BIRD ON HER HEAD

Athens metro system

2012-02-15T14:39:00.001+02:00

I've been preparing for this post for some time now, mainly to add more pics and with the political turmoil going on in Greece, I thought it would be appropriate to share this today. I feel deeply saddened with the riots that took place in Athens, on Sunday. What was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration, turned out to be a most frightening experience for the crowd that attended. Over 170
stores and businesses were burned and looted. Many people have now lost their jobs. Some of the buildings that were burned were two neoclassical theatres that were built in 1870. The Attikon theatre survived occupation by the Nazis during World War II and now to be burned down by anarchists just brings tears to my eyes..

I am honored to be living here in Athens, a city so full of history and I want to tell you about the most beautiful, amazing metro! Every station is like a mini museum! During excavations, the workers had to stop digging because of all the plethora of ancient artifacts they would find!! amazing?! It took them a long time to finish each station. Every few metres of digging they had to stop and call in archeologists to retrieve antiquities.There is a whole city, underneath this city! I have seen all sorts of ancient objects displayed at various metro stations. Tools, vessels, even toys!!

I've been collecting these pictures to share with you. Of course, I haven't seen even half of the stations in Athens. Some of them also display sculptures of Modern Art. Many talented artists live here :)

The other thing that amazes me, is that the subway here is..spotless! even though you will see no trash can in sight! not one little shred of paper on the floor!

This from the metro station near my house :) The display is beneath glass, on the floor.
All this is mind boggling to me, and I love and respect this country, that has become my second home :)
xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:45:00.000+02:00

My crochet rock collection (the felt hearts are Jenny Doh's design) is growing every day. It's becoming an obsession! everywhere I go, I look out for cute rocks.

Made four of these pop up cards until I got it right! and then realized I was doing it right the whole time!! geez! it's cute, though, don't you think? :) The Daisy part was not pre planned, so I guess, she's the one who gets the kiss and not me?.. Lol

Strawberry filled linzer cookies.. yummm

Sending much love your way.
Joanna and Daisy xoxo

3 D paintings

2012-02-10T14:32:00.002+02:00

Just a quick post before heading out for the weekend :) It has been a crazy week, trying to finish these 3D paintings to take them for a presentation this morning, at the Benaki museum, here in Athens. I was to go this morning..and of course..the metro decides to go on strike.. I rescheduled my appt, but I was working like a mad person all week! oh well.. life in Greece is quite unpredictable at times. Lol I laugh, because it's what I love about living here. You have to take some things in stride, otherwise you go nuts!

Anyway, ever since I started making these paintings in the shadow boxes, they've been selling real fast, so I took some of my older paintings and redone them 3D. I think there is a trend going on here... Hollywood is remaking old movies into 3D so I'm copying too. Lol "Titanic", "Star Wars" etc.
I am having a hard time photographing them, so any suggestions are most welcome :)

"someone" really likes the blanket I'm working on!
Have a great weekend, my friend!! Hope it's not too cold in your part of the world :) we had a couple of flurries yesterday, just a reminder thats it's snuggle season :)
xoxo

2012 calender challenge

2012-02-06T15:23:00.000+02:00

Hello my friend! Hope you had a wonderful weekend :)
Here is my entry for the 2012 calender challenge. I'm enjoying this small scale journal and have been writing in it every day. Please follow the link to see more entries.
xoxo

happy february :)

2012-02-02T18:55:00.001+02:00

I don't get why February gets a bad wrap.. that it's the coldest month of the year, the bleakest, blah blah..Well, it's my favorite! Valentine's day for one and it's also my bday month (28th) and Daisy's too! ohhh so many cakes to bake this month!
Hope you are doing well my friend! creating up a storm!!

I am officially addicted to crocheting! I keep an eye out for pebbles to crochet and ssshhh don't say anything but when I cant find any..I swipe them from various flower pots! My mom's apt building has just the right size pebbles by the front entrance, so every time I go visit....Lol. My sister caught me last week, stuffing my purse with rocks and gave me a raised eyebrow..
That's one of my rocks and I also made a little case for my phone:)
ps. about the painting...the writing on the waves say " choose me, choose me, choose me". Lol
xoxoxo

366 calender challenge

2012-01-30T12:59:00.001+02:00

Happy Monday :))
While I was visiting the US, I picked up the latest issue of Somerset Studio and the article that struck me most was about Kate Krane, and her art calenders. I have been writing in those tiny Hallmark datebooks since I was 15, and when I saw her beautiful project I was immediately hooked! so I joined her 2012 challenge.
This is my January spread. I made my own 8x5'' journal out of watercolour paper and card stock, and followed this tutorial on how to bind your own book.

Meanwhile I'm crocheting like crazy and working on this new painting :)
Have a most creative week!!
xoxo

BB's travels

2012-01-25T17:19:00.000+02:00

I've been so obsessed with making brownies the past few weeks and been pouring over old Bon Appetit magazines, that last night I kept dreaming about chocolate. All night! Lol at least I had no bad dreams again! I'm using my daughters' bdays tomorrow as an excuse to make them. Lol ( they both live in NY) Daisy and I will be celebrating by making them cake and eating it, too. haha. They are both born on the same day! several years apart, and no, it wasn't planned :)

As promised, here is BB's book all finished and I'm so happy with it. hope you like :)

xoxox

greek farmer's market

2012-01-23T14:50:00.000+02:00

Happy Monday :))
I was going to post my finished book today, but I got a little sidetracked with the farmer's market, while visiting my mom. She moved to Greece over a year ago, from CA and it's a blessing to have her here so close to me :)) One thing she really missed about Greece was the fresh produce at the weekly farmer's market. She goes every week and today I decided to join her.

