THE FUNCTIONAL ARTIST

My ETSY Stores

2008-02-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that I do have two ETSY stores on the go. One 'The Functional Artist' I use mainly for my paintings. The other store Gently Worn With Love is where I show my art and clothing from recyclables. This store is still in it's early stages but be sure to stop by and take a peak. New things will be coming!!!!

Newest papier mache

2008-02-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

I actually began this paper mache project awhile back but took a break as it takes a fair bit of time for it to dry between layers. I'm not sure what possessed me to pick this particular subject on mining. I can't even remember what I must have been googling when I came across the picture that gave me the idea to do a mining sculpture.
I was raised in a small Northern Ontario town where almost everyone was employed by either Denison or Rio Algom Uranium mines. So mining has been a big part of my life. I even worked 10 years myself in the offices at the mine sites. Now I live in a Northern Ontario city where again mining is the main industry, mainly copper mining such as Vale Inco.
I came across this image below. I have no idea who the men are in the photograph or which mine it was taken at. As I looked at the photo I noticed the depth to it and thought it would make a really great 3 dimensional paper mache project. I had been experimenting with a paper mache pulp using my recipe for paste and mixing it with toilet paper. In this sculpture I also used some plaster of paris and drywall compound. It was a great way to experiment.
I got out a board and began my project making many mistakes along the way and learning a lot about the layering of papier mache. I have a little ways to go before the project is totally complete but here it is. Keep in mind that there is still work to be done on it.
When I have completed it I am thinking of donating it to one of the mines. I know Rio Algom has a mining hall of fame and Vale Inco is still in operations so maybe one of those two would like to receive it. For now I had better go dig my hands into my paper mache paste and get cracking!

LATEST REPURPOSED, RECYCLED LAMP

2008-02-06T10:00:00.001-08:00

Once more I scored a great find!!! In the apartment building where I live residents that want to dispose of something that could be reused leave it in the laundry room for whomever wants it. One day while doing my laundry I found this lamp just sitting there, looking lost and lonely. It was covered with a paper shade that extended from the top ring to the bottom but it had seen better days. Not one to pass up an item that intrigues me I dragged it to my already overflowing apartment and added it to my 'to do list'. It works perfectly and doesn't need rewiring.
I find it unique and I have endless ideas swimming through my head on what to do with it. I can think of all kinds of interesting ways to create some type of new shade. So I will mull this one over and hopefully come up with something unique I can feature on an upcoming blog. Gotta love these freebies!!! :)

RECYCLED LAMP TABLE

2008-02-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

I've had to take a little break from my paintings during a flare up with my shoulder. To amuse myself I have been going over my quickly piling up second hand furniture. This neat lamp table, think it must be from the 60's maybe, was given to me by my sister whose husband snagged it at a yard sale. I hesitate to put a paintbrush to it yet because I can't decide if that is the route I want to take with this one. This interesting piece of furniture has me a bit stumped so I will put off doing anything to it for a bit.If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, send them my way.

LATEST FUNKY FURNITURE

2008-02-04T18:12:00.001-08:00

I scored good at Value Village and picked up what might have once been a living room end table for only $2.00!!! I also walked out with the coffee table mate, which I got for only $5!! The painting has yet to be done on that piece.
My youngest son needed some furniture for his college apartment. Of my three children he is the one that shares my love of the unusual, my other children leaning more towards modern pieces. I guess they had enough of growing up in a house filled with mismatched salvaged and handmade pieces of furniture. I preferred to call it 'eclectic'...:)
My son is fun to paint for. He has many interests that make decorating and painting for him enjoyable. From his love of music (he is awesome on any instrument, especially the keyboard), his love of poker, his passion for Coca Cola. I have endless ideas for him such as the keyholder I featured in an earlier blog.
Anyway, I decided to paint this table bold and bright and feature one of his interests...music.
After a light sanding I started out by drawing up a basic design.
Then I got out my paints and went wild with the colors. He loved it and now has it proudly on display in his small loft apartment and uses the bottom shelf to display his wine glasses. Another love of his...wine :) Here is the finished table.

Some day I hope to have my own shop featuring unique and original furniture that has been redesigned or repurposed. A place you could go to to find that one unique piece that every home should have.

OFFERING PRINTS FROM PAINTINGS

2008-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

I have jumped on the bandwagon and will be offering prints of some of my artwork. As I get good images of my paintings I will list them on IMAGEKIND where they will be available for purchase.
A lot of artists use IMAGEKIND to create beautiful prints of their work and have a lot of high praise so I have decided to give them a try.
To go directly to my profile to see prints available click here or on the link IMAGEKIND shown in the sidebar.My popular pop art painting above is the first one I am offering as print.

REPURPOSED LIGHT AS ART

2008-01-26T07:38:00.001-08:00

I am constantly amazed by people that can take ordinary objects and transform them into functional works of art. I have been surfing the net looking for ideas on reconstructed or repurposed lamp ideas. I came across this amazing artist that has taken utensils and created very unique lighting. Ali Siahvoshi has created the chandelier below: His work can be seen at the website FABBIAN He has managed to take ordinary untensils and repurpose them into this unique piece of functional art. Okay, I am off to browse through my growing mound of treasured trash to see what I can come up with.
Oh my...once you start on recycling it does become quite addictive.

REORGANIZING MY ART

2008-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

I keep reading on the internet that all artists should have a collection of work that depicts their style. Having sold most of mine prior to having the capability for creating prints I have decided to now follow that tidbit of advice and try and create a body of work that I could showcase when I want to have a show or display. I am concentrating on two areas. My 'Life in Northern Canada' folk art series and my unique, funky recycled furniture. I will also focus on reproducing my work into prints, something I had in the past, not had interest in doing. However, I now see the pros in having prints available. For people that want to collect works of particular artists but can't really afford an original, prints seem the way to go.

Right now I am in the middle of reorganizing my workspace so that it will be more functional and eliminate a lot of wasted time. I admit space is at a premium, however, organization seems to be one of my strong suits. Yet, having said that, my art area is the least organized of my spaces in my life. Time to take the bull by the horns and get in there and create an area I can feel productive and creative in. Maybe it will also help me to stay focused, something I have a hard time doing.

However, my dream remains to one day have a true studio with a separate room where I can sell my paintings along with my eclectic mix of functional art and furniture. A place where people who want that 'one' unique original piece will come to find it. Every home should have at least one unique piece of furniture or art I firmly believe.

Now wouldn't one of these pieces be a great conversation piece in your home?

UNIQUE FUNCTIONAL ART FURNITURE

2008-01-05T05:57:00.001-08:00

As much as I enjoy the Christmas Holidays and the festivities I must admit I am always anxious to get the decorations put away and get back to normal. Normal for me being back to working on my artwork and crafts and letting my creative ideas take full reign. I am always full of ideas coming out of the holidays and anxious to get working on them. I recently finished a big winter folk art painting in my 'Life in Northern Canada' series and I am halfway through the next one which is a summer scene. However, I tend to take breaks from my painting to pursue ideas that pop into my head on recycling. I recently 'scored' a really unique floor lamp someone was tossing out and I am so anxious to transform it into something funky and new. It is approximately 5 1/2 feet tall with three small chandelier type lights running up it. It was covered with a paper type shade that reached from almost the base to the top but it was in bad shape and I removed it. Right now the ideas are flying through my head on how I will create a new unique functional piece of art from it. I will post pictures shortly in an upcoming blog.
In the meantime, I am once again back to surfing the internet looking at unique recycled furniture, my passion. I came across this site, RESTORE and fell in love with the unique furniture they have made using discarded items such as this wheelbarrow they converted into a chair. Now this designer has a great imagination and vision. Also on this site is a grocery cart converted into a chair. Hmmm....I think Walmart had better start locking up their grocery carts.
Okay, back to my cup of tea and my break searching the web in pursuit of more original functional art creators. Stay tuned and Happy New Year to you all!

