Sunday, February 17, 2008

Pretty Things Spotlight: Elizabeth Rosas


I love the raw elegance of the jewelry created by Elizabeth Rosas.


She creates each piece by hand, shaping metal into one of kind simple pieces that perfectly depict the complicated nature of its
subject.



"...nothing I make is intended t
o be perfect."




Lost in the intrinsic beauty of each piece, you feel as if you can almost smell the fragrance of each flower and stroke each petal. You want to touch and feel the natural simplicity and feel the metal against your
skin...












Spotlight: Elizabeth Rosas


*Tell us a bit about yourself: My name is Elizabeth Rosas, I currently live in San Francisco, but I am a traveling silversmith. I take my torch, a box of silver and small jewelry tools and sets up my studio where ever I can. My studios range from a garage in Florida to a basement in San Francisco and a small room in Brooklyn. I am a full time artist, a part-time teaching artist and a lifetime student. Several years ago, amidst a stunning home and in the amazing city of Chicago I realized the trappings of a ‘normal’ life were not for me. The time had come to shed away all that was supposed to bring me happiness. I knew I was an artist— I had begun my study and work as a silversmith in Mexico a few years before, but the journey to “myself” and to the art still lay ahead. I sold everything that I owned; so many beautiful things —
I
got it down to the minimum and thus began my movable lifestyle and first honest attempt at a simpler way of existing. It was during this time that my art began to take on a very specific look. It became very natural and understated—it began to mirror my life.

*What inspires you?
The modern use and trust of the natural form—the idea that nothing is perfect and that all things are changeable; the acceptance of the imperfect as true perfection…this is, in part, the strength of my work. Beautiful and simple— this is what I hope people feel when they connect to my work. and 70’s music and depressing love songs are my muse when making jewelry. I look at a piece of metal and I ask myself, “What can I make out of this”? I never draw my ideas, I just move metal shapes around then hammer, shape, texture, sand, and solder.

*Apart from creating beautiful things, what do you do for fun?
I like to go on discovery walks, even thou
gh I moved to San Francisco in 1997 and have lived here on and off since then, there is still so much to discover. I love to admire and photograph the architecture, and the street art.

*Any advice for fellow artists...

It’s O.K. to compare yourself to others but never stop creating because you think you’re not as good.
Basically, be patient and kind to yourself .




Etsy Shop:
eRosasjewelry

Friday, February 15, 2008

True Love

I love love love these sweet True Love prints by Mikiep! I have them framed and on the wall in front of my desk so that I can look at them every day.

They are both artists who handcraft hearts to give to their true loves! Awww....

True Love...


The Little Craftsman by Mikiep
This little boy was born without a Heart.
With Spirit and Passion, he crafted one of wood in his workshop so that someday he would be able to give it to his soul mate.

The Little Seamstress by Mikiep
This little girl was born without a Heart.
With Love and Hope, she crafted one of fabric in her sewing room, so that someday she would be able to give it to her soul mate.


Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day...My "Gift" to You

Since I can't give each and every one of you something for Valentine's Day today, I'd at least like to tell you how you can get something for FREE!

Suze Orman,
an internationally acclaimed personal finance expert, started giving away a copy of her new book, "Women and Money" for FREE yesterday on the Oprah show. Go to this page and scroll down to find the book download.

You must download your free copy, [available in English and Spanish], by 5pm today CST. [That's Central Standard Time here in the US, so do the time calculations if you happen to be outside the USA].

I hope you enjoy it as I have been...
You can also visit her website here to send her a personal "Thank You".

Happy Valentine's Day!

xxx
Raven



Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Pretty Things Fashion: The Grammys

It's been a crazy week so far, so I haven't had a chance to post the prettiest things I found from the Grammys...





Fergie:
Glowing and sweet like sunshine in her Calvin Klein buttercup yellow gown and Cartier diamonds on the red carpet...
Then in a beautiful Grecian style
gown with draping tie-neck scarf from Versace for her performance, Miss Fergie topped my list of best dressed.





























Faith Hill & Tim McGraw:
The ever-beautiful Faith Hill looked so very elegant in this one-shoulder Valentino gown. Country-rocker hubby Tim McGraw looked quite suave in black as well!



























Cyndi Lauper:
She's always had that quirky style I've loved, especially since I was a teen in the 80's, so I'm happy to see that she's found a way to still remain the Cyndi we know and love...and keep her personality as she "matures". At 54, she's looking better than ever. Kudos, Cyndi...You looked fabulous in your leather and lace!












Paramore:
I liked their young, quirky 80's style...Yes, even if Hayley
Williams IS wearing a see-thru dress with socks and open toed shoes.











Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Folkloric Fairytale

What a lovely little Wunderland! This sweet treasury is by DollFaceDesign and includes my quirky little mushrooms.

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You can find these sweet mushrooms in my shop, Dirty Pretty Things on Etsy to put in your own little fairytale world! Oh, how lovely!
My little fungi pals are all handmade by moi ...and available with white spots or with a smooth/flat top. You pick 2 to mix & match for $30.00.


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...and here are some cuties from
DollFaceDesign.
Be sure to check out her shop!

* The Littlest Queen
* Bird Queen of Alcatraz

xxx
Raven

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Pretty Things Spotlight: * Gumball Grenade *

I am so very excited about this week's feature! I came across Tanya, selling under the name Gumball Grenade, very much by accident...a very lucky incident indeed!

Immediately her sweet style of art tugged at my heartstrings as it is so endearing,...reminding us all of the cherished memories and fantasies we had as children.



Spotlight: Gumball Grenade



* Tell us a bit about yourself : My name is Tanya Newbery. I was born in England , raised in Utah . I attended public school up until high school, at which point I requested to attend a private school. It was nice to see the contrast in education styles. I have degrees in both English and Social Work, and a minor in Philosophy. Other little tidbits about me: I love tattoos, but am far to chicken to get one myself. I also have a secret desire to join a roller derby league, but again my chicken factor kicks in!


* What inspires you? A majority of my inspiration comes from my childhood. My childhood was just as I would have wanted it to be. I love watching children experience the same sense of wonder that I once had. Only now I get to see it from a new perspective. I can think of very few things that are better than the look of pure joy and wonderment when you watch a child engaged in magical thinking.


* Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun? I have a tight knit group of friends and family that I cannot imagine life without. I love a healthy debate, which for me means a thought stimulating argument with some healthy shouting sprinkled throughout. I love learning new things, for example I want to take up organic farming, sewing, soap making, beer brewing, felting, baking artisan breads, and the list goes on an on and on. It’s almost like creative ADHD. I also belong to a community service organization, Altrusa International, which places a strong focus on improving literacy rates and giving back to the local community.


* What has been your most memorable moment selling your art? I’m sure it’s a common one for many, but I think the most memorable moment in selling my art was my very first sale. I believe it was a red and gold poppy painting. I was ecstatic to see that someone actually desired and valued something that came from me. Your friends and family may say “wow, that’s really something,” but for me I needed to hear that echoed from somebody I had never met.


* Any advice for fellow artists? I remember going through all of my schooling and NEVER receiving any encouragement to be artistic. I was labeled as logical which seemed to imply uncreative. I was not one to pick up crayons and paper and pump out a masterpiece.

Instead, I read Dr. Seuss and Ranger Rick Magazine. In high school my two favorite courses were Art History and Humanities. I had a passion for art, in that I admired it deeply, but somehow bought into the labels that were applied to me. It wasn’t until my late 20’s that I began attempting to paint and surprisingly discovered that there is a great deal of logic that goes into painting. So my advice would be to follow your desire without buying into labels and avoid labeling at all costs!


Etsy Shop: Gumball Grenade

Blog: http://www.GumballGrenade.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Steampunk Love...

When I was in high school, I was totally into all things goth, punk medieval and Victorian. I still am, but I no longer dress the part or have the Siouxsie Sioux / Robert Smith make up or hair going on...no longer do I have a foot high mohawk, leather combat boots or tons and tons of eyeliner.

Photo Left: Louise Black

I know it's hard to believe that I could have once looked like that, but alas, my Pretties, it is true...and I rocked it like the best of them. I'll have to dig out an old photo or two and show you the dramatic change from then to now.

Anyway, you can imagine my delight over the Steampunk or Neo-Victorianism look, which is the amalgamation of Victorian aesthetic principles with modern sensibilities and technologies.

Steampunk fashion has no set guidelines and is based upon an
individual's personality, but tends to mesh punk, goth and industrial styles as filtered through the Victorian era.

For those of you in need of more details, this look in fashion may include mohawks, piercings, corsets, tattered petticoats, and any other number of pieces from the aforementioned factions or style periods.

Attempting to adopt a Steampunk aesthetic in fashion or home decor isn't hard with the following objects I've picked out from some Etsy members who do it best.


Who does it best?

Here's where you can grab these goodies...

Louise Black -

Jolly Roger Cameo Corset

LesFrivolities -

Ankle Leather Gaitors / Spats

BoudoirQueen -

Crow & Crown Tophat

Exoskeleton Cabaret -

Pipe Dream Photograph

Black Orchid Designs -

Captain Gear Eye Patch

FrockTarts -

Navy & White Striped Jabot


....and, here I am [how I look now] with my latest nod to Neo-Victorianism, Baroque and Steampunk:
My sweet
wallpaper necklace is improved and back in my shop, so go check it out!

xxx
Raven

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Cuties...Pick One!

