Meet Etsy Artist: reflectionsoflight

"I've been creating as long as I can remember," Sharilyn admits. "I've always got my fingers into something." Creativity has always been a "need" for her, not just a passion. "Photography is one of my first loves," she explains. "In planning an upcoming trip I am very excited about the photo opportunities I am going to encounter." Although she has worked for years in education, she recently shifted focus to her art, which she aims to make functional as well as aesthetic. Painting ceramics has been the perfect combination for her. An avid hiker and lover of the outdoors, nature often inspires her - as with the beautiful bamboo sushi set. "A country girl at heart, anything in nature is beautiful and appealing and I love to represent a small part of that in what I create." In fact - that is why she named her shop Reflections of Light. "Perhaps I can take a small piece of the beauty of nature and reflect it in something I make." Please check out her shop: http://reflectionsoflight.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: redladyarts

I'm a sucker for all things Asian - especially Buddha heads, chopsticks, and bamboo. I stumbled across these fantastic chopsticks on Etsy totally by accident and just had to meet the artist...

Sharon K. Shubert was about three years old when "the first urges to create stirred within (her)." Drawn to bright colors and intricate details early on, she taught herself how to work in many mediums including wood burning (aka pyrography), collaging, and sculpting. "If an artistic medium draws my attention I invest some time in learning more about it and trying my hand at it," she says. Her current interests are digital photography and watercolor/ink painting, but she is also an accomplished published author of poetry and short stories. "Silly kid's poetry is a favorite to write," she admits. Inspired by the "natural wonders created by God," she often uses these elements in her work. "The world is sometimes a place of chaos, struggles, and stress. My art is the opposite and I want it to convey the good feelings in life; the simple, spiritual, and the beautiful." Her art is an expression of her soul - "an extension of (her)self." She considers art a "need (like breathing)" rather than a job or a hobby. "It's a big part of my life. I create even when nothing is selling." She advises her fellow artists create what they love, regardless of fads and trends. "The art you create that is truly YOU is what will stand the test of time and be remembered. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled." Please check out her shop and websites: http://redladyarts.etsy.com/

http://redladyart.com/

http://sharonkshubert.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/