That's my little mommy :)

Every neighborhood has their own " laiki agora" once a week, rain or shine and it's a delight shopping there. The merchants yell out their prices and make funny jokes as to attract customers. Prices vary depending on what time you go.. you get better deals if it's late in the afternoon. Everything they sell is so fresh and high quality.

I love the noise and the beautiful colours of the Laiki agora!
Have a great week!!
xoxo

"nightmare"

2012-01-19T17:44:00.000+02:00

At Netty's suggestion, to put my nightmare in my journal, here it is... the fish monster is inspired from my favorite artist Miro and has appeared many times in my work.
While I was in NYC last month, I walked into this tiny little shop, that sold herbs, candles and religious artifacts. I was greeted by the cutest old man, Mr.George, who was a very gifted man in reading peoples' minds, The first thing he asked me was.. " oh, I see you are having trouble sleeping and are having bad dreams.." I just stared at him in disbelief!! I thought to myself, my makeup is really bad today and it shows that I haven't slept well, lol or that he was just trying to sell me stuff. which of course was not the case. He kept talking to me and in the middle of conversing with me he would just tell me about things in my past that just floored me!! He told me that he was from Puerto Rico and that he lost both his parents at a very young age and ever since then he would have very scary visions about people he knew and was very frightened. He was just a young boy when this first occurred and didn't know how to handle it, until he had an angel appear in his dream and has been guiding him ever since.
I stayed and talked to him for a while and when I left, I felt this serenity and peacefulness...
Mr. George gave me a prayer by St. Alejo and I tucked it in the tulle in the bottom of my page.

have a good dream...

2012-01-17T18:30:00.000+02:00

My sleepless nights continue and although I've been listening to my rain cd, which helps me to fall asleep, now I'm having nightmares almost every night! and I'm talking about really ugly ones, like driving over dead bodies and dreaming about daylight no longer existing and everything is pitch dark.. yikes! I wake up terrified and can't go back to sleep. Talking about sleep disorder!! Well, I must say even though I am sleep deprived, I'm full of inspiration! lol I have been working non stop on three different projects at the same time. One is my BB book, the other is this painting, and...

I've started crocheting again!! I'm not really good at it (weaving is my thing) but I don't care. lol I find it soothing.
I work on my paintings during the day and then at night I crochet! last night I made this really long flower garland :))
Stay tuned for more pics from BB's travels.
Have a great week!
xoxo

BB's travels

2012-01-12T18:50:00.001+02:00

Good Morning!! We had our first "snow" of 2012! well, on the mountain tops, that is. Athens is surrounded by four mountains and lucky me I have a beautiful view of three of them:) and from what I've been told, that is good feng shui and good luck? The one above is Mount Pendeli.
It's not really that cold down here in the city, for it to stick, it's 46F but it feels like it's freezing!! lol. Seeing the snow on the mountain tops is just fine with me, because I've had my share of heavy snow and ice storms when I lived in NYC and DC. and that's one thing I can do without. When it does snow here in Athens, which is rare, it's exciting, because it only lasts for a day.Watch me say that and tomorrow we have a snow storm! lol and I jinx the whole thing! hahaha.

This is Mount Parnitha, it's the biggest one.

Well, I told you in my last post, that while I was working on my summer painting I was inspired for the next project, and here it is... BB's Travels. this is the first of many, and the title is " BB goes to Serifo" This is the first spread, where BB and Daisy are dreaming and planning their summer get away! lol

Have a great weekend xoxo

Welcome 2012

2012-01-05T16:11:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year!! May all your dreams and inspirations come true! My motto for this new year is to focus! and to make every day count!
2011 was a very mixed year for me..and on those hard days I would drift off to Serifo, the Greek island I spent my vacation at. I would dream I was there again and gain strentgh and inspiration. I felt this wonderful connection and positive energy while I was there. Do you ever feel like that when you visit a new place? like you've been there before?
It took me several months to finish this painting, which is quite unusual for me. I had a general idea of what it would look like, but kept adding to it. The straw at the bottom of the post is from a hat I had bought the year before and finally fell apart on the island! There were a few very windy days!! lol It was part of the vacation, so I added it. and so was the sand. for the tv I cut and sanded a piece of transparent film. I took the "finished" painting to a friend who has a large scanner and he gave me the idea for the stairs to be 3D. so back to the studio I returned and cut out tiny individual card stock for the stairs. And so here it is. "No fishing allowed".
While I was working on this I had another inspiration for my next project. ohhh how I love when this happens!! the "one thing leads to the next". but that will be my next post :)
Happy New Year, my friend. Thank you for being there for me. xoxoxo

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T21:42:00.001+02:00

From our hearts to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

I've been a good girl, Santa... yeah right!
She wouldn't pose for me! and would turn her head the other way on purpose! I had to keep a piece of cheese in my mouth so she would face me! lol (tricks of a dog photographer)

Waiting for Santa..

I made this little dress for her today and I felt kind of bad, because every time I would try it on her, for measurments, poor Daisy, thought I was taking her out on a walk..
we love you ! xoxo

Greek honey cookies- Joanna's Melomakarona

2011-12-19T00:09:00.001+02:00

I can still smell the honey while I write this post! I was extra careful with measuring and baking times so I can pass this on to you, as a way to thank you for following my blog and for your support :) December marks my blog's second birthday.

