Susan Calvert - Creative Writings & Art

Art Studio

2012-02-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

I totally enjoy seeing artist's studios. It makes me feel connected that we, artists, are the same type of beings with "stuff" (as hubby calls it) laying about. Plus, I am always looking for creative storage solutions for my supplies and such.

Here's a photo of my studio after painting "Drusilla" and "Emmerson". There are two other paintings in this photo that have been started. Can you locate them?

Art Studio of Susan Calvert

Last month, I only completed 4 paintings. Ugh! Where did time go? Oh yeah, I worked on my website.

Today, I'm cleaning up my studio, getting rid of the used palettes, water containers, etc. and starting afresh!

"Emmerson", Part 3: Anatomy of a Painting

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Emmerson", 8x10", Acrylic on Canvas, $100 (includes s&h). Available for purchase on my website. Contact me at Susan@SusanCalvert.com with questions.

"Emmerson", Part 2

2012-01-23T12:53:00.002-05:00

Last week, I took a poll, which ended yesterday, asking you what day of this week (Tues, Wed or Thurs) you would like to see my latest painting entitled "Emmerson". The results have been tallied and the date for release is (drum roll please):

Tuesday! Yes, that's tomorrow, January 24, 2012!!! I know you can hardly wait to see the painting Until then, here is another hint of "Emmerson":

Thank you to all who participated in the poll. It was fun seeing your votes and reading your comments on Facebook.

"Emmerson", Part 1

2012-01-20T18:41:00.002-05:00

Hi Folks!

Next week, I'll be releasing my acrylic painting in my Imaginary Friends series entitled "Emmerson". Which day, Tuesday (1/24), Wednesday (1/25) or Thursday (1/26), would you like to see it? (Cast your vote by placing the day in the comments section at the end of this post or by placing it on my Facebook Fan Page.) The day with the most votes will be the day "Emmerson" is released. (Voting closes Sunday , 1/22, 11:59pm.)

Here is a hint of Emmerson to tickle your imagination:

Thank you very much for your participation!

Art Collection Arrangement Ideas

2012-01-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

A client contacted me regarding the placement of a collection of my art together to hang on the walls of her home. Her favorite paintings in my Imaginary Friends series are: Archetta, Bartholomew, Basil, Blanche, Cornelius and Sage. Here are some possible arrangements for her decor:

Please note: It was not a good day for photography--cloudy & rainy. The top of the photos have too much light on them washing out the images. The resolution is downsized. The individual images are much clearer in person.

"Drusilla", Acrylics on Canvas

2012-01-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

I was speaking with artist, Jill Kettles, from Scribbles Studio about framing my Imaginary Friends art series. She mentioned not to frame them but instead to paint the edges, thinking they were on canvas instead of paper. Jill's mention of canvas got me thinking....

For a change, I painted my first acrylic painting, "Drusilla", in my Imaginary Friends series on canvas. Oh my, a big change, indeed, going from watercolor to acrylic painting!

Still the same quirky drawing style. However, an entirely different look from my watercolors in this series.

Drusilla is more beautiful, brighter and shinier in person. (Low resolution pics for web.)

I selected her name upon hearing it in a clue on the game show, Jeopardy. "Drusilla" is an English female given name derived from the Roman Drusus, in turn from the Greek drosos (dew). It has the meaning fruitful or dewy-eyed.

Happy 2012

2012-01-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Thanks for ringing in the new year with me.

2012 is going to be a great year for my art. I'm releasing this series, Imaginary Friends, in affordable 4x6" signed and titled prints. I'm also working on securing some art shows for later in the year. I will keep you posted as to my whereabouts so you can stop by to introduce yourself and view my colorful world.

The Arts in the Small Community: A National Plan

2012-01-02T18:10:00.000-05:00

If you try, what may you expect?

First a community

Welded through art to a new consciousness of self:

A new being, perhaps a new appearance –
A people proud
Of achievements which lift them through the creative
Above the ordinary –
A new opportunity for children
To find exciting experiences in art
And to carry this excitement on
Throughout their lives –
A mixing of peoples and backgrounds
Through art; a new view
Of hope for mankind and an elevation
Of man – not degradation.
New values for individual and community
Life, and a sense
That here, in our place
We are contributing to the maturity
Of a great nation.
If you try, you can indeed
Alter the face and the heart
Of America.

-Robert E Gard, Ralph Kohlhoff and Michael Warlum
The Arts in the Small Community: A National Plan
Office of Community Arts Development
University of Wisconsin-Madison

1969

Enjoy the Arts! Support Artists! Change your world!

Big Hair Day

2011-12-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

Fiona is having a Big Hair Day. Woo-hoo!

She's getting ready for the upcoming B-52's concert (my fave band). Here they are singing "Wig".

And here is a photo of some groupies wearing big hair wigs from the concert we attended at Chastain Park Amphitheater in 2010. It was a rockin' good time!

On the neon, neon side of town. On the neon, neon side of town....

Many thanks to everyone reading my colorful art blog. I truly appreciate your support. Happy 2012!

Adoption: "Susannah"

2011-12-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

Original painting, "Susannah", has been adopted (sold). Here she is and below her image is a comment I received from her newly adoptive family.

"Susannah"

To her new family: May Susannah's spirit bring happiness to you and all who enter your home. Thank you for supporting my art.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T16:58:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posted this 1-minute video on Facebook a few hours ago. I remembered it from my childhood and decided to share it with you. It's totally awesome. Go ahead and click on the arrow to start it.

My friend gave me a fabulous compliment comparing the video to my art. She said:

I thanked her. Her compliment was a wonderful gift to me this Christmas.

You see, compliments keep me painting when I don't feel like it. I run my own business designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling my thoughts without receiving a steady income for my completed work like most folks. I pay up front to create and display my art in galleries and shows. It's a high risk career, especially introducing a new series like this one, Imaginary Friends, to earn the respect of an audience.

An artistic career is a true calling of the muse. In terms of business, I believe artists are "Game Changers" or "Change Agents". They take risks and start trends. A compliment, next to a purchase, is golden to an artist.

Back to my friend... I indicated I would be posting new art today. Upon looking through my paintings, I came across "Kirby" and decided my friend was absolutely on the button with her comment. Talk about happenstance! Kirby reminds me of those goofy birds in the video too.

Tweet, Tweet! Follow me on Twitter and/or like me on Facebook.

Thank you for being a part of my audience. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

New Art: "Sukey"

2011-12-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

Here is Sukey, my Asian inspired painting:

Sukey (top row, third image below) is available as a signed & titled 4x6" print on Kodak Premium Photo Paper printed using HP Vivera Inks for only $10 (price includes postage). She will arrive in your mailbox packaged in a crystal clear package as shown in the display below.

Contact me at Susan@SusanCalvert.com if you are interested in purchasing her. Place "4x6" Print" in the subject line of your email. I will email you a Paypal invoice and she will be on her way to your home in time for the holidays! (All of my other paintings are available in this format too.)

4x6" titled & signed prints in clear packages

New Art: "Zelda"

2011-12-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Meet Zelda! She's a modern woman with attitude. Her stature reminds me of one of my favorite singers, Lady Gaga. What's your impression of Zelda?

Inked!, Part 2

2011-12-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

In my previous post entitled "Inked!", I posted this picture of drawings that I drew to paint:

BEFORE
Inked Drawings for Paintings
© Susan Calvert, all rights reserved

Well, here they are now, all gussied up with paint: (Go to "view" on your toolbar and turn your "full screen" view on to compare both pictures at the same time.)

AFTER
Row 1: "Sally", "Reginald", "Zelda"
Row 2: "Riley", "Boyd", "Amelia", Matilda"
Row 3: "Edgar", "Sukey","Ainsley"
© Susan Calvert, all rights reserved

I will be posting the paintings on my website throughout the month of December. If you see one you would like to purchase and it's not on my website yet, give me a shout by email.

New Art: "Edna"

2011-11-30T23:03:00.001-05:00

Here's Edna! She seems to be dancing with delight. She reminds me of Ann B. Davis, aka Alice, the housekeeper, on The Brady Bunch. Oooooo, how about a dancing housekeeper? That's exactly what I need since I've been ill most of the month of November! Hence the lack of blog posts.

As I turn the calendar page tomorrow to the month of December, I am still sick. I blame it on the steroids I took for a spider bite, an antibiotic reaction and poison ivy. So, Edna, please, please, stop by my home soon to help me tidy up in time for St. Nick.

Anatomy of a Painting: "Fanny"

2011-11-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

Here are the steps taken to create "Fanny". The first 5 photos have much to be desired. However, you will get the general idea from them.

I have created over 40 paintings in this series, "Imaginary Friends", so far. With the exception of the monochromatic painting of "Amelia", every painting has at least 14 colors on it (layer after layer after layer). Each painting takes between 3 to 3-1/2 hours to complete.

Drawing / Illustration

Hair

Facial Features

Clothes

Background

Fanny is available for sale on my website. She is much clearer and colorful in person. (Her resolution has been downsized for the web.)

Name This Painting, Part 2

2011-11-07T14:31:00.001-05:00

Last week, I took a poll via Facebook and this blog to name the painting below. The name choices were:

Ainsley

Claire

Genevieve

The votes have been tallied. And the winning name is:

As a thank you to all participants who voted in the poll, I'm offering one free ATC print of Ainsley. Email me at Susan@SusanCalvert.com with "Ainsley" in the subject line or send me a message via Facebook with your name and address and I will mail you your print. (Offer expires November 30, 2011.)

Again, thank you very much for your time and support.

Name This Painting, Part 1

2011-11-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

My friends and fans on Facebook are presently responding to the naming of my painting pictured below by taking a poll. I am opening it up to my blog readers too.

