tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102470012024-02-27T21:54:24.020-08:00THE FUNCTIONAL ARTISTCanadian artist Trish Laffrenere likes to paint in many mediums and styles such as pop and folk art along with handpainted furniture and recycled functional art pieces. She also dabbles at paper mache and mixed media art. Her work is very funky and eclectic and at times reminiscent of pop artist Peter Max.trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-38093995249908637212008-02-21T08:27:00.000-08:002008-02-21T08:33:52.181-08:00My ETSY StoresJust a quick reminder that I do have two ETSY stores on the go. One '<a href="http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php"><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Functional Artist</span></a>' I use mainly for my paintings. The other store <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5323541"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gently Worn With Love</span></a> 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!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-51173365101436150572008-02-12T09:02:00.000-08:002008-02-12T12:06:40.344-08:00Newest papier macheI 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.<br />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.<br />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. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfTh3qTsaI0nxQ77VgWVcIBrgbLe2N2ET8LygzEprSkW7ED4WSd0vntJyf-byYyT-4D-2XM8i6HB5q9k43dkb4z6a8BewVgA_hsi6xa_9-c6fnpKMfn1sOvxdWnJzqGXbanQk/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfTh3qTsaI0nxQ77VgWVcIBrgbLe2N2ET8LygzEprSkW7ED4WSd0vntJyf-byYyT-4D-2XM8i6HB5q9k43dkb4z6a8BewVgA_hsi6xa_9-c6fnpKMfn1sOvxdWnJzqGXbanQk/s320/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166144740686419986" /></a><br />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.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKpbodJN-xZhIrdvutGjc3clQnd12tfjMUPMlaN6024Hx83XV_4xSvtkZgX-uBT-r-CZUAXi8WoW49DUoODCQNmWl01Z4CT-W5r4HGJt-lp6pn9fujGZZ5Ou5dME5BXPYuDZM/s1600-h/DSCF1380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKpbodJN-xZhIrdvutGjc3clQnd12tfjMUPMlaN6024Hx83XV_4xSvtkZgX-uBT-r-CZUAXi8WoW49DUoODCQNmWl01Z4CT-W5r4HGJt-lp6pn9fujGZZ5Ou5dME5BXPYuDZM/s320/DSCF1380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166150049265997858" /></a><br />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!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-84868778723517505042008-02-06T10:00:00.001-08:002008-02-06T10:05:41.363-08:00LATEST REPURPOSED, RECYCLED LAMP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcVccISBxbegAeTp-CyLrHKZu8PT03E2CrBwkILHd7PN6AzAlrvOFs04vyZFn2N7JdPesH7iheIs-NjeOfbxdJdYTfBzu-E_jaiam1UfIzjDI1sluQqviTC-aWk_uq7R5wlsv/s1600-h/lamp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcVccISBxbegAeTp-CyLrHKZu8PT03E2CrBwkILHd7PN6AzAlrvOFs04vyZFn2N7JdPesH7iheIs-NjeOfbxdJdYTfBzu-E_jaiam1UfIzjDI1sluQqviTC-aWk_uq7R5wlsv/s320/lamp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163928871182130914" /></a>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.<br />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!!! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-61900153808638760932008-02-05T16:44:00.000-08:002008-02-05T17:03:05.033-08:00RECYCLED LAMP TABLEI'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.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScoWcAibmiLpzzNQ2eWD6RxwC30f2ybNIPsTVVE2QBtXlfD1BB2nlCeFOczj0cGyjmADJXdRJJfObrWncbcjxyRbl_BdDQn7hMoyF-prcg9R76TQyEeRqSBNaTEiwqnVwXIuj/s1600-h/DSCF1388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScoWcAibmiLpzzNQ2eWD6RxwC30f2ybNIPsTVVE2QBtXlfD1BB2nlCeFOczj0cGyjmADJXdRJJfObrWncbcjxyRbl_BdDQn7hMoyF-prcg9R76TQyEeRqSBNaTEiwqnVwXIuj/s320/DSCF1388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163665091470679746" /></a>If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, send them my way.