                                                JOANNA'S    MELOMAKARONA

1.   1 1/2 CUPS OIL ( 1CUP CORN OIL 1/2 CUP OLIVE OIL)
2.   1/2    CUP SHORTENING
3.   1 CUP SUGAR
4.   3/4 CUP ORANGE JUICE
5.   1/4 CUP BRANDY COGNAC
6.   2TBS. ORANGE PEEL
7.   2 TSP   BAKING POWDER
8.   1 TSP BAKING SODA
9.    6.5 CUPS FLOUR
10.   1.5 TBS GROUND CINAMMON AND GR. CLOVES
11.    1/2 CUP   FINELY GROUND WALNUTS

Beat first 6 ingredients on high speed for about 7minutes. Slowly add flour, baking soda, baking powder,cinnamon and clove mixt. one cup at a time and knead for about 7 min. Do not over knead, the mixture has to be soft. Take about 1 1/2 tbs of mixture and shape into oval shapes. Place onto baking pan, one inch apart. Don't use flat baking sheets. You will probably need about two large pans and one small one.

Press down with a fork to make criss cross design on top of cookies. Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 30- 35 min. The cookies will turn dark golden brown.

                                         SYRUP
2 CUPS    HONEY
2 CUPS   SUGAR
1 CUP   WATER
1 CINAMMON STICK

In a medium size sauce pan, on medium heat, boil all ingredients for 5 min. Skim off any froth. Please
do not leave unattended! clean up is messy if it over boils :(   turn off burner and keep pan syrup hot.

As soon as the cookies are done, take the ones from the small pan and place in larger baking pan.( I do this so I don't waste the syrup)
With a soup ladle, pour syrup over each cookie slowly. Do this twice. Let the cookies sit in the syrup for a couple of hours or more. That way the cookies absorb most of the syrup. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.   Makes about 64.

I'd love to hear how you liked them:)
Happy Holidays!!
xoxo

christmas ornaments :)

2011-12-13T22:37:00.001+02:00

Fa la la la...this is what I've been up to since I got back from N.Y. I know it's silly stuff, but seeing that little "yellow" guy on the tree, next to Daisy, makes me smile :)
Hope you are having a great holiday season. It's so inspiring to see everyone's art and Xmas baking!! I will be baking Greek traditional Christmas cookies next week and want to share the recipe with you, so stay tuned.
xoxo

till we meet again..

2011-12-08T18:15:00.002+02:00

Back home again, and I still can't believe I was able to visit my family in the US! It was the most fabulous vacation! even the weather was great! unusual for NYC in Dec. Saying goodbye was hard..and tearful but I promised that I would be back real soon :)

This is my little makeup artist at her work, in Soho. I went to pick her up and she took me to this hip bar, where I had a St. Germain martini with a real orchid in my drink! ( I saved it for my passport journal)
I ate really great food and overdosed on cheeseburgers and hot dogs! lol and chinese food! I tried El Salvadorian cuisine for the first time and fell in love!! oh yes and lots of roast beef sandwiches!
Thank god for all the walking, because I weighed myself this morning and I actually lost a couple of lbs! lol ! wow was I surprised!

oh and all those NY doggies!! Daisy would've have been real busy meeting so many friends.

This is the subway stop for the Musuem of Natural History.

and this last photo is for my little blog friend, Kendra, future paleontologist :))
My trip included a visit to Wash. DC, to see my dad and my little one, who is staying with him until she goes back to Parson's Art School (NYC) in Feb. I also swung by my old house..some mixed feelings there..but no regrets. Maybe my life would be way more comfortable and easier in the US.. but I am a dreamer and like a good challenge! time will tell.
Ok, won't bore you anymore, I have been working on some fun stuff since I returned and will share on my next post.
I must go and catch up on everyone's blog. missed you lots!!
xoxo

passport art journal

2011-11-28T18:08:00.000+02:00

A few days before my trip I saw the cutest altered passport on Teesha Moore's blog and decided to make one.

I've been taking this little guy everywhere with me!

Daisy would have made so many friends here! NYC is full of the cutest dressed up doggies! I bought her a new pink collar with rhinestones and a pink sweater :) and lots of american snackies!

I went to this nice bar in Soho "Bar 89" where I had a St.Germain martini with a real orchid in my glass :)

As you can see, most of them are shopping receipts!! Duane Reed(drug store) was really happy to see me and so were AC Moore and Michaels! lol
I'll be extremely lucky if I don't get charged with over weight luggage, but I just couldn't help myself..there were sales everywhere I went!
I've been lucky with weather as well. Temps are in the 60's, warmer than it is in Greece (50's)! and that's really odd!
Hope you all have a great and creative week :))
xoxo

New York City

2011-11-27T06:46:00.001+02:00

Shop till you drop! Yesterday was the biggest sales day of the year, Black Friday, and it was hard to keep away from the stores..Walking on Fifth Ave. was a challenge, it was sooo crowded, but I did manage to go to MOMA first, to see the Willem de Kooning exhibition, which was out of this world! and so were the murals of Diego Rivera! The museum was so packed that I feel I need to go back and see these exhibits again.

Times Square.

"Believe" I just love this! I got really excited when I saw this on the front of Macy's department store! It made think that anything is possible! if you truly believe!! right?!
My next post will be about this super cute little journal that I brought with me on this trip :)) I've going around to your blogs and seeing lots of Christmas art that is so inspiring! Diana Evans has made the cutest cookie cutter ornaments! and Jen has made these beautiful cards..
Hope you all are having a great weekend!
xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T08:54:00.001+02:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! I am posting from NYC and still can't believe I am actually here! I'm sooo thankful to be with my family :)
New York is amazing this time of year!! Magical! the city is dressed up in Christmas lights and decorations and it's hard not to get in the Christmas spirit.

Of course the first thing I did when I got here was to go see the Rockettes at Radio City Hall! WOW!

But tonight I had the most amazing experience...I went to see the Macy parade balloons get inflated! they are huge!

