Erin Peterson Art

Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere!

2010-04-05T00:52:00.006-05:00

I'm On Spring Break and There's New Art Posted On Etsy...Finally!

2010-04-02T22:36:00.008-05:00

This week I've been off work for spring break, so I've been trying hard to do the things that I haven't had time to do during a normal work week! I've been spring cleaning the apartment, working in the yard, and working on new art.
I finally found the time to put my newest paintings up on Etsy. Please go have a look at them and spread the word, too!
Since I've already posted most of the new pictures for you to see, I'll post some of my spring break pictures for you to see this time instead...

Here's the full moon from Monday night. I had a one-woman (and a dog), late-night ceremony that night in my yard. In my ceremony, I acknowledged all the things in my life that needed to change. This time of year is about death and rebirth. So I wrote those things down on little strips of paper, and then burned them, one by one. Then, to symbolize my rebirth, I planted a handful of moonflower seeds. It felt quite empowering.
The rest of the pictures are from a few appearances the Easter Bunny has made around here in the last few days. He's fast...But my camera's faster!

Maneki Neko and A Little Art, Too

2010-03-09T08:16:00.005-06:00

I am currently teaching my 6th graders about Maneki Neko, The Lucky Cat. As I was searching for examples to show them, pictures that my third graders created years ago kept coming up in my search results. Since I posted the art of my third graders, I will have to do the same for the Maneki Neko collages my 6th graders are making. Be on the lookout!
Meanwhile, I've been quite busy with some artwork of my own, in preparation for my art display at Red Star Bar beginning March 26. I felt I needed some new material for the show, since I've shown there before, and didn't want to show all the same pieces. So, here is a sample of what I plan to hang.

The End Of Two Eras...

2010-01-12T23:22:00.008-06:00

Anne Frank writing in her journal

My favorite picture of Anne Frank because her hair looks so cute!

Miep Gies in the Spring and Winter of her life

Two things of note have touched my heart in recent days. These two things are quite different from one another in most ways, but in at least one way they are connected.
The first event is the death at age 100 of Miep Gies, the woman who harbored Anne Frank and her family for two years in Germany to avoid their capture by the Nazis, and who saved Anne Frank's diary. I find it amazing when anyone lives to be 100 years old to begin with, but it is truly fascinating to think that someone who is a thread in the tapestry of our world's history from such an unbelievable time, and from such a memorable and impactful event, that seems larger than life, lived to be 100 years old and was still receiving large amounts of mail before her death. I don't think I'm alone in saying that I, as a girl, always felt a connection to Anne Frank and have also always been in awe of the many people who, like Miep Gies, risked their own lives to help people like Anne Frank during the Holocaust. Anne Frank touch the lives of so many people, especially girls and women, and taught us what it means to have strength, courage, and perseverance in life. She also taught us to see the beauty in life and maintain hope, even in the darkest of circumstances. By the example she set in her short life, she spread beauty and hope to those around her, and then to the world when her diaries were published. And without Miep Gies, none of us would have had the chance to experience the beauty, hope, courage, and strength of Anne Frank.
The other event that has been the end of an entirely different era for me, was the loss of "Bayou Shimmy" to a fire on January 1, 2010. Bayou Shimmy was the heart of the belly dance community in Baton Rouge. It was headed by Charlie "Shamsi" Pettus and Kaye Noura Buhler Skakri about 7 years ago. It was located next door to The Caterie, a local bar. It was a place where women (and a few men) of all ages, shapes, sizes, races, and personalities would gather to celebrate the art of middle eastern dance, and celebrate being women (and a few men). It has been a while since I was enrolled in a class there, but I always knew I could return any time. Well, that's what I get for relying on permanence. I know that many changes will come from this and that change can sometimes be painful. However, I also know that the women (and a few men) who were a part of Bayou Shimmy now share this connection and the seeds of that connection will now spread and grow.
So I suppose I feel as though these two VERY different events are connected to each other in my eyes because they revolve around the souls of strong, beautiful, and amazing women (and a few men) who have touched and inspired more people than they will probably ever know.

"Gypsy Hips" dance troupe of early Bayou Shimmy days. I'm the second one from the left.

Yay!

2010-01-09T12:43:00.005-06:00

Making art is something that I do...because I have to. It's as important to me as breathing. But when it's noticed and appreciated by others, I can't help but to get excited about it. It makes me feel so grateful that something I created, from somewhere deep in my soul and imagination, can be genuinely enjoyed by someone else. I recently sent a press release to the local paper, The Advocate, about some of the artwork my students have been creating in my art class at school. The journalist, Christy Futch, who wrote the article ended up coming out to Donaldsonville with her photographer to take some pictures of the work and get more information about what we've been doing, and another article was done about my art program. I mentioned my Etsy site to her, in case she was interested in ever doing a piece on my artwork, outside of school. She said she was coincidentally already working on a piece about local artists who use Etsy to sell their work, and that she'd love to involve me. I was thrilled, because I honestly thought it was a long shot when I mentioned it. So yesterday, I rode out to her office, had my picture taken, and will be featured in the paper sometime next week! Then, as if that weren't enough excitement for me, I checked my email this morning and found that she had ordered 3 paintings from my Etsy site! I just can't express how great that made me feel. I mean, she needs to have stories to write about, so I couldn't totally say that she was featuring me due to her true love of my artwork, you know? But she certainly did not have to make those purchases! She did it simply because she liked my work. I'm just really touched that she wanted them enough to spend her hard earned money on something of mine.
In addition to all of that excitement, I also had a email from the Red Stick Roller Derby Girls who saw my work on my Etsy site and invited me to come to the next Derby Match with my art to display at one of their vendor tables, free of charge! I think I might even make a few painting of chicks on skates!
So...needless to say, my ego has been stroked quite a bit over the last few days, and I'm feeling very happy about my art, and inspired to make MORE MORE MORE!!
Feeling thankful and appreciated. Ahhh. Good stuff. :)

