Meet Etsy Artist: schin

Schin Hern Loong admits that she loves bad puns. "The worse, the better," she jokes. "My guilty pleasure is listening to bad pop music." She also enjoys milk tea and "go(es) out of (her) way to step on crunchy, dry leaves." Nature and Life in general are a huge inspiration to her. "Yesterday I found myself wanting to paint something based on the golden colors of a cute puppy," she explains. "The subject is important to me as I always try to incorporate a story or idea in it. It's my mission that when someone sees a painting of mine, they will form their own story for it." She has been drawing and painting ever since she can remember - and considers Etsy a hobby. "It's not a job when one enjoys it," she says. "Keep the passion in your work." Please check out Etsy her shop: http://schin.etsy.com/, website: http://schin-art.com/, and blog: http://schin-art.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: MrBenWu

Ben Wu may just be a pen name, but it suits the artist perfectly: a fusion of East Meets West. "I'm a 31 year old white guy in love with all things Asian," he jokes, "and I live in the rural depths of Tennessee, dangling somewhere just southeast of the Bible Belt." He already has three "traditionally" printed books (The Macabre Alphabet, An Ivory Chopstick, and Very Naughty Figs) as well as "some privately printed and bound volumes that I sell exclusively on Etsy or just to friends/fans." He has also done illustration work for several websites, including goreydetails.net and logospilgrim.com. "My first art-love was medieval art," he admits. "Strangely enough that lead me to Aubrey Beardsley. Which lead me to Edward Gorey. That is where the bones of my art technique came from." Around the age of 20 he "fell head over hills in love with China (and Japan to a lesser extent), not just the art, but the culture." He explains, "Chinese art, calligraphy, Peking opera, Chinese classical novels and philosophy all play a part in my life and my art." His love of Asian cultures in showcased beautifully in his intricate drawings. "I rely heavily on cross-hatching," he says of the process, "and I love to fill every inch of the page with something: weird details, hidden names, and faces." He started his artistic pursuits at the tender age of 4 while in the hospital with cancer. "I'd draw dinosaurs on my father's Styrofoam coffee cups," he admits. "From then on, I never stopped doodling on any scrap of paper that I can find." While his art has been a good source of income he is eager to find something outside his own creations. "I have spent the last ten years working on my books and my art in seclusion. Now, I want to get out and reintroduce myself to the world. I've sort of missed it." Etsy has been a great place for him to meet fellow artists - and buy handmade. When asked if he had any advice to share, he joked, "No matter what group of people I'm addressing (be it prostitutes or preachers) my advice is always the same: be persistent. If you don't get any nibbles on your hook, change your bait." Please check him out on Etsy: http://mrbenwu.etsy.com/ and on his website: http://ben-wu.com/. He also has a LiveJournal for his Studio of Little Consequence, which he maintains mostly for friends, but adds, :However if anyone wants to add me (and bear the horrors of my personal ramblings), I will usually add them back." http://jade-teacup.livejournal.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: LaurenAlexander

Kansas artist Lauren Alexander has a "knack for painting with watercolors in a sort of whimsical abstract style." Although she enjoys painting nature scenes, she admits that she is not an outdoorsy girl. "Other artists are always an inspiration," she says. "Being a part of collective group of artists of all kinds is how I stay creative." She has always loved art and jokes, "According to my parents, I have destoyed just about anything a pen will mark on." As far as Etsy goes, she hopes to "build a positive relationship with other artists and keep making work that I am proud to share with others." She reccomends, "Be fearless. Be honest. Be open to what the world of other creative minds can do and use that inspiration to constantly make your work the best it can be." Please check out her shop: http://laurenalexander.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet New Etsy Artist: Katuno

I found another brand-spanking-new Etsy artist by accident. WOW! There are so many talented people here! I'm going to be busy profiling everyone...

Kat is a Hawaiian resident, whose ethnic background is Japanese. Both aspects have an impact on her whimsical art. "I started drawing at a young age and have always been fascinated by crafts," she explains. "My mother was a full time mom, but she also did many types of crafts, which I found amazing and inspirational." She was lucky enough to have parents who supported her interest in art and went on to earn an Art degree in Illustration. She began experimenting with digital mediums 5 years ago and is currently back in school, studying web design. Some of her works are inspired by her love of Japanese anime. "I love the bright colors, large eyes, and cuteness." She admits, "Anything visual can spark an idea in me...but I'm a chameleon when it comes to style, I change when it fits my purpose." She also loves to crochet, "particularly amigurumi." Etsy has provided her with an opportunity to share her work. "I love having people find joy in my art. It really makes me feel as if I am doing something special and that inspires me," she says. "Don't be afraid to showcase your own style." Please check out her shop: http://katuno.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/