Meow! Painting Charlie

A lot of people are scared of cats, allergic to them or just don't like them. Not sure why because cats are SO cute. At least mine is! I may have just given away that I am a cat lover, so you won't be surprised when I tell you that I LOVE Heidi Shaulis' paintings! Don't worry! You don't have to be a cat lover to appreciate Heidi's art. The colors are vibrant, the subject matter playful, and the technique executed brilliantly. Now, lets find out more about Heidi and what she thinks of her own work.

NM: How would you describe your paintings?
HS: Oil paintings of cats, most often my tuxedo cat, Charlie, in both cat poses and anthropomorphic ones.

NM: What is your favorite thing to draw and why?
HS: I love to paint cats. I've always been drawn to them.

NM: How long have you been painting for?
HS: 24 years!

NM: Did you go to school for art? If yes, what did you specialize in? If not, how did you get into this form of art?
HS: No, I went to school to be an archaeologist and even have an MA from UPenn. That was my career for years. I started painting as a fun thing to try when I was in graduate school; played with it for years before I thought my paintings were finally okay enough to share.

NM: Do you paint full time?
HS: Yes, as often as I can. Sometimes 7 days a week.

NM: Have you ever thought about illustrating for children's books? Or do you currently?
HS: I would love to and might someday...

NM: Is your work on display in galleries? If so, where?
HS: Not currently. After trying both consignment through galleries and direct sales via the internet, I've found I prefer to sell on the internet...a much broader audience is available and I really enjoy the interaction with customers. Through galleries you rarely get to know your customers.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
HS: Currently I use Etsy as my storefront. Occasionally I auction pieces on ebay. I started westcorinthstudio with my husband Isaac who is a woodworker, and recently opened my own etsy address for just my cat art.

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
HS: Currently I am most interested in the possibilities of social networking and am using my Facebook fan page as a way to communicate with a target audience. My cat Charlie has his own Facebook page and has over 1000 friends!

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
HS: I do, but once I found Facebook, I abandoned it. I prefer to just post updates to my facebook fan page.

NM: Thanks Heidi! You work is beautiful and I wish you luck with your Etsy shop. I hope one day your work does make it into children's book, as it really does deserve it.

Readers, please share your thoughts on Heidi's work in the comments section. Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Business Information

Name: Heidi Shaulis

Business/Shop Name: Heidi Shaulis

Location: Corinth, Vermont

Website URL: www.heidishaulis.com

Etsy URL: heidishaulis.etsy.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.new.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Shaulis/108485365503?ref=nf

The Way of Plastic Pumpkin Leads to True Art and a Giveaway

I came across Ren Adams in a thread on Facebook (FB) fan pages in the Etsy forums. I visited Ren's FB page and saw a few wonderful items posted, but what really grabbed my attention was Ren's shop name: Plastic Pumpkin Designs. I was very intrigued by the name, especially since the few items I saw on Ren's FB fan page did not exactly match what I imagined the shop would carry. I'm not sure what I expected, but I know I was more than presently surprised.

After viewing all ten pages of Ren's shop, I read her profile and wow! Ren's inspiration fascinated me and her words are truly reflected in her art. After reading Ren's profile, I picked up my copy of Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching" and read:

Empty the self completely;
Embrace perfect peace.
The world will rise and move;
Watch it return to rest.
All the flourishing things
Will return to their source.

This return is peaceful;
It is the flow of nature,
An eternal decay and renewal.
Accepting this brings enlightenment,
Ignoring this brings misery.


While I started out trying to find out why Ren's shop was called Plastic Pumpkin, I ended up reminiscing about my long abandoned studies in anthropology and religion. I had to know more ...


NM: How long have you been making traditional Chinese brush paintings?
RA: I've been doing traditional Chinese brush painting for about five years now. I've been a sketch artist, acrylic painter and mixed media artist for over 20 years.

I've been doing art my entire life, even scribbled in my own baby book.

NM: How did you get into this style of painting?
RA: Chinese brush painting was taught to Taoist monks as a way of cultivating "Tao" (inner balance, inner peace, harmony). As a dedicated student of Taoism, and already an artist, it just clicked with me. It made perfect sense to try it.