It's My Birthday!

2009-12-29T16:41:00.004-06:00

(My sister and me in our authentic Geisha Gear brought home from Japan by my grandparents.)
Today is my 33rd birthday. I'm spending it so far babysitting my newphew, Brady, while my twin sister goes to the doctor. (It's her birthday, too!) I stayed up all night working on a painting, and plan to do more work on it tonight, as well. I don't know what my night has in store otherwise, yet, but I'd like to do some sort of celebrating! I am going to have dinner with my sister, my nephew, and my brother-in-law in a bit. I think it will be Lebanese. MMMMMMM. Happy Birthday to me!

Get it While You Can!

2009-12-18T13:15:00.002-06:00

I just put this new painting for sale on ETSY!

2009-12-06T03:59:00.001-06:00

It Never Snows In Baton Rouge! But Yesterday, It Did! WEEEEEEEEEE!

Another Great Poem In The Name Of Worms...

2009-12-02T20:30:00.007-06:00

Song Of The Worms
By: Margaret Atwood

We have been underground too long,
we have done our work,
we are many and one,
we remember when we were human

We have lived among roots and stones,
we have sung but no on has listened,
we come into the open air
at night only to love

which disgusts the soles of boots,
their leather strict religion.

We know what a boot looks like
when seen from underneath,
we know the philosophy of boots,
their metaphysic of kicks and ladders.
We are afraid of boots
but contemptuous of the foot that needs them.

Soon we will invade like weeds,
everywhere but slowly;
the captive plants will rebel
with us, fences will topple,
brick walls ripple and fall,

there will be no more boots.
Meanwhile we eat dirt
and sleep; we are waiting
under your feet.
When we say Attack
you will hear nothing
at first.

A Few More New Pieces

2009-11-28T01:15:00.001-06:00

Back Again

2009-11-28T01:05:00.004-06:00

Today I am giving thanks for that little warm feeling in my brain that I feel when I wake from hibernation. I often go through little phases of taking in, and then production. But it's been quite a while since I've "produced" anything of note. I have been very focused on work and also in a bit of a funk in the other areas of my life. So I'm quite grateful to whatever it was that sparked that little fire in my imagination to burn a little brighter lately. :)

Feeling Good...

2008-10-12T03:15:00.002-05:00

So, clearly I've been in a funk, which is evident by my lack of art creation and blog posting, etc. However, for the past few days I've been feeling it in me more and more. I started playing around in my moleskin and made some little doodles. Nothing to really jump up and down about, but at least something in me is beginning to stir. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the fact that my computer works again, or maybe I do this every year and it's in my nature to hibernate sometimes. Whatever the reason, it feels good to awaken my senses, stretch my doodling fingers and create something...anything. So here's a little sample. Like I said, it's nothing fancy...

It's Been A While...

2008-10-10T19:25:00.003-05:00

So I guess I lied when I said I'd be posting over the summer. I got distracted with summer fun, and also had no internet availability. So now school has started. I'm at my new school in Donaldsonville, and I'm loving it! It is quite different from where I have taught in the past. For one thing, I'm now teaching art to 5th and 6th graders. I used to teach 3rd grade: math, science, social studies, and art. This is quite different. It's also a much different population at my new school. The school is sort of what you'd call an inner city school, except that most of the town doesn't really lie within the "city" but, rather, surrounded by sugarcane fields. These kids have never taken art classes before, so as far as what they know and can do at this point, it's comparable to what my 3rd graders were able to do. It's an amazing opportunity to get to bring the arts into their lives, though. I love it so much. Even the ones that are "trouble makers" are slowly warming up to it and realizing that they don't have to act up in order to have fun in my class. So far, the most challenging part of it is when I try to get them to write about art, because I suppose they see it as "work" but I have high expectations for them and I know they'll eventually come around if I don't give up on them.
Meanwhile, my life is going well outside of school, too. I haven't been creating much art lately, but I am feeling the inspiration creeping in and I know I'm about to start making some new things. I've always sort of gone through waxing and waning periods of production with my artwork. So I'm about to "wax on" as Mr. Miyagi might say. Stay tuned for upcoming developments.

Update...

