Escape to dream...

I recently put out the call for great artists. I am always amazed by some of the talent out there. This time I had over 60 folks contact me. It took awhile to talk to them all, get a feel for them and their week and bring you …like always “the best of the best”. I like to feature artist that are not just great artist but bring something personal to the table…errr…screen as well. Getting to know my next feature through our little email banter and some posts etc, I think you will find her as interesting as I have.



Her work is very simple at first glance, but on closer look you can see subtleties that are really awe inspiring. I love the way her work captures and holds my eye. It makes me question what she was trying to convey, what was she feeling? And great art is supposed to do that. It leaves you wondering, searching deeper in yourself. And so here I leave you do to your own searching as you hear from Gwen In her own words.



The art of Gwen Duda!

“My name is Gwen Duda and I share my studio space, sometimes with a cat. She's usually pretty quiet so she doesn't interrupt me much and I just try to not step on her tail. It's a working partnership. If you go to my blog you'll see a shot of my studio, it takes up the whole living room area pretty much.

Call me a romantic but a sense of global justice. I just wish that those who did bad would stop it and those who did good would truly prosper and that way war and violence would cease. Ah, I am such a dreamer.

Mom was a big supporter but since she got Alzheimer's I can't really discuss things the way I did before. But you know what is great? She still encourages me in her way and it is such a testament to the kind of great kindness and fierce love she has for me and I for her. My friends are very important as well and my cat, well, she's the critic and has pushed me further than anyone else, in my art.

I live in the great city of Toronto, in the province of Ontario in the golden country of Canada! Gold cause we did so well in gold at the Winter Olympics! Best ever! Okay, thanks for letting me get that out of my system.

It started as a child, with crayons, pencil crayon, pastel, graphite, charcoal, tempera, oils at home and at grade school. I remember the first time I used oils *sigh* I fell in love. Then in college acrylics, mixed media. collage, block printing, watercolor, gouache, more oils, photography, printing, etching, platen printing, etc. I continue in oils, watercolor and amazingly, more and more in acrylics even though at first I thought, "Gawd, how can ANYONE work with this stuff!". Now I love it!

My goals are several:
- do the work that comes to me, to be true to the transmission
- continue to produce high end, high quality and archival quality originals and
reproductions
- that my work, my paintings, my creations make this a better world to be in, to make it more beautiful, more peaceful, and to those who view it, for it to be healing to them

I started my own website a few years ago and just found Etsy a few months ago and I don't remember how I found it?! I like the idea of Etsy, though, and hope that it will be a great venue for connecting the artist and the art collector. I am a bit concerned about being buried, in that there are SO many sellers on Etsy, but I am hopeful that my market will find me, that those who find my work speaking to them, can find it and hope Etsy will enable us to connect!

I participate in one show back in my previous province that is held once a year. It is for a not-for-profit organization. I also have sold my work through an interior design brick and mortar store. I am hoping, now that I have moved just recently to Toronto to find some brick and mortar venues here as well. Word of mouth those has been my greatest ally.

{when asked her advice for other artists} Just keep doing it. Paint, paint, paint, study, study, study. I find I often just study great paintings, to understand what makes them great. Great design, color theory, execution of medium, all these things and more. But in order to improve you have to do the work.

Buying handmade, especially handmade in your area helps spread the wealth to you and your neighbors and enriches the wealth in your own communities. Also you are helping someone be able to get better in their craft, upping their experience and education and they're ability to produce top grade wares. Also, depending on their own beliefs and practices they may be doing their craft in an environmentally responsible manner. Mass producers of products usually are heavy polluters of the environment and their workers. You help the crafter and thereby yourself to create a better world, to make that a reality.

 My Shop name is GwensArtDreamscape currently (I will be changing it to "TheArtofGwen" when they enable us to change our names as GwensArtDreamscape is a wee bit on the long side and my link is http://www.etsy.com/shop/GwensArtDreamscape "

Please click! Her work is sure to captivate you and hold you for a spell… go! Let it capture and hold you!

