Good Morning:
I'm a day late announcing the winner, as I had quite a dinner fiasco last night and wasn't able to get to my blog. It's a long story...but it involved a spiral ham gone bad (very bad), 3 trips to the store (all to pick up items that I forgot) and finally serving dinner at 9:00 p.m.!
Anyway...as you can see, again, this give-away wasn't very successful. I received many emails from folks that weren't able to leave a comment. I can also see through my stat counter that many people tried to leave a comment and they weren't able to do so. Until blogger gets this issue fixed, I reckon I'll continue having small give-aways here occasionally, but I'll host the majority of my give-aways on my facebook fanpage. If you like taking part in my give-aways and you have a facebook, you can pop over and "like" my page by clicking HERE. This will allow you to keep up with not only my give-aways, but my daily comings and goings and my art show schedules.
Okay, the winner is comment #4 ~ andrea littlebighead, chosen at random by my daughter. Congratulations Andrea and thanks so much for playing! I will contact you for your address.
I'll be back soon with a new post and I'll show you a couple of new pieces I've finished that will be included in my show in September.
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Gonna Try This Again ~ Time For a Give-Away.
Hello There:
I haven't had a give-away on my blog for such a long time. The last few times I hosted a give-away, they weren't successful, as none of my typepad friends were able to leave comments. This has been a glitch with Blogger for well over a year now. So, I've been hosting my give-aways on my Facebook Art Page.
I really love blogging and I adore all the friends I've made through my blog....so, I'm going to host another give-away here on my blog. I'll give it a whirl one more time.
This particular give-away is for my newest print set from my "fairy tales and nursery rhymes" series. The winner will receive a 4" x 6" print of ~
"An Unexpected Visitor" (Based on Little Red Riding Hood)
...and "A Simple Game" (Based on Little-Bo-Peep)
PLEASE NOTE: This print is very vibrant in real life. It is not bleached out as it shows on the monitor..
I'm so hoping that all of my blog friends will be able to leave a comment this time. If not, I'm afraid I'll have to continue my give-aways through Facebook and Twitter. I just feel more "connected" here.
So....all you need to do to enter is leave a comment. The give-away will end Sunday, August 21st at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced here on Sunday night.
Thank you so much for playing with me!
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Friday, August 12, 2011
Busy Week and More To Come...(Updated)
Hello There:
I don't like being away from my blog for such long periods of time. My schedule is crazy...in a good way, but still crazy. I have been locked away in my studio, painting, composing and creating little pieces for my upcoming show in Sept. I need 30 finished and framed pieces by the end of August. I have 20 right now...so I will be a very busy gal over the next several weeks.
In the last few days, I have managed to get 2 new pieces done. I can't offer the originals in my zibbet shop because the originals are being held back for the show. But, I did list print versions of the two newest piece ~
and...a piece that I just finished a few hours ago inspired by Little-Bo-Peep, entitled:
I'm also offering a new print set from my "fairy tales and nursery rhymes" series. I guess to some folks, these watercolor/collages are creepy...but to me, well...I think this set would be fabulous hanging in a child's room.
PLEASE NOTE: In celebration of my daughter's birthday, I am having a 15% off sale in my zibbet shop. No need for a coupon code as the price discount has already been noted. This sale will start Sunday, August 14th and run through Thursday, August 18th. This sale includes everything in my shop....even the new prints. Hooray for birthdays!!
In the midst of my whirlwind schedule, I did find time to take a day off and journey to High Voltage Tattoo with my fabulous, wonderful, and always heartful friend, Shell. My daughter and Shell's son came along as well.
I finally finished off my "Dancing Fiona" tattoo with Dan Smith...keep in mind, these photos were taken just after the tattoo was finished, so it's still ooey-gooey fresh...I had Sweet Peas added to frame out Fiona ~
We had a fantstic time at High Voltage Tattoo. We shopped at Wonderland Gallery and even made a quick stop at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I have so many photos to share, but I haven't had a chance to go through all of them yet. Like I said...my schedule is CRAZY right now.
I will be back as soon as possible to share some fun photos. I'm getting so excited to finish all this work so I can start getting ready for all sorts of Autumn goodness and Halloween planning! Are you detecting just a teeny tiny hint of Fall in the air? I have been lately...
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Fiery Tornado of Doubt...
Wow...what a crazy week this has been. And I don't mean that in a good way. But, all is well for now.
I'm going to start off by sharing something good that happened this week, because I find it so ironic that after such a terrible cluster of days, it ended with this one good thing....