I felt just like a kid!! The balloons were so colourful and they were held down by nets, so they wouldn't fly away! I wanted to stay there all night and look at them!
I will be posting more pics as I have taken hundreds of them, lol, but first need to find out how to download them on this comp, since it's not mine :) (these are i phone pics! awesome, right?)
I L O V E N E W Y O R K!!
XOXO

good morning sunshine :)

2011-11-12T12:39:00.000+02:00

Do you sometimes wake up in the morning and feel like something good is about to happen? your heart beating real fast? This is what happened to me this morning. I woke up with this strange feeling, a good one! I AM GOING TO NEW YORK!! I say this and still can't believe it. I am actually going!

I will cook Thanksgiving dinner in the US. and visit with my babies!! and my dad :))
My next post will be from the big apple! OMG OMG OMG

i'm a little flower pot

2011-11-10T14:56:00.002+02:00

This is one of the designs that will be featured on my new line of mugs :)
Meanwhile, Greece is in a political turmoil. The government can't choose a new Prime Minister and the country is left without a leader for days now. How embarrassing and sad... The Greek people are suffering enough as it is.

counting sheep

2011-11-07T12:19:00.000+02:00

I've always had trouble falling asleep but lately it's been hell. I tried drinking chamomile, warm milk, counting sheep, everything...but still...no sleep! ugh.. How many telemarketing shows can a person watch at 3am?! lol mind you, most of these shows are American, so it's kinda of funny watching them in Greece.. Anyway, my friend (genius) downloaded all these relaxing sounds of falling rain, tide, countryside, wind chimes etc. and to my biggest surprise... it worked!! I fell sound asleep listening to rain!! Daisy gets a bit confused, though, because the cd also contains birds chirping right before it starts raining. (she thinks they're in the bedroom)
So folks, the weather forecast here in Athens calls for.. non stop rain, every night!! of course, now it makes me wonder...what if this thing gets addictive and I start have withdrawal symptoms if something happens to my cd...or what if it starts raining for real, in the middle of the day? will I fall asleep in my studio?! lol will I start walking towards my bedroom like a zombie? just a thought...
Hope you have a great week :)) and a big thank you for all your lovely comments and emails. I'm crossing my fingers that I can make it to N.Y.C for Thanksgiving. ooohhh that would be heaven..
xoxoxo

seeker of dreams...

2011-11-03T14:14:00.000+02:00

To be brave, courage, chasing my dreams, reaching for the stars, feeling lost.. HOPE, having faith, destiny... this is what was going through my mind, while creating this 3D painting.
I've been feeling so vulnerable these last few months and...really homesick. Dad this is a hint for you to send me a ticket plzzzz. I miss you..

trick or treat

2011-10-26T20:50:00.000+03:00

ohhh how I wish I was there... I'm starting to get real homesick around this time of year.. sigh..
Hope you all have a great Halloween and eat loads of candy!! my favorite is mr. goodbar. yummmm

art mugs

2011-10-18T17:14:00.001+03:00

Finally in my shop! after months of trying to get these paintings the right size to be printed on ceramic mugs! boy I tell you, it's one thing, painting on canvas and then having to redesign for a different size project. I'm so thrilled to be drinking my coffee out of these cute mugs :))

I designed two of them for the holidays and couldn't wait till Dec.to post them. So here they are :)

My favorite one is of Yellow. I'm so in love with this little guy, I think my next tattoo will be of him ;0. he represents happiness and hope. he's my lucky little charm :) and I really need one right now...
can't wait to hear your comments. xoxoxo

I've missed you..

2011-10-16T16:12:00.000+03:00

You probably thought I went back to Serifos and moved there, right?.. boy, do I wish! taking the easy way out, running away, a very piscean trait, which I happen to be. No, I've been here, overwhelmed by personal stuff taking me away from my art. my inspiration.and my blog. The longer I stayed away from what I'm meant to be doing in this life, my art :), the more depressed I would get.. wheww. but back on the saddle, I am! ready to take on the world. lol I have been working real hard this last week. I feel alive again, and praying every night that I stay this way.
I've missed you and hope you're well, creating like there's no tommorrow!!

The Greek Island of Serifos part four

2011-08-31T21:15:00.000+03:00

Most of the pictures I took were of doors! I am always fascinated by them. I have a big photo collection of doors from the Greek islands and maybe should have an exhibition of them one day.. just kidding. i just love them.

Serifos has hundreds of churches, most of them tiny, reminds me legos!

Every day after going to the beach, I would head over to this cafe and Art journal :)) it was everything I had dreamed of, all winter..to be on a Greek island and just play in my journal! It was the most rewarding holiday.. I came back to my studio full of inspiration and ready to get back to painting.
This is the view from where I sat :)

Another interesting place I found to journal was here. This room belonged to a cafe, it was very artsy with all sorts of paintings and odd household stuff on the walls. this room had no roof! which made even more fascinating! lol

one last picture of a gorgeous sunset..

Thank you for following my trip :) I now have to go catch up on all your blogs to see what I missed.
xoxo

The Greek Island of Serifos part three

2011-08-30T16:09:00.000+03:00

Good morning sunshine :)

As I write this post, I am also preparing Christmas artwork to show to my galleries...feels kind of funny. I wonder how the island would be during December..

This is the beach in Ganema. The water was crystal clear.

On the way to Ganema..
I'm glad I didn't take my car, because the roads are so windy and narrow. better to take the bus everywhere on the greek islands.

This is said to be Cyclops cave!

This is Megalo Livadi beach. Do you see those trees, right on the beach? they look like pine trees, but they are salt water trees! they only grow by the sea! amazing?!

