10th Annual SMOGFEST

Saturday August 6 2011 will be the Opening Reception of the 10th Annual SMOGFEST in Windsor ON.  This year however will be my first year involved in it.  I finally finished my 4 pieces last night and dropped them off this morning at the CEA Office with only minutes to spare til the deadline.  Anyone who knows me, knows that is in true Elizabeth Matlack fashion! lol 

I did manage to find a few minutes to photograph everything before I brought it in this morning. So that I can present it here for all those in other parts of the world that are interested but whom obviously won't be making it to the Opening Reception on Saturday.

Each artist was allowed to submit 4 pieces in total.  They could be any medium, shape, size, they just have to represent Windsor's Smog issue in some way, shape or form or any other environmental issue that we deal with in this area.

I initially set out to do 4 acrylic paintings, however due to time constraints that just wasn't possible.  I later decided to do one large Acrylic painting with 3 mixed media pieces I call Eco Art.  I felt it was only well suited to do Eco Art for this being an environmental show and all.  

I first present you with my original Acrylic painting titled "Destruction of Beauty" done on a Gallery Wrapped canvas 16" x 16" x 1.5" in size.

When looking at this painting one might think it would look so much prettier if it didn't have those ugly smokestacks and smoke, and if the pretty flowers and greenery, trees and butterflies just continued around the globe! Well, that is the point!!!  So would our earth!

Then I added 3 Eco Art pieces, one is called "Life," one is called "Footprint," and one is called "Smokestacks" each are 8" x 10" in size and framed.

When they are hung around the painting, the whole thing says.... "What will YOUR footprint look like when you leave this world?!"

SMOGFEST is a silent auction and it runs for a month.  For anyone who in my area and would like to attend.  There will be lots of beautiful artworks from many talented local artists displayed at Pop Hair Gallery located at 973 Erie St. E. Windsor ON.  It's 2 levels and contains a hair salon in half and an Art Gallery in the other half.  The Opening Reception will be August 6th 7pm - 10pm.  I do not have dates and times for the rest of the duration that it will be open.  

It Only Takes One Drop...

True Blood, the hit HBO special features an amazing character by the name of Lafayette.  Anyone who is familiar with this show I am sure can already picture just who exactly I am talking about.  Are you picturing him in your mind?  Can you see him nice and clear?  Good!  I want you to take a look at this.....

If you are not familiar with this television show then you can see him HERE!

This is a custom portrait that I just recently finished for a client.  The painting is done in premium acrylics on a 16" x 16" x 1.5" gallery wrapped stretched canvas.  I can honestly say that after many many hours over the last month that I have invested into this painting, that the client is and was more then pleased with the results.

To order your own custom portrait you can visit my online shop Oddball Art Co. for more details.

Art Attack ~ Lydia Dekker of Horrible Sweet

It has been a long time since I did an Art Attack post and I bet a lot of readers thought that it was never coming back, well I'm just full of surprises and Art Attack is never going anywhere!  It's taken me a while to find anything worthy of the Art Attack title, remember we are looking for mind blowing, eye popping, spazzmatron, whacked-out, brain freeze ART,  but I think I have found a real treat for you all today!

In my daily travels through Etsy land I stumbled across a listing that was featured in the same treasury as one of my items, I give you exhibit A...

I found this sculpture by the name of Herman to be very intriguing and he pulled me into the shop called Horrible Sweet.  I got lost in this shop for over an hour and by the time I had left I had hearted everything in it!  That brings me to Exhibit B...

Pinky

Alien

Miss Purple

Anti

And that is just a small taste of the horrible sweet tasty treat that you are in for if you visit this Etsy Shop !  I went ahead and contacted the artist of all this awesomeness Lydia Dekker and she agreed to do an interview for Art Attack.  So I had the privilege of speaking to Lydia about her art and her shop, and so I give you Exhibit C.....

My Interview with Lydia Dekker of Horrible Sweet

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?
My name is Lydia Dekker and I am from the Netherlands. I started sculpting about 4 years ago and it immediately became an addiction. In my Etsy shop you can find various horriblesweet figures and dolls, headhuggers and prints. 

