Meet Etsy Artist: tashdesigns

The Sri Lankan American artist behind tashdesigns opened shop a mere week ago, but has already caught my eye with this gorgeous Medicine Buddha painted in the Tibetan thangka style. "I just posted my first painting on Etsy a few days ago and I am in the process of adding more." A graduate of UC Berkeley, tashdesigns was born in the US, but "find(s) that it is necessary to be true to your culture." South Asian iconography has been a huge influence - especially Buddha images. "Follow your heart and love your craft and embrace your culture." Please check out this brand-spanking new Etsy shop: http://tashdesigns.etsy.com/

Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: blueart1999

Adipa discovered art when she visited a gallery and knew that she wanted to create beautiful images like the ones she had seen. She learned her craft by trial and error over the next 10 years - and lots of practice through the years. Her sister, also an artist, has been her inspiration and, at times, a teacher - showing her how to mix colors. She hopes people will love her work. Please check out her shop: http://blueart1999.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: WormwoodHollow

William Bezek has been a professional artist since the age of 17 when he was hired as an illustrator. His paintings - such as the gorgeous Buddha above - are often inspired by his exotic travels. "My favorite holiday is Halloween and I do a lot of crafty items for that," he admits. Sometimes these pieces share a fun Tim Burton-like whimsy. "I am part of the Halloween and Vine group show every year with some very talented artists," he says. He recently took a six month hiatus from his art to move across country, but is now hard at work again. Please check out his shop: http://wormwoodhollow.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jPerlmutterArt

Jennifer says she is open to the "NOW" and "this is the motivation that moves my brush or hand." She is also inspired by Dharma realizations. "Relationships and nature with Dharma woven throughout both – those are parts of my inspiration." The dedicated mother of a 6 year old, she also says her child plays a huge part in her art. "Because of the value I place on the importance of being with my son, I don’t paint everyday," she explains. "I sometimes take long breaks – weeks without painting." She admits that she is always thinking about it, though - and often plans out her next series while on hiatus. Her current abstract Buddha series is both mystical and ethereal, capturing a serene mood. She has been painting for 12 years and began by decorating furniture. Please check out her shop: http://jperlmutterart.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Igziabeher

Michelle Rachels describes her home as "out here in the woods, 3 miles to the closest stop sign down a gravel road; wildlife abounds, and my only contact with the world is dial up." She jokes, "I can't even get DSL." After 25 years in the manufacturing business - 7 of which were 80 hour weeks -

she "(came) to a point in life of realizing your mortality and ask yourself what have I done with it?" A bit melancholy she explains that "back in the mid '70's I could have marketed my paintings." Although her art is now a successful business, it is also her life. Some of her work can be seen in galleries in Coeur d Alene, ID and she has also been selling on Ebay for several years under the user name artistforwildlife - although Etsy is her preference. Her favorite medium is a large scale canvas - 3'x4' or more. "It's too bad shipping is so costly," she jokes. "Music is my carrier," she says of her inspiration, "especially reggae music. I have been a rasta at heart since the mid 70's." She has traveled far and wide to exotic locales - and even lived in Iran for a year during the reign of the Shah. "I truly embrace the motto 'the world is my country, all mankind is my brethren, and to do good is my religion,' by Thomas Paine." Please check out her shop: http://igziabeher.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist" Sulaluna

UK artist Sue Wright stumbled upon Etsy after her son encouraged her to join. "He has a friend with an Etsy shop, and the more I looked ... I don't think I'll ever go normal shopping again," she excitedly explains. "I'm busy passing on the word." As an artist, it's important to her to support her fellow artisans and crafters. A lifelong artist, she has dabbled in many mediums, including jewelry making, although painting is her passion. "I love to mix media, employ different materials and techniques - and have a fascination with colours, shapes, textures, paint and fabrics that make me feel alive." She especially loves to paint on linen because it has a "special sexy feel to it." Her pieces often reflect her mood and life experiences. As she puts it, "What would the world be without color?" New to Etsy, she decided to start off simple with a few small paintings. Please check out her shop: http://sulaluna.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SheilaTS

I discovered the following artist in her very first week on Etsy...

Sheila Tajima was born in the US, but spent her childhood in Japan. At 18 she moved back to California to attend college and put down roots. She worked through the ranks as a police officer and forensic artist - and has recently retired as a Sergeant after 26 years of public service. Now she devotes her time to art. "After seeing all that darkness, I always look for the light in people and situations," she explains. Her inspiration comes from life and "the people who choose to live it to the fullest." Believe it or not, she only leaned how to paint with oils two years ago, but has fallen in love. "I still dabble in watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, graphite and an occasional Bic pen on paper napkin," she jokes. Art has been her passion since she was four years old and watched her father draw Mickey Mouse. "I thought what he did was magical." Although her art is truly a passion, she has been forced to approach it like a job recently after a divorce left her paying her ex husband from her pension. "Do what you love and it will show in your work," she recommends. "Don't be discouraged by bids that are rejected. For every 10 people who turn you down there is going to be someone who absolutely thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread." Please check out her shop: http://sheilats.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/