2008-05-20T11:38:00.004-05:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't been posting daily, as I had previously been doing. This is because I'm winding down the school year with my third graders and packing up my class to move to Donaldsonville for next year. It's been very busy as you could probably imagine, so please don't think I have abandoned my blog. I promise to begin posting more regularly probably by Saturday, when I will officially be on summer vacation! Don't forget about me! I'm still here, loving my blog and my few, but faithful readers!
In the meantime, here are some pictures of what we've been up to in class. My kids sure do love me!

Donaldsonville

2008-05-14T11:37:00.007-05:00

Last weekend, I went to Donaldsonville to check out the town I will be working in next school year. (Remember my promotion?)
These first two are of the ride over the Sunshine Bridge, which I will ride across every day next year. I know the plants are not typically something you like to see, but sometimes I think they are like Emerald City or something. My way of ignoring the problem, I suppose.

Once across the bridge, Maria needed to take care of some business at the bottom of the levy. Can you see her? She looks so tiny!

Here we are! The enterance to Donaldsonville! Did you know that for a year it was Lousisana's temporary capital? From 1930-1931.

I tried to go to the Houmus House, a lovely plantation, to see their beautiful gardens, but it cost $20 per person to go on a tour and I was broke, so I had to peak through the gate to steal a few pictures!

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1...

2008-05-12T09:53:00.004-05:00

I officially have 9 work days of school left before I'm out for summer! I am so ready because the weather has been wonderful outside! It's been sunny and warm and It makes me want to swim, soak up some rays, go outside and play, ride my bike, go out into nature, walk the dogs, work in the garden, paint, read, or just close my eyes and turn my face up towards the sky, just to feel the breeze and sunshine!

Oh, please let 8 days go by quickly and without too much trouble out of my anxious little angels!

Maneki Neko

2008-05-07T13:02:00.004-05:00

I taught the legend of Maneki Neko to my students and they created Maneki Neko collages, which I think came out really great! Here are some of my favorites:

For those of you who don't know the legend, here it is...
This is the legend of the Maneki Neko:
In the 17th century, there was a rundown and poverty-stricken temple in Tokyo. The temple's priest was very poor, but he shared what little food he had with his pet cat, Tama.
One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the tree to have a closer look at this unusual cat. At that moment, the tree was struck by lighting.
As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and the temple became prosperous. The priest and his cat never went hungry again.
When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetery with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him. A Maneki Neko in your place of business, your home or on your website is said to bring in good luck and visitors.
Maneki Neko is Japanese for "beckoning cat." The message he's holding says "Please come in. You are welcome!" and he is beckoning you with his paw . (In Japan, the gesture of beckoning is pretty much the reverse of the gesture used in the West.)

Am I Blue?

2008-05-06T09:53:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was one of many ups and downs. It's funny how no matter how hard to try to have a good time sometimes, the universe has other plans.
First, I went to the art car parade, which was really exciting. I have pictures on my camera at home and will post those soon. But, while there, I ran into my past, creating many feelings I didn't expect to feel on such a beautiful day. I managed to keep my chin up somehow. Sunday my boyfriend, and our dogs went on a picnic. That was great. I have pictures from that as well, but there was just a tugging at us from the previous day, that made tension follow us wherever we went. Try as we might, it finally caught up with us and the day ended in sad feelings. Today is better though, and hopefully it will remain that way for a little while. Ghosts are hard to confront sometimes, but I guess it's a necessary part of life.
On a happier note, here are some cute pics of the babies.

Hedgehogs!

2008-04-30T15:09:00.004-05:00

One of my students brought his new hedgehogs to school yesterday!!! I tore my hands up trying to get some good pictures for you guys, but it was worth it. They are adorable, but not very cuddly! Ouch! Plus, they make really weird hissing noises that almost sound like a rattlesnake. This was the first time I ever got to see them in real life. They were so strange! I always imagined they would be cuddly, but how can you cuddle with a ball of toothpicks?

There's a First Time For Everything!

2008-04-30T01:25:00.004-05:00

I finally snagged a treasury on Etsy! It's called Bloody Knees! It took forever, but it was fun! Now I'm sleepy and going to bed. Hope you enjoy it!

I Got A Promotion!

2008-04-29T09:51:00.002-05:00

I'm proud to announce that I was promoted to "Mentor Teacher" yesterday. What does this mean? Well...I'll tell you!
Last year I went through the process to become Nationally Certified in teaching art. It was very challenging, but when I got the results this November, I PASSED!!!
So, as a nationally certified teacher, I was approached by a friend of mine who is teaching "across the river" in Donaldsonville. She's got the title of "Master Teacher" over there. This school is a low performing school, with underprivilaged children. It's called the Intermediate School and is designed for students who are struggling academically. My friend said they were looking for Nationally Certified teachers to come be "mentors" to the other teachers over there to help guide them and support them in sort of raising the bar for these kids and making sure they are being taught as effectively as possible. I went through a rigorous interview process last week, and got the call yesterday letting me know that I got the position! I am so proud and excited. I'm very nervous, but I know I have a lot to offer these children and I look forward to doing all I can to make a difference in their lives. I can't wait to start researching and planning! The job is going to be quite a bit more challenging than where I am right now, but I'm looking forward to every minute of it! I've decided that life is about new experiences. If I just sat back and took it easy for the rest of my career, I'd die of boredom.
Oh, and one other thing...I'm getting a raise of about $13,500!!!!!! Can you believe that??? Well, you know that part doesn't hurt! Here's a picture of me when I dressed up as Frida Kahlo for my 3rd graders a few years ago. It's the only teacher picture I have on my computer to illustrate this post!

