Little Glimpses, Big Discovery

WITHIN REACH, by mystele

Little Glimpses on etsy.com

Little Glimpses on YouTube

Little Glimpses on Blogger

S'pose you don't need anymore hints. It's Little Glimpse's turn. This latest featured artist is a genuine gem. Whether it's an opportunity to buy her beloved creations or to learn from her... she's non-stop inspiration. Mystele, not sure how she pronounces it, is a happy, accidental find. I first happened upon her sweet little sculpture and loved it so much that I featured her on one of my Etsy treasuries. Turns out it's her paintings and indomitable spirit that speaks to this artist's passion. I've watched what I believe to be, every one of her YouTube vlogs and videos. Part of what appeals is that there's not one pretentious bone about her. And her thoughtful approach and practiced techniques are sure to get you up off you "duff", as she would say. But, in the end, it's Mystele's characters "calling to her to bring them out", that'll charm you.

Folk art or not, the motivation and charm is what grabs. She should be a bonafide-summers-off teacher so as not to waste her insight. She should be a pampered/sponsored artist full-time so as not to waste a creative moment. She should be a... I wish I could grant her a de Medici-style patron. Well, I intend to glean as much as I can from my newfound friend. Her drive and willingness to open her studio and arms. God bless you, Mystele.

Soul Kitchen

Soul Kitchen Grays, Lighting the Fire Sketchbook entry by Suzanne Jacobs-Fabian

How's this for distraction? Not an oil entry. Just a blast from the past...

Bag Lady Extraordinaire

Pomp, sistas! Pomp! With a bag on my shoulder, I have my crutch. Something to fiddle with and rummage through. The proverbial extension. Here, girlfriends, is one unique group. One sassy. One classy. And one smarty pants. S'for all of us. Enjoy!

The first is called the Zippered Pouch, Ornate Floral Flannel Hot Pink Polka Dot, by CarrieDee. I call it, "Sass". CarrieDee says it's for unmentionables, etc. but it'd be great for lipstick, breath mints, you name it. So, enough of the boring stuff. It screams femme fa tale, if you ask me. Luscious lips. Suggestive and quirky. But, darn it. Downright necessary. Why did no one think of these before? Or maybe they did and my head's been buried in the sand. Anyway, it's a great little present to get for your BFF. CarrieDee.etsy.com's the place for these puppies!

Now comes the class... I've never been a huge fan of purses over $30. Enter Julia's jewels. Her shop, renneslechateau.etsy.com, features quality work and this jewel is worth every penny. This one's called the Annie Leather Bag. Sumptuous leather, generous proportions and fab construction. Yummy, buttery texture makes for serendipitous slouch. Julia, I'm curious about the avatar bag... mmm, avatar baaaag.... aaahhhh


Last but not least, is this brilliant yet humbly-priced, Grocery Tote. Hey, genius AND reasonably priced? Sure, I could make my own but for this price, why would I? I truly can't stand the "green" bags that stores sell as recycling alternatives. Noble, they may be BUT snazzy they are NOT. Besides, it's advertisement for the store. Nobody's shelling out dough for me to be their advertising vehicle, thank you very much!!! I don't like plastic bags either so these are a savvy alternative. Who knew grocery bags could better your fashion statement? Smarty pants did. Ruth, these are positively fab. For more, visit Ruthscrafts.etsy.com.


Suffice it to say, it's in the ____. Fill in the blank. Or the bag. Your pick!

Live Funky

Featured artist, Jessica Torrant, has been on my to-do list for awhile now. Her illustrations can be seen at the "Illustration Station" and paintings @ "Live Funky". She's the perfect example of contemporary artists whose works I've come to appreciate. Its deceptively simple demeanor speaks in beautiful tongue.

Sometimes I Think I Can Fly by Jessica Torrant

Fluid in the Now by Jessica Torrant

Older and wiser, I'm inexplicably drawn to this fluid style of painting. It possesses lucid simplicity with restraint. Her straightforward refinement demonstrates a keen eye for translation using spare details that's loaded with style. I especially love how Landscape Series 1 reveals her interpretation of "landscape". Too bad there's no bus bound for this destination. Ms. Torrant, you might not know it but you're definitely flying already.

Landscape Series 1 by Jessica Torrant

Question: Is design art?

Answer: ED FELLA

No Bad News

Patty Griffin again... a little snippet of her NO BAD NEWS lyrics

Don't bring me bad news, no bad news
I don't need none of your bad news today
You're a sad little boy, anyone can see it
You're just a sad little boy, that's why you're carrying on that way

Why don't you burn it all down
burn your own house down, burn your own house down
Try to cure your own disease
And leave the rest of us, there's a lot of us, leave the rest of us
Who want to live in peace, to live in peace

Patty is golden. Rocking testosterone and feminine lace. Hinting timidly with an aggressive voice. Art is in the words too. Woven stories worn in so many ways.

sigh

Acquisition Futures

Make way for another favorite. Why in the world does anyone buy personal jewelry at cookie cutter stores when there's authentic, original beauties like these? Why?

"Oded & Ilan" handcraft these beauties. Now, in my books, Oded & Ilan's "ArtisanImpact" is an Etsy success story. I normally choose to herald the undersung on Gallerie Suze. But credit is due especially for those whose craft has credence. Besides, you'll find no other mere mortals within your sphere, wearing these originals. Isn't being bold worth the investment - especially when you're audacious enough to show everyone else up!

This first ring is an exquisite band, called "Springtime", that can only be found at Etsy store, "ArtisanImpact". This sterling silver is, as artisan says, "integrated 9K yellow gold ring inlaid 2 lab grown opals". I can just see it's chic on a long and slender finger.

My fav is the second ring called, "What Makes You Smile". Artistic interpretation with this sterling silver ring (embellished with garnet, citrine and blue topaz) is done in confidently, feminine sophistication. Oooh, how good it would look on my hand... Good thing it's only a digital image on this blog cause you'd see drool on it. Pardon me while I slurp.

"Zero Hour"
Zero Hour, the last ring pictured, is described as "sterling silver combined with 9K yellow gold" and "unisex". I say it screams, "my beloved!!!". What a perfect wedding band this could be. The sculptural quality of this piece is so beautiful and the patina so soft. Placing it on your lover's wedding ring finger sends a clear message. Eternal devotion as represented by an unending circle of love, like a constant "hug" for your irreplaceable lover. This exclusive piece is somewhat similar to other blended Artisan bands so if you snoozed on it, they can create your own masterpiece. Doesn't your honey deserve a fertile reminder on the finger that supposedly leads straight to his heart?

ArtisanImpact currently has 153 other items on Etsy. Prolific work that you must see for yourself. And if that's not enough, they have more links available on their shop announcement. Now, my experience with Ety's artists has only been - well, in a word, "fantastic". In fact, when I've had requests, I've been accommodated like royalty. I dare say that's worth ditching lines and surly salespeople for. Need I say more?