Taoism, like Zen, often teaches concepts in paradox. Having a background in Eastern philosophy helped me understand brush painting techniques like having a brush that's simultaneously as wet as the spring rain and dry as the autumn wind.

NM: Did you go to school for art? If yes, what did you specialize in?
RA: I took many art classes in college, but the first time around I attended UC Berkeley and majored in English (focus on 19th & 20th century literature and poetry, and creative writing) with a minor in Anthropology.

I gave the corporate world a shot and was an editor and professional writer for almost a decade before I walked away and realized I had been denying something I was doing all along: art.

I have since decided to go back and refine my studies in art. My college counselor commented that many people say they should have majored in art the first time around. I said the same thing! Not that I regret my studies in English, but you know what I mean. I am currently pursuing a BFA in Art Studio, with the intent to go on to achieve an MFA. I am focusing on painting and printmaking. I guess I like to collect Bachelor's degrees. Ha ha.

NM: Do you paint full time?
RA: Absolutely. Every day. I often spend 10 or more hours a day at the studio. Some days I log 14. If I'm not at the studio, I'm doing advertising, planning, and writing.

NM: You currently have over 200 sales, how do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
RA: I use my blog, Twitter, Facebook, business cards, my main website, MySpace, Craigslist and anything else I can think of. I have a pretty big mailing list these days, which helps.

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
RA: I don't really have a favorite. I see each painting as separate, one step improved over the last. I see them all as concepts or ideas that needed to come out and be expressed, and each is meant for someone special. You can always tell who it's meant for--they snap it right up. At art shows, they lock eyes on it and can't leave without it.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
RA: Yes--I do have some on ArtFire (mostly the prints). Some of my images are available on objects at Zazzle. My main website will have a store finished soon. I've been on Lov.li and DaWanda for a few years, but the traffic there is slower. I also sell resin jewelry on Etsy at Plastic Pop.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it
RA: I do a "Daily Musings" series; personal stories or reflections on Eastern Philosophy, sometimes humorous, sometimes serious.

My blog also has info on my upcoming art shows, featured paintings and featured artists on occasion. I am also planning a 30 Paintings in 30 Days project which will be featured on my blog.

NM: Is there anything interesting about yourself you would like to share with us?
RA: Hmm... I don't know. I've studied music extensively (almost went into music instead of art or writing.). I'm a published poet and writer. I teach Eastern philosophy, mythology and art classes through the University of New Mexico, Continuing Education department.

I love video games, clubbing, electronica/trance music, world foods, Chinese and Japanese culture and history, and indie films. I collect Chinese opera costumes. I currently also have an obsession with colorful faux Bavarian and German spotted mushrooms. LOL

NM: Thank you SO much, Ren, for sharing all this wonderful insight with us. Your work really is wonderful and you can tell just from looking at it that you really enjoy what you do.


Business Information

Business/Shop Name: Ren Adams Art / Plastic Pumpkin Designs

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Website URL: www.renadamsart.com

Etsy URL: plasticpumpkin.etsy.com

Artfire URL: plasticpumpkin.artfire.com

Blog URL: plasticpumpkin.wordpress.com

Twitter: twitter.com/plasticpumpkin

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Ren-Adams-Art/124357617408


Last but not least, Ren has been so kind to offer NM readers a chance to win a 4" x 6" (valued at $5.00) Art Reproduction Print, winner's choice. For a chance to win, please visit Ren's Etsy shop, Plastic Pumpkin, and tell us what your favorite item is. Please provide the name of your favorite item and a way to contact you (Etsy username, Artfire username, FB fan page, email address) in the comments section of this post. All entries must be received by August 31, 2009, 6pm ET

Ella Parry Illustrates Little Curly

To date, I haven't featured many visual artists on my blog. For no reason in particular; somehow it just worked out that way. Last week, I was admiring the paintings/illustrations of some of my Facebook fans and decided to contact a few of the artists to see if they were interested in answering a few questions for us. Ella Parry was one of the responders ...