Marvelous Moustaches!

2008-04-27T16:51:00.005-05:00

My "Sawing Logs" ACEO made it to a treasury this morning and I must say that I couldn't be more pleased with the company it's keeping. Moustaches Abound!

This one too!!!!

2008-04-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

This one is really fun and makes me want to dance!

Beirut...my love...

2008-04-22T17:43:00.002-05:00

I am in love with this video of Beirut. I think it's perfect the way the music is layered by using levels on a stairway to illustrate the progression. It's beautiful and intelligent and it takes my breath away each time I watch it. Enjoy...

Dot Dot Dot...

2008-04-18T11:42:00.003-05:00

One day last year I was very bored at work, and so I decided to entertain myself with the paint program on my computer. The following images are the result:

Additionally, whilst bored at work, I have a tendancy to save funny pictures from google images. Here's one to start your weekend off with. It cracks my ass up. Enjoy.

In Love With Another Pair Of Shoes!

2008-04-16T10:10:00.002-05:00

Another Shoe Artist is lighting up my life. This time the artist is Hippy Of Doom. My favorite shoes ever are the Matryoshka Doll ones below. However, the other two I feature here are adorable as well.

Art Show

2008-04-14T08:44:00.003-05:00

This weekend my "Bury the Hatchet" painting was juried into an art exhibition which was put on by our local "Art Mob". The show was entitled "Smock, Paper, Scissors". The purpose of the show was to collect art supplies for students at the new Autonomous Schools in Baton Rouge. The show was located in the different shops in Towne Center and was mainly centered around Whole Foods. Each store housed a different artist and outside each store was a large box for art supply donations. It was a lot of fun. I was able to meet other local artists. I took some pictures, but will have to post them this afternoon, because I left my camera at home. Also check out a little more information about one of the Autonomous Schools, CAN!

Haunted Bathroom

2008-04-10T20:50:00.003-05:00

I live in a little apartment. Most of the apartment is nice. But...the downstairs bathroom is not.

It's got horrid wallpaper, which is dingy and stained. It's actually creepy in there. So my boyfriend suggested we decorate it as a haunted bathroom, since there is otherwise, not much hope for it. So here are a few of the pictures we've decked the walls with. Creepy? My boyfriend got this one at an antique store in Austin, Texas.
My grandmother made this one.
This is the grandparents of an old friend of ours. (Handsome Couple, huh?)
This one came from an antique store, as well.

So, at my house, you're welcome to use the restroom...IF YOU DARE!!!

Music to My Ears

2008-04-08T09:43:00.003-05:00

I've been teaching 3rd grade for 8 years now. During my first year of teaching, there was a student in my class that I became very attached to. She had some troubles at home, but was always able to rise above it. She was so sweet and cheerful. She was always kind to others and, of course, she loved art. We went to the Art Museum for our field trip that year, and she was unable to go because she was out sick. So, over the summer, I took her myself. We had so much fun, and it really felt good to give her the opportunity to go there since she'd missed out on the field trip. I watched her grow up for the next few years until she went on to middle school, and we then lost touch.

I found out that her sister teaches in my district so I emailed her to tell my student hi. I was floored when I received an email from my student the next day saying,

"You probably had the biggest impact on my life when I was young, thank you for that."

These are the kinds of words any teacher longs to hear from her students. Especially ones like this little girl, because I tried so hard to make life better for her and give her glimpses into the world of art as a way to enjoy the world around her. Ever since receiving this email, my whole attitude at work has changed. It's easy to get jaded after doing this for 8 years, but feedback like that reminds me of the difference I must be making. I feel recharged and ready to change the world!

Outside the studio door...

2008-04-06T15:50:00.004-05:00

Maria and Hazel were enjoying the view outside my studio door this morning. There was an estate sale across the street, which brought along with it many strange people for the pups to observe.

Hazel wanted to come in and help me cut some art board for my newest ACEOs.
Here they are! Each one will be listed in my Etsy shop ASAP!!
Side Note: For those of you who read my previous post about the crazy moth attack, I have an update. While I was vacuuming yesterday, I found him dead in a corner of the living room. I wanted to show my boyfriend the culprit, so I placed him to the side for when my boyfriend arrived. Later that night as we were watching t.v. HE CAME BACK TO LIFE and started flying around the living room!!! My boyfriend caught him and released the beast back into the wild, where he belongs. May he have a long and happy life OUTDOORS!!!

Powerlines, Water, and Red Balloons

2008-04-04T18:13:00.004-05:00

Outside of my studio it's raining, and so, of course my door is wide open. I love to watch it rain from up here on the second floor. The birds are still chirping, because they love this little shower, too.