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-14961720341766436902008-02-04T18:12:00.001-08:002008-02-04T18:42:06.465-08:00LATEST FUNKY FURNITURE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVdx7suvKsoaH662eWm3hSTNEzT5-Vv4E72lCfinzuFiWpvG8HweinakFJC2AMhkBP_l1g_cHsbxWdiBL6eOR_mAR_zdE0lmRsZA9PawsOhrtQl_iHNv57IsXSuHiljGKVr3Q/s1600-h/DSCF1370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVdx7suvKsoaH662eWm3hSTNEzT5-Vv4E72lCfinzuFiWpvG8HweinakFJC2AMhkBP_l1g_cHsbxWdiBL6eOR_mAR_zdE0lmRsZA9PawsOhrtQl_iHNv57IsXSuHiljGKVr3Q/s320/DSCF1370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163313544102534802" /></a><br />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.<br />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'...:)<br />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 <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://trishishere.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50">keyholder</a></span> I featured in an earlier blog.<br />Anyway, I decided to paint this table bold and bright and feature one of his interests...music.<br />After a light sanding I started out by drawing up a basic design.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJMK5JfhJ-uuxOVhwtijZiXctH4JRSzAEoupfrU3VXyG1fW4Xurb0Gli30JXcJT2Ghnz5OLg7stKeiVXYnUPbw9XKIQFm1yYDCVWQjuZUtL3Q1opHNnK90XKSOvyaeqcIbfj2/s1600-h/DSCF1371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJMK5JfhJ-uuxOVhwtijZiXctH4JRSzAEoupfrU3VXyG1fW4Xurb0Gli30JXcJT2Ghnz5OLg7stKeiVXYnUPbw9XKIQFm1yYDCVWQjuZUtL3Q1opHNnK90XKSOvyaeqcIbfj2/s320/DSCF1371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163316275701735074" /></a><br />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.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kIEQ_4yNpgka2-qxLfdk311aASVEYSBzuqJzPIDnDLpClcksd4dojzfNNMDROjCkQYPTMqbi7RhEu_yAv_l9RGLHwFxhh692ZhGeeqG5JghBQx6NGy56Y77gRezWIUs9rPiD/s1600-h/DSCF1373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kIEQ_4yNpgka2-qxLfdk311aASVEYSBzuqJzPIDnDLpClcksd4dojzfNNMDROjCkQYPTMqbi7RhEu_yAv_l9RGLHwFxhh692ZhGeeqG5JghBQx6NGy56Y77gRezWIUs9rPiD/s320/DSCF1373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163316941421665970" /></a><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-75692489123824586792008-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:002008-02-06T17:10:47.822-08:00OFFERING PRINTS FROM PAINTINGSI 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 <a href="http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=36004fa2-02e4-4169-a4aa-7211d63ef7bc">IMAGEKIND</a> where they will be available for purchase.<br />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.<br />To go directly to my profile to see prints available click here or on the link <a href="http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=36004fa2-02e4-4169-a4aa-7211d63ef7bc">IMAGEKIND</a> shown in the sidebar.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9RhmrG3QoauEQ9sPJywYug5v5YaxDqKecjIczWvtQyuiAeouYW2IObBtBrbxHjU7Lcq70ebpsBsESqD7Gm6i0CC5WUAJRM_J0VXLI9CnNLTtvptEHyMcXUnHMuwgk7nOpQhQ/s1600-h/imagekindfaces.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9RhmrG3QoauEQ9sPJywYug5v5YaxDqKecjIczWvtQyuiAeouYW2IObBtBrbxHjU7Lcq70ebpsBsESqD7Gm6i0CC5WUAJRM_J0VXLI9CnNLTtvptEHyMcXUnHMuwgk7nOpQhQ/s320/imagekindfaces.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161040651704458882" /></a>My popular pop art painting above is the first one I am offering as print.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-70594257623101891782008-01-26T07:38:00.001-08:002008-01-26T07:47:24.611-08:00REPURPOSED LIGHT AS ARTI 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 <a href="http://www.fabbian.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">FABBIAN</span></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVZo_3BPBCH1elAkoqeExmTbcG8rL2mzA_ajbTu3p_JhRm__Ux1mLrMHhGnBtdO48dGPBlfnMFnFHr5MiBL6KqnZBD9dcJSfjaqTt28pskDrogAN2DyHq7i5q2wdB6A4WRa2x/s1600-h/utensilslights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVZo_3BPBCH1elAkoqeExmTbcG8rL2mzA_ajbTu3p_JhRm__Ux1mLrMHhGnBtdO48dGPBlfnMFnFHr5MiBL6KqnZBD9dcJSfjaqTt28pskDrogAN2DyHq7i5q2wdB6A4WRa2x/s320/utensilslights.