12/31/09

Enter to win $25 Gift Certificate to LucySweetLucy + Visit with Mixed Media Artist Jodi Ohl


Hard to believe this is the last Thursday post of the year. I started Thursday Giveaway's on a whim, thinking it would be a great way to destash some of the stuff crowding my studio. It is exciting to see how it has evolved to include prizes from a variety of creative people. Past prizes have included prints, paintings, cards, jewelry, books, gift certificates, custom projects... and the list goes on and on...

I want to take a minute to once again thank all of the generous sponsors who donated prizes this year. Many of these sponsors have also shared photos of their fantastic creations as well as their thoughts on life and art. It has been a real pleasure getting to know more about each and every one of you. (
Enter applause here).


I also want to thank all the readers who stop & take the time to leave a comment. Most of the featured artists have told me just how much your words have meant to them. We get so busy with our lives, families, day jobs, online shops, marketing and then finally studio time. It doesn't always leave a lot of time (or energy) to seek out (much needed) feedback on the art. I have had many featured artists tell me that your comments gave them a much needed energy boost. So, c'mon people keep all that positive energy flowing
!

Today's Featured Artist and prize sponsor is the talented Jodi Ohl of LucySweetLucy on Etsy. Jodi is one of the first artists I met in the etsy forums. I was immediately impressed by her sweet temperament and fearless nature. She inspires me more than she knows. I love her art and the way she uses color to express emotion. But I really admire the fact that when she wants something she actively pursues it. Her art and tutorials have appeared in numerous magazines (she is in the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors). She teaches both live & online workshops. And also has a booth at various art fairs. (I have always been more of a dreamer than a doer - I'd like to be more like Jodi if I ever grow up.)

Jodi, what would you like share about yourself and your art today?

J.O: I'm a self-taught mixed media artist, who resides in Aberdeen, NC. To say art heals, is an understatement for me. Not only does it constantly heal me, it has helped me to grow wings. While I manage a bank to put a roof over our heads, I create art to feed my soul.

J.O: Most of my work is whimsical in nature, bold, colorful, fun, and deeply textured there's also underlying journal writing and themes that connect my personal life with my dreams, desires, struggles and aspirations. I look for the positive in everything even on the days I'm down or not feeling as energetic as normal, I know that once I pick up a brush and lay down some color, the world will look brighter when I'm finished.


Where do you see your pursuit of art taking you next?

J.O: My ultimate dream would be to write a book about art (or a few books!), and work full time (without starving) as an artist. I really truly believe in 2010 or maybe 2011 at the latest, I'm going to do just that. I've been planning in my head a variety of creative goals that will get closer to my dream, but for now--the best I can do is just be productive and not give up. Dreams are great, but it's working toward achieving your dream that really brings a sense of satisfaction.


What else is on your itinerary for 2010?

J.O: Along with my creative goals this year, I also want to improve physical appearance, be more healthy, loose a little weight, and become more grounded emotionally. I have to admit, I do escape some of my anxiety and everyday stress by diving into my art which does work for the most part. But sitting and painting doesn't exactly count for exercise and getting fresh air every once in awhile which would also relieve some of my stress. (HAHA) I wish it did but my pants size say differently. Yes, 2010 will be a year of improvements on many different fronts. I am counting on a lot of forward movement and upward motion. Hope the same is true for all of you who desire similar things!

Jodi, thanks so much for stopping by! I know you have a crazy-busy schedule and am so happy that you found the time to share your thoughts today. Also, thank you for donating such a great prize for next Thursday's random drawing...


What's Jodi giving to 1 lucky winner?

A $25 gift certificate to her Etsy shop LucySweetLucy!

To enter giveaway just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 1/7/2010. Please make sure your contact info is either in your comment or profile.

Want to learn more about Jodi & her colorful artwork?
Click on any of the images in this post to find out more about each piece

Go Online:
Store - LucySweetLucy.etsy.com
Blog - SweetRepeats.blogspot.com

Online Workshop - Fun With Faux Encaustic
You can also sign up for her new artsy newsletter

If you find yourself in North Carolina:

Swank Coffee Shop and Handmade Market in Southern Pines, NC
Circa Gallery in Asheboro, NC
Fayetteville Museum of Art, Fayetteville, NC
Fine Tracery in Pinehurst, NC


She will also be teaching a Jerry's Artarama Work Shop "in the village" in Raleigh NC on March 7th.

