(She Held the Future in Her Hand)
And better late than never (Friday proved to be a FUUUULLLLL workday!) the final day of the very first (but not the last) Etsy Week is upon us. It is indeed Etsy Week: Day Four.
For the uninitiated (who are you people?!?!?!) Feel free to visit:
Etsy Week: Day One
Etsy Week: Day Two
Etsy Week: Day Three
We finish up this tour of a mere pittance of my Etsy Favorite Sellers (several more will be featured in the upcoming Fashion as Art Week!) with a couple more exciting shops.
The first artist on today’s tour is Liz Conway. Her etsy shop, Blue Gypsy, features originals and prints of her collage and painted art.
(Life Emerging From the Egg)
In her profile Liz Conway says:
“I’m a mostly self-taught Canadian artist who has been painting, drawing and making something out of nothing since I was a young child in the late 60’s (oh alright,I’m 43!). My mother was a painter and I guess her love of art and dragging me around to art galleries somehow rubbed off on me and became my destiny!”
(Balloons)
Conway sums up her style in quite a fun way:
“…my style can be simple, fun and whimsical to very intricate and realistic. Painting is what I love doing best, but I got into doing collages since the art class in 4th grade got me hooked! Somehow cutting heads off people and piecing them back together is very therapeutic for me.”
I love that last line!!!
(I Like Spending Time With You)
One of the first things that struck me about Liz Conway’s work was her command of color. She lays down colors in such rich layers that I was hooked on her collages when I saw the first one. The pinks and blues and greens, etc have so much life in them, they are energetic without being overbearing.
I also enjoy the fact that, like earlier Etsy Week artist Jennifer Gordon, she incorporates letters and ads and other bits of word-filled paper into her creations.
(Sunday Afternoon)
Her works exhibit just the right level of bizarre and unsettling eccentricity that they remind me, stylistically, of the collage equivalent to the paintings of Mark Ryden.
(Special Delivery, click image to view original…which I happen to own)
It is the painted aspects of her work combined with the collage aspects that really drew me in, so much so that I purchased the above original. I found the symbolism intriguing and couldn’t get over how much I loved the little bird in the corner. I have to admit that I was tempted by the image below as well.
(Lady Blackbird’s Pet)
Both images, as well as many others of Liz Conway’s collection, remind me of the mythic arts spirit brought to life by Terri Windling and the gang at The Endicott Studio and spread through, among other things, our Once Upon a Time Challenges.
(The Chosen One)
The symbolism embodied in the eggs, the birds, the faces, then hands…the flying fish…are all very interesting.
(Nesting)
In addition to that Conway structures these diverse pieces in such a way to make wildly whimisical, purely fun pieces of art.
(Portrait of a Lady)
I had mentioned that Liz Conway also has some non-collage painted art on her site and these are two of my favorite examples of those pieces. I love the use of just few colors combined with shapes to create these somewhat psychedelic (not sure if that is what I mean) pictures.
(Woman in Prayer)
Isn’t the hair in Woman of Prayer stunning? I love the texture.
(The Goddess of Domestic Bliss)
I have saved two of my very favorites, from a laugh out loud fun perspective for last. There is a darkly sarcastic streak of humor running through these pieces, which mirrors in some ways the undercurrent of eerieness in other works. That sarcasm finds its kindred spirit in me. I love these. The name of the last one, combined with the pieces collaged into it, says it all.
(Mother’s Little Helpers, click image to view original)
__________________________________
(Sweet)
Today’s second Etsy artist(s) are Brian & Sara Turner of Cricket Press
I have long been a fan of the old two color (sometimes more) letterpress posters that advertised films and other entertainment options from back in earlier times. Many artists today, some of which I have featured in past Friday Favorites, create illustrations that hearken back to these handcrafted advertisements. Some even do it the old fashioned way.
atthedance.jpg)
(The Rosebuds (girl) at The Dame)
Cricket Press :
“…is a tiny little operation geared towards designing and hand printing silk-screened and letterpress posters for music events, art shows, propaganda, and basically anything.”
(The Canary Collection – Feathers)
Brian and Sara explain:
“This isn’t all we do, though. We also do a variety of freelance illustration and graphic design work; including but not limited to card sets, invitations, announcements…you name it. All our work is designed and illustrated by us. We don’t use found images and/or clipart.”
(STRIPES (blue))
I adore their work. The style of their illustrations remind me of graphic novel artists like Craig Thompson and it is a style that I really enjoy. I was fond of their work when I first came across it but became even more fond of it when I discovered that they are not only the artists but that they reproduce their works in this ‘old fashioned’ way.
Their lettepress can be seen here:
I have mentioned before that there is a letterpress outfit in Kansas City who makes cards, etc. and seeing the Turner’s work, and their press, makes me want to tour that location even more.
(Reincarnate)
There is certainly a fairy tale element to their work but, like several of the artist featured this week, I see a bit of dark humor in their work as well.