Something Special

When I was so sick I had promised to do a feature on this great gal doing amazing things with photos. No I do not mean photography in the traditional sense. She is doing great jewelry and such with her art. I just loved her work. Now I just love this gal. She sent me wonderful letters of encouragement and really helped brighten what had become a dark and scary time as I waited the results of the brain scans. Thank you so much Lisa for all your support. You have no idea how it helped.


All of you have been so truly wonderful and I am blessed to have a great community here at the bumpkin blog. It is my hope we can just keep growing and growing. Supporting each other not only in our creative endeavors but forming personal relationships to make this one heck of a gathering place!


Anyways, with out further yapping from this ole Bumpkin here she is…

Lisa Yaker from Andee Designs

Andee Designs was created by two moms. Lisa is the mother of three boys and an interior designer but when she and her family recently relocated to Panama, she had to close her firm in Florida and become a stay-at-home mom. Blanca is the mother of two, a boy and a girl. She has a fine art background and is also a professional translator. While the kids keep their lives very busy, they were both in need of a creative outlet. The friends were looking for something different, unique, something they could make but also sell.

Years ago Lisa had bought a necklace with a photo pendant of her two older boys on it. When she was pregnant with the baby, she called about ordering a new one, but sadly they were no longer making them. It was then that the idea was born, “I’ll make one myself” Lisa said. So they began their business venture with the idea for the necklaces and quickly realized the potential to expand the line to other accessories and a men's collection as well. By now you might be wondering, “So who is Andee? Actually, it’s the initials of Lisa and Blanca’s 5 children in age order. “It happened to spell out a cute name so we used it!”

Their collection of photo jewelry and accessories includes items for “her” such as necklaces, bracelets, purse hangers, key chains, business card holders, cell phone charms and many more. The men’s collection is growing quickly with cuff links, which are currently the number one seller, money clips, key chains and business card holders, as well as some men’s jewelry. They also started a home collection, including wine bottle toppers, wine glass charms and also a holiday collection of Christmas Ornaments. They have also recently created a custom, sterling silver design of necklaces, bracelets and of course cufflinks that will be available online this month!

Best of all, Lisa and Blanca believe in low, affordable prices! “We wanted a product that was an amazing gift and still affordable in this economy.” You will find other comparable products online at double their prices. Andee Designs products are a unique gift idea – All of their accessories are keepsakes, your photo is reproduced and permanently sealed onto the item of your choice, with a water and scratch resistant resin, giving your gift a beautiful glass-like finish, guaranteed to bring a smile to its recipient; but beware…sometimes you get tears too!

PLEASE PLEASE visit Andee Designs online…

http://www.andee-designs.com/

www.artfire.com/users/andeedesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/andeedesigns

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She can do it all!

Todays feature is another gal that can do it all. From coming up with a cute doo dad signature to tiling a bathroom… let me shut up, and let her tell you in her own words!!!!


Rose Moot of DaRosa

I use a digital rose sign as my signature a lot of people wonder what it is, until I explain: --<-@. I signed myself with it to (tattoo). I can tile, lay a floor, demolish, grout, drywall, build custom shelving, put up crown mouldilng and baseboards! I have a weakness for mind challenging puzzles and creating a new piece of furniture out of old furniture. I also paint murals and furniture


(Here is our interesting peek into the questionnaire! (and yes, maybe again I am cheating by doing Q and A , but really after all this bumpkin has been through can you really blame me???)

1. Can you tell me your name and a little about yourself and your studio/creative space?
Rose Moot. I was given the nickname DaRosa when I was very active with mountain biking. I am originally Dutch but moved to Canada in October 2008. My Dutch name is Roos, but using Rose is easier here ;).

