to hang. I really loved that dumb little painting, because I always felt like it was the first legit thing I'd painted. Just a few minutes later, up pops a pic of Patricia's painting (Misfits record) on my computer. Instantly, I was happy. I felt like I'd just gotten something a thousand times better. I say all of this to make the point that this is a really special project. While not strictly a barter, the project helped someone facing cancer. It made my day. It allowed Patricia to flex her muscles with a new project. And it provide a handmade gift for Patricia's friend. This group is like the little art engine that could.
Me: I couldn't say it any better than James. When James wrote to me to tell me his story of donating his painting to help a cancer patient and how I in turn was able to brighten his day it just made MY DAY. I feel like my purpose here on Earth is to create and if someone enjoys the creations I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I was very touched by his big hearted gesture and am glad to know him- this group made that possible.

Me: Will you be bartering again?
James: No doubt, I'm looking forward to the next meet-up (I better get cracking so that I have something to swap:-).
Me: Yes, as the creator of Bartering Artists I'm in it for the long haul. Plus I still need a pair of new tennis shoes...Christmas is coming and I'm hoping I can barter all the gifts I need to get!

Me: Were you happy with your barter?
James: I couldn't be more pleased. Next, I'm going to see if Patrica will make me a Mister Chomp record (joke).
Me:Extremely happy with this barter! James is excellent and we're even doing a funny toy swap I'll blog when it's done. :) ( I will totally paint Mr. Chomp in a heartbeat and cut a little bite out of the vinyl too!)

Me: Where did your barters end up?
James: I've held on to everything that I've swapped. I've had a hard time hanging on to the pieces that I picked up from Nix and Ixchel (I've got some whiny friends that are wearing me down).
Me: I'm delivering the Misfits to James this weekend at the Meet N Greet (ahem, cough this SUNDAY at FALLOUT LOUNGE cough)and the piece I got from him is my first Christmas present crossed off my list!

art by James Garrett ( I got one of these babies!)

(handpainted Misfits record on Misfits vinyl)
Interested in the Bartering Artists group and the amazing people and opportunities you can connect with? Wonder who the heck Mr. Chomp is? Visit bartering artists on facebook!

Completing, Starting, Wash, Rinse, Repeat

2011-09-28T04:45:00.002-07:00

Here is the finished record! I actually finished it last week and everyones already seen it but you blogspot! This was a really fun project that you will read a little more about in the Bartering Artists interview I'm gonna be rolling out here in a bit. So I'll shaddup for now!
Bloggers rolling out some slick new changes, just spent 15 bleary eyed minutes trying to figure out the new Dynamic Views. Looks great but where is all my contact info and ABOUT my blog stuff? Too early for me to mess around with right now, but if the blog looks completely different next time you visit-that is what that is. Its been quite a month of new techno changes in interwebs land.
Go visit my Vinyl Thoughts Toy Show review over at iambilingue.com when you're done reading this, I uploaded a ton of pics from my crap camera but they are still fun! And theres also a great blog by my friend Philip Morales about a Mexican dude who plays COKE BOTTLES like a freakin' trumpet! AWESOME!
Got a commission for 4 custom vinyl records this week from a friend and they've already been paid for. That means they get worked on NOW.
Yes folks, that is how to get your work started by an artist ASAP. You pay them. Either half up front or something. Otherwise you get mixed in with everyone else who said "thats cool I want one of those". That is your tip of the day, I think that works with waiters too if you want good service. So I've heard.
An interesting freelance gig popped up on my radar yesterday, hopefully today more light will be shed on it. But if it comes to fruition I'll be slated for almost a whole month of offsite work. By offsite I mean away from my house. Like a real jobby only fun and creative and dirty! I like that kind of work, been doing a lot of sitting in front of computers watching things load lately.
Feels like Im in a little asteroid shower only the asteroids are good things I am trying to catch. Lots happening....right now I have to work on another Bartering Artists spotlight. I get to interview myself! Why? Cause it's my blog! HAHAHAHA! See you soon and tip your waiters!

Bartering Artists SUCCESS STORY!

2011-09-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

I get to meet the most colorful and inspiring people through Bartering Artists and it's my pleasure to introduce them to you so you can see what a creative and funny group we are forming into. This blog spotlight features an artist we've featured before- Christian Millet, who is so prolific I can't keep up with all the art he is constantly producing. His barter partner is someone I've been wanting to spotlight for awhile because he is also very prolific and funny and does some amazing work- I present to you Logan Maxwell whom I call Junkyard Green or "Junkyard". Both of these guys are really making use of the Bartering group by doing massive bartering projects that require actual construction and creating but let's get to the interview...

Me:When, where did the barters take place and how long was it before the barter was "sealed"?

Junkyard: We did the trade at my house (Logan AKA JunkYardGreen) on the 1st. We originally started to barter over one piece of art I had and then he mentioned his need for a coffee table and other things. The barter grew into the piece I had, a coffee table, an engineering table for him to work on and making some frames for him. We are still in the barter because I still have the engineering table to make and do a double glass frame for one of his works that go into a gallery in Oct. I got 15 pieces of Christians work so probably around 2500 worth of his art and he also brought a long board skateboard as trade. I still owe him something for that as well but we have not figured out yet what to build. Well there is this briefcase easle thing he wants me to see if I can replicate

Me: Any funny things you guys had in common or happened during the barter?

Junkyard: Well, we are both vertically challenged hahaha, no I think we saw pretty quick that we had a few general things in common but nothing I can think of that just stands out.
Christian: Plenty, I discovered that Logan is a genius, and like any intellectual
has some normal loops or air bubbles where things disappear, like for
example losing a glass cutter to do frames as part of
the barter (which is not included in this). The whole realization
became an inside joke, in addition Logan has a giant bunny, I mean
HUGE, which reminds me of an 80's horror movie of a GIANT KILLER BUNNY'S WITH RED EYES INVADING A WHOLE CITY, I
was scared!. Of course after seeing the two puppy wolves that he owns (adorable
by the way) things become a little a more clear. I'm not joking!

Me: Tell us how satisfied you were with the whole experience
Junkyard:Very Satisfied not only because of the art that I got but the new friendship that I made.
Christian: I'm stunned, his craftsmanship is insane. FIVE STARS and I am looking forward to the rest.

Me: Your thoughts on the Bartering Artists idea and why it was a value to you
Junkyard: I love Bartering Artist. My friend Jasmine recommended it to me and it seems she did it at just the right time because I honestly believe that if she hadn't and I had not been surrounded by this atmosphere, I don't know if I would have ever picked a brush up again, I wanted to paint again and for the first time in my life I feel serious about it and feel real about the pieces that I am making. I feel like a real artist now instead of someone just making pretty art.
Me: What attracted you to the group?
Christian: the trend, the facilitation, the comprehension, admiration and human kindness!

Both of these guys have bagged a lot of barters and everyone has been very impressed with the work we've been seeing. Check out the amazing coffee table Logan Maxwell made for Christian Millet and a sample smattering of Christians work that was bartered.

Come learn more about these artists and meet more at Bartering Artists on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/barteringartists/

Project: Misfits

2011-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton John, Loverboy, The Scorpions....I've had them all. Painted on them I should say. Most of the stuff I paint on is trashed out vinyl or really, really not good in my opinion. Not that my opinion means anything. Go ahead and like that Jane Fonda workout album! However I have just had the gauntlet laid at my feet so I thought it appropriate to document this particular project.
The project is PROJECT MISFITS.
A friend of mine had a painting at the Bartering Artists Meet n Greet that I knew would be perfect for a friends Christmas present so we made a deal- I would get the painting, in return I had to paint a special record for him. I agreed.
A few weeks later he brought his own record he wanted painted and told me the stipulations. Damn.
It's a Misfits record. Not trashed out. Totally playable. And it's a Misfits record. Not "bad" but excellent. The stipulation was that I had to paint on THIS record and I had to leave the label showing, he has a neat idea to display it alongside it's cover when it's done.
So I played the record and paced up and down my living room. This felt like plotting someones demise. Pace, pace, pace...ideas forming. I had some ideas I already wanted to execute that involved me pushing the vinyl into a new direction. I've always wanted to leave some of the vinyl showing, the shiny black looks great next to the colored paint. So I started messing around with cutting stencils and learning more about how to make em sticky and do a spray cleanly. So I'm learning on this one and ready to pump up the volume...much like I would do the record if it was playing.
Luckily I have the coffin boxset to keep me inspired and this is a great little project as we segue into October, Halloween and autumn. I'll post the finished piece when it's complete

New and Improved! Now with Comments!

2011-09-20T05:37:00.001-07:00

"Polygala"
acrylic on canvas
24" x 24"

So I just finished this piece for a charity event, Artists Against Aids. If only the photo would do this piece justice...the colors are so much richer and there is a lot of detail you can't see.

A lot of this was painted with a 0 brush and a number 4 brush and that probably means nothing to you so here is a photo of what a 0 brush looks like

I will just say that this piece was a beast and fought me a good part of the way. I also feel like it is my most elegant work, my best even. It feels a little like I am having to give away my baby that I have been in labor with for 4 (8-10 hour)days. At one point I thought this thing was done and took it outside to shoot it in the sunlight. Sunlight shows you everything that needs to be done yet, all the flaws. So it was back to the easel for about 5 more hours of painstaking backward labor, filling in the background. I am only explaining this to you so you get an idea of HOW EFFIN HARD IT IS to paint sometimes! :D
But enough about that...the exciting news I discovered today is that I can LEAVE COMMENTS on the blog!!!! I have been operating on two broke-down computers and neither would let me leave comments. So I upgraded the laptop to Google Chrome and voila- so many problems fixed. Now I can not appear to be a snobby Blog Admin who ignores you all! HOORAY! I am so thankful for my readers and apreciate the comments. TRULY!
My new blog for I Am Bilingue is up today, everyone is catching Fair fever. I hope I can round up enough money to at least GO and eat 1 corn dog. That is all I need.
My life is all up in the air this week, things I had planned are teetering and unbalanced. I had to sell most of my art for dirt cheap to round up money so I can pay a doctor bill thats about to be due. Waiting on tests from said doctor so I can ease my mind and heart- although I feel fine I don't like waiting for confirmation or...whatever else it could be.
So I have almost no art, a lot of work to do and am just trying to keep my head down and breathe. I also have a bunch of photos from the Vinyl Toy Show I went to I need to share with everyone. Not enough time in the day seriously....ok, I'm off to fuel up, run and start knocking out projects. Have a great one!

Simple

2011-09-14T03:31:00.001-07:00

Do you remember when you were a kid and everything was new and sparkley and you had no idea how anything worked or why things were the way they were and you asked anyone you encountered the question "Why?" Why is the sky blue, why do you put mustard on your hot dogs, why do I have to go to bed at the ridiculous time of 7pm, why don't cartoons come on at night? WHY?
And somewhere along the way we got the impression that we were really being annoying. And eventually some of us stopped asking "Why?" We not only stopped asking others WHY we stopped asking ourselves. And that is when you start to die a little every day. Really.
Recently a friend asked me why I had stayed so long at an incredibly bad job that had hurt my health, soul....my very spirit. It was something I had asked myself, but it had taken a LONG TIME to ask myself that and answer truthfully.
I was on auto pilot. The world says you have to have a job. It was a job. You are supposed to buy stuff with money. You are supposed to go shopping. You are supposed to do just as your friends are doing. That is what I was doing.
And I was MISERABLE.
Truth of the matter is- I don't like shopping. I don't like acquiring new shiny things that I saw in the store and look stupid in my house and look exactly like something in everyone elses house. I don't like jewelry and fancy frippery. Hell, I don't even like doing my hair in the morning. Of course I like nice, well made functional things that make my life a little easier... but I don't like consuming just consume. And I don't like buying into the idea that I HAVE TO nor the lifestyle you have to commit to in order to do that. That lifestyle usually involves working somewhere you don't really like for people who don't really like you when you'd rather be doing something else that is more awesome. Snatching snippets of time with family when you can but being too exhausted and stressed to fully give in to really being there with them mentally. No thanks.
So learning to ask yourself WHY is very simple and yet so hard at the same time. Because you are going to come out with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the ugly truth if you are honest with yourself. You are killing yourself to keep up with everyone else. WHY? Why do you have to have the latest little gadget? The newest trend in clothing? The latest model of car? Why? And are you prepared to sacrifice what all that entails, what it REALLY truly entails? Or are you just caught in a little cycle because you thought this is just how the world works, you just go along doing what everyone else is doing and singing about on the commercials?
Why? Or maybe you are killing yourself at a job and not even able to consume like everyone else, in which case you need to ask yourself WHY can't you be doing something you love and making just as much. I don't say less- because doing what you love is priceless. You will take a pay cut to do what you love and accept it. Sometimes I'm around people and they are talking about their shopping excursions, the money they dropped on this or that and I feel a glazed look come over my face like I don't belong in the conversation or even the world they are talking about. It is peaceful and happy in a world where you aren't always wanting things for no reason. Maybe you do like acquiring new shiny things and spending money on whatever and that is fun for you, if you are being honest with yourself you are in the right place. If it makes you happy and you embrace the sacrifices you have to make to have that life-good for you. But for others there is a pain in the soul, a sick feeling that something isn't right and that is when you aren't being honest about what makes you happy in life. Being honest with yourself about what you really want and what really matters to you in life is the first step in the right direction. Health, time, family, freedom, peace of mind, love, friends...I fully enjoy them so much more now than ever and it started with one question.

