Etsy Artist of the Week

This week I'm featuring Etsy Artist, minimalista.  She's from one of my favorite places, California.  She includes images of the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, in many of her items.  I own a Frida t-shirt from minimalista.  I love the individualism that shows up in Frida's artwork, her love of nature, and her portrayal of suffering.  Here is an example of one of the Frida scarves from this etsy seller:

From the Frida Kahlo website:  Frieda Kahlo y Calderón was a Mexican painter, born in Coyoacán.  Perhaps best known for her self-portraits, Kahlo's work is remembered for its "pain and passion", and its intense, vibrant colors. Her work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition, and by feminists for its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form.

"I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best."  --Frida Kahlo

This is my favorite painting by Frida.  I got to see this portrait at a special exhibit in San Antonio many years ago.

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week's artist is Flor Larios.  I love her paintings of the Virgin Mary.  She's a big fan of Frida Kahlo too!  Just like me!  From her site..."I'm a self taught artist & illustrator. I love to paint and create decorative art pieces for the home and for you to wear.  I like angels, fairies, madonnas, nativities, butterflies, and ladybugs. I love art! I get my inspiration thru Frida Kahlo's art and religious icons."



Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

  I've admired this artist for quite some time, choosing this particular item to showcase because it has a personal significance for me.  My sister, her daughter, my daughter and I got to visit the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal when we were in Paris last summer.  The site was so unassuming,  nestled in among the other buildings along a Paris sidestreet.  

Outside the religious site



A sculpture inside the courtyard

Inside the courtyard - a close-up of a carving of the actual medallion that many Catholics wear

Inside was a beautiful chapel where we happened upon the beginning of mass (in French, of course).  There was school of children visiting.  We listened to their angels' voices singing every song during the mass.  By far, this was absolutely my favorite part of Paris. 

Inside the chapel

Statue of St. Vincent de Paul

The Soldering Iron is Hot!

Here are a few photos of what I've been up to on a rainy Saturday.  The soldering iron heats up to 465 degrees F.  I take images and secure them between two hand-cut pieces of glass.  Then they are soldered together with lead free silver solder and a super hot iron!!  The pendants go on faux leather black or brown cord to become a necklace.  I also create Christmas ornaments with favorite photos that I solder together.  They'll be featured soon in my shop.

            

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week's featured artist comes to us from coastal Maine, Sojourn Curiosities.  Here's a little bit about her: "I specialize in wire & mixed media jewelry. My pieces are built around historic hardware, vintage buttons, sea glass, and found natural materials, such as shells and stones. Each piece has a story to tell. "

Etsy Artist of the Week

I met this week's Etsy Artist of the Week in Etsy Chat, a fun place where all the craftsy people go to unwind. Meet WendyConradArt. Her rooster paintings are my favorites. Click on the pic below to see her entire store:

A word from the artist:

Title: "Red Butler"

Size: 5 1/2 inches by 5 inches by 3/4 inch deep

Medium: Acrylic on wood

Description: Original potrait of a rooster with a white background. Painted on wood reclaimed from a construction site that would have been discarded otherwise. Hangs on the wall by raffia looped through 2 holes drilled in the wood. Titled and signed by artist on the back.

Inspiration: Living in the rural North Georgia Mountains, there is animal inspiration everywhere. I love to paint farm animals, in particular roosters, chickens, and cows. Red Butler is a regal rooster! Part of the “Barn Blocks” series.

Etsy Artist of the Week

Put on your shades for this one. This week's artist is LittleDickensDesigns. I chose this artist because it's the beginning of summer! My kids just got out of school two days ago and we're headed to the pool! This sun print made me smile. Click on the pic below to see the entire store.