I survived. The weekend was quite wonderful. There were so many lovely people to visit with, friends, strangers and people who had come back from previous shows. It was fun and exhausting all at once. Two very long days and some farewells to pieces that were off on their own voyages. Off to hang on other walls, but this time, without me. Bittersweet is the parting of artwork for me. Although, I squeal with glee knowing they will bring joy to their owners.
In celebration of a great weekend, I am having a giveaway. Some treats from the shop. Including an Alice in Wonderlandish ceramic sipping creation…..But, you must help me……Find out at the end….Now on to the tales of this weekend…
It was time to open the doors. People were on their way…There were many visitors and so much inspiration for me. To see little faces peeking at my creatures, laughing and actually getting my sense of humor. That is bliss.
Miss French Maid, my tribute to Amadeo Modigliani, was the first girl to leave. But, not before she had a small change. Her dark grey eyes, were turned to blue with a tinge of green. A request made by the ultra lovely new owner. Miss French Maid was so delighted to be off to her new world.
The sun was shinging so bright, as feathers and jewels escaped from the bird cage…Flying away, happy as coud be.
I was not very good at taking photographs at the jewel treasures that were purchased. Although, every single one left on the neck or wrist of the new owner – except for gifts…
Bon Voyage to fruits and veggies and Queen head jelly bean holders. Farewell to Lotti, the red ribbon bee hive ponytail girl, and to Trenches of the heart Puppets…Cheers to a lovely home for Miss red chair flamboyant, and a few others…They were so wonderful to create…I am so touched to the core, that others enjoy my work. It is such a humbling and mind blowing feeling…Just when you start to question if you are doing the right thing…this thing called Art…
There were these huge waves of people that would come by. It was just fantastic. Carolyn my friend who is an artist, and my dear friend Dino D'Taos, also set up here. They both did very well. It was Dino's first show in Catalina, as he just moved here. I hope to get him many more in town. His work is just amazing.
Psst..Can you see the signs of the old hippie who lives here….Mr. Lovee's shells hanging from a tree in the picture above…We have shells everywhere….Funny, seeing as how we are light years away from water…
It was an exciting weekend. The first time I did this show a few years ago, I wanted to fall into a hole and cry myself to death. It was so hard for me to expose my work. Especially because I find that, by the time the shows roll around, my mind has started a whole new collection or idea of work, and I always tend to feel that I am not showing what is truly me. This time I had 7 new pieces I could not complete in time. But, at some point you have to shake yourself and question…"Why am I my own worst enemy, and why am I so hard on myself?"
Some of my work is very controversial (as last months purchasor of 3 large scale pieces stated). Those tend to sell to men and I tend to hide those from the world… But as I drifted off in a strange melancholic sleep last night – I thought… Perhaps I am hiding something that should not be hidden…
Giveaway Details: I am not a mall girl at all (I was there today, hated everything), and I really want to treat myself to a fab pair of shoes….Please give me some tips on virtual shoe shopping! I am just at the edge and must shop…Whoever directs me to a place I purchase from, wins the Fanciful Twist giveaway!!! ( I was just at Anthropologie, and saw none that I desire….Look at my avatar to get an idea of the kind of shoes I like. Also, they must have a wedge or heel, as I am not the tallest person around) ps: I would like to make my purchase within 48 hours.
I am so glad you had a good show and sold almost all your stuff. It’s so funny that MaryJean stopped by without even knowing you are my seester. I know where you can buy shoes!!!! Check out these Betsey shoes from zappos.com. I can totally see you in these!!! http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/23854251/c/429.html
You can see me in those? Holy Hannibal! I am not so sure.. hee hee heee…….
Oh, what a lovely show…I’m glad it was so successful, and it sounds as if you had a wonderful time as well. I so wish I could have been there, but I spent the weekend recovering from my week (sigh)
Oh, you must go to Zappos and check out the Campers…they are some of my favoite shoes ever! The twins are especially cute because the pattern goes from one shoe to the next…and their little heels are cute too. Plus, they are uber comfy. I believe they run a half size too small as well:
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722141330/show_all/1/page/1/bar/1.html
And if that doesn’t float your boat…check out Fluevog…they are yummy dreamy!
http://www.fluevog.com/files_2/
Good luck! Shoes are always the perfect treat…
Oh, it all sounds so wonderful! I wish I was independantly wealthy and could just buy out the whole studio! Please tell me that the strawberry bowl went to a wonderful home, as I would have loved to give it one. Oh, I hope some of those sweet little bowls with the beautiful faces make it to the shop! I am so glad it was all so wonderful. Whenever I work so hard for a big event I always have this 11th hour fear that no one will come or it will be a big flop. Nothing like working hard and getting good positive reinforcement! Boy does this girl deserve some new shoes! I wish I was a more savy virtual shopper, but alas I am still something of a novice. Please post your new treasure when you find them! Congrats on your lovely success!