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159811762776825442" /></a> 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. <br />Oh my...once you start on recycling it does become quite addictive.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-44678570901099804292008-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:002008-01-06T07:56:58.092-08:00REORGANIZING MY ART<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15hCnk7Hl3sgiReAzSydFXgC6iz-AfRzh6lF7n01jaj-_qqcRpT_oE1taQjiKG04ypYUmsmr1Reiott4bzNl08Ex34sc1qVLnwKSc0jRihojmnr7GIuIyE7g5VfgWEZhHZZ0R/s1600-h/PICKYOURMEALtaken_275_275.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15hCnk7Hl3sgiReAzSydFXgC6iz-AfRzh6lF7n01jaj-_qqcRpT_oE1taQjiKG04ypYUmsmr1Reiott4bzNl08Ex34sc1qVLnwKSc0jRihojmnr7GIuIyE7g5VfgWEZhHZZ0R/s320/PICKYOURMEALtaken_275_275.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152393005317033842" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Now wouldn't one of these pieces be a great conversation piece in your home?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuvQOCt_H-0b2FU5BzlgCNniy02Ugn5J_YoO6qg37gMpw3yyqY1taLQF9mpdnzjWig1tIPSh0bWAcGehgNiTrwnK7arwEoOSEw_LpSDta5iib15WNl1dk47G5HqdSfcCr3VXB/s1600-h/POPARTSTOOLLG2_275_275.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuvQOCt_H-0b2FU5BzlgCNniy02Ugn5J_YoO6qg37gMpw3yyqY1taLQF9mpdnzjWig1tIPSh0bWAcGehgNiTrwnK7arwEoOSEw_LpSDta5iib15WNl1dk47G5HqdSfcCr3VXB/s320/POPARTSTOOLLG2_275_275.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152392730439126882" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-98547720249427582008-01-05T05:57:00.001-08:002008-01-05T06:08:47.146-08:00UNIQUE FUNCTIONAL ART FURNITUREAs 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.<br />In the meantime, I am once again back to surfing the internet looking at unique recycled furniture, my passion. I came across this site, <a href="http://www.reestore.com/gordon.htm"><span style="font-weight:bold;">RESTORE</span></a> and fell in love with the unique furniture they have made using discarded items such as this wheelbarrow they converted into a chair.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifScFENLolR1OaZxWhdaGSYMwmX_6frPxcQEiyDmxZLdEofRyOjsPQEm6nV6LynnEZe71Ax9HaSgnNb_2tw7XjiGM1nRyj04rkqQ-7QPL99rXEFWb_Kaz6bnoVNhfjJjUuB0FG/s1600-h/gordon_1_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifScFENLolR1OaZxWhdaGSYMwmX_6frPxcQEiyDmxZLdEofRyOjsPQEm6nV6LynnEZe71Ax9HaSgnNb_2tw7XjiGM1nRyj04rkqQ-7QPL99rXEFWb_Kaz6bnoVNhfjJjUuB0FG/s320/gordon_1_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151993040782561090" /></a> 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.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ48PwkbXZUWa5nIbkka09days1vHggzAMrsSnc2NL_aPFl194iCjGccDMiHmlsMYRN1BcgmKMK4Pj1xNOxIw7_tPNLPnVnrDbrrSppf2fjzvu-edA8C9oEWhD0g_JS0s0CKn/s1600-h/annie_main.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ48PwkbXZUWa5nIbkka09days1vHggzAMrsSnc2NL_aPFl194iCjGccDMiHmlsMYRN1BcgmKMK4Pj1xNOxIw7_tPNLPnVnrDbrrSppf2fjzvu-edA8C9oEWhD0g_JS0s0CKn/s320/annie_main.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151993547588702034" /></a><br />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!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-81838508909572458852007-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:002007-12-01T09:51:48.494-08:00PRINTS SOON AVAILABLEI 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><a href="http://www.ebsqart.com/Art/2458/378824.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.ebsqart.com/Art/2458/378824.