PRINTS SOON AVAILABLE

2007-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have decided it is about time I offered prints of some of my artwork. I have had a lot of inquiries on the availability of prints of my paintings, especially from my "Life In Northern Canada" series. I am now looking into having prints made of some of the paintings and offering them for sale.

The most popular to date is one of the paintings that was auctioned at the Conn Smythe Sportsman's Dinner auction this year in Toronto. It is the one shown below of the little boy that dreams of one day being on the Olympic Men's Sledge Hockey Team. Unfortunately at that time I didn't get a very good photograph of that painting. I am in the middle of sketches for a few new paintings based on children dreaming big which I hope will prove as popular.

If you would like to be notified when these paintings or others become available please send me a note at simplytreasured99@hotmail.com or sign my guestbook on my website THE FUNCTIONAL ARTIST.

WINTER HAS SPRUNG

2007-11-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

Winter has sprung in Northern Ontario. You would think after all the years I have lived here I would have adjusted by now, but not the case. I hate winter!!!! I admit I enjoyed it when I was a child, jumping in fresh piles of snow, building snowforts and making snowflake angels. Now winter means dressing in layers and layers of heavy clothing to prevent the cold bite of the winter wind, trudging through deep piles of snow....*moan*. Yes, I am entitled to moan, I've put in my dues having been through 30, okay 40 odd years of the white stuff.
But I am wandering from my main reason for starting this blog and that is art work. Having just completed a winter painting in my "Life In Northern Canada" series I have already begun a summer one. Yes I am pushing the season a wee bit but hey, consider it artistic license. Maybe if I keep working on this one the painting will give me the warmth I need to make it through another Northern Winter. One can only hope.

MY LATEST FOLK ART PAINTING

2007-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished my latest folk art painting. For some reason this one took more time than others to complete. It was definately a labor of love. It could be that my painting style has changed somewhat and I wanted to keep the style as similar as I could to my other paintings. Then again it could have also have been that I tried to be a little more through and careful. I'm not entirely sure, however, it is complete and I feel so much better. Almost like giving birth!!! :) I feel such a sense of relief. I am quite happy with the way it came out. I'm not sure if I will put it for sale on Ebay as I find their rates have really gone up and art doesn't seem to be doing as well on Ebay lately. It is also my biggest folk art painting so I'm not sure how much I will sell it for. I do know that I am ready for a change of season. I am going to go on now to paint a bright spring or summer painting with the children. Hopefully, it won't take as long to complete this one. Then again...with me...who knows?

NEW ORLEANS T-SHIRTS SELL BIG ON ZAZZLE!!!

2007-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

What a nice surprise to receive an email from Zazzle that 52 T-shirts with the image of my painting "They Can't Keep Us Down" had been purchased from my Zazzle shop. This painting was a Jazz wall hanging I did based on the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and the spirit of the people of New Orleans.
Jazz put New Orleans on the map musically, and the culture lives on despite the events of Hurricane Katrina and the devestation she created. I wonder if they were purchased by some group to wear to an event? That's the only downside to selling through online shops is that you have no contact with the people that purchase from them.
Oh well, I am just really happy that so many sold and that someone obviously loves that painting. The original wallhanging is still for sale and can be seen at my ETSY store.

HANDPAINTED ICE SKATES

2007-11-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Finally I'm able to get on the computer and post my latest work. I've had a few hectic and busy weeks and haven't been able to keep up my blog, but I am back now and have lots to share.
I have just completed painting a pair of old figure skates. I love to paint on any surface, especially something I haven't tried before so when I saw these pair of skates being tossed aside...well...I saw a blank canvas. Out came my paints and my imagination and before I knew it, I had created these great decoration/conversation pieces. One I painted in a Christmas scene with the words 'Season's Greetings' on one side of the blade and 'Happy Holidays' on the other. One side is a snowy scene with a Snowman family and the other side features my little folk art houses. I removed the old laces and threaded lacy ribbon adorned with cinnamon sticks through them.

The second skate was painted in a non Christmas winter scene so it could be displayed all winter. One side shows Children enjoying outdoor skating and the other side shows more children enjoying winter past times such as building a snowman and sledding. These are similar to my Northern Ontario folk art children scenes.

They would look wonderful hanging on a front door to greet visitors or simply for display. They would also make unique gift packages for Christmas filled with treats...the possibilities are endless.
They will be offered for sale at my shop on ETSY and through my website.

FRUSTRATED ARTIST

2007-10-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am a very frustrated artist at the moment. I tend to get a wee bit grumpy when I don't have time to create artwork. It's almost like an obsession I have...I have to be creating or I feel like I am wasting time. Very hard to explain but I am sure that other artists and not just artists get this feeling when the are almost 'obsessed' with something. I wonder if this would qualify as a Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Hmmm...must ask the Doctor if I can ever get one that is.
Which brings me to another frustration. Having a health problem that requires regular monitoring it is very frustrating to find myself unable to obtain a family doctor. I mean, geeze, I have been living in this city for almost 2 years now and still I cannot get one. So for now I travel back and forth to my old family doctor 2 hours away.
So at the moment, due to lack of time, discomfort from my ailment, family obligations and I admit, total disorganization of my art supplies I am getting more and more frustrated by the minute.
I decided to attempt the recyling of grocery bags, as done by another artist I featured previously in SEPTEMBER another blog entry. I thought this might be relaxing and a 'portable' creative outlet I could do anywhere. However, after only one or two evenings of crocheting plastic bags...I developed pain in my right arm from the repetitive motion. At least that's what I think has caused it.
So I look around my place, looking at partly painted canvases, partly finished sculptures in paper mache, numerous pieces of denim clothing waiting to be painted...and I become extremely frustrated.
Time...it moves too swiftly. Sleep...well, I consider it a 'necessary Evil'. So I hope this cycle of running around like a chicken with my head cut off and the ache and pains in my body end soon and I can regroup, be creative and once again spend time doing what I love best...creating art.

ANOTHER WARHOL??

2007-10-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

I came across the most incredible unknown pop artist and I just had to get a painting done. His work is so incredible and reminds me of Andy Warhol, the famous pop artist. His ability to create paintings of people in my favorite style of pop art is...well, I am in awe. I couldn't resist. I just had to have a painting done so I requested a painting of Roy Orbison. It came today and I was even more impressed. It was well packed and I received it in record time. I couldn't have been happier.
I cannot believe that he doesn't advertise his work however, he does do commissions. Here is my wonderful new painting.
Eric Dee has been painting for quite awhile but has not gone national in marketing his work so I am so happy to get in on an early sale before others discover his talent. Here is another painting he did of James Dean.
I don't know who owns this one but lucky them. If you are interested in having your own painting done I did make a note of his email address and you can reach him at ericdee@gmail.com

ANOTHER CREATIVE RECYCLING ARTIST

2007-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have come across another recyling artist in my search on the internet. I can never get enough of viewing recylced art. It takes such imagination and creativity to create as they do. To take some everyday ordinary item and view and use it in a totally different direction creating a unique piece of art is an artform of it's own.

Lane (the only name he seems to go by) creates whimsical original sculptures from recycled castaways. They seem to have a character of their own as in the piece shown below. Who would think to use a wall socket for a body? I haven't seen that done yet. Another type of 'functional artwork' he produces are his lamps. The lampshades appear to be made from recycled license plates.Lane recycles plain metal parts into his sculptures and lamps. His work can be seen at Gallery Zipp, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, at Adelante, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and at Ghost Town Trading Company, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Okay, I'm going to go google some more and find other amazing artists out there. I cannot get enough of recycling!!!!

