Meet Etsy Artist:HammelmanArt

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring!
Linda Hammelman is a native Missourian, who transplanted to Texas, Iowa, and Virginia - and is now at home again in St. Louis. For the last 12 years she has held the position of Director and Treasurer of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society - and has studied watercolor with over 15 internationally known watercolorists. She has received numerous awards for her eclectic paintings and is a signature member of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society. "The colorful, splashy, energetic quality of watercolor appeals to me," she admits. "My favorite subjects reflect my interest in boating, flowers, people and places. And the very process of brushing watercolor onto the paper is a joy." She explains that "color is the primary thread among my paintings where style and subject vary widely." For the last 13 years she has been painting exclusively in watercolor. Although she says it's a hobby, she "pays many dividends through personal gratification and the privilege of sharing." She is ecstatic that "Etsy is a great venue for sellers and buyers alike." She says, "There is an aura of friendliness and community that is not found everywhere on the Internet." Please check out her Etsy shop: http://hammelmanart.etsy.com/ and Blog: http://hammelmanart.blogspot.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: lenoirdesigns

The artist behind lenoirdesigns is an "introverted, laid back guy that loves art, shooting pool and a variety of genres of music." His inspiration "comes from everyday life." It can be the "intimacy and passion from (an) interpersonal relationship, the day to day surroundings from politics to spiritual views and finding beauty in small things." He describes his eclectic style as "contemporary urban flair" or "abstract figurative." A lifelong artist, he's been selling his works professionally for 10 years. He appreciates Etsy for allowing him to find an online following. Please check out his shop: http://lenoirdesign.etsy.com/ and website: http://lenoirdesigns.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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: ambaarts

Tarini has been a devotee of the Goddess since high school. "I love Her in Her many forms, but have worshiped Ma Kali for the last 15 years," she explains. "I love to worship Her through painting, puja (traditional Hindu ritualistic worship), and meditation." A 1994 graduate of Laguna college of Art and Design, she admits that watercolors are her favorite medium, although she also enjoys working with clay. Her inspiration comes from the Goddess in her many forms, including nature. "My dreams and spiritual practice inform my art and my art informs my dreams and practice," she says. "I try to immerse myself in the atmosphere/influence of the deity I am painting. " She is also inspired by others who "strive to inspire and uplift through their art and service." Through Etsy she hopes to "bring my (her) and love of the Goddess to people who wouldn’t otherwise see it." Please check out her shop: http://ambaarts.etsy.com/ and blog: http://ambaarts.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: CanesGalactica

Christine is a 24 year old illustrator, artist, and lover of cosplay. Originally from the Midwest, she moved to Virginia Beach with her 2 cats and 9 tarantulas to be with her husband, who is in the US Navy. She graduated UCM with a degree in illustration, but admits she's more into watercolors and fiber art lately. "Books are very inspirational to me - as are fashion, cosplay (people dressing up as their favorite characters from television, movies, etc.), and sushi," she says. "I LOVE sushi." A lot of her work is also reminiscent of her passion for history, mythology, and whimsical fairy tales. "Nearly anything and everything can inspire me," she explains, "even found objects on the side of the road." She describes her style as "chaotic neutral," a Dungeons and Dragons reference. "That essentially means that most of the time I do art and crafts that make me happy, but I do not enjoy the suffering of others, so if my art or hobbies could help someone in some way, I would help, but I don't specifically go out of my way to make anything and everyone happy," she explains. Strongly bonded to her art, she feels that it is a "projection of a tiny piece of my soul." Etsy has been a great way for her to connect with other artists and "goof off." She recommends everyone "hav(e) fun with your business, not treating it like some giant burden where you have to churn out 'x amount' of a certain product by 'x date.' It's good to set deadlines, but you don't want them to feel like they are overtaking your life or causing you to not enjoy your creative side." Please check her out on Etsy: http://canesgalactica.etsy.com/ and Deviant Art: http://canesgalactica.deviantart.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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: HarryBoardman

As a fellow portrait artist, this next Etsian caught my eye awhile back...