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />If you would like to be notified when these paintings or others become available please send me a note at <strong>simplytreasured99@hotmail.com</strong> or sign my guestbook on my website <strong><a href="http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com">THE FUNCTIONAL ARTIST</a></strong>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-1289989732402335782007-11-29T17:28:00.000-08:002007-11-29T17:34:04.029-08:00WINTER HAS SPRUNGWinter 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. <br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-21897507064128326282007-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:002007-11-19T11:42:55.256-08:00MY LATEST FOLK ART PAINTING<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GgvYwwFVmejJvnp8TY5CG996Fa3YXZUo7Shr_CX8Lj3pwNw6aE660OJsYFwnrWfQemjTIvM5F5O-23gLK7tewQd8MGUW8j_e-WOJtDAktwFaKUcfkLCEDUw6voQS0F_3zMB_/s1600-h/010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GgvYwwFVmejJvnp8TY5CG996Fa3YXZUo7Shr_CX8Lj3pwNw6aE660OJsYFwnrWfQemjTIvM5F5O-23gLK7tewQd8MGUW8j_e-WOJtDAktwFaKUcfkLCEDUw6voQS0F_3zMB_/s320/010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134638774266171314" /></a><br />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?<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-47454509164093788462007-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:002007-11-13T14:21:45.310-08:00NEW ORLEANS T-SHIRTS SELL BIG ON ZAZZLE!!!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 <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/new_orleans_katrina_t_shirt-235628141625210101"><strong>Zazzle shop</strong></a>. 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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwieY3-_NWQkosDeUErhUI0HDzodMkRWdmS6WxB0XIEwYVnhh23OrppWX8M7xwsWQTx0RYAgB-yGPIqlPlbpnKjVY6BTEUZtzISsUJd34B4jA_JU5dhqzDY1wfx-fQgqWG8Ys/s1600-h/designall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwieY3-_NWQkosDeUErhUI0HDzodMkRWdmS6WxB0XIEwYVnhh23OrppWX8M7xwsWQTx0RYAgB-yGPIqlPlbpnKjVY6BTEUZtzISsUJd34B4jA_JU5dhqzDY1wfx-fQgqWG8Ys/s320/designall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132451447160224466" /></a><br />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. <br />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 <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6803774">ETSY</a></strong> store.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-22128361960698039412007-11-04T15:23:00.000-08:002007-11-11T14:45:51.807-08:00HANDPAINTED ICE SKATESFinally 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.<br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeDqIkdh49_EGYaicjMFF3puZEIJFvpgGZHJZskxqH2GBQmn8dftyX6C-gpAY7mqOq7jLRUqbDZVWFH40VSYlNOqS2r3mRiGG7hIYFVmMGXZ2nGCeNGwK8US8mMa2y84c_BJX/s1600-h/skate3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeDqIkdh49_EGYaicjMFF3puZEIJFvpgGZHJZskxqH2GBQmn8dftyX6C-gpAY7mqOq7jLRUqbDZVWFH40VSYlNOqS2r3mRiGG7hIYFVmMGXZ2nGCeNGwK8US8mMa2y84c_BJX/s320/skate3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131705252427119266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oxDIqpaVZzE1n1lsDM0tpDOfLwiDR8E4WVNf9d3Dfh3h1FkjruS8maKxRjMGhp14m9uGUyOQ8164kJsiHf0Jj5-_ah4Iz0YEdAL_F8C1vSl7CYCnlRI57-ppn_MsWhbPDSTy/s1600-h/skate.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oxDIqpaVZzE1n1lsDM0tpDOfLwiDR8E4WVNf9d3Dfh3h1FkjruS8maKxRjMGhp14m9uGUyOQ8164kJsiHf0Jj5-_ah4Iz0YEdAL_F8C1vSl7CYCnlRI57-ppn_MsWhbPDSTy/s320/skate.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131705153642871442" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteNsWSzINQSqEKcA7_9Xjsr5wa2hFh1lmOELFUgZa0fzfNahnzj0KkQ0J9FYIColnwqoozA5aMLUdb6Mu5VwYMpTwHdZNsM_GbTHbX7-fY_gogwnZDuM1ceYDoPDZoZbEUJuA/s1600-h/skate7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteNsWSzINQSqEKcA7_9Xjsr5wa2hFh1lmOELFUgZa0fzfNahnzj0KkQ0J9FYIColnwqoozA5aMLUdb6Mu5VwYMpTwHdZNsM_GbTHbX7-fY_gogwnZDuM1ceYDoPDZoZbEUJuA/s320/skate7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131705759233260226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVUjfYUlNUaq68cHatVEz3PqPeXsNIV7e5cawcZjU8VwSRGo8Og-VN7nwCulIBSfuELwVjfKOiRr0euEiJeJzqa89amzILvo6d9C40sJ9beQOQblZWl3nfynXc8QcBEmxAix1/s1600-h/skate5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVUjfYUlNUaq68cHatVEz3PqPeXsNIV7e5cawcZjU8VwSRGo8Og-VN7nwCulIBSfuELwVjfKOiRr0euEiJeJzqa89amzILvo6d9C40sJ9beQOQblZWl3nfynXc8QcBEmxAix1/s320/skate5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131705664743979698" /></a><br /><br />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.