(Fox Trap)
I don’t know what it is about images like this that only use a few colors, but I really enjoy them. The color seems to enhance the image without detracting from the skill of the line work in any way.
(Birdcages)
I cannot look at their work without thinking that they need to add graphic novel and/or children’s book illustrating to their already diverse resume. Their is the kind of art that would draw me to a book or comic and get me to buy it immediately.
(The Rabbit Dress)
I have no idea of the personality of these creators, but looking at their work makes me think that they must have a great deal of fun designing and executing the final product.
(Seasonal)
The image above has an interesting mix of holiday symbols and looking at this illustration makes me wonder just what the story is. Is the girl falling? If so, ouch! Or is she being embraced and protected by some kind of benevolent, divine force?
(Hot Dog Robot)
There was no way I was going to pass up including the robot. No way! I am such a big fan of retro science fiction, particularly retro robots, that I’ll be keeping an eye on their site in the hopes that this print goes on sale again soon.
(Sacred Heart t-shirt)
As they mentioned, they also do t-shirt design. I have always been drawn to the sacred heart image and I enjoy how they incorporated the bicycle into the image as well. Great stuff. They have some other really cool t-shirts, buttons, journals, etc. I really like the image on this tee as well:
(Heart Forest)
Be sure to check out their Etsy Shop and visit the Cricket Press website also.
I hope you have enjoyed Etsy Week. It has been so difficult to choose artists for this week and that difficulty is only tempered by the fact that Etsy artists will no doubt be occupying future Friday Favorite slots, will be featured in the upcoming Fashion as Art week, and the fact that I will be doing Etsy Week again. It is just too much fun not to.
Please make sure to visit all the Etsy Week artists and if the temptation strikes, throw a little coin their way. You will come out of the exchange with some unique and wonderful works of art, I guarantee you that!
Remember that if you comment on each of the four Etsy Week posts by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 8th your name will be included in the drawing for a fabulous Etsy Week Prize Pack. A prize pack that includes (click on each image to view the complete article):
For further clarification:
Anne-Julie Aubry ‘Melancholia’ necklace
Anne-Julie Aubry ‘Amelie’ postcard
Jennifer Gordon ‘The Other Side of Yesterday’ print
Jennifer Gordon ‘Night Flower’ postcard set
Liza Corbett ‘Marie’ t-shirt, medium
Charlotte Tucker ‘Steampunk Cameo’ necklace
Norma Toraya ‘Red Blooming’ Popup Card
Rachael Direnna ‘Tree Spirit’ print
Not pictured:
Cricket Press random button pack
An Anne-Julie Aubry art button
and whatever else I choose to throw in that seems related.
Don’t delay, get to reading and commenting on all 4 Etsy Week posts!!!
I have to say the Turners win for me today…I am intrigued by “Fox Trap”.
(Though I too find Mother’s Little Helpers amusing. Sad that we still have the equivalent of “nerve pills” for today, too.)
The letterpress prints are lovely! I like “Reincarnate.”
Wow, what fantastic pieces! We have similar tastes indeed.
I think you would also like my friends’ etsy shops. There screenames are “librarylolita” and “ratsliveonnoevilstar.”
You saved the best for last. I have long admired Liz Conway’s Blue Gypsy shop. I love prints with musical elements and faces. If I were ever inspired enough to become an artist, her work is the sort of art I’d try to emulate. Something about her painted work reminds me of Gustav Klimt.
These are fantastic! The Cricket Press art reminds me a lot of the art on Threadless t-shirts.
Very interesting! My favourite Conway is the one you own the original of! And my favourite of the prints is the birdcages one; it has a little of an Alice in Wonderland vibe going on. 🙂
I love them once again but I have to say thank God Etsy week is over at the same time!! Sheesh! I’ve never bookmarked so many things that I want to buy for myself and other people in my life. My place is going to look like an art museum! I love Brian and Sara’s work! It’s very commercial but in a good way. Reminds me a lot of those wall decals that you posted on not long ago. I’d love to see them make some of those. I’ll definitely be checking some of their stuff out!
Thanks for a great week in art Carl!
Chris: Good call! They do share a kinship with that wall art, I hadn’t thought of that connection. I too am glad Etsy Week is over…for the same reasons you are and also because it is alot of work and I need a break! 😉 I’ll be back at it soon though because I really do love supporting artists by exposing their work to others.
Eva: It really is fun to have. I do see Alice in Birdcages now that you mention it.
Somer: Yes it does!
Tasses: I hadn’t consciously made the connection but you are correct, there is a definite tie to Klimt there. I like the musical elements in Conway’s work as well. She is another artist who I’d like to interview to probe her mind a bit about her creations and inspirations.
Sarah: Glad to know I’m not alone in admiring this stuff. I’ll definitely check out your friends’ shops, thanks!
Nicole: Reincarnate is great, isn’t it? I not only love it because of the skill of the drawing itself, but also because of the message it conveys.
RB: There is indeed nothing new under the sun! Hope your school projects are going well.