TORONTO WATERFRONT - completed painting

2007-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, my completed pop art painting of the Toronto waterfront. I love the way it came out. I am having trouble however getting a good photograph so will have to keep at it, but for now, I wanted to show you the finished painting. The colors are deeper as in the first photograph. Overall, I am pleased with it and I am sure that true Torontorians will have no trouble picking out some of the buildings such as the CN Tower.Below is a picture of what it looks like on a wall. My apartment walls are the boring typical beige, not what you'd expect from a color junky like myself, but it gives you an idea. It measures 26wx22"h, a good size for a painting. I am going to continue on in this style and produce more paintings based on major cities in Canada and possibly the US.
In this last photograph you can see how I like to continue my painting around the edges so they can be hung as is with no need for framing.

Toronto Waterfront in full color (A work in progress)

2007-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been carrying around in my head an idea for a painting I have wanted to do for some time. I love the view of the Toronto waterfront and have wanted to capture it on cavas but not from a realistic perspective but in my own pop art fashion. Sticking with my love of bright yellow/blue combinations and the sky here is a picture of the predrawn work on canvas. Some paintings I do freehand but some I like to draw and block out in advance.
I'm not going to pretend that I have drawn it to scale or included every single building, now that wouldn't be pop art would it? However, if you are a true Torontonian I am sure you can recognize some of the buildings. I painted it on a 22 x 26" canvas which seems to be a good size. In the picture below I have begun to add the color.
I began wanting to do it in my usual bold primary colors but for some reason I decided to go with a different tone and created my own colors by mixing my paints. It is almost complete and I will post it here in the next day or so. Right now I am off to search for good pictures of Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and maybe some US coastal cities. I think I have the makings of a series here.

1960's RETRO POP ART GIRLS

2007-09-23T12:41:00.001-07:00

I have to admit that I hate sitting still or being confined to once spot for long. Combine that with my need to either be painting or creating art and you have 'art on the go'. I started these paintings of 1960's girls because of my love of pop art and the hippie 60's era. They are loose pieces of artist canvas measuring 17"x17" and I can roll them up and bring them with me to work on whenever the mood hits. I will be making these into pillows or cushion covers to fit 16" x 16" cushion forms and offering them for sale at my ETSY store. I have almost 4 completed.They are so much fun to do and I love creating the outfits and earrings not to mention the bold retro background. It also kind of ties into my paper mache ladies heads I make. Actually, I am thinking of creating ladies heads with each of these retro girls. I think that would be a really neat addition to a funky 60's retro decor. You could have a 1960's outfit hanging on the ladies heads and a few of these retro cushions on your bed. Hmmmm....I can see it now. I think Austin Powers would approve...Yeah Baby!!!....:)

HAND PAINTED OUTFITS - FINALLY FINISHED!!!

2007-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished 3 pieces of children's denim clothing that I must admit was a lot of fun to do. And...bonus...they held up great in the wash test. Cold water and hang dry is the way to go I discovered. Okay, some people might find that a little too fussy for children's clothing. However, when you consider they are wearing an orginal one of a kind, hand painted outfit by a professional artist... Well, let's just say your child will be the talk at the Mother's Day Brunch. Look how cute this little jumper turned out. Can't you just picture a little girl in a red turtleneck and tights?
This is the back which has an apple with a worm poking out of it. These are my own original designs. In keeping with my love of recycling this is a girls size 4T, gently worn OSH KOSH denim jumper in excellent shape.

Well, I am off to my store at ETSY to list these items for some lucky little girl.

MY FUNKY PAINTED SHOES

2007-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Continuing on in my love of trying all mediums I decided to jump on the bandwagon and create my own hand painted shoes. There seems to be a lot of interest in painted shoes lately. I had a boring pair of white canvas shoes that were just crying out for color and loving color as much as I do...well, you can figure out the rest.

It was a little awkward painting on a curved canvas but also very challenging and fun. When I wear them out I get a lot of surprised glances at my shoes but only a few brave souls that asked about them. I coated them with a flexible varathane and they seem to be holding up quite well. Think I may just have to attempt another pair.

AND YET ANOTHER GREAT RECYCLING ARTIST

2007-09-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am constantly surfing the net admiring the work of artists that are able to create fantastic works of art from recyclables. To take something that would normally be discarded and turn it into a work of art is a talent that always amazes me.
Recently I came across an artist, Jeanette Jansen, that takes items such as hardware parts, discarded watches and turns them into assemblage dolls. Assemblage dolls are exactly that...dolls created by assembling various materials together. Here is one of my favourites.

This particular doll is made from a vintage furniture hardware part and her legs are from wire. A watch face is in her center and a tiny Gruen watch vial hangs from her wing. Her face is enclosed within a watch crystal. She is available for sale at Jeanette's ETSY shop.
This next item is one of her assemblage pins. It is made from recycled items including an ornate button, watch parts and an antique safety pin.
It too is available for sale at Jeanette's ETSY shop.

MY LATEST RECYCLED CLOTHING

2007-09-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is the front of my latest hand painted child's denim outfit. It's a really cute little jumper that I have painted up into a school outfit. Notice the apple on the cuff of the sleeve.

Here is a view of the back where I have painted a bright school bus.

Below are closeups.

I made sure this time to add enough fabric medium to the paints so the paintings will hold up well. I can picture a little girl in red tights wearing this adorable jumper. In keeping with my love of recycling this is a previously gently worn dress. It was so much fun to do I'll have to go do another!!

FUNCTIONAL ART KEYHOLDER

2007-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

I doubt you could guess what this started out as. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the back of it before I gave it to my son.

Here is my latest piece of functional art.
My son is an avid and very talented musician now in his second year of college. Yesterday was his 20th birthday and I went to visit him and this was one of his gifts.

The last time I visited him I noticed he had a terrible habit of losing his keys. Living in a basically one room apartment downtown, space and decorating is very limited. So I painted up this piece, added some hooks for his keys and he now has functionl piece of Mom's artwork.

This piece of wood shaped like a violin started out as a serving platter for cheeze and crackers. If you had seen it before I got my paint brush out you would have seen that on the reverse side is an indent to hold the crackers and there was a round ceramic tile for the cheeze. Naturally, when I first laid my eyes on it I immediately envisioned it full of paint and color. Goes to show you that just about anything can be transformed into a functional unique piece of art. Guaranteed no one else will have one like it!

RECYCLED TOTE BAGS

2007-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get tired of the increasing plastic bags that come home with your groceries? A lot of people now use canvas for packing their groceries but sometimes the plastic ones are unavoidable. Every store has them. What to do with them besides lining your small wastebaskets? Well, CraftiKathi at ETSY has taken the plain plastic store bag and recycled them into very useful items.
Take a look at these all purpose functional bags.

Not only are they functional but they are also very strong and durable and definately save a lot of waste for the environment. Take a look at Kathi's store at CRAFTIKATHI. You might want to get a few of these eco friendly totes.

MY IDEA OF THE PERFECT FIRE PIT

2007-08-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Great Bowl O’ Fire is an unique work of art hand-cut by artist John T Unger. Made of 100% recycled material it not only acts as a warm inviting fire pit to gather around with friends but also a unique piece of art.

John Unger has been making art professionally for a little over a decade, and has made a full-time living as an artist for the past six years or so. John believes in working primarily with recycled or re-used materials thus minimizing the impact on natural resources, climate and the environment. He also feels that successful recycled art and design encourages creativity in others. It's alchemical, magical, subversive, and transformative by nature which could only be a good thing.

