(Art Days) My Latest Drawing

(Life) No New Clothes Update & About Blogging

Recently, I was watching the Today Show & they said blogging is an excellent way to build up your reputation! Well well, I am doing another thing right with this blog of mine. 

They said it's the best way for people to get to know you aside from talking to you because they are regarded as truthful glimpses into a person's life. Often times second hand information is very un-reliable so reading something one typed out on their own is considered very reliable. 

Yay for blogging!

My no new clothes challenge is going swimmingly, I've only bought a new pair of shoes, two cami's & a basic tee-shirt. I wear out my tee shirts so quickly since I generally always have one on underneath a cardigan or my work shirt. Also, I have only bought them on sale or from a thrift store. I love thrift stores because it helps the local community, & you get cute clothes for great prices. & who in their right minds do not love a good sale?

I am going to be getting rid of some of my especially worn in shoes- le shock!

I normally will wear shoes until they have holes, but I figure it's time to grow up & let them go. 

That hobo-chic thing was cute when I was a care-free kid- but now I just look like a hobo.

I was thinking of sharing a piece of my current wardrobe & writing a little bit about it once in a while on my blog here- just to honor my no new clothes challenge & hopefully help me get inspired to wear the pieces & put them together with other items in new ways. 

This seems kind of odd for my blog, which basically is mostly about my art, but honestly how you dress yourself each day reflects who you are- just as your artwork does. 

About my art, here is a picture of one of my drawings in progress. It's coming along slowly but I'm really liking it.

So far the materials I've used are pencil & acrylic paint. I free handed this without reference because sometimes I just want to create something really unique, not just copy something over. 

Also, I've been trying my hand at another one of the Albright Knox's photography contests- inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. Here's a few of my entries so far, you can see the rest on my Instagram: @Wistful_Victorian::

That's about all for the moment, but as usual that changes so fast because I'm always keeping busy & having new ideas pop up in my head. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day

I have been obsessed with listening to Adele lately. 

I've also been obsessed with ways to keep myself calm & not stressed out. My friend has brain cancer & I've been very distraught. So far taking walks & hot showers works very well, as does keeping up with my art & playing my guitar. It's a day-to-day struggle but I just keep in mind that no matter what happens she will be my friend forever & that bad things in life often are followed by great things. It doesn't seem like that now however- but I'm just trying each day to stay strong. 

(Life) Working on my art & wanting more

I work on my art everyday, & so far- since December I have: been published in Artvoice, been in a local galleries show, sold 6 paintings, had my work shown & sold at Record Theatre for Record Store Day & my work is published in a children's book. My photograph was chosen by the Albright Knox to feature in their pictures of nature series on their website & I have been given a solo show for January. I am extremely thankful for all of these things! I am also very proud of myself, because I've kept going along and making my work & constantly trying new things. 

Currently I am trying out the new Albright Knox photography challenge, I'm not too sure I understand it- but I am trying my hardest! & I am going to enter some of my work in the Erie County Fair. Besides these things I am always looking for new art exhibits calling for work & for other contests to enter.

I am so blessed but I still want more! Not in an ungrateful way by any means, but I just want to be successful and happy. I know I can do it, & I know success takes time- I have been successful so far for the short amount of time it has been since I have graduated my undergrad school- but I want to keep working at it until I achieve even more great things. I love art so much, I have loved it my entire life.

It's natural to want more of what makes you happy- and I just want to make more art & enter more shows & do more commissions! I am having so much fun & I am so happy & thankful. 

(Life) Photos of Chautauqua

(Art Days) I'm Published

The children's book I illustrated for, "Benjamin & the Bully" is all bound & going to be handed out to school age kids in the area as part of Danielle Flanigan's grad school thesis project! I'm so grateful & happy! I put together this wee collage of pictures of the finished book:

She did a great job of putting it together, I cannot wait to show my friends the book in person. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day

The Goo Goo Dolls new album "Magnetic". Enough said. 

They are my favorite band ever- picture is from the Buffalo News. Just go listen to this album. 

(Artist Style) What I Wore, no new clothes

My outfits from this past week. My no new clothes challenge is still going great!

I really love my over the knee socks from Sock Dreams, it's been rainy & damp this past week & they've been coming in handy. 

Yesterday my Ma & I went to Chautauqua- it was so much fun! I took tons of pictures, that I will put up in another post. 