The reason for my move to Canada is LOVE. I met my boyfriend on a big broadcast Event in France, when I was still working in the satellite business. We started mailing, using skype and for our first date I flew to Toronto to spent the weekend. Travelling back and forth is expensive and we wanted to be close to each other. I took a two month leave from work to try if we could live together. And the day I had to fly back to Holland I found out I was pregnant! That made the ball rolling fast and within 3 months I quit my job, packed my belongings in a suitcase and a sea container to follow and crossed the ocean.

We bought an old house and are still renovating. My workspace for now is a big table in the living room, but there is a big basement and we are planning to make a creative space there.

2. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
Positivity or Will power…can’t decide…
I never give up, will try before I say no. Positivity, I always see the good things. These two characteristics were really tested during the whole renovation. Trying to stay calm with a baby in your belly, no heating in December and a flood in the basement and the inches of dust in the house.

3. Do you have a family and if so what role does your family play in your art?
I have a boyfriend and a baby boy 10 months and my boyfriend has two kids 4 &6y from a previous marriage.

The kids play a big role. We often paint together and they get to decide what animals I have to paint. The baby’s room is filled with my Art and I am so amazed how he keeps staring at it. Visual stimulation really works!

The older kids always rate my work, on a scale of 1-10 they give me a million and 100. And the four year old wants to keep the blue gecko, because he really really loves it!

4. Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in Oakville, Canada. It is near Toronto and right now it is cold, especially for me! I love the area, but I do miss things from Holland: The beach, historical buildings and the direct way of communicating with each other. I also miss my friends and family. My brother and parents live in Belgium and we see each other every three months.

5. Where did you learn your medium?

Trial and error! I’m a very creative person with lots of ideas. About 7 years ago I started to paint. I got supplies and an easel for my birthday and went on from there. In Holland I mainly painted when children were born and sold via word of mouth advertising. I now started to throw myself actively in the market, because I love to paint, but also have to make a living and finish the basement ;).

6. What are your goals with your work?
Smiles! Especially from kids & baby’s. A good friend of mine told me that the only thing her little twin girls remembered from there old house, was the painting of the giraffes in their room. I hope I am also creating something that is timeless and hopefully children can pass it down to their children when the time comes. A good tip is to hang one of my paintings above the changing table to distract the little one from changing the diaper!

7. How did you come to selling online?

Bottom-line. I love painting, do not have a job here and can use the money. I never want a 9-5 job anymore. I’m done with traffic and want to do what I like.

8. Where all do you sell?

Etsy, mouth to mouth, ads and working on craft shows.

9. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Haha…always put old clothes on before you paint. Although I try not to make a mess…somehow paint finds it’s way to my clothes…

10. Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
For me the more personal approach and the great variety of products. People get to do what they love and find people who love their work. I like having special items instead of mainstream.

11. Your shop name and link?

DaRosa Children’s Art. http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaRosa


There are sooooooooo many cute pictures I could have added them all day. PLEASE go check out this adorable shop...I promise it will make ya smile!

Time off

After a very long time off I am going to get back to featuring artists. I am still down on strength and weaning off pain meds. So I am going to be doing it “the lazy ways” for a bit. And hey…not like this brings in money like a “real" job..unless of course you all start buying some of my wonderful and stellar art (hint hint) Still going to bring you only te cream of the top, the best I can find. But I am going to do the interviews in the Q and A format. You will just have to bear with me or click the big ole X to the topo right of your screen. (ha ha-please don’t) I will get back to witty once I actually have some wits about me!

Today I give bring you the talents of Lucy. I just loved her work. It is primitive and fun and everything else I adore. I now you my readers will love her work as well. It is fresh and fun and you will be smiling all the while you read this great bio from an even greater gal!!!!

Lucy at The Farmers Attic

Pull up a chair and read all about her!!!

1. Can you tell me your name and a little about yourself and your studio/creative space?
My names is Lucy Galgano. I'm a Christian woman, wife, mother and grandmother. I love to quilt, sew, craft, cook, bake, and teach Ladies Bible Studies. My creative space is really my entire home from the kitchen, to the dining room table, to the living room sofa. It depends what I'm working on and the amount of space I need. My "studio" is forever in disarray. I tear it apart, put it back together again, wreck it, tear it apart, put it back together again...it's a vicious cycle :)

2. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
Not sure how to answer this question.

