Friday, January 7, 2011

My Corner of the Sky

"Girl in Pursuit"
I just submitted my "Sculptural Wool Paintings" into a highly competitive art contest - Artists Wanted : A Year In Review is an international, all-medium-encompassing open call for art -  $10,000 in grants, international publicity and a feature exhibition in Scope Art Show during Armory Week in New York City. 

It doesn't get much better than that...I busily entered all my info and then there was the dread category page.....Painting, sculpture, multi-media, a few others and then..."other." Well that's where I entered my work. In "Other." 

So, some of these categories have had their moments to shine for decades, even centuries...but what about "other" ? I think it's our moment to shine! Yes there is the grand prize, which I would so love to win...but there are "other" awards, such as the People's Choice Award. That's where I may just have an opportunity. 

If enough folks view my portfolio and click on all five stars on upper right...well then, who knows. If you'd like to know more about my "mission," click here...

Perhaps this is one of the moments when a corner of the sky becomes dedicated to fiber art. Where the rainbow of fine art includes the hues of wool and silk - not just as woven tapestries, or oddly shaped drapings, but as art which expresses emotion, engages color, requires skill, and perhaps a wee bit of courage to label it so!

I invite you all to click here and vote for me, and pass the info onto friends....but also to enter your own work! 

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Art as Decor

Flowers for Fairy Felted Silk Pillow
I always say when I look around my house, that you should see something beautiful looking out from any corner of the room. There is no reason art needs to stay on the walls. 

For me, I love translating my sculptural wool art to the bedroom. How about a silk pillow with a whimsical moment needle felted onto it and stuffed with organic wool?



Needle felted Desk Set

For the desk, a sweet mermaid pencil holder may just brighten up your day in the office! Here a sweet mermaid greets her fish friend has he decorates the end of a pencil. Below a sea shell, stone and starfish are really pushpins in disguise! When you get bored with office work, home work, etc...just move them about the sea scape!



Why keep roses out in the garden? 

Bring them indoors and display them with your favorite photo in this lovely rose picture frame. The needle felted wool surrounding the image adds depth and beauty to any picture and a spark of magic and warmth to any room.
For the dresser, a wee treasure box, made from wool and a whole bunch of love. 

So now at least three corners of the room present something lovely...Ok, ok, let's put something on the wall...how about one of my sculptural wool paintings. 

These wall hangings don't try to imitate painting with oils or watercolors. Just as sculpting with clay would not. 

"First Steps" by Rebecca Varon
Yes there is color and an impressionistic use of additional elements...but the main focus is capturing an emotional moment. A gesture of love between beings. Here, between a mommy and her little girl taking her first steps. Imagine the joy and warmth this lovely creation will add to any room. 


Think about it when you enter your room, your child's room or any room in the house. Where can you add beauty? Maybe it's right outside your window!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Reaching Heaven - Reflections on An Exciting 2010 for my Work

Well, what a year! I almost could not believe that my wee business tripled during the past year. I participated in two gallery shows, sold several of my sculptural wool paintings, (though it is often hard to let them go!), and had an enormous purchase from a corporate client in Tokyo (see this link for the story) Really, if I add it all up, off line and  on line, I have now shipped over 1000 of my treasures worldwide. I almost need to pinch myself! Or do I. One thing I want to share is this. Nobody needs a license to create! If there is one thing I want to share with the world, other than beautiful woolly treasures, it is that notion.

If you have an idea...go for it. An ounce of courage is worth several pounds of "should haves"!

Here's something else I want to mention...Along with sharing my work with so many, so many have shared their friendship with me. Yes, many of my customers not only leave feedback on my etsy site, but send personal messages and correspond regularly. All of this is so very rewarding...to know that I've touched a life. For I believe the world can change for the better one kind deed or word at a time.
What to do next? I have ambitious goals for 2011. Will I meet them? Not sure. I will take it one creative deed at a time.  I can give you a hint. Since I get so much pleasure from bringing beauty into people's lives through my work, I have decided to focus on the events that are important in my customers' lives, like baby showers, blessingways, and weddings, as well as seasonal nature tables. Of course, I always enjoy suggestions of what folks would like to see more of. So if you'd like to share your thoughts, I invite you to do so.

What's more about 2010? My family is  healthy and happy. I am so blessed to have my sweet husband and daughter. Music from my hubby, stories from sweet Eva (now 6 1/2) and my work. Together the creative energy around here is invigorating. I hope to send that energy out with love!

May you have a creative, joyous, magical and healthy New Year!