<br />They will be offered for sale at my shop on <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7828485">ETSY</a></strong> and through my <strong><a href="http://funkyfunctionalart4u.com">website</a></strong>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-33136268567953932702007-10-15T17:34:00.000-07:002007-10-15T17:52:07.326-07:00FRUSTRATED ARTISTI 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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />I decided to attempt the recyling of grocery bags, as done by another artist I featured previously in <a href="http://trishishere.blogspot.com/2007/09/do-you-ever-get-tired-of-increasing.html">SEPTEMBER</a> 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.<br />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.<br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-88485814178422647182007-10-12T19:01:00.000-07:002007-10-22T18:28:17.117-07:00ANOTHER WARHOL??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.<br />I cannot believe that he doesn't advertise his work however, he does do commissions. Here is my wonderful new painting.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1thrzrHnb5bUsSB2uyJNodiZqnQItU6U7zTdquAShpasZ6QQRgK-BVC1JenqulP0zcM1O2-JxGL3Kw7A8ikM8EWVYsg4hIjThX6svAv72cZMUpBsUEan0o3Lt-zjf_gXE9YxY/s1600-h/roy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1thrzrHnb5bUsSB2uyJNodiZqnQItU6U7zTdquAShpasZ6QQRgK-BVC1JenqulP0zcM1O2-JxGL3Kw7A8ikM8EWVYsg4hIjThX6svAv72cZMUpBsUEan0o3Lt-zjf_gXE9YxY/s320/roy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124337758699201154" /></a><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxNRbhAJuhyphenhyphenloqajfAPwangwprVA7PHLi_R9m7VjRwU86K2WEuIljFNuSmlSnr1Cq7oGthdUqlwmxykTCeL_N26O2FJZIvkyZ9cGQPtUAEej6b73pjgDtQ3mHVX3N91fqPyk/s1600-h/dean.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxNRbhAJuhyphenhyphenloqajfAPwangwprVA7PHLi_R9m7VjRwU86K2WEuIljFNuSmlSnr1Cq7oGthdUqlwmxykTCeL_N26O2FJZIvkyZ9cGQPtUAEej6b73pjgDtQ3mHVX3N91fqPyk/s320/dean.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120637751747879522" /></a><br />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 <strong>ericdee@gmail.com</strong><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-77844911491928827412007-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:002007-10-05T17:22:16.337-07:00ANOTHER CREATIVE RECYCLING ARTISTI 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.<br /><br /><strong><em><a href="http://lanesart.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?_c02_owner=1">Lane</a></em></strong> (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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHBeTiz_bAxrzWpk-FrHzwjAFy2WHzNBg9jXRFBBXQLMZkpHdKP3GGfT5yG3u9oJL2ijJDH4-M03x7PGlmoluAnZhNIHXVUTGWjkWJ_VToy-xpj3I1RuindFUqlr1QuPsSpfL/s1600-h/lane2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHBeTiz_bAxrzWpk-FrHzwjAFy2WHzNBg9jXRFBBXQLMZkpHdKP3GGfT5yG3u9oJL2ijJDH4-M03x7PGlmoluAnZhNIHXVUTGWjkWJ_VToy-xpj3I1RuindFUqlr1QuPsSpfL/s320/lane2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118010421468668450" /></a> 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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvVzNcon1M1_Hfzh1wKbAT2Wj1kyddGyWJ1Di5hTr8aPbvbDP71_NuLjmoueD4TSzYc99oBzUK3b1FELAlfnCMv7FRecUr0yF9WkCjgrIs_tRNtJGGwVMugR8CpHTRY3DMMum/s1600-h/lane3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvVzNcon1M1_Hfzh1wKbAT2Wj1kyddGyWJ1Di5hTr8aPbvbDP71_NuLjmoueD4TSzYc99oBzUK3b1FELAlfnCMv7FRecUr0yF9WkCjgrIs_tRNtJGGwVMugR8CpHTRY3DMMum/s320/lane3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011581109838402" /></a>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!