3. Do you have a family and if so what role does your family play in your art?
I have been married for 30 years, have two grown daughters, a 4 year old granddaughter and an 8 month old grandson. My husband and children are supportive but yet don't play a significant part in my "art".

4. Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in Northeast Pennsylvania in a rural area. We've lived here for nearly 17 years and have seen lots of changes to the area. It was largely a dairy farming community but over the years there are very few dairy farms left. Very sad to watch the farming industry move out because of the amount of hard work and very little income.

5. Where did you learn your medium?
Oh my, I've been involved in handwork I think for my entire life. So much has been from observing other people and then trying it on my own. When I was a young girl, we visited family and an aunt was knitting. I would just stand there and watch her with needle and yarn creating her project. We had a 10 hour ride home and I asked her for some yarn. In the car on the way home, I taught myself how to knit with two rattail combs. My greatest inspiration came from a dear lady, who has since passed away. She would take care of me during the summer months when school was out and I watched her sew, garden, bake, cook and can. I wish that I would have known enough years ago to let her know what an inspiration she was to me.

6. What are your goals with your work?
My goals, hmmmmm, just continue to do what I love to do. Hopefully be able to inspire young people do carry on the art of sewing, quilting, etc.

7. How did you come to selling online?
It really was more out of curiosity to see if anyone actually thought my work was worth purchasing. I have been so encouraged by the dear people who have bought from me. They are now my inspiration.

8. Where all do you sell?
I have a webstore: http://www.farmersattic.com/, I also sell on Etsy: http://www.lucy43g.etsy.com/

9. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Just do what you love to do. Don't be afraid to try something new. Have fun doing it!!!

10. Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

We have become so accustomed to purchasing throw away items and fewer and fewer people have any hand skills. Buying and selling handmade products keeps people connected to each other. It is personal. When I shop at antique stores and see all the handmade items, I have an opportunity to consider the lives of the people that enjoyed such fine quality. It withstands time. These are skills that can be handed down from generation to generation.

Feel free to visit my blog: http://www.farmersattic.blogspot.com/

Talk to you soon.

Lucy

Better?

There I was thinking things were fine and I would be right back to being able to blog. Little did I know my family would be hit with one of the seasons worst flu bugs. It hit our son first, the four year old, then my daughter. Soon I was hit and then last Ky the Amazing. Monday My daughter and I were in the hospital, getting fluids and anti nausea drugs to no avail and we just felt rotten. By Thursday she was admitted and we had to watch and wait for appendicitis. By Saturday all seemed better until Ky the Amazing started coming down with it…YUCK! Hopefully now we are all done being sick, hurting, breaking things etc. I told the hospital staff they were going to have to name a brink or a wing or room or something after my family,. The great thing, our hospital is filled top to bottom with great art. Local artisans donate art to hang on the walls and almost every conceivable service has very nice unique art hanging from it. If I had been in a better frame of mind, I would have taken pictures to use on the blog. I really do want to get back to the “art” of things here and start getting you guys some GREAT features. So hopefully this week is the week.



On a side and personal note, see that cute pup. We rescued her yesterday from a very bad situation. She was filthy and destined to death. We have our other three so we really did not need another dog. The entire time we were seeing her I kept saying “no, no way, we do not need a dog” Especially that one. She smelled so incredibly bad- before you even got near her you could smell her, she was so aggressive she tried to bite anything tht walked near her, she had open sores on her legs…but Ky the Amazing Pied Piper was able to walk right up to her, no nipping, no snarls and within seconds we found ourselves our fourth dog. Once we got her home all the aggression was gone, and there was nothing left but a sweet grateful girl. She got her bath, we treated her sores and made her our new girl! She is very unsure about what to do with all this love and freedom. The last family had kept her in a dog crate for nearly 2 years. When they did let her out it was only to a chain and only about once a week. Seems though in her hunger she killed a chicken and was sentenced to death. Upon raising the gun at her the wife had a small change of heart and decided to at least try for a day to get her a home at walmart. Praise God! We haven’t named her. They had called her Joy but this poor sweet dog has never known joy….so we are running the gamut of name games…it is hard for the 4 of us to settle on something but it will come. In the mean time…make some suggestions if you like to add to our list.



