Saturday, March 31, 2007

Looking Up


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Quote for today
(above) 'Looking up' a page from my journal
***
"It was all very well to say, 'Drink me,' but the wise little Alice was not going to do that in a hurry. 'No, I'll look first,' she said, 'and see whether it's marked 'Poison' or not.' For she had read several nice little stories about children who had got burnt and eaten up by wild beasts and other unpleasant things, all because they would not remember the simple rules their friends had taught them: that a red-hot poker will burn you if you hold it too long, and that if you cut your finger very deeply with a knife, it usually bleeds. And she had never forgotten that if you drink too much from a bottle marked 'Poison,' it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later."
~Lewis Carrol from Alice in Wonderland
***
Well yesterday was a little slower with clients so I did get to start a painting...it didn't go well, I found out that being really brain tired isn't really great for creating art. It's not all bad, I mean I think I can save the work today with a few changes...but it didn't pour out of me effortlessly like they usually do, and that's hard to get used to.
I have a busy schedule today with client load, and the kids are home, and my house is a wreck, and I want to work on the painting, and my right eye is all swollen like I got punched because of a medication allergy...I look wonderful...Miss USA here I come...BLECH! You see I had this small stroke while giving birth the last time, and even though I recovered from the stroke just fine, my right eye was damaged. It started out as just a black spot like a football shape in my peripheral vision, but it has grown over the years and I am losing my sight in that eye...it's so annoying. They (the doctors) have been trying to fix it for years, but it just keeps getting worse in that eye...whatever...I still have a good left eye, so it's not that big a deal, it's just inconvenient...but this new medication proved to be a failure and that eye is swollen shut now...and that is a big pain in my ass!
Well enough about my fantastic beauty...I've managed to bore myself with that story.
So, I have to get to work soon...and I have a double booked client day so...I better eat my Wheaties and put the peddle to the metal on my day.
Be well all...and if I get the new painting to somewhere decent today (even if I think it still sucks) I'll post later or tomorrow...that's my day off.
Love to all,
Heather
Buy some art today, you'll be glad you did.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Seven Songs to Die For- A music meme


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
I got Tagged again by my buddy
jchevais for a music meme...
so this is gonna be like walking around naked
but what the hell...here we go.
***
The idea is that we have to name seven songs that we are currently listening to...I have this huge list of music on my real player in my computer and at the moment it's the only music I get to listen to (outside of the car) is on the computer (I have kick ass speakers...and it lives in the studio with me, so it's perfect I never have to listen to what anyone else wants to hear) we don't even own a stereo and I have never had an MP3 player...so I am just going to list my favorite tracks from my list...I made the list myself so...there...shut up.
1. Fergalicious - Fergi (solo from the black eyed peas) -The Dutchess
2. Outside - Stained
3. I hate everything about you - Ugly Kid Joe
4. Bad Reputation -Joan Jett
5. Wind it up-Gwen Stafani
6. Beverley Hills - Weezer
7. Pass that Dutch - Missy Elliot
***
There...those are the top seven...but to be totally honest the 8th track is one of my current most fav's right now and I have been starting my day with it for about two weeks now...
CandyMan - Christina A.
followed by -This ain't a Scene, it's an Arms Race -The Fall Out Boys.
Ok that's really it.
***
I have like 20 playlists...this is my pump it up and shake it around playlist...I think playlists are too much fun to make and I have really varied tastes in music...really I am not shitting you, I always have.
So this one playlist really only shows you the shake what your mama gave you side...so I am not walking around totally nude...just in a really short skirt and knee high black leather boots.
That wasn't so bad...I am not tagging anyone else...if you feel so inclined to tag yourself then...let us know here and I'll link up with you.
***
In other news...I dropped off the artwork for the show yesterday. It's going to look soooo good hanging, the opening night is April 12th. I am hoping for some major sales. Fingers crossed on that one.
Let's see...I was looking at summer camps for the kids yesterday and found some that might work...they are day camps, not the sleepover kind, I couldn't stand the boys being gone for weeks at a time, I am not ready for that and don't know that I ever will be. I also signed up for two juried art shows that happen later in the year and that are really well known nationally...now I have to find a professional photographer to make some slides for me so I can finish the entry...they don't cost to enter, and for me that's the Hallmark of a real show. They are also judged by Art museum curators...OOOhhhh...scary. :) I love it.
The job is going gang busters, I am busy like crazy with that.
I have been trying to draw in my journal lately, but it's not been real productive because my brain is tired from all the coaching work. I did find a couple of doodles that I want to paint...so I am going to try and transfer them onto the two remaining canvases I have left...as soon as I finish with this post...that I am writing at 5:00 am right now because I have to have more me time...argh!
So, off I go...crack that whip.
Have a good one all.
Heather
Go buy some art already!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

My 800th Post!