Start your engines...

2011-09-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

"Taco Squirrel" painted vinyl record commission

September is revving it's little engine, warning me that the busy season is about to get going. My calendar is already dotted with little things and events that I need to keep up with. I've decided to plop them here, my TO DO for September/October

This month sees me painting up a storm for various charity events and trying to get some small works together for this weekend event:

Kessler Creative Culture Fair-The Fair is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11, 11am -7pm, and will feature storybook telling and art projects for the kids! Also for the grown up folk there will be poetry, art and craft demonstrations, and live music. The Annex is indoors with plenty of air conditioning! Snacks and beverages will be available too. I will be on hand doing some live painting and selling some small works. This is a great time to put a holiday PRE ORDER in with me for custom art/gifts! The event will be held at 1214 W Davis St in Oak Cliff, for more information contact Opal or Carlos at Cliff Notes Bookstore 214-862-3108, oakcliffnotes@gmail.com

Sept 24 DADA Panel Discussion: Oak Cliff Art Then and Now
As an artist born and raised here in Oak Cliff for 35 years I'm thrilled to give my input on the art scene and resources in my 'hood. I'll be on a panel discussion with other local artists- more info here

OCT 1- SPECTRUM: Explorations in Color
The admin gals from Bartering Artists and myself bartered for an art show at B-Side Gallery! I'm working on some new works for this show so come on out for a sip of wine, chat with the artists and soak in the color saturated vibrancy of wild colors!

OCT 2 Bartering Artists Meet n Greet Part Deux- We had a great time at the Bartering Artists event this past Sunday! I will be blogging about that in a seperate blog. The general consensus was it was so much fun we needed to do another one ASAP! So mark your calendar and more info on this will be coming soon!

My new blog is up for I AM BILINGUE, read it, dig it, get in the know! This one features an Open Call at Bath House Cultural Center and the 3 Fridas show...along with the Kessler Creative event I just told you about. :)

So add into this month: lots of painting for charity events, trying to work on new pieces for my art show on Oct 1, trying to catch up with vinyl record creations that I bartered for, trying to make money to pay rent/bills, planning a big holiday Bartering Artists event, needing to plan a Lollipop Shoppe stat and you will see why I'm super busy, busy in the beehive right about now! I am starting my PRE ORDER OPEN CALL for the holiday season. So if you're planning to give a nice hand painted custom record, painting, box, etc...hit me up and I'll put you on the books. Kids love the records by the way- the Taco Squirrel was asked for by a kid with good taste and is a creative example of you telling me to paint whatever craziness you desire. I love Taco Squirrel!

larger than an LP...gramophone record?

I also have some great ideas for some new giant red vinyl I just acquired, it's going to take me honing some new skills. Plugging in electrical devices! Wish me luck, wish me time to do all the things I need to do!

Ok, time to run- someone bought a handpainted Tea box off Etsy that needs to be shipped and there is obviously painting that needs to be done.
Anyone seen my clone? Tell her to get her butt over here and do some work!

SUPERBIRTHDAY

2011-09-02T04:47:00.001-07:00

35 started out wonderfully. So wonderfully that I woke up all in tears, emotional and touched this morning. It was a mixture of missing my Dad and being so thankful for the gift of life he and my Mom gave me and all my wonderful friends that made my birthday so super special. SUPERBIRTHDAY!
I had one of those birthdays that I wouldn't change one thing about, perfectly content with everything except that more wonderful people should've been present.
I got a sweet handmade card from my aunt that I stay in touch with via snail mail. Then the wonderful Iris Candelaria of Candelaria Bakery came by with the most beautiful birthday cake, fit for a princess so pretty! She is an artist and a cake artist, double amazing! I haven't cut my cake yet, it's so beautiful! But I'll be sharing it with my Mom today and any family that wants to stop by. :)
I gave Iris some painted records in exchange for the cake but the cake looks like a million bucks to me. And I was super touched that she just came out of the blue and offered to make my cake!!! What a wonderfully sweet gesture! I came to know her through the Bartering Artists group and discovered we run in the same art circle but had never met.
The evening brought with it much festivities, my friends Lydia and Kevin planned a little dinner get together at EL RANCHITO- notorious for their mariachi band. Apparently certain songs will trigger flashing party lights all over the whole restaurant. You almost think confetti is going to start falling all over you and the Banana Splits are gonna come running out.

But instead the mariachi band breaks into a little choreographed stomping clapping dance that is finalized with the mariachi violinist in the TIGHEST white pants imaginable jumping up on a chair and shaking his Booty much to everyones joy. It was wonderful!

The food was delicious and I had a special treat waiting for me...a DOUBLE RAINBOW "cake" which were really 24 amazing cupcakes arranged as a double rainbow and frosted thickly and brightly and said HAVE A DOUBLE RAINBOW BIRTHDAY TRISH! AH HA HA HA! Love, love, love! There was also a cheesecake and trick candles that took like 15 tries to blow out. I was laughing so hard, I finally had to just drown the evil candles in my water glass!

Afterwards we all headed out to catch FISTFUL OF DOLLARS playing at the Texas Theater (yes, where Oswald was caught) and it was great to see that on the big screen. I was wearing a black cowboy hat and a polka dot bandanna in honor of the occasion. It was the perfect end to a perfect birthday, the good guy wins in the end and justice prevails.
My facebook was OVERFLOWING with birthday wishes from friends all over the globe, my family in Mexico, friends in England, Paris, Indonesia, Italy....everywhere...over 200 at least and I tried to reply to each one but came home sleepy from all the fun.
I feel loved :)
I'll post more pictures as they come in, today feels like Part 2 Electric Boogaloo especially with the promise of that birthday cake!
Thanks to each and every one of you for making my birthday so special with your thoughts, kind words and wishes.
XOX LOVE YOU GUYS XOX

New

2011-08-30T03:21:00.000-07:00

Just finished this little guilty pleasure piece on a 12" x 12" canvas. I say guilty pleasure because I painted it just to paint it, it wasn't painted for anyone. I guess it has been awhile since I've been able to work on my own work and not paint something for someone elses commission. Also it has pink in it. Guilty pleasure.
I am liking the 12" x 12" format. A nice proper square. I plan to do more of these in different color schemes....but enough about me and squares...
My new blog for the week is up at I AM BILINGUE. This week I got to interview John Gonzalez, an artist whose work is really exciting and fun. Go check the blog out right now, this very minute and if you can....leave a comment, we're working out some layout bugs and we need comments to see how the feature works.
Ok, so much to do in the painting department so have a great day and go read that blog already!

1 Year

2011-08-29T03:50:00.001-07:00

On this day last year I lost my dear sweet Dad. I have been dreading the "anniversary", afraid I was going to break down and trying to steel myself. I had to remind myself that time is something we opted to mark, calculate, quadrant out and tie into a neat little calendar. Today hurts no worse than yesterday or the day before that. I guess it is the memory of hearing the news that haunts me but I've been carrying that headline with me all year and the fact still remains...love is eternal and I learned that painful beautiful lesson one year ago today.
The fact that I am still standing one year later is a true testament to the way my Dad raised me and for that gift I am eternally thankful.
My Dad would want no sad "ugly" faces today, as he liked to say. So I will try to enjoy this day just as Ive tried to enjoy all the days leading up to it. I'm going to paint, play some music, light a candle and remember the fun we had.
Descansa en paz querido Papi

Bartering Artists: SUCCESS! ART FOR ART

2011-08-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

(Art by Christian Millet)

This weeks spotlight is on an ART for ART barter. Fantastic! How many times have you really wanted to collect your friends work but couldn't afford it and had to resort to just saying something like "Wow, that's really cool. If I had money I would buy it"? Too many times. So I was pleased to see some art for art barters in the group and these guys have been pretty active in bartering and reaping the rewards of their skills. Welcome Nix Johnson and Christian Millet, two local artists collecting art and supporting each others skill. Here is a little interview to see how an Art for Art barter happens...

ME:How long did it take to "seal the deal" on your barter?

NIX:Between Christian and I, it took us about a week to decide on what pieces we would exchange and then to actually meet up. It turns out that he and his girlfriend live about 5 minutes from me, so I just swung by his place and we hung out for about 30 minutes talking art and what not.

CHRISTIAN:Took a couple of e-mails to seal the deal, quick and fun.

ME:Did you have any trouble getting the barter completed?

NIX:No trouble at all. We both had to disclose what we valued our artwork at so that we came to a mutual agreement. We both wanted to make sure that we got value for value. Other than that... no problems at all.

ME: Anything funny happen/ anything you have in common with the barter partner?

CHRISTIAN:Nix came to my house, we live in the same town and we realize that we have met before, when exhibiting some art at a festival in Dallas.

ME: Are you happy with the way the barter turned out?

NIX:I personally, couldn't be more happy. My girlfriend and I absolutely love the pieces that I received from Christian. His artwork is so vibrant and unique. We immediately replaced the painting that had hung above the fireplace, for over a year, with the larger piece. And then I framed the smaller piece and found it the perfect place in our bedroom.

CHRISTIAN:I am beyond happy with the trades and the connection. Is always nice to see somebody else work in your walls and support what they do.

(Art by Nix Johnson)

ME: Do you plan to do more bartering?

NIX: I do plan on doing more bartering. I am in the process of completing some smaller pieces specifically to barter via Bartering Artists. And I am looking forward to the meet-up next month.

CHRISTIAN: For sure, I am looking forward to the next one. Actually I am visiting Kevin Leech for almost done deal/trade.

ME: What attracted you to the Bartering Artists group?

CHRISTIAN:I was really attracted to the group number one because is a solution to all artist as community we have plenty necessities and constant holes in our pockets. Secondly the emotional support offer between artist is something that nobody can give you unless you are patron of the arts. Appreciation of what you do is extremely important. This group offers many unknown aspects to our society and examples the importance of the arts in our community.

NIX: I have been trading art for art for a while now, when I would do a show or meet a new artist. I often joke with my girlfriend that we are going to have to choose our next place based on wall space, rather than the actual layout of the house. So, a group like this is perfect. Not just for the art for art aspect, but the ability for artists, who often go without much needed services (i.e. massages, medical treatment, etc...), to exchange skill for skill rather than money. I think it is important for artists to remember that it is "cool" to make art and it isn't "cool" to have a garage full of paintings (or other art) that goes unseen or, even worse, unsold. As an artist, I find a certain sense of satisfaction in knowing that I have a skill that others desire. So, it is just a matter of time before I find that right connection with someone else that can provide a service to me in exchange for a piece of art.

(Art by Nix Johnson)

This interview brought up a lot of important points that I have thought about as an artist as well. I like that Nix mentioned creating art specifically for bartering, because I am doing the same. Bartering has spurred me to create.
As an artist it's important to build a body of work for gallery showings, portfolios, etc...and that isn't always work you want to barter away so it is a great idea to have a whole seperate collection of work for the sole purpose of bartering. Some artists are making little photo albums on their facebook or website with art for barter- great idea. Prevents confusion over what IS for Barter and what is for SALE or off limits.
Also Art for Art Barters proves- collecting is not just for the rich. Anyone can collect art, something I've always tried to promote. What a refreshing thing to see artists appreciating each others work. The "Art World" gets very competitive and it sometimes feels like you are on the outside looking in. Artists see other artists getting great gallery shows and wondering how to break into that world and there never seems to be an answer- their peers view them as competition and there aren't a lot of helping hands there to lift them up. Frankly I am very tired of all that, so getting a chance to expose artists supporting each other has been a delight.
Wouldn't you like to collect some art? Sure you would! Bartering Artists is full of fantastic artists who would love to get their art out into the world and out of their studio!