Sounds like you had a fabulous time. Isn’t it wonderful when folks enjoy your work?
Glad to hear everything went wonderfully – busy is good, right? Well, zappos might be the place to go for instant shoe satisfaction, but I am quite taken with the shoe shop that is just down the street from me:
http://www.delasole.com/collections.htm
I imagine you could order via email – their site has photos of their “collection” no one has stock anymore, one has collections, don’t you know dahling. Good luck. A girl has got to have new shoes.
Wow! Sounds like all of your hard work paid off. That is so wonderful that such great people went home with your creations. I know how bittersweet that can feel- but I much much MUCH prefer when i can meet a piece’s new owner face-to-face vs. when the buy is through a gallery. Wish I was in your neighborhood to swing by!
Here is a brilliant shoe idea– http://www.stevemadden.com/customization.asp
Perfect for us creative types!
Do you like vintage looking shoes? http://remixvintageshoes.com/
🙂
I’m so glad your show was a success! Cheers to many more!!!
I’m so glad to hear that your show went so well. That is great! Love the heart painting. Very nice indeed!
Shoes are my specialty! 😉 I’m not sure if this will help or not but these are my heart’s desire for now:
http://www.mooshoes.com/invoice_variant.cgi?rm=edit&product_id=161832
Oh, my dear sweet fanciful Vanessa! It all looks like such a fabulous, dreamy day! Dino’s art looks fabulous and your art looks fabulous and I’m so happy you could have such a lovely and prosperous day.
I would suggest Fluevog, but it looks like someone already did. I have another good place bookmarked at home and I’ll link it when I get home.
Love you my dear!
http://www.taratangoshoes.com/
you are made for these shoes…just saying…made for them.
also like moo shoes too!!!
Congrats on the very successful show by the way, also you need to read my blog, I tagged you earlier today.
sorry.
Congratulations! It sounds like you have quite a great day! I love the pictures of the little gallery. It makes quite a statement all together. Love it.
Shoes??? Nordstroms??
I have no other shoe suggestions for you…zappos.com
but….so love looking at your show. Wow! Sounds like it was a success for everyone!
I would love to see your work in person…I know I would love it EVEN more! I am intrigued with the ones you don’t show…the controversial ones…I am sure they are fabulous!
Can’t really help with the shoes, I personally couldn’t possibly buy a pair without having tried them on and paraged up and down the shop to make sure they were compfy. Yep I’m pretty much a flat shoed person these days though I do look back with nostagia on the times that I used to walk to work in 4″ stilletoes!
Anyway enough about shoes.
Your show looked WONDERFUL, all those people and brilliant that you sold so much stuff. Can’t believe you changed to coloour of the eyes fpr someone, now that is what I call service.
Well done Vanessa, I’m soo pleased everything went well for you.
Gosh I’ve just seen how awful my spelling or maybe it was my typing was in my comment. Sorry.
Dahling, Sounds like a fab show for you!! How wonderful!
OOh a challenge….i do love contests. I think i’ll have a go!
How are these:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=335435
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=334265
or perhaps these:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=817193
although i think they’re maybe not high enough!! hehe!
Gucci knockoffs:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=688754. All from an online marketplace i was referred to for selling my bags.
hmmmmm…..your avatar. Are you going to give us a price range or color preference?
I will try to think of another online store.
Later girlfriend!
Oh Vanessa, your show looks fantastic, what a lovely day! I know I’ve said it before, but I really mean it, if only I lived closer… I’d have snapped up that bikini girl! As for shoes, I’m a camper girl (www.camper.com) at heart but I don’t think that’s the kind of thing to float your boat!
Congrats to a wonderful show Vanessa, I understand partly about an artists’ work being so close to heart and perhaps very personal. Letting go of some of the pieces must have be hard for you, but you deserve every praise for the lovely art pieces you conjure up and what a fun filled gallery! I think if I’d visited, everything would attract my attention and it’d be SOoo difficult to decide what pieces I should purchase. Can I have everything? 🙂
I have to say that your ‘Giveaway’ is very challenging, I’ll have to think about that one…
Vanessa!! Oh my goodness your show just looked outrageously divine – I would love to have seen it for real although your photos do give a great impression – I can’t believe how much you managed to get done!! You definetly should not be so hard on yourself.
isn’t it funny how so many of us give ourselves a hard time about our work – I think it is because it is such a personal, hearfelt thing, it can reveal so much of our soul – which is never easy.