I agree with him. Seeing all this creativity oline by so many talented recylcing artists just makes me see everyday objects in a truly different light. I've always been one for not throwing anything out or trying to find a useful purpose for it so to see this type of creativity and art that incorporates recycling...well, as Martha would say..."It's a good thing."

Thanks John for letting me show your wonderful unique 'functional art'. To view more of John's work go to his WEBSITE or visit his ETSY store.

EVE PAINTING - finished at last??

2007-08-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's finally finished...I think. I am terrible for finishing a painting and then going back days later and making changes. I can't seem to ever completely walk away from it until it is parceled up and ready to ship out. Sometimes it works out for the better as I'll spot something after a few days I might not have earlier...then on the other hand, there is overkill. Yes, going that one step further, a little too far and ruining it by overworking it. So sometimes it is just best to walk away. So, "Multitude of Sins"...I am walking away.
I wonder how many will get the connection of the title 'Multitude of Sins'. If you think you know how I connect that with my painting I'd love to hear your opinion. How do you think the title connects to the art? Let me know.
Okay, now I have to go list her for sale on my WEBSITE and ETSY. Pop over and have a look and while you do that I think I might go scout for some more great artists I can feature in an upcoming blog. Catch ya next time!

HAND PAINTED FURNITURE

2007-08-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well here are some of the pieces in my 'Eve and the Serpent' line. The two stools have already been purchased. I took this picture before I was quite finished the painting which is titled "A Multitude of Sins." Since this photo I have added some sun rays and a bit more color to the snakes and that is it. I hung it on my wall and I loved how eye catching it was. At 22" x 26" it was just a nice size. I plan on listing it on EBAY on Sunday hopefully.

These pieces are fast becoming popular. They can be seen at EARTHWORKS GALLERY in Narberth, Pennsylvannia on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. Owner Lenore Robison loves the bright bold pop art featured on these pieces. I plan on adding more to the line such as cushions and am currently painting a denim jacket with an Eve theme.
However, giving in to my Attention Disorder I took a little break and painted up a pair of my shoes. They turned out so kewl and funky. I will be posting pictures of those shortly, hopefully tomorrow.
As you can see I have a hard time keeping my paintbrush off any surface. I want to add color all around me!!
Well, off I go...back to the paints...hmmm....the cat is looking a wee bit pale tonight...:) Stay tuned.

JEWELLRY FROM RECYCLED COMPUTER PARTS??

2007-08-22T18:41:00.001-07:00

I keep coming across these fascinating recyling artists on the internet. A woman definately ahead of her time, Debby Arem has for a few years now been creating wonderful jewellry art from recycled circuit boards. How unique is that? Here is just one piece of fascinating jewellry and I think my favorite.

Not only is she saving them from being added to the landfill, but it is also a very original idea especially considering the technology of today and the fact that just about every home now has at least one computer. Her product line, centered around recycled circuit boards, THREE RING CIRCUITS was launched in 1992. She not only uses circuit boards in the jewellry she makes but also in earrings, pins, tie tacks, and cuff links. THREE RING CIRCUITS also makes bookmarks, clipboards of various sizes and key chains. Below is an example of a tie clip. I absolutely love this one.

They are all truly unique and you should pop on over and check out the rest at her WEBSITE. Hmmmm....Now I know what I just might get that 'computer junkie' on my list for Christmas! I'm off to surf for more of these unique recycling artists. Stay tuned.

AND MORE ON RECYCLING ARTISTS

2007-08-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

I seem to be acquiring a following on my new line of funky ooak pop art furniture and I'm loving it. It's definately keeping me busy. But enough about me...today's blog is about another fantastic recyling artist whose work you will really enjoy viewing.
Cat Bishop is someone I follow on FLICKR and what she does with recycled objects is truly amazing and fun artwork that will make you smile. Below is an example of a series she does using recycled vintage cameras. She has a way of turning them into sculptures that mimic people. Each piece seems to have a unique personality of their own.
You will find her as CATBISHOP on FLICKR or you can read her BLOG. She also sells through ETSY and is very popular there. And if that isn't enough to convince you how popular she is CAT was also featured in CRAFT MAGAZINE. You might want to bookmark her and check back regularly for her new work as I do.
Here's another example of Cat's creations.

Now who else would think to do that with old pots and billiard balls? I continue to be amazed by what some artists can do with objects that would otherwise be delegated to landfill. To take these cast offs and turn them into objects of art is truly a talent. I bet after viewing this artist and some of the other recycling artists I have featured you will think twice about every object you toss out and the ones you decide to put in yard sales. Which reminds me...tomorrow is recycling day...maybe I should take a ride through the neighborhood??? :)

Remember...one man/woman's trash is another man/woman's treasure...

NEW FUNKY STOOL

2007-08-21T15:50:00.001-07:00

This is my newest 20" h handpainted stool that is a match to the first (which can be seen in my Aug. 7 blog - UPDATE). I followed the initial theme but changed the pictures and colors somewhat so they coordinate but are not identical. I've just posted it at my ETSY store and I am off to post it on my WEBSITE now. I am going to continue on in my series of eclectic, funky, pop art style of 'Art Furniture'. I am about to begin a table that is 24" square and 29" high that goes with these two stools. I do have other pieces of furniture that are crying out for color that I plan to add to this series. I call it Art Furniture because the paintings on it are considered art and they are signed and come with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity). I have just about completed a large painting (22"x26")that goes with this series, I've titled it, 'A Multitude of Sins' also and will be posting it shortly. Also, computer nubie that I am, I created a banner to use to feature my new funky furniture line. Maybe I'll add it to my website. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: sold! wow that was fast!!

DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!! :)

2007-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am very excited that my second stool in my handpainted "Eve and the Serpent" furniture series just sold. Wow that was fast but I do love it. So I am off to do another large stool and a table. I absolutely love painting in bright bold colors. Someone once commented that my work reminded them of Peter Max based on my first piece of 'pop art' below.

At the time I didn't know who he was but when I googled him I was very impressed. I love his work. Some of it reminds me of the doodle art I use to love to color back in the 70's and I can see why they compare some of my work to his pop art.

Someone once commented on the painting below of mine that it was like 'Warhol meeting PIcasso' which really amused me.

Well I'm off to finish up the next stool and hope to post it here in the next few days.

TWO VERY UNIQUE ARTISTS

2007-08-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Through ETSY I discovered a truly unique artist. I really admire artists that can take a simple object and see so many thing with it and go on to create unique and absolutely original work. I love their vision. Take a look at some of Terry's work at his blog BENT OBJECTS where he uses his vivid imagination to create from wire and found objects. Every day items will never look the same again.

I also discovered another unique and very talented artist whose work always makes me smile. Ben Hawkins has taken junkyard trash and turned them into such wonderful and original characters. You can't help but smile when you see them. Check out his photos at FLICKR where he is known as WHIMSICAL RUBBISH. Ben was also featured on the show RARE VISIONS AND ROADSIDE REVELATIONS. He was kind enough to post it here on UTUBE so we could watch it. I for one, don't get that show here in Ontario.
You cannot help but be inspired by his work. It changes the whole way you look at simple objects.
I was about to throw out a paintbrush of mine when all of a sudden I saw it as a person. The scruffy bristles resembled hair and I just had to try my hand at Ben's craft and create my own little 'muse'. I love it and it was so much fun to do.
Check out Ben's blog.
Take a few minutes to look at these two artists sites and don't be surprised if it doesn't get your own creativity inspired!

