1/14/10

Visit with artist Linda Hardy and Enter To Win A Piece Of Heart Art


Hey there! How are you today?
Feeling Lucky?


I sure hope so since it is time to announce the latest Thursday Giveaway! A new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist, Linda Hardy. I met Linda over at Etsy where she has her colorful shop, MamaPainter.etsy.com. Throughout this post you'll get a peek at some of the art in her shop. Click on any image for more information.


Curious about the new giveaway? You'll find out more about the fantastic prize at the end of this post.... but don't hurry. Take off your coat & stay a while! Linda has a few minutes to spare today, so she has kindly stopped by to share her thoughts on life and art. Why don't you relax & get to know each other a little bit while I find us some hot cocoa.

LH: I am a self taught, mixed media artist. Creativity runs in the blood of my family. My father was a master woodcarver who specialized in water fowl, Cowboys and Santa figurines and my mother not only painted, but is a fabric artist. My sister makes jewelry, crochets, and knits and can sew absolutely anything. My oldest brother is a carpenter who built both of his homes with his own two hands and his daughter is in art school right now! I also have cousins that carve and do metal sculpture. My youngest daughter is a Fine Art major at Texas Tech, majoring in theatre and my oldest is teaching herself to crochet and sew in hopes of opening her own ETSY shop this year! With a family history that thick in art, it was only a matter of time before I found my niche too.
LH: Growing up I wanted to go to the Art Inst. Of Chicago but was told that was a foolish dream and I should just learn how to type so I could support myself if I ever ended up divorced. And that is just what I did, until my health issued forced me out of the work force and onto disability. After many, many orthopedic surgeries I found myself depressed and left feeling my life was over by the age of 45.

LH: After a few years of a major pity party, I decided I had to find something that I could do, after all I wasn’t dead and people with physical disabilities overcome challenges every single day. So I took what knowledge I had of home repairs and faux paintings and downsized it to canvas. I started by making Crosses and over the last 2 years have evolved into my own style of art. I’m not sure if it’s contemporary, rustic, sculpture or folk art! It’s a little bit of it all rolled up into a unique concept.

LH: So, never give up, dig down deep and see what you have inside of you. You may be pleasantly surprised!


Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Linda! It is a pleasure to find out more about the person behind such vibrant artwork. You really are an example of how art heals. It may not take the body's aches away but it can soothe the spirit & make each day a little bit better. Keep up the wonderful work!

Want to read more about Linda & her spirited creations? Visit her online:

Shop - http://MamaPainter.etsy.com

FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamapainter

How would you like to win
a piece of MamaPainter's Heart Art?

Just in time for Valentines Day, I'll be hosting a random drawing for one of Linda's lovely heart canvases. It will be similar to these:

The prize canvas is so fresh the paint is still wet - I'll post an image of the actual piece soon. Here is Linda's description of this great prize:

LH: HEART ART - Red Heart Dangling from a Tree. This sculpted piece of art is on a 5" x 7" x .75", stretched canvas frame. The tree wraps around from the side and is covered in aged, silver leaf. The red, puff heart is crackled and aged with a black glaze and is adorned with a silver bow! The canvas has been painted 3 colors of yellow with the finishing color more towards true ochre.

To enter the drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on Thursday 1/28. That's when 1 random winner will be selected. Just make sure you have your contact info in your blog profile or comment. Now how easy is that?! Please Note: this fantastic prize ships free to USA/Canada winner only.

You may have noticed the winner will be picked in 2 weeks. While I loved making a lucky winner very happy each week in 2009, I need to spend a little more time on my art. So, I'm testing out a new every-other-week format for both the Thursday Giveaways & Saturday Studio Tours. We'll see how it goes...

In the meantime, be sure to enter this giveaway!! Also, I'll be featuring Linda's studio on Feb 6th so pop back then & see where she makes her magic.

-------------------------
Final Note:
Have you heard of the etsy shop Hearts For Haiti? Hundreds of Etsy sellers are donating items. You shop. Your $ goes to Doctors without Borders....and you get Free Shipping (paid for by sellers). Click the link above to shop or you can read my blog post about it here

90 comments:

  1. Stacey, What a wonderful visit with Linda.

    Linda- I'm very touched by your story, and so glad that you finally came to be making your art.

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  2. Great visit with you Linda.... Stacey you are such a sweetie to promote others like this. Great job!

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  3. i love the dimension in linda's work. Thank you for sharing her work!

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  4. oh wow, this is beautiful. and what an inspirational story. i'm so glad you got to do what you love.

    -lauren
    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

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  5. Stacey, as always, 1st class post by you! I love to read your posts. And what can I say, the featured artsit, Miss Linda!!!! She has talent, she is funny, and she is my friend....love all of your new heart things Linda, I know you have come down a very bumpy road, and I want you to know that you inspires me so much! Big hugs to BOTH of you, my special art friends!!!
    ~xx~

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  6. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity Stacey. You are a very special person!!!!

