Monday, July 25, 2011

Artists and Inspiration in Atlanta


The mart in Atlanta was amazing! So many showrooms and new products to view. It was as if I was a child in a candy store - except this was all eye candy! Showroom after showroom filled to the brim with wonderful, colorful and awesome decor for home, holiday and gift giving.



One of my favorite parts of visiting the show is connecting with the amazing artists that I have come to know over the years that are in the same industry.  We are creative, right-brained individuals that share a common passion for what we do for a living.  Since the majority of us work alone in studios on a day to day basis, getting together provides a chance for us to share our experiences on a personal level (and over a glass of wine).



It's a smaller group this go around in Atlanta at the Westin get together, but always a pleasure to see these smiling faces. Left to right standing: Karen Embry (me), Cherish Fielder, Jane Maday, Phyllis Dobbs, Brenda Pinnick, Stella Violano and (sitting in front) Sharon Himes.




On the last night before heading home, Phyllis and I had dinner down the street from our hotel. It was a time to catch up on our events from the week. Good times, good friends...




On the way out of the mart I had to stop in to visit the temporaries' booths as well as the cash & carry jewelry section of the show. I love to walk these areas and chat with exhibiting designers. Of course I couldn't leave empty handed. I came across this fun and funky necklace that spoke to me as an artist and I just couldn't resist! 




Oscar Wilde was right  ...

but, I think we should do both!

Friday, July 8, 2011

BELIEVING IN THE "DREAM" ...and getting ready for Atlanta


Designing day in and day out for the art licensing business can be a challenge at times. I truly love being an artist and designer so it definitely makes this uphill journey a little easier to follow.

I am heading to the AmericasMart in Atlanta next week to meet again with manufacturers and let them have a peek at my new art collections. Yes, this is a bit of a new style for me and there is quite a bit more new stuff in my portfolio! I have been designing new collections over the last several months in preparation for the show - nothing like a deadline to get the creative juices flowing!


There is a favorite quote of mine that simply says it all about having the faith... 

"Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true".
(Author Unknown)


May you always believe in yourself.