NEWEST PAINTED STOOL

2007-08-12T12:07:00.001-07:00

Okay I am back at it. Here is the latest little stool in what I am now calling my "Serpeant" collection. I have decided to continue to paint more pieces of functional art in my own original pop art style. I can't help loving the bold bright colors and the way they seem to pop off the black background. The first big stool shown below in my last post was snapped up pretty quickly by a woman in Pennsylvania and I am now about to list this one in my ETSY shop and on my WEBSITE for sale. I hope it becomes a collectable series like my "Life in Northen Ontario" folk art paintings. Stay tuned as I am off to paint the second larger stool and I think I may also paint a ladies denim jacket and add it to this series.
UPDATE: SOLD!!!

HAND PAINTED FURNITURE - update

2007-08-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a few days because I was busy helping a friend move into a new home. Well I didn't actually help much in the physical part with my back, but good at directing...:) Then I got caught up in my painting. Right now I am painting a footstool in my pop art style and also finishing off a large canvas painting in again my pop art style. Both works are versions of my Eve and the Serpeant style which seems to be becoming popular. I sold this stool below to a woman in PA and since then a lot of people have asked me about it so I thought I might produce some more items in this theme.

I can't post pictures just yet as I don't have my camera here but I hope to post them on Thursday so please check back.
I am still working on my denim outfits so will post pictures of those also. I tend to go back and forth between projects as I bore easily and get easily distracted!!! However, I am finally getting better at completing more work.
You know you are an artist when there are blue and yellow fingerprints on your phone.

RECYCLING AT IT'S BEST

2007-07-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

Always on the look out for creative recycling I love to surf the net and see what people have come up with. I found this really great company at the Viva Terra site that creates all kind of things from recycled objects. This item below was made from discarded flip flops!! What a neat idea.

Look around their site and you'll see all kinds of terrific things they have created. This picture below shows how they used truck tires to make an ottoman/table and stools. I just love it. Considering all the talk of what to do with old tires this idea is a great one!

Definately a site worth checking out!

HAND PAINTED CLOTHING - FINISHED....I THINK...

2007-07-26T17:54:00.001-07:00

Well at top is the back of the finished pants and below that is the front. Wow, this was almost as much work as a painting. I love how they turned out and the color of course is bolder in person. (Still not too good with a camera.)
I mixed the acrylic paint with a fabric medium as per instructions and painstakingly applied it to the denim praying that it would hold up. However, I want to let them sit for a bit (I always do that with my artwork to let it cure and because I am always going back to touch up something I missed.) Then I will "heat set" it and then...the big test....the laundering. For the most part all the researching I did online suggests washing inside out in cold water and not putting in dryer, at least the majority of the articles did.
So stay tuned and in a few days I will let you know how they hold up. Now, how am I going to keep myself from painting all the rest of the clothes until after the final test. Hmmmm....wish me luck.
You know you're an artist when you can't find a nice outfit to wear because everything has paint smears on it.

WORK IN PROGRESS

2007-07-25T14:14:00.001-07:00

I decided to start with a little pair of pants first. What you are seeing is the initial design. I don't use stencils and it definately isn't done by air brushing so it won't be perfect but will definately be an original one of a kind piece of art. I pre-sketched a few insects such as a dragonfly, bee, ladybug til I liked what I drew than picked up my paintbrush and began to paint freehand...so have to see now how well they come out....stay tuned!

You know you are an artist when ou butter your toast with your fingers, just to feel its texture.

MY NEW CANVASES

2007-07-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

These adorable children's denim outfits are just crying out for an original painting by me. I can hear them saying..."we are so boring....paint us!" Only too happy to oblige I am off to gather up my paint supplies and create some magic on them. This time I won't mess up!!! Stay tuned for the results.

WELL DUH ME!!!!

2007-07-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Like a Bull in a china shop I rushed into the fabric painting experience. Okay, I confess, I am one of those people that never reads directions (I know it all don't you know?) When I have the urge to do something I just rush right in without taking the proper steps. In other words, I learn by trial and error (even when it comes to raising my children.) :)

So I created the cutest painting on the cutest little girls denim jumper. It looked so professional and was so bright. I heat set it and then decided to test it in the wash. Children's clothes have to be washable. Even I know that.

Anxiously waiting through the dryer cycle I reached in and pulled out my adorable little girls hand painted denim jumper and nearly cried when I saw that in a few areas the paint had cracked!!! What had I done wrong? I realized right away what the problem was. I had mixed fabric medium into my paints as this will make acrylic paints equivalent to fabric paints and produce a nice soft paint texture. However, when I did a few touch ups in the painting I remember dipping my brush into the acrylics instead of the premixed paints.....well duh me!!! It was those spots where the cracking happened.

That was so typical of me not paying attention. No matter. I learned an important lesson and now know how to create paintings on denim so they won't crack or fade. I just wish I had thought of taking a picture of it before I ruined it in the wash.

Oh well, stay tuned I have a few more adorable denim outfits to test out and I will be sure to post those pics!!!You know you are an artist when...The highlights in your hair are from your palette and not Clairol.

FABRIC PAINTING

2007-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Once again I have been bitten with the bug of wanting to try a new art medium. This time it is painting on fabric. I inherited a lot of baby girl clothes that I passed on to my expectant neice but before I did I came across two really adorable plain denim jumpers. It was like there were new canvases crying out..."Paint me! Paint me!" Well, what could I do but paint.

My kids use to tell their many friends trouping in and out of our house, "Don't stand still or my mother might paint you!" I guess they had good reason too as there is no surface or object I can pass by without looking at it and mentally adding the touch of my paintbrush. So...I am off to create a piece of wearable art and will post it shortly I hope!

Wish me luck!

A BUDDING PICASSO???

2007-07-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

When I saw this picture online I just had to post it. I wonder if this is how Picasso started out???

A BIT OF EGYPT

2007-07-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of helping a young friend prepare to decorate her bedroom in her new home. She has a very avid interest in Egyptian history and for a 14 year old is very up on the subject. So it was only natural that we decided to create an Egyptian theme in her bedroom. As I love to decorate almost as much as I love to paint I am very thrilled to be helping her with this project. Since we can't actually get into the new home for a few more weeks we are working on preparing accessories and such for the room. I decided to make some paintings for her that would fit in to her theme. We are leaning towards a Cleopatra type setting so of course she wants it filled with authentic looking Egyptian artifacts and art. Here is a painting I created for her based on the "Eye of Ra". Turned out so nice I think I might recreate it on a larger canvas and offer it for sale. Let me know what you think.

PAINTING WITH ACRYLICS

2007-07-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love to paint with acrylics. I have tried watercolors and I am not great at blending. I have tried oils and I admit I don't have the patience to wait for them to dry. So I love acrylics. They are quick drying, colorful and forgiving...you can paint right over your mistakes (of which I make many!)

I recently came across a great website where an acrylic artist by the name of Sandra Sheetz has a free video you can watch which gives you a few lessons on painting with acrylics. I found it very helpful and insightful so if you are new to painting with acrylics I would check it out. Painting with Acrylics video.

Below is one of my few attempts at oils. I find it easier to paint abstracts with oils as you can blend and create wonderful color and not have to worry about each color drying beforehand. However, I think I will stick with my acrylics. This piece is for sale and is gorgeous in person. My camera needs replaced!!!

RECYCLING AT ITS BEST

2007-06-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

I must confess I cannot toss out an item or pass a pile of junk without thinking what it could be recycled into. I am always thrilled when I come across websites that show really unique ideas for recycling everyday items many toss away. You have to check out this site where aluminum cans are resused as siding on a house! Really...check it out. Pop over to ECO-ARTWARE blog.

You also might want to check out these neat Rag Chairs made by DROOG.

PAINTERS BLOCK?