    Hugs, Linda

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  7. Hay wait a minute, since linda posted here does that mean she has entered to win her own prize??? lol Just kidding. I miss you ladies I need to get back over to etsy. Love the pics and interview you have done a wonderful job once again. Best of luck to the winner!
    Jacque

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  9. Major typos above ;)

    I will excuse myself from the drawing Jacque! Besides, it would just be wrong to mail myself a package!!!!! :)

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  10. linda looking at your stuff on facebook is nothing compared to seeing it on here..on your facebook it almost looks 3-d..but it is absolutly wonderful.your story is amazing and im so glad you found yourself.keep up the good work

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  11. The mixed media really makes your art sing Linda. So much dimension, I really connect with it. An artist always finds a way to express themselves, glad you are creating and making yourself happy.Thank you for sharing.

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  12. They are soo cute !! Would love to have on

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  13. Oh please!!! I want to win one of Linda's heart's! I'm her biggest "groupie" and we've become friends as well. I have been a fan of Linda Hardy's work as long as I found her art. I am writing an article about her right now for a website for artist's adds and articles at www.Indiesmiles.com
    It will soon be up and running. Just because I am already her main "groupie" :) I don't see why I couldn't win one of her heart pieces that you are showing.
    Congratulations Linda for your wonderful inspiring life, that helps so many people! Also congratulations to your publicity. Everyone should know about your work as it is so awesome!!!
    "Another" Linda :)

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  14. Beautiful work Linda and thank you for sharing Artsnark :).

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  15. Linda J - You know I'll have something special for you next week at our meeting! I've missed you my friend :)

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  16. Beautiful artwork! Love your interview, Stacey & Linda, what an inspirational story.

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  17. Hey Stacey, yet another wonderful piece.

    Linda, I love your story, I can empathize.

    Your work is full of passion and colour, so cheerful and uplifting :) T.

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  18. What beautiful work! I love mixed media and 3D artwork. My favorite is the "Hope Cross." Can't wait to browse through your Etsy shop.

    abstoner at comcast dot net

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  19. What unique and beautiful pieces of artwork. Thanks for the giveaway!
    e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  20. What gorgeous art! I particularly like her birds.
    YiddishBitterRose at gmail dot com

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  21. I scrolled down to see all the pictures before I read the post and I thought - wow, this is HAPPY ART!!!! There you go, you never really know what's behind something.

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  22. I love the art work you shared with us.
    kim

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  23. Love the hearts Linda; Stacey always the best feature artists!

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  24. I really love your art - it's so bright and cheerful!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Wonderful interview. And truly inspiring! I love the depth and texture in your pieces Linda. You truly are a survivor an should be darn proud of it! What can I say she is not only talented but witty too!
    Thanks for sharing and Stacey for featuring.
    Hugs CarolF

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  26. I really love Linda's art and think so much of her as a person. Someone I admire and appreciate all that she has overcome. Art does heal and Linda is a great testimony to that. It was nice to get to know her even more!

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  27. Oh wow, her work really speaks to me!

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  28. The texture is amazing and very appealing
    http://earthdancedaph.blogspot.com
    earthdancedaph@yahoo.com

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  29. Linda's art is beautiful, thanks, Stacey!

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  30. very unique and beautiful

    nettysgirl at gmail.com

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  31. Stacey~ Yet another great post and contest from you. I would love to have one of Linda's pieces!!

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  32. Those are truly amazing!! What a talented lady.

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail dot com

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  33. Hi Stacey, hope you are well my friend, i have just begun to get back into visiting all my blog friends and wow have i been missing out !! Hope your year is off to a great start and thanks as always for sharing :)
    Love this work by Linda and what an inspiring story too
    hugs June xxx

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  34. I have several of Linda's pieces and they are fabulous! Very unique, lots of texture and detail!

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  35. What fabulous art work!! So colorful and textural!! I love it! And it was fun getting to know Linda. Hooray for her!!! Definitely put my name into the hat.
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  36. I really enjoyed reading about Linda and her work. Please enter me in the drawing for the sculptural heart, it is lovely!

    Jane S.
    janers41 at hotmail dot com

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  37. Great giveaway. What a wonderful concept you have. Thank you for sharing it!

    Hope I'm lucky!

    Marci
    june_spirit2628@hotmail.com

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  38. i would love it..thanks for the chance
    nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net

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  39. What an Inspiration! I would love to have a piece of your art in our home

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  40. What a gorgeous piece that will go perfect in my living room that I am re-designing. I would absolutely love to have this piece on my wall!

    danielle78(at)comcast(dot)net

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  41. Gorgeous work - and very glad you found your nice, Linda!

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  42. great story and wonderful work!

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

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  43. I love the poppies, it reminds me of Remembrance Day.

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  44. Wow! theres some really amazing pieces, I love the poppies!
    Anna
    perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

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  45. Such cool artwork. Thanks for this opportunity!

    info @bookofrandomness .com

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  46. Count me in. Great interview, cool art! It's amazing how many Etsy artists struggle with health issues of one kind or another and yet diligently pursue their art in spite of their physical problems. (I'm one of them.)