Oh August

2011-08-19T04:12:00.001-07:00

I am working on some more vinyl record pieces today. I feel a little apprehensive about having to send these off in the heat we've been having. The little comic could very well be real...if I had such a glorious fro.
I have been lucky to have some commissions pop up on the radar. I finished a portrait yesterday and have 2 record commissions to do aside from a barter record I need to make before I can get my beautiful new canvases!
Also I had a friend pass along some freelance work for me that literally SAVED MY LIFE this month. I would be in horrible straits were it not for that job. I don't wanna embarrass my friend by yelling out his name but he knows- he was my Indiana Jones this month. I am amazed by the depth of kindness I have been shown in this really rough time.
This week I got an email from CBS, they had heard about my Bartering Artists group and wanted me to answer some questions for them. Hopefully the little Q & A will be up soon. It is kind of amazing to me that here I am with all these great ideas that catch media attention but I can't get a call back on a job. Surely someone out there needs a hard working bright little idea maker such as myself on their team? Or maybe I am just destined to be my own little poor boss and keep all these ideas to myself? That wouldn't be such a bad thing if you remove the word "poor" from the sentence.
I think diferently from people and sometimes that is a bad thing in a team environment I suppose. MEH!
But back to the original point of this blog....awesome friends who care enough to care and the damn heat trying to melt my records. Yeah!
My back injury has been flaring up and it's just been a good reminder to me to take care of myself and not stress about the money thing. It will show up or it won't, plain and simple.
And on that note I'm off to RUN before the sun makes the scene! Don't take no wooden nickels and don't accept a melted record!

Goodbye Spiders!

2011-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

I had to document the momentous occasion. The SPIDER BED is out of the house. Although it really was not much of a bed. More of a spider infested, holey (not in the heavenly sense), torture mechanism that I slept on for about 8 years...on the floor. Springs were popping through it that constantly needed to be weeded down with wire cutters and the worst part- the little hobo spiders whose bite would cause atrocious WOUNDS that seeped and felt like injections of acid were eating at your very flesh. The bites induced fevers and the swelling could turn magical colors like yellow, green, black!
I am not embellishing the story. I just won't tell you where those naughty spiders liked to bite. :(
Seeing the mattress by the curb made me want to jump up and down on it and laugh, shriek and cry. Instead I just took pictures of it. By all means this thing has been a part of my life for a long time. It epitomizes the very meaning of starving artist. (By the way, no one was murdered on this bed. Nor did anyone "wet" the bed- it got rained on. Ok the sky wet the bed, you satisfied?) I can't help but think that THIS was the thing I sought rest and relaxation on when my back was in full on injure mode. Surely I can weather anything if I can weather this bed.
I would like to thank my friends Mike and Gloria Rose for donating a real life, wonderful fluffy princess bed to me! Complete with a comforter and pillows! I feel so rich! :)

How to make a chicken travel from Mexico to India

2011-08-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

I don't really care why the chicken crossed the road I just want to know how to make the chicken cross my plate a few times.
This blog is about frugal cooking. This is nothing new to me. I used to make a zine in my younger days and had "Punk Rock Recipes" that were dedicated to making odds n ends into an edible dish. I say edible. I did not say delicious. Since those days I have honed a few dishes in my time and can now say these are DELICIOUS and still super cheap. I will warn you that I don't use measuring spoons and all that jazz. Much like the way I play music- I play it by ear...in this case TASTE. So taste the cooking as you go along and you will learn much about when something is seasoned well and done.
The days of me shopping for groceries at Tom Thumb are long gone- I may pick up a decent block of cheese there once in awhile or some bananas but my new staple store is Jerry's Super Mercado in Oak Cliff which I've been going to for years. Admittedly I had forsaken my Mercado when I had a job and bought frivolous goods like "goat cheese" for fancy salads, smoked salmon and bagels and cream cheese and other such fineries that it is breaking my heart to remember. But let's move on (sniff!)...
Jerry's SuperMercado -home of the less than $4 whole fryer chicken! (already split!)A bag of lentils for like- a buck,a head of cauliflower, a giant bag of jasmine rice and a few staples you should already have- tortillas, potatoes (optional), tomatoes.
The only thing that didnt come from Jerrys were the little tandoori spices that were bought at Ross-discount-ding ding! And you should have curry spice. Everyone should have curry spice.
*First and foremost- thank this little chicken for nourishing you.
*Plop your chicken on a foil lined pan, chicken fajita seasoning applied generously and BROIL that baby up on the high rack. When it starts to look golden- flip it. When that side looks golden- flip it and check for doneness (thats not a word).
*When it's done carve off the good parts- breasts and make yourself some fajita tacos with your tortillas. You just went to Mexico. HOLA! BUEN PROVECHO!
-You can eat on those fajitas till all the good meat is gone and then you want to take your chicken across the globe. Traveling is a little work so get out a good knife.
*Carve up all the rest of the meat or take it off with your hands like a caveman. Throw it into a pan with a little oil (i use olive oil)and begin sprinkling some curry and tandoori spices on it. When it is looking pretty heated and steamy add a little water- like 2 tbspoons and about the same amount of pasta sauce or tomato sauce. When it has turned into a paste and not watery it is done. Taste it- add more of whatever you want to it.
*Make the Jasmine rice (actually you should do this before the chicken)
*Wash and chop up cauliflower into little trees. Put it into a hot pan with a little olive oil and start sauteeing it, when it starts to turn colors add chopped garlic, onion and tomato. Start putting your curry and tandoori spices in and mixing it until it's all a pretty color -curry color! I will add some cashew pieces if I have some or some already cooked potatoes to bulk it up-but thats just optional. When the cauliflower starts looking goldeny (not a word either) add a few tbspoons of water and pasta sauce and make it's little sauce thicken. The cauliflower shouldn't be mushy- it should have a little crunch and absorbed all the flavors of curry yumminess. I like to add lentils as a side to this as well and you will have successfully made your chicken travel from Mexico to India and made enough food for almost 5 days- unless you just eat a lot then this might have just been your lunch.
BUEN PROVECHO! (remember to taste your dishes all along the way!)

I'm just a poor girl, from a poor family

2011-08-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

"I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go, Little high, little
low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to
me"
- Queen

Well folks, on this day last year I left my job to embark on a crazy adventure. At the time quite unaware of what the future had in store for me. I had $5,000 in my account, a part time job in my pocket and a lot of optimism that things were about to be amazing. And they have been. They have also been wretched but the good always outweighs the bad in my book. I have learned so much about myself and the deep well inside me that is capable of whatever I put my mind to. I have learned not to give up when things look bleak and to always work hard, harder than you have ever worked and believe harder than you have ever believed -that everything will turn out ok....even when it looks like you're gonna crash into an iceberg.
I'm not sure if I'm about to crash into an iceberg but I do know that I find myself with $50 whole dollars left in the world. An electric bill looming for $189, a gas bill and rent still needing to be paid and the math not adding up. Somewhere I have some tiny checks I'm waiting to be sent so I can try to prevent my world from collapsing. The cell phone is just going to have to go, that is about $50 right there- all I have. I will have to cancel my doctors appointment. I don't have $100 to spare.
I have been down to $30 before and pulled it out of the fire, so I'm drawing on that knowledge to not have a little freakout right now. It is what it is- and what it is ain't good.
But the month is not over and neither am I. I MUST MAKE IT THROUGH THIS MONTH! I must complete the circle of a whole year on my terms. I MUST AND I WILL!
I'm not really sure how but I will.
I have a few commissions to eek out and a lot of hustling to do. I write this not to gain sympathy, I have always tried to portray to you the reality of being a "starving artist". Some people thinks it's so great and I'm so lucky that I don't have a job. In some ways they are right and in some ways they are horribly wrong. I do have a job, a very hard job that isn't funded by anyone or anything other than my two hands and determination. There is no vacation and there is no weekends off- there definitely isn't any bonuses or getting paid overtime. There is a lot of selling yourself short out of desperation and so much work you drive your back injury into angry mode. YEP!
But it is great to not be under someone elses thumb, especially a tyrants thumb.
In that regard I am lucky.
Today I am alive and it's raining. I have an art show opening tonight (COOL WATERS 3) and look forward to some fun, dressing up in last years dress before I possibly have to sell it.

Little High, Little Low...any way the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me...
(may the patron saint of art sales please smile upon me in my time of need)

Bartering Artists: SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT!

2011-08-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

custom digital portrait by Sam Butler for Wendy Loven

It's fun watching people get things they need and want without having to dig deep in their pockets. They are instead digging deep into the well of their creativity and skill. This weeks spotlight features some sweet ART and a familiar name! Wendy Loven strikes again! If you recall, Wendy Loven was in our last spotlight and she is an artist and piercer at Hold Fast Tattoos. Apparently Wendy is quite the art collector and she didn't hesitate to barter with fantastic Digital Artist SAM BUTLER for a custom digitally painted portrait in return for a piercing. The fun part of this is Sam wasn't the one getting pierced it was his lovely gal Andria who reaped the reward of this barter. Sweet huh?
I prodded Sam with a couple of questions about his barter and this is what he had to say....

ME: How long did it take to "seal the deal" on your barter

SAM: The barter took about a week to seal from initial "Hi! This is a neat idea!" to "YAY!" Not long at all in the grand scheme of things. We traded one custom portrait that I painted from one of her photos for two piercings for my Andria. I think the excitement of the group helped motivate my digital paintbrush :-)

ME: Did you have any trouble getting the barter completed?
SAM: No trouble really. Except for my standard printer being closed when I needed them. Which was fine because I found a better quality printer for the same price.

ME: Anything funny happen/ anything you have in common with your barter partner?
SAM: The only funny part was trying to find parking on Lower Greenville during a Saturday evening. I was yelled at by a SUV with a talking head. It did turn out though that the lady doing the piercing (Wendy) was a friend of a friend. That was neat.

ME:Are you happy with the way the barter turned out?
SAM: I am very happy with the way it turned out. It was exciting, and the piercings look great, and I discovered that I LOVE doing portraits. So. Please send me a note if you want a portrait of a friend, yourself, or a family member. I look forward to trading again.

ME: Do you plan to do more bartering?
SAM: YES!

ME: What attracted you to the Bartering Artists group?
SAM: The free beer and hot latinas. Well, not really the free beer.

Big thanks to the hot latinas who are luring artists to the group! Sams digital work is very intriguing, his portfolio can be viewed here!

Digital Portrait of Sam and Andria by Sam Butler

I don't think this is the last we'll hear from Sam or big art collector Wendy Loven either! Already Bartering Artist pros!
Look out for more success spotlights and some info on the MEET N GREET we have scheduled for Sept 4!
Till then, Happy Bartering!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/barteringartists/

Cool Waters 3 and Stuff!

2011-08-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

"Mermaidens"
hand painted vinyl record 45
for COOL WATERS 3 pop up shop

Last night I dropped off the work I had been slaving over for the COOL WATERS 3 show. The show happens this Saturday just 3 blocks from my house. Not having a car is not hindering my ability to get to this art show for ONCE! I just grabbed my canvases and walked them around the neighborhood to the Kessler. Other artists were dropping off their stuff and I saw so much amazingness that I can't wait to see the show in it's entirety!
I have been making some small pieces for the pop up shop, like the little mer-records. But I have two larger canvases in the show that took a lot of time and has caused me much back pain. In fact today I am making an effort to sit correctly, do some stretches and use my little "miracle ball" to try to set my body right again. Ouchie, ouchie...back injuries truly suck when they pop up to remind you that they will be with you forever...just lurking and waiting for you!

"Rivulet"
acrylic on canvas
available

This thing took me forever...I thought I was done but it kept staring at me from the wall and asking for more paint. So more paint it got and now it is crazy, but I like it. I wanted to show the little clouds that make the rain, that falls and swells the river that runs into the ocean and that evaporates again into rain....the pure essence of water. Dripping, splashing, flowing, still.
I don't discuss my ideas behind my artwork usually. :)
Today I need to put my studio back in order, it's been a back to back chaos fest with GirlShow, Marinela and now Cool Waters. I had lots of fun at Marinela showing the kids how to paint on vinyl records...most had never seen them before and called them CDs.
Ha!

Thats me with my friend Gabriela, if you look behind me you can see some of the kids records drying on the floor. So many kids wanted to try their hand at painting the vinyl we had to make a little work station for them on the floor.