I am so intrigued by your work that you don’t show – I hope you can reveal it to us sometime!! I adore you and just have a feeling I would ‘get it’.
As for shoes – well being in the UK I am probably not much help – and it has already been mentioned but I love vintage styled shoes and am going to have to purchase some from here at somepoint in the future as I love them!! Just look at the interior of the shop!! That would be enough to make me order http://www.remixvintageshoes.com/index2.html
and I especially love this page
http://www.remixvintageshoes.com/2030spumps.html
but these are the ones that have my heart…
http://www.remixvintageshoes.com/htanklestrap.html
Cannot wait for you shop update!!!
xxx
Yippee skippee! I’m so happy and excited your show went well 😀 It sounds like it was so much fun! I would really like to hear/see more about your controversal pieces – tres interesant ma cherie!
Are you looking for a shoe or sandal? I also love the shoes at remixed vintage, but I haven’t bought online because of the shipping. I have seen lots of lovelies on the gravity pope site though, that I may just have shipped to my parents so that they are there waiting when I arrive! Like these sandals: http://www.gravitypope.com/footwear_categories.php?category=57&start=8&end=16&w_or_m=w&nw=42&nm=19&nk=0 or these cuties…. http://www.gravitypope.com/footwear_categories.php?category=59&start=8&end=16&w_or_m=w&nw=55&nm=29&nk=0
I’m just not sure I could walk in them long…but they would look nice being carried next to my bare feet too, don’t you think?? ;D
Toast Footwear: http://www.toast.co.uk/
What an amazing and satisfying wekend you had! Yes Modigliani ,ofcourse !!! Such an easy visit for you into his world. Love that painting,also the flapper entering the wild bootleg booze party and having rosebuds thrown at her feet(I want to be her!).
Shoes:
There is nothing really for me to add,except to endorse Kandeedo,and Gillian(I have been coveting those tooled leather pumps too!). Honestly shoe shopping is an in person thing for me. I highly dispise the mall too,but find it a neccesary evil for my Prescriptives products! I love Nordstroms’ Brassplum offerings,I bet you could shop on=line there.
Congratulations on your show! Your gallery looked just magical. I love! your paintings and the lucky lucky new owner of your Modigliani piece! I covet that!
Sounds like everyone is sending you to zappo’s….I am sure you will find a lovely pair of shoes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know where they found all those fabulous shoes in Marie Antoinette???
RIGHT BABE FROM THE GIRL IN THE TRADE. VISIT
http://WWW.irregularchoicestore.co.uk
THEIR SHOES ARE AMAZING. LOOK AT SPRING SUMMER 07 I KNOW THERE ARE SOME YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT PAGES 4-10.
I CAN POST TO THE US FOR YOU IF YOU NEED A MIDDLE MAN.
HAPPY SHOPPPING…MICHELLE
http://www.mydivascloset.com/noname300.html
So glad you had a great show…I knew you would!!! Everyone loves you 🙂
And I meant to invite you to my ‘potluck’.
Hey, just noticed that these are glitter-filled!!
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=817193
too bad they’re hooker shoes!!
Two more:
http://www.irregularchoice.co.uk/
http://www.rocketdog.co.uk/
http://www.noa-noa.dk/Here is my favorite website for both clothes and shoes.
Dear dearie,I have missed you sooooo much.Everything lookes so perfect and I am so happy for you and your success!!!I hope the little mouse cup hasn’t been sold yet?If so I will wait my turn of course.Great to have you back with us sweetie enjoy a little peace and quiet!xoxo D
I just KNEW it would be a roaring success!!!!
LOve the pics!!!
Just found your blog…great art! I am so glad you sold lots at your show. I was going through the same process also with a show. All my inventory looked old and I wanted to only show my new stuff…guess it is the same across all mediums…
I am so happy for you that all went well and now you can shoe shop:)
Here is a site you must check out…
http://www.basia-zarzycka.com/categories.asp?cat1=4&cat2=72
and http://www.gudrunsjoden.com/ButikHY/docs/webshop/kapitelstart.asp?OrderId=624778747&dept_id=GB-784&sSida=3
girls like us deserve only the best.
