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/
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: ambaarts
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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/
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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/
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns
Molly, now 49, didn't discover her "creative groove" until the age of 45. "Too busy raising a family I guess," she explains. All of her pieces are created with recycled materials and found objects. "The word of Buddha inspire me, it's very empowering to know that all the strength I need to embrace life, comes from within. I hope my pieces send peaceful thoughts and action to every corner of the world I send them," she says. I was lucky enough to find the gorgeous Buddha cuff bracelet pictured above and purchase it from her Etsy shop before anyone else found it. When she started making jewelry a year ago she was advised to "make less peace and Buddha stuff and you will probably do OK." But, always the rebel, she decided to make only what she wanted. "I can't handle any more business, so that tells me people are crying out for unusual organic pieces." she says. It began as a hobby but is quickly turning into a successful business. She's found re-listing to be helpful, but above all else recommends her fellow artists stay true to themselves. "Don't try to design to please others, and most of all focus on PEACE in every aspect of your life." Please check out her shop: http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/
Monday, January 26, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: AtchisonArt
Elizabeth Atchison is a practicing Buddhist, who loves the outdoors and is an "avid animal lover with many pets." She acquired two Boxers (Jack and Hunter) from a volunteer stint with the local Boxer Rescue. She also has a rabbit, chinchilla, turtles, and fish. In her other Etsy shop (http://www.hunterandjacksnacks.etsy.com/) she sells homemade natural snacks for pets. Aside from all of her animals, she is also a new Mom again to a 5 month old baby boy. "I am so blessed to have 3 wonderful kids and such a supportive loving husband to call my own," she gushes. Somehow she finds time to paint. "I really enjoy getting lost in a painting. The best part of art is that is is interpretive...which means I don't have to very good at it," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from her family and living life in the present moment. Currently she focuses on watercolors, but hopes to try oil paints soon. "Painting is just a hobby at the present moment, however I would love to be able to provide for my family through the venue of Art," she admits. Like most of us, she hopes Etsy will help get her name out there. "Network...promote your shop. Meet others that share the same interests. And most importantly, never give up. It is not over (until)...you quit. Please check out her shop: http://atchisonart.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Friday, December 19, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: Starbourne
Starbourne describes herself as "a retired Grandma (Bubbe to those that love me) living bliss in sunny south FL, visiting my children and grandchildren all over the country, and creating through my crafting passions (which, thankfully, I can take with me when and wherever I travel)." After many years in executive management, she made a life change in her "senior wisdom years" and became a licensed esthetician. "This gave me great joy, not only in working in the healing field (which I had done many years doing aura photography), but working with other healers. It gave me the opportunity to use so many healing modalities; color energy, infra red energy, Reiki, aroma therapy, and so much more." Although she is now following her artistic passions, she still keeps in touch with the holistic community. Her fist love is cross-stitch, although she is also interested in (and may I say an expert at) 3 dimensional art, which she learned from her daughter who is a Graphic Designer and fellow Etsian as well (you may see her work at AshraJudaica.etsy.com). She also works on what she calls "'Mindful Bracelets' - A Tool for Change." She admits that she is "always in learning mode, so am open to learning anything new that piques my interest." Her inspiration comes from "all things beautiful, mystical, magical and spiritual." Etsy has been an excellent gateway for her to connect with people and she looks forward to networking with like-minded artists. Please check out her shop: http://starbourne.etsy.com/
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: Inor
Monday, July 28, 2008
Spontaneous Bliss, Sahajananda Nritya Gita
Namaste! There is a new Buddhist temple in Portland - the first of its kind outside of Nepal - which is also the new home of Dance Mandal. Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a Newar Buddhist priest, has built a traditional temple right off 40th and Hawthorne. All of the carvings were handcrafted in Nepal by skilled artisans and it has been built in the time-honored way, including the traditional paint. It is astonishingly beautiful and I hope you have a chance to check it out...Sunday, June 22, 2008
Meet Etsy Art Collective: huajilla
Etsy shop Huajilla is run by a Thai American couple living in Chaing Mai, Thailand. Wife Huajilla is the "tech side of things for now, but just as much a artist." Not only does she run the shop, but is also the designer and creator of the beautiful Jewelry on their site. She, like her husband Pichet Sibonreung, is also a painter and hopes to have her work posted soon. Pichet has finally gotten back to painting after a 2 yer hiatus. "In coming back to painting Pichet has decided to follow his bliss," she explains. "No matter how painstaking the detail." This is what led them to Etsy. "To relax he creates the small water color sketches . His inspiration is simply his roots. He was raised in rural Thailand were Buddhist and Hindu beliefs meld with animist practices. He is creating the current collection with the hopes of giving joy. Ganesha is the remover of Obstacles, appropriate for a new beginning." Pichet's preferred medium is acrylic and water color and has been painting for 6 years. "Painting has always been his way to make a living," Huajilla says. "We are hoping with Etsy to branch out." They would both like to thank the Etsy community for their tremendous welcome and all of their help. Please check out their shop: http://huajilla.etsy.com/
Monday, May 26, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artists: prolifiquejewelry
There are actually two artists behind the chic Etsy shop prolifiquejewelry - one in Florida and one in Arizona. Both have similar styles, but also something "special that each...brings to the designing table." They have their own jewelry lines, but "wanted to explore other ideas (that)didn't fit into either one of our own lines so we created this line," they explain of their 8 year collaboration. "We want education as well as the love of beautiful objects to draw people to our jewelry. We want our jewelry to have meaning." They appreciate nature, Buddhist philosophies, and karma, which is beautifully showcased in their designs. They are stay at home moms and find inspiration in their children as well. "Seeing life through their eyes has been a humble and inspiring experience for us both." Their craft is not only their passion, but their job as well. This is the best job (next to being mom's) that we ever want to do for the rest of our lives!" While they'd like steady sales like the rest of us, "education and understanding (are) just as important to them. They want to encourage fellow artists to follow their dreams. "Life may not always take you on the path that you think you should be going, but life really is a beautiful journey that we are looking forward to exploring." Please check out their shop: http://prolifiquejewelry.etsy.com/
