Lucky me - Lucky You! The Giveaways Continue...

Hello All. Been a very interesting few days. Lost the internet for awhile so more time for fun. Mostly just goofing off, housecleaning (ok not so fun), and making a dent in the pile of books by the bed. I really enjoyed Rebecca Stott's Ghostwalk & I'm 1/2 way though Emma Larkin's Secret Histories - Finding George Orwell in a Burmese Teashop.

On the aside, if you're curious about Orwell, check out one of my favorite blogs, Orwell Diaries. From the site: Since 9th August 2008, The Orwell Prize has been blogging George Orwell’s diaries... Each diary entry is published on the blog exactly seventy years after it was originally written by Orwell, beginning in 1938...


What's this got to do with luck & free stuff? Well, um, nothing ... so lets switch gears. 1st off, Lucky Me:

I just found out I'm featured on Jordanka Yaretz's fabulous blog today! This is a true pleasure as I am a HUGE fan of Jordanka's art. Please visit her etsy shop TreeArtist & check out her fabulous paintings. Bet she becomes one of your favorites too!

I also heard from the lovely Maria Therese of afiori.com that I was included in this elegant & ethereal treasury. Yay Me ;D

It just keeps getting better!! I was 1 of the random winners over at Cephalopod Tea Party last weekend!! And will soon be the very happy owner of this fun piece by the talented Sarah of IndustrialFairyTale . If you've got a few minutes, check out her website & blog. Well worth a visit!

Now, unlike my last giveaway, I won't be parting with my winnings. Instead I have decided to share the love by giving away one of my original drawings. Which leads us to the Lucky You part of today's post:

This charcoal & conte' figure is mounted under a hidden mat set into the wooden frame. Outside of the frame measures 9.5"H x 7.5"W x 1"D and has a lovely concave slope. Rather than relist this piece again at ArtSnark on Etsy, I've decided to have another random giveaway. Just leave a comment over the next week to be entered in the random drawing. For a 2nd chance to win, visit my etsy shop & then come back here and tell me your favorite piece in the shop. 1 random winner will be picked at noon (EST) on Thursday May 14th.

So that's all the news.. But enough about me. What have you guys been up to?

IF - Talisman

Talisman: an object that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.


Hush - charcoal on paper

The above definition was sent by the folks at Illustration Friday. Such a fantastic prompt, Talisman. It immediately made me think of this charcoal piece I made several years ago. It is almost life size & was drawn from a Polaroid I shot years before.

This piece of art was my talisman.

Until this past year, I've rarely kept up a steady flow of creativity. I'd get into 1 medium or other & make stuff for a couple of months. And then Nothing .... for years. Yes, years. This piece marked the end of a long dry spell & became my good luck charm. It got me into a number of juried shows & galleries, won some awards, and opened up PR opportunities. It became the key to whatever little door I had my eye on.

Then it was stolen.

A dozen pieces were taken, but I felt the blow when I lost this one. This was almost 6 yrs ago. I also had my son around that time & found myself very busy. The new baby, some health issues, plus work were great excuses to not create for a long long time.

February 2008 I started drawing again. 1st ATCs & then larger pieces. I am now at a point where I have more ideas than time. Although I'd like to create more each day, I am grateful for what hours I can claim as my own.

They're Here - charcoal on grey paper

Speaking of "carving out" I'm trying to carve out more elbow room so I'm adding some older pieces at my etsy shop, ArtSnark. The latest is this matted charcoal drawing & it is priced sell! I've also listed my two newest pieces (from yesterday's post)

If you've stayed with me through today's ramble, thank you. The encouragement I have received from so many kind & talented people has helped me get over the loss of my talisman. Now I make my own luck ;D