Ménage á Trois, Charcoal, Mix Media

As far back as the artwork of the thoughtful and masterful Egyptians still life was an important of life, or more aptly an important part of afterlife. So the tombs were richly decorated with the items that surrounded the individual in their life. It was believed that food objects and other items depicted there would, in the afterlife, become real and available for use by the deceased.

Ancient Greek vase paintings also demonstrate great skill in depicting everyday objects and animals. Similar still life, more simply decorative in intent, but with realistic perspective, have also been found in the Roman wall paintings and floor mosaics unearthed at Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Villa Boscoreale, including the later familiar motif of a glass bowl of fruit. Decorative mosaics termed “emblema”, found in the homes of rich Romans, demonstrated the range of food enjoyed by the upper classes, and also functioned as signs of hospitality and as celebrations of the seasons and of life.

By the 16th century, food and flowers would again appear as symbols of the seasons and of the five senses. Also starting in Roman times is the tradition of the use of the skull in paintings as a symbol of mortality and earthly remains, often with the accompanying phrase Omnia mors aequat (Death makes all equal). These vanitas images have been re-interpreted through the last 400 years of art history, starting with Dutch painters around 1600.

To honor this rich tradition I am devoting the entire weekend to Nature Morte in my Etsy shop.

Drawn by Tennessee’s musical heritage, moved to Memphis in 1998. When I moved to Memphis I had the pleasure of living in a duplex in midtown. The landlord and co-habitant was Artist Robert Brady. Robert became a constant source of instruction and imparted much about his personal philosophies of life and art to me. Each day I still understand those words and themes on new levels.

While I attended school, at Memphis College of Art, I was able to work at the Art Center for three years. Working closely with other artist who were both experienced and established. The learning of materials not only came from co-workers like Greg Haller but also the costumers themselves. Many of who would pose questions about materials or be interested in using materials in a way not originally intended. Not only did this give me a solid base of knowledge about materials conventional uses but drive to push each material to maximum tolerance. At Memphis College of Art studied painting and computer animation. Participated in juried and faculty select shows. Achieved the coveted Most Dedicated Artist Award. Graduated in May 2001 with BFA and Art History minor.

After graduation and still at the Art Center meet Brother Spyridon, a Russian Orthodox monk whose specialty was painting iconography. Befriended Brother Spyridon raising my interest in spiritual symbolism. Keep in correspondence with him at his Alaskan monastery. Was chosen for a painting commission by Union Planters Bank.

In the summer of 2001 was taught hieroglyphs by Egyptian-Canadian Artist Nihal Mazloum. Scribed hieroglyph names for British Museum exhibit Eternal Egypt during its duration in Memphis. Artist in residence Second Annual Hot Springs Sidewalk Chalk Festival.

From 2002 to 2006 was a Flight Attendant for Mesaba Airlines. Traveled the world experiencing mass variety of cultures increasing understanding. Asked by Memphis Grizzlies to display work in VIP lounge during 2004 NBA season. In 2006 began to use art skills as a graphic designer. Worked with companies Sabertooth Games, Fantasy Flight Games, Microsoft, and Eddie Bauer.

Currently my work is on sale at Common Ground in Heber Springs, AR, Boxheart Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as Etsy.com

original regretsy.com

Though my primary medium is oil paint, handycraftmanship has a special place in my heart. -I can weave, lampwork, and work in stained glass – Also in my spare time I appreciate the illusive prey of genius.

This afternoon I happen to check out regretsy.com to see that one of the creators listed on there rebranded an item after the original critique. The item is a beaded brooch in the form of a butterfly, or at least attempting to be a butterfly in the opinion of Helen Killer, writer of regretsy.com.

valentinefiberarts not only is a skilled crafter but also a brilliant marketer with a good sense of humor. She took the time to reshoot the brooch and write a branded story of the item. (posted in full below)

Brilliant Brand Moment

Unlike a large corporation, who tries hard to respond quickly, the lightweight of staffing in an operation like this and many on esty.com allows a great marketing comeback and capitalization of this extra attention.

valentinefiberarts had this to say about the situation, “I had fun …the original pictures were a fright, and each day in my head I was going to retake them. Thanks to regretsy I was able to have some fun.”

Even recently I have seen large companies buckle under the weight of extra attention. Spending large sums on touting accolades with ambiguous results that sometimes, at best, look like ego stroking.

In a not so surprising turn of events the item has now been purchased. Someone must identify with being “young at heart and quite different,” and needed “not just your ordinary brooch.” -Sounds like a few people I know.-

Delicate and Sensitive

Take a moment and visit valentinefiberarts who is currently selling beautiful ornament pincushions. You can see that she has great sense of style and skill at her craft.

Poor Butterfly Brooch description

“HANDCRAFTED This little creature has lost and antenni, and seems to have alot going on. He was spotted almost being squashed by a car and then again riding on the windshield. He has quite a personality, eventhough his looks are a bit out of the ordinary…cartoonish character adds a touch of whimsy when you look at him. He loves to travel.

Measures about 1 2/2″ square not counting the antenni and arms. I call it a puff pin, as it has some polyester fiber fill tucked between the front and back. I find the clasp closures to be too bulky for this type of pin, so I use a safety pin. This will be easier to pin on as well.

Great gift for someone young at heart and quite different, not just your ordinary brooch.”

Laugh out loud, right?

PS. Yes, I know handycraftmanship is not a word. It is an idea, a grand idea, that all creators should strive towards.

“Attentive and alert you would not know it is 3:00 am and all day she has walked around the city. At this point you might as well stay up. She will have you in the museums as soon as they open and before that an “exquisite” cappuccino at the café down the street.”

Each print has a white border and is ready for framing. Items are always “Priority” shipped.

Please contact us regarding commissions, or custom work, we would love to create something specifically for you.

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