2007-06-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Okay I've heard of writers block and I think that I may have painters block. You know one of those times when you can stare and stare at a canvas and just cannot bring yourself to pick up the paintbrush? What a strange feeling. It's not that there aren't ideas swimming around in my head, they swim so fast I get dizzy! But something, sometimes just stops me from picking up that brush. I think sometimes it is lack of confidence that I can bring the image swimming around in my head to life on that big blank canvas staring back at me. I think the canvas and I are having a battle of sorts. I feel it staring at me saying...go ahead, do your best but it won't be good enough. Grrr...I wish it would be quiet. I tell myself, okay pour a cup of tea, get yourself comfortable and settle down to paint. Well, I go get the tea but when I come back that canvas is still staring at me, challenging me. So being somewhat intimidated I decide to go throw a load of laundry in instead. A few minutes later I come back, tea somewhat cold, and settle down once again to begin painting. I pick up my brush, turn to face the canvas...and there it is...glaring at me again. Okay by now I am getting severely annoyed. How dare it try to intimidate me. I am the one that adds the paint to it's surface to make it colorful and come to life. I am the one that decides whether to use it or relegate it to the back of my closet. How dare it challenge me! I once again pick up the paintbrush dip it into my paints and take a swipe at the canvas. "There, take that!" I think to myself. Crazily I start to dip into the various colours swishing my brush around on the canvas losing all track of time. When finally, I stop and sit back, slowly becoming aware of the world around me, I look once again at the intimidating canvas and lo and behold, it is ablaze with colour. Colour put there by me. I stand back and take a look at what I have created and am instantly filled with satisfaction. Once again I have managed to beat the dreaded blank canvas and turned it into a work of art sure to be appreciated and loved by someone somewhere.http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com

LATEST FUNKY MAMA

2007-06-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well here is the latest in my "Funky Mamas". No. 3, Cheyenne, a Native American girl. I had a lot of fun creating her as I do with all my work. I created a suede fringe to edge her in, added some hand beaded earrings, feathers in her braids and she was born. These women are so much fun to create I can't wait to get started on another. She is for sale at my ETSY store or at my website Simply Art. I can also custom design them with specific nationalities, hair colors etc.

FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN

2007-06-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

My sister's husband was facing surgery for cancer and it was a really rough time for them. I wanted to do something special for him so I told her I would like to paint something for him. They both love spiritual pictures along native themes. She also likes colors more in the pastel shades rather than bold and bright as I usually paint in. The above painting was what I came up with.
Their last name is Raven so the image of the Raven in flight is somewhat symbolic. He loved the painting and I think for a short time it gave him a lift.
They continue to struggle through their battle. I hope they draw some bit of comfort from my painting.

ZAZZLE ME!

2007-06-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Okay I know I said I Love Etsy and I do...but now I also love Zazzle! I am really excited because my products bearing my artwork are really starting to sell. Okay, it doesn't mean I am making much money, as I explained in an earlier post the income is minimal. But it is a reassurance that people like/love my work and that in itself what thrills me the most. My father's and mother's day aprons are the biggest hit. On the father's day apron I featured one of my hockey paintings as there are so many Dad's and Grandpa's out there that really support their children's exra-curricular activities. The painting below is the one that appears on the Mother's Day apron.

On a man's ball cap I have this picture of a painting I haven't quite completed. It is a 1957 Red Chev. I can't quite seem to decide how to finish off this painting and then I will put it up for sale.

Anyway, even though I don't do it for the money, I guess I do it more for the exposure and the pure thrill of knowing people enjoy my artwork since that in itself is the reason I paint.

FUN WITH MOSAICS

2007-06-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have also recently experimented a little bit with mosaics. This is really a fun medium also and there are many wonderful things you can do with it. I took this boring wooden shelf and used some broken china, a discarded watch piece, some jewellry and I really like the way it turned out. Unfortunately, my camera is acting up and the shot is not very clear. Another bonus I discovered in working with Mosaics is now my friends don't ask me to help with the dishes. Gee, I wonder if they are thinking I might 'accidentally' drop their china??? :)

I LOVE ETSY

2007-06-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

After years of selling on another auction site I have switched over to Etsy just recently and I am loving this site. One of the features I love is the ability to 'reserve' items for people or to offer 'custom' items. I decided that since I loved making my fairy house shown here that I would take orders for them. Etsy makes that easy to do. You have to love a site like that! So, if anyone is interested in ordering a fairy house pop on over to my Etsy store. Although I posted this picture in an earlier blog here it is again so you can see what it is I am offering.Growing up with a Celtic family I listened to stories of faeries and their doings. We had a ritual we use to do, that my daughter and I still do that involved the faeries. Growing up every time we misplaced something my Aunt would say..."It's those darn faeries again...they must have hidden it." The only way you could get it back was by stomping your feet and demanding they return it. Then we would toss a few coins into the room and leave, allowing them the time to put it back. A few minutes later we would stomp back into the room and say..."Okay Faeries..where is it?" Sure enough we would find the item we had been seeking. Believe it or not. My daughter and I still do this :)
So it seems only fitting to offer them their own wee house to reside in. After all, faeries need their own 'space' too.
So next time you misplace something...ask the faeries...:)

ANOTHER MEANS OF MARKETING YOUR ARTWORK

2007-05-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Well I am pretty pleased today. Not long ago I decided to open up a shop at www.zazzle.com and lately I have been making some great sales. Okay, I admit, I didn't open up the store to make a lot of money, you get very little return on the items. However, there were a few reasons I opened it. #1 - to get exposure for my artwork (if someone drinks out of a coffee cup everyday bearing one of my paintings, they might get interested to buy one.) #2 - it really costs nothing to open except my time. So nothing ventured, nothing gained is the way I see it as I am always open to new opportunities to get my artwork seen. To date I have sold gift cards, a t-shirt and 4 aprons, all of them bearing my artwork. You can see a sample of one of my products above. It is a father's day barbeque apron and seems pretty popular. Below is a sample of a travel coffee mug for father's day also. It's just another method of marketing in my opinion and I am a typical artist in that I love to create art, but hate to market it.

THREE FACES OF EVE

2007-05-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

THREE FACES OF EVE,
originally uploaded by Trishishere.

This was one of my very first paintings and to date still one of my favorites. People viewing it have compared my work to Peter Max because of my similar use of bold color. Not sure if it fits in the pop art category. I love to paint with acrylics because of their bold bright color. Unfortunately this painting is not for sale but I would gladly reproduce something similar if you wish to commission one. I have also used a similar style on a stool I painted that was quickly snapped up by a client in Pennsylvania.

I love to paint in this pop art style but also in my folk art style so I tend to go back and forth creating in both.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

2007-05-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some new paintings in my series "Life In Northern Canada" so I've decided to put up two from that series that are still for sale before I bring out the new paintings. I began this series one day while watching local children at play and reminising on my own youth and the simpleness of our play. A time when children actually went outside to play instead of sitting in front of a computer or video games. I can remember my sisters, our friends and I staging plays in the gully behind our house and our family and the neighbours coming to watch. We even did our own rendition of the Beatles, however, I was always upset that I had to be Ringo and could never be the handsome Paul. Do you remember British Bulldog? Shadow Tag? Swiss skip? Double Dutch? Making dandelion chains for necklaces and crowns? Did you ever put a rubber ball in the foot of your mother's nylon and then swing it against the wall chanting..."Hello, hello, hello Sir. Are you coming out Sir?" I still don't understand where that rhyme originated from. Ah, the memories. It is these very memories I want to bring out in people as they study my paintings. A time when being a child, meant just being a child. When life was more innocent, no threats of being shot in your schoolroom. To want to be young again? No, not me. I was fortunate to be raised in a time when life was much less stressful for children. It's a shame our own children can't experience that. But we have our memories and we can share them, and maybe my paintings will help keep those memories alive.

