Los Angeles resident Gayle Etcheverry credits Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra for inspiring her to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a professional artist. As a Hollywood Scenic Artist she has done it all - including dressing the SAG Awards set. Each of her ethereal creations "becomes a living image of her inner voice." She is also an "active participant in the movement of spiritual globalization and devoted to the idealism that we are all one," which beautifully reflects in her work. "I started the site God Bless Humanity last year to begin a movement of Good News and Inspiring Stories. I continually find people all over the world who agree that life is beautiful and so many great things happen all over the world and no one ever hears about it. So I am trying to start something good, and ‘bring friendly back’ to the world." Her husband Blaine reminds her not to take life too seriously. "He’s my number one fan," she says. She has also met many wonderful people from all corners of the globe through the internet and feels "connected in ways I never felt possible before, which also inspires me to keep on keeping on." Not surprisingly it's the community aspect of Etsy she appreciates. "Get out there and meet other entrepreneurs," she advises. "Find out what kind of business referrals they are looking for and be sure to tell them the kinds of referrals you are looking for, too. Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and your work and PLEASE call yourself an ARTIST! The more you are out there searching and finding groups to join, mingle with and email/chat with others, the more people will remember you and think of your art." Please check out her shop: http://gaylespaintings.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: GaylesPaintings
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: MangoTango
Bev proudly declares that "a chance visit to a dollhouse shop in the Cotswolds many years ago turned out to be a collision with destiny for me. I was instantly and completely besotted with the tiny world I saw." She quickly began creating 1/12th scale plants and flowers, honing her skills over the next 17 years. "Decades later I discovered the joy of creating my own jewelry and a much larger, though no less detailed, world opened up for me -- to my enormous delight," she jokes. She displays the same attention to detail and love of nature in her ecclectic jewelry as she does in her scale miniatures. She is a Certified PMC Artisan, member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans; and proud member of Etsylux, the Art Jewelry Collective (AJC), and SRAJD. Six months ago she began experimenting with glass fusing and often incorporates her new talent into her jewelry designs. "I also love 'message' jewelry," she admits, "pieces that contain text involving emotions and things we all hold near and dear." She rarely designs her pieces ahead of time. "I let my hands do what they want to do on any given day." While her pieces are too labor intensive to create and sell on a mass scale, knowing her work is appreciated enough for someone to own one is enough. "To me, the pieces I create are my legacy, my immortality," she explains. She reccomends fellow Etsians "make sure your photos are top-notch. It's difficult to sell to people who can't hold your pieces and examine them from every angle, so you have to let your photos do the selling for you." Please check out her shop: http://mangotango.etsy.com/
Friday, February 1, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist & Graphic Designer: Krystan
Krystan is a full-time graphic designer and illustrator, who often does freelance work as well. She earned her Bachelors degree in 2005 and has been enjoying her craft ever since. A Rhode Island native, she recently made the move to Providence in a beautiful neighborhood near the water. Inspiration for her bright, cheerful style comes from friends, music, bright colors, simple patterns, and "the general hilarity that is (her) life." Almost everyone she surrounds herself with is incredibly funny - and her day often mimics "The Office;" her favorite show. "I can't wait for the writer's strike to be over," she admits. Although she's been creating since she was a baby (she still has the first drawing she ever did), she's only been working on graphic design for eight years. "(Etsy) is definitely both a job and a hobby for me. I'm not sure what I would do without it!" Like most of us, she hopes to eventually transition to Etsy full time. "Take good, clear photos, have a good banner (of course I would suggest that!), and list often," she reccomends. Please check out her shop: http://krystan.etsy.com/
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ever have sellers remorse?
This necklace is one of my creations that sold on Etsy awhile back. It was one of my favorites and I find myself missing it terribly, even though I know it went to a good home -- AND I have a ton of turquoise necklaces already that my husband reminds me I never wear. :-) Sellers remorse, I guess. Has anyone else had the same thing happen to them?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: CreativeEssentials
Piper grew up along the Oregon coast, and although she now resides in Virginia, she is still "recharged" by the ocean. "I love walking along the beach and losing myself in the sand and water," she says. Like me, she is also fascinated by Asian culture and imagery. "I love visiting Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, Buddhist temples, and Asian themed museums." Her eclectic style is as varied as her talents. Currently she focuses her Etsy shop on paper crafts, jewelry, photography, and painting - although she admits that could all change next week if she decides on a whim to try her hand at something else. "To date I’ve managed not to poison myself or burn down the house, so all is good," she jokes. Selling her art began as a way to fund her creative spirit - something she couldn't do at her day job as a Human Resource Information Systems Manager. She is also a full time graduate student earning her Master’s in Technology Management at George Mason University. Somehow she still has time for her art. She hopes to use Etsy to meet fellow like minded artists and showcase her work. "Don’t hold back," she recommends. "Try something new. If it doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, it can always be turned into something else." Please check out her shop: http://creativeessentials.etsy.com/
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ANORIGINALJEWELRY
