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" 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 Collage Artist: liliandjojo

I was searching Etsy one day and found this lovely collage that reminded me of my sister and I when we were younger. We grew up in a sterile "white-bread" family and yearned for something more exotic...

Julie is a full-time collage artist and mother of a 14 month old daughter she adopted from Vietnam 6 months ago. "I have always loved making things and I try to make as much of the things I use on a daily basis, as I can." That's why Etsy is the perfect place for Julie. "It is a great place to not only sell all the things I enjoy making, but I feel that I have found a real community of like-minded people!" Her inspiration comes from "books, other artists, films, and seeing other cultures around the world while traveling." She is a "collector at heart and am constantly going to flea markets and thrift stores to find unusual pieces to use in (her) work." She's fascinated with Victorian photos and finds that "the overly serious expressions on their faces lend themselves well to humorous, tongue-in-cheek artworks." She uses old photos, found objects, Japanese papers, vintage fabric, and a myriad of other items in her eclectic pieces. "Now that I have joined Etsy, I have started using the same style of imagery in more 2-dimensional work to make cards and other printed pieces," she says. Like many of us, her goal right now is to sell enough to keep up with her Etsy purchases. Please check out her shop: http://liliandjojo.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: IslandSong

Canadian artist Kate Iredale lives on an island with her husband and "a very hairy (but beautiful) Sheltland Sheepdog named Molly." She was fortunate enough to retire early seven years ago and is finally able to take time for herself and "explore (her) long dormant creative yearnings." As her gorgeous collages show, she is definitely making up for lost time. "My creative thirst took a back seat for too many years while my three children were young and growing up," she explains. "Around the time they were leaving home to follow their own dreams, I began working at an Art and Design Institute in Vancouver, Canada. This experience opened my eyes to the excitement of the creative process and the passion with which the students embraced their love of art. When the opportunity came for me to leave work, I began delving into photography and that drifted very naturally and easily into a love of digital art." Her inspiration often comes from words. "My work usually evolves out of something I've read or heard. Words from a conversation, a quote or a song will catch my attention and I write them down in my journal as soon as possible," she explains. "Often I'll see an image in my mind of how the words could be visually expressed and then I start searching for photographs to alter and manipulate until they begin to morph into my mental vision." Her intricate designs are very spiritual, "but not in a religious or dogmatic way, but rather through nature, beauty and through my own personal search for joy and peace." She believes that creating art comes from the heart and reccomends we nurture our inner artist. "That little child who eagerly held up her drawing to the class, only to be told that grass was never, never orange but always green, needs you to believe in her. Encourage rather than critique this inspired creator insider of you. And have fun with the process!" Please check out her shop: http://islandsong.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: stilettoheights

Mixed media and collage artist Jennifer Gordon is originally from New Hampshire, but currently resides in Columbus Ohio. She was "transplanted here 4 years ago, and still feel like a fish out of water." Self taught, she jokes, "I think I picked up a lot through osmosis while working as an artist model in college." She studied acting "before retiring to the quiet life of a starving artist." Love is her inspiration - "more specifically unrequited love, I love the idea of longing for someone or missing someone. I love bittersweet love stories and that is what I am trying to convey with my work." She also has a fascination with "old photos, French wallpaper, manor houses that have fallen into almost ruin, handwriting, and fashion." She eloquently describes her style as "Neo-Victorian with a hint of melancholy and film noir." Although she's been collaging since she was a little girl, she became serious about it two and a half years ago. She has managed to turn her art into her career, but admits that it is "both scary and liberating." Today just happens to be her wedding day. Please check out her shop: http://stilettoheights.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

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/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Mixed Media & Collage Artist: Vintagesnapsandscrap

Kathy is the dedicated and creative artist behind Vintagesnapsandscrap. "I stay at home right now in an effort to get my business going." She finds her inspiration from vintage photographs and "other artists, many whom (she has) posted on (her) blog." She has been creating her mixed media pieces for two years, feauturing elements of vintage and altered art. It began as a hobby, but she is thankful to have turned it into her job. She strives to offer excellent customer service and "to make people happy with the things (she) creates. " She advises other Etsians to "take it day by day, stay positive, treat others like YOU want to be treated, list often and promote." Please check out her shop: http://vintagesnapsandscrap.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: Leatherpedia

Wayne Samples is the talented craftsman behind Etsy shop Leatherpedia. "I really enjoy hearing that people like my creations and enjoy using them," the Knoxville, TN resident admits. "Leathercraft is a hobby I have enjoyed for fifty years on and off." He likes traditional designs as well as creating his own. "I like to make things out of leather and that led me to make a leather rose." He took off from there, creating wallets and - most recently - portraits on leather. "I have been thinking about offering that on my Etsy site. Etsy gives me an outlet for my items as does shops around my area." He reccomends fellow sellers "give honest descriptions of your items and keep your quality high." Please check out his shop: http://leatherpedia.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: tcatalano

Besides being an Etsy Artist, Tara Catalano is a "feisty Mom of a crazy two year old and a proud wife." She is "eager to crush the cliché 'starving artist.'" Last January she stumbled upon the movie "The Secret" and it touched her so deeply it changed her life, opening her soul to an artistic path. "It sparked a fuse that has been inside me forever. I always wanted to pursue an artist career, but never had the ingenuity. Now, I am addicted." Her other addictions include chocolate, coffee, Kombucha tea, and sushi.

"It's quite difficult to describe my paintings or style, mostly because it comes from within," she admits. "I call it 'Art from the Inner Spirit' or 'Yoga for the Eyes.'" She is deeply influenced by Buddhism and Eastern philosophies and her spirituality and inner soul transcends each of her ethereal pieces. "My application of the acrylic paint is whimsical, abstract, colorful and full of texture and emotion." She has been blessed with her gift her entire life, but admits can sometimes be a curse. "Even as a kid, I could spend hours drawing, cutting, pasting, sewing, or designing. However, just recently I have overcome my inhibitions and started selling my creations." Her work is not just a job or hobby, but her passion. "Unfortunately, money makes the world go around, so I hope to prosper from my PASSION every day. Also, I have this rebellious side of me because so many people within my inner circle advised me that you can't prosper from art! My mission is to prove them wrong....and decorate the world." When she first joined Etsy her only aspiration was to obtain a treasury and and sell one thing. "When someone would send me positive feedback, I would seriously get tears in my eyes." Her goals later shifted to building a regular clientele and keeping her shop on the cutting edge. "Selling high quality paintings and having perfect customer service are my priorities." She is also relentless when it comes to more exposure. Although she feels as though she is just an Etsy "rookie," she has sound advice to offer. "Artists are a quirky, small network and we should all stick together. Believe in your craft! If you seek advice, feedback or questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime. Also, watch 'The Secret.'" It may unlock your inner path as well.