NM: How would you describe your work?
EP: Most of my work represents my fantasies and my dreams. For example, “my dear ladies” collection is all about sexy and pretty girls ... I would love to be one of them! My band new collection, “little Curly” is of my childhood, and the illustrations are based upon myself when I was a little girl.

NM: How long have you been drawing/painting for?
EP: I have had a strong passion for art ever since I picked up my first pencil as a child. When I was working as a graphic designer, I didn’t have time to draw or paint. Two years ago, I picked up pencils to draw, and since then, I make time to draw everyday.

NM: Did you go to school for art?
EP: I studied Commercial Design and Graphic Design in Hong Kong. In 1999, I went to London to study Visual Art at Camberwell College of Art.

NM: Do you do illustrate full time?
EP: At the moment, I am a part-time freelance illustrator. I would love to be a full-time artist one day. I’m working on it!

NM: Have you ever thought about illustrating for children's books?
EP: I love to illustrate children's books. I’m current illustrating a children's book and I’m planning to write something about “little Curly” for one too.

NM: What is your favorite thing to draw and why?
EP: I love to draw children, girls, animals and everything natural.

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
EP: To be honest, I don’t have much time to promote these days. I tell people about what I do and about my shop, and I have a myspace, facebook and flickr pages, and a blog.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
EP: My items are on Etsy and some gift shops in London.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
EP: Yes, I do. My blog is mainly about illustration - my work and useful information for other illustrators.

NM: Is there anything interesting about yourself you would like to share with us?
EP: Well, there's a lot of interesting things about me!!! Hmm??? I’m a funny person (my husband always say this). I’m not good at speaking and writing, but I’m planning to write a children's book! I was born in Cambodia. I have natural curly hair with two round big eyes... I look like little Curly. I’m 100% Chinese but I do not look Chinese at all. When people look at me they ask ”Are you Chinese or …? But you don’t look Chinese."

Business Information

Name: Ella Parry

Business/Shop Name: Ella Parry

Location: London (UK)

Website URL: www.ellaparry.com (under construction)

Etsy URL: ellaparry.etsy.com

Blog URL: ellaparry.blogspot.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Ella-Parry/43176685758

Monday Giveaway - Crooked Little Studio - CLOSED

Win one of two giveaways from Crooked Little Studio - Set of 5 Dragonfly Notecards or 8x10 "New Life" Art Print. First winner will have a choice between the two giveaways. Second winner will receive the remaining item(s).


Set of 5 Dragonfly Notecards valued at $12.50



New Life - 8x10 Art Print valued at $14.00


How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated will host a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your email or Etsy shop URL (so I can contact you if you are the winner)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, February 22, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winner at random and contact the winner via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Crooked Little Studio's artist is a full-time art teacher with over 20 years experience in graphic design. Her shop is a place to buy whimsical, vibrant art, art prints and wearable art. Crooked Little Studio derived her shop name from her actual studio. It is, in a word, crooked. None of the corners are square, the floors are uneven, the walls are lumpy; hence the name crookedlittlestudio.

Crooked Little Studio is currently working on illustrations for a book of poetry by Roberta Arwood.

To learn more about Crooked Little Studio, please read the interview I posted with Crooked Little Studio back in April '08.

While you are visiting Crooked Little Studio's shop, take advantage of her special offer valid through February 28, 2009 - Free ACEO with each item purchased. Please mention NM's blog in the message to seller and indicate ACEO of your choice.


Post a link to your favorite item from Crooked Little Studio's shop, along with your email address (or Etsy URL or username) for a chance to win either a Set of 5 Dragonfly Notecards or an 8x10 "New Life" Art Print.

CrookedLittleStudio.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Look at the Bouquets in The Flower Shop

I have absolutely no idea how I came across The Flower Shop on Etsy. I must have been participating in the forums and clicked on Simona's shop. However I stumbled upon it, it was a great find. The Flower Shop is nothing like what you would expect. It is filled with green and blue, and black and white flowers, all drawn onto paper, forming incredible art. Simona creates truly elaborate bouquets. Simona is new to Etsy and I decided to help her out a bit by featuring her shop and asking her a few questions. Show Simona your love.

1. How would you describe your shop?
A homage to my childhood summer days, filled with lots of colorful flowers and flying insects.