I wore the last outfit shown above to Chautauqua. I always try to look nice, unless I'm sick. Then I try to look at least presentable. I'm mentioning this because we stopped at a small gallery & while quietly talking to one of the workers were very rudely interrupted by a loud young woman dressed in a long bright striped tube dress thing, wearing clunky engineer boots & a purple cropped jacket- eew. I mean it's one thing to run up to the woman we were speaking to, and grab her into a hug while yelling "OMG hello!!!!"  And thus end our conversation rudely- but it's another thing to dress in such a way to try your hardest to seem artistic this making yourself look like a tacky spastic fool. 

This young woman was so loud & rude & badly dressed. She was loudly proclaiming her latest artistic adventures while stomping around in her large boots. My Ma & I were so offended at how she interrupted us, & at how she thought she was so much better than everyone. We were also mad at the worker because suddenly she ignored everyone besides this young woman. 

We just left without buying anything. I'm not saying it would have been any better had the young woman been better dressed, but the forced "artistic" outfit she had on made her seem even more annoying. 

This is one thing I hate about for lack of a better term " artistic " people. Not all people who have artistic talent dress this way- but for some reason it's a group of people that does have more badly dressed persons than other groups. 

Just because someone can draw or paint or what have you isn't an excuse to completely opt out & dress like a complete fool- or for that matter act like one. 

Talent is a gift & I believe you have to present yourself in the best way that you can to honor the fact that you've been given that gift. Not wrap yourself in the craziest attire you can find to shove it in people's faces that you are in fact creative. 

I appreciate individual style, but there is being yourself- then there is having a complete disregard for trying to look nice & professional. It's almost as if one is saying " I'm talented & better than you so I don't have to try to look nice or listen to societies ideas about what looks nice because I'm above all of you & your pedestrian views don't apply to me- because I'm better! " 

This way of thinking gets one nowhere, there are appropriate ways to act & dress for each situation. Not because society is trying to keep you "down" but because fitting in sometimes & showing people you don't need to be different 24/7 are the things that make society & human relationships strong. Being a good person & working on your talents will make you stand out- not the way you can make the craziest outfit nor how loud you can be. Also, dressing nicely helps others relate to you! People can see that yes- you do in fact have a lot of talent but yet you dress like they do. Maybe you have a certain flair with how you dress but you're not so different as to be off-putting. 

These are my views on dressing, I get other people might think I'm a bit snotty- but would you give your business to someone dressed as a circus clown & acting like one, or to someone well dressed & well behaved? 

My rant is done, for now at least! 

Besides that crazed woman- our day was so lovely. 

(Art Days) My photo!

My photo from Instagram ( @Wistful__Victorian) is featured on the Albright Knox's website! 

It's of a leaf laying on concrete, go check it out I'm so proud! 

Here's the link: 

http://www.albrightknox.org/news-and-features

/features/article:06-08-2013-your-nature-photos-week-2/

(Art Days) Instagram

From top left:

Working on my summer to do list

My latest finished painting

No new clothes challenge 

My drawing in it's beginning stages

Baby geese!

A close up photo of a flower

My new pin from Melissa Buckley

My drawings

No new clothes challenge

Other's pictures I like:

A building with ivy & a tower

Stripes

Drawing of two girls

I love this moon!

Her hair!!

Moss

George Harrison

That. Vintage. Dress. 

A very true quote. 

(Art Days) Photographs of Flowers

These were taken at a local plant nursery- Rudolph Galley & Sons 

(Life) Thoughts on Creativity

I am always thinking of ways to be more creative. Why? because my job is to be creative, I need to be creative in order to make new art, being creative helps me in all areas of my life. But sometimes I need a little help with this.
What to do when I cannot seem to think of anything, when I feel as if I am stuck?
I take lots of pictures wherever I go, I talk to my friends about my ideas and I just force myself to put myself out there and be myself.
Taking pictures gives me a physical reminder of the things that inspire me. Talking to my friends is always fun, and having the perspective of others keeps my ideas fresh. By being myself, well sometimes it can be scary but it's always better than ending the day knowing I didn't let myself be me.
I also watch TV that takes thought to watch, the Discovery Channel, BBC,  things like those. Garbage TV helps no one. As does watching TV too much. If I watch TV too much I get lazy, and also if I go on social media too much I get nervous. It's not natural to be so connected to everyone. I remember the times before social media- gasp! People had a few people they were close with & kept in regular contact with- and people had.... alone time! Now, everyone knows everything about everyone & can get in touch with everyone anytime of the day.
By choice I do not have Facebook on my phone, I do not check it everyday. I don't constantly text people, I actually do go places & never look at my phone, I have days where I don't talk to anyone besides my parents & my dog. Seriously, alone time is good for the soul. Especially in today's time where everyone is hyper connected.
These are just my thoughts, take them or leave them.