Isn't that a great photo? Creativity in action! Thanks to Gabriela Elguea and Heather Shoulders for shooting photos and sharing them!
It was nice to work this event, my first "interactive" with the kids. I learned a lot from this...one of them being to not use your nice black tablecloth if kids and acrylic paints are going to involved! Ha ha ha!
Ok much to do to put things back in place, my house, my spine...
Wishing everyone a fantastic week! I should be posting a Bartering Artist spotlight very soon! Hurrah!
If anyone is seeking refuge from the heat I highly recommend the Cool Waters 3 show at the Kessler on Saturday night....reggae rnb band, tropical photobooth photography, amazing art by 20 different artists, affordable stuff in the pop up shop, mermaids auctioning off their costumes, pirates, burlesque performance and more! :)

Be Water My Friend

2011-08-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have three things hanging on my bedroom wall. One is a sun moon ceramic from Monterrey Mexico. Another is a funky little painting I got from a friend who has passed away and the other thing is....a Bruce Lee action figure still in it's box that I think about playing with but I'm afraid I'll lose his nunchucks.
I love the Bruce Lee.
Love.
The Bruce Lee.
So I have done a couple of paintings of Bruce in the past year and they never last too long because everyone loves Bruce too. I had this record painting in my studio when I read about a friend needing money to go see his dying father...of course this hit me on a lot of levels because I felt like I have been there. In some ways, a little different circumstances but last summer yes- I was asking my friends to help me get to Mexico and pay for my Dads memorial. I had such an outpouring of wonderful friends who helped me through that- that even though I sorely need money myself I really wanted to give something.
So Bruce Lee was able to help me in the task- thanks to Duncan Edwards who wanted Bruce Lee and was able to help me to help someone else. Bruce is still out here doing some good in the world.
Bruce Lee's quote "Be Water, my friend" has always helped me to tackle difficult situations. Speaking of water...
this is my newest piece for the COOL WATERS 3 art show. I have heard a few people tell me my work looks very Asian. I am Hispanic. But I guess my love of Bruce Lee, tibetan monks and Godzilla (and sushi) has infiltrated my subconscious because I approached this painting thinking of dear Hokusai and how awesome an artist he is.
I really like this painting and it took a very, very, very long time but it is finally done. Now if I could get this made into wallpaper, bedspreads and curtains I could pretend it's not really 110 these days and everything is cool, cool, cool.
:/
Busy day working on more Cool Waters work, pepping for the kids interactive tomorrow (Marinela Talent School) and locking down rides, etc. I have been steady loading my work for sale in my SHOP so take a peek if you'd like!
Have a great Friday!

Mind over Matter

2011-08-03T04:03:00.001-07:00

It got up to 110 degrees here yesterday AT LEAST. I think we all know what the inspiration was for this little graphic I created for "Mercado Bilingue", the monthly publication I do graphic and blog work for (my new blog goes up every Tuesday, check it). I am really enjoying creating for this company, my Photoshop skills are growing by leaps and bounds!
So yes, it is THAT hot here and me going out and running errands on my bike have to be strategically calculated. Like this morning for instance... I am up before 5 am trying to do all my computer work so I can run to the post office as soon as they open, snag a little food at Jerrys Super Mercado and ride home before the sun turns me into fried chicken.
I was out yesterday in 107 degree weather. Of course I tanked down like 7 glasses of ice water before and after. UGH!
This is August. I really can't believe it is August. If I complete the whole month of August without having to slide into someones receptionist position then I will have completed 1 WHOLE YEAR working for myself doing art, teaching, freelancing, graphic designing and blogging. So my goal this month is just to make it. Make it through the month- raise enough money for rent and bills. Setting my goal at $1,000 again. Must make it any way I can. I have $200 to my name. Period. (That might cover the dang electricity bill this month, ouch!)
This is also the month that my sweet beloved Dad passed away last year. A whole year and I have thought about him and talked to him every day. I have his photo everywhere, in my studio, kitchen, living room...he is the screen saver on my computer, reminding me to ¡pórtate bien!. This whole year of hard work has been dedicated to him. Creating for him. Being in the world as happy as I can be- for him...it is what he would want for me. Happiness. And creating and sharing my art does bring me happiness.
I am in the studio creating new paintings for this wonderful show coming up called Cool Waters.

I'm juggling that and getting ready to teach a youth interactive on Saturday. I'm going to show kids how to paint on vinyl records at the Marinela Talent School event.

I guess I need to start seeking out a ride for this. :/
So that's what my August is looking like, an uphill battle in 100+ temps, doing my damnedest to make it to $1,000. If anyone would like to buy some art please check out my site:
http://www.tigerbeearts.com
Be safe, stay cool and have fun!

Win! Win! The ART of Barter!

2011-08-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was itching to log a successful barter exchange (aside from mine) so I was happy to see this fun photo pop up in Bartering Artists. These two bartering artists did not know each other previously but had a wonderful exchange from meeting in the group. Meet Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows (artist) and Wendy Loven (piercer,cute pink hair!). Wendy Loven does piercing at HOLD FAST TATTOOS on Greenville Ave and this is where the Barter was "sealed". Kimberly wanted her nose pierced and Wendy wanted to collect some of Kimberly's artwork. (Check out Kimberly's art blog!)

Heres a little about how the transaction went down from the gals themselves.
Me: How quickly did the barter go down?
Kimberly: We started bantering on the 26th and made our barter on the 31st.
Wendy: The barter was made within a few minutes of my initial post on the group page, the details were worked out in a private message the same day.
Me: Did you guys have anything in common?
Kimberly: We both love funky hair color! She is so cute with her hot pink hair.
Wendy: Not really anything in common, but I liked her right away! She is really nice.
Me: Did you guys have any trouble making the barter go down?
Wendy:Nope, no obstacles.
Kimberly:not really...she told me when she would be available, and i just had to figure out when i could get down there...
Me: How satisfied were you with the whole bartering experience?
Wendy: I was very satisfied! I love bartering because I can use it to get goods and services I might not otherwise be able to afford or that I might not even know are out there, like Kimberly's art! It was a great value to me, I honestly think I got the better end of that barter!
Kimberly: I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY! ( i hope she is too.....) I am so happy with my new piercing. And she was so patient with me. It's been dog-years since i have had a piercing, so i was nervous, and she made it so much easier. I LURVE the idea of bartering art for things we have needed or wanted. In this economy, things are tight. If i can trade what i love to do/make for the other things in life i need or want...i am so happy...

And if they are happy I am happy too! It's nice to bring peoples skills and talents together and fit them together like a well played Tetris game! I think we learned a lot about a succesful barter- private messaging an interested party is good. Having a good idea in mind about what you hope to get out of the barter also helps. Shining endorsements by each party on each others skills! Hooray! I hope to update here often on the adventures at Bartering Artists, I am definitely learning a lot through others adventures.
I am hoping my second barter - The Elusive Haircut- happens soon. Wish me luck!

How to make a monster

2011-07-29T05:19:00.001-07:00

(Click Photo to Enlarge!)
I have blogged before about how to use the things you DON'T have as a resource- maybe even your best resource! My best ideas have come from not having things. Hour Swap came about because I didn't have money or an hourly wage. Painting on records came about because I didn't have canvas. Bartering Artists came about because I didn't have the money for a haircut.
Look where there is a need and let your creative spirit and bright ideas run!
Bartering Artists will be hitting it's 500 member mark soon- created this past Tuesday and with barters being made by people who have never met but needed each other.
There was even something very special in the feeds yesterday- an artist was offering up one of his pieces to a tutor- if the tutor would tutor someone that needed him. Straight up good vibing DONATION of art to teach a kid in need.
Now tell me that is not awesome.
My plan for a haircut yesterday did not happen so it's another weekend with this haircut until my barter partner can cut it- I'm hoping next week!
My plan for a massage today IS going to happen- my first barter reward enjoyed. I plan on documenting my barters and the lovely people who are making it happen.
Right now I'm trying to barter for some SUSHI. I'm offering any of the hand painted boxes in my Etsy shop for one equal value amount of a rare treat I miss. Sushi. Ahhhh sushi....someday!

Where Theres A Will Theres A Way or How To Salvage A Bad Haircut

2011-07-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Your eyes are probably riveted to that sweet Neon Green Margarita, looking icy and huge and loaded with Tequila. Ok, let me direct your attention away from that for a second....look at that beautiful job I did of cutting my own bangs! I mean, really...freaking Picasso! I am just thankful this photo has two delicious margaritas diverting everyones attention away from that chop job. I hope the whole world was drunk on margaritas that night I was gallavanting about town with those bangs. Wait..I still have those bangs! But not for long!
(By the way this photo was taken by my friend Lee at TEJANOS in Oak CLiff and yes those margaritas are loaded, good and loaded and GREEN!)
So yesterday I talked about Bartering Artists- the group on Facebook that is now up to 400 + members since it started on Tuesday. Nuts. My own Art Page on facebook doesn't have that many fans! (Note the clever way I linked my art page into this blog in order to get more fans....shhhhh)
It was this fantastic "bang-up" job on my hair that started a bunch of people bartering- now tell me that's not crazy?! I am pleased to announce that I not only have a barter for a haircut...I have a barter for a haircut and I am super HAPPY as a clam about it! A cut bartered for this painting with my pal Nicole Sponsler:

Tomorrow I take advantage of another barter I am super excited about- my MASSAGE! (See yesterdays post to see what was bartered for the massage) I havent had a massage in a year and it has been quite a year. All groceries hauled on my bike by me. A whole Christmas dinner carried home in my arms by me. The stress of sitting and painting every day, sleeping on an old spider infested mattress on the floor....all these things have not been kind to my back and body. MASSAGE is a godsend! I will thoroughly appreciate every second of it!
I even have a barter in the works for CANVAS! Nice sized canvas so I can keep creating!
Sometimes it is the things you don't have that are your best resources, in fact it's when I need things that my brain goes into hyperdrive to figure out ways to get them- to leap over obstacles in a single bound, to fix bad haircuts with art. :-)
I will leave you with this small little victory dance...this month my goal was to make $1,000 using my talents and art. Thanks to everyones generous support, buying my artwork at the shows, giving me opportunities to sell- I MADE THAT GOAL HAPPEN! In fact I surpassed that goal and made $1,200 which ironically is how much I made a month working my 9-5 job. Granted that money is all in the hands of the Utility companies and the Vet (my cat was ill, she is better now) I still achieved my goal, surpassed it and that gives me hope and faith that with HARD WORK and a GOAL- it can be done.
I will have to do it all over again next month but at least my hair will look good while I'm working it! :-)
(Stay tuned for photos of my soon to be awesome hair and other such nonsense!)

Hour Swap and....

2011-07-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile but here is an Hour Swap up for grabs (it actually took a little longer than an hour so Scoreboard for whoever gets it at a good price!)

"Metalos: Yellow Gold"
8" x 10"
acrylic, ink, metallic paint on canvas
signed, ready to hang

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding

Gosh theres so much more to say. How to condense? There is a recap of my "girlShow" fun over at this blog I write for called I AM BILINGUE. Check out iambilingue.com for my weekly postings about art events around the 'plex! It's been really fun writing and doing graphic design for this company and they've been helping me keep my bills paid so keep reading everyone! :D
I also started a little bit of a monster yesterday. I was thinking about all the little luxuries you give up as a starving artist. Sushi dinners....no more. Trips to the salon to get your haircut...NOPE. A nice massage for your sore body that rides a bike to pick up groceries...SORRY CHARLIE! So in time you start feeling a little shabby and start looking like the starving artist you are. In fact I tried to cut my own bangs and they are now a crooked mess. I decided it was time to barter some art for a massage and a haircut. But how to link into a network where that would be invited? So my friend and fellow blogger Cori (Sacred Arts) and I decided we could try out a Facebook Group where people interested in bartering could connect and offer services in exchange for art. It took off like CRAZY with the help of a lot of people adding their friends, reposting, sharing and linking it up. Big thanks to Ashley Jones for bringing a cyber army to the table. It's called BARTERING ARTISTS and through it we hope to connect artists to service people and vice versa. I'll blog more about it when things chill out. Have I got a signed, sealed delivered haircut yet? No. I got many propositions to receive a buzzcut, mohawk or get balded! But I did manage to barter this painting for a massage so it works! It really works!

BOMB POP PAINTING BARTERED FOR 1 HR MASSAGE AT MASSAGE ENVY

Join up if you are interested in BARTERING art or services for art or services. HUH?!?! ;-D Many people are making barters on there as we speak. Someone is even offering bow fishing trips and scuba certifications!
Ok, I've successfully sidetracked you from my Hour Swap...happy bidding!

Show Time!

