A Fanciful Twist

Pondering.Dreaming.Motivating.

Wonderful Encounters, creative spirits, loveable afternoon trips and getting back in the studio...

So much about yesterday,  but first.... I am still wondering and deciding that I can not bear to remove my Christmas branch. So, if everyone agrees, I am leaving it up. (Okay even if you don't agree, I just have to!) But, I will remove the snowflakes and add hearts for Valentine's Day, Bunnies for Easter, etc. etc.  It is so lovely in person, I wish you could see it!!

                  

                  

As for getting back into the studio... It is a bit of a disaster, but I will clean it up a little tomorrow and then get back to work.  I need to create for sanity.  It is my healthy balance.  I will share a few select pictures of the studio.  As the other areas are way too out of control.

           

         

ps: How in the world do you get gold leaf adhesive spray and gold leaf flakes out and off of EVERYTHING????

Also, there is this great locally owned art shop in Tucson, Sarnoff's, which is right next door to my favorite bookstore, the BookStop.

 

                  

I realized tonight that I had bought some extra supplies the day before Christmas Eve as well as some treasures from the drawers in "The BookStop" that hold tons of vintage delights.  What I had not realized was that I would deeply enjoy unwrapping my purchases. Why you ask?  I forgot how wonderful they were! But, more importantly, the way that your little oil sticks get wrapped up...Well, it is nothing like a big box art supply store, with things going in a cheap plastic bag.  This is a true art shop!  I was delighted!! My little oil sticks were all boxed up and all my purchases wrapped in brown paper...Then all placed in a cottony "Sarnoff's" bag.  Exquisite!!!

It just really puts me in the mood to finish filling some orders and start putting my new ideas on canvas!!!  Time to get back to work...

As for yesterday's trip to the snow

   

We did not quite make it up to the snow yesterday Afternoon, yes we are wimps. However, we did take a little road trip about 25 miles North of Catalina to a tiny teeny town called Oracle.   We usually go up and visit Jerry Parra (outrageous large scale metalsmith artist) and his lovely wife Sue Parra,but it was late so we just stopped by "The Station."  The clouds on the way up were divine!!

   

The young woman who owns "The Station"  is always so nice! It never ceases to amaze me, the wonderful little places hidden in nooks and crannies around the globe that are so full of life!  We bought some coffee beans and coffee to sip while we nosed around.  Mr.  Lovee looked around in the food section while I looked at the really great toiletries section. On Saturdays "The Station" is home to a farmer's market, where I have picked up delicious breads, and a few artists also set up.

After our little sip of coffee we were driving back to Catalina and decided to have dinner at the delicious spot, Jasper's, in Oracle Junction.  I just discovered it on my birthday, December 11th.  So we decided to go there again, it was as amazing as the first time.  The chef is the owner, he is unreal. He cooks everything to absolute perfection. He even ran outside to wave good-bye to us! Wonderful!!

And now, the creative spirits that made me smile today...

In the course of blogging here, I have come across some pretty awesome artists. In communicating with some of them, you find that there are very special people that you meet that have a very special effect on you, if you are open enough to receive.

Anahata Katkin.  Take a moment to visit her.  You will see for yourself,  she is incredible.  I am always so impressed when I feel inspiration from an artists work or when their work gives me a fluttery feeling inside... her work is so magical because "her soul" emerges through her journal pages...Her work is just stunning as is her shop... Take a look...

I also had the pleasure of discovering Ashley, "Miss Kitty Genius" herself.  I just had to purchase "Hello December."  Ashley is one of those people whose charming personality shines through- even through simple e-mail type.  I find her work, as I told her, to have a very interesting aspect that draws you in.  Her characters are very profound.  They cause you to ponder...I think I might just have to go back and pick up a few more lovelies...

Of course, I can not wait to receive my "Black Apple" art treasures from the little artist extraordinaire.  I could not make a choice, they are all wonderful.  I did make a choice though, I await the arrival of Teacup Girl and Bird's Next Silhouette Print Pair  and Bess the Carnival Girl.  Is that not exciting??? 

I learned of "The Black Apple" through Cinderella's revenge, who is an avid "Black Apple" collector. "The Black Apple" then led me to "Kitty Genius."  I am totally amazed at this little internet art world.  It is so intriguing and fantastic because it leads you to artists and creative places that you would have otherwise never encountered.

I just want to put up a tent (like the ones in Bess the Carnival Girl) next to our enormous vintage mailbox and wait for the arrival of each and every piece...

A few treasures before a visit into the Winter Woderland..

Through the secret keyhole... 

Yes. The snow did stick.  I will make a brief visit in minutes.

          

However, I must share these very wonderful treasures that I am just uncovering.  I acquired them just before Christmas and since I had to go out of town for the Holiday, I never got to devour them!!!But, here we go...