I feel extra lucky and more connected to Serifos, because I will be selling my work at "Thimisi Gallery" in Hora :) Georgia, the owner, bought my pendants and will be adding more of my work for next summer :)

That's me sitting outside of the gallery. Isn't that a cute little bench? and the yellow watch I'm wearing...I bought on the beach from a vendor for 5 euro!! so happy and silly abt this watch :)) lol

When I build a house on a Greek Island it will have hundreds of chimneys!! I'm so in love with these. This house has a very narrow bridge leading on to the veranda. how can one not fall in love with this architecture?..
I will continue tomorrow with the last part of my journey to Serifos and art journaling on the island. Hope you are having a great week :)
xoxox

The Greek Island of Serifos part two

2011-08-29T21:15:00.000+03:00

One of the most interesting things that I saw in there, was the wall art! I never expected to see photo transfers in Serifo of all places. they would pop out on odd walls. Vey creative!!

and street art! Now please tell me you wouldn't be smiling as you walked on these streets?!

this was on a roof top :)

and because it gets very windy, this is how they secure the flower pots.. cool?!

This is one of my most favorite pictures.. I was walking to the very top of the fort and discovered this house full of chimneys! I think some of them are for the wood burning stoves!

more flower pots..

I got all excited when I saw this lilac flower pot, that I didn't realize that I had walked in someones yard, poor people were just staring at me and probably thought to themselves.."another American tourist" lol
Part three continues tomorrow :) hope I'm not boring you..

The Greek Island of Serifos

2011-08-27T17:32:00.003+03:00

Hi my friend :)) hope you are having a fun summer! Mine has been really great so far. I just got back from Serifos and I have to tell you I've fallen in love with this beautiful and most authentic Greek island!! Get you coffees ready and enjoy. I want to share these pics with you and hope I won't bore you, but I was thinking of you when I was taking them :) It will take me several posts to show you Serifos, which is also rich in mythology. It is said according to Greek mythology that Medusa's head is buried here, under a 12th century church, up at the fort, in Hora. That's where I stayed.

Hora is built all the way on top of a rock! some of the houses are built on the side of the cliff. very scary and dramatic, but they are "solid as a rock"! The walls of these stone houses are 70 cm thick. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They are like snow white houses! tiny and the bathrooms are outside! not very convenient when you have to "go" in the middle of the night and its freezing out there!! which I had to experience one night..lol
Most of the roofs on these houses are someone else's veranda! at the house I stayed, in order to fix the screen window, I had to walk several streets over to find the window. kinda like a labyrinth.lol The narrow streets are like that too. windy and at first I would get lost and find myself in a newly discovered street!

This is the way to the house.

The view from the house was i n c r e d i b l e !! I would sit out on the veranda for hours and just day dream.. I was lucky to be there at full moon which was sooo beautiful reflecting on the sea at night! I also found this radio station that played beautiful music and would listen to that the whole time I was there.

Do you see those white stairs, on the right? they lead up to the fort and the old church, where Medusa's head is said to be buried. I fell in love with those stairs! they look like they are an extension of the rock. just genius! This will be included in my next painting :))

These were some of my neighbors..

No cars allowed in Hora..so this is how they removed the trash. Isn't he adorable?!
I will continue on my next post...so much to share!
xoxoxo

vacation mode :)

2011-08-07T22:50:00.000+03:00

Four more days until I leave and I can't focus on anything else! This vacation is long overdue and all I can think of, is sitting by the sea with my art journal and this is what I have been doing for the past two weeks..preping pages. of course I'm also thinking about swimming and getting a decent tan, but journaling is my dream vacation...isn't that funny?.. but I am an artist after all.. oh I will be taking loads of pictures, so be prepared lol! I am going to bore you for sure.
At this point I would like to thank Kristin for the fabulous summer of colour. I'm going to miss that for sure!! so Kristin.... and I am sure, lots of other artists would agree, would you pleassse come up with something for Fall?! you were such a wonderful host!! I didn't have time preparing for the last part of the show and tell, please forgive me, but my mind is already on vacation mode :) thank you for this and all the other artists for your beautiful comments and support!!

These are some of the pages I'll be working on.

This is coming with me too! I've been working on this punch needle embroidery since 2008! lol. The title is " Transformation" I must finish it this year!
I wish you all a happy rest of the Summer :) and lets all come back this Fall, rejuvenated and with new inspiration!!
xoxoxo

summer of colour- orange

2011-08-02T00:03:00.000+03:00

Just got back from a long weekend to the most beautiful lake in central Greece, Lake Plastira and am so pleased to share these pictures with you! but first let me say, that this week's challenge for summer of colour is orange! It's a colour that I use often in my work! In this painting, the elephant theme continues and I decided to play with BB's hair and give her a more fun, summery look :)

This weekend I took a train trip! to central Greece, to attend in a music festival in the most amazing place in the mountains, Lake Plastira. It was only for a weekend but I feel so rejuvenated, it feels like I was there for at a week :)

The village where I stayed at, Pezoula, is on the mountain and is surrounded by fir, oak trees and chestnut trees!! I have never seen a chestnut tree in person, have you?

There were rivers running through the forest and villages and you could drink the spring water! amazing!!

There was even a water mill, where the local ladies wash there blankets and rugs!

This is the entrance to a local tavern.

This what I saw in the forest..

I saw a dragonfly!! same colour as my tattoo!

The music festival was right on the lake.

a greek chicken roaming the streets! hahaha

This is what came up to me while I was having coffee down in the valley, in Karditsa!

Hope you've enjoyed this little tour and are having a great summer! Next week I'm taking a two week vacation, which is something I haven't done in years. I'm off to the Greek islands and counting the days!!
xoxoxo

summer of colour -purple

2011-07-25T15:35:00.002+03:00

The weekly challenge summer of colour continues, with the colour purple for this week. Honey Bunny is the star in my painting " Take the ong way home.." isn't she so cute? The clouds are made from maps of my hometown NYC..