2011-07-23T05:22:00.001-07:00

Today is the day! I have been working non stop getting ready for the show hot on the heels of the Maximum Mini show at Fallout Lounge and I have a big haul of art to display now. I could *technically* do another piece before the show but I think I will indulge myself and just let the day be. I have lots to do to psych myself into social mode and get packed up and ready anyway. I'm contemplating a short run with some stretches since my body kind of hurts from sitting and painting everyday. Yes. Stretches. Mandatory. I thought it might be useful for some artists out there to have a little checklist of what to bring to a show setup- and I'd love to hear your ideas too! The more creative the better!
*First and foremost- ALL YOUR ART! (ready to hang, with attachments, fixtures, etc on the backs)
* I purchased a gridwall (3 pieces) before quitting my job, I knew this would be imperative for me at shows given the nature of my pieces and because you never know when you're going to have a wall to hang on. Bring your own wall! :)
* A folding table. I didn't have the foresight to purchase this before I quit so I am now borrowing a friends (again)and have it marked on my list of things to get when I get some dough. D'oh!
* Hanging supplies- hammer, nails, wire, scissors, tape, fishing line- whatever you need to get your work hung. I like to use zipties to get my pieces on the gridwall- just cut it down with scissors when a customer wants something and you don't have to worry about them falling off.
* A tablecloth for your table- to make it look nice. Some shows want you to have a specific color to unify the whole show...such as black. You can also use this black tablecloth as backdrops for shooting your artwork (wink!) but you might also stock up on a white one and a funky color too to get attention at shows that dont require uniform colors.
* Business cards! Who are you? It is probably going to be loud at the show and talking might be difficult so make sure your name and a way to contact you leaves with the person who is interested in your art. I had some BIG coupon cards made out -no way that sucker is getting lost in someones wallet!
* Lights, power strips. You might need it. You might not. Better to be safe than sorry- pack it with you and just stash it under your table if you don't. I have a small cliplight that I can clip to my gridwall- easy!
* Calculator, change, receipts, etc! I don't have a credit card machine, I do cash only at shows and checks. Good to stay on top of your sales properly! I make a price list of all my inventory and check it off as each one sells- that way you don't worry that something has walked off unpaid for. :) You will need change. Small bills. bring em!
* Mailing list! Get that mailing list out on your table with a pen right beside it and collect some future friends!
* Supplies! If you are creating live make sure you brought all your supplies- palette, paints, brushes, canvas or something to paint on, little cloths for cleanup and a water container. (note to self- PACK THIS UP TODAY!)
* Labels for artwork- you thought of clever names for your pieces- let the customer see how funny and witty you are. Even better-with prices in full view :)
*Camera, batteries, smile! If you get a chance take some photos of the event, the people, the artwork and your own little setup. They will be great material for your blog, website, etc. You're there to have fun too- mingle! Which brings me to...
*A friend! Bring someone to help you! They can talk to customers if you are busy, help with transactions, packing stuff up, etc. You will need them to run and make change or watch your space when you have to visit the bathroom. Bring a friend- they are one of the most important resources!
* Fun mindset! You're there to enjoy the experience like everyone else- don't stress out. Whether you sell or not you are making new contacts, learning from other vendors and soaking in all the good vibes right?
And that is the basic setup of a show. I needed to remind myself because it has been awhile...and now I'm ready to tackle the day! Hope to see some of you tonight at girlShow 2011 ! It's really going to be a great event!

High Fivin' Hands

2011-07-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

I like to call that a "Mixed Media piece- acrylic on skin" and yes, those are my hands. I had an art instructor who was fascinated with hands, collected little hands, made little hands in clay. When I say collected little hands I am not talking about "real" hands of course! He was enthralled with the symbolism of hands and I am finding myself drawn to them now as well.
I thank the big powers that be for my hands every day. It is these hands and their constant busy-ness, that paint for endless hours, that pluck at bass strings, that lift, push, pull, navigate bike handlebars, package up art, wipe away tears and sweat and constantly try to remain open for any task I need them for. It is these hands that are putting food on my table right now without any aid from the government, church or hand outs whatsoever. Hard working hands. Thankful hands that are applauding and high fiving all of you that have supported my artistic endeavors for almost a whole year now.
These hands get no rest today. A few more pieces to complete for tomorrows show and these hands need to round up labels, business cards, photo books and pack up all my supplies. Fixtures need to be attached to pieces for hanging and stuff needs to be printed. Busy hands I thank you!
Here are some pieces these hands just handed over:

Stone Free
acrylic, ink on vinyl record
$60 for sale at girlShow 2011

Light Field
acrylic, ink on 8" x 10" canvas
$40 for sale at girlShow 2011

Contact
acrylic, ink on 8" x 10" canvas
$40 for sale at girlShow 2011

Here is the site to see more information on girlShow 2011, order tickets and RSVP!Big thanks to ArtLoveMagic for having me on board this year! I'm going to have a packed gridwall full of all kinds of stuff- vinyl, canvases and my very last print of "Telescope". Everything very affordable! I will be painting live so you can see all my sneaky tricks! :) This is going to be a great show with so much amazing talent, a few of my girlfriends will be painting and you can read a great interview with Sarah Zamora (remember I featured her amazingness here on this blog before?)over at the girlshow blog! Also check out Melody Hay who will be creating live there as well!
Have a great Friday everyone and HIGH FIVES from me to you!

Samples for Saturday

2011-07-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is just a small sample of the pieces I will be showing at girlShow this Saturday. I am diligently working up till the very last day so my gridwall will be heavy and dripping with art, art, art! There should be a whole smattering of vinyl pieces and small canvases and whatever else I can conjure up before Saturday.
Really looking forward to the fun and energy that these kinds of events hold- I've never participated in girlShow but from all accounts it looks like a mega amazing event filled with talent and art lovers galore!
To get your tickets and read up on the info click THIS!
And in case I forgot to mention- I will be painting live at the event so come see me and the worlds tiniest brush ( i think this brush has two hairs) as we create...something....sorry it's too early to be clever. ;-D

Mistakes, Disasters and other Normal Things

2011-07-16T04:04:00.001-07:00

It has been in the triple digits here in Texas and I once again find myself very tied to Nature in my work. Not just in what I choose as subject matter but physically relying on Nature constantly in my work.
For instance, when I have to prime my records and let them air dry- I do this outside. Anything from a fly landing on my wet paint to a leaf falling smack dab in the middle of it and becoming embedded in it- can and does happen sometime. Things are not pristine around here at TigerBee Arts. The extreme heat also made for a bit of a mess when I lifted a record and the even coat of paint began to slide. It had already been one of those days. So I took a different color of paint and went to town. This is what was created- "melt records" I call them. As a further joke from the Universe- the very careful line style I have- which I was attempting to use to embellish the records went HAYWIRE when my white ink marker decided to GUSH....creating those weird white blobby designs which I quickly turned into something a little more elegant than a blob. Not really sure what they look like really, kind of planty, prehistoric things.
But I like them very much! Natural Disasters! Work with it instead of getting angry!
On the other hand, I was painting some little 45's, very carefully taping off areas and applying different colors. Very carefully handling them and placing them to dry. This was almost 2 hours of careful work mind you. Leave them to dry for 20 minutes outside in 100 degree weather, brought them in to the cool of the house thinking all was well. I go and look at them 10 minutes later and they are all WARPED and buckled and really...unsalvageable. I wanted to smash them, but I didn't. I have left them where they are so i can walk by them and constantly be reminded that
1. Cheap thin vinyl from the 80's sucks. It can't be left out in the heat.
2. Cheap thin vinyl from the 80's sucks. It can't be left out in the heat.
Yeah, that's pretty much all I've learned from that experience. That and sometimes you just gotta move on.

Crazy July Crazy Me

2011-07-10T06:22:00.001-07:00

The Universe strikes again! Last nights art show/party was a success! Of the 19 works I had showing 12 have sold! This means the wolf that was pawing at the door will have to wait a little bit longer to come in.
There will be a closing reception next Sunday for anyone wanting to pick up their pieces or still wanting to get a piece, I'll announce details as I get them. The ones that were still available, from what I remember:

These were priced at $45 for the art party. They will now be $50 each with $5 going to support Fallout Lounge at their big Summer Garage Sale. Still a great deal and you're helping out a starving artist and a place that is very supportive to us artists, musicians and dj's. :)
In other crazy news....
I have been invited to participate in one of the biggest live art events in town called girlShow! It's all females doing their thing in various media and the event is huge! Here is the link to the event, and a description from their page:
girlShow is ArtLoveMagic’s yearly show dedicated all to women. Our purpose is to showcase new and uniquely talented female artists of various mediums and performances along with established, experienced female artists within the same room as they create live and sometimes collaboratively. It will feature live music, poetry, art, fashion, dance, sculpture, and photography, all being celebrated in one incredible night. This diverse presentation keeps audiences engaged from beginning to end during this four hour event. This year girlShow will be on Saturday, JULY 23rd, from 8pm to 12am.

LIFE in Deep Ellum (2803 Taylor Street, Dallas, TX 75226) will be our
gracious hosts again this year, boasting one of the best stages in Deep
Ellum, a relaxing lounge area, and plenty of room for us to truly honor
the creative sisters of Dallas.

What does this mean for me? MORE WORK WORK WORK. I'm thankful to have the chance to work with all these new people and for the chance to try and make more art to sell before the month is up. It is to the point of scary in the finance department but I do my best to not FREAK OUT.
And I'm looking for part time work if anyone knows of anything.
That being said I am feeling pretty good about pulling it all out of the fire again this month. I can buy groceries, pay rent and bills and can worry about doing it all over for August again....but not today.
Thanks to everyone who has been supporting with kind words, advice, buying my art and keeping up with my adventures in unemployment!

Finish Line in Sight!

2011-07-07T02:59:00.001-07:00

I had set a goal for myself. The goal was 20 pieces of record vinyl art for Saturdays show. I'm at 18 and up early today to cross the finish line. When they are all done they will need to be flipped and their hanging attachments and cards put on their backs and then I will have to find all the record sleeves I pulled them out of and kick myself for not being more organized.
It's gonna be a busy day!
I was thrilled to have a little bird spreading the word on the art show
Art News DFW - thanks Sharon! I am hoping we have a good turnout. :)
I also got a little blog lovin' over at the Dallas Observers DC9 blog. Thanks Eric Grubbs! This is welcome support after last weeks black hole. Had to accompany my Mom to the ER, people I've been trying to work for kept yanking my chain and being unresponsive (major pet peeve of mine), tried to reach out to some friends for advice and got nada, nothing I did seemed to work....ever have a week like that? :P Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, dust yourself off and keep on going. This week has been a big improvement from last week.
Just in case anyone thought working for themselves was all marshmallows and butterflies- it's not.
So big warm hugs to everyone who is supporting by simply reading this blog, checking out the art shows, spreading the word, etc.
I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT from the bottom of my heart!

Summertime Blues?

2011-07-05T04:33:00.001-07:00

I have always had a nice nonchalant relationship with money. Really only thought about it when it was needed to pay for something....bills, rent, food, perhaps some necessary expenditure back in the old days when I had it. It was nothing I greeded after or hoarded. In fact even when I had very little I found it important to give it where it was needed. The only time I gave it any serious thought was when I wanted to leave my old job and decided it was going to be ol' MONEY that was going to get me out. It has it's uses. Now I find myself down to the very skin of my teeth (again). I remember being down to $30 not too long ago- and pulling myself out of the fire with my Hour Swap art show. I am aiming to do that once again. I'm down to $50 and I'm shooting to make enough to pay my rent, food and bills for July by selling all my painted vinyl records at $45 a piece.
To be quite honest there is a certain amount of stress that comes from working for yourself and being broke enough to wonder what utility you may be willing to sacrifice if things don't turn around. I was getting a little down. Summertime Blues...because of money, one of the stupidest reasons to be down in my world. So I'm focusing on working my butt off painting this week so I will have lots of works to sell this Saturday. Turning energy toward the positive, good hard work will save me!
And I'm also looking into part time work or another steady freelance gig. Adventures in Unemployment gets like this sometime. Challenging! It tests your patience, faith, skill, ingenuity and drive. Luckily I got a lot of those things even if I'm skint!
The Upside: Someone just asked for 2 Moustachiopus records (that will pay a bill!)
The Downside: We're not gonna look at the Downside right now!
Here's the info for the artshow- I'm aiming to have about 20 pieces of painted vinyl record art for sale and whatever else I can create this week. I'm also running low on all my art supplies, I think that's what really made this poverty thing hit home. No canvas, half my paint gone...even the records are slim pickins!

I hope everyone can come out, even if you can't afford to buy work. It will be a fun show! :)
Here's a preview of some of my latest pieces for the show

I'm doing a 'Girls of Summer' kind of theme with these. It's all nostalgic and retro feeling. Something about summer just floods me with childhood memories. Simpler times....the joy of popsicles, trips to the lake, watching sci fi, cartoon and kung fu movies. This has been a fun show to work on and I'm trying to focus on the joy of working on it and not my empty pockets!
I'll be busy all week in the studio- hope to see some of you at the show for some much needed Fun!

Maximum Mini Art Show!

2011-06-25T05:26:00.001-07:00

I'm hard at work in the studio painting up records for the next art show! The show is entitled "Maximum Mini" and will be in conjunction with the Lollipop Shoppes next soiree at Fallout Lounge. While the musical selections will emphasize on the fun and lighthearted realm like Bubble Gum music, Glam, Pop Sike and Garagey Fuzz (and of course Soul!) - the fashion will veer towards the light as well...as in mini skirts! It is very hot in Texas after all :) My works are heavy on the retro appeal and I'm really getting nostalgic over the fun summers of my youth. Archie comics, watching Godzilla and Speed Racer and trying out various candies and icecream from the icecream truck. Simpler times!

I will be in this show along with an artist named Mark Williams who does some fantastic work! He is diligently working on his stuff right now but when an image surfaces of a piece he will have at the show I will let you all have a look. Until then enjoy this fun little sampling of his other stuff!

Mark is also in a band that he does the graphics for (a kindred spirit), heres a link to RAHCHI on reverbnation.