Inside the studio, water is also flowing. I'm trying my hand at watercolor painting. It certainly goes well with the rain, anyhow.

Moth-er F*cker!

2008-04-03T10:19:00.002-05:00

Last night, I fell asleep on the couch watching t.v. and didn't wake up to move to the bed until around 3:00 am. Needless to say, when I finally did retire to the bedroom I was rather groggy and still in sort of a dream-state. Upon entering my room, I promptly climbed into bed and turned out the light, ready to drift right back off to sleep.

A few minutes passed when I was startled by a strange sound. It sounded like someone digging in a plastic grocery bag. I tried to ignore it at first, since it didn't seem to bother my chihuahua, who is my guard dog. But then I heard it again, and the sound seemed to be moving to different places in the room. By this time, I was getting really scared of who or what was in my chambers!

I carefully turned on my lamp, and saw the biggest moth I've ever seen darting back and forth across the room! I got up to shew him out of the room and he started chasing me! He was literally following me everywhere I went, but he was really fast so I couldn't get a full look at him. Finally, I screamed, "Leave me the f*ck alone!" and ran downstairs. HE FOLLOWED ME DOWNSTAIRS!!!!! He then flew into the kitchen. I made a break for my bedroom and slammed the door as fast as I could, keeping the beast outside. Once I finally made it back to sleep, I could hear him beating his body against my bedroom door!! I covered my head under the blankets and finally fell asleep for the night. When I woke up this morning, there was no sign of him anywhere. But there was powder on the door from his wings where he was flying into the door to get into my room. I get chills thinking about it, still! Ugh. It was so creepy!!!

With reality like that, who needs nightmares?

April Fools!

2008-04-01T11:45:00.003-05:00

As you know, I'm a third grade teacher. Which means that, naturally, I had to April Fool my kids. Well, I got them good! I passed out a letter that said:

Dear Parents,

Beginning April 2, 2008 students will notlonger be allowed to wear shorts or tennis shoes to school. They will need to wear black, brown, or blue dress shoes. Boys must wear pants and girls may either wear pants or a long skirt. Any person not following this rule will be sent to the office for the day.

Thank you,

Front Office

They were in an UPROAR!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAhahahahahahahah!

I let them freak out for about 30 minutes, then I told them it was a joke. It was hilarious!

These are the perks of being a teacher. Torturing children. It's so fun.

Sawing Logs...

2008-03-30T17:36:00.003-05:00

Curling up in his favorite quilt, he dreamed of foreign lands. He dreamed of floating on a crystal sea. He dreamed of foxes and hedge hogs in a bright green forest. He dreamed of me.

2008-03-29T18:10:00.002-05:00

My Bury The Hatchet painting is in a treasury! I love that painting. It is very full of meaning to me. But it's a secret. Which means you get to apply your own meanings to it! Yay for art.

Thank you to Syco, who is the curator of the treasury.

Here are some of my favorites from Syco:

Acadian Boulevard Gets A Facelift

2008-03-28T20:33:00.002-05:00

I am sure you are aware of the uprising in urban "renegade" art in the world today. Artists such as Mark Jenkins, Dan Witz, and Knitta are not only changing the appearance of city streets, but also pushing the envelope of what is considered "art". Baton Rouge is not the most creative city in the world by any means, but I was pleased to see an attempt at changing the face of our little cityscape. I don't know who is responsible, but someone in our community turned these old abandoned gas pumps into robots. There's a male, noted by the bow tie, and female noted by the girly lashes, and breasts (one of which has fallen off since it's application.) Thank you, whoever you are, for making life in Baton Rouge, if nothing else, a little more fun to look at.

2008-03-27T18:01:00.005-05:00

I just added a new ACEO to my shop, which I think is pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. I wish I had a little red and light blue outfit just like hers. Additionally, I'm in a new, deliciously yellow treasury! And, look! My friend, Heatherfuture is there, too!

The curator of this cheerful little treasury is WonderfullySewKnit and she's got some adorable items of her own! Here are a few of my favorite items from the shop of WonderfullyKnitSew:

Now, I'm off to get some sugar for my coffee, then back to making art!!

Spring Break So Far...

2008-03-25T19:35:00.005-05:00

On the first day of my vacation, I went to the park with my boyfriend, my chihuahua, Maria, and our new puppy, Hazel. He's named after Hazel Motes from Miss Flannery O'Conner's WISEBLOOD.
The dogs had a blast. Maria is really taking to Hazel, which is a good thing since she's rather picky with her companions.

The next day I went to the zoo with my mom and stepdad and 2 year old step niece. It was a beautiful day. These peacocks were strutting their stuff for each other and the tortoise was growling....or something like that. The vultures were in love, which is a pretty romantic happening right next to another one eating a dead rat. (Dead rat not pictured.)

This is a collage I made on my last day of school before the holiday. Isn't she lovely?
Sunday, of course, was Easter. I had dinner at my mom's. She decorated so nicely and my sister made some beautiful cupcakes for desert. The flowers on top were edible. All of this and it's only Tuesday! The next thing I'm going to do is work on some artwork, so be looking for some upcoming posts on my progress!