Be a part of the naming of this painting by selecting one of the names below:

Ainsley

Claire

Genevieve

To participate, place your answer in the comments section of this blog or on my Facebook Fan Page. Whichever name has the most votes will be the name of the painting.

Naming ends on Sun, 11/6/2011. I will post the name on this blog as Part 2 upon closing of the poll.

Please vote. The title of this painting lies in your hands!

Here is Name This Painting, Part 2.

Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Four new paintings in response to Occupy Wall Street:

I watched the television show "The Chew" and they mentioned the birds on Wall Street were eating well these days.....

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-25T13:06:00.000-04:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A few weeks ago, I learned my friend, Kathy, has breast cancer again. I believe this is her third time with it.

While I am saddened my friend is ill, I am happy she has pulled through her previous battles and is getting through this episode. And although there may be days of helplessness for her and others with breast cancer, I believe there is more hope of survival today with the advances and options in medicine than in the past.

I painted the simple character, "Amelia", in bright pink colors as a symbol of hope for people with breast cancer.

Sending big hugs and healing thoughts you way, Kathy.

New Art: "Delphia"

2011-10-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

The original painting of Delphia is available for purchase on my website.

New Art: "Reginald"

2011-10-18T11:49:00.001-04:00

For the past few days, I have been polling people on Facebook about my new paintings. The poll was as follows:

6 NEW Paintings! Which name sounds most interesting to you? The one with the most votes will be released FIRST.

Delphia
Fanny
Morton
Reginald
Sage
Villard

For some additional fun, I provided sneak peek snippets of these paintings.

The votes have been tallied. And the winner is....

What a hoot it was to read the comments and see the answers. A comment made by one of the voters was: "I'm going with 'Fanny'. Makes me wonder what the rest of her looks like."

Thank you very much to everyone who participated in this lighthearted poll. Hope "Reginald", with his bone necklace, brightens your day. Ah yes, all 6 paintings can be seen on my website too.

Sneak Peek: Wk of Oct 17, 2011

2011-10-14T15:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peek at my 6 paintings being released for sale next week:

"Reginald"

"Delphia"

"Villard"

"Fanny"

"Morton"

"Sage"

Hope you've enjoyed this preview. Which snippet appeals to you?

Inked!

2011-10-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

I got inked yesterday!

While preparing to create my next paintings, the bottle of ink needed to be shaken (not stirred) to mix it. I do this periodically during the drawing process to ensure good, even ink coverage.

As Murphy's Law would have it, I forgot to tighten the lid to the bottle and shook it. 'Twas a mess all over my hands and table.

I use fadeproof and waterproof ink for my art. I scrubbed my hands with a brush and today, my hands are still inked!

Inked Drawings for Upcoming Paintings

New Art: "Macey"

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Added SIX new Imaginary Friends paintings to my website this week. "Macey", shown below, is my fave. Can you say "quirky"?

Sneak Peek: Wk of Oct 10, 2011

2011-10-10T18:15:00.000-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at the new paintings I'll be posting on my website this week:

"Basil"

"Osbourne"

"Harvey"

"Igor"

"Macey"

"Bolivar"

Which one looks most interesting to you?

Painting: "French Kiss"

2011-10-08T21:18:00.000-04:00

This painting is the companion to "Vulva". I created it using acrylic on canvas with gallery wrapped sides (the staples are on the back). It measures approximately 38h x 45w".

I named the piece "French Kiss" after the logo from the musical group "The Rolling Stones" and my leather chair of the same name shown in the photo below.

Profile view of "French Kiss" chair on left side.

Here is how the painting looks on a wall.

My Favorite Artistic Advice

2011-10-06T19:42:00.000-04:00

This is an inspiring video for artists. I relate to it completely having had artistic dry spells for months, even years, at a time. I would obsess over techniques, what my message "should" be, if my art was good enough, etc. Fortunately, I recently found my way back.

I LOVE my latest painting series entitled "Imaginary Friends". The images are free spirits, like myself. One of my art professors personal advice to me was "It doesn't matter how you get there, Susan, just get there." Feels great to have found my visual voice again.

New Art: "Avery"

2011-10-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: Vulva

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

New Art Preview

2011-09-01T11:19:00.000-04:00

Am turning the page of the calendar today and saying: "good riddance" to August 2011. I was ill almost the entire month due to a spider bite and two allergic rashes from it.

Autumn is upon us though it really doesn't feel that way here in Atlanta. We are still reaching 90 degree temps during the day. The temps at night have started falling into the 60's and 70's--a welcome relief.

As with the change of season, so comes the new television shows. To follow suit, I am releasing a new art series in a few weeks too. It's colorful, fun and a bit crazy. Hope you enjoy the sneak peeks of it throughout this post.

Jalapeno Joe's

2011-08-08T12:05:00.000-04:00

Late Friday afternoon, we received a call from our friend, Dan, asking us to dinner at Jalapeno Joe's. We met our friend there along with his daughter, Elizabeth, who is smarter than a 5th grader and as such, will be entering 6th grade this month. Yee-ha!

We had great conversation, laughter and appetizers while waiting for our other 6 friends to arrive and join the fun.

Elizabeth eventually stepped away from the table and came back with a box of crayons and a picture to color. Upon watching her color, I became inspired and asked for a picture to color too. Below is the outcome.

My evening of crayon fun at Jalapeno Joe's

We ladies had a wonderful evening creating art together and hope to do it again soon. If you are in the area, stop by and join us.

How to Achieve Enchantment

2011-07-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

How to Increase Your Likability

2011-07-01T13:41:00.000-04:00

Playing with (Social Media) Buttons

2011-06-22T13:36:00.000-04:00

When I was an infant, my Aunt Dorothy use to take care of me. She said I was the best baby. She could leave me with household items to play with and I was fascinated with them for hours. She got a lot of work done with me being so content.

A favorite item given to me to play with by my aunt was a metal cookie tin of buttons she kept for sewing. She told me I loved to play with them.

Now that I'm grown up, seems I still like to play with buttons. I created the four buttons below and am sharing them with you to help locate me and my art easily on social media sites. Go ahead and push them! I will not tell anyone you like to play with buttons too.

How To Be Alone

2011-06-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

If you have an art that needs a practice, stop neglecting it...

Alone is okay.

Find My Art On Facebook

2011-06-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

Just want to thank everyone on Facebook who has joined my Fan Page, Good Girl Designs - The Fun Art of Susan Calvert. Big hugs and much thanks for supporting my artistic endeavors. You are amazing!

If you are reading this and have a Facebook account, you are cordially invited to join my Fan Page. Click on the "Like" button in the box below to do so.

Old Faithful--The American Flag

2011-05-30T13:52:00.001-04:00

This painting, Old Faithful, depicts the dog painted as the American flag. The bright background colors are a symbol of hope.

Please take a moment to remember those who are serving, have served and fallen for our country this Memorial Day including our canine friends.

Prints of this image are available for purchase on my website.

Lucy has Cancer, Part 5

2011-05-29T21:45:00.000-04:00

This is a repost from my pet blog for those of you following Lucy's progress. She is doing fantastic!!!

Since my last posting regarding Lucy's cancer, we took Lucy to have her lung x-rays . Great news: Clear--no signs of cancer!

During the x-ray reading, Doctor Kevin informed me Lucy's tummy was full of chicken bones. He let me know in case she had gotten into the trash. I told him they were from the chicken leg she ate for lunch. Yum, yum!

Lucy is thriving on her grain-free, raw food diet. She went from an allergic, ichy, hot spot, yeasty-earred dog to clear skin, no bald spots and spotless, clean smelling ears. Yippee!

In addition to Lucy's raw diet, she receives the following supplements to support her immune system:

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Milk Thistle
Chlorella
Spirulina
CoQ10
Bone Meal Powder
Astaxanthin
Balanced Amino Acids
Halo VitaGlo Hip & Joint Supplement

We have more great news: Lucy made it through her second surgery to remove two additional tumors! She had prolotherapy injections to her torn ACL in her knee too. The two tumors were benign and her knee is getting stronger. Doctor Kevin at Loving Touch Animal Center: You rock!

Kevin Brantly, DVM

Upon the healing of her incisions, we started messaging Lucy's scars to prevent scar tissue from forming and adhering to other internal areas of her body. Lucy loves the extra-special attention. Who doesn't love a message?

Lucy is a bit more tired these days. We've started our 1 mile walks again. She doesn't ever seem too tired to walk me. I forgot how fast she goes and got shin splints the first few times. They were well worth the smile on her face as she paced through the 'hood to smell the roses. Err, replace the word "roses" with "pee spots".

Lucy laying under my desk

We are extremely happy Lucy made it through her surgeries. Her innocent, joyful spirit completes our lives.

In case you missed the other posts leading up to this one, here they are:

Lucy has Cancer, Part 4

2011-04-12T12:23:00.000-04:00

Ugh! I just realized for forgot to cross post this entry from my pet blog for those of you following Lucy's story. I will posting an update about Lucy's health soon.

Since I last posted, Lucy has had all 30 of her staples removed. Well, actually it was 29. One was missing and today as I was cleaning up her toenail clippings, I found it. A souvenir to place in her keepsake box! And yes, I have a few of her baby teeth saved there too.

Speaking of teeth, let me take you back almost 10 years ago when Lucy was a pup. We lived in IL at the time. She and I were headed outside for a late-night potty. Lucy slipped on the icy step and her tooth popped out. Help!

I frantically placed an emergency call to her vet, Dr. Youssef, at Essington Road Animal Hospital in the wee hours of the morning informing him of the situation at hand. He explained it was normal and another one would grow in it's place. It had been 14 years since our last puppy and I had forgotten they lose their teeth like humans. OMG! How embarrassing was that?