So who, what, when, where and huh? All the info is on this little flyer I designed

Expect a fun time! Expect bubblegum vodka shots! Expect miniskirts and dresses! I am pricing all my vinyl at $45 each, bring some cash and buy some affordable pop art. First come, first sell- no reserves! Whatever doesn't sell will be offered online after the show. I am having such a fun time with these pieces- can this just be my job? :)

Whirlpool!

2011-06-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Apologies for not posting Thursdays Swap- life has been full of surprises of late! I got a commission late last week, plans started to solidify on a project I have been waiting on and out of nowhere a potential job opportunity presented itself to me that honestly I would be an idiot to try not to pursue as it would get me back in financial straits. Money doesn't buy me happiness but unfortunately it is required to pay bills and rent. Although I've been managing to do this all on my own for almost a year now (biggest and most rewarding accomplishment of my life!)and can say that this has been one of the best years of my life in the creative/freedom department. Oh but I don't have that job yet so I will shut up. This is precisely what I wanted to blog about today.
Whirlpools. You get caught up in them easily. Distractions, obligations, daydreams about things not yet happened. You get spun around this way and that, you lose focus. Where was your goal? Where were you going? Dizzy! Dizzy!
You get overwhelmed and caught up in something and feel like you have lost control. It is normal. Especially when life starts throwing a bunch of unexpected stuff at you-whether it's good or bad it's time to realize YOU ARE IN A WHIRLPOOL.
What to do?
Stop. Quite simply noticing the whirlpool and saying- I need to get to the bank so I can sit here and see what this whirlpool looks like. Which way is it turning-clockwise? Counter clockwise? It is time to breathe, think, meditate if you can. The currents will take you where they want and disorient you- if you let them.
So yesterday I decided to do just that. I pulled out a book I always recommend to all my friends.

"Wherever You Go There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
This book has helped me immensely throughout the years. In good times and bad it is important to remember where you "ARE". We tend to always dwell on where we've been (our past) and where we are going (the future) and neither thing is within our grasp or control actually. But the present is. Being mindful of the present will help you get out of these spiraling whirlpools and make better decisions.
So I am re-reading this book again (this is possibly my fourth time) and as usual it speaks me to me in a new way with each reading. I have already felt myself pulling out of the whirlpool and wading to shore. Quite content to be right here and now without any worries to the future and it's "what if's".
Next week will come with all it's busy-ness, meetings, interviews, work, obligations and surprises. I will expect the unexpected -when it comes. But right now it's just a quiet Sunday morning. Fathers Day. Time to give thanks to the man who made ME possible to be right here and now.
Thank you Dad.
Happy Fathers Day.
Enjoy every moment- right here right now.

Hour Swap Results!

2011-06-15T04:02:00.001-07:00

I would love to shout the name of todays winner but this is a special case. This is going to be a secret gift so telling would be spoiling the fun and surprise. I can say that the "Conduit Vert" piece was won for a high bid of $40 and it is going to a fantastic home! Thank you WINNER, I hope the recipient loves it! :)
I was really getting into the style of this piece and think I will apply some of the ideas I was using on this in a larger painting I'm working on.
Stay tuned for tomorrows swap!

Hour Swap!

2011-06-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

"Conduit Vert"
acrylic on canvas
8" X 10"

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. Bidding ends at midnight. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding!

I'd like to be Under the Sea

2011-06-14T04:40:00.001-07:00

"Eruption" featuring Moustachiopus
acrylic and ink on vinyl LP
Commission NFS

"Moustachiopus and the Sunshine Wave"
acrylic and ink on vinyl LP
Commission NFS

Here are two of my latest commission pieces I just finished. Moustachiopus is a hot little octopus these days! So much so that the cries of I WANT A T SHIRT are being heard....and heeded.
Today I work on another Moustachiopus and try to get another Hour Swap posted. Stay tuned! :)

(By the way, these vinyl LP works are an affordable $40 if you'd like to commission one)

Hour Swap Results!

2011-06-09T03:12:00.001-07:00

Three winners for each Hour Swap! Let's hear it for Chris Schanck who won the "Wild Bikini" at $25-ROWR!!! I'll pack that one up nice and tight so she doesn't hurt anyone! Lydia Ozuna Johns scored "Wink" for a cool $10! She's a multi-collector with a growing collection now. Another collector in the house, Jessica Wells! She gets the sweet "Greenery" for a little green too- $10! So let's hear it for the lovely collectors scoring some art on the cheap! (applause!)
Tally time!
6/9 Hour Swap = $45

I broke my wild bikini so I hope some art sales come through this summer so I can replace it before swimming season is over! :O See you for the next swap!

Hour Swap!

2011-06-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

"Greenery"
acrylic on canvas
8" x 10"

Got 3 Hour Swaps running today! It's been too long :)

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. Bidding ends at midnight. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding!

Hour Swap!

2011-06-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

"Wink"
acrylic on canvas
8" x 10"

"Wild Bikini"
acrylic on canvas
8" x 10"

They're back! The HOUR SWAPS are back! And while I should do these on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm feeling whimsical and careless....er, carefree! So I'll be doing them spontaneously this week and resume a normal schedule next week. These swaps will end Wednesday at midnight :)

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. Bidding ends at midnight. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding!

Dead Batteries

2011-06-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

Usually on a Monday I'm recharged and ready to roar. Today I just don't have it. And I've been sneezy. I think the allergy monster paired with all the running I did last week has my batteries waning.
In theory I should be going to Piyo (Pilates/Yoga fusion) class but I'm thinking my body is saying to CHILL and stay at the casa...and skip a day of running.
Today I dive in to some work projects and start trying to build my cash flow back up. Adventures of Unemployment sees me with $200 to my name in the world and the bills are starting to trickle in. MEH!
Some days you got it, some days you don't...gotta go with the flow and ride the waves.
Have a great week everyone!

Finished! Never!

2011-06-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

detail from "Rivulet 1" acrylic on 24" x 30" canvas
Here's the piece I've been working on for a few days. Painting "flat" is very time consuming. You have to apply quite a few layers and let them dry fully in between coats. I also mixed up some weird colors that I had to remember how to reproduce if I needed more. This is a bit of a departure from some of my other more "planty" stuff. I just needed a little break from tight winding vine tendrils and crazy leaf and pod shaped things! I'm trying to think of Water and do some paintings in that theme. This is probably going to turn into a mini series.
Running low on canvases and paint but got the momentum up so I'm diving in to another painting today.I'm a masochist that way.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
(this painting is up for sale on my website, now with new and improved Paypal buttons for easy checkout!)

Sweet!

2011-06-02T05:05:00.001-07:00

It's sweet to see the fruits of your labor! Yesterdays mail brought with it a big ol' package and a little envelope.
The big package had the publication I have been working for and check it- that's my design on the cover! :D

I was so super excited I almost forgot to open the little envelope which was my check for all my work. WOOP! This girl can eat this month!
The Universe seems to constantly be listening to me and providing what I need. I feel so blessed to be able to use my own two hands, brain and creative talents to put food on the table.
Today I'm resigned to painting and trying not to scratch...hives, stupid hives. :/

June!

2011-06-01T04:33:00.001-07:00

Happy first day of June! I really can't believe I am about 3 months shy of a whole year surviving on my own. I don't want to jinx it so I will shut up about it!
Experiments in Unemployment has been crazy. I am about to start up my Hour Swaps again- I had to take a break. I have been working on some larger paintings for future gallery shows. That is the big picture for me right now. I need a bigger body of work and having the time to work right now is PRECIOUS!
I am still waiting on freelance gig people to get me started on work GRRR...but in the meantime I am working on my paintings.
My calendar is slowly being dotted with some fun stuff: fashion show, art shows, dance parties. Not a bad little summer! I just revamped my site and calendar, you can check it out here.
I am adding some works with paypal links to my site, so if you're looking to buy some affordable works that aren't hour swaps please check out my shop page!
I am sitting at about $150 to my name right now and hoping some freelance checks come in before rent and bills are due. YIKES! Hopefully I can get some swaps under my belt until they do.
Well I'm off to be productive and paint. I'm patiently waiting for the store near me to open so I can get some Benadryl. Did I mention I gave myself hives? Yes. I gave MYSELF hives. I used a lotion that I was pretty sure gave me an allergic reaction before and lo and behold...it gave me an allergic reaction again. Dumb. I've got my own itchy self to blame for this one.
Have a wonderful day and look for swaps coming soon!

First Gear

2011-05-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like everyone else is operating in (N)eutral gear while I'm on 5. I mean this specifically with freelance gigs. I am forever waiting for people to hustle with a plan of action while they are acting like that little fellow up there....turtle chillin'. So yesterday I decided that I was gonna do some turtle chillin' myself and NOT check emails to see if these people had contacted me back or not.
I took a little hike, had lunch with the turtles (I shot that photo) and came back home to start a new canvas. I painted outside for hours before the neighbor kids came around and started buggin'. I like kids. I don't like funky fingerprints on my canvas though. I gave them a couple tubs of tempera paint and told them to go paint and make crazy colors with it. I even gave em some paintbrushes. One kid asked me if I was going to paint God.
So today I'm doing much of the same. I'm in first gear and taking care of my own business.....the business of creating art. It's Memorial Day weekend and I doubt anyone is going to be emailing me with anything important so it seems a good time to disconnect and get all intoxicated on acrylic paints, sunshine and painting God.
Have a great weekend everyone!
(Oh and thanks to Aaron Barker and Linda Rodriguez for responding to my blog post, I was having technical difficulties posting comments and a friend said he was too. You guys are in my book of JUST REWARDS...expect something nice coming down the pipes from me for that) :)

Hello

2011-05-24T06:09:00.001-07:00

Is anyone even reading this?
:)

Gearing up

2011-05-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Finally completed a commission I've had in the works for awhile, it's Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and it can now go on the wall! That was some serious labor, layers and love!
I am now ready to get moving with another freelance project which should be materializing any day now, hopefully today.
I feel a bit like I'm in limbo- I'm sure this is a natural feeling for freelancers. Waiting on approvals, emails and phone calls before you can proceed. WAITING. Waiting has never been my forte although it's something I find myself practicing a lot. In the midst of waiting I will busy myself with cleaning the studio today in preparation for the work at hand. I have also been invited to participate in some art shows this summer and so I might prime my canvases and get started on some art.
I also find myself pretty broke today while I wait on checks from past jobs. Waiting. Theres that word again.
So today I started my morning with some zen reading, reminding myself that whatever problems I am having are just temporary things destined to resolution if I deem them so and not worry about them. Easier said than done but I needed reminding.
Some bit of trouble has popped up in my pond- the old insurance company who is supposed to be treating my back injury as long as it is problematic has decided to pop it's ugly head out of the water. I got some mail and in it a few pages of nonsensical jibber jabber about how my injuries were not sufficient for all the treatments I received. I find this funny and strange as they were in control of "approving" any treatments I received. The treatments were received and all that is now what we call "the past". Whats done is done and I am left with an injury. I have made peace with my injury and try to care for my back as vigilantly as ever. My zen sensibilities and this letter just do not "jibe" together.Especially since this company is supposed to (by their own rules) care for my injuries if it continues to be problematic. Sigh!
What is annoying is that I have moved past this episode in my life. It wasn't pretty but like all hard things -many lessons were learned. I guess the biggest lesson is that even when you don't feel like fighting you gotta fight. So as I gear up to make a lot of progress with my art and work I have this prickly little thorn to deal with.Can't let this interfere with my mood, simply move forward with action and file it away as soon as possible.
Here is an excerpt I found particularly useful in what I'm dealing with right now

"Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905-71)

When you are sitting in the middle of your own problem, which is more real to you, your problem or you yourself? The awareness that you are here, right now, is the ultimate fact. This is the point you will realize by zazen practice. In continuous practice, under a succession of agreeable and disagreeable situations, you will realize the marrow of Zen and acquire its true strength. To leave a trace is not the same as to remember something. It is necessary to remember what we have done, but we should not become attached to what we have done in any special sense. What we call "attachment" is just these traces of our thought and activity. In order not to leave any traces, when you do something, you should do it with your whole body and mind; you should be concentrated on what you do... If you do not burn yourself completely, a trace of yourself will be left in what you do... Zen activity is activity which is completely burned out, with nothing remaining but ashes. "

I think this speaks to me more about the way I put myself into my art but should apply this to the way I LIVE and in everything.
So now I go off to be concentrated on what I do. Stepping into the old boxing ring again with the insurance people (it's a stupid endeavor, it feels a lot like beating up on a thoughtless, uncaring and stupid blob with the reward being not hearing from them for a few months) and getting on with creating, art and beautiful things in life.
Have a great week everyone!