This cute little card will be listed in my shop on Wednesday by noon PST...still plenty of time for you to purchase before the big day!

I just finished it and I'm sooo very happy at how it turned out! I even have orders on it already! YAY!!
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The Front features 3 little cuties and asks you to pick one of the following:
  • Panda, who offers a "big bear hug"
  • Bunny, who offers a "sweet bunny snuggle" ....and
  • Monkey, who offers some "hot monkey love"
The inside reads...well, you have to check it out in my shop to see the surprise message inside. I think you'll realllllly like it. :)

xxx
Raven

Saturday, February 2, 2008

DPT Spotlight: Dave Lefner

I'm gonna let you in on a secret....His name is Dave Lefner.

You haven't heard of him? You will.

Dave is a true artiste, who has resurrected and mastered the century-old technique of linoleum reduction printing made famous by Picasso. In each limited-edition linocut print he makes, Dave reinterprets the beauty, spirit and historical significance of the forgotten beauty that surrounds us.

Dave was drawn to this process because it restored the artist to the "proper role of artisan," allowing each piece to slowly reveals itself with each bold new color.









He's been
featured on the Carol Duvall Show and also in the Los Angeles Times, where Richard Duardo, chairman of the Graphic Arts Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and a master printer himself was quoted as saying,

"...few artists or printmakers still do linoleum reduction printing..."We're a dying craft. Reductive printmaking is a time consuming, tedious process. In this day and age, people don't have that much patience. Artists turn instead to large-format printers, which are glorified Xerox machines. That's why when I see somebody that has mastered this craft, I'm flabbergasted. Lefner has gone beyond being a master printmaker. He's hands down the best linocut printmaker on the West Coast."


Spotlight: Dave Lefner



* Who or what inspired you to become an artist? I was ALWAYS drawing and always received such praise for my ability that I never remember a time when I didn't consider myself an artist.... I have that 1st grade drawing on my refrigerator of me at my easel complete with beret that boldly states "Someday I will be an artist and paint a lot of pictures". I never really thought of it in terms of a profession until high school when you're forced to decide what you what to do with the rest of your life. I entered college as a declared Graphic Designer because that was the only box to check that remotely involved art.

* Describe your childhood in 2 sentences: My childhood was a wonderful, blessed, unbearably mundane, suburban life. Norman Rockwell would have been jealous- blah!







* Who inspires you in the Art Scene?
Stuart Davis paintings, the graphic black and
white images of the German Expressionists, woodcuts from the 1940s, the Paris art scene in the 1920s, the New York art scene in the 1950s, Picasso reduction linocut series in the1950s, interesting typefaces and fonts, the negative white space of the paper against another color.

* Who are your favourite artists? It may seem cliche, but Picasso is one of my favs just based on sheer output and influence on Art history in general. He was a machine and pushed the boundaries until there WERE no boundaries. But it’s funny how most of the artists who I respond to on a gut level, actually don’t inspire my own art at all. I love the ones who have a completely different take on Art than I do- a lot of the Abstract Expressionists; Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko. I love Jean-Michel Basquiat, because I’m jealous that he could be so free and loose, but still have intellectual and philosophical content. I like Chuck Close- he found one thing, the portrait, and did it a million different ways and kept it fresh.

* What Inspires you In Life? The Greatness of human achievement, whether it be in the form of art, literature, music, movies, architecture. Things that have stood the test of time and remain as relevant today as when they were created. As human beings, we are capable of so much- it’s sad to me how little we settle for in ourselves as well as others. Some other things that inspire my work are the graphic silhouettes of telephone and electric wires that zig-zag over our heads. They are everywhere and so crucial to life as we know it in the city, but taken for granted. Also, things like the graphic images on dollar bills, anatomical drawings from Gray’s Anatomy and just type in general, especially blown up on a huge scale. Things that we are used to seeing on a small scale, have a different feel when presented on a larger scale.


* Where do you want to travel?
I desperately want to travel- especially Europe- all the places I’ve read about in the biographies of my heroes- France (for Matisse, Picasso, all those cats in the 1920s-), Spain, Italy are the top 3! Life can be so expensive. It’s hard to find the money and the time to travel the way I want!