Harry is often inspired by nature and his "fairly immediate surroundings," which includes the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. "I think half of the paintings hanging for sale right now are based on the street we live on," he jokes. With an ever changing variety of styles that runs the gamut of classic to abstract, he admits, "I have the attention span of a child or tiny insect." He says people often mistake his myriad of styles for those of several artists. "To that end, I try to keep specific series going so that there is enough of each style to create a cohesive look," the life long artist explains. "Some of my earliest memories are of making fantastic colorful messes." Eventually, in 2004, he started a business for his fine art and portraits. "Etsy is an interesting creature," he says. "I try to use Etsy as a way to get my work out and be available to a wide audience for an affordable price." When asked if he had advice for his fellow artists, he joked, "I hate to influence and warp people's minds if I can avoid it." He later offered, "I would say to go with your gut and do what you think is right. This community (and it is that) is just as understanding and as weird and awesome as you are." Please check out his shop: http://harryboardman.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: temple7e

Ohio artist Muluc began his artistic adventures with "graffiti" and street art before eventually finding his current niche. He, too, has a love of everything Asian, which is often reflected in his urban zen creations. "I get extremely inspired by seeing what others do," he says of his fellow artists. "There is just so much amazing creativity out there and it really turns me on." Although he has been drawing his entire life, he didn't experiment with other mediums until the age of 20. "If I weren't selling on Etsy I would still be making all of this anyway." Spoken like a true artist. He does make a little money, though, although not enough to quit his day job yet, which is his goal. "Be patient and allow your shop time and space to grow," he recommends. "Keep your quality and shop appearance tight and be prompt and clear in your communication." And of course, "Love your customers." Please check out his shop: http://temple7e.etsy.com/ and blog: http://temple7e.blogspot.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Yeshela24

Teryl grew up in the oceanfront town of Marblehead, Boston. "I was born in Salem, which had the history of the persecution of women healers," she explains. "I felt the pain of that suffering strongly as a child. My heart wanted to heal it." She also had an early passion for art. "We had tourists that came through the town in droves every summer and my first experience of selling my art was making sculptures from beach stones and then selling them to tourists," she says. By nine she had raised enough money from her work for a trip to France, where she spent time at the Ecole Freinet school, "which was created for the children of Filmmakers and Artists." Her time there was well spent. "We made art in the forest, created fetes(skits), created large sculptures, ate from a garden there at the school, skinny dipped in icy cold water each morning to awaken for the day, bathed in the sun in the afternoon. Quite an awakening from Boston puritanism," she jokes. "I learned that art could be integrated with nature and every moment of life. Art was not a compartmentalized element." At 19 she travelled the world on her own for 18 months: China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. "I came home turning 21," she says. "I had surrendered my journey, listened to my heart and let it guide my journey." She worked in villages, taught English, and became a part of every community she visited. Upon her return she went to college, which is where she met her Tibetan teacher, "a cave dwelling yogi that had escaped persecution in Tibet and carried his (own) teacher out on his back." She says, "He taught through his presence rather than trying to impress externally. His purpose was to help other refugees and that was the only reason he had left the cave and his meditation." Awed by his dedication and resolve, she quickly started her own efforts to sponsor refugees. After Grad school she returned to Asia for meditation retreats in the sacred places she visited 12 years before. "On this journey I lived in Bali and shot much of the Lotus series seen on my website." Along the way she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but never let it get in the way of leading a full and happy life. She has triumphed over her illness, depending on her spiritual Faith and art to see her through the tough times. She reminds her fellow artists to "encourage each other." Please check out her shop: http://yeshela24.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: innerlightarts

While Kristena sells her beautiful jewelry and art on Etsy, it was not always her primary site. She has also been very successful on Ebay, but with the site's downfall - and Etsy's uptick - she is focusing more on Etsy these days. "I am...rebuilding my Etsy (shop) and my http://www.innerlightarts.com/ site," she explains. A professional artist, she has also been a teacher for over 30 years. "I studied with shamans for years and taught basic & advanced shamanism and had a private practice for years," she says. With two degrees - one in fine art and the other in psych/communications - and a love of drawing, she has created many spiritual pieces, such as the one pictured above. In her work "you will see lots of images of powerful women." She uses humor and fantasy in her works to create joy and promote inner clarity. "I love supporting women making art," she admits. "A life long dream of mine was to design women's clothing, so I started http://www.sunheartclothing.com/ and am now designing and sewing small collections - which I am going to sell on Etsy." Please check out her shop: http://innerlightarts.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: NotJustaVase

Four years ago Brian remodeled the bathroom and decided to paint art for the walls. "I ended up painting three canvases that I was really excited about," he says. That planted the seed for his foray into painting and digital art - and few weeks ago he opened his Etsy shop after a friend recommended the site. "I have always been interested in using my creativity," he admits. "I have spent the bulk of my adult life working in retail as a visual merchandiser." He has also been an avid photographer and began playing with Photoshop a few years ago. "All of this is like evolution and it leads me into this phase of my life." He finds a lot of inspiration in mid-century design. "There is so much from that era that I absolutely love: architecture, graphic design, interior design, fashion, and the advances in technology also shaped so much of the design aspects," he explains. "I like the clean and simple lines represented with this era of design. I also think that Asian influenced art is a great compliment to this. Especially the bold rich colors." Still working full time as a merchandiser, he follows his artistic passions on his time off. "It is a hobby now, but eventually I hope to make it more...I am getting my feet wet with Etsy and long term I hope to open a little boutique to sell my art along with vintage items, small home accessories, and tabletop items." He reminds us all to "believe in (ourselves) and (our) art." Please check out his shop: http://notjustavase.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 Jewelry Artist & Painter: BellissimaDesigns