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Quote for the day
Above a collage by me!
2006
***
Confidence, like art, never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all the questions.
~Diogenes Laertius
***
I have not gotten into a head space where I can do my new job and create art yet...maybe today will be the day. I am itchy to paint.
This is my 800th post!
Isn't that cool?
I think so.
I made a commitment to myself 3 years ago, to write as often as possible in this blog as an exercise in finding myself and to help my learning process about who, what and why I am here on this earth.
I find that writing helps me to sort things out like nothing else ever has. It gives me a history to look back on and see where I have been, and what I have been able to do and learn...and change as well.
I am pretty proud of myself for this accomplishment,
for this commitment to myself.
I never wrote with the thought that others would read it and I never write to speak to anyone else other than myself. The gravy of this exercise has been that I have made friends and new art patrons along the way. For that bonus gift I am most grateful.
I have learned and changed so much since the beginning of this blog that I feel like a completely different person than when I started.
I was not ever one to keep a diary growing up, I didn't in those years have much that was good or even sane to write about. I'm not saying that I always do today...but at least I have a more adult perspective on life now...and I can look back and laugh, learn, and discover things that I think will help me to continue to grow as an artist and a human being in the long run.
Here's to living fully and committing
to a life of change, discovery and treasure hunting.
I am still here...
I am still kicking
I am still growing
I am still learning...
I am still
living my truth.
What are you committing to in your life these days?
I'd love to know.
This is one of my favorite quotes about commitment:
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen events, meetings and material assistance which
no one could have dreamed would have come their way. "
~ W.H. Murray
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone...
and thank you for being here today.
Heather
Now go buy some art!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Quote for the day




BAD! Kitty Art Studio

Quote for the day
(above) Laminated Collage by: hmbt 2006
"Imagination"
***

Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A Beauty Bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination.

~ Robert Fulghum
***
Yesterday I was overwhelmed by the first day on the job, with learning the new computer system, the phone bridge for taking clients, the protocols and the amount of people in general. For the first time I had more people in one day than I have had at one time...ever... each with their own needs and directions. Having to think on my feet and switch gears all day long with about ten minutes in between each new client was challenging...and I am still doing it today.
I will be able to make a good living at this, (like real good according to the pace of yesterday and today so far...Gads!) and I hope the shear volume of humans in need does not wear me out. I am practicing being kind to myself during this transition and allowing myself to not take on too much of anything else, while I adjust.
It will be nice to not be so poor (money wise) anymore, and it will allow me to buy the art supplies that I need, without doing without groceries or whatnot at the same time...as well as making a real difference in my families day-to-day life.
For the past five years I have enjoyed being able to sell enough art to keep myself going and work as just an artist full time...but the past four months of not selling has made me take stock...look at what my family can endure...how bad will I let it get before I take a pro-active stance and act to change it? Not long lemme tell you, I am a woman of action. So, here I am working with other wonderful human beings to help increase the joy quotient in their lives, better their today's, improve on their futures and it fills me with inspiration.
I may have to scale back on the art for awhile, I may not get to create every single day...I may go through flopping on the floor with withdrawals...it could happen.
I am willing to do anything for my family...anything. So if it means that I have to take this job and work a full work week (40+) as well as doing art full time(hello not sleeping)...then so be it.
At least we will have what we need and I will work harder at the time I do have for art to make the minutes count. I can't take time away from my family to do what makes me feel good, but I can manage my time better. Well...I have been writing this post for two hours now...between clients...which leads me to think that blogging might suffer with this new job as well...I will have to make a list of time needed and wanted, then prioritize that list accordingly to get the most out of every day...aaaahhhh, such is life.
Have a great day all.
Imagine just for today...
living in your truth.
Brave friends...
I am warmly yours,
Heather
Buy some art
Save the artist

Monday, March 26, 2007

New ideas for old problems


BAD! Kitty Art Studio

Quote of the day


***


The deepest-lying and most pervasive part of character is disposition: it accompanies us everywhere, and shows itself in all we do. It is the attitude of the soul toward life, the way in which we accept our situation and our daily experiences. On the inner side it gives color and tone to our own conscious life: on the outer side it pervades and modifies our conduct toward others and our reactions to events. A good disposition is indispensable to good character, though of course not all of character; without it one cannot hope for perfection; even with it one may fail through lack of higher elements. It is a sort of foundation layer.


~Edward O. Sisson

***

Today I start a new day job, one that holds promise to help pay the bills and be of service to my fellow humans. Being a life coach I am always trying how to figure out how to pay the bills, manage my art life and find new clients to keep the whole thing going. I am a good coach...people don't need my services forever, I help them get on track, find passions and inroads to their success, set and keep healthy goals, better their communication skills and feel better about being in the moment. They feel better usually pretty quick and don't need me every week anymore...that's how I know I am good...my clients see results.

I have recently been offered an opportunity to work with a large company that will help to provide a steady stream of new clients. I just have to be the best I can be and take the appointments, and use my talents to help others be the best they can be. The beauty is that I can still paint while I do this.


So, I am a little nervous about the new job but also excited to use my talents as an Intuitive Life Coach to serve a greater good, and make some money at the same time. I have a new painting on the easel as well...so I can paint while I go along and hopefully have something to share on the art front tomorrow.


Busy, busy...and trying to think about my thinking in relation to my new works. I have spent too much time over the past couple of days telling myself the two new paintings were too much fun and too easy to have any value. I didn't have to sweat it out or agonize over every step...I just had some fun and didn't think too much...so can they be any good? The answer is up to me of course, they are good if they were satisfying to create, I enjoyed the process, and they are good works at the end of the work day. They fit into all three slots...so that means I can get off my own back and enjoy this muse while it is here. Not all art has to be a form of torture and anguish. I can have fun and it still be worth something, it can still have meaning.