(Life) People who inspire me

Rod Stewart- because he is outrageous.

Stevie Nicks- because she has great style, & she's very smart. Watch an interview .

Janis Joplin-Because she was a complete bad ass & always stayed true to herself.

If you know me, you know why. But... George Harrison- he was an incredibly talented musician, he was smart, aware of world problems, funny- hello Monty Python, I love learning to play his music. Just yes.

Courtney Love! Because she isn't afraid to be herself, she admits when she acted like a complete train wreck- honestly she did, and when I was in kindergarden I dressed as her for picture day. She rocks- literally & figuratively. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day & 700 Cats

I'm going to the Goo Goo Dolls concert this August! I'm so excited, I've seen them about 6 times now- they're my ultimate favorite band! So this Tuesday I've decided to post some of my favorite songs by them. 

As I'm typing this, I'm watching the documentary "The Lady With 700 Cats". She is honestly slightly crazy I think but in the best way. This woman has a no kill shelter- complete with human sized beds for the kitties! We need more people like her. 

She takes in other animals too it seems- judging from the incredible amount of doggies walking alongside her. 

Apparently this documentary first aired in 2011- I've never seen it before! How?? I just googled the sanctuary- it's still open thank God! Here is the link:

http://www.cathouseonthekings.com/

This woman is incredible, I'm in awe as I'm watching this!! 

 She has the means & a team helping her. The means being money & a team being people who know how to properly care for the cats- including vets. She's not just some crazed woman going into this half cocked. 

Kind of a random post, yes. But Goo Goo Dolls + animals= the best stuff ever.

ps: check out this great post by Kaylah of The Dainty Squid about Niagara Falls & Buffalo! Also, check out Elycia's post of <3 Elycia about Buffalo & Niagara Falls!!
Buffalo, Niagara Falls & the surrounding towns up here in WNY have so much to offer- way more than snow. This area & the cities often get a bad rap as "dying" cities & communities. We are not as big as NYC- but we have great small towns, architecture & history. There are THE BEST antique shops up here, as well as amazing food! 

So, come & visit us :)

(Art Days) Sold!

I sold three paintings the other day! I'm so excited!! Of course I took a picture too. 

Also, since I've cleaned my room that was a horrid mess I've been making a lot more art- yay!! I blogged about it because hopefully it will guilt me into keeping it clean and/or inspire someone else who has trouble keeping their art supplies & clothing seperate from one another, to do something about that. 

(Yes I'm rather dorky-just deal with it) 

Besides all that, I've been pondering the idea of opening an Etsy shop or possibly selling my original drawings. I'm unsure how well I would do, since I'm just starting out. & selling my original drawings seems very strange to me. 

Is it better to take my chances or keep my prints until the day comes that I sell them? 

My prints are fun, I've got ones of musicians & of Matt Smith- the eleventh doctor. Should I keep them- should I open an Etsy & sell them. Ugh I honestly cannot decide! 

Perhaps I can sell them at my show in January, along with my paintings? This is what I want to do, make art that I want to & sell it- but at the same time it's very a very daunting & nerve racking prospect. I believe in myself, and I want to do so well. I just graduated in December so I know I'm doing good for myself- but still I want to be even better. It's good to be motivated, I'm thankful I'm so motivated- I just hope others will love my art as much as I do. 

These thoughts run through my head at least 100 times a day, as well as ideas for new art, more art like the kind I've been making, thoughts on how art I've created in the past can inspire my art now... Oy vey! It's wonderful, but there are not enough hours in the day. There should be though, the day needs to be longer. 

And there should be a gallery for "new artists" where they can automatically exhibit their works & get some exposure. 

Did you hear that God? It's me Lauren. (Yes I just typed that). 

And with that, enjoy this picture that makes me so happy & very proud of myself: 

(Artist Style) What I Wore:No New Clothes

Here are some outfits from the past week that I've worn for my no new clothes unt September challenge:

(Art Days) Zombies, Creepy & Cute

I just got them done

Forget us not

New lipstick

(Life) Clean Room & Clean Closet

I've been meaning to write about this for months- exactly how long it has taken me to get my space of our home into shape again. I was attending a very stressful department at my undergrad school & honestly was just too exhausted- truly exhausted to clean. My mother helped me fold my laundry and we both vacuumed & dusted my room. 