I was drawn in

2011-05-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

"unfinished still life" charcoal on paper

Last night I had a sitcom moment. It was the last episode and I looked back at my empty classroom and reflected for a second before hitting the light switch off. Roll credits.
Only the sitcom is not ending for me and it should read "to be continued" in a serious font. Ok, not serious font. COMIC SANS! (thats a little joke for the Comic Sans haters out there)
I thoroughly enjoyed teaching so much that I would lie awake thinking about the next days lesson plan and trying to maximize my students experience with as much info as I could put together and photocopy for them. I was sad to see our last class but felt so honored that I had been given the opportunity to step into their lives a few hours every week and show them how to see as an artist. How to create.
I was excited to see their finished drawings at the end of class and notice improvements since their first day with me. I thought about all my past art teachers and how I was able to pass on the gift of their knowledge. Some of my art teachers are no longer with us so I felt duty bound to honor them with the most excellent lessons I could provide. And we had fun, it was a great fun class that got to know each other and were supportive both to me and to each other.
I had hoped everyone would be in class for our last throwdown on paper but the MAVS were playing and some of the students had extracurricular activities that kept them away.
Here is a photo of some of the students before I set them loose on the world, armed with their charcoal and gum erasers!

from left Heather, Nikki and Ruth burgeoning artists extraordinaire!
Here they are with their silly teacher :)

And here is a picture of sweet Ruth who stated point blank "charcoal is too messy", ha ha...next time I'll put "old t-shirt and jeans" on the supply list. I know I've ruined a few outfits with that "messy" stuff too!

As much as I tried to teach the class they taught me the most. They taught me that I really do love teaching. All the fear I had been carrying all these years has been dissolved. So I may not be the best "speaker" and feel strange to be in any position where people are looking to me for answers....maybe I do have something to pass along that people are interested in learning. Maybe the answers are quite simple, as simple as being yourself and being confident in who you are and what you're doing.
I also learned to DRAW alongside them. I had stopped sketching and actively drawing about ten years ago when life took me on it's crazy trip. You start thinking about things like finances and jobs, health and stress and you forget about the pleasure of paper and pencil and being that little kid drawing at the dining room table.
Through this class I have reconnected with that and that is an amazing feeling.
I feel abundant for the opportunity and feel the tug to continue my schooling to make teaching a "career".
And to think I almost said "No thanks" when I was asked to do it. Fear is a horrible companion to live with, I suggest you kick him off your path right now!
Thanks for reading and GO GET EM!

Welcome Weekend

2011-05-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

"It's spring and Art is in the air and it's time for the 2011 Edition of the Oak Cliff Visual Speed Bump Tour! Come on over and get a candid look at the thriving North Oak Cliff Art Scene and discover why we aren’t really part of Dallas! The tour offers a unique opportunity to visit with visionary artists and see their work environments, check out some of the best and most unrestrained galleries and art spaces, and take a step out of the ordinary into the sublimely creative and unconventional! If you're looking for something to match your couch you'll be way out of luck, but if you're wanting your art different and original and brilliant you need to come out and take the tour! The Tour will run from noon till 7pm with special extended hours at 502 N Clinton, behind the Kessler, for video art presentation from 7-9. Tour maps will be available at participating venues!

See the MAP

This is happening in Oak Cliff today! You can check out galleries and open studios, meet with artists and see some working on their art. Please stop in Start Gallery Dallas if you've not yet done so- it's brand new and I have works on view there! :)
I am just now starting to feel better, my health took a tumble and I had to fight through a war with my body. I'm on antibiotics but starting to feel like my self again. Jumping in to all these work projects that are due and thanks for everyones patience!
The weekend is looking gorgeous so I hope I get some time to go out and enjoy some air!

Taking Inventory

2011-05-11T05:19:00.000-07:00

Inventory. It used to be a dirty word to me. Over ten years in the retail business gave this word the power of the guillotine. Inventory meant long hard hours sitting on a hard concrete floor. Inventory meant being crouched in impossible positions counting, counting and forever counting any little damn thing we ever ordered in the last fifteen years. Imagine thousands of postcards and having to count each one. Imagine hundreds of magnets, erasers, pencils....and having to count each one. Yes. I think you get the idea. It was also no wonder that my back finally broke at having to count the umpteenth postcard after moving a zillion products to and from stock rooms. NOPE. I DON'T MISS THAT DAMN INVENTORY AT ALL!!!!!!!!! (Yes I literally woke up the next morning after about a week of counting to find that I couldn't stand up straight, my back now = bulging disc!)
But last night I found myself thinking of personal inventory and where I was right now...especially in comparison to where I was. A friend posted something to the effect of "Making a living is NOT living" on her facebook last night. I read it while I was preparing my class to get started on their lesson. I nodded in total agreement. I remembered all too well the way I used to "make a living" and what happened to my back and looked at where I was now and how amazing I feel in this new life. FULFILLED.
And while I'm barely scratching out what one would call a living I am so happy doing what I do that it is worth the hardship. So a little inventory taking is good (personal inventory that is!) and I look back and remember some things like sitting miserably at a job that was going nowhere with no raises and no appreciation. I would voraciously read about how to have your own business, how to work from home, etc, etc. I longed to work from home blogging, painting, selling my work and generally spend my time creating. Yet I had no idea how one even got started with that, who did you have to contact, etc. You have to get in contact with yourself FIRST and then everything will fall into place. You have to keep at those things you love to do and before you know it you are doing it. You have to keep an open mind always and approach new situations and people with OPEN HANDS. Everyone and everything is a lesson to learn in some way, some good and some bad. Try things you've never tried. Weed out things that are unfulfilling in your life to make room for things that FULFILL! And always, always think outside of the box. YOU create the situations you want to be in. Why not? Who is making the rules to your life? Hopefully YOU!
Here is where I am at in my Adventures in Unemployment, by the way- EASIEST INVENTORY EVER!
Last May- Injured Shipping and Receiving Manager wearing a Sacroiliac Brace trying to rehab her body back into shape with extensive physical therapy...having to juggle retail duties as well as Shipping and Receiving duties but not able to lift more than 30 lbs. Happiness level on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being IM GOING TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE) was a 2. I was not painting, creating or even playing in my band anymore. I was tired, weak and stressed. My job was making me so depressed that my only goal was saving enough money to jump out of that situation.
This May- No sacroiliac brace, no limit on lifting! I do get sore lifting heavy things though so I DONT, my injury can be aggravated and I have to maintain constant exercise or I will start to feel it. I am energetic, strong and in the peak of creativity! I have art showing in a gallery, a paid side gig doing blogging, a freelance project that pays me to paint and a side gig teaching drawing- which I have discovered I LOVE! I feel appreciated and I feel like I can create my own opportunities and "promotions". happiness level is now at a 9 (Im reserving 10 for the day I get a real bed to sleep on or a show at the Met, wink!).
I am now in my 9th month of doing this MY WAY. Somehow, someway the bills and rent manage to get paid every month. Somehow there is always food to eat.
I should take inventory more often!

Gearing up for Summer!

2011-05-08T06:42:00.001-07:00

My stint as a drawing teacher at Mountain View ends with the semester on May 17th and I'm talking with the coordinator to design a Drawing II Intermediate class in the Fall because my students want to continue on with their studies. But since I will be off for the rest of the Summer I thought it would be fun to try some small classes from home. I had a cousin ask about classes for her young teenage girl and thought it would be great to teach the younger set while they are on Summer break.
Some of my girlfriends also seemed excited when I said I was teaching classes so I designed a "girls" drawing class too. I may add a mixed class but am starting slow and small to see what the interest level is.
It would be great to find a space that would let us meet and draw there- I could take on more students and we could pay a space usage fee. If anyone has space that would be interested please drop me a line! Especially great if you are in Oak Cliff!
If not my little home studio will do but I am very limited on the students I can take on. Which has its plus side- the student gets more one on one help with their skills!
Aside from the classes I'm trying my hand at blogging for a little cash and upping the ante on my ART. I'm doing my darnedest to survive the whole Summer on my wits, skills and Art! If I can make it to September I will have completed ONE whole year on my own, scrabbling, painting, freelancing and following my heart.
The young student class may already have 2 slots filled so if you're interested drop me a line ASAP!

Strep Tease

2011-05-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

When the weather dives from the 80's to the 40's and one day you're in a tank top and the next day in a warm coat AND you go out three nights in a row to public places then yes....you are increasing your odds of catching something. Which I did. I believe this something I caught is called Strep. Turns out a few people have had it and my number was up.
Awesome.
Being a hermit definitely has it's perks and not catching everyones viruses are certainly one of them. Duly noted.
So the adventures of Unemployment have led us to an important topic for the self employed and uninsured artist. Don't get sick. DONT GET SICK!
Or do something wise and put money aside any time you get it JUST for this occasion. I was doing preventative care, eating right, working out...I was on my game! But viruses don't care, much like Honey Badgers. The only wise thing I did do was stockpile an arsenal of antibiotics from my last dentist visit in the event that something like this should happen. Luckily! So I'm doing my antibiotics and hoping Im on the tail end of this horrible Strep. The kind and humane thing to do when you are ill with a virus is to stay home, but people don't and so it gets passed all over town.
I AM STAYING HOME. I'm missing a free lunch, Cinco de Mayo parade, a Crawfish Boil I look forward to every year and possibly even Mothers Day lunch with my sweet Mom. Yes, I'm a little bitter but ah well....what can you do? (be a hermit)
Adventures in Unemployment find me low on cash, sick and annoyed. It happens. It will pass. Roll with the punches is one of the most important lessons to remember when embarking on such a mission as this.
Till then- don't catch strep and have a great weekend!

The Weekend at Large! MUSIC EDITION

2011-05-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

getting down to the disco sound at Lollipop Shoppe
What:Lollipop Shoppe
When: Saturday April 30, 2011
Where: Fallout Lounge
Why: To get down. Duh.

Saturday things got cooking with another installment of Lollipop Shoppe. Lollipop Shoppe is a bi-monthly event that me and my co dj Gabriel Mendoza along with our dancing ladies the Lolli Dollies throw in Dallas. Only.... it has been a looong time since we've done one so we were hoping that our absence had made the heart grow fonder.

It had. AND HOW!

photo by Lorena Garza Caffo

DJ Tigerbee and DJ Pandaflower traded in their monikers for DJ Patty Love and DJ Funkenstein and our guest DJ for the evening was DJ Travis Box who brought lots of tasty vinyl to dance to

Travis Box photo by Lorena Garza Caffo

Our go go ladies came out to dance like the disco divas they are! Mary Cherry, Marstar and Melissa who always dress for success!

Lolli Dollies photo by Lorena Garza Caffo

We played lots of deep cuts and disco favorites, Donna Summer, Lipps Inc, Parliament, Bee Gees and the list goes on...I realized there is just not enough time for all the greatest grooves in one night!
We projected SOUL TRAIN on the screen and people were mesmerized by the funky dancers!

photo by Gabriela Elguea
A Soul Train line was attempted but was a trainwreck...pun intended.

photo by Gabriela Elguea
The night was filled with dancing and people, Fallout Lounge was packed!

photo by Gabriela Elguea

Big fros and smiles always welcome at Lollipop Shoppe!

A dancefloor saved a DJs life!

This guy was SLICK! He had some great dance moves and even danced his way through the crowd, mopped up a spill (or was it sweat?) and kept grooving the whole time. Major props!

The crowd was at it's peak, Disco Inferno!

Meet Brian G Knowles also known as Rufus P Funk, I saved his photo for last because I want you to see this great shot he took and lead you over to his blog to see his work.

photo by Brian G Knowles

I met Brian that night and discovered he's a photographer, dj, blogger AND can dance! He took some beautiful photos so I hope you'll check out at his blog Rufus P Funk
I caught him spinning the very next night at Fallout Lounge with DJG, it was a super funky weekend in Expo Park!
So I'm all danced out but still grooving to all the great disco music (I am moppin my own floors disco style!) We hadn't even packed up all the records before we were asked "When is the next one?"
Thanks Dallas and Fallout Lounge- Lollipop Shoppes return was a good one!

(thanks to all the photographers who shot photos and shared with us!)

The Weekend at Large! ART EDITION

2011-05-02T16:11:00.001-07:00

opening reception at Start Gallery Dallas
The weekend kicked off with an art show at Start Gallery Dallas featuring works by Martin R Campos, Arthur Stephens and myself! Start Gallery Dallas is a fresh new gallery that has taken over the old historic Ice House building in Oak Cliff. I was born in Oak Cliff and I remember the old old Ice House...in fact I walked by it almost every day on my way to the old Safeway supermarket which morphed into a Minyards then a Carnival and is now another Mexican mercado. It is great to see an art gallery in the old space again!

art lovers in front of my pieces
I have four pieces in the show, all from my latest explorations with Nature. You can see the piece "Flourish" that was featured in the Dallas Observer. Start Gallery Dallas has a very unique hanging system installed which worked beautifully!

me with friends and art supporters Gabriela and Heather
I had lots of friends, family and supporters come out to wish me well and check out the art. :) Thanks everyone!

artist Martin Campos
This was a nice piece by fellow artist Martin Campos. We have been in a few shows together through the years, in fact we used to co-run an art gallery in Bishop Arts District once upon a time! Martin had quite a few pieces in the show and a lot of his work is BIG!

my sister Linda in front of a Martin Campos creation-love the red!
Some of my shots came out blurry so there weren't many useable pics :( Lucky for you Start Gallery Dallas is compiling photos for their blog so you can see Arthur Stephens work and more shots of the opening reception. It was a great night of wonderful people and art!
The show runs until June 11th. Please see the Start Gallery Dallas website for hours of operation, etc!