And if you stop back here on Saturday, Jodi is giving us a tour of her new studio space. Hope to see you then! Happy New Year, Everyone!

60 comments:

  1. What a splendid interview...thank you Jodi and Stacey. Looking forward to that studio tour. :)

    Happy New Year gals !!!

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  2. Jodi, I particularly like "Broken But Not Lost". You alluded to some personal trials and I wondered if this piece was a personal reflection. Very moving. I'd be interested to hear how your journey goes this year. I am also hoping to conquer some issues with my weight and my art this year. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  3. Jodi I am so proud of you! You have a lot of people cheering you on behind the scenes, never forget it when things get tough!

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  4. Thank YOU Stacey, for inviting me to stop by and do your interview session! It's very flattering and I'm honored to be a part of such a wonderful sisterhood of fellow artists, many of whom I consider great friends of mine.

    Liz-Anna, the painting you reference was born from a recent personal struggle that I have gone through with someone I loved dearly. You can read more about this painting here:
    Broken But Not Lost

    All my best for a Happy and prosperous New Year! Jodi Ohl

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  5. Very enjoyable interview, love peeking in on your blog theres always a ton of things to get lost in everytime I come I get transported to other links and next thing I know its an hour later thanks for the scoop

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  6. Stacey, you described Jodi as fearless....and you are absolutely correct! She is a shining star and the hardest working person that I know. I personally owe her a debt of gratitude for believing in me and adding her voice in support of my own creative endeavors. I am blessed to have her as a friend!!!!

    Love you Jodi!!!! xoxo

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  7. ....liz, I just realized, I left the wrong link. This post was the reveal as to what happened and "Broken" is the resulting art:

    Let's Be Honest

    ...love you, to Nancita:) You know I believe in you and always have been cheering you on in all that you do!

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  8. What a great interview, Stacey. It was wonderful learning more about Jodi and seeing her beautiful artwork. I have the new issue of CPS right here, and am proudly flaunting the fact that I "know" her.
    Heidi

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  9. Jodi, I look forward to watching you accomplish your goals to stand successfully as an artist.

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  10. Great job both of you girls! Here's to many fulfilled dreams in 2010!!
    xoxo
    Pam

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  11. I really like all of this pictured in the interview! I'd love to enter the contest.

    xashxnightx@gmail.com

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  12. Jodi is such an inspiration to me. Her energy is addictive and her ethusiasm with art and life always fuels me! Best of success to you in 2010, Jodi!! And her work reflects all of that!

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  13. Beautiful art and a really interesting interview. Thanks!! And Happy New Year to you both!

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  14. Great interview, but I think what totally blessed my sock off was the comment that "art feeds my soul". Yes, yes, it does that. Great statement.

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  15. Enjoyed the interview, beautiful work!

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  16. Wow,thanks for this chance.
    hugs

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  17. OOH, I like Lucy's work! And I just added her blog to my Google Reader. Thanks for introducing us, Stacey.

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  18. What a wonderful interview! Jodi - I just love your work and absolutely adore the blue piece that hangs above the desk in my studio. You are truly an inspiration...showing us all what can be accomplished with dedication, hard work and TALENT!I've had so much fun watching your work evolve and seeing all of the wonderful things you've accomplished. Wishing you a very happy and prosperous 2010!

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  19. I'm glad I happened upon this blog. I enjoyed the interview and tour of Jodi's studio. As a beginning artist with limited space I only dream of the studio. I also stopped by Jodi's etsy shop and loved the work. To both Stacey and Jodi keep up the great work!

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  20. Jodi s paintings are fantastic! I love all of them. I am sure that Broken but not lost speaks to majority women and remain us some hard moments from our lives. Thanks for this great giveaway.
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

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  21. I admire Jodi's spunk and whimsy even on the "heavier" days, as well as her drive in reaching her goals. I myself could take a lesson there ;o)

    As always, Stacey, great job!