After years of creating art and selling online, marketing, tweeting, facebooking and blogging to the world, I was finally recognized on a local level. That's cool, right? I was the featured artist in the local Inland Empire newspaper "The Press Enterprise". The article is online and in the print version as well. It was funny seeing a photo of myself in newsprint. I don't think I've been in "the paper" since I was a Brownie. Would you like to read about me from a local standpoint? Here it is ~ Press Enterprise Artist Spotlight. So very nice to be recognized locally.
Okay...I don't usually blog about bad stuff. I don't think most people go to artist's blogs to read about the ugly world...they probably get enough of that in real life. But, in all fairness to my readers, I think sometimes you need to be honest. Not graphic, but honest....
I try with all my might and heart to be positive, even in the worst conditions. For the most part, I succeed. But, there are times when I want to scream into the sky and shake my fist and say "Why me, Lord? Why me"? I'm fearful and find myself whirling in a fiery tornado of doubt. Searching for faith and searching for my heart. The most difficult thing is that all my doubts, all my fears, all of the tears and gnashing are because of the one thing in this world that I loathe the most.....money. Yep...I loathe it. I am horrified at what it can do TO people rather than FOR them. I resent the fact that I have to rely on something so potentially poison to keep food on the table. To keep the water flowing through my faucets, to keep the lights shining in my home.
When the economy fell apart, we were already on our way down, as we were overwhelmed with medical expenses for my mom. By the time she passed away, the economy was down the drain and we went right along with it. My husband had a job change, we lost our health insurance, we struggled to keep our home, one of our vehicles took it's final breath etc....You know the story, because unfortunately, our story is common now. It saddens me everyday to read about folks that have lost their homes, lost their jobs. The biggest loss can sometimes be the loss of hope.
So...with all of that said, I still love my life. Things are a bit better now, but honestly, we still get walloped if any small, unexpected expense occurs. We still struggle to make ends meet, we still live hand to mouth.
Here's what I do...on a daily basis. I force myself to recognize 3 small things I am grateful for and really think about those things. It clears my mind and allows me to focus on the good stuff rather than the horrific turn our lives have taken. I go outside and purposefully look for tiny little things to be thankful for. I look around my home at the history here...inherited family clocks, my grandma's old coffee grinder, photos of the kids on Halloween. These little things can't be taken out of your heart or your gut.
There are people out there with a whole lot of power. People who can take your home away from you. They can take your car away from you. They can turn off your water, shut down your electricity and steal your hope. They can cause you to cry buckets full of tears, argue with your husband and look at yourself in the mirror with a dread and a self-hate that you hardly recognize. But....they can't steal the little things that you keep safely tucked away inside a quiet spot in your heart. Your history, your kids, your memories of childbirth, past friendships, the smell of a rose, buzzing bees.
You have to own something. You have to keep hold of the things that no one else can take. Hold them tight and be grateful and fully aware of all the little things each and everyday. It's the "Everydays" in our lives that matter the most.
There will always be fear and horror and dread and poison in this world. Without a doubt, each and every one of us will have a time when these horrors and poisons will seep into our lives on a personal basis. Get ahold of your little things now. Live your "Everydays" now. It's never too early or too late to start.
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
I'm going to start off by sharing something good that happened this week, because I find it so ironic that after such a terrible cluster of days, it ended with this one good thing....
After years of creating art and selling online, marketing, tweeting, facebooking and blogging to the world, I was finally recognized on a local level. That's cool, right? I was the featured artist in the local Inland Empire newspaper "The Press Enterprise". The article is online and in the print version as well. It was funny seeing a photo of myself in newsprint. I don't think I've been in "the paper" since I was a Brownie. Would you like to read about me from a local standpoint? Here it is ~ Press Enterprise Artist Spotlight. So very nice to be recognized locally.
Okay...I don't usually blog about bad stuff. I don't think most people go to artist's blogs to read about the ugly world...they probably get enough of that in real life. But, in all fairness to my readers, I think sometimes you need to be honest. Not graphic, but honest....
I try with all my might and heart to be positive, even in the worst conditions. For the most part, I succeed. But, there are times when I want to scream into the sky and shake my fist and say "Why me, Lord? Why me"? I'm fearful and find myself whirling in a fiery tornado of doubt. Searching for faith and searching for my heart. The most difficult thing is that all my doubts, all my fears, all of the tears and gnashing are because of the one thing in this world that I loathe the most.....money. Yep...I loathe it. I am horrified at what it can do TO people rather than FOR them. I resent the fact that I have to rely on something so potentially poison to keep food on the table. To keep the water flowing through my faucets, to keep the lights shining in my home.
