Ollie is one of my favorite subjects, in general.  I love talking about him and photographing him.  I'm fortunate to have friends who understand my affection.  Back when we adopted Ollie, my friend Cindy painted this mirror for us.  It hangs on the wall directly above my desk and serves as inspiration. 

I love the serenity of his expression and the way she captures it. 

The painting inspires me to create more and expand my creative comfort zone. 

Ollie hasn't appeared in a needlepoint yet, but perhaps that will be the next addition to my Ollie art.

A number of months ago my husband and I decided to start collecting more art.  It made perfect sense.  We've graduated from Ikea dormitory-style furniture (not to knock Ikea) to more mature pieces.  When we throw parties, we no longer worry about drunken exuberance which may lead to delicate items being broken.  The longer we're married the more we develop our personality as a couple (which is new and exciting).  Plus we have a number of friends who are artists.  It only makes sense to decorate our home with art that holds meaning to us, while supporting our friends.

With so much beautiful work out there the hardest question became where to start.  But once we thought about it, the question answered itself.

I've known Abby Goodman for a number of years.  During that time I've seen her body of work grow and become more complex.  Her works have become larger and striking and smaller and more detailed.  Her hybrid creature collection in particular spoke to me. Whimsical and delicate.  The creatures look like something that should exist.  They offer something different from what you expect to see. 

And so Robert and I decided to give her Kangaroo hybrid a home.  He sits with our collectibles, across from our Mimilove portrait.  Already, it provides the room with more creative energy.

You can see more of Abby's work on her website.

I first saw Mimilove's work on Flickr.  The embriodery groups were all abuzz about her work.  And with reason.  There is no true category for her style: it's portrature, but much more fun; it's a painting, but also includes amazing stitching. Is it craft, is it art?  It's gorgeous, thats what it is.

The holidays seemed like the perfect excuse to treat myself with something truly beautiful.  Ollie, my constant furry companion seemed like the perfect subject. 

And voila, look what I get out of the bargain.  What's so amazing to me (aside from the portrait itself) is the fact that she was able to capture the essence of Ollie without ever meeting him.  All it took was a couple of email exchanges, a couple of basic questions and my furry little friend is accurately depicted in art.

Words can't describe how much I love this.  It hangs on the wall in front of my workspace as a source of inspiration.  Part of the fun is reading her story behind the portrait.

To see more of Mimilove's work and the process behind each piece check out her blog.  Not only is her art inspirational, but reading you get a sense that this is a woman in love with what she does.   You can commission a portrait of your own here.  I recommend this too - she is such a pleasure to work with, she's sure to make you giggle.

Artist Wanted is a collaborative project between New York City Artists and creative organizations working to build new lasting  for emerging talent.  Abby Goodman is an emerging talent.  I've showcased her work before, a diverse collection of mediums, styles and messages.  Always challenging herself, each new piece she creates stresses new boundaries. 

She recently entered this juried self-portrait competition. It will be judged by 4 jurors (including Steve Buscemi and Chris Weir), however, there is also a public choice award which is determined by votes cast in favor of individual portfolios, which awards a cash prize in addition to a show and press.

Check out the site and cast your vote for this talented artist.  You can find her page on the Artists Wanted site here.

Red Red Rose Brooch by AeFondKisHappy 2010!  It's a new year, full of potential.  I always likes to get my self started right in the first few days of the new year.  It's a time to immerse myself in the sites, sounds and feelings that give great pleasure. 

When I think of beauty and inpsiration, I think of the work by AeFondKis.  Creating with a great amount of care, an eye for detail and a whole lot of whimsy, Linda sees the world for what it is - a bright, exciting place with beauty around every corner.

You can read my interview with her here.