* When did you start to notice the cityscapes of Los Angeles? Well, I suppose that it had to be in my early 20s, when I really started driving around town to go out with friends to new bars and clubs. Hollywood and its adjacent areas had a very colorful nightlife- literally. The glow of the neon and glitz was amazing. Driving down Sunset Blvd. was always such an experience, because it always looked so bright and glamourous. But you knew there were things hidden by the cover of night. Hollywood at night was too cliche. So as I drove some of those same routes in broad daylight and got the real story. An aging building in the harsh light high noon didn’t look as glamourous, but other interesting things were going on. Shadows cast off broken neon tubing, rusting architectural elements, torn advertising posters. It opened a whole world of inspiration for me.

*What sort of imagery do you try to capture with your work? Being born and raised in Los Angeles made me want to comment on and capture the uniquely-LA landscape. There is something intriguing or maybe even disturbing about the bombardment of billboards, advertising, signage, storefronts, every kind of typeface and font screaming at you, etc. New York City has that inspiring effect on me, but Los Angeles is laid out differently. People are in their cars, driving around so quickly that the urban beauty surrounding them needs to be pointed out to the average person more here. Sometimes, in our busy lives, we don’t see how beautiful the shadows cast off some broken, burnt out old neon sign can be.




Contact:
Serpentine Republic AR - 323.397.5599










Upcoming Exhibition:

Brewery Artwalk, Los Angeles, 2008

  • Saturday, April 5 [11am-6pm]
  • Sunday, April 6 [11am-6pm]
For appointments or more information, call or comment & someone will contact you.

The Little Love Parade Clown CONTEST


My newest creation makes me smile every time I look at him! I hope you love him as much as I do!


He is the Little Love Parade Clown...and I am holding a contest to name him! You can go to my shop to purchase him.

If you have any suggestions, you can leave a comment here or post on this Etsy Forum.

The person who suggests a name that I like will win a free mini print of their choice from my shop.

This contest will end on Wednesday, February 6th at 12:00 midnight PST unless a name is chosen before then. If I don't pick a winning name from those offered, I will give hints and the one who guesses what I've chosen, wins.



Have fun naming this little cutie pie!


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...and the winning name is....WORTHINGTON!
Submitted by T.Sterl of New York City.

Thanks to everyone who entered...more contests and winnings soon!

xxx
Raven

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Happy Birthday to Moi...

Yes, it's true...I turn 38 at 4.48 AM [EST] February 1st...and I'm celebrating still! My sweetie-pie just sang "Happy Birthday" to me [awww...].

I've decided to post and thank everyone for the
well-wishes as they are MUCH appreciated!

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Also, I wanted to let you see some of the cuties, critters and cards that have either already been
posted in my shop or will be posting this weekend so you can shop to your hearts content!


To your right, you'll see The Little Clown, who is handsculpted and hand painted. He carries 2 balloons just for you.


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This is the cutest Love Bunny Card you'll ever see...just in time for Valentine's Day!

Great to give to EVERYONE on your love list...GF, BF, BFF, mum, dad, sis, grand ma ma, the little bro, Aunt Ellie, the sweet old lady down the block...anyone you can think of!








Inside it says.. "Some Bunny Loves You"






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You should always have some of these sexy little cards to help set the night on fire any day of the year.























Each card is customizable with your choice of saying, so say what YOU really wanna say to your sweetie naughty or nice! Cards can also be left blank inside for you to write your own sweet nothings.


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This adorable Little Love Bird needs a home and some love to keep her hearted wings red.









More cuteness to be posted soon, so keep checking back here or in my Etsy shop.

xxx
Raven

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

She's Having another...


YAY for Gwen Stefani!

We just found out that she and her hot rocker hubby Gavin Rossdale are expecting their second child. Yes, Gwen really is pregnant again!


Word is that the singer is already 13 weeks pregnant, preparing to welcome the new baby this summer.



The happy couple Stefani, 38, and Brit-boy Rossdale, 40, married six years ago and already have one little cutie...son, Kingston Rossdale, who will turn 2 in May.











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Be sure to check out Gwen in my shop too!


The Sweet Escape Print

Monday, January 28, 2008

New York City Now...

Messages are everywhere...some more important than others. Are YOU keeping the promises you've made to yourself?

Pretty Things from the SAG Awards


Here are our picks for the prettiest dressed at the SAG [Screen Actors Guild] Awards!






MARION COTILLARD, Winner!

...best actress nominee [La Vie en Rose] is enchanting and magical in this pale gray strapless gown by Nina Ricci.






















TERI HATCHER, First Place

"Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher looks gorgeous in this gown by Badgley Mischka.





















CHRISTINA APPLEGATE,
Second Place

The "Samantha Who?" star simply sparkles in this Elie Saab creation.















BECKI NEWTON, Third Place

The Ugly Betty star glows in her tiered white sequined gown by Elsie Katz.