Two Hours Until I'm Off For A Week!

2008-03-20T13:18:00.002-05:00

It is 1:21 and I have two hours until I'm off for my Spring Break for a week and a day. As you may know I'm a third grade teacher in addition to being an artist. On days like these, time goes by more slowly than a snail crawling up a redwood tree! I'm sitting here watching them make their lovely Easter Crafts out of buttons, cotton, and scraps, and all I can do is jump in and join them! I've already made three collages since we started. (I'll post pictures of them later!)

Meanwhile, I'm dreaming of my time off in which I plan to make a ton of new artwork! I've been brimming with ideas lately, but have been so busy I've been unable to accomplish them! Yesterday was our field trip to the Audubon Zoo, which I will post a few pics of that, later, too. We had a blast and now my face is pink with sunburn!

Illustration Treasury!

2008-03-18T18:53:00.003-05:00

I just found my "Snip Snip" illustration in a treasury on ETSY. I'm so proud to be featured with these other beautiful pieces. Lahua was the curator of the treasury. She made my day! Thank you for noticing me!

(Do I sound like Eor?)

Down Came The Rain...

2008-03-18T10:33:00.003-05:00

Last night I was curled up in my favorite quilt listening to the rain on my rooftop. Suddenly I heard several loud crashes. They seemed to be getting louder and louder. At first I assumed it was thunder, since that naturally happens when it rains. But I decided to take a peek out of the window, just to be on the safe side. Here is what I saw!

I Can Feel The Sun Making The Seeds In My Heart Begin To Grow...

2008-03-15T15:09:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I went to Windrush Gardens, which is connected to the Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. It was one of my first real Spring-time outings this year and while I was there I realized how badly I was in need such outings! I felt my soul beginning to stir and awaken after a long winter.
Here are some pictures to show you why...

Original Drawings

2008-03-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

I've recently added some original drawings to my Etsy site. I had original paintings already, but my drawings are a new addition, and they are more affordable than the paintings, too. Just thought I'd post a little sample of them. There are also a few original ACEO drawings at even better prices!

Oh My!

2008-03-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have another new favorite artist. I ADORE these prints and they are only $7.00 each!
The artist is Caitlin Shearer.
Each of these pictures has beautiful colors, beautiful girls, and evokes a lot of emotion (at least for me!) I have to have one!

Here's another treasury I'm in, but enough about me.

2008-03-04T19:22:00.000-06:00

Yay! I was scrolling through treasuries on Etsy, and there, before my eyes was a shining golden star, which means I was featured in one! I'm the one in the middle. Don't I look happy there?

Now, more importantly, as I was checking out the curator of the treasury, I discovered that TresLocas is actually the art of two children, Onyx and Nea. Not only that, A large portion of the proceeds from their shop (so far over 50%) are used to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. What a wonderful, selfless act of kindness for these children to be a part of! Please visit their shop. Below are some samples. I'm partial to the Frida ones. (Frida is my hero.)

Here It Is!

2008-03-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

This is the treasury I was in that made the front page! I couldn't capture a picture of it in time, but apparently "Can you hear me" did! She's also in the treasury. Here's her blog.

Mine is "All Tied Up" and hers is "Redhead and Balloons"

Man, you don't know how excited I am to have gotten this. I was so sad that I didn't get it before it expired. I loved this treasury, not just because I am in it, but because I just love the red balloon theme and these pictures go so great together!

Another New Favorite...

2008-03-02T23:21:00.001-06:00

I'm falling more and more in love with the art of Myfolklover. Her pieces are very whimsical and delicate. The series she did of little papercuts are, I think, my favorite. I now need to start saving up some money so I can purchase a little piece of hers.

2008-03-02T18:16:00.000-06:00

The Peach Tree Likes Me!

2008-03-02T14:07:00.001-06:00

ThePeachTree, a fellow etsian has featured me in her blog. And once again, I am a big fan of hers as well. Here are a few of my favorites. (Can you tell red is my favorite color?)

I Made The Front Page Of Etsy!

2008-03-01T13:21:00.000-06:00

I was so excited my hands were shaking and I called my mom to tell her to look it up!
And you know what else? This is one of the pieces I finished because of a post on my blog motivating me to finish some unfinished ideas! I'm so glad I have my little blog here to motivate me. Not to mention its readers! ^_^

So I thought I had taken a picture of it to post on my blog, but apparently all I copied was the ETSY logo. DOH!!!

Oh well...Thank you to Heatherfuture for creating the treasury that shot me to front page fame.
Click on the link for the treasury. I guess that will only last until it expires. Maybe someone can tell me how to take a picture of the whole page? Oh well. That won't spoil my mood.

xoxoxo
Erin

A Ghost Story...

2008-02-28T15:04:00.000-06:00

This is Penelope. She is a ghost. Her favorite season is Spring. On the first day of Spring she couldn't wait to go outside to find something fun to do.

First, she played a little tennis, but soon she got really hot. Next, she decided to go for a dip in the pond so she could cool off.
Suddenly, out of no where, a hand reached out to grab her!
As she spun around to see who it was, she saw a terrible man behind her trying to kill her! He was screaming, "I hate ghosts! Get back here you little spook!"

