Everyday Elevated...A Shoot with Tegan Olness

This past weekend my friend Jessica and I had the honor of being invited on a test shoot with our friend Tegan Olness of Tegan Jae Photography. The shoot was inspired by images she saw on Yowayowa's website. Nicole Feltz is a model Tegan had worked with before, and proved to be a natural when we asked her to do some rather awkward jumps, while still maintaining her poised appearance. Nicole has a timeless beauty that worked perfectly for this shoot. Jessica was a constant source of ideas, assistance, and inspiration throughout the shoot. It was so much fun to explore this concept with Tegan, Jessica, and Nicole. I was privileged to be invited to shoot, and I look forward to exploring this concept further. Below are some of my favorite pics from the shoot!

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival

So this weekend is the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival! We're pretty excited/nervous since it's the largest art fair we've ever been a part of. They have over 100,000 visitors....yikes! I'm working on some last minute details today and tomorrow, those of you who know me, know that I am a procrastinor! During the festival (Sat + Sun) I will deactivate my specialty items, such as jewelry, canvases, framed pieces. Meaning, if they sell at the show, they will not be back on Etsy. I also have many other framed pieces...some vintage frames, some new...that will be at the festival. And wonderful sets of postcards. Many of the items aren't yet available in my Etsy shop. If you're in the Milwaukee area, and are looking for something fun and artsy to do, this would be a great stop for you. Directions can be found here. I will be near the Rivoli Theater on the west side of Washington Ave. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Cicada in Vintage Clock

Gangly Photo Locket

Vintage Fan Canvas Wrap

Pink Walking Stick in Vintage Oval Convex-Glass Frame

Gallery Night in Milwaukee

So Gallery Night on October 16th was so much fun! Again, I'm so honored that the The Home Market featured my work! They are an amazing store and did an inspiring job of arranging my work and complimenting it with some of there items. I sold 5 pieces from my new insect series. These are a preview of what will be available in our shop when we re-open in about a week. Miss you all, and look forward to being back after our move!! Emi :)

Artbar

Cigarettes

(shot by me at Artbar)

Last night, the "Mini" show began at Artbar in Milwaukee's riverwest area.  It runs 11-07-08 through 1-07-09.  The concept is that they have several artists submit artwork that is 8x8 or less, and under $60.00.  It's a fun way to see a lot of art, and maybe do some holiday shopping!  I definitely had some favorites of the works there.   Artbar is such a charming little spot, where even in the details of the decor....you find art.  From their yardstick pub table tops, to their bungee cord stair rails, you're sure to be visually inspired.  If you're in the Milwaukee area, take a break and check it out!

A New Start

Cycle

Hello all.  Well yesterday was the last day of my old job.  I had been working at Apollo Photo for the past 13 years.  I said goodbye to some very dear friends.  I am very excited to be beginning my new job monday at Kohl's corporate offices.  It was a very tough decision to leave my friends of so long, but it was definitely time.  It's interesting to me how we all experience cycles in our lives.  Hopefully more ups than downs, but however they come, it makes such a huge difference when you have close friends and family through all times.

We'll miss you, Bucky.

This past weekend, Buck Franzen, my father-in-law passed away.  Bucky was a lively spirit and kind heart.  He will be missed tremendously.  What I will remember most about Bucky is his zest for life, and ability to make people smile....well except for Slick the cat, but that's another story.  We will miss you always, Bucky.

Bucky and Marcella

A few of my favorite Bird inspired art pieces dedicated to the memory of Bucky.

White Bird Landing by Barbara Carter

Tufted Titmouse by Robert Socha

Coal Print by Amber Alexander

Bird 01 by Rachel Robertson

Door County Trip

Mark and I recently went to Door County for our 5th year anniversary.  It was so relaxing, but too short of a visit.  Stayed at a lovely inn called Lodgings at Pioneer Lane, would definitely go back.  I so enjoy the quiet time we can spend together.  These are a few pictures from our trip.

Arwork on display at Brewed...

We couldn't be more excited!  Our photography is on display at Brewed coffee.  For fellow Milwaukeeans, Brewed is on the east side at 1208 E. Brady St.  Sheila, the owner, has worked very hard since buying Brewed to keep a fresh flow of artwork in the cafe.  We are honored and thankful to be included.  This is the first time our artwork has been displayed publicly.  It seems like there are a lot of opportunities in Milwaukee, it's just a matter of pounding the pavement.  Hopefully there will be more to come!

Staying inspired

I think sometimes it's challenging to stay inspired.  What inspires you?  We can glean inspiration from everything around us.   If you are an artist, does your work inspire others?  Is it engaging your audience in someway, challenging the way they perceive everyday things?