Unleashed Market in Brisbane

Today I visited the UNLEASHED MARKETS at the Toombul Sports Centre, Nundah, Brisbane!  

(  http://www.unleashedmarkets.com/  )

This market is designed for artists, artisans and all lovers of the gothic, steampunk and rockabilly genres of dressing and accessorizing.  I found it to be absolutely fascinating!  There were some truly awesome artists attending and it was well patronized by the appropriate customers - some of whom were attractions in themselves!  It was not polite to take photos of the stalls, but I couldn't resist 'capturing' this little steampunk doggie and his amazing mistress!

This market is definitely worth a visit... have a look at the website and see if it is your 'cup of tea'.  

Another day, another skill to learn!

I have a friend who, like me, is a fan of fantasy and science fiction and who has introduced me to the world of theatrical and special effects make up and 'cosplay' (wearing costumes).  We spend many hours talking about sculpture and making moulds, casting in resin, the virtues of silicone and ways to reproduce artwork.  So for the last couple of days I have been experimenting with a new technique, sculpture, and two new mediums for me, silicone and resin!

I decided to make a celtic brooch, since I love celtic design and a brooch is small.

 First, I drew a design on paper. I then transferred the image to a flat piece of clay.  

I cut out strips of clay and wove them on the surface of the background disk.

I used WAY TOO MUCH silicone when I made my first mould!!  Made a big mess!  But I also sculpted a few more pieces to mould.  The dragon claw will be a two piece mould - a challenge for another day!

I used too much oil as a release for the original sculpt.  I have since learnt that I don't really need a mould release agent for an item this small, using a silicone mould.  When I poured the white resin, it came out too frothy and I could see that the oil showed up on the cast.

 

After re-making the moulds and carefully cutting away any 'flashing', I have a cute finished piece!!  I am well pleased, and confidant that I will get better with practice.  I have learnt so much in the last couple of days and its been a lot of fun!

Horatio finished!

                     

                      

Michelle Andrews Art Shops

Once you decide to make your living at art, or at least increase your practice, you find yourself constantly thinking about how to grow your business.  For months I have been relying on my Miss M Handmade shop on Etsy, hoping it would pick up, and producing a lot of merchandise for it.  My next step there will be attending various handmade markets in my region and promoting in person.  I will also be diverging into more adventurous designs.

I also decided to get my paintings and drawings working for me while I painted more.  I discovered Spoonflower and thought how wonderful to see my designs on fabric!  This company prints onto various fabrics, wallpaper, wall decals and now, wrapping paper.  If you follow the link below, you will see some of my paintings and some extra designs I have developed using them.  At the moment the designs are not for sale.  Spoonflower has a policy of not selling a designer's work until we have bought a 'proof' of the print, to make sure all is ok.  So far I have ordered one square of fabric with the peacock print, and I will make a cushion to sell.  Should be real pretty!

http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/michelle_andrews?sub_action=designs


At the same time, I opened an outlet on Zazzle.  This company prints onto clothing, accessories, stationery, canvas, posters, cards etc!  I am delighted to see my paintings on so many products.  For each sale I receive a royalty as the designer.  I have uploaded several paintings on various items and will continue to do more.  Although, Zazzle do produce mugs, I wish they also did crockery as I would love to see my work on a whole dinner set!!

http://www.zazzle.com.au/my/products/public?sr=250765832750869332

Apart from these two endeavours, I have not been very productive in the studio.  I have done a little bit more on the 'oriental' painting ...

and last night I decided to have a bit of fun and try sculpting a mask!  Still a work in progress.... she will be a dragon lady... I think!

New Outlet!!

I have spent the last couple of days photographing my work and setting up new retail outlets on Zazzle.com and Spoonflower.com.  It is still a work in progress but I have begun uploading and designing products on Zazzle as you can see at the below link.  At the moment its wrapped canvases and coasters but all suggestions are welcome!  Zazzle print images on anything!!

http://www.zazzle.com.au/michelleandrewsart/gifts

I am VERY excited by the possibilities!!!

Nervous!

For weeks I have been avoiding painting more on this piece.  I have been quite ridiculously nervous!  So afraid I would spoil it, worrying that what I wanted to do would be over-whelmed by the 'metal frame'.   I had a picture in my mind what I wanted to do but wasn't sure if I would be able to do it.

Finally tonight I thought 'just do it!' and did.  I'm pleased with the progress now.  If I can focus on each leaf and flower and stop fretting about the whole, I should be fine!

I want this painting to be vibrant, colourful and luscious!

Dragon Pendants

The dragon eyes really come to life once they are painted... I love them.  Each one seems to have its own character!

These eyeballs will decorate a vine leaf garland... don't ask me why!!  Just for fun :)

Haven't worked with Horatio crow lately so thought it time to finish him.  I painted his body, legs and boots today and applied some black feathers around his neck.  Also started to make his little top hat.  I originally envisioned him to be an English gentleman, but now my mind is heading into a more quirky, Halloweeny theme!

Dragon Eyes!

On impulse I made this dragon eye pendant a couple of days ago, posted it on Facebook and sold it!  What a happy boost to my self-confidence.  I love the fantasy and drama of dragon stuff and plan to make more...

Last night I spent an enjoyable time using my imagination and coming up with a variety of dragon eyes.  I experimented with different materials and think the original version is probably the best.  

I am inspired to think of what other artefacts or souvenirs might be brought back from a strange journey or lost land....