Back to today.... Lucy is still under doctors orders to wear her wardrobe of t-shirts. Her scabs need to fall off enabling her wound to close up completely before she can undress and RUFF-house again.

Playing "tug" with Lucy.

Also, we still stay with her 24/7. She gets entangled in the t-shirt when she bends and brings her legs to her chest. Plus, sometimes it comes untied enabling her to scratch the area and irritate it. So in this case, we are her "watch dog".

We have extended the length of Lucy's walks from 4 houses to 10 houses, back and forth. She just loves her walks. The more, the merrier, as she regains her strength and energy each and every day.

All in all, Lucy's recovery is going excellent!!! We are extremely happy with the progress she's made to date. I chalk this up to the staff at Loving Touch Animal Center, her raw diet, high antioxidant supplement regimen and the love, affection and respect we have for her within our home. ♥ ♥ ♥

Click on the links below for other posts in this series:

Theo Jansen's Strandbeests - Wallace & Gromit's World of Invention Episode 1 Preview - BBC One

2011-03-22T21:47:00.000-04:00

Take a look at the awesome moving sculptures in this video. Aren't they cool? How fast can you say "artistic genius"?

Lucy Has Cancer, Part 3

2011-03-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

This is a cross post from my Pet Blog as Lucy has always been my greatest art inspiration:

Lucy has had two additional visits to her vet, Loving Touch Animal Center, since my last post. The first visit was for the flushing of her 2 drains along with a set of antibiotics and probiotics; the second, for removal of her drains. She is doing remarkably well, especially still having to wear a t-shirt 24/7.

Lucy’s lab results came back with an interpretation of “Spindle Cell Neoplasia, Grade 1 Hemangiopericytoma”. We are very thankful it was the lowest grade.

Upon having her 30 staples removed, we will have her lungs x-rays. This is the most likely place for metastasis of this type of cancer. Hopefully, these x-rays will only ever serve as a base-line set.

If Lucy’s lungs come up clean, she will undergo surgery for the other 2 small masses on her body. She has one on the other side of her trunk and another under her leg which, in time, will interfere with her walking. (The veterinary surgeon was unable to remove them during the first surgery. She would have been under anesthesia too long.)

I researched “hemangiopericytoma” on-line and located this info:

'Grossly, hemangiopericytomas can be soft, firm, or rubbery and are frequently mistaken for lipomas. They also may be nodular and locally invasive. Hemangiopericytomas occur most frequently on the extremities, but may arise on the trunk.'

Lucy’s hemangiopericytoma was diagnosed for a lipoma at first. It was located on the trunk of her body. From this experience, we learned the surest way to tell what’s growing is through a biopsy. Let me say it again: If you feel a lump on your pooch, get a biopsy ASAP!

Lucy and her "babies".

If you missed any of the previous posts in this series, here are the links to them:

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 6

2011-03-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a 20 second video of the installation for the Imagination Squared Public Art Project. It is permanently displayed now at the Main Branch of the Jacksonville (FL) Public Library. Watch this massive 910 piece art installation in the video above. Then visit it in person to feed your soul.

Details about this project are contained in my previous blog posts:

Lucy has Cancer, Part 2

2011-03-04T13:59:00.004-05:00

This is a duplicate post from my Pet Blog. My business started with Lucy serving as my muse.

For those of you who read my previous blog post, here is an update on Lucy:

Lucy is recovering from her surgery on Tuesday. The cancerous sarcoma mass was removed. She has a long incision, approximately 10 inches in length, with 30 staples and 2 drains on her lower left flank region.

The surgery was difficult, lasting approximately 2 hours instead of the allotted 1/2 hour of time. The cancer was encapsulated except for at the base where a 1-1/2 inch diameter was attached to her muscle. The veterinary surgeon removed a 5 inch diameter piece of muscle. We are awaiting the histology report and hoping enough of the margins were removed so it doesn't grow back.

Lucy has been a real trooper. Thank goodness for pain meds. Dogs don't show much pain. It is a sign of weakness in the wild. When she is unable to get comfortable (cannot lay down), it is a sign to give her medication, approximately every 12 hours.

Lucy obtained a new wardrobe from her ordeal. We recycled Steve's old t-shirts for her. Well, actually, Steve passed them to me. I wear them for art and household projects. I cut off the arms on some of them and passed them along to Lucy. Wearing a t-shirt alleviates self-inflicted trauma from Lucy trying to scratch as her incision is healing and catches the fluid from her drains.

I'm bringing sexy back!

Lucy was under some heavy anesthesia and wasn't interested in drinking water at first. I didn't want her to get dehydrated. So I went shopping for some fresh coconuts and found some. As soon as I arrived home, I punctured the eyes of one giving her the water inside. She lapped it up immediately. Yay!

Coconut water provides an isotonic electrolyte balance and I'm sure hers was off from anesthsia. Did you know coconut water from the cavity of a fresh coconut is sterile until opened? It mixes easily with blood and was used in World War II for emergency transfusions.

And too, as Lucy luck would have it, the February/March Issue of Animal Wellness Magazine arrived containing Dr. Carter's cancer cocktail recipe. Dr. John Carter, a British veterinary surgeon and research scientist, created it after losing his own dog to cancer. The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:
8 ounces raw chopped liver
4 ounces grated carrot
1/2 ounce ground Brazil nuts

Instructions:
Puree the ingredients. Serve as a topping or as a complete meal. It's bursting with flavor and nutrients including potassium and selenium.

I chose calf liver over mature beef or chicken thinking it is the youngest liver with the most nutrients. Lucy loves her "liver pâté de foie gras". She gobbles it all up! It is an easy recipe to include in my beloved's raw diet.

Lucy has had sudden bursts of energy today. She wants to play fetch which, of course, is a BIG no-no presently. So I took her for a walk--down 4 houses to where her dog buddies, BJ and Bear, live and back. She was tired after and took a nap. Steve thought I might have taken her too far. Rehabilitation exercise is a must prior to being able to leave a hospital. It would strengthen her, I told him.

Unfortunately, Lucy is not out of the woods yet. She has a lipoma growing under her left forearm and another small mass on her right side. The veterinary surgeon was unable to remove them as Lucy was at the limit for anesthesia during this surgery. (sob, sob)

To all of Lucy's fans in blog and social networking land and Loving Touch Animal Center: We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your pawsitive thoughts regarding Lucy's health. Dogs are people too. Woof!

PS: Here are the other posts in this series:

Part 1
Part 3

Lucy Has Cancer, Part 1

2011-02-25T23:21:00.002-05:00

This is a duplicate post from my Pet Blog. I thought it appropriate to repost since Lucy has been an integral part of my art business. My company name, Good Girl Designs, came about from her...

This is the most difficult post I've written to date. As the title indicates, my little Sweet Pea, Lucy (dog), has cancer. I'm sick over this news.

Last year, Lucy had some developed some roly-poly, jelly-like feeling lumps. They were diagnosed as benign fatty tumors (lipomas). Lucy's vet said they did not operate on them until they interfered with walking or became the size of an orange. Well, the one near Lucy's rib cage enlarged to that size. We visited her vet again and the word, sarcoma, became part of our conversation. I was blown away! I didn't realize lipomas could develop into cancer.

I took Lucy to another vet for a second opinion. There we had blood work drawn and a biopsy for each of the two lumps. The one under her leg is benign and the "orange" is malignant spindle cell sarcoma cancer. (sob, sob)

Next week, Lucy is scheduled for surgery to have both lumps removed. Her prognosis is good if all cells are 100% completely removed. The vet will need to take large margins so it doesn't grow back. This type of cancer does not respond well to chemo. Hopefully, she will not need radiation.

Below you will see Lucy on her bed gnawing on a pink tennis ball. To prepare for surgery, we removed the legs and placed the base on the floor. She has adjusted nicely to the change. Of course, I miss her being at the same height as our bed where we gaze directly into each others eyes every morning. However, this is a small price to pay for her safety while her sutures heal.

Please send your PAWSITIVE thoughts Lucy's way. Thanking you, in advance.

PS: Here are other related posts to this series:

Part 2
Part 3

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 5

2011-02-19T21:12:00.000-05:00

Per my previous blog post, the Imagination Squared Public Art Project, which I participated in, now has a permanent location at the Main Branch of the City of Jacksonville (FL) Public Library. Below is a photo of the wall where our canvases will hang. Yee-ha!

Click here to get the details for the opening reception. It is free to the public.

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 4

2011-02-11T23:28:00.000-05:00

BIG news! Last year, I participated in the Imagination Squared Public Art Project. Do you remember my blog posts about it? If not, click on the "parts" below for a refresher in creativity:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

An exhibit at MOCA in Jacksonville, FL featured all 900+ squares during the Fall, 2010. Now, the founders of the project have located a "permanent" exhibit space for every participant's art at:

The City of Jacksonville Public Library

Main Branch

Conference Center Level

303 N. Laura Street

Jacksonville, FL

An unveiling reception will take place on:

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

6-7pm

I am unable to attend the reception. If you go, please be sure to comment at the end of this post to tell those of us who cannot attend about the show.

My donated art piece for the exhibit, "Hip To Be Square", is pictured below:

Living Social Offer for VistaPrint

2011-01-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

For anyone in need of affordable, quality printed products such as business cards, magnets, etc, I received an offer today on Living Social for VistaPrint--$10 for $50 worth of printing--and purchased it. Immediately, too, I might add.

I have been using VistaPrint printing services for both of my businesses, Good Girl Designs-The Fun Art of Susan Calvert and Efficient Technologies Group for quite some time. I have been very pleased with the results from every order. Their customer service is outstanding too. Please let both companies know I sent you when they ask how you located them at the end of your order.

Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!

Re-Inspiration Store Voted Atlanta's Best Gift Store

2011-01-20T22:47:00.000-05:00

I visited Re-Inspiration Store to check out my art and the new store reset. Wow! The store looks fantastic!

I heard some great news while there too. Re-Inspiration Store is Atlanta's best new gift store as voted by the readers of Atlanta Magazine in the December 2010 issue. Congratulations to owners, Brooke and Julie! I am truly honored to have my art in your groovey store.

Re-Inspiration store features hand made art from artists re-purposing and re-cycling everyday objects that most folks might throw away. Here is a short video showing re-inspired art:

Re-Inspiration Store is located in the Midtown neighborhood at:

810 Huff Road

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404)352-1971

You will find my hand made soldered heart pendent necklaces (pictured above) as well as my whimsical microscope glass pendant necklaces (pictured below) available for purchase at Re-Inspiration Store.

PS: Even though Lucy is modeling this necklace I created about chocolate, she is not allowed to eat the stuff. Click here to read a list of toxic foods for dogs.

New Tools!

2011-01-06T13:44:00.002-05:00

I just finished ooooohing and aaaaahing upon opening the package of new tools Santa Steve and his little reindog, Lucy, gave me for Christmas. Oooooh! Aaaaah! A new set of Sears, Craftsmen, Evolv 6 piece mini pliers to use when creating my hand soldered jewelry. New tools for the New Year!

I like the pliers too because they are bright slime green. Everyone knows they're mine. What am I talking about..... ALL the tools in this household are mine. Hubby complains at me for using his tools all the time. Now I have my own. Do you think this was a plan of his??? Naaaaah, he only had me in mind. LOL!

So here are a few pics of my fun, artsy soldered pendants that I use the tools for while creating them:

These pendants and more are are available for purchase on my website and at my Artfire studio.

One Year in 40 Seconds

2010-12-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a peaceful holiday and new year.

The Canvas Project 3, Part 4

2010-12-03T12:54:00.000-05:00

Let's play "Hidden Pictures"! I always enjoyed playing the game in "Highlights" magazine as a child. Do you remember it?

Can you locate my three paintings in this photo? Click here for a hint of what they look like.

Did you find them? Post your answer (row and column) in the comments section at the end of this blog.

And as for the explanation of this photo: It was taken by the Art House Coop for the opening of The Canvas Project 3 exhibition. The opening takes place today and tomorrow, December 3 and 4, 2010, from 12-8pm each day at the:

Art House Coop

Brooklyn Art Library

103A North 3rd Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211

I could not locate the closing date of the exhibition as of this writing. I will post the info upon receiving it.

There were 417 artists participating in the exhibit. Each received 3 canvases. So if you're in NY this holiday season, stop in to enjoy the art.

Cat and Dog Art Prints--35% Off Holiday Sale

2010-11-29T01:14:00.000-05:00

Seasons Greetings from our house to yours!

To honor the tradition of Cyber Monday, I have placed my cat and dog pet art prints on sale for the holidays. The prints are regularly $40 each. They are now on sale for $25 each. Over a 35% savings!

The prints are hand titled, signed by yours truly and presented in a white mat. They are standard 11x14" in size making it easier to locate frames.

Several of my customers purchase multiple prints to hang in groups on their walls. Usually 2 or 3 are hung together in a collage.

Roll Play

Shortstop

Gimme

above images: © Susan Calvert, all rights reserved
During this sale, you can purchase three prints ($75) for the price of two regularly priced prints ($80). Purchase prints for your pet loving friends and self. Remember gifts for your pet sitter or veterinarian too. Click here to see the selection.

A Bittersweet Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. We have much to be thankful for even though our year has not gone exactly as we thought it would.

Steve lost his job earlier in the year and since the company went bankrupt, COBRA health insurance benefits became null and void. Locating a job in this economy has been quite difficult. So Steve and I put our heads together and started a manufacturers rep business, Efficient Technologies Group. We received our first order yesterday. Yippee!

Though we are not as financially stable as we once were, we have our family and health to be thankful for. Our holiday became bittersweet upon receiving a call that our good friend, Jonelle, passed away this morning.

We have such fond memories of Jonelle. She and her husband were the first couple we had dinner with during our relocation to Georgia.

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q will not be the same without you, Jonelle. We roared when we were together! Our laughter was so loud, the men would tell us to "calm down". We were embarrassing them. Tee-hee!

We will miss you much, Jonelle. You had a long battle and fought a good fight. RIP, Sweetie, and our deepest sympathy to your husband, Rick, and families. oxoxoxox

Anatomy of a (Colored Pencil) Drawing--Learning Curves

2010-10-21T12:40:00.000-04:00

The High Museum of Art Atlanta is exhibiting the art of Salvador Dali through January 9, 2011. Of course, being a lover of modern art, this exhibit is a must-see for me. Every Thursday from 4-8pm is half-price admission.

I was going through a portfolio and located elements of my surrealist colored pencil drawing entitled "Learning Curves". There are several images here showing my decision-making process to complete the drawing. I'm only sure of the first and last as far as order of completion goes and that I flipped the entire image for the final work of art because the smile was the most important feature.

Collage

Overview Sketch

Mouth

Color Selection

Background and Mouth Colors

More Background Ideas

Final Hair, Brow, Eye and Mouth Colors

Final Background Color Selection

Background Design Elements

Learning Curves is a surrealist self-portrait composed of organic (curvilinear) and man-made (linear) shapes and patterns. Both of these organic (emotional, metaphorical, poetic, abstract, imaginative) and man-made (intellectual, logical, rational, concrete, scientific) qualities have complimented one another throughout my life. In addition, the apple and smile represent a personal "learning curve" peak--self-awareness and acceptance of my journey.

Wordless Wednesday, 10/6/2010

2010-10-06T23:12:00.000-04:00

Updated Artist Statement

2010-09-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

I updated my Artist Statement on my website the other day. It reads:

"I am all about color and design. Big, bold, beautiful color and stylized design!

In 4th grade, I won 1st place for the fire awareness poster coloring contest throughout the entire school district. I worked really hard on the piece. I colored it with crayons on the hot concrete stairs leading up to our front door. Then I rubbed it smooth to blend the colors. The crayon lumps were gone and it was glossy from the waxy crayons.

In addition, my friends outside of school and I made a deal. They would draw pictures. I would take their drawings and color them with crayons, colored pencils and paints. I was teased I did not stay in the lines and cried over it. I laugh over it now and think of it as a life lesson that would aid me in my artistic career. I am true to myself today with bright, bold color and still love the glitz of high gloss."

Earlier this week, I mentioned my artist statement to someone and elaborated about another childhood incident. Four of us girls were creating art using paint-by-number sets. (Do they still make those anymore?) I was painting a horse. From the knees down, the color was bright white. Well, I painted it bright white all right, all outside the lines (again)! The horse looked like it was wearing go-go boots. We broke out in song singing: "These Boots Are Made For Walking" by Nancy Sinatra.

Yesterday, I heard the wife of a man at my husband's former employer trashed yours truly at a sales meeting. She told everyone I was nothing but a weirdo and my art showed it. Upon hearing that, I busted out laughing. You see, words like weird, different, interesting, unique, strange are compliments to me. I strive to be "outside the lines and box". What's funny is I've never even met the woman. I had heard she read my blog while my husband was employed there. Although the woman tried insulting me, she really doesn't have a clue how this "weirdo's" art has changed the lives of people who have purchased it.

Anatomy of a Painting--Hang In There

2010-09-16T01:08:00.000-04:00

Collage

Sketch

Painting

Off the Wall: 1-2-3 Art Show
Opening night, Thurs, Sept 9, 2010
Through Fri, Sept 17, 2010
10am-5pm daily
at:

The Defoor Center
1710 Defoor Avenue
Atlanta, GA
404-591-3900

Click here to see my other works of art in this show.

Off The Wall: 1-2-3 Art Show

2010-09-08T17:43:00.000-04:00

The Off The Wall: 1-2-3 Art Show is tomorrow, Thursday, September 9, 2010. Local artists will feature their art at three price points; $100, $200 and $300. This annual one night only show is from 7-9:30pm at:

The Defoor Center

1710 Defoor Avenue

Atlanta, GA

404-591-3900

The following three pieces of my art will be available for purchase:

Weathering The Storm

Oil

36x24"

$100

The Deep

Mixed Water Media

$200

The Deep

15x17"

(close-up)

Hang In There

Oil

20x16"

$300

I look forward to seeing you!!!

PS: The sizes of the paintings are approximate. I misplaced my paperwork. Ugh!

Pancakes & Booze Art Show, Part 3

2010-09-07T22:20:00.000-04:00

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show last Friday sure was a good time. There was a huge turn out. They ran out of pancake mix around 11:30pm. (The show lasted 'til 2am.) The 'cakes were delicious, especially being topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing old and meeting new friends. A big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and spoke with me about my new painting series entitled "Tipsy".

Anatomy of a Painting--Black Devil

2010-09-02T13:57:00.001-04:00

Sketch

Under Painting

Base coating

Development of shapes

Glazing

Color development

Outlines

Additional elements

Glazing

"Black Devil"

Acrylic

20x16"

Pancakes & Booze Art Show, Part 2

2010-09-01T14:39:00.000-04:00

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show is THIS Friday, September 3, 2010. What a fun way to start the holiday weekend! Click on the poster below to enlarge for details.