I can coach myself as well...in other words.


Be kind to yourselves today, count your blessings, and


buy some art! :)


My mantra for today:


One expanded and encompassing thought could change my life today.


Heather


http://www.badkittyartstudio.com/


Saturday, March 24, 2007

New Work Complete...untitled




New Work! Picture taken outside...no flash.


24" X 30" X 2"


Oils
Going up on Etsy soon...just have to choose a name first.


I really like her and wanted to share...
I need a name for her too. I am tired from working like 20 hours straight (well I slept last night for about 4 hours so not really straight but it feels like it)
Amber helped me name the last one, and that worked really well, so I thought what the heck I would put it out there and see what wonderful things you guys can come up with. She has to dry and have the last details put in, but she is pretty close to being done...I have the studio windows open and the spring air blowing in...
that's what inspired her, warm air and the smell of winter Daphne on the breeze.
So anyway...I got to go take a shower and try to get the paint out of my hair and ear...don't ask...I have no idea how it got in my ear, but it's all violet now.
Let me know what you think of her...feedback, feedback please!
Have a happy Saturday all,
Heather
http://www.badkittyartstudio.com/

Buy Some Art Today
Support Living Artists

Friday, March 23, 2007

I have no control over it...


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
***
"Art to me was a state:
it didn't need to be an accomplishment."
~Margaret C. Anderson
***
Sorry can't talk now...I have art on my mind...
( tonnes and tonnes of art poking me in all directions,
I can barley see the keyboard).
After two weeks of slumpy-ness
my mind is racing with new thoughts,
new ideas, new paintings...
must... go... work....
Later on, when I am too tired to stand any longer,
I will talk about it all.
Heather
Buy Some Art Today
Support Living Artists
PS. Do you smell smoke?
Oh it's just me...I seem to be on fire...never mind, carry on.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Cha-Cha-Changes and marketing day


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Quote(s) for the day...
***
"It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny."
~Tony Robbins
***
Changes in mental attitude about what is happening in my current life situation. That's what I spent yesterday doing. The showing in April with it's changes are disappointing, but like I said not the end of the world. I am going to go ahead and do the show, and work hard to make it a success. You never know what might happen when you put yourself out there...so I continue forward...completely unafraid and unattached to the results. Results do not define me...action and dedication...that's what define me these days. The end result is not the most important thing in determining success, it's the willingness to act...repeatedly, with conviction (and the hide of a rhino) and to greet each obstacle as an opportunity in disguise. Other peoples opinions of me and my work do not change my internal opinion of myself or what I do...so...
Carry On!
I did get work done on my new project...it's an art doll! I have not made one in many, many moons and I thought it was high time to bring out the fabric, and such...I needed something I can hold in my hands...I'll post pictures of it later on...it's a little wacky but that's the BAD! kitty way...dontcha know?
Today is marketing day...I spend Thursday's looking over my goals, my direction, my directives. I spend 2 days a week shaking the money tree...essentially.
I am going downtown to cruz some of the galleries and drop off my card if I think I might fit in with what they do...and share my online portfolio. I will also hit some of the non-gallery hot spots for art and see what's happening there...looking for that next showing and way to reach the locals, I have the next three months of showings lined up...I just need to fill in the rest of the year as well.
I am also going to be looking into a few of the online opportunities that I have been offered to participate in...the ones that invited my work, without having to make a payment to get in. Viewing fees be damned, I stopped paying to get rejected a couple years back.
Let's see...I'm going to print out some of my self designed biz cards, and put a smaller work into the car to take with me...I just have to choose which one...just in case anyone wants to see my work in real life...as well as taking my photo portfolio...just in case. Uuuummm...and then I will spend some time on the phone, and online writing emails to far away galleries asking for a review for shows...again shaking the money tree. I have had great success in doing this...I am becoming a master of the cold call (on the phone and by email)...in the most professional of ways of course. I also have a mini mountain of rejections from this exercise. I see the mountain as something nice and tall to stand on to reach the higher branches of my future success. It's all about perspective.
So, I better get myself into the chamber of beauty (bathroom) and fix up the face and hair to go and greet the world...
Watch out Universe...
Here I come.
Have a great day,
and wish this Kitty luck!
Heather
Buy Some Art Today
Support Living Artists

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

It's BAD! Kitty not show me some Titty!


