Always A New Adventure

It's nice to live in an area where you've grown up and spent your entire life. My family has been in Tampa for five generations.  Everywhere I go I seem to run into a friend, former classmate or relative. I think that's why I've always enjoyed participating in the local art shows and outdoor markets.

For years I've done the Tampa outdoor Hyde Park Market on the first Sunday of each month. I enjoyed spending the days at the markets with my daughter selling original art and unique hand made gifts. While you'd never make a fortune there, it was more about the experience connecting face to face with my customers and developing a local following.

Recently I decided to sell my original art and gifts in a uniquely wonderful shop here in Tampa, "The South Tampa Trading Company". It's a store like no other in this area that carries a wide variety of specialty items, gifts, art, home decor with a huge selection of Gasparilla themed accessories and beads.

Here's a short video of  a few of my collections in the shop. I'm always adding new items with a
many new fall and holiday items coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/KarenEmbryDesigns/videos/10155496022227492/

So if you live in the Tampa area stop by South Tampa Trading Company http://www.southtampatradingco.com/  and check out marvelous selection of incredible customizable gifts for discriminating shoppers. At STTC they feature the talents of many different trading partners, each with unique and fresh ideas.

#karenembrydesigns #karenembry #southtampatradingcompany #tampagiftstore #gasparilla #tampagirl #Tampa #gasparillaparade #beads  #artlicensing #tampaartist "originalart

WELCOME 2017

I am ready for a year filled with the promise of good things! It sounds a little ironic with the controversy in the political climate, but it's important to remain positive. We need to focus on being strong, staying true to our beliefs and understanding everyone's point of view (even if we don't agree). This is a time when we need compassion.

Compassion is my favorite inspirational word for 2017.  The Dalai Lama said , "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

The Global Good Groups Blog, "The Art Of Politics And The Politics", expresses a common belief about art and politics:

"Art and politics have been inextricably linked through the ages and there is always a direct correlation between different artistic movements and the politics of the country and even the ever-shifting sands of world politics. The relationship between the two is at the same time complex and yet direct. All artists, whether they be fine artists, filmmakers, musicians or writers are influenced by the world around them and the changes in politics."

http://globalgoodgroup.com/blog/2012/02/07/the-art-of-politics-and-the-politics-of-art-a-brief-history/

All things around us influence/inspire our art and politics is obviously no exception.   

What's your inspirational word for 2017?