The heat wave here continues and it's really hard to do any kind of work..my mind keeps wondering to the greek islands and my vacation, which is still a few weeks away..
ohh I want to tell you how amazing the Roger Waters concert was!! It was something between a concert and a theatrical performance. I was so lucky to be in the front row!! It just blew me away at this absolutely amazingly talented man, so full of energy, and depth of his show!!
and as for Jon Bon Jovi....omg! the temperature that day was 104 degrees, and the band was soo fantastic! poor Jon was sweating so bad..I wanted to go up on stage and wipe the sweat off his face. ;) lol I felt like a teenager, dancing and singing the whole time! (and screaming) lol and, no I don't miss the days, but it's nice to let it all hang out and don't worry abt who's watching and have no inhibitions and just be a kid again!! you know what I mean?! This is really what I love most about being the age I am (forever 36) the confidence, and knowing what I want out of life! getting it and not having to apologize about it! right?! please tell me I'm right..!

summer of colour- red

2011-07-18T10:22:00.002+03:00

The theme for summer of colour is red and he colour fits right in, since the temperature here in Athens, Greece is 97 degrees!! yikes! It's kind of hard working in this weather..all I can think about is the beach and how much I need a vacation.
I forgot to say the lettering means Daisy in Japanese!! lol
Hope everyone is keeping cool :)
have a great week!!
xoxo

summer of colour- brown

2011-07-11T10:31:00.002+03:00

Good morning! Good morning!! I just love going to the beach! went this weekend for my first swim and I was the whitest person there. I looked like a ghost lol. I discovered this small beach and stayed till after sundown. There was this beach bar playing reggae music and I was sipping my iced cappuccino, gazing at the bluest sea ever!! and for a few hours I erased every little trouble from my head and just inhaled the sea breeze.. ohhh how I wish I was a mermaid...
My entry for this week for summer of colour gave me a little trouble since brown is not one of my favorite colours.. but I added my little guys, Shy and Yellow and of course Daisy always present :) This print is available in my shop
Tomorrow Roger Waters from Pink Floyd is giving a concert and I'm going!!! YES! and Bon Jovi next week :) Isn't Jon Bon Jovi so cute?! he's a Pisces like me ;)
Have a great week!!
xoxox

colour of summer- yellow :)

2011-07-04T11:10:00.000+03:00

Yellow is this week's prompt for colour of summer. It's one of my favorite colours! when I think of yellow, I smile :)) It's such a happy colour!
I have two pieces to share with you. I made the circus one, a few weeks ago, it's part of a series I've been working on about elephants! The other one is a portrait. enjoy and Happy Fourth of July!! oh how I miss that...

the summer of colour- pink

2011-06-27T08:25:00.000+03:00

Hope you all had a great weekend!! " BB's garden" is my entry for summer of colour. enjoy :)

fairy aprons :)

2011-06-23T14:57:00.001+03:00

I've been wanting to share these new aprons with you for some weeks now, but was unable to get a hold of my mini model! We finally had a long photo shoot last weekend , but looks like we will have to redo as the pics came out too light... My model, Pigi, which means spring (as in spring water) in Greek is the cutest little thing and is a big "pink cloud fairy" fan!

This might be the first that I ever made something and sold it like hotcakes! I sold 20 pieces the first week! I think one of the reasons, other that they are the cutest little aprons ;) is that the Greek TV will be premiering the cooking show "Master chefs for kids" this fall. I didn't even get a chance to post them on etsy! lol Hopefully next week! I will be taking pre orders, if you are interested :)

Doesn't she have the cutest smile?

The pockets are printed and I hand stamped the little hearts :) I am so in love with these!

art therapy

2011-06-22T10:49:00.000+03:00

I would like to thank all of you for the beautiful comments and all the emails! I never expected such a beautiful reaction to my work. It makes me so happy and gives me wings! This is exactly what I want to give back to my audience...a huge smile! I want to make people happy when they look at my paintings, to forget their every day troubles, even for a few minutes, to transport them to a different world...my world :)
We need to smile more :))
I want to share a story with you.. A few years ago, when I first moved here, in Athens, Greece, I taught adult art classes. I was very nervous, because it was in a new environment, my Greek is very good, but when it comes to art language I struggle... I ended up teaching that class in half greek, half english lol! My students would just smile when I would do that.
Anyway, the class was a group of five women, and from the very first class we just clicked! Have you ever had this experience? Where you meet someone and immediately know that this person will change your life somehow?! We formed this amazing bond, poured our hearts out to each other, shared intimate stories. We did art and therapy at the same time!! what was said in the classroom, stayed in the classroom :) They called our sessions, art therapy and told me how I inspired them to open up as artists and as women! The truth is, that they were the ones inspiring me! like you all are, right now!! I feel like I'm on top of the world!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart:))

summer of colour- GREEN

2011-06-20T10:12:00.000+03:00

The summer of colour continues on it's second challenge, green. I've been having too much fun with this one! and so has Daisy, my poodle :)

That's Daisy with her summer hair cut :)
I'd like to thank all of you for your beautiful comments and emails! Have a happy, creative week!!!

summer of colour - BLUE

2011-06-13T09:30:00.000+03:00

My friend Kristin of twinkle, twinkle is hosting a blog party called Summer of Colour! each week we will be given a colour prompt and based on that colour we will create art pieces and posting them every Monday for ten weeks! Thank you Kristin for this fun project! Monday fun day :))
This week's colour is... blue.