Sherri is the second daughter in a family of five girls, who grew up in Alberta, Canada. "I would never have said that I was crafty growing up, but looking back we made our own barbie clothes, beds, houses, etc.," she says. "In later years I drew a bit, but mostly I was consumed by reading and spending time with friends." Now married to someone she describes as "the most wonderful man" and the mother of two, she manages to find time for her art. "My daughter would want me to also mention the other members of our family - our dog and our three fish," she adds. With a need to try it all, she jokes she may be 'craft ADD.' "I have never been formally diagnosed ,but I know my husband would gladly write the letter stating that I am," she explains. Much of her inspiration comes from nature and her love of gardening. "I am also very obsessed by oriental art and sculpture, especially Buddha images," she confesses. I completely understand. :-) "If I am ever in need of inspiration I just go onto Etsy and I am blown away by everything that these amazing people create...Have you seen the soap that looks like cake? So amazing," she gushes. While she dabbles in many mediums, her true passions are painting and drawing. "My daughters room is covered, on every wall and ceiling. She is in love with Tinker Bell so I made it her little magical wonderland. However since that time we had to move her into another room to make room for her brother so he is also currently enjoying a little fairy magic." Not always an artist, she can't imagine how she ever survived without crafts. "They seem to be consuming so much of my thoughts I don't go a day without thinking about, planning for, buying for (my husband swears it is every day), or creating something crafty," she says. "Get on the (Etsy) forums and learn all you can - there is a wealth of information that Etsians are willing to share," she suggests. Please check out her shop: http://bellissimadesigns.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: sirikul

A native of Thailand, Kay Pattachote is currently living in the US (New York). English is not her first language, of course, but I was lucky enough to interview this talented artist. She started out as an Interior Designer, but painting is her true passion - she makes time for it every day. Watercolors are her favorite medium and she works magic with every stroke of her brush, capturing not just an image, but a window in time. She;s has been painting all her life, but has concentrated on watercolors the last 10 years after graduating from college. Much of her inspiration comes from the beauty and culture of her homeland and is expertly showcased in her work. A Buddhist, she says painting is good for her meditation. She was recently forced to quit her job due to serious health problems, but is enjoying all the time she has for her art. I wish you a speedy recovery and much happiness. Please check out her shop: http://sirikul.etsy.com/ and the blog detailing her recovery through art: http://www.pseudohaiku.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: joanschaumburg49

Joan may have started as a painter 30 years ago, but her latest endeavors into fused glass caught my eye. Working with fellow Etsian HendersonWoodCraft, she has created a beautiful zen furniture line including an end table and matching shoji screen. Each piece showcases her gorgeous hand painted bamboo glass panels - and would make a perfect addition to any home. In fact, she sells many of her creations at a local Asian import store. She also makes glass jewelry and is an exceptional painter and muralist. Please check out her shop: http://joanschaumburg49.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/

Meet Etsy Artist: jmoffett

Etsy is the sole website for painter Jennifer Moffett."I am a professional artist (you get to call yourself that if you sell your work, right)?" she jokes. A busy Mom to a young son - and wife to" a wonderful, supportive, great looking husband," she still manages to find time for her art. She's been at it ever since she can remember, "even since elementary school in the mid-80's when a teacher exclaimed, 'I hope this isn't all you do with your time!'" Oddly enough she was actually encouraged by the statement. "It helped me to see myself the way I should: as an artist," she explains. She attended the Columbus College of Art and Design for 2.5 years before finishing her degree at the Herron School of Art and Design. She graduated in 2006 with a BA in Fine Arts and focused her efforts on illustration work. "I (still) do logo designs, graphic design, illustration work, and crafts as well as painting." While her husband and many other family members are also artists that inspire her, she admits that her sister "is always making something new that I am jealous I didn't come up with myself." Gustav Klimt's style has influenced her work as well. "He's just a huge favorite of mine," she gushes. "The job of being an artist is more fun than I deserve. It feels like a luxury to 'work' on things that other people find pleasing because I would create no matter what." Please check out her shop: http://jmoffett.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com