What inspired you to open your shop?
I live in a small apartment witch is stuffed with boxes with materials, finished and unfinished sculptures. I wanted to make some space and money to be able to continue with my sculpting addiction
.
Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?
I am an artist and a mother of a beautiful 6 year old boy. Next to the crafting I also make big sculptures .

Where, who or what does your influence come from?
I guess the main influence comes from various contemporary art forms, fantasy, fashion, design.

What inspires you to be creative?
I have been a craftaholic for as long as I can remember. Crafting comes naturally to me ….I have always felt the need to create things.

How do you get out of a creative rut?
I try something different :D

When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?
I studied contemporary art at the Art Academy in Utrecht but always thought I would end up being a mother of a herd of children devoting my time in raising them and doing some craftwork aside. When my son was born the need to create increased and by the time he turned two I realized that next to mothering I must create stuff and grow as an artist to be happy. 

Can you describe your creative process for us?
I always start out with sculpting a face. When the face is done I know what kind of body I want and then I just go with my instincts. 

What is your most cherished handmade possession?
I am always most enthusiastic about my latest projects. My son has made me some really nice crafts…I will guard them with my life.

Where do you see or want your shop to be this time next year?
I would like to see it completely sold out :D 

Where would you like to be in ten years?
I would like to be able to earn a living out of my art. 

Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?
I have a website, Facebook and Flikr account and a blog

www.horriblesweet.com

www.flickr.com/photos/22634850@N07/

Thank you Lydia for sharing all of this with us and for anyone who hasn't clicked on the link to her shop or website yet, what are you waiting for?

Here is the treasury that we were both featured in for anyone who might have been curious about that, there are some other pretty cool finds in there too!

July Give Away

3" x 3" x .5"

Acrylic on stretched canvas

Miniture wooden frame easel included

Mandatory Entry

Leave a comment telling me what this painting inspires in you! *Please leave your email address in comment if it isn't visible in your profile* This entry must be done first before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries

*You MUST leave a separate comment for each extra entry for it to count ~ 1 ENTRY = 1 COMMENT*

+1 Follow Oddball Art Co. via Google Friend Connect

+1 Give Oddball Art Co. a heart on Etsy

+2 Leave a comment on the Official Oddball Art Co.Webpage

+3 Visit my Etsy Shop and tell me something you like

+3 Add my button to your blog and leave link

+5 'LIKE' Oddball Art Co. on Facebook

+5 Follow Oddball Art Co. on Twitter
+8 Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post in the comment

+10 Purchase something from Oddball Art Co. on Etsy

(1 comment = 1 entry)

*If you don't follow the mandatory entry your extra entries will be disqualified*

Winner will be picked by a random number generator from Random.org and the winner will be emailed and posted on this site. Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email or another winner will be chosen.

This giveaway will close at Midnight est. on July 31 , 2011 and is open to participants of all ages all over the world.
(Family members are excluded from entering this giveaway :( So sorry.)

Fabulous Friday Finds

This week I am dedicating this post to my favorite fine artists on Etsy.  I have chosen 7 fabulous pieces by 7 fabulous artists to share with you, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

ACEO Print Whimsy summer kitty illustration Whimsical Purple CAT

Kisbit

Artist Trading Card

All paintings and Illustrations are professional PRINTS of Originals 

 I have been absolutely in love with this artists work ever since I came across it on Etsy!  In her shop you will find an explosion of color and lots of whimsical and fun characters.  This Etsy Shop is fabulous and a must see!!!

David Bowie. Ziggy Stardust. 8 x 10 Print. Original Artwork. SALE- Special Offer 2x1.

AnamfNEW OFFER:BUY 1 PRINT AND GET A 2nd PRINT OF YOUR CHOICE FOR FREE!!*Please read more about it in my policies before buying.Cartoon of David Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust Era.Click on the second picture to watch the full image :)Original digital illustration.size 8 x 10 inches

This is another artist that has interested me since I discovered her work on Etsy!  Her unique illustrations are all fabulous but she really caught my attention with her David Bowie cartoons and there are more where this one came from.  Anyone who knows me well also knows of my obsession with David Bowie, and yes its an obsession! lol

.