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-13096616339211382272007-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:002007-09-30T11:29:21.349-07:00TORONTO WATERFRONT - completed paintingWell 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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshkWg-3lam3ccKjV1aWq7kb1vvskOLjHZSAnOdPWdVeJUPccWB9jGyQiOgGv_J7AxhnhC4qy96RcDD6Q1AFySRKFqESxyb7_BBlkxOCyi6Bwgrlgpx7XQfuvRVVkIx4ufngG1/s1600-h/toronto4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshkWg-3lam3ccKjV1aWq7kb1vvskOLjHZSAnOdPWdVeJUPccWB9jGyQiOgGv_J7AxhnhC4qy96RcDD6Q1AFySRKFqESxyb7_BBlkxOCyi6Bwgrlgpx7XQfuvRVVkIx4ufngG1/s320/toronto4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116063547153129954" /></a>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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAOl2qDvwIIUtkO-84-ml6BHKCJdewum2aJZ7K92Yzbzv-odLz_K9h5d3TMvgXOk2uue-ZMEAMEVCZLdouyNxtxm29LCteWTsrKN5tIbbgjp72aZaQBIMoYM4VFQHK4VH2aAs/s1600-h/toronto2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAOl2qDvwIIUtkO-84-ml6BHKCJdewum2aJZ7K92Yzbzv-odLz_K9h5d3TMvgXOk2uue-ZMEAMEVCZLdouyNxtxm29LCteWTsrKN5tIbbgjp72aZaQBIMoYM4VFQHK4VH2aAs/s320/toronto2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116064260117701106" /></a><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBggfMkx0re_666tmo7GnsVbAQTkydz9IhjZyNDNqqUIeu0588K_ELRsaN3Tfk9q74jRkFf0fRUZmBs7anQgLN8drboqHquBU-5Y1H5V5NiYvVweldrNw-bR9iX_xcJoP0L98/s1600-h/toronto5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBggfMkx0re_666tmo7GnsVbAQTkydz9IhjZyNDNqqUIeu0588K_ELRsaN3Tfk9q74jRkFf0fRUZmBs7anQgLN8drboqHquBU-5Y1H5V5NiYvVweldrNw-bR9iX_xcJoP0L98/s320/toronto5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116065986694554114" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-74396868401414091262007-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:002007-09-28T10:04:07.707-07:00Toronto Waterfront in full color (A work in progress)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvG8SeJmcCPwjGX0sLIvrIc7Y9fV6NOrHTH7yf1Og5bwt3jZoI4Q4lVJ7OKpHrZ3YJz5tInLuk7Snub74zJNL5IKLKGT3MSDKLissCg1qLy3q-A5Aih9nbQ3n3DEp_19T9KvN/s1600-h/2258029070045940062awAWzq_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvG8SeJmcCPwjGX0sLIvrIc7Y9fV6NOrHTH7yf1Og5bwt3jZoI4Q4lVJ7OKpHrZ3YJz5tInLuk7Snub74zJNL5IKLKGT3MSDKLissCg1qLy3q-A5Aih9nbQ3n3DEp_19T9KvN/s320/2258029070045940062awAWzq_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115301173278220754" /></a><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHvsQDLeOlHbyjKcdEe_O_gbKCxpIpMLwXg_KvyV3VCHpnK2AQzCj5jp0B8SnfEvRz4RaMsOMH6fsiYCaYIKlMe1fQPeMm7FDwNNy_cg4vF_GKfGarfD5fd3ZVZGe6rRRQnor/s1600-h/torontoinprogress2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHvsQDLeOlHbyjKcdEe_O_gbKCxpIpMLwXg_KvyV3VCHpnK2AQzCj5jp0B8SnfEvRz4RaMsOMH6fsiYCaYIKlMe1fQPeMm7FDwNNy_cg4vF_GKfGarfD5fd3ZVZGe6rRRQnor/s320/torontoinprogress2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115300082356527538" /></a><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Vf2ONEbvzFjMd8Z40DtA0GEFVXk_80XfLwKcl3dAPkmS0gEeDMdda4nl1SXIMO4JB82C9kQxPPfQ0cnfZVK6ENQDSHvtaqH0nVVTJgECZDS4qdefgjxeM6JhmltTJKDc6tP/s1600-h/torontoinprogress.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Vf2ONEbvzFjMd8Z40DtA0GEFVXk_80XfLwKcl3dAPkmS0gEeDMdda4nl1SXIMO4JB82C9kQxPPfQ0cnfZVK6ENQDSHvtaqH0nVVTJgECZDS4qdefgjxeM6JhmltTJKDc6tP/s320/torontoinprogress.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115300683651948994" /></a><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-50311041597193163252007-09-23T12:41:00.001-07:002007-09-25T12:53:02.304-07:001960's RETRO POP ART GIRLS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rGZP9hTETffW9bEhBc9vHPSLVxjA5o2indf48WQAW9BYxFXaDZr4PzzSTFTxYObiFwIup5oCBnJ-UHrHvRYz3dsOZ-rCDsn5gTLmj4DOnHMJUcsSz2aJzROdo9axg0B0LJUb/s1600-h/60's+cushion2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rGZP9hTETffW9bEhBc9vHPSLVxjA5o2indf48WQAW9BYxFXaDZr4PzzSTFTxYObiFwIup5oCBnJ-UHrHvRYz3dsOZ-rCDsn5gTLmj4DOnHMJUcsSz2aJzROdo9axg0B0LJUb/s320/60's+cushion2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114225670517629346" /></a><br /><br />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 <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5162044">ETSY</a></strong> 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 <strong>Austin Powers</strong> would approve...