This is the official Blog for the EBSQ Self-Representing Artists Community, where you'll find news, reviews, site announcements, and of course, a generous helping of art!
1. Art Seen: At first glance on the EBSQ homepage, I would not have guessed this imaginative piece was collage. Perch by Shawn Marie Hardy thought-provoking, seamless and beautiful. Check it out!
4. Exhibits: Calling all EBSQ Artists – Do you create fan art? Or maybe you’ve been tempted to portray your favorite Doctor or Superhero? Don’t miss our Celebrating Fan Art Exhibit!
1. Today’s featured art for the Friday Five is a call for help. Christine E Striemer’s cat Gary is missing. She’s offering an award for whoever finds him: My sweet little Gary went missing Oct 21/2013. An 8″ x 8″ custom pet portrait (or any 8″ x 8″ painting of your choosing) goes to whoever finds her in Eston, SK area!
UPDATE: Gary has been found!! She’s safe and sound at home with Christine. 🙂
2. We are nearing the end of our fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Don’t forget, when you make a donation of $5 or more I’ll send you an ACEO and you get entered to win a Think Pink bracelet by Lisa Wiktorek. See the full details here: Raising Funds for National Breast Cancer Foundation.
3. Speaking of Think Pink, have you entered EBSQ’s annual exhibit? The clock is ticking. Enter the Think Pink 2013 Exhibit today!
4. EBSQ artist Michele Lynch posted her show schedule for October through December. See it on the Michele Lynch Art Blog.
5. Exhibition Without Walls recently interviewed EBSQ member Michael Glover on his amazing HDR Photography. Congrats, Michael!
1. Little Girl Ponies – This recent painting by Angie Reed Garner caught my attention when I read her description, I tried to recreate one of the million endless pony drawings I did as a little kid. I grew up around horses and always had a sketchbook. I had a million endless pony drawings too.
2. June MOTM: Space & Time – Love this month’s mandala by Maureen Frank: This mandala reminds us that while it would appear that we each exist in our own little worlds, our own little “boxes”…in reality we are all the same and we are all connected.
3. Trying out an Idea – Took Gallagher is having fun in her studio this week. I love seeing an artist’s process! Check out this post and yesterday’s for an update.
4. Sell more Art – Delilah Smith has some interesting tips and thoughts on selling more art, something that’s not so easy to do in today’s economy.
5. Do you have a newsworthy blog post to share with EBSQ subscribers? Let me know about it in advance. Email me at: amanda[at]ebsqart[dot]com.
I am Took Gallagher, a self-taught artist living in Northville, Michigan. I have a never-ending curiosity and I am very easily entertained and amused. I find a lot of my inspiration in song lyrics and random phrases. I am an active Art-o-mat artist, as well as the host of two Art-o-mat machines in the Detroit area. I love my cats, Detroit Derby Girls roller derby, cotton candy, and playing Magic: the Gathering.
How did you get started art blogging?
I was first inspired by the multi-talented Elin Waterston (who is also a fellow Art-o-mat artist) who was doing a carving a day for her 365 Project. I followed in her footsteps and my blog began as a way for me to work daily on my various Art-o-mat series. After the first year was completed, I took a little time off from daily blogging and really missed it. This year I returned to the 365 format to do a sort of daily Creative Progress Report.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Photos — links — show us what you are talking about. Don’t get hung up on the writing aspect of the blog. Speak in your own voice…it is much more fun and it helps the words to flow… and your readers will get to know “you”. (P.S. — Spell Check is your friend!)
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I turn my iTunes on “shuffle” and listen to random songs. I love Slade, Arthur Brown, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Laura Nyro, Motorhead, Hall & Oates,The Cure, The Decemberists, A Perfect Circle, Syd Straw, Jethro Tull, funk, Motown, world music, British Blues, British Invasion, metal, rock…actually I like a lot of different music…it would probably be easier to say what I don’t like.
What can we expect to see next from your studio?
More plaster cloth sculpture, relief prints, collage, mixed media assemblages. Plus plenty of collaborative projects — like my series “Penciled In” — I make the drawings and artist friends add their own special touches with colored pencils.
Thank you Took for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
My name is Keri Joy Colestock. I live in Pingree Grove Illinois. I love my life as I am very blessed by my beautiful family & friends. Most that know me know I am a victim of Lyme Disease that has caused permanent damage. I was crawling & could not focus when I was told that “doing much of anything would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to do” so I began my “Wall Dancers” in bed & I sold 1400 original dolls & vases on Ebay. I can now say with confidence I think they were wrong!
How did you get started art blogging?
