I got listed in a treasury!

YAY! Smoking Man with Fractal Art Background from my Big-headed Man Series got listed in an Etsy treasury entitled weird WEIRD artwork - And that means -- FANTASTIC, CREATIVE and COOL! I'm honored to be listed.

So thanks to aweebug for putting that together! I especially like this little bugger named Earl.



In fact, I really dig dancesippydance's style altogether. Very cool stuff. So props to you, too, Dance!

Anyone can Collect Art

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man, I would love to own some really cool one-of-a-kind art, but it's so expensive, I can't afford it"?

Me, too. Especially when it's a big, sprawling, wall piece, and, of course, if it's been created by a well-known artist. But what I'm discovering is that you don't have to buy those well-known artist pieces to be an art collector. Who cares if no one knows who the artist is. If the piece speaks to you, then that's all that matters. Lesser-known artists sell their work for a less expensive price, and that's how they start to get more well-known.

There is also the option of artist trading cards, also known as ACEOs, which is an acronym for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These pieces are little lovelies of fine art in miniature, most of them no larger then 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Because they're smaller, the price is smaller, I guess (though, I've seen some amazing works where you can tell a lot of talent went into it). It's a great way to collect art, without the big price tag. Some people keep them in a book and other people frame them. They're not limited to 2-dimensional images, either. There are sculpture art cards as well. If you haven't yet, check them out. It's a pretty cool concept. They usually sell for around $10.00 to $15.00, but I've seen some up in the $100 range as well. I just discovered this art card site and thought it was pretty cool. They have an ENORMOUS amount of art cards for sale. You should be able to find something that meets your artistic style there, whatever that may be.

So if you always wanted to collect art, but didn't think you could afford it, think again. Support a lesser-known artist whose work you absolutely love or maybe be able to afford a tiny piece from your favorite well-known artist. And if you don't have a favorite artist (One of mine - Derek Hess), well, you should get one. You might even find a particular artist whose work seems to emulate your mind, thought process and emotions, as if a lot of their work was done specifically for you.

Sparkles and Tassels and Dangly Bits

I've discovered that I like tassels. I mean, I've always known it, I suppose, simply because a lot of my jewelry designs tend to dangle and flow like tassels.

I don't think they make enough clothing with tassels or dangly bits...and sparkly things...oh, yes, let's not forget about sparkles. Sparkles and tassels and dangly bits...how lovely. It's all so sexy, don't you think? The way that chain drapes around a neck and one crystal falls, catching the light, dripping oh, so delicately down into the cleavage teasingly. I love jewelry. All of it, feminine, masculine. Masculine jewelry can be equally as sexy...a thick, solid, heavy ring, with heft and balance, or a worn-in leather wristband with a piece of frosted beach glass hanging from it.

May I digress for a moment? Okay...I shall:

I would love to make leather cuffs. Awesome cuffs, like this:

I wish I knew how and also had the tools and materials to do so. There are SO many things I want to dabble in. Each area of art and/or jewelrymaking requires a new investment, however, and when you're an out of work starving artist, you just can't do all those things you want. It's sad, but true.

But, if I were allowed to dream, I would love to just have access at any time to the knowledge of experts in the field, who could come to my house and give me all my tools (or just let me rent them to see if I like them first) and teach me wonderful techniques and it wouldn't cost me anything, but my time. And, while I'm dreaming, they'd all bring chocolates and banana bread with them...and cheesecake...and money...in fact, they would pay me to learn from them. Yeah...that would be cool.