Rolled Tube Sculpture on Etsy

One collection that I will be developing this year in my Etsy shop are my rolled tube sculptures. Currently, I have them offered in small hand held configurations but I want to do them in medium (11"x14") and large wall installations.

The one above graced the front page of Etsy this past September and it has really inspired me to make something of this collection.

The tubes themselves are small; approximately the size of a nickle or quarter. Some of them are as small as a dime. I have them in neutrals like above, and in minimalist white.

What colors should they be offered in?
Would you put them into definite shapes or keep them abstract?

Trendspotting for 2014

A few weeks ago, I hosted my Advanced Etsy seminar and at the end, we chatted about trends, colors and textures for 2014. I am absolutely THRILLED with where things are going in fashion, and beyond, and cannot wait to bring more texture and color into my shop in 2014.

What will you find?

Well, I will be focusing on tube sculpture, and larger installations like the one that I am in the process of creating for our bedroom.

I love how all of these tubes come together as a community and work to create one large finished piece. The different sizes of the tubes seem to create a pattern and texture all unto themselves, which is really awesome to see. I'll also be using some of the great 2014 color trends in them, so be on the look out for...

Chartreuse
Cobalt
Black
Tangerine
Lemon

Paired with...

Mint
Pale Blue
Powder
Lavender
Sorbet
Oyster

Then in terms of texture, think embossing. Remember these embossed buttons that I created for Tina Dean Designs?

Picture that type of texture on the interior of a bowl. Letting the clay speak for itself, no paint...just pattern. Lace, snakeskin, burlap, baroque motifs.

2014 promises to have luxurious texture, color and pattern both in fashion and in my shop! Stay tuned!!

Celeb{rate} Tuesday: Ms. BossyFunnypants

She's oh so funny, has an amazingly beautiful spirit and is quite the pretty lady, if I do say so myself. To have had the opportunity to create some amazing wall sculpture for her was incredible, to say the least!

Probably the funniest gal of our time, Tina Fey was an absolute delight to create for. I scultped 3 anemones for a wall installation for her...

One large white anemone with a double pebble collar. One medium white with a double pebble collar, and one small black with a single pebble collar.

I absolutely love them, and am confident that they suit her classic style and impeccable taste!

Celeb{rate} Tuesday: Love, Actually...is all around

One of my all time favourite movies, without an ounce of doubt, is Love, Actually. The story lines...the heartwarming tales...Colin Firth trying to speak Portugese for Aurelia...*sigh*

My absolute favourite part in the movie is when Mark is at Julia's door with the signs, explaining how, with everything that he is an everything he will be...he loves her. His best friend's girl...

So, naturally, when I had the chance to reach out to Keira Knightley's stylist and public relations rep, I did just that. I am simply overjoyed to have created a custom brooch for Keira!

I sculpted a black anemone, with a slight gold sparkle; something that she can wear as a brooch or clip to her favourite handbag to make it pop!

And for her amazing stylist, Camilla? The shimmery black gold rosette ring! Its absolutely stunning and makes such a statement!

Special Post: The Value of Art

You may have noticed some changes in the shop lately...new pieces, and new prices.

Custom miniature triptych

I've been doing lots of research, and mostly listening to my heart.

I am an artist.

Every item that I put into my shop is one that I have created with my own two hands. It is one that only my brain can process...the brushstrokes are ones that only my hands can do.

Pearl and black dahlia rings, handsculpted

 My designs are my own; they are not copied or modeled off of anyone else work. If a photograph is used for reference, it is one that I took (like for the skyscape journal below)

Monogrammed and handpainted skyscape journal

I've begun to realize the value of art...the value of myself as an artist, and the four amazing years that I spent in the sculpture and painting studios during my time at Wilfrid Laurier University.

12x12 abstract painting

Art is such an amazingly personal thing, and for me...it's something that I pour every ounce of myself into. The process is one of beautiful evolution for me, and I am so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to share that with you.

I am an artist, and I truly truly hope that you love what I do as much as I love doing it.

My First Piece of Art...

I put it out there to the twitterverse a few weeks ago that I would be happy to answer any and all questions from you about me, or my art.

@apnuttmama wrote "What was the first piece of art you ever created."

Oh gosh...that would probably go back to grade 3 to a drawing of a dolphin underwater in the days that I wanted to be a marine biologist.

Since I don't have a photo of that masterpiece, I thought that I would post the first piece that I created that has a whole lot of meaning behind it - my Dad's favourite.

The Gates - 2004

It was the first piece {in a series of four} that I painted on wood, using drywall plaster first to build up the surface to make it three dimensional. I absolutely loved the technique, and when my Dad saw it for the first time, he said that he saw fireworks.

It made me really proud, and it's continued to be a piece that I hang on my wall with pride...only now we don't seem to have a wall for it anymore. I'd love for it to find a new home...but it's pretty big {about 24"x30"} so I'm not sure what the future holds for this red blazing beauty.

BlogHer Sponsor Love: Hanlon Lain Photography

I had this vision way back in December when Lainie and I first shot with Kassidy of a woodland fairy nymph coming to life out in the woods with my sculpted hair pieces tangled in her crazy hair, really frosty looking makeup, a big fluffy tutu and reading one of my painted journals.

December.

6 months ago...

On Thursday evening, my vision came to life and I cannot wait to get the photos from the session. Here is a sneak peek!!

White ruffle peony headband and painted skeleton key journal

Isn't she stunning?? I adore all of the photos that I've seen so far and am so thankful to everyone who helped to pull off this shoot!