Thanks my readers, hope to be back at ya soon!

~The Bumpkin

Name this sweetie...

And the Results are in…

After long, excruciatingly long wait, the results are in. I do not have any brain abnormalities. This is not to say my brain is normal, I think that would be going too far. Ha ha. But the spots that were seen are perfectly “normal” in someone who has migraines and also in folks with Inflammatory disease, something say …like Crohn’s disease. So, it’s all good. It is also nice to know that after years of debate I do in fact HAVE a brain!!!!

SO now that all this worry is literally off my mind, I can get back in the saddle and start bringing you all the great art I have promised and dedicated myself to bringing you. A super duper thanks to Lisa Yonkers who rounded up some great talent for me. I will be bringing her to you soon along with some other wonderfully talented folks.

A huge thank you to all those who prayed for me during that awful and trying time. It was wonderful to know I had prayers and support from around the globe. You my readers have made a huge impact on my life and I am grateful for you every day!

Blessings Galore!

~The Bumpkin

I dont like spots

More to the story...


I like spots on canvas, where do I not like them? On brain scans...The results of my brain scan have come back. Some artwork was found-spots actually. Further testing this morning will reveal how serious this may turn out to be. I beg prayers from you all.

Trina

Romantic Get a way

I was all geared up for a romantic get away with Ky the Amazing! We hadn’t had a night away in a very long time. We packed out bags, dropped the kiddos off with grandma and off we went. Shortly into our mini vacation, I started feeling ill. With in a matter of hours ill turned to rotten, turned to miserable, turned to scared. We called my Dr. He is a wonderful Dr. and is always available. He ordered us directly to the nearest emergency room. They asked me hundreds o questions, scanned me, poked me and then finally admitted me. We got my weekend get a way, only it was spent in room 209 of Bonner General Hospital. I really don’t remember much as they had me oh morphine drip, muscle relaxants, and sedatives. About the only thing I really remember is waking and always seeing Ky the Amazing’s smiling face and his soft kisses on my forehead. I suppose it was a romantic weekend after all.




I am behind now on the blog after this. So I am not sure I will get many features done this week. Apparently I am supposed to rest and take things easy. I will try though to bring you at least a few great artisans.



Have a great week y’all!

Saturday Shopping

So, it is that time again for Saturday Shopping! Here are three lovely items and three great artists! I contacted them and had them tell you guys a little bit about themselves in their own words! Please check them out! Oh yeah, and one of my items! Have a great Valentine ’s Day, see you Monday!


Paper Creations by Laura

Hi! My name is Laura O'Shea and I am the owner of Paper Creations by Laura. I started stamping over 15 years ago while in graduate school as a way to relax from the rigors of writing a thesis! It didn't take long for me to fall in love with creating hand stamped items and since then it has become a cherished hobby of mine.

Over the years, I heard the words that so many artisans hear. "Your work is so nice. You really should be selling it." About 6 years ago, after the birth of my second child, I decided to make the dream of selling my hand crafted items a reality. I started selling at craft fairs which was a wonderful chance to meet people who really appreciate handmade items. In fact, some of my most loyal customers today found me at those very craft fairs. But doing fairs can be tough on the schedule and as my children have grown, I have found that I no longer want to give up my weekends for fairs and that's when I decided I needed to change the business just a bit.