When the economy fell apart, we were already on our way down, as we were overwhelmed with medical expenses for my mom. By the time she passed away, the economy was down the drain and we went right along with it. My husband had a job change, we lost our health insurance, we struggled to keep our home, one of our vehicles took it's final breath etc....You know the story, because unfortunately, our story is common now. It saddens me everyday to read about folks that have lost their homes, lost their jobs. The biggest loss can sometimes be the loss of hope.
So...with all of that said, I still love my life. Things are a bit better now, but honestly, we still get walloped if any small, unexpected expense occurs. We still struggle to make ends meet, we still live hand to mouth.
Here's what I do...on a daily basis. I force myself to recognize 3 small things I am grateful for and really think about those things. It clears my mind and allows me to focus on the good stuff rather than the horrific turn our lives have taken. I go outside and purposefully look for tiny little things to be thankful for. I look around my home at the history here...inherited family clocks, my grandma's old coffee grinder, photos of the kids on Halloween. These little things can't be taken out of your heart or your gut.
There are people out there with a whole lot of power. People who can take your home away from you. They can take your car away from you. They can turn off your water, shut down your electricity and steal your hope. They can cause you to cry buckets full of tears, argue with your husband and look at yourself in the mirror with a dread and a self-hate that you hardly recognize. But....they can't steal the little things that you keep safely tucked away inside a quiet spot in your heart. Your history, your kids, your memories of childbirth, past friendships, the smell of a rose, buzzing bees.
You have to own something. You have to keep hold of the things that no one else can take. Hold them tight and be grateful and fully aware of all the little things each and everyday. It's the "Everydays" in our lives that matter the most.
There will always be fear and horror and dread and poison in this world. Without a doubt, each and every one of us will have a time when these horrors and poisons will seep into our lives on a personal basis. Get ahold of your little things now. Live your "Everydays" now. It's never too early or too late to start.
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Fabulous Sale at Gerushia's New World
Hello There:
Just a quick little blurb on my blog today. I'm busy in my studio....working on canvas prep today. But, I wanted to pop in and let you know that Gerushia is having a sale in her new zibbet shop this week. The sale runs today thru Friday, July 29th. 20% off everything in the shop! Simply use coupon code ZIBBETYDODAH at checkout.
The sale includes all listed originals...including this piece:
...and this piece:
Lots of 4" x 6" prints...including:
...and this piece:
I've even included a print version of my Welsh Festival of Arts piece:
There are a few ACEO originals to choose from:
...and lots of ACEO prints as well:
Also....I've added a small section of print sets ~ pieces that were made to go together or pieces that fit well together as a set. Here's my favorite set:
"Dancing Fiona"
"Little Bertie in the Garden"
The "Fiona and Bertie" print set is being offered because so many customers have purchased them together, to be hung as a set. Often times these two pieces end up in a baby nursery or a child's room. I figured, I'd give the option to purchase them as a set and save the customer a couple of dollars too.
So...if you're considering buying a piece of my art...maybe for yourself, maybe as a gift ~ now is the perfect time. And...while you're browsing my shop, have a look around zibbet. It's easy and fun to use with lots of great art and other handmade items as well.
Thank you so much for having a look. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to leave a comment or email me.
Okay....back to the studio!
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Preparing for 2 Big Art Shows and some Zibbety Goodness Too!
Well....Hello There:
How are you? I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the pleasures of summer. I have been ever so busy with art show preparations and online shop work. Normally, my summer posts are about gardening and all sorts of summery goodness, but this summer has found me so busy with creating many new pieces for upcoming shows that I've had very little time to "stop and smell the roses". In fact, I've spent most of the summer locked away in my studio.
I have oodles of news and fun stuff to share and I'll share some today....
First, let me say that I am officially committed to Zibbet as my new online selling venue. I left Etsy months ago...gave Big Cartel a whirl (my little art simply got lost on Big Cartel), and now I am blissfully happy with Zibbet. They are very much like Etsy was early on. Great community feel, fantastic support and a heavy presence on twitter. This is where I'll stay as I am ordering new business cards for my upcoming shows and I must commit to somewhere. So....Zibbet it is. If you are an arty pal and are looking for a new "home", give Zibbet a look, you might like what you see. I have a feeling that they are going to explode in popularity within the next year!
I have 2 shops on Zibbet, actually. Click HERE to have a look at my art shop ~ Gerushia's New World. Click HERE to have a look at my vintage digital download shop ~ Hands of Time. I will be adding lots more vintage images over the next week.