This was a good idea for a posting theme! I enjoyed seeing all the artists. I was browsing some of the sites earlier today to see if I wanted to maybe purchase anything, but I really shouldn’t spend any money on things I don’t need to have. haha
Is it just me or does Woman in Prayer remind you just a bit of Frida Kahlo’s work?
Thanks for all the hard work you put into these posts, Carl. I can imagine they must have taken you ages!
Goodness! I loved everything from her. The art team from Cricket Press has the most amazing linework I have ever seen. This particular style is what got me loving art in the first place, so wow! Greatness!
I admit that the collages are a bit too eccentric for my taste, but rest asured that I loved the intention, simbolism and the way she incorporated paint over the field of paper that fades in the background. Marvelous!
I loved the artists you shared this week, Carl, but I have to say that Liz Conway is my favourite! I adore “Balloons” and “Sunday Afternoon”!
Whoa – I’m not sure if I love or am terrified by the first – neat, but kinda creepy!!
Cricket Press, though – that’s a definite love! Fox trap in particular – awesome!!
This has been a wonderful series of posts, but I may not be quite as enthusiastic when the credit card bill arrives!
Though it’s mighty hard to say for sure, I think today may be my favorite of your first Etsy week days. I was immediately taken by Liz Conway’s collage works! You were dead on about her incredible use of color…it’s perfection! When I saw The Goddess of Domestic Bliss, I hopped right over to her shop hoping she had a print available. But I couldn’t find it. I’ll have to head back and see if I just missed it somehow, because I really, really want that for my kitchen! As you mentioned, it’s the dark sarcasm of that work that just totally drew me in.
Anyway, after seeing her works I figured your next artist choice was sure to be a let-down. But I’m happy to say I couldn’t have been more wrong. I haven’t visited their shop yet, but it is definitely my next stop. I think I could fill every inch of walls with their work…I don’t even think I can choose a favorite from the ones you posted. Sweet, Stripes, The Rosebuds at the Dame…man they’re just all so visually stunning!
You’ve really outdone yourself, Carl! This week has been fantastic!
Those are some great images 🙂
Becky: Glad you enjoyed them.
Debi: One of the most fun things about doing this is seeing how strongly different people respond to different artists. I don’t think there is a Goddess of Domestic Bliss print but I’ll shoot Liz an email through Etsy to see if she has plans on making them available. What is really cool about the Cricket Press stuff, in addition to things I’ve already mentioned, is just about every print can be done in other colors. I saw Stripes, for example, in all pink.
Ken: I’m sure you are not alone in feeling that!
Jenn: As I mentioned before, a slight creepiness is a theme that really attracts me to some artists. Liz Conway’s work has this element nicely balanced against the joyful delight of her art. I love the composition of Fox Trap as well. It is an interesting point of view that they chose for the image.
Nymeth: Sunday Afternoon is one of my favorites as well. It reminds me the most of work like Mark Ryden’s and also, I think because of the fish, reminds me of Gaiman’s character Delirium from Sandman.
Harry: They do, don’t they. That is what draws me in initially as well.
Sprite: Now that you mention it I can see a kinship to Kahlo in that piece. And thank you, it does take some time to do these, but it is well worth it to support artists whose work I enjoy and to see the conversation they generate.
Kailana: True…but sometimes I have a hard time differentiating between what I need and what I merely want. 🙂
That’s breathtaking! I love the dunce cap on the little warbler bird.
Oh my, I love love LOVE The Rabbit Dress.. I don’t even know why, it just jumped out at me and said HEY look at me, I’m awesome! Excellent choices as always, I’m going to be doing some surfing (and drooling) today!
Cricket Press. Where do I begin? Oh, right: I love their stuff! There’s not one among them that I wouldn’t love to put somewhere in my home. In fact, how could you possible choose just one? This was a truly fantastic week and an incredible idea! I loved seeing the artists you’ve found because I know I’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s on Etsy. It might be interesting to do a blogger’s month of Etsy or something like that because I’d love to see what others have found since you’ve introduced them to the site. I’d be happy to share a few of my favorites. Anyway, just a thought, and, again, thanks for taking the time to do this!!!
Great job Carl!
Excellent choices again, Carl. The Cricket Press work is great, and I love their t-shirt designs, also love “Fox Trap”.
I’ve been enjoying your ETSY week posts, I really like Woman of Prayer.
great t-shirts too!
I really like the letterpress images. And how fun that they still do it in the ‘old-fashioned’ way. This was fun. I look forward to your next Etsy week (although my wallet doesn’t)!!
The art on your etsy series is beautiful, quirky and dream-like. I just found your blog and love it!
Wonderful choices yet again! Thanks Carl!
And Jeff gets in under the wire!!! 🙂 Will anyone else make it into the drawing in the next hour and 20 minutes? Stay tuned!
I really, really like the cricket press stuff, i’m gonna have to go check out their etsy shop and spend even MORE money on etsy this week. sigh
Writer Reading: Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope you come back often and participate in whatever we have going on over here.