These are the only two of the series not sold yet. I love the brightness and fun of the "Canada Parade Day" painting. It shows that Canadian are also very patriotic as the children in my series organize and stage their own July 1st parade. It was also when I started painting children with disabilities into my paintings as I feel they are just as important. In this series I only paint children. Adults aren't allowed in this world I create. The second one was one of my first titled, "Summer Fun". My newer paintings are more detailed and show how I've progressed in my painting.

However, my very favorite has to the the one I donated to the Easter Seals Society which is an organization that helps children with disabilities. I give them a painting yearly to be auctioned at the Conn Smythe Celebrity Sportsman dinner in Toronto and the proceeds go towards Easter Seals. This painting was very special to me as it depicts a physically challenged child dreaming of one day playing on the Olympic Men's Sledge Hockey Team. And why shouldn't he? However, I was in such a rush to get it to them in time for the auction that I didn't get a very good picture of it. Wish I had.

So I will continue adding on to this series since it gives me a lot of satisfaction and comfort to know that others enjoy them also and that they too, are reminded of their youth and much simpler times. Maybe it's time we taught our children British Bulldog???

If you are interested in purchasing either of these paintings you can do so by emailing me or visiting my website at http://www.simplyart.tk

SELLING ART

2007-05-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well although I have my own website that I use to promote and sell to my artwork to art buyers and art collectors, I have decided to try posting a few items on Etsy. In the past I have always gone with Ebay and had a lot of success selling my original paintings for decent prices. However, I find these days Ebay is getting pretty expensive for the average self represented artist and just forces you to raise the price of your art work, something I hate to do. I try to keep my prices affordable to art collectors and already established clients. I am not out to make a fortune selling my work, however, creating paintings is more expensive than most realize. The cost of the canvas alone, if like me, you like to buy the premium artist gallery wrapped canvas, with no staples in the sides and if you like to use good quality paints can really add up fast. If you have to add the expense of Ebay on top of it all...well, the price naturally goes up. So I continue to offer my work for sale at my website and also in the community through 'brick and mortar' markets, I am going to try and post some items on Etsy such as my painted furniture (see pic of stool) and one of my functional pieces of art, my ladies heads or as I call them, my Funky Mamas. :) I have yet to go the way of private galleries or even to join local art galleries as I hate to have to 'pigeon-hole' my work. I like the freedom to express myself in any style and medium I choose. So for now I will continue on selling in the manner I have been to date and keep creating upbeat and happy paintings. Both items above can be purchased at my new Etsy shop 'The Functional Artist' or at my website. See links to the right.

CRAFTING WITH RECYCLABLES

2007-05-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

Recycling has become a way of life for me as is art. To combine the two is a bonus. My friends and family know what a 'pack rat' I am and before they toss anything they laughingly ask me if I want to take it home and do something with it. Of course, 9 times out of 10 I do.

The way I see it, recycling serves three purposes. One, we are helping the environment by reusing and recyling it. Two, we are saving ourselves money and being frugal by recylcing it into something useful. And three, we can often turn it into a functional piece of art.

I have raised three children and they grew up creating art on a regular basis and the majority of their supplies came from recyclable trash. You wouldn't believe the money it saved me, the way it decreased my trash and how they got to use their wonderful imaginations coming up with some very creative things. Father and Mother's Day we always received special hand made items created with their own hands. How much more special can that be to receive a gift your child has made especially for you?

So before you toss out that empty egg carton, the yogurt container, those stray buttons and pieces of lace, make your child a 'craft box' with the items. All you need to add are basics such as scissors, gluesticks and markers and it will give them hours of entertainment and a chance to use their imaginations.

If you are interested I can post a list of things I have put in my children's craft boxes and even some crafty ideas for their use. Let me know if you are interested! Happy recycling/crafting

FUNKY FOOTSTOOL

2007-05-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here is another piece of recycled furniture. I actually have another stool and small square table that goes with it so they will be eventually painted too. The painting on this is based loosely on my painting "Three Faces of Eve". The stool was so boring beforehand and now I think it's kind of funky! Obviously I love bright colors although in my own home I tend to decorate more towards the 'shabby chic' look. Go figure??? ;)

BEST PAPER MACHE RECIPE

2007-05-20T10:15:00.001-07:00

As promised after a lot of experimentation, this is the best recipe I have tried for paper mache.

You will need:

- Water
- White flour
- Salt
- glue (I like using Welbond but you could use Elmers)
- Large mixing bowl
- Long mixing spoon
- Pot for boiling water

Directions:

Try to keep to the amounts below or increase by doubling.

- 1 litre luke warm water
- ¼ cup of table salt
- 1 litre flour
- 1 litre BOILING WATER

I sometimes add 'oil of cloves' (found at your local drugstore) as a preservative and a touch of bleach as an extra precaution to prevent mold. Keep in mind bleach can be very drying on the hands so have a good moisturizer handy!!

Stir salt (optional) and flour into lukewarm water until well mixed. Beat out all the lumps. Add the boiled water and stir quickly into four mix. At this point you can also add your 'oil of cloves' or bleach.
In the event you don't add bleach or oil of clove and some mold develops you can always wipe it down with either after completion.
The paste can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Let me know if you try out this recipe and how it works for you!!!!

FUN WITH PAPIER MACHE

2007-05-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

I confess I am somewhat obsessed with paper mache since I first tried it to make the above singing duet. Okay, they didn't turn out the greatest but figurines aren't that easy to make and it was my first attempt. The second time I decided to make bowls but they just didn't let me be creative enough. So don't ask me where I came up with the idea for these ladies heads. I think I started out attempting masks and they just evolved. The first one was snapped up by a buyer right away so I hurried home to make some more. Thus the "Funky Mamas" were created. I try to make each one unique giving them different hair colors and styles, jewellry and nationality. I want each on to be an individual. I have just completed my third one (pic to come) of a Native American lady. They look so funky hanging on a wall and also serve as a functional piece of art by giving you a place to drape your bathrobe or lingerie!

Of course I have attempted other things in paper mache such as rainsticks. It turned out really great (pic to come) and I ended up teaching papier mache workshops here in Sudbury to children at after school centers and schools. The Primary students loved making their rain sticks while the older students tried their hand at maraccas.

If you would like to try your hand at paper mache I will post the best recipe I could find in my next blog as well as some tips I have learned along the way. Until then...be creative!

PAPER MACHE ART

2007-05-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

I admit I have become somewhat obsessed with paper mache. As an artist I love to try different mediums and paper mache gives me an opportunity to be very creative. Above was my first attempt at making paper mache figurines and believe me they were not as easy as I thought. However, being the type to just jump in there and not follow directions it is no wonder they came out a little bit crude. :)However, that didn't stop me from continuing on in this medium of art. Where else can you find an artform that costs so little to make and where you can create almost anything? And I mean almost anything. I have seen artists create furniture that held up for years and years with the same durability as wood. How impressive is that? So I went on to experiment further. Starting with simple things such as bowls, which just weren't exciting or creative enough for me.

FAIRY COTTAGE

2007-05-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated with miniatures ever since I made my daughter a barbie house 20 years ago. I have also always been fascinated with folklore and fairies. Having a Scottish mother I remember one of her sisters telling me stories about fairies. Whenever my daughter or I misplace something we ask the fairies to put it back! But not before we toss a few coins into the room to thank them. It never fails when we stomp back into the room, we can always find what it was we had lost!So it makes sense that eventually given my love of the minatures and fairy stories, I would eventually make my own fairy house.