And with the coming of 2010, I have done just that. In January, I opened up my online store, www.laurascrafts.artfire.com Right away I have met so many talented and helpful artisans and feel at home in this creative community. My store had its first sale just two days after opening and I am working hard to make it the place you want to go for all your cards and gift items.

I enjoy trying new techniques and playing with inks and stamps and ribbons and paper. It brings a sense of creative fulfillment to take the picture in my head and create that with paper. Some designs are clean and simple, some elegant, some cutesy and then everything else in between. Every card I make is high quality and I am my own worst taskmaster when it comes to that! Besides cards, I sell bookmarks and plan to fill my store with notepads and other fun paper gift items.

I am so happy with the changes I have made in my life and I think that is reflected in my store. I truly enjoy every aspect of creating my items and hope you will stop by for a visit. Whether it is to purchase some of my items or if you just have questions about stamping, I would love the chance to meet with you. As we joke in our house, come on by and I'll start up the kettle!


AndreaNdPhilsCreations

Is an artistic collaboration between Phil Puleo and Andrea N. Phil, who studied Illustration at RISD, creates the watercolor miniatures and Andrea, who’s been making jewelry since she was 10, designs necklaces around them. They started making these one of a kind artworks in the Summer of 2009 and just opened their Artfire store [dedicated to the sale of these art necklace collaborations] in the middle of January.

Andrea:

I learned all my first jewelry techniques from friends and friends of relative’s and taught myself most of the rest with books and by just figuring things out on my own. Mostly, it was just one other thing I enjoyed doing with my free time. In my early 20’s I did take a community college class in basic metalworking - casting and soldering - but wasn’t that good at it and, since I liked to be able to make jewelry as I traveled, I just didn’t pursue it any further then that. I was mostly doing beadweaving at that point.

I never intended to make jewelry other than as gifts for friends and relatives. I was going to be a doctor and a professional dancer. A writer and filmmaker. I dabbled in music and photography and was a radio personality. I’ve tried doing a lot of things and still try to from time to time. Done a fair bit of traveling too, but certainly have a lot more of that to do as well.

After not really accomplishing much in the fields I pursued, I came into jewelry as a living by accident. If you believe in accidents. After I moved to NYC, I worked in a boutique [for 5 years] that made their jewelry on premises. The owner closed up shop last April and since then, I’ve been attempting to work for myself. Phil has helped a lot.

Phil:

Really is humble and doesn’t like to talk about himself much but, he’s really a pretty accomplished guy. RISD graduate, a good photographer as well as painter, and a fairly well know musician too. Phil’s actually been to more countries than I have since he spent a good deal of time traveling the world with several different bands.

The first band he co-founded: Cop Shoot Cop; and the band he was touring with when we met just finished a new recording. He plays drums as well as a host of other instruments and has spent the last few years writing at least one song a week, sampling himself playing instruments and mixing everything on the computer. [Phil spends a lot of time on the computer since he does graphic and web design for a living.] You’ll recognize at least one of his songs if you saw any of the Nike Warrior ads.

The miniature watercolors that he does for these necklaces usually get painted in batches. He sits down to do one and a few hours later, there’s a small pile for me to work with. In fact, I have one waiting for me now.



GLASS AND WIRE GEMS

I have worked with stained glass off and on for the past 15+ years. In early 2007 a friend/mentor introduced me to dichroic glass and the art of glass fusing. I am always surprised at what comes out of my kiln...each piece is unique. I can fire two different pieces cut from the same piece of dichroic glass and end up with two totally different looks. I love the way you can wear a dichroic pendant with different backgrounds and have the piece reflect different tones. To me this glass is totally amazing.

The need to learn the technique of wire wrapping followed. I had to find a way to use what I was creating. I also like the way the wire flows and am in the process of learning new techniques for the wire as well as the glass.

I gave several pieces to friends and family as gifts. They encouraged me to take my hobby a step further and to share it with others. Glass and Wire Gems evolved out of this process. I needed a way to support my hobby. I currently have shops on both ArtFire and Etsy. I also have my pieces on consignment at two local shops: Designers Boutique and Gifts and Back to Basics Christian Book Store. I am blessed to be able to share the unique with others.