I'm excited to be debuting my cocktail drink series entitled "Tipsy" for this show. Here is a preview:

Blue Monday

Please join me and pass this post along to your friends for a night of Pancakes & Booze in Midtown:

Friday, September 3, 2010
8pm - 2am
$5 cover

The Goat Farm
1200 Foster St
Atlanta, GA 30318
(map below)

Yellow Rattler

Click here to see additional paintings in this series. Looking forward to seeing you!

Wordless Wednesday, 9/1/2010

2010-09-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

The (Completed) Canvas Project 3, Part 3

2010-08-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

I've been teasing you these past few months about my paintings for The Canvas Project 3 public art project. They're finished and on their way to NY. Yippee!

For this project, I received 3 canvases and 3 randomly selected words to interpret. See if you can guess the word. The words painted on the edges of the canvas in second and third pictures of each set are a hint. The answers are at the bottom of this post.

Painting #1

The hint is "Once in a Blue Moon". OMG! After many years of searching, I am oh-so-lucky to have found the love of my life. (still pinching myself too...)

Painting #2

The hint is "I Think I Can". I gave The Little Engine That Could eye lashes and tears. The yellow dots on the orange background are brilliant sunshine and the bright green dots in the landscape are the stability of being grounded. The copyright symbol and signature are on the upside of this self portrait.

Painting #3

The hint is "Frost Yourself in Diamonds". While base coating this all I could think of was cupcakes. Doesn't the shape remind you of one? It did for me so I slathered up the paint to "frost" the facets of this diamond. After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Yum!

Did you figure out the words? Give up? Okay, here are the answers:

Painting #1: "Seldom" (Once in a Blue Moon)
Painting #2: "Could" (I Think I Can)
Painting #3: "Eloquence" (Frost Yourself in Diamonds)

Thank you for playing the game. The opening for the show is on Friday, December 3, 2010 at:

The Brooklyn Art Library

201 Richards St #16

Brooklyn, NY 11231

For more information about The Canvas Project 3, click here. To view my 2009 entries for The Canvas Project 2, click here.

Wordless Wednesday, 8/25/2010

2010-08-25T06:13:00.000-04:00

Cat T-Shirt Adoption

2010-08-16T18:59:00.000-04:00

Great news! The kitty cat t-shirt shown below has been adopted and is being sent special delivery to NC. I'm going cat nip crazy with delight and hope my customer does too upon its arrival. Perhaps I'll even receive a photo of my customer wearing it to share with you here on my blog. I'd be bouncing off the walls then for sure!

To adopt your own hand made, one-of-a-kind, original wearable cat or dog t-shirt created by yours truly, click HERE.

Hand Soldered Heart Pendant Art

2010-08-12T22:04:00.000-04:00

Check it out! My soldered heart pendant art was included in this email advertisement for Re-Inspiration Store. Hope you have the opportunity to stop in and see all the groovy art that's available for purchase.

Learn more about the creation of these pendants here.

Wordless Wednesday, 8/11/2010

2010-08-11T09:53:00.000-04:00

Installing Recessed Lights

2010-08-03T23:35:00.000-04:00

Does working on my house qualify as art? I'm qualifying it as so. I haven't created any paintings in a week because of it.

I've been mudding and sanding drywall where there was once a door, marking up the ceiling to install recessed lights and drawing on the walls for furniture placement.

The blue painters tape on the ceiling marks the studs and the fan circumference. Chalk marks the light housing. The dowels, 3 feet in length, mark the centers of the recessed lights. I use them to double check the correct light placement, at least 3 inches away from the studs, in the attic. They are easily seen poking through the insulation.

After the lights are installed, I'm having a painting party and you're invited. Sign up below in the comments section to help me paint this room.

Silly Cat and Dog Angel T-Shirts

2010-07-29T14:11:00.000-04:00

I received an awesome surprise email. My customers, Shirley and Dean, sent pictures modeling their silly cat and dog angel t-shirts they purchased from me. Both are avid animal lovers and guardian to a sweet-as-can-be fur-baby pooch named Caddy.

Notice the pictures. For the first time ever, pets are being allowed on the golf course. My shirts have now got "game". Fore!

Cruise on over to my website, www.SusanCalvert.com, to purchase your own silly pet t-shirt to wear at the golf course, work or school. They are guaranteed to generate some laughs. Email me a picture wearing it and I'll feature you on my blog

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 3

2010-07-27T16:07:00.001-04:00

Hey Y'all. My art was placed on the Imagination Squared grid today. Yippee! In case you didn't see my previous post, here is the process leading up to my painting.

"Hip To Be Square"

Soldered Glass Art Pendant: Fresh Juicy News

2010-07-22T21:46:00.006-04:00

Here is another one of my handmade funky "Good Girl" soldered glass art pendants. I have embellished both the front and back sides with glitter to create this work of art.The story behind the piece is as follows:

"Fresh Juicy News"--For the writer-at-heart, gossip girl and social media babe.

News Flash! Extra, Extra! Read All About It!

How do you stay connected? Do you text, Tweet or email? I do it all, from Facebook to Twitter to LinkedIn to blogging here at www.SusanCalvert.blogspot.com. It's fun and exciting. Hearing the "juicy" makes my world go 'round.

This pendant will arrive with a chain and is available for purchase here.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show

2010-07-21T15:25:00.004-04:00

It's official. My art has been accepted into the Pancakes & Booze Art Show!

I'm excited to be debuting my stylish mARTini drink series for this show. Who knows, perhaps I'll paint some 'cakes too, time permitting. The show is coming up really fast.

Please join me and pass this post along to your friends for a night of Pancakes & Booze in Midtown:

Friday, September 3, 2010
8pm - 2am

The Goat Farm
1200 Foster St
Atlanta, GA 30318
$5 cover

The Canvas Project 3, Part 2

2010-07-16T16:14:00.003-04:00

Here they are folks! My 3 blank canvases for The Canvas Project 3, a public art project by the Art House Co-op. Pretty boring, huh?

Okay, so the canvases do not look like much today. However, during the week, I had shazam moment. Lightening struck! Visual images popped into my mind for the randomly-selected words that arrived with my canvases. Stay tuned for another update where you will see how the words I received are reflected in my paintings.

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 2

2010-07-10T12:37:00.008-04:00

A week and a half ago, I received my square for the Imagination Squared Public Art Project (Part 1). Here is Part 2, describing my process from start to finish. Let's paint!

I decided to paint in the whimsical style of pop art.

Sketch and base coating.

Hips, background squares, bee, and belly button.

The number 2 and squares on the sides.

My finished piece of art. Yippee!

A close-up view of the side and front.

So what's it called, you ask? The title is:

Hip to Be Square

I'll be dropping it in the mail after the finish dries today. Hopefully, it will arrive quickly and generate some good laughter. Yee-ha!

Good Girls Recycled Greeting Cards

2010-07-03T11:56:00.006-04:00

I completed my recycled greeting cards for Re-Inspiration Store. Each package contains 6 different designs of my Good Girls with verse inside. I used the pages of an old pattern book to create the card stock and dress up the girls making every card a unique work of art. The envelope flap is lined in coordinating card stock. I added the story of each design on the backside of the card too.To keep within the recycled theme, I used a netted produce bag and tied it into a bow for closure. Here is a close up photo of the packaging with the card entitled "Desperately Seeking Coffee".

Okay, so now it's your turn to accessorize these cards with your words and send them to your friends. They will be available for purchase at Re-Inspiration Store next week.

Re-Inspiration Store

2010-07-02T17:36:00.006-04:00

I am excited to announce my art has been juried into the Re-Inspiration Store. The focus of the store is to turn recycled objects into art. Here I am embellishing my Good Girls images with glitter in preparation to create greeting cards.I found an old Simplicity pattern book and used the indexes as the card stock.You can purchase my cards, soldered pendants and art from over 80 other artists at Re-Inspirations Store. The art is really interesting and inspiring. You will gasp when you see how we artists are turning every day objects into art. Their contact info is:

810 Huff Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
404.352.1971
Hrs: Wed-Sat, 10-6, Sun 12-4

Imagination Squared Public Art Project, Part 1

2010-06-30T14:09:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago, I received a telephone call from photographer, Flo Minton, who had been browsing my website. She was looking to take her art to market and requested information about my magnets.

I gave her the information and before we both knew it, 50 minutes of fun-filled chatter elapsed. Yes, I met a new artist friend. Even located her on Facebook and we befriended each other while on the phone. And as friends would have it, she shared info with me about an upcoming public art project.

Imagination Squared was started by two artists, Christina Foard and Dolf James. The goal is to show the importance of art by giving it presence in a public art space. To do this, artists are creating art on 5x5x2" wood squares. The works of art will be hung in a public place (TBD) shortly after the closing date, July 31, 2010. Below are some of the finished squares.

I received my square in the mail yesterday and am excited to be brainstorming about it's possibilities. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post to see my finished square.

Have a Heart, Soldered Pendant Art

2010-06-28T17:56:00.006-04:00

I was very busy in my studio most the the weekend making jewelry art. The term upcycling comes to mind for this adventure.

Upcycling refers to reusing an object in a new way without degrading the material it is made from, as opposed to recycling which generally involves breaking down the original material and making it into something else, using more energy.

These pendants were created using dinnerware, broken into shards and painted with funky designs. Hearts are a favorite symbol of mine. So hearts it was. Then I soldered around them using lead-free solder and added a jump ring to make a pendant. A 30" silver ball chain completes the necklace. Pretty cool, huh?

If you see a piece you would like to purchase for yourself or a loved one, let me know via email at Susan@SusanCalvert.com. Hurry, 'cause I'm heading out at the end of the week to check on some galleries to carry them.

Of course, my blog would not be complete without Lucy dog modeling my work of art...