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
***
So...the phone rings the other day...
the kids had just come home from school.
Thus the scene is set, and the drama of the day...
unfolds a little like this:
***
Ring, Ring.
Me: "Hello."
Caller: "Hi, Mrs. Truman?"
Me: "yes, the one and only."
Caller:"This is (insert pseudonyms here) Mrs. T, Youngest child's teacher."
Me: (internally groaning) "yes, Mrs. T. What can I do for you?"
Mrs. T: " uuummm, well...Youngest child has informed the class that he has a web site where he sells his art, is this right?"
Me: "why yes, yes he does." (relief at this point)
Mrs. T.: "well...uuummm, one of the girls in class wants to sell her art online too, and she went home to her mother and insisted that her Mother go to badkitty.com and post her art there too..."
Me: (now very much afraid of where this conversation is heading) "Oh, yes...well..."
Mrs. T: (quickly stepping in) " Mrs. Truman I am sure there has been a misunderstanding...but this Mom just called me, very upset....it seems that badkitty.com is a porn site!"
Me: " Uuummm, yes it is, Mrs. T. and it's also not the name of my web site...my web site is bad kitty art studio."
Mrs. T: "OH! well, that's different than what youngest child told us...and you can see why she called me so upset. It seems that she put little J on her lap and went to the badkitty web site and was accosted by instant images of porn on the screen. She called me right away, after of course explaining to little J what she had seen was not art. She was furious that youngest child was passing out web addresses to porn sites and wanted this stopped right away!"
Me: " Oh yes Mrs. T I can definitely see where that would be very upsetting. I am sorry for the misunderstanding, sincerely! My son does have a web page on my personal art site for his artworks...it's on my front page under his name...easy to find really, that is if you are on my web site."
Mrs. T: " so it's not a web site for children's art then? Well, that's OK, I'll just call little J's mother back and let her know that there was a misunderstanding and give her the right web address."
Me: " That would be fine Mrs. T...again I am sorry, and I will make sure that youngest child is clear on the web site address, and maybe ask him to not pass it out at school from here on out."
Mrs. T: "well youngest child is the most talented young artist I have had the pleasure of working with, and he is such a nice boy that I would never have guessed that he would pass out porn site addresses, that's why I called you right away, I knew there must have been a misunderstanding."
Me: " Well, thank you Mrs. T...I appreciate it. If there is anything I can do to help the situation please let me know."
Mrs. T: " I don't think so, you've done enough at this point. Have a nice evening Mrs. Truman."
Me: "You too Mrs. T. Goodbye."
Click.
So...the Truman's strike again...
education as you can see...
is very important in this family.
***
Have a nice day all,
Heather

Monday, March 19, 2007

The New Gallery Show- Fairy World- A slide show

BAD! Kitty Art Studio

The Fairy World Show

***

Well this is all of the show, minus one that I don't have a picture of yet. I am going to try and get it taken and upload to this slide show later in the day.

If you see something you like...for goodness sakes Email Me

and we will work something out. Some of these have been loaded onto Etsy and are ready for sale there, you can get there by clicking on the Etsy pictures in my sidebar, they also have better pictures than in this slide show.

I am starting a new work today, after finally getting all my responsibilities caught up and I am looking forward to a day in studio...I'll show what I get done if I get someplace that makes sense...I have three ideas (as usual) and I may spend a little time getting all three started so I may not have anything today to share...but you know me...in a day or two I'll have three to share!

So everyone have a great day, buy some of my art if you are moved to do so, or send my info along to someone who will, please.

I need that sale to happen soon...

Love to all,

Heather

www.badkittyartstudio.com

Support Living Artists

Buy Some Art Today

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Wait...do you smell that?


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
***
I get up this morning, cranky and stumbling down the hall,
carefully trying not to spill my coffee and drink it at the same time.
Super pooch is wiggling and blocking the hallway with his furry and very large self, very excited that his people are awake and... in his mind ready to lavish the dog with kisses and well deserved attention.
I sit down at the computer without wearing any of said coffee.
Meanwhile big furry beast is trying on his "I really am a lap dog" act and trying to talk me into letting his 100 pound self into my chair.
I sit down and ignore the dog.
Then the smell hits me...
"What the holy hell is that smell?!"
Mate man: "what smell?"
The kids come running from their rooms: "What smell?"
Me: "I smell poop! Can't you smell it?"
Others in the house: "No...wait...yes!"
The search for the smell starts.
The whole population of the house fans out into
every corner looking for the pile that
the horrible smell is coming from.
The dog follows me from room to room,
obediently sniffing for said smell.
He is very helpful my dog.
No one can find the source of the smell.
The kids: "We can't smell it anymore so it must have been a fart."
Mate Man:" I don't smell it anymore either."
Me: "I am swimming in it ovaah here, what the bloody hell do you mean you can't smell it? I can't get away from it, it's everywhere!"
The dog sits at my feet looking at my free hand waving around in the air...waiting for it to come into pet the dog range.
We all look at the dog.
He stands up.
The smell hits us like a hammer.
My dog never, ever has accidents in the house.
Ever.
His very furry back end is wiggling like mad.
It is also covered in the smell.
Me: "O.M.G.!!!"
The kids: "EEEWWW!"
Mate Man: "Shit!"
Everyone starts running in different directions, suddenly remembering a very important task somewhere far away from the dogs ass.
Thus starts the Sunday morning.
Memo now on fridge...
shave the dog, save the world.
Heather

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Holy Curator Calamity BatMan!


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Quotes and track for the day
(above) Fairy World #3
'The Bride'
Oils & Mixed Media
24" X 18"
$285.00 + Shipping
Email me to purchase
***
The problem is maddening. The thing you seek is so close, you feel you could reach out and touch it. You feel it is your immutable destiny to do so. You have not come this far and at such a cost merely to turn around and go back. There is a solution. Of this you are certain. Now, no longer a game of mass, a game of destiny, it has become, instead a contest of wills. You focus on That Which You Seek as if your gaze alone might bring it closer or narrow the distance between you. Just as it feels as if your mind itself will explode from the strain.
~Dave Sim
***

***

OK...so it's not the end of the world, it's just a problem, that's all.

