Rich in God's Love, the story behind the painting

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9

After talking with several people about this painting I came to realize that I should be sharing the story behind the painting with everyone.

This painting was painted right after I found out that a friend of mine, Vanessa Whitwell past away from a brain hemorrhage at the age of 34. I say friend, even though I never hung out with her outside of work, because after meeting Vanessa you could not help but call her anything else. She was one of those amazing people you meet that light up a room with their personality and style, and envy that you could have that much drive and determination. I had the pleasure of working with her at Fellowship Church. She started at Fellowship as one of our worship leaders. Singing every weekend with one of the most beautiful voices you will ever her. Soon after began to lead in other ministries as well, like the women's ministry and our C3 conferences. She touched thousands of lives with her gifts and her love for God. She accomplished more in her short life than most of us would ever hope to in a hundred years. She had a love for life and her work that showed in everything that she did.

Fellowship church said it best in this press release, "Vanessa approached her relationships with a sincere kindness and with a genuine heart for those in need. Known as an encourager and a consummate cheerleader, Vanessa lived with a passionate ferocity for life spreading joy and laughter along the way. She had a strong faith that dictated her choices, and sense of self that empowered all who came in contact with her."

The first show I had it at I sold it. I spoke with a women at the show it for what seemed liked hours. She loved it and was thinking of buying it for her brother who just got married and was starting a new job at a camp their church was opening this summer. Her brother just happened to work at Fellowship and worked closely with Vanessa. I knew him as well and knew he would love it. She did buy it for him as a wedding present. So the original painting found a home not only with someone who could appreciate it for it's beauty but also love it for who it symbolized. For those of us who had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa Whitwell you will understand just how "rich" we have become just from knowing her.

God sure has a great way of bringing us all together.

I am releasing a limited edition print of this painting (only 100 will be made). 20% of the proceeds will go to the Vanessa Whitwell Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will afford many students and young women the opportunity to attend various camps, retreats and events where they will experience the hope and love of Jesus Christ. If you are interested you can contact me here on my blog, or check out My Shop

Recap on TVC Show

Well you can't win them all. After 2 great shows this one was terrible!

There was no traffic, due to the lack of advertising, there were too many non-handmade companies there (Cookie Lee, Homemade Gourmet, etc). Half the booths were jewelry vendors. I do have to say that Debi who was in charge of the show was very nice, but it didn't seem as though she cared one way or the other. Out of the maybe 25 booths that were there only a handful made sales and of those even less made back their booth fee. I had some people make some great comments about my art and my display - but I had no sales.

Debi's way to make it up to us...a discount at their fall show. No thank you! This show was at a church and when you don't even have the support from your congregation to come out, you know it can't be good! So my recommendation...

JUST SAY NO to TVC.

Art Going Green

So I never really considered myself to be an artist that recycles, just one that uses what's around me (aka resourceful). But after doing several shows lately that were about keeping the environment clean (Earth Day Inspired), it dawned on me that I am helping keep "trash" out of the landfills. And all this time I just thought I was being thrifty!

To give you some ideas on how to keep your environment clean, take a look at what's around you and see what you can give new life.

Lately I have been using cabinet doors, yes cabinet doors. They make a great canvas for paintings and mixed media pieces. A little sanding and priming and wala! A new canvas, and you don't even need to frame the piece, most cabinet doors have great trim giving your new work of art a unique look.

I have also found that old skeleton keys make some great crosses. And come with a second meaning. Jesus and the cross are the "key" to salvation and peace. What a wonderful way to display your Faith!



The one above was created using a cabinet door, scraps of scrapbook paper, skeleton keys and acrylic paint.

And it's not just my finished products that are "re"using materials, I even do it when I am painting to get some unique textures. I have used, old seran wrap, netting, fencing, popcicle sticks, disguarded wood pieces...pretty much what ever is sitting in front of me at the time is fair game.

So what are you doing to keep you environment GREEN?

Home Town Chicago

For those of you who don't know I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. So anytime I run across something from there I long for pizza, hot dogs and a day at the ballpark (Cubs, of course). So yesterday when I ran across Gemini Studio it was no suprise that I felt a longing to go home, it got even worse when I saw this painting in his studio.



What is even better about this is he made some great notecards with this design so I can share it with all my "Rangers" friends down here in Texas!



Of course if baseball is not your thing he has other great works of art ranging from food and drink to animals, pop culture themes, and destinations, like the Shedd in Chicago another one of my fav spots.



If you get a chance check out his shop you won't be dissapointed!

Arbor Daze in Euless

I had another show this past weekend in Euless, Arbor Daze. It was a small show in my opinion considering the large tent they had us set up in was not really half full. I would say at least half of the vendors were jewelry and not everything was handmade like it was suppose to be (at least in our tent). They did have other events going on throughout the day and had other tents for businesses and food. It was a great family event. Saturday was a bit chilly in the morning so our traffic flow was little but as it warmed up the traffic flow increased. I didn't have any sales until after 1pm, but in the end I did rather well (on Saturday). Sunday was a different story. Not only did I not have any sales, but the traffic was little to none. After talking with the person in charge to see what he thought of the show, I was a little concerned...he said that this was one of the better years! All and all I am not sure that I will be doing this show again.



Recap:
Total made: $307
Booth cost: $50 (but I split this with another vendor)

Deconstructress - A New Look

Steph owner and creator of Deconstructress Designs contacted me 1 week and a half ago ago in a panic. She had a show coming up in 2 weeks and wanted a new look for her shop. A new logo, business cards, hang tags and a new brochure. She wanted to know if it was possible to have me design and print everything in time for her upcoming show. I said yes, and why not, I love a challenge. So less than a week and a half later here is the finished products!

Oak Cliff Earth Day Recap

Yesterday I had the pleasure of setting up a booth at Oak Cliff Earth Day. We had great weather, nice people and some fab artists from all over the metroplex. I had a great time meeting some new artists and customers and sold some of my very favorite pieces. My booth pictured below was one of the smallest sizes I have had to squeeze my stuff into so far (but this was my BEST show ever, so I am not going to complain).



I also had the pleasure of having my step dad around to help. This was the first time he has been to one of my shows and he was really excited!



He really was, he actually enjoyed meeting all the people and seeing all that was going on.

All in all it was a great day to say the least. I look forward to next year's event. The pictures below are two of the pieces I sold yesterday that I never got a chance to share with you all. I hope you have a great week!