Two Shamrock Fairy Watercolor Cards

ElvenGroveShamrock Fairy Watercolor Gift Card or InvitationTwo digital art card printed on 8.5" X 5.5" matte premium paper. Ultra smooth, non-glare, heavy weight paper for long-lasting prints. Actual card image is 4.25" X 5.5", watermark will not be on actual card. Let this lovely shamrock fairy bring luck into the lives of others. Send her along to a friend to wish them luck at a special event or let her invite your friends to a mischievous and mythicaly fun party your planning.The front and inside of the cards can be personalized to fit your event, special occasion, or left blank if you wish to write your own personal note on the inside.

This Etsy Shop is fabulous with her beautiful artworks combining fantasy and belly dancers, how can you not fall in love with her work!

Halina Duda. Joy Division Fan. 20x20 print.

fascinatingirlPrint from one of my original Painting. Acrylic on a wood panel. This digitally enhanced print comes printed on Kodak Paper Professional Encared premium semi-glossy paper 180 gr.Halina Duda. 1/5 Music is dead Series:::::::::: Sizes::::::::::: Print Size- 20x20 cm

This artist had me at Joy Division!!!  Not only do I love Joy Division but I also love this artists work, it is so unique, dark yet a brilliant use of color!  I find her work intriguing, I'm sure you will too so be sure to check out her Etsy Shop where there are more fabulous art works waiting to be discovered!

Beach Bums Original Acrylic

TheAndersonGuildBeach Bums is an original acrylic painted on stretched cotton canvas and measures 24x36 inches. They are framed in a black painted wood frame with linen insert and ready to hang.

This artist does fabulous work from custom pet and people portraits to Marilyn Monroe and 1957 Chevy's. Check out this Etsy Shop for more info on commissioned custom portraits and other fabulous pieces for purchase.

Sickle Serf Doll I

nekit0Original Graphite(pencil) Drawing 3" x 3".Comes framed and matted in a sleek black 6.75" x 6.75" frame.These pieces go really well in sets of 2 or 3.Ready to hang with a single nail!

I discovered this Artists work fairly recently on Etsy.  I am a sucker for the darker stuff so I instantly fell in love with these dark but cute little characters.   

Salvador DALI - (i draw my dreams)

serdomaniaABOUT ARTNAME:SALVADOR DALI

SIZE:

12x18 inch30x45 cm

I know I have featured this artist here before on my Fabulous Friday Finds post but he is one of my favs and since this post is dedicated to only my favorite fine artists and he has listed this Salvador Dali piece I had to share it with you again.   Salvador Dali is also one of my favorite artists of all time so this was a fabulous combination!!!  Definitely make time to visit this artists Etsy Shop as there is so many other fabulous pieces there to be discovered!

Fabulous Friday Finds

It's Friday and that time again!  I have rounded up some really fabulous finds to share with you today.  I hope you enjoy each and every one as much as I do! 

Purple Guitar Cat - 8.5 x 11 print

by CatHousePrints

I came across this shop today and I think it is fabulous!  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love cats, I do have 3 of them myself.  This shop has many cats in many colors in different situations and they are all fabulous so stop by and have a look for yourself.

Drops of happiness necklace and earrings set

by KelkayDesigns

This necklace and earrings set is from a fabulous little shop on Etsy.  I absolutely love the colors and the intricate bead work in this piece.  You can definately make a statement with this necklace and earrings!  Make sure you check out this artists entire shop for more handcrafted, unique jewellery!

The Sweets Series (Cupcake) : 6.25 x 12.5

by toddgibbs

I came across this artist a little while ago and really fell in love with his work.  It's almost as if he designed his pieces for me and my husband and yet he doesn't even know us.  My husband LOVES anything to do with the war and especially tanks, he even has a very large collection of RC Tanks that is his hobby.  The colors used in this piece and the cupcake totally appeal to me so it is just a perfect combination.  After reading this artists profile it seems he designed this series around his and his wifes tastes.  What a clever idea, I think his work is absolutely fabulous!!!  You can find more of his sweet series in his shop.