Here's the story.

The big show that I have been working so freaking A hard on for three months, investing time and money and energy into and...at the expense of some other opportunities I might add...is still going to happen, but with some changes.

The well respected and very well known curator of the Gallery...has resigned in a huff because of a fight between herself and the board members.

AAAIIIEEE!

Oy Farking Vey!

Shows are now being run by a bunch of 'art volunteers', until a new curator/director can be found. This means the contracts that she made with artists are being held and honored...with a few small changes (insert sarcasm here)...with her leaving she took all of her contacts with her, so the hella good promotions and advertising that she did...gone. No big splashy spreads on the front page of the newspaper and 100's of patrons/collectors that she could count on for any show she wanted to really pump showing up on opening night. This is one of the big reasons I was so excited about this show in the first place...it's a launching point for me into the world of collectors and big time galleries.

Two...the fantastic food and wine that would have been served at the opening...gone. Those were her contacts too.

Crap, art sells better with wine present...and Good wine too...another

OY!

Three...the solo show...gone...I will now share an opening night with three other artists from the smaller internal galleries within the gallery (not that I really mind this point too much, but still it does not do any of us artists any good that are involved...bah!) and the reception has been cut down from 5 hours to 2...and moved from a Saturday to a Thursday night because that's the night the gallery stays open later anyway and it saves the board money, and it will be hosted by volunteers from the local community...who had to ask my name three times while talking to me, and had no idea what I do...how are they going to make sales? Right they are not...I will have two hours in which to schmooze and make sales, I can do that I am good at what I do...I have no fear about that but... on a Thursday night!?...gimme a break.

So, I spent yesterday pouting.

I let myself think bad thoughts, be pissy, and throw fits.

I thought about pulling my art from the showing and just getting to work on making something else happen.

I woke up this morning and am now working on getting over it...first step this ranting and raving blog post. Please excuse the mess...the BAD! Kitty has gone bat shit.

I have had a hard time getting into large "respected" galleries over the years...I am not a pedigree artist...so I must take opportunity when it comes along...I am not too good for this type of thing. I will still have it on my resume, and that's a good thing and may open other gallery doors for me in the future. I might even make a sale or two...you never know and it's never good to pre-judge the clientele...or you will talk yourself out of sales.

My ego is not that big. Oh, mind you I have a hell of an Ego...It's a healthy beast.

It's just not my ruling monster. I am a risk taker and willing to learn on the go. You have to roll with the punches and the show must go on. I am a professional, after all.

The gallery also informed me that I will have to hang the show myself (no problem as this is something I usually have to do anyway...I was looking forward to just dropping off my work and letting the magic happen...Oh well) and that the gallery % on sales may have to increase from what it was, that point has not been decided yet.

I informed them on this point, that I have a signed contract about the terms...and they should do what is needed for the galleries survival...and if the other artists will hand over more money then that's all well in good...I however will not be doing that...because

I Have A Contract.

They took that pretty well...I think.

So...I am placing the new works online for sale...and I am still thinking hard about the right and wrong thing for me to do...the part about not reveling the work to public before the show opening has been lifted, because as I was told...I need to look into promoting the show myself at my own expense...to help out...and I will...for me to spend money to make money...I have to sell work, that's the way BAD! Kitty operates. It is called BAD! Kitty after all...not the I'm nice and want to make it so please walk all over me because I am stupid kitty studio.

I have been in large galleries before...it's just been awhile, and with moving into the new area...I need to make a name for myself here in this local part of the berg...that don't mean I'll take scraps though...or spend a bunch of money I don't have to promote a gallery that maybe going tits up because they have an uptight board of directors that want to see more profits under any circumstance in this time when galleries large and small are having a hard time keeping the doors open at all.

Whatever.

So that's my rant for the day.

I am now going to take pictures of the works for the show...and post them for you all to see...and place them on the site for sale as well.

So stay tuned for more pictures...and great prices on large works...

because this Kitty needs a sale...it's been three months and I need a sale soon.

That is all.

Have a good day,

and come back later for a picture blog post

of the Fairy World Show.

Over and out.

Heather

www.badkittyartstudio.com

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Non Stop Action...yeah right.