I just adore this Old Chinese Paper Basket!  It was a bit of a splurge but my goodness!! The intriguing part of this basket is that it has been decoupaged with, what I think is, children's homework done with pencil on lined  paper (all in Chinese) and some math assignments from Chinese books.

 

I found these lovely purchases at the same place where I locally shop for my Wendy Addison and John Derian treasures.  It is a charming and quite fabulous place called BON.

The second treasure was found at the most magical "old Bookshop" where you could get lost in yourself for hours, it is almost as if time completely stops.  The Location of this little dream-place is in Tucson and it is called the Book Stop. 

This is an old (1824) metalsmith book. It is titled, The Smith Founder and Ornamental Metalworker's Director.  It consists of designs and old patterns for gates, balcony railing, chandeliers, candelabras and many other exquisite designs.

You would not believe the pages, they feel like tissue(Kleenex), only a bit thicker.  They have this cottony feel and they are the most stunning golden tint.  I am completely captivated by this book.  I could never ever bear to use it for decoupaging or collaging.  It will go into the hugely growing category of treasures too lovely to use in art projects.

This Bird print!  I don't know what I love more, the bird print or the dark teal color that is emerging through the chipped paint of the frame.  I got it for $1.00 at a yard sale. There were 4 others, but they were really damaged and water stained.  Now looking back, I wish I had bought them all.  But it was just a drive-by stop and I was in a hurry...      

The last image for now (the snow is melting, the Arizona sun is peeking through) is one I found in the secret closet in my loftish space!! Yes, there were other treasures. Yes, the other treasures were amazing also. But this one was really fun, if only the film were still inside!!  It is an older Eastman Positive Canadian Kodak film container. FUN!

The last thing I want to say is that I was dreaming of doing cartwheels last night after I made 3 Magic Jelly Etsy purchases, which by the way, I can not wait to receive!  My loftish space has some bare walls yet, not common in my world.  But then, a wonderful thing happened, I visited Inside the Black Apple this morning and found that the little artist herself had just hung the same exact prints on her wall! It allowed me to dream of my prints (and envision them in my own room)! I am so delighted, I can not wait!!Yippee!!

The purchases I await with bated breath...

1) Gone to Earth, plate two 2) Now I lay me Down to Sleep 3) Gone to Earth, Plate One

What I actually do...

It is a rainy day in Catalina.  A very uncommon event, waking up to gloomy rainy weather.  Catalina is a little town in the mountains 30 minutes North of Tucson, Arizona, just at the base of the Western slope of  the Santa Catalina Mountains.

        

7 years ago a very special someone (everyone knows him as lovee, the upright bass player and outrageously knowledgeable commercial Realtor) introduced me to his charming and truly magical retreat in Catalina.  Since then I have had my working studio there for 7 years,   and I turned a canning shed into an art Gallery/shop   3 years ago.  The gallery is open by appointment, and also open to the public during the Catalina Artists Studio Tour.  We are a non-profit organization of 30 or so artists.

What I do...My creative endeavors as a child began with piano playing and painting.  They have grown to incorporate jewelry making, doll making, mask making and all kinds of "clay stuff."  I am a potter at the Tucson Museum of Art's " Romero House Potters Studio."  I have been a part of that creative place for about 5 years now...Time flies...I still paint all the time, and right now we are having a break at Romero House until the end of January. 

I do have a "real job" but I am also self employed and it allows me the freedom to do art.  I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in International Retailing and Consumer Studies and a minor in Photography(the center for creative photography is outrageous).  I studied textiles, visuals, business aspects etc. etc. but decided that "The Devil Wears Prada," the book, was not the world I wanted. So, I stayed in Tucson and put the real estate license, which I acquired one summer during college, to good use.  Boy, it has been a treasure trove.  It has allowed me to be free and do what I love.  The goal is to be able to do what I love full-time...

The amazing women I do pottery with and the women from the real estate world are also very active in my annual witches festival.They get all decked out and congregate at my home in Tucson for a witches only night of fun food and pleasure! It is so much fun!!  I am already working on ideas for next year!! Ideas, anyone??

            

Although I have a home in town (my sis lives there too) I have spent the better part of 7 years in Catalina.  I miss my home sometimes, but the major focus in life is my art.  Creating is where I found the utmost fulfillment.

Because I spend so much time in Catalina, I have my very own little loftish space.  I have a private room attached to my studio attached to an office which will have a very fabulous bathroom as soon as construction is complete on that side.  On my side, the room is done(almost) and it is wonderful!!!  I have so many windows and high ceilings...It is charming...and..

The reason for this whole explanation is to tell you how I got here, to where I am today.  (ps: it just started snowing, a major wild happening in Tucson/Catalina!!!) Today I am searching for inspiration.  I took 4 weeks off from painting to have 3 jewelry shows, an artsy/crafty show and the big Catalina Artists studio tour.  My creative vibe is on fire and I spent the morning walking around, inspiring myself...Loving my Wendy Addison  Magic sign ( I got mine at Bon in Tucson-google map- but you can also order on-line at Bayberrycove, check link for Wendy Addison) hanging above that phenomenal John Derian plate of Adam and Eve ( I have a John Derian collection that I have been acquiring over the years, purchased at Bon, a fantastic Tucson shoppe). It has to stay up, I think for a while at least.

