The Art of Frustration

That point at which I sit and stare at everything with complete disgust. I hate feeling like I am staring at wall. A big blank wall of nothing. It's discouraging. Everyone hits their uninspired moments differently. I will get through it. This little chibi is the best example of that feeling. 

Canvas Chat with Artist Minda Bachelor

Minda Bachelor is a multi-talented artist living in Jacksonville, FL. I first met Minda at an art-swap and paper making event hosted by Local Artists Coming Together (LACT). Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to not only see many of her lovely works of art, but to also witness their creation while learning the art of Pysanky egg decorating from her. By day, Minda is an educator, so teaching is second nature to her. Coupling that with her love of creating art in all forms makes her a rich resource for other artists and an ideal subject for an interview:

Busy!

So, I haven't written in a couple of month, not unusual for me. I have been very busy! Making everything from amigurumi to wire wrapped jewelry. I also had my first show in March it was a fantastic experience. I have participated in some unique events and have some coming up as well.

I am going to keep this short and post some of my recent work. I will be writing more soon and have new Instructables posted. If you've missed anything recently from me you can check my Facebook page here.

Anything Helps A Community Project

"Anything Helps is an ongoing community awareness project designed to increase interaction through art & good deeds. The premise is that any

Canvas Chat with Lance Partridge

Lance Partridge is an artist whose work I viewed on my first trip to Art Walk. At first glance I was drawn in by the surreal black and white worlds he had created. Each one holding a tiny spot of color that drew me in deeper. Part of it was like looking into something out of a daydream. Each piece is its own fragmented world. My interview with him reveals some about the daydreaming and the painting he does.

Amigurumi Poe Bunny!

So I've been very busy with various projects. During all this busy time I met Minda Bachelor at a LACT event. She's a local artist who happens to make a variety of wonderful pieces. I absolutely adore her "Poe Bunnies."

Who is Poe? He's her Mini Rex rabbit. He's is a gorgeous shade of black and absolutely adorable. Poe is four years old and was born on Friday the 13th! He's got a birthday coming up.

Canvas Chat: Meet Artist Jeremy Spicer

I approached my most recent encounter, with a horror artist, with apprehension. I briefly skimmed his work before we talked about it. I will say it, I was downright terrified. His name is Jeremy Spicer, he runs Germ Spider Designs. Despite his terrifying work, he's pretty down to earth, normal guy. I will admit his  clown pieces are not my favorite. I don't like clowns. In fact, I hate them .Aside from my own thoughts on the subject of clowns and their terror, his work has been influenced by his love of horror movies and many other things.. My favorite piece is his Hello Kitty infected toy, she came out downright horrific. My eyes have been opened somewhat more to the genre as long I can continue to stay away from clowns [regardless of how irrational that is to others]. He also makes some fantastic masks. Check out the interview.

December in One Lump

I've been a tad busy working on multiple projects. Since, November I have completed multiple pieces, traveled and attended the LACT Art Exchange..I did finish my self portrait painting for series III. However this time I did not place. I'm okay with that. Painting myself took me out of my comfort zone. So the experience itself was rewarding enough. The painting took me over a week and left me feeling quite accomplished.

Time for a Giveaway!!!!!!

So as I noted on my Facebook page that once I received 100 likes. I would do a give away!!!

Well here it is!!!

The Giveaway

A needle tatted lace necklace with copper wire bird's nest.  The eggs are dyed blue jade and the necklace is accented with Tiger's eye. Also a full set of Artist's Series II Cards. 

How to enter:

There are three ways to enter. Yes, you can enter once with each way. That's gives you mulitple chances of winning.

1. Leave a Comment below, with your name.

2. Send an email to MissSorianna@gmail.com with your name.

3. Share my page, and comment on Facebook my page that you shared it.

Contest Dates

December 19, 2012 to December 30, 2012 January 2,2012

Winner will be chosen at random, using Random.org and announced 

Rules:

Must be in U.S. to enter.

Canvas Chat : Meet the Artist Sky Susan

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing artist Sky Susan Sommer. Sky is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. Being the daughter of a Navy family allowed her to travel rather extensively in her youth. Her travels included: Japan, Korea, China, India, South America, Central America and the Philippines. Her favorite place she’s traveled however is Hawaii. In 2008 Sky moved to Jacksonville with her daughter, Morgan. Sky and her daughter have three dogs: Princess, Coco, Bootsie, and a cat named Mason.

Viewing Sky’s work for the first time was like opening a box of treasures. Her pieces sparkle; each piece is a part of her imagination. Sky’s landscapes include darling details like a bunny or a pair of cardinals. Her landscapes are not what however has caught my attention. I love her Geisha pieces. The bold colors and touches of gold catch my eyes. The attention to details in hair and makeup. There is beauty in the simplicity of them. Sky is very passionate about her painting, and it shows in her work.

During the course of the last year she's had ample time to paint while recovering from knee replacement surgery. Sky has always dreamed of expressing herself through her work and sharing it with others.Sky has a very sweet and down to earth personality It was an absolute joy to interview. Sky and a pleasure to introduce her work to you.