Donna


Huckleberry Bumpkin

Yup, that is me! Ohhh, and why can't I do a little plug here for myself huh? I mean really, it is my blog after all isnt it? And I think this one is a real sweetheart. I had so much fun doing this one!

Spring Mud...

Warmer days here in the north are coming. We have had a few unseasonably warm days and patches o ground are showing more and more. Granted I live further out than most around here but spring is definitely making her appearance known. I saw buds swelling on the trees, the ground turning dark and fertile, and irises poking their little heads up above the thawing earth.

Thinking of those blossom I am filled with anticipation. I love to grow flowers just for bringing into the house. I love to fill jars, canisters, cans and just about anything else I can get my hands on with shocks of spring color. It seems however when I set about making an arrangement they never turn out just as I pictured them. Usually lopsided and top heavy. I think that is why I was so excited when I saw the items in the shop fireNart on Artfire.

Let me tell you more about today’s feature…

fireNart

Cynthia James has found her niche, a rather muddy one, and I have found my new “wish I had it” favorite! Cynthia has come up with a clever idea for a vase. Her vases are not only stunning, but clever as well. And you know how we like clever here on the Bumpkin Blog. She has been involved with art for over 30 years but once she discovered ceramics” there was no turning back” she says.

Most of the work she does now was self taught. She did study for some time at Lill Street Gallry in Chicago. After all the years painting it was her Eureka moment when she found the ceramics. “Working in 3 D is so creative. With clay, things evolve to anything my imagination can dream up.” she says. The work she is turning out is nothing short of amazing. Like I have told you guys I comb site after site and great talent is not easy to find, and after finding it, it is even harder to get to the blog. I think that is why was so excited to bring her to you all! Her form and colors are a symphony of beauty and function. Her work whispers volumes. It is breathtaking in its simplicity, unassuming and show stopping- somehow all at the same time.

Of course I had to ask her “Where all do you sell?” Her reply “I am an artist with the Illinois Artisans Program and sell some of my work in the downtown Chicago Artisans Gift Shop. I have done the art fair scene and sold some of my work in galleries and gift shops in the city. I have since switched from art fairs to French Markets which are a combination Farmers Market and art fair. They are one day a weekend and the promoter puts up the tent. Less work, less cost, and better profits.” Less cost, better profits, doing what we love, that is something I could live with!

Cynthia is doing just that. Living out her dream of early retirement, tucked up close to the Chigago River. Heralding from the Chicago suburbs Cynthia grew up a country girl, but now wants to be close enough to the city to grab art supplies and other items while still having some room to sprawl. She lives there with her husband and son. Her garage houses her kiln and makes up her studio. I have to smile here, I know all about garage turned art studio!

I related much to Cynthia. Garage studio, doing what she loves, living the dream. I think hr quote of “Always make things that you love” hit home the most. Since this Bumpkin discovered her barn wood, house paint and got the courage to let the world see her folk art, I haven’t been happier. I love bringing you guys all this wonderful talent. Please check out more of Cynthia’s work over at fireNart. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Needy...

I missed my first day of blogging in over a month. Did you even notice???I did. I wanted to be very dedicated and bring new art every day to this blog. But I am running out of talent. Don’t get me wrong there is a lot of great talent out there! I can’t however make them send back the interview questions. I hear over and over how they can’t wait to be featured, and then never receive the responses and follow ups! So, I am sorry to say…I have nothing today. I am hop-ing to feel well enough to track down a few new contacts and get them on the blog for you all. Hopefully I feel well enough to do it! I have been in a major Crohn’s disease flair up, but a medication change and a new specialist may have me on the road to recovery. We will see! In the mean time, if you know ANYONE at all who you would like to see here, on the bumpkin blog…PLEASE I am begging, send the info along!