So, a few of Today's Inspirations...

From wonderful old mannequins with bustles and caged mermaids to James Ensor and Bosch...(ps:  I love to collect other artists work and photographs so you will see a bit of my own art , my antique treasures, including a life size mermaid and dolls from religious processions in the Philippines and a special picture of my grandmother as well as fantastic works of other artists.) The reflection in the mirror that I am trying to photograph is by Anna Bronwyn and The "woman in her drawers" is a cupboard by Luon St. Pierre & Liz Vaughn, I own a few of Luon's pieces, from mirrors to the adventures of Lulu and Dick Bench.  These items were discovered at one of my favorite places in Tucson called Bohemia. The next treasure to be purchased will live amongst the chaos if I can ever get my hands on one of Emily's Black Apple originals!!

   

 

I am so excited to start getting some comments and interacting with you all!  So many of my friends have been awaiting this blog!  The Banner art will change, but it was to the point where I just had to do it!! And, fix the rest later!! I promise I won't ramble on so much in the future.

Swirling About...

Happy Holidays!!! My lovely Christmas Branch was magical!  (details below)

WOW! What a wild road I traveled to see you she said...A road filled with Jesters and Duchesses, Sweets thieves, Strange beautiful ladies, chanting children and...Finally, Here we are...

The idea of being here, in this blogging world has been swirling about in my mind, taunting me, nudging at me.  Life is already one large nut-cake...And, although time gets away faster than a blink of an eye, I find the highlight may be this choice.  To be here. 

I have been enchanted by so many artists lately.  Their little characters playing free... All the while my little characters seem to have been punished, looking outside through heavy velvet curtains.  Wishing that they too could go out and play, instead of peering through keyholes all day. Although, "key-holing," can be quite interesting, to say the least. 

It is a strange day in Arizona today.  Perhaps primarily because we are currently in the middle of what I call "the 6 weirdest days of the year."  You know, the days after Christmas but before New Years.  It is the wait.  For what are we waiting?  I have no clue, maybe a whole slew of things...To start our so called "New Year's Resolutions."  Or maybe, to get back to work in a positive manner, to do all the things we wish we had done all year?

Whatever your task may be, mine will be getting my little shop up an running on Etsy and fixing my current Website, as I am having font issues.

I have so many ideas and thoughts to share and bounce off other people who are flying on the same wave...I am a treasure seeker, I adore history, the old treasures, stories, fairly-tales really.  I also feel that it is my duty (a sub-conscious duty I suppose) to get paint on everything that I own. From delectable shoes to lovely billowing skirts, the paint finds its way.  Sometimes I just can not believe my eyes, PAINT!!! everywhere.  I have come to embrace this though.  I got off track there, my point is, I paint everything.  Well, almost everything.Ha. My Kitchen Cabinet and...

I paint PIANOS! my goodness. Can you imagine?  I took acrylic paint to my old white spinet. It was glossy and lovely with gold accents.  I was too young to care.  It is an ongoing paint job now... The color has made her so super sassy she has changed her name to,  La Pianola.(sorry for the blurry Pianola picture)

I see inanimate objects as actual characters with personalities.  They actual speak to me when I discover them.  I can see their little personalities peering through.  Which is probably why I own so many "things." Some just beg to go home with me.  And, the Cinderella that lives with me sometimes despises this...But, in the end, she is a trooper and she knows a good treasure when she sees one!

So, that is a little rambling about what you might find when you visit with Vanessa, through the secret keyhole.  I intend to share all of my art with you, all the colorful faces that have sipped tea with me, and munched on dark chocolate covered honeycomb...

A huge thank you to many of the artists who have shared themselves with us, it is quite a leap to share ones self with others, and so many of you do it with open arms. 

This is the official first blog.  The door is slowly squeaking open...

(side-note:  The treasures on my Christmas branch came from some wonderful places.  The round green ornament on the left was done by one of my faves, Jennifer Kerr.  The Sweet Dreams angels, German glass glitter stars and snowflakes and Gift tags with vintage ephemera were all purchased at a local favorite shop in Tucson Arizona, called Bon.(Ps: they also carry my original art cards) The Sweet dream angels are all over my house they are by Thea Beasley for Jeremie.  The party girl Gift tags are by Kerri Judd for F.G. & Co. And, let us not forget the amazing Wendy Addisonand her glitter stars, hearts, snowflakes and much more!! If you are lucky enough to come across pictures of her museum shop you will be in a blissful high of sensory overload! I did a little search and found that Anahata Katkin's phenomeal blog has some amazing photographs of Wendy's enchantments.