When I saw that artist Dorian Vallejo had released a book with limited Collector's Edition copies including original sketches inside (!!!) I had to have one :) A strange looking package arrived the day before my birthday. I was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning!
The postman delivered this giant mail bag. Quite possibly the weirdest package I've received. LOL
Once I got into the bag, I opened the box to reveal the book with a hand-written "Thank-You" inside. Very nice touch, Dorian!
Signed on the cover.
If you haven't had a chance to see Dorian's work, here's a link to some of his work. Drawings from Life Gallery I'd love to see them in a real-life gallery setting. They are so dreamy. Lithe, languid, voluptuous and practically swimming/floating across the pages. Can an illustration convey stillness and movement at the same time?!
Had to take a pic with the book to show you the scale (It's a big book!) and also you can see the original sketch that was included inside (looks like ink, marker and paint were used)
Care to check out some of the other sketches included in the Collector's Editions?
You can find some HERE
Details, details :)
I am so thrilled with the book - - going to go hover over the pages again ;) If you enjoy figurative drawing, anatomy, the feminine form or just a glimpse into a working mind - - this book is for you. Full of flowing, ethereal forms, it's a pleasure to look through.
A Gorgeous necklace by Angela Sirrs from the Art by the Lighthouse Show 2011
I had the great pleasure to have a tent beside Angela and Fred Sirrs, last year, at the Art by the Lighthouse show in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With luck, I will be near them again at the show this year on August 4th and 5th.
I am always amazed by artisans who use kilns or fire to create their craft. There's something dangerous and spellbinding about it.
A picture of Dragonfly Designs' tent at ABTL show 2011.
Note how close the Niagara River is.
Perfect for dipping one's feet on a hot day.
Believe me. We did.
Another necklace from the ABTL show 2011
I took part in Summerfest's "Art in the Park" this year, on July 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd 2012.
I was quite happy to see Angela and Fred there, with some gorgeous new work.
Chatting with some potential customers?
A gorgeous pendant Summer 2012
A selection of beautiful pendants
Summer 2012
Angela's new "GlassScapes" Made of layers upon layers of fired glass.
Like any landscape, they are colourful and ever-changing with the light.
Some fab new "etched" dichroic glass pendants. So vibrant!
Angela and Fred Sirrs
A new GlassScape Pendant Summer 2012
This pendant has texture and a hand painted tree for extra detail.
You have to see these dichroic glass pieces in person.
I was thinking about the name Dragonfly Designs, and how the glass is like one of those beautiful insects, darting and flickering and iridescent in the light. Each one is alive!
Tools of the trade.
What a beauty! July 2012
If you are interested in seeing some of these pieces in person, please come by the Art by the Lighthouse show on August 5th and 6th in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. It's going to be another great show down by the river!
Art by the Lighthouse
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
247 Ricardo Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake
For those of you not in "the know", Jordin is one of those triple threats - - maybe quadruple even. LOL.
She's a recording artist, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, spokesperson and designer! Amazing!
At seventeen, she was the youngest winner of American Idol.
Her debut album, which was released in 2007, produced 2 hit singles "Tattoo" and "No Air" (the latter featuring Chris Brown). The album then went platinum, and Jordin earned her first Grammy Award nomination for the song "No Air".
Jordin has gone on to win many awards, including the following : 2 Teen Choice Awards, a People's Choice Award, an American Music Award, an NAACP award, and a BET award.
Recently, Jordin performed an emotional tribute to Whitney Houston at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. It's hard to imagine what meeting one of your idols would feel like. Jordin, not only met Whitney Houston, but performed with her, acting alongside her in the film "Sparkle" which is set to debut in August.
You can imagine the pressure I felt in creating something for this talented starlet!
I wanted to paint some of my feather studies for her - - feathers have been trending lately, but I think they're transcendent and appeal to everyone. I painted three different feathers and associated different traits that I think Jordan embodies to each one.
This is the Red Carpet feather that suggests her Drive and Passion for her work
This polka-dotted feather evokes her Style and Personality to me. Classic and Contemporary.
Did you know Jordin has created her own fragrances?
The final feather for the Songbird, Jordin. To me, this one illustrates her Talent.
Also, I read that her fave colour is purple, so I thought that was fitting!
Would you like a glimpse at some of the other things made especially for Jordin? You're in luck! Here's a peek at some of the fabulous things made by some of my fellow members!
Enamel, Copper and Sterling Earrings - Quite possibly my favorites of all of the swag Jordin received. These, to me, are so perfect! I would wear them all of the time, and I'm sure Jordin will be sporting them often. So gorgeous and unique and versatile!! The companion pendant is totally fab. I would definitely wear it with my fave tee and jeans and feel A-mazing. (Don't you just love the amethyst cabochons?)
This luscious Passionflower and Acai Berry Gift Set by bodyspell sound amazing! Exfoliating Foaming Sugar Body Butter and Cashmere Dreams Lotion created for Jordin, personalized with a "J" on the lids. Packaged in a lovely black cosmetics case for traveling, with a darling bodyspell charm on the zipper.
This is a romantic and sweet locket from The Black Star Boutique! Perfect for a late summer afternoon with her Honey, I think she'll love this necklace.
How could anyone resist this dainty beauty? I can almost smell those lilacs, can't you? So sweet!
This is a lovely sterling silver pendant with the artisan Tracy Kavanaugh's photograph featured and a tiny purple, czech glass bead, dangling at the bottom.
William Morris lived by this ideal, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". I love that quote, but it makes me think I need to de-clutter my own home. LOL.
This clutch was hand crafted using vintage William Morris wallpaper! It includes a zipper pouch and vintage button closure. Also included - - a pair of gold spiral wire wrapped earrings with Citrine stones.
I would love to see these in person. Dichroic glass has an amazing look to it, like a fiery opal, it seems alive. I'm sure these earrings and pendant flash in the light.
How about these show stoppers? These earrings are statement pieces in themselves. Made by Deborah of Bead Indulgences. I think these will be perfect for her next Red Carpet event!!
Black, faceted spinel, jet and clear swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, expertly wrapped in 14k gold filled wire? Yes, please! :)
After any event in high heels a woman needs to pamper her tootsies. What better way to do that, than with a Simply Caprine Blissful Foot Scrub and Blissful Foot Balm ! Made with simple, natural, fresh ingredients to nurture your body. I personally can't wait to get my hands (and feet and elbows) into some Blissful Balm!
Check out the great earrings and necklace set from Kim at Kiki Bird Jewelry! I LOVE them!!
So, I hope you've enjoyed taking a quick look at some of the lovely things made for Jordin! If you're interested in The Artisan Group, please check the group out here: www.theartisangroup.org
I would like to wish Jordin all the best as she promotes her new film "Sparkle". There's probably no end to her travel schedule at the moment. Here's hoping she has a chance to kick back and relax with family and friends this summer!
Thanks, Jordin, for sending this pic. :)
Here she is, opening up her Artisan Group bag!