Poor Penelope was so scared, she pooped right there in front of him!
Then she was so embarrassed, she disappeared and was never seen again.

The End.

I got featured...

2008-02-28T11:04:00.000-06:00

I am featured on Jak's Random Art's blog. Here's the link: http://jakrandomart.blogspot.com/

This is the first time I have been featured on someone's blog, so I'm really excited about it. What makes it even more exciting is that I love their work, too! She makes these bracelets out of recycled vinyl. Click the pictures to go to her shop. I love to share the love! Don't you?

Sweet Artwork

2008-02-25T14:04:00.001-06:00

I recently had my students draw cakes and cupcakes during art class. Here are a few samples for you to enjoy! Aren't they cute?

And the Winner Is....

2008-02-24T21:07:00.000-06:00

No this is not a post about the Academy Awards...

It's the winner of the Free Give Away!

Beadiful Things!

Her description of the picture was: "Me and my gaggle. We intimidate."

Hell yeah we do!

Not only did she have a great description of my picture, but she also makes beautiful jewelry!

Here's a link to her blog as well.

http://beadifulthings.blogspot.com

Thank you to all who participated. It was fun, and I plan to do it again soon!

Why is the sky blue?

2008-02-24T18:31:00.000-06:00

It's as blue as my favorite shoes! Oh, how I adore these shoes. I got them from Buffalo Exchange in Austin. I walked into the store and felt a magnetic pull on me. I followed the magnetism straight to the back of the store where these little beauties were winking at me and begging me to make them mine. MMwah! I love you shoes.

Free Give-away!

2008-02-23T20:42:00.000-06:00

Describe the picture above in 10 words or less, and the one I like best wins a free print of the image and the two buttons below! Good Luck!

Fin

2008-02-22T22:06:00.000-06:00

She's finished. Complete. Aahhhh. Satisfaction.

I wasn't feeling the pink...

2008-02-22T20:42:00.000-06:00

Breathing New Life Part 2

2008-02-22T18:02:00.000-06:00

I recently posted about some sketches I planned on breathing new life into, since they'd been neglected in my sketchbook for quite some time. Well, my plan to motivate myself via my blog is working and I'm midway through a painting based on one of the sketches I had previously posted. Here are some images of how it's going. The finished product shouldn't be too much longer!

Feeling Blue.

2008-02-22T11:46:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel like this?

I sometimes do. Why is it that the more you put in to some relationships, the less you receive?

Opinions?

Don't Be Too Jealous!

2008-02-20T11:44:00.001-06:00

Maria the Chihuahua.
Beatrix the Bunny
Froto the Sugar Glider

The sketch is of Polyesther when she had on one of those weird neck things. I didn't have a picture of her on my computer.

Seriously, they are MY pets and you can't have them!

WOW!

2008-02-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

So, a while back I posted a blog about my favorite poem, Walking On Worms, by Richard Behm. Today when I was reading some of my comments, I had a comment from him! He had come across my blog and said he was delighted to see his poem on my page! He also complimented my art, in particular the drawing I did to illustrate his poem. I am so excited about this! I mean, I was simply sharing a beautiful poem with my readers, and low and behold, a connection with the actual poet was made!

Ahhh, the wonders of the world wide web.

The good old days...

2008-02-18T09:26:00.000-06:00

Aahhhh. Nothing like getting your hair dried.

Old McDonald Wore Fabulous Rings!

2008-02-17T21:27:00.000-06:00

I just found these little rings on ETSY and I think they are adorable! I've not seen anything else like these, especially the way you can mix and match them to wear as sets! Very original and very desirable!! Artisan, Wai-Lian, goes by the name Soop in her shop. I wish I could collect them all!!!

Breathing New Life

2008-02-16T20:19:00.000-06:00

I've recently been revisiting old sketchbooks, partially out of nostalgia, and partially to breath some life into old, forgotten ideas. Sketchbooks are there to record ideas, yet often I spend more time going forward in them with new ideas, and less time going back to allow the old ideas to grow. So I decided to post a few of my sketches as motivation to do something with them. Be looking for what may soon evolve!

I used to make these...

2008-02-15T23:38:00.000-06:00

I used to make these sculptures. I called them "The Exotic Women of TaTa Island". They are made of Sculpey, so unfortunately, they were rather fragile for their size. I sold them for a while in New Orleans, and did pretty well with them. Then one day, a careless person cutting through the shop just to get from one street to the other ran into my display case and broke all 8 of the sculptures I had on display. It was very upsetting to me, as he had no way to pay for them and not to mention their sentimental value to me. After that, I haven't made another one. It's weird how something like that can have such an effect on me. Anyway...I thought I'd at least show them off a little, for old times sake.

Networking Addiction

2008-02-15T10:43:00.000-06:00

So, for the past few months I've been learning a lot more about networking through sites such as ETSY, Flickr, Blogging, Stumbledupon, etc. and I am finding it to be quite addictive! It is so entertaining to be able to contact other artists and crafters and celebrate what we doo. I find the communities I'm involved in to be very helpful and equally as excited as I am. It's funny because, I haven't even gotten many sales yet from all of this, but I've discovered that I don't mind so much, because I'm still having so much fun discovering new people and ideas!