Observed!

2011-04-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

I need to take a new picture of me pumping my fist in the air for such occasions! I have my work featured in todays DALLAS OBSERVER to highlight the art show thats opening tomorrow. I hope everyone who is local can attend the reception at Start Gallery Dallas. Here is a link to the feature. I think it's super cool that my painting can be seen all over the metroplex today in print! Thanks Dallas Observer!
Today I make a supply store run, price canvases for another commission and get ready for the events! I also need to sort my Disco playlist for Saturdays fun! Here is one of my favorites and also fitting for today...getting some press in the papers....I feel love!
I Feel Love- Donna Summer (Youtube)

A week in Art

2011-04-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

This week is about beginnings and ending...or endings and beginnings I should say. This week is the last week to view these canvases at the Oak Lawn Library alongside the cool pop art of JW Tarin. He was kind enough to shoot me some photos he took- I hope you'll go see it in person. First here is one of his pieces I think is really fabulous!

JW TARIN Portrait of Candy Darling

And here are a few of mine on view

PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ

This show closes on the 30th and consequently another art show opens! I hope everyone can make it out to the very first exhibition at a new gallery in Oak Cliff - START Gallery Dallas! The opening reception for the show is this Friday April 29th from 6:30-9pm and features works from Martin R. Campos, Arthur Stephens and.....me! I'm super excited for this new gallery! Here is one of the pieces you'll see in the show

"Flourish" by Patricia Rodriguez

To close out this busy week my friend and co DJ Gabriel Mendoza and I are throwing a Lollipop Shoppe shindig at Fallout Lounge on Saturday. If you've got Disco fever and need a cure come dance the night away with us. We have special guest Travis Box spinning alongside us and we'll be throwing down a lot of great 70's disco, funk and soul to get you moving!
A truly busy week over here...I hear my paintbrushes calling!

Happy B-EarthDay!

2011-04-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! And a Happy B-EarthDay to my new little sprouts! I planted some Basil, Alysum and wild flowers this past weekend. I was feeling very heavy hearted and depressed. I had an Uncle pass away and attended the funeral, reconnected with family I hadn't seen in too many years and cried a lot. It was a reminder of how precious life is and brought up a lot of sadness about my own Dad since it was his side of the family I was grieving with. Not much in the mood to paint or do much I did feel like getting outside, enjoying the sun and the feel of dirt between my hands. I wanted to feel connected to this big beautiful Earth while I was here so I planted some seeds.
I pushed a bunch of rocks out of my way and dug around, saw worms and beetles and many wierd bugs I had no idea what they were. I could smell the fresh dirt, get my hands dirty and feel like a little kid again.
I could put something beautiful back into the world.
I'm excited to see the wildflowers and smell the Alysum, I can't wait for them all to bloom. I got the seeds and a little shovel at Family Dollar- how little it costs to have a little happiness.

On the fence....

2011-04-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

"Arbol Varia"
acrylic and ink on canvas
11" x 14"
$100

As good as it looks on the wall it somehow looks even better on that fence!

Good news is sweeter than sugar!

2011-04-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Every morning I have my coffee while I zip through my emails and sometimes read a few blogs. I haven't been able to have sugar on my new "nutrition plan"...I'm not using the word diet because this is just simply a new way of eating. So I use sucralose (meh!) and a touch of honey with my coffee. But why was my coffee so sweet today? I had a nifty little email asking to use one of my paintings in print!
I'll leave it as a surprise as to where it will be printed until it shows up, in newsstands all over town next week :D
So nice way to start the morning huh? I think so!
Today I finish up this monster project I've been slaving away on. It is a commission piece for a living room and its....almost.....done! Here are some pics shot in my studio of it (sorry for the lighting-not the best but the sun is GONE and you really need some good sun to shoot artwork in all its glory or at least some professional lights which I dont have)

Painting up a storm over here which is appropriate since it looks like we're in for more rain today. Have a great day everyone (don't forget your umbrellas!)

Open Hands

2011-04-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

Still on a working break but had a little time with my morning coffee and just wanted to say "Life is good!" I can't help but feel so abundant to wake up every morning and know that I have to paint, that I want to paint and damn it- I was born to paint!
I am loving my Drawing class, my students totally rejuvenate me every Tuesday night. They are excited to learn and I am revisiting Drawing with new eyes too. I try to also sit in with them while they are working on their assignments and get reacquainted with the lesson too. Yep, doing Blind Contours, Self Portraits and working with inks and sticks and vine charcoal. It feels good. An artist should always be practicing and always consider themselves a student ready to learn something new and be challenged. Am I sounding like Mr. Miyagi yet? Wax on, Wax off!
I'm a little rusty and can use all the practice I can get so this is a great way to get my skills back in shape. Some of my students asked about a Drawing 2 class and that made my day! They want to learn more :) So I am considering going to the coordinator and seeing if I can build a Drawing Part 2- The Sequel Class! Passing on my knowledge to them and watching their skills grow with each class is truly exciting to me. I can't help but think of being stuck at my last dead end job and not having any positive feedback ever, just wanting to clock out and go home for the day. No way to live! One of my students drew a little picture just for me- I will post it in the next blog....wow, I am truly happy with my class.
I will let you in on a little secret I've been practicing:

OPEN YOUR HANDS

Huh? Open your hands? What does that mean?
That means unclench your hands and your opinions and allow yourself to be an open receptacle to what is out there for you. When I first was approached with the teaching position which brings me so much happiness my first thought was "I CAN'T DO IT". I have never taught a class, despite all my training it was something I had never done. I was a minute away from turning down the position when I remembered that I had promised myself to always accept new challenges and to not live in fear. We get one shot at living so live it to the fullest, scary or not all we can do is just get better and better at something- not worse and worse.
So when things pop up in your world that challenge your comfort zone instead of defensively turning away from it, turning it down and running the other way remember OPEN YOUR HANDS. If you move through life with open hands you don't know what you might find put in them. If you move through life with closed, clenched hands- nothing will ever be put in them..and you'll probably get arthritis from holding your hands like that. :)
Wax on wax off!
Now go do a good deed and donate some cat litter to one of these Texas animal shelters for free just by clicking this link....till next time!

givelitter.com

Nose to the Grindstone Week!

2011-04-17T12:26:00.001-07:00

I am taking the week off from hangin' on the net while I complete some projects. I always seem to get more done when I actively disconnect from my usual schedule and put my nose to the grindstone. As it stands I have a commission that I'm midway through, a commission I've already been paid for that needs to be started and some people interested in having work done so I gotta play catch-up!
It would be nice to build up another little arsenal of Hour Swaps too while I'm away so stay tuned I'll be back in a week or so, life is calling me to work, work, work.
And just in case anyone is interested in how I'm faring in the adventures in Unemployment- I'm at about $400 after rent and bills. YOW! But I do remember when it was $30 so the hustle is ON once again!
Have a great week!

New Works For Sale

2011-04-15T12:19:00.001-07:00

I am selling the METALOS series as a whole or seperate. Each canvas individually is priced at $30 and as a full set it's a DEAL at $100. Each one is 8"x 10" acrylic and ink- signed. I used metallic accent paint in varying colors for each piece i.e. Gold, Metallic Blue, Metallic Emerald Green and Copper. I have seperate photos of each canvas if interested. First come first serve- these look great as a set arranged as in the photo or all lined up like a colorful barcode!

HOUR SWAP!

2011-04-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

"Livewire"
acrylic on canvas
8" x 10"
completion time: 1 hour

I got this one up a little later than I wanted so I'll let it run until noon tomorrow!

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding

Winners!

2011-04-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator Min:1 Max: 6 Result: 3

I have a goal in life. That goal is to figure out how to take a screenshot of the true random number generator so you can see this thing in action.
That being said the True Random Number Generator has chosen Opalina Salas as our lucky winner today. OPALINA SALAS COME ON DOWN!
Opalina from Cliff Notes bookstore in Oak Cliff (plug!) has won one of the prints of "Telescope"! Applause! Applause!
Our Hour Swap winner for yesterdays piece "WEEDS" is Danielle Ellis-who is now a two time buyer, putting her in the "collectors" category! Danielle won this piece for only $12!!! Thanks Danielle!
Thank all of you for participating, following and reading....you guys are all winners to me! Aw, aren't I the cheesiest? ;)

Free Giveaway!

2011-04-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

Todays giveaway is for a signed print! I made prints from my painting "TELESCOPE" and they are nice with lots of white border space for you to cut down, mat, frame or display how you'd like. The print is on quality cardstock and will be signed and numbered.
I will do the random number generator on BLOG COMMENTS. So leave a comment and tomorrow morning I'll announce who won!

Still in need of some fun? Thats why you're here right? I've posed a CREATIVE CHALLENGE on my Facebook page for people to Draw A Self Portrait and use it as their facebook profile picture this week. Why? Because Digital Cameras are killin Self Portraiture....and because it's funny and fun! :) Whether you know how to draw or not, break out your pencils, crayons or whatever you've got and DRAW!

HOUR SWAP AND....

2011-04-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

"Weeds"
acrylic and ink on canvas
8" x 10"
completion time: 1 Hour

1. Opening bid starts at minimum wage ($7.25). Highest bidder will win. Bidding ends at midnight. You can bid one hour of your hourly work wage or the amount you think one of my hours is worth. Winner is responsible for shipping fees ($5). Winner must pay amount in full to receive piece. I accept Paypal and Money Orders.

2. Submit your bid 3 ways: comment here, comment or message on facebook or email me your bid at : hourswap@electriclollipop.com (INCLUDE TITLE OF PIECE YOU ARE BIDDING ON)
3. Today I will be keeping a running stat of the bids coming in and tweeting them and updating here and facebook so peek in and see if your bids been beat!
4. If no bids come in this art work will be sentenced to.....ETSY PRISON where a price will be put on it's head for release. Muah ha ha!
5. Happy bidding

Also I didn't forget our giveaway today! Stay tuned for that and also the Creative Challenge I am doing this week!

Dialogues: Sarah Zamora

2011-04-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Truly one of the highlights of being an active artist is getting to discover and meet new talents in your own backyard. Well, not LITERALLY your backyard but your little slice of the planet. I didn't officially "meet" Sarah Zamora at the Underground show but I met her art and was totally awed at how PROLIFIC she is! She has paintings upon paintings upon paintings in her arsenal. Makes my studio look bare jeez! Since the show we have become facebook friends and I get to keep tabs on this busy art gal every day. She won the piece "Stickism" and here are her thoughts on the importance of ART in our lives and why she connected with my piece!
"Stickism" by Patricia Rodriguez

" Art is more than paintings, more than what you can see. True art takes you outside of yourself, it shares what the artist sees or feels with another, without a spoken word. Making something original, something no one else has ever seen, is a way that I express my uniqueness and share those unseen beauties. Although putting your work out there on view for (review & potential criticism by) others is a delicate process that requires a thick skin, it's worth it when you inspire others; sometimes I see myself as a 'muse', that I can stir up the emotions & hearts of others. Ultimately it's when one of my pieces resonates with the soul of someone else, and they purchase that piece, that we share this perfect moment. It's odd, I guess, but we sort of join forces --- against corporate made, cookie-cutter knock-off 'hotel' art, against buying from child-labor overseas, against the 'cheaper is better' mentality; we bond over local, fair wage, original, one-of-a-kind, free-spirited creativity. It's a 'you+me against the world' moment. Buying original art isn't just about what will match your couch, it's so much more...What will stir your heart? What do you truly value? Who do you really want to support? After all, you are an original, why shouldn't your art be?

I've been watching some of the auctions since I found Patricia's work last month after ArtLoveMagic's Underground; not only do I dig her style, but I absolutely want to support her in her adventures in living out life with her heart, and not 'selling out' in fear to a day job. I love the perfectly imperfect style of this piece, the beauty of the creation in progress, the almost 'unfinished' quality to it. It's almost like our lives: we see where it's going, but you never know what turns it may take along the way. Finding peace in the here and now, resting in your current situation is a thing of beauty. That's what I see, anyway."

Sarah Zamora is a dedicated wife and mother of 2, and has been showing her mixed-media work locally since 2007. To keep up with current events and follow her work, check out her facebook page: www.facebook.com/originalyouth. You can read more about her on her website 'www.originalyouth.com' and find her prints on Etsy as well.