The Canvas Project 3, Part 1

2010-06-18T10:43:00.005-04:00

I'm excited to be participating in another public art project with Art House Coop. In case you haven't heard, they left the beloved warmth of Atlanta, GA and relocated to the happening art scene in Brooklyn, NY.

For this project, I will receive three @ 4x4" canvases with randomly selected words to interpret as I deem fit. Like the previous canvas project, this one will also be turned into a book and at least one canvas from each participant will be included in it.

The opening for the upcoming show will be held on December 3, 2010 at:

The Brooklyn Art Library
201 Richards St #16
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Below is my published image (top, left) of the word "HEAVY" on page 36 in the 2009 book.

Click here to see all of my art entries from the 2009 show.

PROJECT: A Million Little Pictures

2009-09-09T00:13:00.027-04:00

During the summer of 2009, one thousand artists from around the world documented their lives in 24 frames using a disposable camera.

On September 25th, 2009, an exhibition housing over 24,000 photographs will be constructed to take you on an adventure through the lives of these artists at:

Art House Gallery
309 Peters Street
Atlanta, GA 30313

On January 10th, 2010, a second exhibition is scheduled from 5-10pm at:

111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(liquor laws require you must be at least 21 years of age to enter the venue)

I was really excited to participate in this project. Upon taking my camera in for development, I learned the film in it was bad. Ugh, there were some hip photos on that roll!

Okay, so I made lemonade from my lemons by taking from my computer stash. Click on the photos to enlarge them. If you have any questions, give me a shout.

(self portrait for graphic arts course)

("Who Farted?" front)

(Vail Village, CO)

("Catching 'rays")

(Ivana Hump-a-Lot Susan & Swinger Steve--Halloween)

(My art @ Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport)

("Indian Corn")

(Lucy sitting on chair)

(1st Place Watercolor Painting Award)

(Sardi's Restaurant, NY city, "Shortstop", 1st Place Watercolor)

("Mummy Dearest", 1st Place Printmaking)

("Reigning Cats and Dogs")

(Baby Lucy)

("Fur-ever Friends" exhibit, Sandy Springs, GA)

(Lucy)

(Teton's final resting place among the poppy flowers)

("Ginger"--Wanted: Domestic Fairy Godmother)

(My studio)

(Steve & Lucy)

("Jade"--In Search of Chocolate)

(The Cheesecake Factory, Cumberland Mall)

(Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail, CO)

("Come Fly with Me")

(Lucy's birthday 2008)

The (completed) 10,000 (people interpret one word) Project

2009-08-27T11:04:00.012-04:00

Earlier this year, I signed up to participate in The 10,000 Project hosted by the Art House Coop. My project is now complete. Yippee, another one bites the dust!

The word given to all participants to interpret was "chair". I had so many ideas rolling around in my mind. Ultimately, I selected that warm, fuzzy feeling where my passion lies: Lucy-dog. Yes, she rides again!!!

My submission for The 10,000 Project is entitled "Chair Trilogy"--three pictures of Lucy on my patio furniture.

(click on photo to enlarge)

I picked Lucy up and carefully placed her on each chair. She stared at me with those big brown eyes saying: "Mom, are we done yet? Okay, I will pose for food."

Back to that warm, fuzzy feeling... It's all over the house--Lucy and her fur! I love my puppy dog and wouldn't change a thing including her black fluffs of fur adhering to the legs of all my chairs.

PS: You and your family are invited to attend the exhibition of The 10,000 Project on Friday, December 11, 2009, from 7-10pm at the:

Art House Gallery
309 Peters Street
Atlanta, GA 30313

The (Completed) Canvas Project, Volume 2, Part 2

2009-07-14T22:07:00.013-04:00

It's official! The Art House Coop sent notification they received my 5 paintings for participation in The Canvas Project, Volume 2.

For this project, I received 5 @ 3x3" canvases with 5 randomly selected user-generated words to interpret as I deem fit with my art. At least one of my canvases will be published in a book entitled "The Art House Encyclopedia VOL. 1" and one canvas will be on display at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The goal of the exhibition was to create a visual encyclopedia using mini canvases from artists from all over the world. The project closed on July 1, 2009 with over 1100 participating artists.

The exhibition locations & dates will be as follows:

July 31 - September 4, 2009
Atlanta Airport Atrium Gallery
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

September 25, 2009 (Opening)
Art House Gallery
309 Peters St
Atlanta, GA 30313

My 5 words were:

Heavy, Foe, Over, Greeting and Series

As promised to my friends on Facebook, below are my paintings including my favorite:

"Heavy"

This is my favorite painting. It says Lucy all over it as she lays looking like she has "heavy" thoughts happening in that noggin of hers. I wish I knew exactly what she was thinking. I'm sure it is probably something like this:

Pet me, food, (*sniff-sniff*), potty, take me for a walk, (*lick-lick*), sun bathing time..., (*slurp-slurp*), food, nap, pet me, potty, roll in the grass, pet me again (*bouncy-bounce*-the ball) ride?!!, food, potty, tv time, scratch my butt, please, pet me more and I'll pet you in return by washing your entire face (*kiss-kiss*).

So what do you think? Sound familiar? Does that say it all in dog language?

"Foe"

This is my second favorite painting. The vivid colors work well together, don't they?

I recalled the saying "fighting like cats & dogs". Cats do seems a bit more persnickety than dogs at times. I painted the kitty with a halo so everyone would realize I was just kidding given the title "Foe".

Also, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Cats and Halloween go hand-in-hand and this one reminded me of a Jack-o-lantern. What do you think--Jack-o-lantern or not?

"Over"

The command "over" was more of a challenge for Lucy to learn. I painted a poodle, one of the smartest dogs, giving it a scholarly look with a faux mortarboard and glasses. I remember Lucy looking at me funny when learning the word "oooooooover". Hence, the circular mouth expression.

"Greeting"

Whenever we arrive home, Lucy greets us with her ears up and back, her eyes like swirly spirals practically popping out of her head, a big smile and lots of french kisses. Oh yes, and the words, "Got food?"

"Series"

This is my interpretation of the word, "series", using Retrievers--Yellow, Golden, Chocolate and Black. I'm paying homage to one of my favorite pop artists, Andy Warhol.

There you have my story about The Canvas Project, Volume 2. Thank you to all who participated in my Facebook poll telling me your favorite painting. If you did not have the opportunity to participate, by all means leave me a comment at the end of this post. It will be fun tallying them up at the end to see the most popular. Until then.....Lucy says "woof!"

These paintings are available for purchase on my website:
http://susancalvert.com/paintings/poppets.html

The Sketchbook Project, Volume 4: Library

2009-07-03T08:50:00.013-04:00

Yippee, I am participating in The Sketchbook Project, Volume 4: Library through the Art House Coop located in Atlanta, GA.


Thinking Inside the Box © Susan Calvert all rights reserved

Sketchbooks offer a personal glimpse into an artist's life. For this project, I will receive a bar coded Moleskine sketchbook to create art in based upon a randomly given theme. I love the fact Art House is selecting the theme. It forces me to think "outside" the box.
(Image, right: "Thinking Inside the Box")

The bar code will link my sketchbook to a searchable database library. Visitors will receive a library card and be able to view my book at exhibitions around the country. My sketchbook will become part of a permanent collection once the U.S. gallery tour is complete.

I am really looking forward to this project. I've never used a Moleskine sketchbook nor have I ever sketched in a book so small, 5-1/4 x 8-1/4". And as mentioned above, I am so excited about being given theme to stretch my creativity. Yippee!

The exhibit will start December 11, 2009 at:

Art House Coop
309 Peters Street
Atlanta, GA 30313
404-584-7967

Below is a short CNN video from the previous Sketchbook Project:

EVENT: 33rd Annual Big Shanty Festival

2009-04-17T22:42:00.003-04:00

I was just notified this evening (EEK!), I received a vendor booth at the Big Shanty Festival in downtown Kennesaw, GA, this weekend April 18 (9:30am-6pm) and 19 (12-5pm), 2009.

The festival features over 200 hundred crafters, artisans, and vendors as well as live entertainment on two stages, a Civil War encampment, children’s activities and 30 food booths. It all starts with a 9:30 a.m. parade on Saturday featuring local high school bands and over 1,000 young marchers. Admission is free.

My booth space is #1 where I will feature my cat & dog art; prints, stationery products and t-shirts. Hope you will come out to have some fun.

PROJECT: New Art T-Shirt Design

2009-04-03T02:12:00.010-04:00

On Tuesday of this week, I read Sunday’s newspaper (running late again) and noticed a cat show this upcoming weekend, April 4-5. Lucky me, there was ONE booth space still available. I’ve been scurrying like a chicken with my head cut off getting ready for this show. I came up with this new saying for my cat and dog t-shirts and decided take the risk in creating a few of them.

Hubby says it won’t sell. I say YES it will (thinking pawsitive) ‘cause I think it's hilariously funny. Everyone poops and everyone farts, even our pets, and after, they're still our little angels. Here’s my previous blog post entitled "Who Farted?" on the subject.

Another inspiration for this saying came after a conversation with Justin at Nature’s Corner Market located at the corners of Kennesaw Due West and Acworth Due West Roads in Marietta, GA. I’ve shared with him I feed my dog, Lucy, a human diet of meat and produce.

Justin gasped upon hearing this and asked if Lucy farted from it. Fortunately, she doesn’t because it’s an unprocessed diet free of sugar and grains.

(*pause*—Lucy just arrived with two tennis balls in her mouth for me to play with her. She always seems to know when I’m talking about her. But when aren’t I talking about her? We have a love affair going on with her in our household. She’s such a beautiful spirit…)

Where was I? Oh, unprocessed human diet without sugar and grains for Lucy. Yes, that's right. I know what you're thinking...hear it all the time...