Holla if you agree!

New Prints For Sale

2008-02-13T14:02:00.000-06:00

I have some new prints for sale on ETSY.

They are only $15, and they are limited edition.

Favorite Etsy Artist

2008-02-11T14:27:00.000-06:00

The Black Apple is truly one of my favorite artists on Etsy. She has created a world of beautiful, strange, sorrowful, and adorable people! Each of her pictures transports you to a different time and place. Her characters are timeless, and although they sometimes appear to be lonely or sad, they are so beautiful that you want to run up and hug them and be their best friend! Look for a link to her blog in my list of links!

Shoes To Die For!

2008-02-08T14:10:00.000-06:00

I've been a myspace friend of this artist for a long time now, but I just discovered that she is a fellow etsian. She makes the most amazing shoes! I drool over them! And from what I understand, that's ok, because her designs are waterproof! I also discovered that she makes art outside of her fantastic shoe lines. I love you Miss Bunny!!

And another!

2008-02-07T15:15:00.001-06:00

Here's another ETSY artist I've been admiring for quite a while. The fellow in this picture looks like my boyfriend and probably what our baby would look like if we had one! He he!

Artist: Ashley G.

Etsy Spotlight!

2008-02-07T14:56:00.001-06:00

Whilst searching through ETSY today, I found this adorable print of a whale.
The artist is Johanna Write.

Shadow Sprites

2008-02-02T22:53:00.000-06:00

On a recent trip into the swamps of Louisiana, I spotted a pair of elusive Shadow Sprites.

The first one I noticed was eagerly flaunting his shadowy physique to impress a nearby she-sprite.

Apparently his display of manly shadow flirting did the trick, as I later spotted them kissing on a nearby cypress.

Walking on Worms Part II

2008-02-01T22:08:00.001-06:00

Here are 2 little drawings I did inspired by the poem below. Nothing fancy.

Walking On Worms

2008-02-01T21:59:00.000-06:00

Walking on Worms is a poem I found in an anthology called Poet Lore. The poet is Richard Behm and it is one of my favorite poems.

For warmth and lust I guess they've left
The ground to twine upon the pavement,
Ceased their ceaseless burrowing,
Their dark and subtle alchemy
Of turning rot to green, and now,
Foolish as any human lovers,
Risk all upon the throbbing moment,
Believing the moment transcends.

And even I, a careful walker,
Cannot this night keep from squishing
These earthly couplings, and so take off
My shoes and socks. For if I must be
The giant of thier deaths, I will do it
Flesh to Flesh, dancing the best I can,
Torn between the need to watch my step
And knowing a larger foot descends.

Here's another artist I like:

2008-01-30T22:06:00.001-06:00

The artist is Sarah Kamsler. Her dreamy landscapes would make a refreshing addition to any wall!

What a great idea!

2008-01-30T21:48:00.000-06:00

I saw this in a thread today, and being a creator of ACEO's I couldn't help but be excited about this book!

Read all about it at Art2theextreme's shop!

It's a wonderful promotional tool for artists, and an inspiring resource for kids!

Mintd?

2008-01-30T12:55:00.001-06:00

I just found out about mintd.com on Etsy. So I am currently trying to set up a shop there, however I'm finding it is not as easy to navigate. I am hoping it will generate more views and promotion to a larger audience, but I've only been on it for about an hour. I now have a blog, myspace, flickr, etsy, and mintd. I can't wait to start finding out which of these is most productive. Any comments on your promotional successes would be helpful, so don't be shy!

Artist Jobe Nelson

2008-01-28T19:43:00.000-06:00

Please check out this artist's new shop on etsy! (Jobe Nelson)

New Artwork

2008-01-28T13:39:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to present my latest creation, which was finished last night, right before my Benadryl kicked in and I passed out on the couch! Hope you like it!

Art Show

2008-01-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

My art is currently showing at Red Star Bar in Baton Rouge!

A few years ago, I was a part of the Artists' Market in New Orleans, which had my art on display there. (It was an artists' collective.) Before that I had a few paintings and sculptures in a local bead shop, Bead It . But this is my first actual ART SHOW. I'm proud and excited and I want to do more art shows in the future!

It's actually a great way to meet more people in my community, especially other artists and art enthusiasts! I hope to have more of these opportunities soon.

Friday

2008-01-25T09:54:00.000-06:00

I've been working hard to create and promote my artwork lately. It is becoming more and more fun, the more I put myself out there. I used to be nervous or shy about it, but now I just can't stop! I love to see what others are creating and I feel like it inspires me to create more when I'm surrounding myself with so many other creative personalities.

Now my only problem is that my home computer is on the fritz and it limits the time I'm able to network. This may or may not be a good thing. Nonetheless, I want it fixed!

Erin Peterson Art

2008-01-23T11:43:00.000-06:00

This is the first Blog I've ever attempted. It is mainly dedicated to the sharing and promotion of my art and the art of others.

Here goes!