ants on a tree

2011-06-07T23:29:00.000+03:00

This cute little painting is available at my shop. hope you like as much I do :). These two guys are very inspiring lately! Daisy seems to like them too, who btw is getting groomed tomorrow :0 and it's not going to be pleasant at all! she gives her groomers the hardest time. last time they had to sedate her and I am so against that! so tomorrow we are going to a new doggie salon and hope for the best!

mini folders

2011-06-05T16:34:00.001+03:00

Here they are.. my little pink cloud fairies! made into mini folders. They are now available at the Benaki Museum, here in Athens, and at my shop. I am so happy with the museum. They gave me my own spot in front of the window! I have two more items to show you, as soon as I find a (mini) model :))

I am now on my way, to a peaceful rally at Constitution Square, to protest against the new austerity measures the Greek goverment is imposing on this country! Spain was the first country to arrange such rallies. Hopefully it will stay peaceful as over 100.00 people are expected today!
Have a very creative week!!
xoxo

happy day :)

2011-05-30T14:57:00.000+03:00

Hope you have a happy day, every day!!
My day started early with a very successful appt at the Benaki Museum in Athens! The museum will carry my new line of products featuring the "pink cloud fairy" :)) notebooks, children's aprons, and mugs. I have been working on these designs for months now and can't wait to show you pics!
I will be sharing more on this in the next few days.
Meanwhile...here is my latest creation of Yellow. one day, soon I hope, I will make him/her into a real doll!
Have a great week!!!

wish i was here...

2011-05-25T18:32:00.000+03:00

I wish I was here..

and here..

It seems that all I have barely acomplished any work this week. I've been...daydreaming mostly! The weather is soooo beautiful and it's bringing back memories, from my vacation to Paros, last summer...

I did manage to make these cute little pendants for etsy

what are your plans for this summer?
xoxoxo

please don't feed the fish

2011-05-18T11:12:00.000+03:00

The "fishy" theme continues...

This original art is available on etsy.

free download :)

2011-05-17T13:29:00.000+03:00

I found these vintage Greek ads in Sunday's paper! and immediately thought, it would be a great way of thanking all my blog friends for your beautiful comments :)) Thank you so much for all your support! It's so wonderful that even though I know very few of you in person, how close I feel to you :) we get glimpses of each other's art and share our everyday lives, our joys, our dreams, our frustrations. I am in awe!!
I would love to see what you create with this pretty pictures :)

if you can't be good...

2011-05-15T21:55:00.000+03:00

My dad still tells me this! hehe

happy monday!

2011-05-09T17:32:00.000+03:00

Let this be a fabulous week filled with lots of creativity :)

new journal

2011-05-05T12:53:00.000+03:00

Happy Spring!! and I say this in irony..it's so rainy so hard today and I have to go take down the Homo Sapiens exhibit! finding a cab will be lots of fun! It makes me nervous when I have to haul my artwork in this weather. The show was a big success, we received so much press coverage and attendance. My sculpture did not sell but that's ok, I want to hang on to it a little longer and will be making more.

I recently came across a small hardcover handbag and jewellery catalog with nice binding and I immediately thought I would turn it into a journal! I glued the pages to each other to make them thick and covered them with gesso. The back page is so pretty so I'll leave it as is.
xoxo

how to tame a fish..

2011-04-26T23:51:00.000+03:00

My art has always reflected events or stories that either I have experienced myself consciously or subconsciously. This will be my third book and I have to say that the brain is a funny thing! With all three of these books, I swear to you that I had completely different ideas as to what each one would be, but as I began drawing..something took over! Only when I would finish each one, I'd go back each page and carefully study each one and fully understand what it really meant to me in real life. I hope I'm making sense, here. This is the first time I am analyzing myself! lol no shrink needed here!

I will let the book speak for itself and not tell my story, and let the viewer to interpret on their own. The reason for doing so, is that in the past, when I would tell people the true story they would turn in disappointment and say " ohh and I thought it it was a fairy tale" lol! and I would ruin it for them!

My "fish" needed some adjustment, if you know what I mean..some fine tuning..

Happy Easter Bunny

2011-04-23T10:29:00.000+03:00

Daisy and I wish you all a Happy Easter! xoxoxo

sneak peek

2011-04-19T20:06:00.000+03:00

I've been on a roll with my itsy bitsy books and am currently working on my third one. The title is " How to tame a fish". Sounds kinda funny, I know, but once again as I started this book, my hand just took over. I never intended to make the fish as the main character, but who knows how my subconscious is working lately...here's a little peek.

Meanwhile I have new prints available in my shop. stop by and check them out :)

let's be friends

2011-04-13T17:40:00.000+03:00

This is my second itsy bitsy book.

it's an average life..

2011-04-12T15:43:00.000+03:00

My blog friend Tracy asked me to create a painting inspired her blog. She gave me a few hints of things that make her happy and gave me complete carte blanche. Tracy is a writer, so I had a pretty good idea of what I would create for her..a little girl writing poetry, under a tree, bees, flowers,etc etc.. but then I sat down at my table..and my hand just took over..lol didn't want to play "safe". Nothing average about ladybugs swimming in the sea . I was smiling the whole time I was painting and thought to myself.."yeah, she'll love this" and she did!! Thank you Tracy for the inspiration :)

My other news is that, opening night for the "Homo Sapiens in Love" was a huge success! I have never seen so many people attend a show, like this, before. It was so exciting to see my sculpture get so much attention, I wanted to stay all night and listen to the beautiful comments! lol. My friends had to drag me away at 2 am. I will be posting pics as soon as the curator sends them out, because the ones that I took..are lousy! I think I had too many gin tonics that evening! lol

"Homo Sapiens in Love" exhibition

2011-04-05T14:01:00.002+03:00

This Friday is the opening reception at Booze, here in Athens, Greece. MTV is one of our sponsors and this exhibition is getting so much publicity, it sounds to be an exciting show! The participating artists are from The UK, Brazil, Lebanon, Norway and Greece. I'm thrilled to be part of this! I will be exhibiting three pieces and if you are here in Athens, stop by :)) I would love to meet you!

my friend :)

2011-04-04T17:07:00.000+03:00

It was so great to see you again, my dear friend!! It felt just like yesterday that I last saw you..picking up right where we left off..

and here is some more street art.