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  47. These are all gorgeous. i really like the 3 red poppies in a row in Linda's shop too.
    The hardware and button are really cool touches.

    I collect hearts (I have 20 pendants,charms also 1 painting I did of hearts) so I would love to win this and add it.

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  48. I only wish I was as talented as Linda. Thank you.

    Emily-
    DurhamDrawl@gmail.com

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  49. wow - beautiful work!

    jroseland2@cox.net

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  50. gorgeous artwork, I would love some for my daughter's room!

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  51. What talent she has! I would be honored to win a Piece of her Heart
    Art. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  52. This is a very touching and inspiring story. The textures are amazing!

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  53. Wow! I love Linda's work. thanks for introducing her to us!! I sure hope to win as this would be just beautiful hanging in my bedroom.

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  54. I'm sure that your gorgeous big hearts resemble your own big heart. Being in a similar position, I too, love Etsy... I've also opened my own blog.

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  55. What beautiful art! I'm so glad I got to see it here.
    jenniferlehman AT rogers.com

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  56. Neat stuff! I like the silver leaf.

    cam22190 at gmail

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  57. Amazing work! I love the texture.

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  58. beautiful pieces! count me in :)
    eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  59. Beautiful artwork and story. Thanks so much for sharing.

    email: silverdolphin1771@yahoo.com

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  60. Great visit :)
    I was always "crafty", but I only became truly interested in being an artist when my disability took over my working life.
    It has been so liberating.
    That heart art is just beautiful.

    hugs,
    Heidi
    heidig@gmail.com

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  61. Thanks for such a brilliant giveaway!

    lankylegslass(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  62. These are all so stunning, it would be great to win. :)

    aimeebernard(at)gmail.com

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  63. These are all so stunning, it would be great to win. :)

    aimeebernard(at)gmail.com

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  64. I think all you your pieces are absolutely beautiful! <3
    It's very cool that you have so many people in your family that are into different medias and art forms, you must have had an amazing support group while you figured out what worked for you.

    ayoung3360@hotmail.com

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  65. These works of HeArt Art are BEAUTIFUL! I would love to have one displayed in my Studio! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Happy New Year & Artful Blessings,
    Kathryn

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  66. Such absolutly beautiful pieces of art! So originial too!


    bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  67. Sweet interview, always fun to read a bit about a artist background.

    EWian

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  68. I also am a collage, mixed media artist and love your art!

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  69. ooo~! pick me! *i hope i win!*

    (i love anything PINK!)

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  70. please enter me!
    thanks!!

    *keep creating! :)

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  71. I'm so glad you found such a beautiful outlet Linda!

    Thank you for the post Stacey!

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  72. Such beautiful art and an even more beautiful story.

    kato[dot]ignited[at]gmail[dot]com

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  73. I love her style...and her description :) It is a wonderful mix of many.

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  74. Thanks for posting this giveaway and the interview with Linda. What an inspiration. I am 26 and have been dabbling in some creative endeavors little by little my whole life. I've always been afraid to just get out there and make it happen. Fear of failure, maybe? Linda's story has brought me hope! Thank you for that!

    livingthesmalltownlife@gmail.com

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  75. very talented. I think this is adorable and would look great in my home.

    You should participate in the one world, one heart international giveaway event. There is information on my blog with a link to the site. The event starts tomorrow.

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  76. Linda, your art is absolutely stunning!

    I would love to be entered
    crystalmarieporter at gmail dot com

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  77. Thanks for the opportunity to win a beautiful heart. I'm going to visit your blog right now. You have found your voice in art. I can tell you are a lovely person.

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  78. It was very interesting to get to know Linda, I am in awe of her talent and the beauty she expresses in her art!

    pumkinlady430@yahoo.com

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  79. Email correction, I am half awake...this is the correct one:

    pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

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  80. i blogged about it :)

    http://missymissmisc.blogspot.com/2010/01/heart-painting-giveaway.html

    please enter me!

    yay!

    judy bloom flowers at hotmail dot com

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  81. I've been a heart fan for many years. I have heart necklaces, earrings, etc. I love the picture.
    polo-puppy-fluffyAThotmail (dot) com

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  82. i'm a follower!

    please enter me again! :)

    yay! *fingers crossed*!

    judy bloom flowers at hotmail dot com

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  83. Linda... So cool to read about you. I know we know each other from highschool but I never knew all this about you! Your stuff is so awesome! I love it!!! PICK ME PICK ME!!!

    Holly LaHayne Gould (hollymgould@gmail.com)

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  84. I'm posting for a friend who had trouble leaving a comment.

    Katrina Brock a FB artist friend!

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  85. This has been a lot of fun for me.

    I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to learn about me and leaving such nice comments.

    Thanks to everyone who participated and to Stacey for doing these fabulous articles!

    Linda

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  86. Linda, You are amazing.What a blessing to be born into talent and reflect what lies within your soul.From crosses to birds,and hearts and trees-A piece of art says more than anything you could buy in a store or manufactured.It's an original & A true gift from the beat of your heart.

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