As promised....

So here are some photos of what I've been working on lately. Lots of gesso, printed papers, and markers. I feel like I've somehow gotten a little better at composition--it used to be really hard for me to work around one or two elements without drawing away from them. I don't really know how I've been able to improve on that; I haven't taken a class in god-knows-how-long, other than "color," maybe it's just been looking at the work of so many others all the time. I don't know. Anyhow, enjoy the new pics, there are a bunch more on my flickr page.

On what I've been up to

It seems that when I start to sell art, I start to create based on what will sell, not what I consider to be my artistic truth. Then I realize what I'm doing and feel awful, and start expressing myself "naturally" again, therefore stopping any "production for sale" process. UGH! So many other artists seem to have found a very comfortable balance between personal and business art, and I'm having a tough time of it. I guess the solution would be to just keep on working on what I've started, and be patient. I don't want to make things that look machine-made or mass-produced, but I'd also like to get my stuff out there. I need to keep taking creative risks, and use what "works" in what I sell, right?

Other than that, I'm loving my brand new copy of Somerset Life, which, ironically enough, features an article on creative blogging, interviewing Corey Amaro, Michelle Ward, and Hanne Matthiesen. Also, Amanda Belle Nolan has written a fabulous article on paper cone gift wrapping and display--have I mentioned that I have 3 or 4 of those lying around? Anyway. Check it out, I picked up a copy at Barnes and Noble.

New stuff is UP!!

New MOO cards!!!
Originally uploaded by alexn614.

Well, some divine power must have been reading my post yesterday, because guess what came in the mail? Yes, my new glass! So definately check out the new pendants in my store (you can click on the "etsy" icon to the right), and keep checking, I'm putting new ones up every day!

And if you order a pendant from me, you get one of my new Moo cards!

Suddenly busy

Whew! I'm so excited-- my art is going to be sold in a FABULOUS store called Thistle in Palo Alto. Apparently the store owner met my mom last weekend at the Gamble Gardens show, and wanted me to bring in some more pendants, cards, tags, trinkets, etc. I went in yesterday and WOW! They have incredible stuff. Very cottage/shabby chic, kitschy, vintage, and a huge selection. I saw notebooks and candles from Anna Corba, great stationary, pretty aprons, even 5-inch glitter letters, sold individually. I'm so thrilled that they actually like my artwork!

And of course, I've been making stuff. Tags, mostly, while I'm waiting for a new shipment of glass pieces to make pendants out of.