Woo hoo! I've been featured on a blog.

Donna of dzfantasy on Etsy creates fantastic art dolls. She was kind enough to feature me on her blog today. Donna has agreed to be part of my featured artist series in the future, so stay tuned to learn more about her and her whimsical dolls.

Take time to smell the roses at Joanna's Photography

Okay, so you can't actually smell them, but Joanna's photographs are so good that you can certainly use your imagination and be transported into a garden. Yes, that's right, the featured artists series is back. I asked Joanna if she'd like to be interviewed a couple of months ago, but due to art deadlines and my nagging shoulder injury, I had to take some time off. Without further delay, let me introduce you to Joanna of JoannasPhotography on Etsy. Joanna offers a wide selection of prints in a variety of sizes. You can choose from tranquil flowers,soft landscapes, architecture and some edgier, industrial prints. I asked Joanna if she'd be kind enough to answer some questions and she happily obliged.



How long have you been interested in photography?
There has always been interest in photography. It was harder in my early years, when not having my own camera was a limitation. I mostly borrowed my parent's very simple point and shoot film camera. I think the big change for me came when about four years ago I got my first digital camera that had a few nice manual overrides and lens with nice lens- capable of regular shots as well as macro. This is how it all started.



What is your favorite photograph in your store right now and why?
It's really hard for me to choose one photograph, when most of them carry certain baggage of memories. There are a few I favor over other. One of photographs that I would call my favorite would be "Magnolia's Secret". It was taken in one of the most beautiful gardens I ever went to. This print, when printed on metallic paper (which that is type of paper I offer it for sale) looks very warm and magical in a way. I have composed this picture the way, that in the first moment you see a big and proud magnolia flower in full bloom, but when you start looking more carefully, there is the center bud of this flower hiding under petals.


Do you usually take a camera with you everywhere you go?
I try to take with me as often as possible, but that doesn't happen often. At least, it didn't happen until very recently, when I started my 365 Project blog I am trying to capture a picture a day, something I will remember this year by. (Editor's note: Check out Joanna's photo journal, as I've come to call it. It's such a fantastic idea and it's always fun to see what she'll be capturing next.)



What are your future plans for your Etsy store?
I am thinking about expanding my store by offering some additional services for photographs, especially matting. Also I am contemplating expanding my photo cards section.

Besides Etsy, where else can your photographs be purchased?
Besides Etsy my photography can be purchased through
1000markets,
ArtFire
RedBubble


Do you dabble in any other forms of art or crafts?
Yes, I do. I love to knit! It's my really big hobby that started when I was about 7 years old. I also love to read.



Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
There is quote I came across recently: "Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced." by Leo Tolstoy

Thank you, Joanna for taking part in my featured artist series.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

Have you ever done anything totally against your nature? I took a bellydancing class this week. First, let me say that my body is riddled with pain from old and new injuries, I'm clumsy as all get out and I am seriously lacking in the rhythm department. My husband took me to class and he later told me I looked like a scared little kid that's being left at school for the first time. I tried my best with the class. I was absolutely horrible, was an anxious mess, but my hips learned to move like they never have before. Whether I go back again next week is still up in the air. Yes, it was a great 90 minute workout, but I know as the class progresses I'll be falling into walls and bumping into people, so I'll wait and make a last minute decision.

What matters most is I tried it and I put myself in a position where I knew I'd do poorly and that's very rare for me. I normally avoid any activities I don't think I'll excel at. Some people call me a "control freak", but I prefer to look at it as trying to avoid public embarrassment.

2009 is here!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope everyone had a safe and fun time over the holidays.

Each year I make at least one resolution. Last year I did pretty well. My resolutions all came to fruition except one. My littlest dog, Magoo still won't use the doggie stairs to go up onto the bed by himself. I was really going to give it my all in December, but due to my injury I had to let that goal go. He turned 3YO on New Year's Day. My little boy is growing up! But I digress, once again I've made some resolutions and while I don't usually share them at the start of the year, I'm anxious for this year to get going.

Yesterday I began a very labor intensive project. My studio has racks and racks of china and bins of tile all along the perimeter of the room. I'm going through everything and parting with some things...either to sell or to donate to a thrift store. I'm trying to make some space for some new projects I want to try this year. So far I've unearthed some things that have brought back many fond mosaic memories of past projects.

I have a series of art deadlines between now and March. Everything is getting scrunched into a tighter timeframe because my right arm is still recovering. I'm trying to design everything in my head and get all my supplies ready so I'm ready to go whenever my arm will let me.

It's my sincere hope that 2009 will bring a better life for so many people that are struggling right now.