<em><strong>Yeah Baby!!!</strong></em>....:)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HGu-CwKOrC9fdbw4eICtm_KYUMpIjX9_cpsNKn_3rgoWxQ4-e63MxSGbkwr-kbOJA5Aw4LVrnv9-YBElZQ3kk5YZzWhzGKwp3_mCzube1pNJAVPxBoTiU4PjrWIcG-FGM4G6/s1600-h/60s+cushion.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HGu-CwKOrC9fdbw4eICtm_KYUMpIjX9_cpsNKn_3rgoWxQ4-e63MxSGbkwr-kbOJA5Aw4LVrnv9-YBElZQ3kk5YZzWhzGKwp3_mCzube1pNJAVPxBoTiU4PjrWIcG-FGM4G6/s320/60s+cushion.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114224450746917266" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-59561465589831020872007-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:002007-09-28T11:22:40.912-07:00HAND PAINTED OUTFITS - FINALLY FINISHED!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9hKMwBrYv0m0RBx9gxLXyZ1lQua7JbszxSAhLyL_ogqMvNxBzk2mNDDArfHnhnKhEqmwEOM2TRN1V34iNp-2roEFExvMvnT4lK1GZGvYBqKSqeNZPAuKL59syNQ0ClaEgjvs/s1600-h/jumperfrontcloseup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9hKMwBrYv0m0RBx9gxLXyZ1lQua7JbszxSAhLyL_ogqMvNxBzk2mNDDArfHnhnKhEqmwEOM2TRN1V34iNp-2roEFExvMvnT4lK1GZGvYBqKSqeNZPAuKL59syNQ0ClaEgjvs/s320/jumperfrontcloseup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111719300666573522" /></a><br />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?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPZHAooxxYE5mWnjSHIxBXa8hx_XS05a3Sy9F2tV6vqfDkId6fyNEdr-MTMdU08ueiXW147gMy09jWxiAbrkkZHOPp8KSyM5McuwCiHVyXuBH4dq2v4ReZeg-MBFB8E1AiSrk/s1600-h/jumperfront3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPZHAooxxYE5mWnjSHIxBXa8hx_XS05a3Sy9F2tV6vqfDkId6fyNEdr-MTMdU08ueiXW147gMy09jWxiAbrkkZHOPp8KSyM5McuwCiHVyXuBH4dq2v4ReZeg-MBFB8E1AiSrk/s320/jumperfront3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111715778793390770" /></a><br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPjhyphenhyphencBcAMxyylviOIla0CMWtKsn5vpX8Hzxaa2ro_ACOa77nfjTIv4upqmR-gv5L3UFzMkOfexXaEc2iotXRaI12J_Rxs5HBg4_p9PoS2ae5mFxnQmHtOppYicWRccIkmFsp/s1600-h/jumperback2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPjhyphenhyphencBcAMxyylviOIla0CMWtKsn5vpX8Hzxaa2ro_ACOa77nfjTIv4upqmR-gv5L3UFzMkOfexXaEc2iotXRaI12J_Rxs5HBg4_p9PoS2ae5mFxnQmHtOppYicWRccIkmFsp/s320/jumperback2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111716208290120386" /></a><br />Well, I am off to my store at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5162044">ETSY</a> to list these items for some lucky little girl.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com665tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-70694991030709402852007-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:002007-09-16T16:58:19.286-07:00MY FUNKY PAINTED SHOESContinuing 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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpLiMigHCOaUanoJhvF011dGUmqZG5uoHCymuWpgoULxpDKt2Pr5jmM52RteJ6vhRB4E7NkxxXH5HTED3xf90vQk5dOlv2xEhJNai6IWGFfyCnzJwWSfDin2d1M4DLb8cu6dH/s1600-h/shoes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpLiMigHCOaUanoJhvF011dGUmqZG5uoHCymuWpgoULxpDKt2Pr5jmM52RteJ6vhRB4E7NkxxXH5HTED3xf90vQk5dOlv2xEhJNai6IWGFfyCnzJwWSfDin2d1M4DLb8cu6dH/s320/shoes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110954584903876882" /></a><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-21010313976085564212007-09-15T18:37:00.000-07:002007-09-15T18:49:42.273-07:00AND YET ANOTHER GREAT RECYCLING ARTISTI 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.<br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHflEM4O_Ow4FTO5wCNEYfBrbkzYPkWLgLVRYvS5rQED5xPtZEmWPuNecK-kJXN0TmKWvOp6nigIaSvBjlefeRfhagNueogLZEUO13zb6n0ha-GjJflH35-eCyYVNjwOtZFTC/s1600-h/jean.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHflEM4O_Ow4FTO5wCNEYfBrbkzYPkWLgLVRYvS5rQED5xPtZEmWPuNecK-kJXN0TmKWvOp6nigIaSvBjlefeRfhagNueogLZEUO13zb6n0ha-GjJflH35-eCyYVNjwOtZFTC/s320/jean.