Where do you think pet food comes from? That’s right, from human food. For a real eye-opener on the subject, read the book entitled "Food Pets Die For" by Ann N. Martin. (Also, should you give your pets human food, some are toxic to them. One word: RESEARCH.)

So, for the third time, I feed Lucy a whole food diet. Yesterday, her meals consisted of:

Breakfast
Fuji apple
Flax seed
Coconut milk
(supplements: colostrum, probiotic)

Lunch
Turkey
Sugar snap peas
(supplements: multi-vitamin, fish oil)

Dinner
Fresh turkey (neck, back, giblets)
Green beans
(supplements: glucosamine & chondroitin)

Lucy does not fart on this diet nor does she “scoot” her butt along the ground trying to express her anal glands due to being constipated. It’s pretty much the same as I’m suppose to be doing. No, I didn’t mean scooting my butt across the ground! I was talking about the diet--eating protein and non-grain produce.

Back to the original subject...Let me know what you think about my funky t-shirt saying:

Whiff this!

PS: Got a new t-shirt color for spring: Sky Blue.

(Should have bet the old man on this one--cha-ching!)

EVENT: The International Cat Association Show

2009-04-01T15:20:00.006-04:00

View hundreds of cats from around the world at this show sponsored by the Hotlanta Cool Cats Club & The Fayette County Humane Society. A cat agility course has been added this year and my art will be available for purchase.

Location:
The Atlanta State Farmers Market
16 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, GA

Date & Time:
Sat, April 4, 2009, 10am-5pm
Sun, April 5, 2009, 10am-4pm

Admission:
Adults--$5 ea
Children, Students, Military --$4 ea

For more info:
Hotlanta Cool Cats Club

Show office:
404-675-1782

Come out and enjoy some fun this weekend at this show. See ya there!

The 10,000 (people interpret one word) Project

2009-03-19T16:17:00.007-04:00

I just received my info to participate in the:

In the spirit of social experiments, the Art House Coop decided to create "The 10,000 Project".

You sign up, they send you a sheet of paper with a word on it and then you create a visual representation of the word. The catch is that 10,000 other people are doing the same as you. How many different ways will tens of thousands of people interpret the same word?

When they reach 10,000, the Art House Coop will host an exhibition at their gallery in Atlanta showing off what everyone came up with. Oh, and the thousand best will be published in an Art House series book too.

Click here for details to participate.

SKETCH BOOK: The Vigorous Mind

2009-03-05T12:06:00.008-05:00

While reading another blog, I noted the name of a book entitled “The Vigorous Mind”. As I wondered what it could be about, I started sketching and thinking about my life.

(beginning of sketch)

In a previous blog post, I mentioned getting bored easily. I start one project, another and another. Then eventually get back to the first project to complete it and so forth.

To get a better picture, think of a circle divided into 5 pie shapes. We’ll call the shapes, A, B, C, D & E, representing Susan’s “projects”. I start working on project A, then it’s time for dinner. I close up shop on project A to prepare dinner. Afterwards, there is not enough time to complete project A or I am bored, so I start project B. Round and round in a cyclical fashion until the projects are completed adding new ones along the way. Get the picture?

I’ve often joked with friends this might be ADD. It drives my husband mad. I feel like the kid in the candy store trying to quench my thirst for knowledge. Perhaps this is multi-tasking with so many ideas in my mind? What do you think?

I’ve learned through telling this story, there are many people out there who are similarly "wired". Sometimes it frustrates the hell out of me. However, I’ve come to accept this is who I am (I am what I am, said Popeye the sailor man--*toot*, *toot*) and selected the title “The Vigorous Mind” for my sketch.

The Canvas Project

2009-03-03T12:40:00.005-05:00

I received this email today and signed up to participate:

Your art at the world's busiest airport!

Sign up to receive five 3" x3" canvases and a list of 5 use generated
words that you are to interpret onto each canvas. The goal of the
exhibition is to create a visual encyclopedia using mini canvases and
artists from all over the world. At least one of your canvases will be
published in an Art House book and one will be on display at the
worlds busiest airport, The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport.

Take part in this project to not only help gain exposure for yourself,
but also to push your creative ideas out. Everyone who signs up and
sends back their work will be included in the book and the
exhibition. We do not jury any of the work. Art House is all about
community and you don't have to be a professional artist to
participate in the exhibition. This project is about being creative
and inspiring yourself and others. We want to bring artists together
and give everyone a chance to show in galleries and other venues
across the country!

Sign up Deadline: April 15th 2009

Postmark Deadline: July 1st 2009

To sign up to participate, visit:

http://www.arthousecoop.com/canvasproject

SKETCH BOOK: We Are All Made of Stars

2009-02-23T17:58:00.020-05:00

Our CD player has a “random” feature allowing for song selection in no particular order. The first song I heard as I pulled out my sketch book during breakfast was “We are all made of Stars” by Moby. Here is an acoustical version of him singing his song:

I love physics, biology and ecology. I also believe in evolution. I started my illustration drawing the two stars as I created my way through the universe (page) with different shapes representing various life energies. My, there are so many things out there, aren't there?

I am fascinated with the creative mind and how each human being is an individual based upon genetics and environment. Some of the most mind-stimulating people I enjoy reading about are Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud and Pablo Picasso.

I enjoyed listening to the musical creativity of Moby while creating this piece.Yes, Virginia, I believe we are all made of stars and the need to embrace each others star.

(click on picture for detailed view)

Out beyond ideas of right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there. --Rumi

25 Random Things about Me

2009-02-19T18:31:00.014-05:00

Recently, I listed these "25 Random Things About Me" on Facebook. Thought I'd add some additional info and pictures.

1. The 1st time people visit my home, they come to see me. The 2nd time people visit my home, they come to see my dog, Lucy. She is a wonderful entertainer!

(Lucy modeling mom's handmade jewelry)

2. In 4th grade, I was awarded 1st place in the entire school district for coloring a picture promoting fire safety.

3. I prefer to sweep my house with a broom rather than vacuum. (The best vacuum cleaner I've used is a Shark Roadster Euro-Pro. Inexpensive too.)

4. I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and suffer with severe migraines for days after being in the presence of perfume/cologne, scented lotions, detergent, air fresheners, hairspray, synthetic chemicals and the like.

5. I love flying kites and always take my Crayola kite on vacation: http://tinyurl.com/c8cdgn

6. The moving company said they'd never packed as many cookbooks as I had. I'm into raw food now. A good, easy cookbook is "Raw Food Made Easy".

7. In 2001, my monoprint entitiled "Mummy Dearest" was awarded 1st place in printmaking at ECC.

8. For the last 8 yrs., I've done laundry in this fashion:

* Add 1 cup (plain) Arm & Hammer baking soda to washer bin
* Place clothes in washer by COLOR
* Fill softener cup with white vinegar
* Wash on hot
* Place a waded up piece of aluminum foil in dryer with clothes

Viola! Clean clothes, no static, less expensive, NO CHEMICALS.

9. I use organic unrefined coconut oil as my body moisturizer and in my hair for a new look. I cook with it too. NO CHEMICALS AGAIN!

10. I like modern, colorful, eclectic furniture from Axi: http://www.axifurniture.com, Shoestring Creations: http://www.shoestringcreations.net/Been_There_Done_That/index.htm and Sticks: http://www.sticks.com.

11. I use my (prescribed) far infrared sauna from High Tech Health weekly to sweat out toxins: http://www.hightechhealth.com.

12. My art has graced the pages of Animal Fair magazine twice: http://www.animalfair.com

13. I studied horticulture at 3 colleges and am a certified Master Gardener from the University of IL Cooperative Extension Service in Kane County, IL. I've physically installed our landscapes at our last 2 homes. I use a Neuton battery-operated mower to cut our lawn. Works great even on our hilly landscape and NO CHEMICAL FUMES! http://www.neutonpower.com

14. I feed my dog only human food. Lucy loves veggies!

15. I am a self-entertaining individual with lots of projects. My favorite project in 2008 was my bathroom renovation: http://tinyurl.com/b8svw6

16. People are surprised at all the produce in my refrigerator, especially when they see the trays of live wheat grass growing. I juice it!

(click on picture & find the wheat grass)

17. I get bored easily. I start one project, another and another. Then I go back to the first project and complete it and so forth with the remaining projects I’ve started. Is this ADD? It drives my husband mad!

18. We open the windows whenever possible to refresh the air. I use essential oils and only organic ones as air fresheners when necessary. Tea Tree oil has anti-bacterial properties that purify the air and kills germs and mold.

19. In 2003, my painting entitled “Shortstop” was awarded 1st place-watercolors at the Contemporary Dog Art Competition held in NYC at Sardi’s Restaurant. The judges were Chris Jussel, past Senior Vice President at Sotheby’s and original host of the PBS television series, “Antique Roadshow”; Dr. Anne Imelda Radice, who serves on the art committee of the American Kennel Club and is past Curator of both the National Gallery of Arts and the U.S. Capitol; and Jane H. Willis, Instructor at New York University and President of the Appraisers Association of America. I'm very proud of this.

(L to R)
Judge Jane H. Willis
Susan Calvert with painting, Shortstop
Judge Chris Jussel

(Award-Winning Plaque)

20. I silly dance daily for a change of scenery. Silly dance = dancing to upbeat music with my dog, Lucy.

21. You will hardly find any processed food in my home. I make most everything from scratch. If you drop in unexpectedly, I’ll only be able to offer you H2O or tea. Once in a while, I indulge with a Green & Black’s Maya Gold chocolate bar. They’re the best!