Okay...so one of the shows I've been invited to participate in is The 2011 West Coast Welsh Festival of Arts ~ Mythology and Legend Art Show...wow, that's a mouthful! It's being held at the Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood, California September 23 - 25. Not only will my piece be in the art show, but it will be published in the book "A Welsh Alphabet", printed by A Raven Above Press. Each artist was asked to choose an alphabet from the book. Each alphabet has a short poem attached to it and our art pieces reflect that poem.
I chose "P" for Plentyn Newid. Plentyn Newid translates to New Child in English...so my piece is a changeling story.
Here is the poem:
P is for Plentyn Newid
who steal children away as they sleep.
Quickly replacing it with an ugly, shriveled beast
That has made many a poor mother weep.
The "Welsh Alphabet Book" was written by Lorin Morgan-Richards.
"Plentyn Newid"
As you can see, I chose not to show an actual ugly, shriveled beast, as I wanted to leave that to your imagination. I'm happy with the outcome and I think it conveys the overall feeling of a changeling story.
I have another show coming up in early September. This is the show that has kept me trapped in the studio. But...I mean that in a good way. I need to have 30 pieces finished and framed by the end of August. Needless to say, I am slightly panicked but I'm pacing myself and am hopeful to meet the deadline. I'll be back in a few weeks to fill you in on all the details of this show. It's very exciting!!
I'm also keeping up with new inventory for my shop as well. Here is my newest piece:
"Lulu's Big Top Playtime"
The original "Lulu's Big Top Playtime" can be found in my shop ~ Gerushia's New World - Original Art as well as a print version. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I should also mention that for all my arty blog friends that aren't on Blogger, I know you're having an impossible time leaving comments...so if you want to leave a comment for me, you may have to do it through email. I so wish Blogger could get this situation fixed.
So...there you have it. I really don't have any pretty garden photos to share or photos of delicious baked goods to post. This summer has been so very busy with my art and planning for the book and the shows...I just haven't had the time to really enjoy the season. Well...not in the usual way. I am enjoying my work and the excitement that comes along with being asked to contribute my work to these amazing shows! I am humbled beyond belief...
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading about my busy summer days (and nights)...
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
An Unexpected Visitor...
Have you ever had so much to do that you end up by doing nothing? That's what I've been doing....nothing. Mainly because I don't know where to start. Isn't that a funny and curious thing? I have an art piece due on July 1st....haven't even started it. I have huge areas of bareness in my garden. They need to be filled with color and life...haven't planted a thing. Well, the list goes on and on.
Poor Juniorbug needs to go to the groomer...he's a silly mess...
Although my garden is still suffering and in need of more nurturing, I am seeing little signs of life. Plants are blooming this year that haven't bloomed since "My Great Depression of 2008"....
Vibrant pink Four O' Clocks ~
Soft and velvety Lamb's Ear ~
Roses, Salvia and Toadflax ~
Secret prettiness that stayed hidden in the soil until now ~
My little plum tree has managed to offer a few plums this year...
Even though my white picket fence needs re-painting...
it is always a welcome sight to see my purple Sweet Peas winding themselves around the picket fence...chipping paint and all...
My front path is coming along nicely. With the cooler than usual weather we've been having in Southern California, my Impatiens are happily blooming...
Over the last couple of months, there have been some sad times. In April, we finally had to say our last good-byes to our sweet, 15 year old Labrador Retriever, Homer...
She was a strong and loyal part of our family with an amazing spirit and a giving heart. We miss her terribly...
On the lighter side....just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with a childhood friend...
We met when we were 3 or 4 years old. We lived next door to each other all of our growing up years. Like so many people, we lost touch and hadn't seen each other in over 20 years. Thanks to facebook, we re-connected and met for a 5 hour lunch! Can you believe that? I don't recall ever sitting in a restaurant for 5 hours just talking. We still have a lot to catch up on! And we will.
During all my "doing nothingness", I have managed to get a few art pieces done. This piece in particular is by far my favorite...maybe my favorite ever!
"An Unexpected Visitor"
As you can see, it is based on "Little Red Riding Hood". My intention was to hold this piece back for my "Connecting Spaces" show at The Riverside Arts Project in September. But....I have listed the original in my art shop for a few days. If you have any questions regarding this piece, feel free to email me. If you like the piece, but don't want to invest in the original, I am offering a print version as well.
Ohhh....I almost forgot. Look what I found in my garden! It's the teeniest, tiniest snail I've ever seen...
Can you believe that? Nature is truly breathtaking!
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
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