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110611318232678642" /></a><br />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 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6862318"><strong>ETSY</strong></a> shop.<br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQxk4kgq4X18bIYTEmvtrUcXUJna9FFR2mncGkd8k8gl37gBOmyYifBxE8VRWOJmYTvYpQsoO55jz2UQntdC79VliLnUcWaM2Y00cDT8zw25XgBEcRbStbxzMaVaeaeRJim0o/s1600-h/jean2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQxk4kgq4X18bIYTEmvtrUcXUJna9FFR2mncGkd8k8gl37gBOmyYifBxE8VRWOJmYTvYpQsoO55jz2UQntdC79VliLnUcWaM2Y00cDT8zw25XgBEcRbStbxzMaVaeaeRJim0o/s320/jean2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110612933140381954" /></a>It too is available for sale at Jeanette's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6901519"><strong>ETSY</strong></a> shop.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-91443789083738633712007-09-10T09:40:00.000-07:002007-09-10T09:53:51.883-07:00MY LATEST RECYCLED CLOTHINGThis 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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_f8GeMwZXaeIQHLpFre9DUmArYOgDVWuU37Lt820cheKAUzva-UPkT8v5lNiSgqNILJpU-r600BoCmxB3bo0KlG-33NLpC3p1IkKD-NxzzJ6YN3FIYMHxwvOAtbng9xKnO14W/s1600-h/jumperfront.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_f8GeMwZXaeIQHLpFre9DUmArYOgDVWuU37Lt820cheKAUzva-UPkT8v5lNiSgqNILJpU-r600BoCmxB3bo0KlG-33NLpC3p1IkKD-NxzzJ6YN3FIYMHxwvOAtbng9xKnO14W/s320/jumperfront.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108617159345257026" /></a><br />Here is a view of the back where I have painted a bright school bus.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGseY5S5UC6bdopCEvIeWWXyFwtFr8RwJT20aPvnpo6OS4YrND6YFHrGXcbnikbVPCaa6YDiwYgo-MBVLvsQoaYTk4Q-M5oNYBDAMa6ihdpePgvasFVw-bcuRO3iyYZHM4lCN3/s1600-h/jumperback.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGseY5S5UC6bdopCEvIeWWXyFwtFr8RwJT20aPvnpo6OS4YrND6YFHrGXcbnikbVPCaa6YDiwYgo-MBVLvsQoaYTk4Q-M5oNYBDAMa6ihdpePgvasFVw-bcuRO3iyYZHM4lCN3/s320/jumperback.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108617889489697362" /></a><br />Below are closeups.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsN_yPXhC_GQ2SVsW2uT3kbe3shu_ZouS2ZiQDVqx5TkK0zaIQvrucOtONwrFl-eUNFeXIwvtr02VQeF7EHilWt2EG7QHTa_l_zT1tikWiSqfQte8dPlSFMbDjRcZP8UF0DAR/s1600-h/jumpercloseupfront.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsN_yPXhC_GQ2SVsW2uT3kbe3shu_ZouS2ZiQDVqx5TkK0zaIQvrucOtONwrFl-eUNFeXIwvtr02VQeF7EHilWt2EG7QHTa_l_zT1tikWiSqfQte8dPlSFMbDjRcZP8UF0DAR/s320/jumpercloseupfront.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108618353346165346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCni3l-J8dYNMmNOjTsRNyMH5qCHIhEmAVBw4FA4Fsz_JbPgmUHc4xUsgNCF9BoLjzOfLSd7geZvBNwLz7y0Y29tE2vpOrQikqnC4fhcvNUD-MrMnTM_3ri1i8P5baQKUWima/s1600-h/jumperbackcloseup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCni3l-J8dYNMmNOjTsRNyMH5qCHIhEmAVBw4FA4Fsz_JbPgmUHc4xUsgNCF9BoLjzOfLSd7geZvBNwLz7y0Y29tE2vpOrQikqnC4fhcvNUD-MrMnTM_3ri1i8P5baQKUWima/s320/jumperbackcloseup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108618800022764146" /></a><br />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!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247001.post-81339070130764487972007-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:002007-09-09T10:27:18.687-07:00FUNCTIONAL ART KEYHOLDERI 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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWWtzUeNWS7IRPlMLLTT6PU2m23X-usIJGvspiEmUYhgeSUdyeZnnw6hWwf2vLFDEZNP63IkSanSiXab0L85caoRMQl-2am1pLtx_7aQ8GLgYm14WsOG7ElZMfk-FXT5xuNRb/s1600-h/keyholder.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWWtzUeNWS7IRPlMLLTT6PU2m23X-usIJGvspiEmUYhgeSUdyeZnnw6hWwf2vLFDEZNP63IkSanSiXab0L85caoRMQl-2am1pLtx_7aQ8GLgYm14WsOG7ElZMfk-FXT5xuNRb/s320/keyholder.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108256644085398066" /></a><br />Here is my latest piece of functional art. <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.funkyfunctionalart4u.com</div>trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539005297235015715noreply@blogger.com4