My Crochet Hooks have been busy!

I like to crochet but, I have to be in the mood for it. My family recently became larger with the addition of my new niece Hannah. Her mom is a big LSU Tiger fan, so I asked if I could make Miss Hannah a hat in the team colors. After acquiring the yarn colors of choice, I sat down for pattern research. I have made hats before, just not a hat for a baby. I think my blonde cap must have of been on.

I made my own pattern by simply reducing the number of rounds instead of following someone else's pattern. I used a scallop edging to finish the hat. I also added two matching flowers in coordinating colors of the team for the perfect touch. I am shipping off this little hat this week to my little niece I can't wait to see her in it!

Canvas Chat: Meet Artist Kevork Boyrazian

All right here we go! This week's interview is with artist, Kevork Boyrazian. He's a ball point pen artist who focuses on photo realism. His pieces are breath taking. First glance sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a photo and an illustration. I had that issue when I first saw his Bruce Lee piece. Two of his pieces are featured in Local Artist Trading Initiative, Series II :Heroes.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Kevork Boyrazian, I reside in the United States.
I have an immense addiction to stay active. I love to exercise, go bike riding for many miles, long walks, skateboarding, and of course, utilizing my artistic skills at every chance that I get. I like to listen to all genres of music. I enjoy going to the movies and catching a good flick. I like cooking, eating healthy foods and enjoy splurging on junk food a few times a week. Yes, I love to indulge with “chocolate!”

Dream Catchers and Self Portraits

So recently, on a trip to St. Augustine, I spied a large rainbow dream catcher.The colors were very vibrant and it was also adorned with rainbow feathers and capiz shells. I figured since I know how to make a small dream catcher let's make a ginormous on. This of course meant another trip to Hobby Lobby.

Canvas Chat: Meet Artist Dan Davis

This week's interview is with artist, Dan Davis. He's another very talented member of LACT, guild. He's one of the members featured in Artist Series II : Heroes. He also has an awesome mural of Five Points at my favorite pizza place, Carmine's Pie House.

TC: Tell us a little about yourself?

Dan: I am 41 and have been drawing and painting since I was a youngster. I am one of the founders of another local artist collective called Le Refuse and I have been actively showing my art out and about in Jacksonville for a little more than a year.

Trip to Georgia! Part 1

So I took a little vacation up to Georgia to visit family and recharge my creative spirit. I arrived early Saturday morning at the festively awesome house of Heather Ozee. Heather is my cousin and she's awesome. She's also an amazingly talented artist! I spent the day celebrating her oldest daughter Roxy's birthday and the evening we spent together painting. There's just something awesome about painting with another artist, that's magical..

I had a blast at her house and being around her family was awesome. She also painted something for me. It's of the carousel horses at Disney. I love it! Through some magical accident involving glitter the painting is a tiny bit sparkly. I have to thank her younger daughter Isabel for that.

Canvas Chat: Meet Artist Nick Dunkenstein

Here we are with another very talented Artist from Local Artists Coming Together, Nick Dunkenstein. Let the chat begin!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I have a hard time describing myself to people, I never know what to say and others tend to do it better. I guess thinking of words to use to explain my character can vary, but I guess I’m just the normal person always wanting to improve myself in any way possible. I never feel complete or satisfied and I’m always day dreaming, which can get me in to trouble sometimes.

Painting in Progess.

I have my own painting ritual, its one that takes time, silence and patience. I have recently endeavored to push my skills to a new level, past their previous marks. In stating that, I decided to take on a portrait project. I had inquired a friend of mine many months ago if I could paint her daughter, Olivia. Just recently finally cleared a space for it and time.

Canvas Chat: Meet Malorie Shannon , Artist and Jewelry Designer

I have the pleasure of introducing Malorie Shannon artist and jewelry designer. Her pieces are beautiful and her earrings are unique. I met her through Local Arts Coming Together{LACT}. Without further adieu, meet Malorie Shannon.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am 54, a wife, a mom of 3 grown children and an artist. I have spent the majority of my life in Florida,  with my family settling in St. Augustine in 1966.   I have been doing art all my life, winning small contests and awards. I also had the honor of having some of my work on exhibit at the Rogue Space Gallery in New York city at two of their international art shows.

Canvas Chat: Meet Kyle Willis

Here's my next interview, its of professional Artist
Kyle Willis. I met him through the group Local Artists Coming Together on Facebook. His work is detailed and the photo realism is amazing.

Sometimes I dream about Pink Elephants....

I really wanted to paint this piece. I suppose part of it was from an old commercial for, Ellie the Elephant. Also, parents gave me a pink elephant swizzle stick for my 21st birthday. The elephant broke off the swizzle stick awhile back. I have been keeping the tiny glass elephant in my terrarium. My best friend loves elephants as well. She was also a huge influence on this painting.There have been pink elephants dancing my head for about a month.

When I finally had some quiet time, I worked on a small sketch first. Then took a day to step up my board and paints. I really love using watercolors. They have a wonderful translucency to them when you paint.