BicyclePaintings

What inspired you to make this product?
Bikes!
It’s a celebration!
This piece is part of a group of work. It’s a screenprint based on a monotype. The monotype is made up of lots of single bikes that I cut out of rubber and print individually until I’m visually satisfied.
All the bikes are from my paintings, they’re my friends bikes, mostly.
I like to see them heaped together, the shapes they make. The way they make me think of a lot of different people arriving at the same place.

What inspires you on a daily basis?
I like to make art that relates to what’s going on around me.
Of course there’s lots of bikes, because I use them for transportation and also ride with my friends and for exercise. I’m very inspired by bicycles both actually and symbolically. I love how a bicycle makes it possible to harness my own energy to move forward. They’re also really beautiful.
Other than that I’m inspired by what I see, on a basic level, shapes, the way light hits things, and I’m inspired by what my friends are doing, both artistically and generally.

What are your favorite materials to use?
I use a lot of different materials. It’s fun to explore media. I keep coming back to oil paint, it’s so luscious. I like acrylic on paper, a lot, I like drawing materials, watercolor pencils and crayons especially, I like printmaking on a press and screen printing.
I try to find the medium that best suits what I’m doing. They all have unique qualities, like different foods.

Where do you live and how does that influence your art?
I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in a big loft I share with other people. It’s a raw space, that’s great for working. It influences my work because my studio space is so great for making stuff. It’s also a nice neighborhood with a lot of artsy stuff going on.

Making a Comeback!

Hi all!
I have not posted for 3 weeks and am excited to get back in the swing of blogging and promoting my jewelry business.
Since I last posted I have moved and am still in the throws of all of it to be honest. I feel settled enough to get back into things a little. All of my essentials are in place and I can park one car in the garage so I think I am not doing too badly for just getting in a week ago.
I should be back in the later part of this week with my first featured artist of the new year- keep checking back!

Not too Late to Buy Handmade

Time is running out for all of us last minute shoppers! If you have made a commitment to shop handmade this season and still have a few names on the list that haven't been checked off- have no fear...you can still shop local.

We sometimes forget that shopping local for handmade is an excellent choice. I actually prefer it to shopping on-line because I am supporting the community, the shop and the artist. Another benefit is that I can check out the quality of the product before I buy it.

Here are some ways to find handmade in your area...
1) Fairs- check your local paper in the Arts section for information about Street fairs, Farmers Markets or Art Shows happening in your community this weekend.

2)High End Boutiques- you will often find handmade jewelry and other accessories in these shops. Yes, it's more expensive but if you are splurging on a nice piece- it's worth it. Sometimes these are stand-alone establishments or they are located in a hotel or mall.

3)Consignment shops- Oh...a virtual treasure trove! There are many consignment shops in average size cities- some cater to home goods, some womens high end clothing; others to baby and children's items. Often you will find a considerable about of locally made goods in these establishments to round of their selections of gently used items.

If you are tight on time you can do internet searches for local shops matching certain keywords. Call ahead and see if they have items in the general categories that you are looking to purchase.
Some other places to look are museum shops, stationary stores/card shops and off the beaten path type of general stores.
Good Luck!

Jewelry for Your Little Darling

These little personalized doll pendant take the cake! They are so cute and perfect for a little girl who wants to wear jewelry just like mommy. These little wooden dolls are created to look just like your little angel. Inspired by vintage peg and clothespin dolls, these posy girl™ pendants are painted completely by hand with caring attention to detail and finished with a thick coat of varnish. Most importantly, each little girl is entirely customizable! You choose her hair color and the letter (if any) you would like her to wear on her little heart necklace, making each little posy girl™ as unique as the girl who will be wearing her. $15 each
littlepinkposies.etsy.com

An Awesome Sterling Ring on the Super Cheap

I came across these bands awhile back and they have been in my favorites ever since. They are simple and elegant- great for stacking. They are real sterling silver and real Swarovski crystal....why so cheap I wonder? Who cares?! Take of advantage of this deal and order by the dozen is what I say! Convo the seller to get them in your size and color or order from a selection that are in stock. I mean, who doesn't love a ring like this? Priced at $10 each.
klawrencedesigns.etsy.com