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Quote and track for the work Day...
***
We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose our historical epoch, or the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstances of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time or conditions of our death. But within all this realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we shall live: courageously or in cowardice, honorably or dishonorably, with purpose or adrift. We decide what is important and what is trivial in life. We decide that what makes us significant is either what we do or what we refuse to do. But no matter how indifferent the universe may be to our choices and decisions, these choices and decisions are ours to make. We decide. We choose. And as we decide and choose, so are our lives formed. In the end, forming our own destiny is what ambition is about.
~Joseph Epstein
***
Well yesterday I made it to the top of the mountain of housework. I did not spend anytime in the studio all day, trying to get my home in a reasonable order and well...it just about killed me. I hate housework with a purple passion, although I hate even more living in a mess, so I do it.
Today will be spent finishing the two large works that needed to dry before going to the show...Big Red Tree and Mist Fairy. They are both finally dry, so even though it'll be work that isn't really creative, I have a good excuse to spend time in my favorite place...the studio.
I do have an idea for a new painting that has nothing to do with the upcoming show and I hope to squeeze out enough spare time before the boys come home from school to at least start on it...it's been sitting in my brain pan for a week and needs to get out soon or I might explode...really.
The boys are looking forward to spring break...I am too I guess, with the show now behind me, I think it'll be fun to have them around and asking for my time. I am planning some outings for hikes with them, and maybe a trip downtown to look at the art museum...that'll bore the paints off of Oldest in the house and thrill the Youngest...can't please them all. We will just have to see...they would be happy to just play with their friends all day and have the dreaded sleep overs...BAH!
Today is also a marketing day...I am supposed to have the willpower to not create art and concentrate on the business side of art making...trying to make connections for shows, sales and advertising...I am not sure if I wanna do that at all today, but my inner task master will probably take over at some point and talk all stern to my inner artist that just wants to have fun...and make her act all work ethic like...aaaiiieee. It's important to keep an eye on the goal though, and if I actually want to keep doing this career full time and eat...and buy supplies to continue, I really do need a sale soon...like yesterday. I have a list of galleries to contact and some other options too, I just need to get busy on getting a hold of people and making introductions...and prepare for the rejection that comes from this exercise. It happens, I am not afraid of it...for every no, there is a yes somewhere waiting to be found, it's just one of those less than joy filled chores. I do really hope that the show in April brings some sales, or that I make some sales on my own soon...it's starting to be the longest stretch without sales that I have had and it's making my nerves raw and jagged.
So, I better get busy on my day here...it'll be a slower relaxed pace and I look forward to that. I may even have some time to visit and read some of my favorite blogs and check in with people today.
Have a good one all,
Heather

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

I got tagged!


BAD! Kitty Art Studio
5 things about meme list...
because my good buddy
tagged me...
***
Ok...well as of today this is my 788th post, so I am going to have to really think hard to find 5 things I have not already spilled my guts on at some point already so if any of these are a repeat of something you already know...too BAD!
Here we go:
1. Let's see...Ummm...I'm stalling here, I am a science fiction nut. I have a huge collection of books and movies about everything to do with sci-fi stuff...but I don't like Star Trek. I also don't like horror movies or gory stories...unless they are set in space or a Galaxy far, far away.
2. I have a weather ankle. Yes you read that right...I can predict the weather at any time with 100% accuracy by the way my left ankle feels. Mate Man is always saying I could be the best paid weather person in the world...because my ankle never lies. Can I get a close up on my ankle please? Yep folks it looks like it's going to rain.
3. I can't use public restrooms. They gross me out...no matter how clean they are. I even have a hard time using hotel bathrooms and sleeping on hotel beds...eeewww!
4. I can't forget anything I read or watch. I learn new things best by being shown how to do them...or reading how to do them. When I want to learn something new, I get a book on the subject and after the first attempt, I get it right...I can remember every book I have read in my life, not like quotable...like so and so said this on page whatever, but I can not re-read books or re watch movies because I never forget what happens and that's just no fun for me. If I have seen a movie before...for the rest of my life I can tell you what the movie is by listening to the first few minutes of the soundtrack, without seeing the screen...like within the first minute that is.
5. I would win survivor because I can find food anywhere. I know all about edible plants and how to find them. I studied biology with a passion for years (20), and made my living as a garden designer, and organic farmer. My speciality was edible gardens, and because I have lived in many states and types of climates I have learned about what is edible and how to prepare it, for just about everywhere, I studied world biology for the fun of it. I also have this thing about survival...if anything ever happens to the world and I make it, I want to know how to walk through the woods or fields or what have you...and be able to eat and heal myself and my family...so for about ten years I dedicated myself to learning everything I could learn about survival in any situation...how to start a fire with no matches and wet wood, how to eat, how to build shelter, how to make pots and pans, how to build a small boat or raft, basket weaving, how to make clothes, how to hunt and store foods, how to make clean drinking water, what herbs and plant life will heal ailments and how to prepare them...and so on. I also took several dozen courses on emergency first aid and life rescue. I have backpacks set up for survival in the hall closet for all of us so if the world goes to hell in a handbag... we can walk away and make it. It makes me feel better knowing I can do this, that way I can live my life not worrying about what might happen. I know...this is weird...whatever.
***
OK, that's my five.
I am going to tag...
On your mark, get set...Go!
***
Have a good day all...I am still working on the final details (almost done) of the show, and I have about four tons of housework to catch up on today so...off I go to get started on the exciting world of dust bunny round ups and a small laundry mountain to reach the summit on. Woohoo, my life is soooo glamorous!
:)
Heather

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Analgesic Tuesday




BAD! Kitty Art Studio

rambles on...
(above a spot picture of
one of the newer works)

***






My track for today...


And I need it too, because I have the most terrible headache ever! I woke up this morning stiff, sore and in pain...BAH! I spent the entire day yesterday working hard on the final details for the show...documenting, applying hanging wires, coating with poly, painting the sides of canvases, and signing works that still needed it.


This will be my first ever show that I am ready for early! I will not be the night before the show...freaking out about what I forgot, or what to wear...I even have all that ready to go. Man am I good. It only took me five years of yearly showing to figure out that I can be totally prepared and it still be a good thing, I don't have to freak out...what a concept.