Monday, May 19, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: GreenGoddessGoods
Jaimee Smith is "your typical (or maybe not so typical) artist, who enjoys living and creating." She describes herself as "an observer and a documentor of everyday occurrences of the world around us." She feels that with modern day technology and every day stress, many people are deprived of nature and tries to incorporate the simple joys of living green into her art. She is "fearless when it comes time to working with new materials and mediums," and her varied subjects always "come as a whim." Currently she specializes in whimsical pet art, Buddhist paintings, belly dance hair adornments, and gardening. "As long as I am creating something with my hands, I am free," she says. "I have been considering giving up a day job and devote more time to Etsy and selling my wares, but will have to plug along the semi-nine to five for a little longer. A wedding is coming my way in October and these things are so darn expensive!" She advises her fellow Etsians to "be true to (yourself) and your craft and buy handmade items." Please check out her shop: http://greengoddessgoods.etsy.com/
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: thebuddhabuilder
Seattle artist Anita Feng is 55, and has been "a working potter/ceramic artist for 35 of those years." She is also a published writer and teaches creative writing at Cornish College of the Arts. "I've recently completed a novel about a young woman's coming of age through her passion for clay (loosely based on my own story)," she explains. Her love of clay began in 1974 when she saw a friend's finished piece. "I admired it so much that I signed up for a six-week intro to pottery class, then promptly spent all of my savings to set up a studio." A year later she was doing the craft show circuit, selling her wares. She eventually moved to the Internet - and just found Etsy a few months ago, where she also has a second shop (http://anitasocarinas.etsy.com/). She has been a "practitioner of Zen" for thirty years, which is beautifully showcased in her work. As for the creative process, she describes it as "a kind of conversation that I'm having with clay. I listen carefully to what kind of mood the clay's in and I respond. I do have a plan in mind, but I'm always open to the fluid suggestions of the moment at hand! The word, Buddha, means 'to wake up' and therefore I try to find an alert and spontaneous presence in each of my sculptures." She hopes her pieces help "open our consciousness to a modern western sensibility to Buddhist art." Please check out her shop: http://thebuddhabuilder.etsy.com/
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Meet Etsy Artists: rockwell23
Rockwell23 is a husband and wife team who run their unique buckle business together - and I had the pleasure to meet the "better half," Rachael. :-) "I'm the designer and he's the marketing genius," she admits. They currently reside in Fairfax, CA and are about to send their 18 year old daughter off to college. "I was raised by artists and I submerged myself in the art world, working for 10 years in the entertainment industry, mainly at Pixar. It's impossible not to get inspired working at such a place and after almost 10 years of finding talent for film studios, I decided to focus solely on my own work," she explains. "I just joined Esty in hopes of getting more exposure to what we feel are pieces of art that can liven up people's outfits and spirits." As her work reflects, she is inspired by Eastern cultures, travel, nature, and "anything else that catches the spirit." She makes each buckle by hand in her studio, "using a variety of mediums that ultimately culminate in the mini-canvas you see on our buckles." She knows she couldn't do it without her her husband. "(He) is an artist's dream. He's been marketing for over 20 years and with him marketing, it allows me to focus on my art." They also take pride in being "gentle on the earth -- using only 100% lead-free pewter and all non-toxic materials produced in the USA." Please check out their shop: http://rockwell23.etsy.com/
Monday, April 14, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: ImpressionsByMona
Even before I'd heard of Etsy I was into buying handmade. While I rarely sold any of my own handcrafted items on Ebay, I bought items from other artists. One of my favorite sellers was MonaDesigns786. She is the epitome of great customer service - and went the extra mile for me on many a purchase over the years. On top of all of that - she's a fantastic artist and a really neat lady. Last year after I discovered Etsy I wrote to her to try to convince her to make the move. Thankfully she has finally joined our fabulous Etsy community...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: pinkdragonfly98
Chicago native Renee Loughlin "worked in Finance in (her) previous life." She was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom for the last 6 years and has a "very arty daughter who rubbed off on me." She began beading purely as a hobby, but her love of the art has blossomed into a part time business. "I adore vintage and antique jewelry," she admits. "My grandmother gave me a box of her old jewelry and it really inspired me to explore working with it." She is even taking metalsmithing classes and hopes to incorporate her new skills into her jewelry designs. "I feel that I cannot learn enough fast enough." She advises her fellow Etsy artists, "if you want it to be a business then act like it is a business. Plan and work as though your life depends on it. Apply whatever skills you have from all of your previous experiences and research what you don't know." She also warns that - as helpful as they are - the forums can be addictive. "I allow myself 30 minutes a day to lurk in the fora (I don't post very often). The Etsy fora is a goldmine of information, but it is also a huge, swirling vortex that will swallow up your creative time before you know it!" Please check out her shop: http://pinkdragonfly98.etsy.com/
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Meet Etsy Woodblock Artist: anniebissett
I was lucky enough to happen across a wonderful artist this morning, who opened her Etsy shop less than 24 hours ago...
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/
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).
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My Hand Painted Tibetan Cabinet
As you may know by now, I am infatuated with the cultures, faiths, and arts of Asia. I have always wanted a painted Tibetan cabinet, but am saddened by the occupation and worldwide export of Tibetan culture. I could not bring myself to purchase something that may have been taken from a family - or sold as a last resort to make it in an occupied territory. So - I decided to paint one myself... 
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