A mere 23, Ashley lives in New York where she attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Jewelry Design. While she has only been selling her cutting edge designs since 2005, she was already commissioned to create a custom piece for Warner Brothers Recording Artist "Mozella." Not surprisingly music is a big inspiration to her. She even has a "Music Inspired" section on her own website (http://www.anoriginaljewelry.com/). "I am also inspired by people in general. Sometimes when I meet someone I can imagine a piece that would go with their personality," she explains. "I like to do things that are eye catching while keeping in mind that eye catching doesn't necessarily mean huge or neon colors," she says of her edgy yet elegant style. She has been fortunate enough to turn her art into her career. "I am really throwing everything I have into this. Hopefully I can forge ahead and make a name for myself." She is committed to being a valuable part of the Etsy community, sharing her knowledge and helping other artists get exposure. "There is nothing wrong with sharing suppliers or tips," she suggests. "I do it all the time. I really believe that the beauty in this community is our access to each other. We are each others greatest resource! I think if you look at everyone as competition you're only hurting yourself. I love to buy jewelry and crafts from other artisans on Etsy, I believe you need to give support to get it back!" Well said. Please check out her Etsy shop: http://anoriginaljewelry.etsy.com/
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Meet Dance Mandal Artist: Prajwal
I regularly visit the Tao of Tea inside the Portland Classical Chinese Garden to recharge my soul - and over the years I have gotten to know the fantastic staff very well (special hello to Yvonne, Daniel, and Martin). Prajwal is one of the tea servers there - but I recently discovered he is also an amazing talent, struggling to keep the sacred Buddhist arts of his native Nepal alive. The youngest of six, he was born into a Buddhist family where his father - as 35 generations before him - is a priest. Prajwal followed in his father's footsteps, becoming the 36th, teaching the sacred dance of his homeland. "I enjoy being Buddhist," he says. "Everything good in my life I owe to Buddhist practice and culture." Prajwal soon realized that his culture was slowly disappearing in Nepal, giving way to modernization. Although some of the sacred arts had never been shared with the outside world, he struggled to introduce it to the world in order to preserve it, which has enabled him to meet wonderful people from all corners of the globe. Some of his former students have even gone on to become teachers of the art in Germany and Japan. While teaching in the US he realized that he was able to reach a large audience who cared about keeping his native traditions alive, and soon immigrated. He still has a center in Nepal, which he visits every year, but has also opened the Dance Mandal Institute here in Portland, OR, where he teaches meditation, dharma talk, yoga, and the sacred Buddhist dance he cares about so deeply. Dance Mandal is a foundation of sacred Buddhist arts of Nepal, "dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Charya Nritya [dance as a spiritual discipline] and the related traditions of vocal music and costume-making. With the survival of this sacred dance form threatened by modernization, Dance Mandal travels throughout the world performing and giving workshops while adhering to its original purpose as a profound spiritual discipline." Aside from his art Prajwal is also working to build the first authentic Nepali Buddhist temple outside his native homeland. "This project is a fulfillment of my father's vision of bringing Newar Buddhism and especially Newar temple dance to the world, so that many may benefit from observing and practicing this beautiful and transformative tradition," he explains. "(It) is a major step forward in the preservation, expansion, and exploration of Newar Buddhist art and dance (that also) welcomes other traditions of sacred art and practice to share the space." It is a big undertaking and donations of any kind - helping hands, finances, resources, etc. will be gratefully accepted to support the building of the temple. If you'd like to give a monetary donation you may mail a check to Dance Mandal, 1405 SE 40th Ave., Portland, OR 97214. - or if you prefer to use a credit card you may pay through Pay Pal via the Dance Mandal website (http://www.dancemandal.com/). If you'd like to donate your time please contact Helen (helen@dancemandal.com 503-233-37039).
Meet Etsy Artist: MystikArt
Miriam is a self taught mixed media artist, who hails from Puerto Rico. Although she currently resides in Orlando, Florida, she has also spent time in New York and Spain. "I love my USA and Spanish mix of cultures. They are both very rich in the Arts," she explains. Her inspiration comes from other artists and their work. "Nothing makes me happier than painting," she admits - and she's been creating her whimsical folk art since her teens. In 2007 she successfully made her art a full time job. While she hasn't reached her target sales goal yet, she still sees her career focus as becoming a better artist. "Take your best and make it better," she recommends, quoting her high school art teacher. "Strive to be a better artist with each (piece)." Please check out her shop: http://mystikart.etsy.com/
Meet Etsy Artist: PollyPainting
Polly Jones is a full time artist - and "domestic goddess," whose been painting for 25 years. Luckily her husband shares her creative passions: he teaches art at a university and renders amazing drawings. He also supports Polly in her endeavors. "This summer he turned our sun porch into a studio for me," she explains. Her inspiration could come from anywhere. "Cleaning up the kitchen can lead to an idea for a painting, noticing how a spoon in a glass is refracted." She is also a self-admitted thrift store addict. "Most of my still life items are 'finds.'" She also does larger works, combining elements of collage, drawing, and direct painting, several of which are featured in an art show that opens this Valentine's Day. Her next project is a series of smaller works she plans to post on Etsy. "Take time to appreciate what a blessing it is to have creative impulses," she recommends. "We as artists and artisans have much to be grateful for, a chance to connect in meaningful ways with others." Please check out her shop: http://pollypainting.etsy.com/
Friday, January 25, 2008
My FAB new business cards from Etsy artist: callista311
Yippee!!! I just ordered 1500 of my new business cards designed by Etsy artist callista311. They are so beautiful I had to share! What do you think? I can't wait to start handing them out! :-) Please check out her shop for all your graphic design and business needs: http://callista311.etsy.com/
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