The internet connected me back to the world. I tried turning my lemons into lemon drop martinis & stay busy & out of bed. On Ebay I could make art in my jammies & made myself a job. You join groups & get to see everyones work & get inspired by their creativity. Many times we traded & got to know each other as years passed. In my heart I was blessed by these wonderful people I crossed on my journey & learned many valuable lessons. Because I still cannot do shows because of the Lyme, I used this inanimate object to promote my work. From Ebay to Etsy, then a vast amount of groups (even though I do not do that much talking prior to Facebook.) & time has opened doors. On Facebook we knew each other from other places where we had no opportunity to chat-we have become friends & love each other dearly now.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
My tips for EBSQ or any bloggers/artists is love what you do. I accepted change. After making the 1400 “Wall Dancers” I just did a 180 & I am having a BLAST! Ken from Landfill Art decided he wanted to turn 1,041 junk hubcaps into masterpieces! He asked if I would do my polymer work on one. It will be a traveling exhibit & table book. The idea of turning junk into ‘treasures’ I thought was so cool & I am ‘hooked’ & having a RIOT! Have not made a “Wall Dancer” since! Flea markets are where my ‘treasures’ are found & I am also recycling old items. People are also enjoying the whimsy behind my pieces.
Cindy Marks from Artizen Magazine did a spread on my work last month & I am to be in a table book on Sculptures that is to come out in November. Part of the attention I believe is partly that my avatar on all sites every May which is Lyme Awareness Month I show my arm with my 11th pikline & people realize what determination can do!
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I load my CD player with 6 CD’s & just rock the music. LOUD! Beatles are a must……so is David Bowie. But I am an old throw back of the 70’s so Prince, Pink Floyd, Annie Lennox, The Pretenders, Bryan Ferry to name a few. I wear ‘my paint clothes’ (jogging pants & tee shirts) where I wipe my brushes all over them. Rags are not needed or used ever!
What’s coming next from your easel?
What is coming next? A ton of new things! I will continue making my ‘found object’ art. Getting crazier & the more whimsical the better! I usually do 2-3 pieces a week & hubby & I collaborate on our “KeRicTures” which are 28″ whimsical colorful wood sculptures. They remind me of a ‘greeter’ sitting on my table. Someone enters my house & has a character waving at them! I sketch the faces & Ric turns my sketch into 5-6 layers of masonite for their faces. I do all of the painting. Then we assemble the bodies. Same prototype we chose to use so people can say Keri & Ric did those! Yep-KeRicTures are our names combined!
Thank you Keri for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
The EBSQ Friday Five offers a brief look at noteworthy news from around the EBSQ Artist Blogosphere.
1. Bad Hair Day – Have you met Keri Colestock and her amazing sculptures?
2. Original Works of Art on Paper – Vote! – Jennifer Lommers wants to know what you think, Wood Float Frame under Glass or Bamboo Wood Panel. The vote is currently tied.
3. On Doodle Speakers – Have you seen Zazzle’s new product, the Doodle Speaker? I recently bought one for my daughter and decided to write a review.
4. New Stamp Collection – Carmen Medlin has new rubber stamps available through SCACD. They’re beautiful!
5. Art for all your sewing needs – Lynne Reichhart is a licensed artist with Kat’s Magical Patches. She written a great post on what they offer and including a great photo of one of her artworks as a fabric block.
2. Competition – This is the first contest to report this year. Maria van Bruggen is holding a Name My Cat competition that could win you a print, a card and a keychain of her art!
3. A Mathematical Challenge – Artist Jennifer Lommers is also giving away a print of her art if you can solve a mathematical problem. Check her blog for details! Since posting this I’ve realized the contest has ended, sorry! I still think it’s news worthy. Can you solve the problem? 😉
4. Kat Coming Along – Claudia Roulier shares some WIP images from her latest project. Wait till you see this cat!!
5. Coral Fantasy WIP – Stephanie D’aigle began her latest project while it was still 2010, but this is not simple project. Check out her latest beaded wip and then check out her other posts to see how it all began.
The EBSQ Friday Five offers a brief look at noteworthy news from around the EBSQ Artist Blogosphere.
1. New Oil Painting – Yes, artist Kari Tirrell not only makes magic with pastels, she also does it with oils. Beautiful and it tells a story.
2. Christmas in July – Sara Burrier is participating in this year event on Etsy. Check out all the goodies she has in stock. You even get a freebie 4 x 6 print with purchase!!
3. Be Immortalized as a Zombie – Melia Newman has a new contest going on for fans of her Facebook Page. Ever dreamed of being a Zombie?