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  22. Jodi Ohl is a Dynamo! Her spirit and dedication are gifts that she freely bestows upon the people around her, and my heart SINGS to hear so many folks from near and far extolling the fabulous talent and determination that she embodies! You rock, Ms. J!

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  23. Thanks so much for the chance, I love the Summer Print. All her work is so vibrant!

    lankylegslass(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  24. WOW!! Her art is amazing!! Would love to have one to hang in my house :)

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail dot com

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  25. I love her artwork. I would love to own something from her shop.
    mframe00@yahoo.com

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  26. She is so talented! I especially like the "hometown holidays love print". Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

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  27. Love to win something after reading that wonderful interview. jacksond@nhr3.net

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  28. What Great Paintings! the Serenity one is super cute! Great work!

    Anna
    perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

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  29. Jodi, I absolutely love your work *and* your studio. Thanks for sharing with us! I'd love to put several pieces of your Heart collection on my college daughter's dorm room wall!

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  30. Really nice stuff in that shop! Got my eye on a few.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

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  31. The artwork is amazing! I've been stuck browsing the Etsy shop for a while now...!

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  32. Lovely interview and shop. Those hearts are so pretty!

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

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  33. I really like this. it's fun and whimsical! thanks for the chance

    melanieinaz2003 at yahoo

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  34. I love all the bright colors in the art. I would love to be entered.

    arewethereyetla5[at]verizon[dot]net

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  35. I like the Love Sweet HeART magnet. Beautiful stuff!

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  36. oh what lovely artwork, I hope it is open to international residents.

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  37. Wow, what lovely pieces! Beautiful work. I really like Learning to Love. There's just something very innocent and fragile about the girl in it. :) Thanks for sharing it and all the others!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

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  38. I love love love that serentity heart magnet!! What beautiful artwork!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!

    mellisarock at yahoo dot com

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  39. A new Etsy store and blog to add to my inspiration bookmarks! Thanks :)

    lauren

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  40. Great work- I live in NC and hope to be able to stop by one of the shops and see her work-
    ejxd95@gmail.com

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  41. I love the Finding My Way Home piece! They are all beautiful!

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  42. Thank you for sharing this interview. I like the fact that Jodi is a self-taught artist - it inspires me to try art (have always thought of myself as not talented in art).

    mandalarctic@gmail.com

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  43. I wish I had an artistic talent. SHe has lovely work.
    travelinglacey [at] gmail [dot] com

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  44. Awww I love her stuff! It's really cool <3

    cam22190 at gmail

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  45. What a lovely studio. I would love to own some of your art work. I'm heading over to your shop to take a look now!

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  46. count me in please

    plur268 at yahoo dot com

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  47. Love the Sweet Wall HeARTS/magnets... would make FABulous Valentines gifts! Great interview too, by the way!
    1955nursehjc4me@myway(dot)com

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  48. These paintings are so inspirational to me. I love the mixed media... how the words really bring together the message of the painting, while not overtaking it. Very creative work!

    writeme@heidimail.com

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  49. I love mixed media art, and these look amazing.

    ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

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  50. I love the interview...and when Jodi says "art heals". That it does.
    I especially love the piece "And So Gently They Fall".
    :o)
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  51. fabulous interview and phenomenal art.

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  52. Broken but not lost...spoke to me as it seems to have many others as well...

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  53. I liked the interview. Jackie hotbunz81@hotmail.com

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  54. amanda t (aaron_amanda@live.com)1:15 AM, January 07, 2010

    The work is so beautiful.

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  55. What beautiful artwork. I'd love to be entered in the contest.
    amanda
    catss99@yahoo.com

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  56. What a wonderful way to start the New Year! Thanks for the great giveaway and I enjoyed reading the interview
    kerriekg@yahoo.com

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  57. Amazing giveaway! What a great interview!

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  58. I, of course, a newcomer to this blog, but the author does not agree

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  59. cialis, completely confused by your comment. Your info link leads to a student website so can't contact you to clarify

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  60. Seeing your exceptional, fun, and bright art has inspired me to take an art class at a college a short distane away. Fortunately I have a teacher who inspires me the way you do just from seeing your work. Now, at 72, I am learning and loving me really working outside the box. Thank you, Gigi

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