22. I enjoy going to music concerts, especially at Chastain Amphitheater in Atlanta.

23. My home projects receive many compliments and inspire others to be creative.

24. I love hardware, office supply and art stores. Anything to get/keep me organized!

25. I have spent the last 8 yrs. learning about the effects chemicals have on our health: how the food we eat, products we place on our bodies and breathe affects our health. I have a library in my home on the subject. We are merely living test tubes!

SOLDERED GLASS ART PENDANT--In Search of Chocolate

2009-02-12T19:16:00.006-05:00

New art by Susan Calvert:

Here is my muse, Lucy-dog, above modeling a new reversible soldered glass art pendant I created. "Jade" is from one of my original paintings. The reverse side of the pendant reads:

In Search of: CHOCOLATE

My hubby can attest, sometimes I turn into the very wicked Cruella De Vil searching for chocolate in our home. I've even sent the poor man shopping at all hours of the night for the stuff and I'm not preggers!

What is it that makes chocolate soooooo good? I don't know, BUT I GOTTA HAVE IT when I gotta have it. I'm addicted!!!

As a child, I remember raiding the medicine cabinet thinking chocolate EXLAX was candy. OMG, talk about personal problems!

My neighbor tells me she guards her stash from her family by placing a torn piece of paper between the cabinet base and door. Should she find the piece of paper be on the floor, some one is in trouble. Too funny!

Give this pendant with a box of chocolates and you'll score lotsa brownie points! Perfect for birthdays and Valentines day. Oh, heck, any day is perfect for chocolate!

Large Pendant:

(front of pendant)

(back of pendant)

Click here to purchase this 1x2" pendant.

Tell me your "chocolate" story in the comments section of this post.

PS: NEVER feed your dog chocolate. Their hearts beat faster than humans. The caffeine acts as a stimulant and can hurt or kill them.

SOLDERED GLASS ART PENDANT--dEspEratEly sEEking coffEE

2009-01-28T21:54:00.014-05:00

New Art by Susan Calvert:

dEspEratEly SEEking CoffEE--A Good Girl Soldered Glass Art Pendant for the gourmet coffee drinker, coffee lover and coffeeholic. Hava java!

This funky handmade "Good Girl" glass soldered art pendant has a back side that reads: dEspEratEly sEEking coffEE. The pendant is composed of 2 pieces of art sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass, soldered together with a jump ring atop.

Do you dream of coffee?

Can you only get your day started by stopping for a cup of java? How do you take your coffee? Black? With vanilla creamer or shots of espresso? Are you a 3-a-day person? I’m talking POTS, not cups!

Ahhhhhhhhhh! (The contented sigh of the addicted.) Everyone needs their fix :)

Large Pendant:

(front of pendant)

(back of pendant)

Click here to purchase this 1x2" pendant.

Small Pendant:

(front of pendant)

(back of pendant)

Click here to purchase this 1x1" pendant.

For all coffee fanciers, here are some interesting coffee blogs:

Brewed Coffee
Pure Coffee
Starbuck's Gossip

See additional Good Girl Art here.

New Art: Good Girls Greeting Cards and Soldered Jewelry

2009-01-16T13:07:00.011-05:00

"Fresh Juicy News" coming at ya!

I've expanded my art portfolio from cats and dogs to now include people. Yay!!!

My "good girls" series are modern funky women portraits. Six handmade cards with humorous greetings and a sneak peek of my soldered jewelry pendants are now on my website. Click here to be the first to see them !

44 Odd Things About Me

2008-11-29T22:29:00.013-05:00

Since I am leaving my 44th year of life in less than a month, I thought it would be fun for you to learn:

44 Odd Things about Susan Calvert

CLICK HERE to read them.

The CFA International Cat Show, Part 2

2008-11-27T22:40:00.015-05:00

The CFA International Cat Show was a blast! I had a wonderful time meeting new customers and listening to their stories from cat land. It was old home week seeing customers, Paula, Kay and Helen, to name a few, from the Cotton States Cat Club Show.

My hand illustrated angel cat t-shirts were quite a success. I'd like to introduce you to a few of my customers who are enjoying them too:

Here's Dean! Dean noticed my t-shirts and asked me to fix him up with one. He said he needed a new t-shirt to play poker in and show off to the guys. After the fitting, he liked the shirt so much, he decided to keep it on.

Hey, to anyone out there in cat land, if you know Dean, (he and his wife exhibited at the show), please forward this story to him and forward his email address to me. He wrote it down, however, I cannot read his handwriting (Oh, no!). I definitely want him to see his picture and am dying to hear what his poker playing buddies thought of his angel cat t-shirt.

Meet Carol! She sits on the Board of Directors of Purebred Cat Breed Rescue. PCBR is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer operation with foster homes throughout the state of North Carolina. Click here to read their mission statement.

Say "hello" to my new friend, Robyn! (crowd says: "Helllll-lo Robyn!")

Robyn purchased her angel cat t-shirt from me on Saturday and modeled it on Sunday. I corralled her into my booth to take this happy picture of her. She has the whitest pearly whites, doesn't she? (*big smile*) Pretty hair too!

Finally, I'd like to introduce you to Bob and Marilyn. They are the owners of Sound Associates Music, Ltd. located in Lawrenceville, GA.

Do you see that bag Marilyn is holding? Inside of it, is the t-shirt off of my back. Literally! I'm not kidding! Marilyn liked the angel cat t-shirt I was wearing so I offered it to her. (*POOF*) Marilyn's wish was granted!

Dean, Carol, Robyn, Bob and Marilyn: Thanks for being such good sports. Please feel free to download your picture from this blog post for your scrapbook.

OMG! Where has time gone? Wasn't this a fun post? I will bring my camera to all future events in hopes of capturing everyone who has adopted my art into their lives.

Here's to all of my customers celebrating their love of pets: Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for supporting my artistic endeavors. I totally enjoy making you smile.

PS: To my good friend, Melissa : Happy Birthday, Girl! We met through your volunteer efforts with the West Suburban Humane Society during my art show at the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo. You are truly a dear friend. (*HUGS*--*squeeze*, *squeeze*) Love your new red "do" in this picture.

8 Irresistible Principles of Fun

2008-11-17T11:20:00.008-05:00

In need of inspiration to start your day? Click on the image below. It's awesome!

Artist: Sarrah S. Steiner

2008-11-16T11:57:00.014-05:00

Steve and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary with our friends, Rich and Sarrah, at Bone Garden Cantina. We had a wonderful time together while eating authentic Mexican food.

Bone Garden Cantina is decorated in the Day of the Dead theme. The website and my pictures do not do it justice. Plus the only way you’ll be able to taste their delicious food (and when I say delicious, I mean DELICIOUS!) is by visiting. When you visit, ask for Joey as your waiter. He delivers excellent service.

Here are the triptych art canvases on the wall above our table. (Click on photos to view details.)

Here is the start of the art above the bar. Had to get a close-up picture of the pooch (for Lucy--ha!)

More of the art mural above the bar.

My friend, Sarrah, is an up and coming artist I met through NCAL's Art on the Lawn Festival. I remember seeing the signs on her booth, Fat Girl Art, from afar and thinking, I have to get my butt over to meet that girl. Her booth name sounded so fun.
I strolled down to meet Sarrah and have a look-see at her art. I was instantly drawn to the pink in her hair, her vivacious personality and the vibrant colors of her art. Fun! Fun! Fun! Check out Sarrah's art blog entitled Sashibala's Creative Meanderings for yourself and you’ll understand what I mean.

Thanks for celebrating with us Sarrah and Rich. Our day was extra special with your laughter.

Happy Anniversary, Steve. You are the love of my life!

Event: The CFA International Cat Show

2008-11-10T21:52:00.012-05:00

I had a ball meeting new customers, vendors and kitties at the Cotton States Cat Club 70th Annual CFA Championship and Household Pet Show a few weeks ago at the Gwinnett Center. Thank you all for supporting my artistic endeavors.

For everyone who placed special t-shirt orders: As of today, they have all been shipped. Hope you are pleased with them as much as I was in creating them. (Click on the images to enlarge view.)

I heard an interesting story while at the show. A lady asked me if I had cats. I told her I was unable to have them due to the litter box odor with my MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and asthma. She indicated her cats were potty trained. Of course, I laughed and told her she was fooling me.

I’ve never heard of a cat that uses the toilet and flushes it. Okay, I have but only in Hollywood in the movies, “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers”. Jinx, the cat, uses and flushes the toilet.

The lady told me her cats use the toilet and then flush it by pulling on the string attached to the lever. Speaking of pulling, I saw a fabulous greeting card the other day that read:

The Real Story Behind the Big Bang Theory.....

Pull My Finger!

(*giggle*)(*giggle*) How funny is that?

Soooooooooo, can anybody out there in cat land tell me if this is really true about cats using a toilet and flushing it? Leave me your post in the comments section at the end of this entry for all to read. I’m dying to know if this is true or if this lady was pulling my finger. Oops, I mean leg--ha!

Stories like these that keep me coming back for more. I have secured booth space to sell my art and listen to your interesting stories at:

The CFA International Cat Show
(CFA = Cat Fancier's Association)
(This show is the equivalent to Westminster for dogs.)
November 21-23, 2008

Located at
Georgia International Convention Center
(near Hartsfield International Airport)
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337
770.997.3566

Open to the public
Friday, November 21, 2008, 12noon-6:30pm
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9am-6pm
Sunday, November 23, 2008, 8am-5pm

Admission
Adults--$8.00 each
Seniors (62+) & Children (6-12)--$6.00 each
(copy and print coupon for $1 off adult admission to the show)

My booth number is
202

Over 900 cats will be featured at this show in “Catlanta”. I hope to see you there and look forward to hearing more fun cat stories!

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