DIY GAL

2007-05-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Okay by now you may have come to the conclusion that I love to recycle. Not only is it great for the environment but it gives us a chance to experiment and test our talents and abilities. If you gave it a try you would be amazed at the endless possibilities. One of the truest things I have ever heard is "One man's junk is another man's treasure". Although in this case it's this gal's treasure!

My children and my friends know what a 'packrat' I am. I recently asked my daughter's boyfriend to give me all his empty soda cans rather than send them to recycling (I have an art project in mind). My daughter told him not to!!!!!! Okay, so the two bedroom apartment we share has slowly been taken over by mom's castaways. So what if the diningroom is full of my 'junk'. We are seldom home at the same time to sit down and dine anyway!

In this blog I plan to post tips and ideas on converting those unwanted items into functional, decorative artwork for your home. Please check back shortly.

http://www.simplyart.tk

Recycled Garden Table

2007-05-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample of one of my recycled functional art pieces. My son dragged home a round piece of wood he found with a hole in the center. When he failed to do anything with it, I did. I hauled out my paints and painted it up funky. Then I used an old planter as a base and put a candle holder in the center and ended up with a very functional piece of art that serves as an outdoor table...for no cost but the paint. Gotta love a bargain!

http://www.simplyart.tk

Funky Mama Ladies Heads

2007-05-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

I only began seriously painting after making some major life changes 6 years ago, although I was always artistic. Now art has become part of me and I can't spend a day away from it. I began with painting mainly but find my interests are so broad that I have to try every medium and style, thus my work is somewhat eclectic. Currently, I am big into papier mache and recycled artwork, although I am never too far from paint and a canvas. Someday I hope to have my own little shop selling my 'funky' repainted furniture with a studio in the back. Big dreams...but then what is life without dreams?

To date most of my work has been sold through Ebay. In the past 3 years I have sold over 50 paintings throughout Can., US, UK, Netherlands and Egypt. I find Ebay getting too expensive and have recently been trying to get more exposure within the community. I have done some art workshops in schools and after school centers with children and really enjoy that. I am putting together some work for the "Northern Lights Festival" held her in July. A goal of mine would be to have a center where underprivelaged children could come by on weekends or afterschool and work on art projects at no cost. I am big into recycling art and would love to do a community project with them.

I am showing above a sample of one of my papier mache projects. I love these 'ladies heads'. They are great conversation pieces and look really cute with your bathrobe or lingerie hanging on them. This one was instantly bought up by someone local. I have made a few more since with different hair colors and features and will post those shortly. When I work on my next one I plan to take pictures as it progresses and post them here along with instructions if anyone is interested in trying their hand at one.

Painting Donated to Charity

2007-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

I came here tonight to create a blog and realized that I already had one I had totally forgotten about and neglected. I swear I have ADD. Well, I am back and ready to try and contribute to my blog at least on a weekly basis. Hopefully, I will figure out how to combine my other blog(s)into one. Okay, I'm an artist, not a computer techie...:)

In the meantime...here is a sample of one of my paintings. This painting was donated to Easter Seals, a great Canadian Charity for children with disabilities. Yearly I donate a painting to them that is auctioned at their yearly Conn Smythe Celebrity Sportsman Dinner in Toronto. I often donate paintings to children's non profit charities. Pay it back I say!!!

Check out my website at http://www.simplyart.tk.

Since it is now 10:47 p.m. I will save more blogging for tomorrow. Catch ya then!!

ABOUT BLOGGING

2005-01-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

Okay this is my third log entry and I am still trying to maneuver the site and figure out how to add pictures etc. I am still not quite sure what a blog is suppose to be about. I think some people treat it as a journal of sorts, some as a place to rant and air their views and others might try out their writing skills or poetry. I know some that use it to help advertise or link up to their business or hobbies.

Me? I'm not sure why I started one it just seemed like a good idea, since I was trying to sell my artwork online and others have found it helpful and truth be told, I love a captive audience. Well, okay you aren't capture you can click on the little 'x' if you're bored. Or maybe you're so bored you're surfing the net and reading everyones blogs? Whatever the reason I'll work more on my blog site and try and make it a bit more interesting for you.

I could fill it with jokes? Pictures of my kids? Nah....I'll have to come up with something a little more interesting. Want to see some of my art?? No I suppose if you wanted to do that you could go to my website. Maybe I'll just think on it awhile and get back to you okay? Until then....stay tuned.

Trish

oops as you can see I haven't quite figured out the html or font thing. I'll save that for another day.

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS...

2005-01-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

It could be worse right? Hmmm....Do you ever have one of those days when you know you should have stayed in bed? Yup, we all do. Well, I had one of those yesterday. Where to begin? First off, I got out of bed, which was my first mistake. Had I known what was lying ahead I would have hidden under the covers all day. So...back to.. I got out of bed and went to drive my son to school. As I was backing out of my icy driveway I slid a bit and hit the end of my fence hard enough to take out the end post and loosen a whole strip. Okay, it wasn't really that hard, it was starting to rot so I don't suppose it would have taken much. Well, after getting out of the car and picking up the pieces of the fence I proceeded to drive my son to school. When I came home, I parked the car and went inside for a much needed cup of tea. About an hour later I headed out again, this time to take care of bills, you know, rob Peter to pay Paul? Anyway, wouldn't you know it...the car wouldn't start. Dead as a doorknob. Grr....I stormed inside and went to the phone to call my CAA. About half hour later they showed up and gave me a boost warning me not to turn the car off for awhile. Once again, I headed out to do my business, the whole time leaving the car running, hoping someone would come along and steal it. On the way home I stopped at my local corner store to pick something up. While chatting with the clerk, she pointed out to me that I had a flat tire. Yup, I sure did, but because of the mess of the icy, bumpy roads, and unless you live in Northern Canada, you wouldn't understand that, I couldn't tell I had a flat. So I hopped in my car and drove to the service station to put air in my tire. After struggling with the air pump I realized it wasn't working so I drove over to the service center to get help. As I was walking around the car to enter the station my feet flew out from under me as I stepped on a big patch of ice. I went down. I went down hard. I tore the knees out of my pants taking off a few layers of skin, banged my cheek bone and managed to bend my glasses a bit. Feeling like a complete fool I struggled to my feet, brushed myself off and proceeded into the service station to get help with my tire. One look by the attendant and he quickly informed me this was no slow leak but more like a puncture, probably from my encounter with the fence. Okay by now it was only 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon and I decided to head home and lay low. Enough adventure for me for one day. Maybe I should just go home and throw my frustrations into my artwork and create an awesome painting. And how was your day?til next time...Trish the clutz

My first entry

2005-01-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well hello there and welcome to my live Journal. This is my first entry and I'm still not too sure how to maneuver the site so please bear with me.

A little about me:

I am 46 years old with three children. A daughter that will be 22 next month, a son that will be 20 this week and a son who just turned 17. It doesn't matter how old they get they still keep you busy. Or as my mother told me...the children get older and the worries get bigger. How true. No more worrying about whether they will leave the yard, go into the street, fall and hurt themselves, now we get to worry about things like...will they get in the car with a drunk driver? Experiment with drugs? Yes, mom you were right, the worries do get bigger.

Okay so by now you have concluded that I love to talk about children and raising children. Maybe because that is one thing I feel very strongly about. I always wanted children and when they came along I put everything into raising them. Not that I neglected everything else but I took my role as a mother very seriously. After all, these children depended on me.

One of my favourite quotes I would like to share with you and if you give it some thought it is so true. We have the ability to shape the future, to mold future society, within reason of course. We can't control everything. Here it is:

"A hundred years from now it will not matter the house I lived in, the car I drove or the size of my bank account....but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." - think about it.

Until next time....Trish