If you are currently in a situation such as I was in, do not fret- it will come to an end & your life will get back to normal, just stay brave.

The first part of my post will be about my closet, specifically how to

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET:

1. Think about how much you wear an item. Don't feel guilty about wanting to go through perfectly nice clothes & give them away. It's okay to be lucky enough to have a closet to clean out. Remember how finding something at a thrift shop makes you feel? Someone else will get the same feeling when they find what you have donated to their local shop.

2. Does the item still have tags on it but you've had it for a while? Donate it. Chances are you loved how it looked but didn't realize how it did not fit in with the rest of your wardrobe.

3. It is quite alright to keep sentimental pieces, just keep in mind what is actually sentimental vs. a "really pretty & a great deal" type of piece.

An Example: The dress you first kissed your boyfriend in (mine happens to be a floaty black number with purple violets all over it) vs. a cool scarf you got for $2 that is indeed pretty but you hardly ever wear it. 

4. Keep mental notes as you are cleaning out what you have. If you have tons of scarves- go through those. If you find a piece of clothing that surprises you- because you haven't seen it in forever- get rid of it. There is a reason you forgot about it.

5. Take time to have fun! Play dress up, enjoy the process. Try on different- even really crazy- combinations of clothing. Play your favorite music (mine is the Goo Goo Dolls) pour yourself your favorite drink (my favorite is black coffee). Remember this is a good thing you are doing! Why not let yourself have fun at the same time?

My collection of dresses on top with my tee shirts, & my blazers & coats on bottom.
I actually don't have a traditional closet- I have what I call my "Clothing Wonderland" Racks of clothes around my purple shag rug. When you walk into the space it really is like a clothing wonderland- to me at least :)

My dressier shirts & my skirts are on this rack- as are my shoes (some of them!) 

I put up some nails to hang my hats & belts off of. I like this a lot because I can see exactly what I have. 

Now how to

Clean Your Room:

(specifically how to keep your living area/art area/ small space livable)

I'd like to start this half of my post by saying- cleaning your room may be scary at times. I found a large beetle that wanted to bite me. Of course his mouth was not big enough, but bugs are part of life in a brick house. Also, you may find horribly large dust bunnies hiding in the most unusual places. 

1. Find creative ways to store items. I am using my stairwell as a wee gallery for my finished paintings. Also I'm using the walls in the laundry room.

2. Organize, organize organize! Keep a large contractor bag at hand and as soon as you pick up a questionable item (keep it or not?) throw it out. You honestly don't need it & if you wondered if you wanted to keep it it's a sign to just chuck it. With truly important things- that thought would never cross your mind.

3. Don't keep things just because others like them. Offer to give them to said person or just throw them out. It's your space, keep what you want in it.

4. Dedicate a space to your art. It does not have to be traditional. I do most of my painting in the middle of my clothing wonderland, & my drawing either on my bed or on my desk. Be creative & make sure to keep only the supplies you are using out- put everything else away.

5. Make areas in your space that are mini "shrines". What the heck? Yes. Make small spaces that are dedicated to things you love, that way- as your room starts to get messy again & these places become harder to access or harder to see- you have a reason to start cleaning again. 

6. Make your bed, it makes the space feel bigger, neater & after a day out coming home to a pretty bed is so calming.

7. Your room does not have to be super neat. Martha Stewart is not going to come over. Make sure your space stays dusted & vacuumed fairly well & it's not a complete pig pen & you are good. 

8. Again have fun, take a few minutes to look at pictures you like- a book that mysteriously slipped under a dresser. Have a snack, play music, pour yourself a drink (this time I had a beer ;)). It's not bad your space is messy, we are all human- so don't punish yourself while cleaning.

My artworks in my stairwell.

More artworks on the other side of the stairwell.

All my art supplies

My desk- I love my desk.

My bed- complete with a handmade Peter Rabbit quilt that has a purple twall pattern on the back featuring pirate ships! 

I love my music so I made a small "shrine" on the top of my stereo.

Another "shrine" of feathers I found on the beach, old books & one of my freshman year art projects.

My bookshelf. Yes, I have read all the books.

My art space in the middle of my clothing wonderland. I adore my mushroom stool.

Hope this was helpful, and good luck getting your spaces organized!