I think all artist have the same angst before a show…it is so good when all works out well and the customers are happy 🙂
What an absolutely delightful shop. Found you through a comment left on this site…http://lucullian.blogspot.com/
Whereabouts are you in the world. I am from Oxfordshire England…
Oh my gosh, is it over already?! SOooooOOooo happy for you!!!!!!!!
Yes yes, buy yourself some treats. Splurge! Roll around in a pile of freshly purchased shoes!
Ok, I think these are cute and so affordable, you could buy them all – or you could go to Italy and purchase ONE pair of something else.
http://store.delias.com/
and for the inner vintage in you… try these… http://www.old-clothes.com/
Congratulations on your HUGE achievement, girly!
hi vanessa – so great that you did so well! congrats.
you gotta got to infinity shoes:
http://www.infinityshoes.com/
have fun!
Ok, I am not sure if anyone else sent the link for these and I am not sure if the heel is too high, but I like these for you!! http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=444&itemID=47641&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=
WOW, a lot of shoe suggestions! Mine is really good, though, and it’s one of my very favorite places in my quirky neighborhood- http://www.mapetiteshoe.com. They sell amazing shoes, and amazing chocolate. What more could you want? And, although they are a bit pricey, I will tell you that when you come visit me in Baltimore, you will fall in LOVE with this place. They have really cool trouser socks, too… have fun!!!!
http://www.remixvintageshoes.com/index.html
I found it. And remembered to post. I’m on a roll!
flats or heels?
i love all of these and would be totally jealous if you bought them:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7263229/c/3463.html
and
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/22496812/c/43.html
and
http://mybabyjo.com/shoes01.htm— the marlene red platform shoe and the red francescia tooled leather wedges are to die for!
the whole shoe section at trashydiva.com…. plus all of their dresses.
and i probably cheated by suggesting so much. but it was for my love of shoes, not for the prize! ha ha. hope you find something you looove.
xxo- a
hi there miss fanciful,
ive been busy moving into the sticks, a new life out in the beautiful countryside of devon….ive been without my internet access for a few weeks.
but im back again now…boy’ u been busy…the studio looks fantastic…ur art is sooo beautiful…stunning…
ive missed ur site.
thanx for your tip about letting more people view my site i will sort that out.
i love ur pic’s…i feel ive really missed out on your life…well, now i have lots to back track and read on your site miss fanciful,
x x x x kazzy x x x x
Not sure if you found the shoes you want yet…but try the ” Naughty Monkey” brand….just google it…they are cute and priced well. My daughter just bought some flats. I noticed they have really nice vintage style new shoes. Steve Maddens are my fave, my daughter loves fluvog, and gravity pope! Wonderful photos of your show!
Hugs Sherrie
Congrats on the show Vanessa!!! great pictures!
Awww missed out on the giveaway..dont know many online shoe stores
we’re all looking forward to the Winter stock here in Oz…short booties, suede flats and leather heels..thats what I want!
All those lucky people that got to take away your beautiful art! So glad your show went well. xo
You must have posted this minutes after I checked to see if you’d been here, oh I’ve missed so much this last week! It all looks so wonderful, and it’s no wonder you’re sick this week after all the work that we know went into all this. It looks fantastico.
SO nice to hear you talk about your fears about showing things, and not showing things. The difficult side of creative life. As you know, I’ve entered a state of frozen-ness re. showing any current work on my blog.
I’m sure that will change when I have my home settled and am living in & feel secure. You are so brave to show yourself as you do, and so generous, as it’s a delight for others to see your work in all it’s colours and sizes and forms.
Maybe, in time, you will feel ok to show the more contraversial work too, as it’s just as much a part of what makes the Vanessa we all love. I think it’s good that you have work that appeals to the men, it’s a good balance for your feminine work.
Ok, I’m off to feel sick now having just eaten a large Lindt Bunny! Oh so chocolatey.
Kisses x
Wow. I’m just cathing up on your show now and am so happy to hear how well it went for you. I don’t mean to sound like a mother, but I just knew you’d do great! I like (and connect to) your comment about the disconnect you feel from the work that is for sale, since by the time you get around to selling it, you’ve ususally moved on to new styles and approaches in your pieces. Bravo to you!
Hi Vanessa…
I live out about thirty miles west of Boston, and looove your blog… and all your inspiration. I was hoping to send you to two sites in the Boston area (email me if you want those… but I called and found out that they don’t ship, you have to go there…)…
Another site I enjoy is one that sells only boots not shoes, but the boots are amazing… so check out http://www.junkgypsy.com (in Texas, and they do ship…)… and they have jewelry and other things you might like as well…
enjoy… and thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous life with us… being an artist myself, you inspire me very much…
N.