4. New Avenues of Creativity – Jason Barre on his dissatisfaction with painting, Bravo’s Work of Art, and a new venture with a forgotten medium.
5. Sherry’s Rain – Torrie Smiley shares her thoughts and processes in the creation of one of her paintings for the 2010 Rip Show. I always find it fascinating to see where a painting began.
This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week began as a ceramic artist, but hasn’t been afraid to take her creativity to the limit. She now paints, draws and even sculpts the surreal and fantastic–she is a true gem!
Who and where are you?
Sherry Key, North Texas, Dallas area, out in the country, renting, living the life of an artist on evenings and weekends, when I’m off work at my day job. I received several scholarships for sculpture and ceramics on merit of my work and that’s really the only art training I’ve had. I’ve had my share of tragedies in life, and health issues, but we have choices we can make, and so far my therapy is focusing on the humorous and surreal in my art. I’m also a Licensed Massage Therapist and for a few years I taught Anatomy and Physiology and other therapist to become therapist.
Celadon Green Speckled Pot
How did you get started art blogging?
It’s all the fault of my EBSQ community and my new EBSQ friends. Thanks to them I have been introduced to the wonderful world of blogging. I feel like I have my own little newsletter and I am the one with total control…HA, HA, HA (evil laugh). I can feature what or whom I want and love the networking aspect of it. I use WordPress and they are coming out with new themes frequently that my inner artist can’t seem to resist playing with.
Maiden, Turret and the Moon
Any tips for other EBSQ bloggers?
Like I have seen other bloggers say frequently, keep your material fresh and current. People love to see your latest artwork. Sometimes I would like to post two or three different post a day but I have to make myself slow down because I want my newest post to have a chance to be seen. In April I started featuring other EBSQ artist on my blog. It is great networking. I add links to their blogs, profiles and portfolios, so if someone clicks on those links, and it leads them to check out other art and artist, and blogs, and websites, then that increases exposure for other artist AND myself.
I have noticed anything tagged photograph or photography like my hand colored photos, seems to get frequent hits. I get hits on “Nibblefest”entries, “EBSQ” show entries, “My Featured Artist”, and my ACEO gallery. Also people love “How To” or the “Making of” posts. Since I learned how to do fractals for the EBSQ Fractal show I am offering those and any new ones I create, as free desktop wallpaper to encourage people to Fan, or Like me, on Facebook, etc.
Carissa Portrait Swap
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
My music choices are varied and many. I love good Rock and Blues. I don’t listen to music much when I am creating. I have the T.V. on most of the time. I’m a big sci-fi nut and love comedy too. I am by myself a lot so I like something going on in the background. If I am really trying to concentrate on a piece, I will watch something I’ve seen before so it doesn’t distract me.
Church of the Red Sun
What’s coming next from your easel?
I recently got to do an “EBSQ Live” on hand coloring photos which was a lot of fun. My mediums of interest, to name a few, are clay, oil pastels, colored pencils and ink, hand coloring photos, fiber art and jewelry. I am doing a lot of ACEO’s, at least four or five a week, so I always have one of them in the pipeline and they have been doing pretty well on Ebay. I have several different “series” I am working on in those. I don’t have anywhere to fire my sculptures at the moment, so have been working with polymer clays.
I try to enter something in most of the EBSQ shows so whatever shows are coming up next I will be working on pieces for those. Entering the shows has really given me incentive to stretch and hone my abilities, especially my painting and drawing skills. As far as blogging goes I still want to add more pages, galleries, etc., and I have some pages that are not fully developed yet that I want to work on too.
Thank you Sherry for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
This month’s featured gallery is Fantasy Art and it is one of our most-populous and popular galleries at EBSQ. The artists that are drawn to this genre take the fanciful images and stories that live within them and share them with everyone. Throughout October, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of EBSQ’s fantasy artists.
Carie S
Untitled - Carie S
Fantasy Art ideas can arrive in may different ways during the day so keep your eyes peeled for them because just yesterday I was looking at this person and thinking to myself “How interesting that person is!” and as it turned out I was really looking at three people who were standing really, really close to each other. So now I HAVE to go to my studio and make that mistake that my mind thought it saw “Three people who are really only ONE.” The middle person will only have a nose, mouth, torso and wings of course. Poor little middle person, he can only fly, eat and smell the people next to him. Kind of funny/sad…..but that is what I think fantasy is made from. Reading things wrong, misinterpreting what you see, hearing something that others don’t hear and letting it happen – then quick write it down before you forget. Then go look for more because reality might in. – Carie S
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