I finished all the works for the show two weeks ahead of schedule too. Can you believe it? I can't. When I started working on the show back in January I thought to myself I'll never make it...15 new works before the end of March...but I set out a goal, and stuck to it, and I got it done and early too.


I can't wait to finish up today and get back to the easel...

painting whatever I want to...no pressure just fun.


So today I woke up, took some aspirin, and slammed a couple cups of coffee...I better get to work so that I can really be done at the end of the day...well almost done I am still waiting on the new work Fairy World #19 'Mist Fairy' (see post a couple down for pictures) to dry so I can finish her up...but she's the last one, so WooHoo for me! I am resiting temptation to do just one more fairy to make it 20...


Have a good day all...


let's get it started in here!


Heather


http://www.badkittyartstudio.com/


Monday, March 12, 2007

Moving forward while standing still




BAD! Kitty Art Studio

Quote and music that moves me this morning...

***

A story is told that Whistler once painted a tiny picture of a spray of roses. The artistry involved in the picture was magnificent. Never before, it seemed, had the art of man been able to execute quite so deftly a reproduction of the art of nature. The picture was the envy of the artists who saw it, the despair of the collectors who yearned to buy it. But Whistler refused steadfastly to sell it. "For," he said, "whenever I feel that my hand has lost its cunning, whenever I doubt my ability, I look at the little picture of the spray of roses, and say to myself, 'Whistler, you painted that. Your hand drew it. Your imagination conceived the colors. Your skill put the roses on the canvas.'
Then, said he,
"I know that what I have done, I can do again"

***

Here's to the adventure of

"do it again"!

Hope your day is

filled with

treasure hunting.
I am back at work in the studio...another long day ahead
and I am happy to have it.
Living large and in the moment...
Heather


Saturday, March 10, 2007

Tangled...I'm found


This is the painting I was lost on...
this is the painting that has been eating up all my time
and brain space...I'm calling it tangled.
It's really big.
I am really tired.
This is a really crappy picture, inside the studio with one light.
I always feel like I am really done,
when I post them...so now I am going to
wash the paint off my hands, brush my teeth, and go to bed.
Tomorrow I will decide if I even like this work,
or if I am going to scrap it.
Right now, I am just glad it's done.
I am not sure that it's any good at this point...
it's been a long and disappointing day here at the studio,
with some new really bad news,
over due bills and
scraping paint out of dry tubes,
because I have no more supplies.
I am a tired BAD! Kitty...
and a little pissy about it all, so...
goodnight all.
Heather

last words

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"Look ma! No hands!"

Personality

Your Personality is Very Rare (INTP)

Your personality type is goofy, imaginative, relaxed, and brilliant.

Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 2% of all women and 6% of all men
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.

Friday, March 09, 2007

BAD! Kitty says shake that money maker!






BAD! Kitty Art Studio


My track for the day!


Happy Friday everyone,


if this song doesn't make you get up and shake your money maker...


Call 911...you have a life treating emergency going on.


I spent a little time creating my play list for today's studio work, and this is one of the song's on it. I am sure glad that when we had the money...way back when...that I bought good speakers for the computer...which lives in the studio with me.


So I will be shaking it, painting and looking forward to Friday happy hour!


Have a great day,


Heather


www.badkittyartstudio.com



Heather

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Quote for the day


BAD! Kitty Art Studio

Quote for the day

***

Two amateur artists were asked to paint something depicting "peace."

On the appointed day, both artists brought their paintings to be shown.

One picture was of a quiet, rippleless lake.

Here indeed was peace as seen by an artist.

The other painting showed a gnarled tree standing on the precipice in a rugged canyon.

Nearby was a thundering waterfall, and the river dashed on, angrily below.

In the tree, near her nest, a bird was perched, singing above the clamor of the torrent of the water below.

A sudden change in the wind could bring disaster to the frail limb upon which the bird and her nest were located.

But instinctively she knew that if that happened, she and her young ones could use their wings and mount to the sky.

Yes, the two artists had fulfilled what they had been asked to do.

One painted a scene depicting the quiet beauty of peace.

The other had seen the majestic splendor that accompanies inner peace.

~Unknown
***
I started the new work...and have no idea where it is going.
I don't have clue one as to what I am trying to say with it.
I have no notion as to what it will end up being.
I started it with no direction.
I have no story to tell, it's just a
relaxing jaunt through my colorful but tired mind.
I have no plan.
I don't know where it will end.
I don't know if it will even be any good when I am done.
I don't care if it's good or if it stinks.
I am lost.
Isn't that exciting?
I am off to discover,
what I mean to say.
Heather

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Charred bones in the calabash bowl

