An Interview with Art Biz Mama

I'm so happy to share this interview I did today over at Art Biz Mama. I just love Dana Barbieri's blog and the many stories she shares about moms and their creative businesses. I tried to share a few words of wisdom about the process of balancing motherhood and my art business (though to look at my car you might feel that 'balance' is a bit of a myth). :) The funny thing is that really and truly, I don't believe that painting keeps me balanced. I think it helps me remain just unbalanced enough to lift off the ground sometimes... to sprout wings and look around from a new perspective.

Found Art Friday: GRATITUDE

"Let the Sun Shine" by me. Original is sold. Prints are available upon request.

"Life With You" by Claire Ishino

Though we have only two entries this FAF, I am so honored to display this gorgeous piece by Claire beside my own rendition of 'gratitude.' Claire writes in her blog that her submission was inspired by gratitude for life with her husband and children. The way she has placed the two teacups alongside a blooming flower reminds me of the healing power of simple rituals and acts of kindness. Thank you, Claire, for sharing your work!

My own piece was inspired by gratitude for the simple joys we find in life. These are like rays of sunshine that warm our quiet days.

I hope that you and your family found much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving as well!

FAF Coming & New Pendant

"Mommy Tree Talking to Baby Tree" pendant necklace. Now available here.

I've been making lots of jewelry lately and enjoying these little photographic tableaux. The hang tag for this piece features a detail from my painting "i carry your heart" - from the ee cummings poem. I thought it was a nice combination for a gift from mother to daughter or vice versa.

Speaking of people we are grateful for (like moms), this Friday is Found Art Friday, and our theme is "gratitude." If you feel like joining in, this might be a fun way to push yourself to do a little 'thanksgiving' gift to share with those you love. Just send me a jpeg or a link to your piece on your blog, and I will post the selections this Friday.

New Personalized "Forever Falling Tree" Necklaces

My new "Forever Falling Tree" personalized pendant necklaces are now available at my Etsy shop.

I have been working on this idea for a few weeks now, and I've finally figured out how to put these pendants together. Each tree can be customized with a set of names or initials (or just with one name).

This one features my name with my husband's -- though I had to shorten "Christophe" into Chris! It's really fun to wear this -- it's like a teeny tiny secret or a message in a bottle. Not obvious to the casual observer, but clear to those who are paying attention.

Now at Caffe Portofino for the Holidays!

It was a blustery cold night yesterday when we hung my paintings at Caffe Portofino, but the delicious hot chocolate kept me nice and warm. Now through the end of December, you can see my work at my favorite local cafe. Pictured here are "Counting My Blessings," "October Jazz," Little Lovey Owl," "Nothing is Truly Lost," "Only the Beginning," and a giclee of "Mommy Tree Talking to Baby Tree."

Here are "The Dreamlife of Winter," "Autumn in New York," and "Until the Stars Fall Down."

I am also selling prints, holiday cards and necklaces at Caffe Portofino for the holidays. Hope to see you as I sip my skinny snowman latte. :)