Herman

by Horriblesweet

This is another artist that I discovered a little while ago and I am just fascinated by the fabulous artistry in this shop.  In fact I had a hard time deciding what I would feature here today.  I decided on Herman because this was the very first piece I discovered of theirs.  This artist hand sculpts her work from air dry clay and then uses acrylics to paint the most fabulous faces.  In the artists words, this is a unique piece made with alot of attention for detail and love.  There are lots of unique pieces to discover in HoribbleSweet so make sure you stop by and discover her fabulous creations.

Grandpa Crow and The Grand Baby Crows, Original Aceo

by MagicLoveCrow

I have admired this artists crow paintings for just about as long as I have been on Etsy.  I think her baby crows are especially adorable but you can find everything from baby crows all the way to grandpa crows in her shop.  She has crows doing everything from excersing to genies to zombies to visting the stonehenge, she has it all.  This is your one stop shop for fabulous crow love!

 

Antique Bronze Adjustable Ring Vintage Inspired Teal Flower

by  natashaaloha

This is another fabulous shop that I discovered today selling Hawaiian inspired jewellery, hair adornment and accessories.  Antique Bronze Filigree Adjustable Ring Vintage Inspired Teal Flower Cabachon Cameo also available in purple, yellow and cream.  This ring is fabulous and so is the rest of her shop so be sure to swing by.

Edible Sugar Strawberries

by andiespecialtysweets

I discovered this fabulously sweet shop today.  Specializing in creating made to order sugar decorations for special event cakes and individual confections.  You will find everything from tiny little sugar mushrooms to sugar seashells to these charming sugar strawberries they have it all.  Everything looks to be made with perfect attention to every detail making it all look amazing with such realism.  This shop is absolutely charming, a must see!

Live Love Laugh Bangle Bracelet (Black and White)

by  Funkychunkies

Specializing in Unique, Stylish, Fun and Funky Bracelets and Rings this shop is just fabulous!  So many designs to choose from I am sure you will find one that suits your fancy or if your like me they all will! lol This shop is a very unique treat that you won't want to miss!

always on your shoulder

by muertosdesigns

This art print is fabulous, I just love everything about it!  This artist has everything from Digital art, paintings, aceo trading cards,mixed media, magnets & pendants.  I think her art is so fun, unique and creative, and I am sure you will too.  What are you waiting for go check it out!

June's Give Away

3" x 3" x .5"

Acrylic on stretched canvas

Miniture wooden frame easel included and painted white & Glamour Dust
(The entire painting and easel are covered in glamour dust so everything that is white is actually solid sparkles, which are sealed in the paint and under the varnish so they won't go anywhere)

Mandatory Entry

Leave a comment telling me what this painting inspires in you! *Please leave your email address in comment if it isn't visible in your profile* This entry must be done first before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries

*You MUST leave a separate comment for each extra entry for it to count ~ 1 ENTRY = 1 COMMENT*

+1 Follow Oddball Art Co. via Google Friend Connect

+1 Give Oddball Art Co. a heart on Etsy

+2 Leave a comment on the Official Oddball Art Co. Webpage

+3 Visit my Etsy Shop and tell me something you like

+3 Add my button to your blog and leave link

+5 'LIKE' Oddball Art Co. on Facebook

+5 Follow Oddball Art Co. on Twitter
+8 Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post in the comment

+10 Purchase something from Oddball Art Co. on Etsy

(1 comment = 1 entry)

*If you don't follow the mandatory entry your extra entries will be disqualified*

Winner will be picked by a random number generator from Random.org and the winner will be emailed and posted on this site. Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email or another winner will be chosen.

This giveaway will close at Midnight est. on June 30 , 2011 and is open to participants of all ages all over the world.
(Family members are excluded from entering this giveaway :( So sorry.)