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Thoughts for the day...
(above) the new picture of the nebula 'the Eye of God'
as seen from Hubble...last month
***
"Hope is a state of mind, not of the world . . .
Either we have hope or we don't;
it is a dimension of the soul,
and it's not essentially dependent
on some particular observation of the world
or estimate of the situation.
Hope is not prognostication.
It is an orientation of the spirit,
and orientation of the heart;
it transcends the world that is immediately experienced,
and is anchored somewhere beyond its horizons ...
Hope, in this deep and powerful sense,
is not the same as joy that things are going well,
or willingness to invest in enterprises that
are obviously heading for success,
but rather and ability to work for
something because it is good,
not just because it stands a chance to succeed.
The more propitious the situation
in which we demonstrate hope,
the deeper the hope is.
Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism.
It is not the conviction that something will turn out well,
but the certainty that something makes sense,
regardless of how it turns out."
~Vaclav Havel
***
Today I work with hope in my corner.
My fever pitch of working means I don't have a lot to report about.
I see my kids as if they are waking dreams, floating through the studio with kisses and needs to be met. I hug my mate as if he were a visitor, surprising me with his arrival upon my doorstep. I eat every once in awhile and sleep too little. I stand under the running water and forget why I am there. I am tired and my body aches. Possessed by the effort to work harder, driving myself to the finish line of something to be proud of. Waiting for no one, taking no prisoners, allowing no distractions...the paint flows like wine, and my creative thoughts pile up on themselves like driftwood on the shore.
I just work harder is all...I don't stop.
I know that some of these works are the best I have done to date.
Others... not so much.
I have little or no interest in them after they leave my easel...
I do not care what happens to them now...orphans they are.
I am just glad to be rid of them from my minds eye;
like the feeling of removing a large thorn from under a nail.
I look forward to the showing,
but I hold no expectations for the event itself,
the final outcome of this labor. For the end result is not what I am after.
Living in these moments of being one with the work that is what ignites my inner flame...that is what matters most...being burned alive in the flame.
Being burned Alive.
Charred bones in the calabash bowl.
I am grateful to work myself hard and press myself for my best.
Today I work for the knowing. I work for the joy.
Leaving ego on the side of the road, with her good buddies fear and doubt telling them all to find a ride with someone else...there's no room at the inn for you...
Beat it.
Waking in the morning,
smells of oil paint and sweat are
like honeysuckle on a hot summers day,
sweet and inviting.
Today I work with hope in my corner.
***
I hope you all have a good day...
I am off to the salt mines.
Happily swinging my pick and shovel.
Heather
Support Living Artists
Buy some Art Today

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

New Fairy World Complete -#16 in the series





BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Another new artwork complete!
Fairy World #16
'Patience'
24" X 30" X 2" (thick)
oils/ mixed media
***
Here's the newest one. I have some small details to finish, but they are very small indeed so I thought I'd share now. This is the red madness canvas I shared last week, I tinted the red with a transparent glaze of Earth Red to bring the tone into check.
I like her...it's bold for sure.
So anyway, I'll post the quote that goes to her later today, I need to get back to the easel...only 6 more paintings to go in my 15 painting total for the Gallery show opening in April...so burn rubber on me.
Have a good one all,
Heather
Support Living Artists
Buy Some Art Today

Monday, March 05, 2007

Art of the Day...is it Monday already?

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Art of the day
'Leap of Faith'
oils
18"x 24"
You can Buy it
***
"You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, AND at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
~Jim Collins
***
***
I offer a no questions asked 7 day return policy.
(7 days after YOU get it IN your home)
If you don't like it, let me know and then wrap it back up, and send it back.
I'll refund you the sale price, minus the shipping charges.
No problems, no hassles,no waiting.
Art is subjective I get that, so just relax.
And for the love of art, take a look, you never know what you will discover!
***
Shipping is Not free and I know it will take a moment of your time and all to send me an email with your zip code or country...
but I don't want to overcharge everyone for shipping.
So, instead if you will take a moment and
send me that info,
I will ASAP send you back a shipping quote
to anywhere in the world!
Easy as pie, right? :)
***
I hope you enjoy your day.
Heather
Support Living Artist
Buy Some Art Today

Friday, March 02, 2007

Art of the day...It's Friday!

BAD! Kitty Art Studio
Art of the day...
***
'Release of Sorrows'
18" X 24"
oils
Buy it
***
Here is the quote that inspired the work:
"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk being called sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams
before the crowd is to risk being called naive.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard
in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing,
has nothing,
and becomes nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but he simply cannot learn and feel
and change and grow and love and live.
Chained by his certitudes,
he is a slave,
he's forfeited his freedom.
Only the person who risks is truly free."
~Leo Buscaglia
***
This work was a real risk of departure for me.
I learned so much about myself while sweating out the details on this one.
I am proud of myself for becoming a risk taker, one who is undaunted by fear, willing to go first, willing to stand up for myself and what I believe in, willing to be Raw and Radiant, willing to risk myself and my ego for my passions.
It's not easy to expose yourself, I think it's even harder to expose yourself to your own inner core, because no matter where you go...you are always there. It's not like you can un-learn a truth about yourself.
So, here I am world.
Just me.
Bare Naked to this life.
And loving every skin peeling moment of it.
Life is an adventure...
and I am looking for treasure.
A machine of love...
programmed for living.
***
I may have some new pictures of the three works
I am currently sweating over (aaaiiieee!) to share later in the day...
but in the next couple of days for sure, so stay tuned.
Happy Friday!
Heather
Support Living Artists
Buy some Art Today
PS. 9 out of 10 dentists surveyed agree
that buying a
BAD! Kitty original artwork
will give you a
whiter brighter smile...that will last decades!