2. How long have you been drawing for?
Since middle school. I used to draw in the back of my notebook when I became too bored with the lectures.

3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
Coming from a family that is arts and crafts-oriented, I knew this is what I would do forever.

4. What mediums do you like to use?
My work has no boundries on how I convey my concepts. I use all sorts of mediums, however, my pieces are mostly two-dimentional.

5. What inspires your art?
My environment, my surroundings. I cannot be more specific since inspiration is all around me.

6. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
Manic Muffin Totes
Bloomsbury Group
Mu-Yin Jewelry
Syko

7. How did you hear about Etsy?
A friend of mine has been a member of Etsy for a while and recommended it.


Business Information:

Name: Simona

Business/Shop Name: The Flower Shop

Location: Orlando, FL

Etsy URL: brenmc16.etsy.com

Bright Days with Crooked Little Studio

The other day, I was looking through my favorite sellers and came across Crooked Little Studio. A little over a year ago, I purchased two ACEO from the shop. Thinking back, I remember having an incredibly hard time deciding which ones I wanted to purchase. Crooked Little Studio is filled with vibrant and in a way, magical art. Artist, Diana Hamiter's use of color is incredible. Every piece looks like it is perfectly colored. You could not ask for better. The subject matter, dragonflies, birds, fish, flowers, trees, etc. are presented in such a playful manner it is hard to look away.

A year later and still not a collector of ACEOs, I find myself wanting more of Diana's work.

After revisiting her shop the other day and remembering just how great it is, I decided Crooked Little Studio deserved a feature so I asked Diana a few questions.

1. How would you describe your shop?
My physical studio is, in a word, crooked. Long story short...none of the corners are square, the floors are uneven, the walls are lumpy; thus the name crookedlittlestudio. I'd describe my Etsy shop as a place to buy whimsical, vibrant art, art prints and wearable art.


2. How long have you been painting/drawing for?
I've been drawing and painting on and off since I was two, but I've only been doing this seriously for the past two or three years.

3. How did get into this line of work/hobby?
I think it was more out of necessity than anything. I've done graphic design since graduating from college over 20 years ago and I've been teaching art to elementary and middle school students for the past 5 1/2 years. I think that if I weren't doing my "own" thing in my spare time, I'd probably just explode!

4. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?
God's smallest of creatures really inspire me. I can sit and watch dragonflies, lizards, geckos, butterflies, birds, frogs (they're kind of shy, though) for hours and be totally engaged. I find myself very lucky that two frogs have taken up residence in a large washtub outside my back door! I believe that God works through me, so He's a definite source of inspiration. My family inspires me, too. They're very supportive of my endeavors.

5. You use very vibrant colors. Do you think that reflects upon your personality?
Yes. There's way too much darkness in this world. I try to focus on positive things and I think it takes vibrant colors to relay that.

6. Which is your favorite piece? Why?
That's really a tough question. Each piece holds a special little place in my heart (like my children). I don't think I could pick a favorite piece anymore than I could pick a favorite child. I am pretty fond of my birds, though.

7. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
Some of the many Etsy artists I admire...
wjcatnip http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038304
serpentmandalas http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=26758
shaylamaddox http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5147081
yellena http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5066099

8. Since joining Etsy in February 2007, you have sold 171 items. How do you attract customers to your shop?
Relisting and participating in forums. I work full-time as an art teacher, so I don't have much time for other types of marketing. Around Christmas, I was doing a lot of trades and just relisting the traded items seemed to increase my exposure and sales.

9. Is there any advice you would like to offer on becoming a successful seller?
I think quality work and good communication with customers are keys to Etsy success.

10. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
I have some of my religious pieces (First Communion prints) in a local Catholic gift shop. My First Communion and Confirmation items are available by order through the school where I teach. I also carry around a box of my art necklaces wherever I go! I'm hoping to add some more local stores this summer when I have time to get out and peddle my wares!


Business Information:

Name: Diana Hamiter

Business/Shop Name: Crooked Little Studio

Location: Shreveport, LA

Etsy URL: crookedlittlestudio.etsy.com