This one is right beneath the Acropolis.

No fear No guilt

2011-03-30T16:47:00.000+03:00

Do you sometimes feel like you're putting your needs on the back burner in order to please others? so people can say that you are doing the "proper" thing?... and then one day you finally "wake up"?!
This is what my first itsy bitsy book is about.
No fear, No guilt!
Sometimes we just have to make that big leap, to be able to continue making small steps to find our happiness!

Where do you, find courage and strength?.. I am blessed to have the support of my grown up daughters and my dearest friends!

I say..let's vote to have "friendship day"!! to honour our friends!! yes?

Hope you've enjoyed my little art therapy book :) Stay tuned for another one about Yellow and Shy.. meanwhile, my dear friend Terry is arriving today from Wash. DC to visit, and I get to see her tomorrow afternoon and my heart is just beating so fast!!

one last thing before I go...tell your friends how much they mean to you! and share the love!! xoxoxoxo

BB and her pet fish

2011-03-29T17:17:00.002+03:00

Silly BB! I get it! you're fed up with Daisy the poodle again! right?! and you think trading her with a fish is the answer?... think again! Daisy is not going to like this one bit!!
This cute little print is available at my shop.

blog winner

2011-03-26T14:45:00.000+02:00

I am happy to announce that Netty is the winner of my give away! Thank you all for participating! It was lots of fun and I will having another one pretty soon :)
Have a creative weekend! xoxo

blog giveaway

2011-03-19T14:25:00.001+02:00

I have been blogging for over a year now, and I must tell you it has changed me as a person and as an artist. Even though I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you in person, you have touched my heart, with your kind words, your encouragement and your support. I have met the most wonderful people through my blog. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me.

I will be giving away this 4x6'' print and a wooden pendant :) just leave a comment. Drawing will be next Saturday.
Have a creative weekend, my friend.

my journal cover

2011-03-17T14:31:00.001+02:00

Just wondering how my girls would look with round kooky eyes..lol ! what do you think? yes or no?

Stay tuned this weekend for my first blog give away..

Also check out Tina Kirk's blog for another blog give away :) and beautiful art!

graffiti

2011-03-15T19:20:00.000+02:00

Aren't these just so cool?! Found this beautiful wall art, tucked in a side street in downtown Athens.

new listing on etsy

2011-03-10T09:33:00.000+02:00

Two cute paintings are now available on etsy !

personalized paintings

2011-03-09T15:10:00.002+02:00

I have been asked by several stores to create personalized paintings as birth announcements and this is what I came up with :) I've been having too much fun with this!! and of course, you know who, is included! little Daisy is holding one of the balloons. I was thinking of having her pop it..but don't know if the mommies ordering the painting would find it funny!
The paintings will be listed on etsy tomorrow morning :)

The Acropolis

2011-03-08T11:39:00.000+02:00

Although I have moved here in Athens, seven years ago, I sometimes have to pinched myself that I am actually living here now, and not just visiting my sister during summer vacation! it's kind of surreal at times. One day I'm in Washington, DC and the next, I'm moving to Greece. and although it hasn't been an easy transition, I have to confess...I'm staying put! I'm in love with Athens! with the people, the neighbourhoods,the weather (although it's snowing!! right as we speak), the sun! oh and the blue blue sky! This sky, that makes me feel so alive and free, that I can accomplish anything!!

Yesterday I went for a walk in Plaka. It's the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. It's right under the Acropolis and it looks like a village within a city. That's surreal!! Don't let the shabby look fool you. Those tiny houses are worth millions! You can't find real estate under one million euros!

My friend Terry

2011-03-02T11:32:00.001+02:00

I received the most exciting email this morning! My friend Terry, whom I haven't seen in many years is coming to visit Athens!! I met her at one of my exhibitions when I used to live in Wash. D.C. She was one of my biggest fans and would come to all my exhibitions along with her friend Elizabeth. and the three of us just clicked! we had so many things in common, our love for the arts, music and would meet for lunch and sit for hours talking. When I moved to Greece, we lost touch and now to receive her email is.. well I am just so thrilled and exited!! I can't wait to see her at the end of this month! so much catching up to do.. I am so super exited! can't wait to see you my dear Terry :)) xoxoxoxo

the birthday queen

2011-02-21T09:50:00.000+02:00

Happy Birthday Daisy ! I love you!!

mixed media sculpture

2011-02-19T15:26:00.000+02:00

But true love is a durable fire,

In the mind ever burning.

Never sick, never old, never dead,

From itself never turning. Walter Raleigh

It took me exactly one month to complete this very special sculpture. I'm truely thrilled with the result.!!It came out as I had envisioned it and will be included in the '' Homo Sapiens in love'' exhibition, in April.

Hope you see this as a romantic piece and not let that sneaky snake scare you away. It's there for protection and healing.

. ''Eternal love'' will be offered for sale, but I have to say I will really miss it if it does sell... God, I hate getting attached to my art like that. Do you feel the same?

Spread the love...

2011-02-13T12:10:00.000+02:00

Happy Valentines Day!

with all our love,
joanna and daisy :)

new progress

2011-02-09T16:28:00.001+02:00

It's the most gorgeous day here in Athens!! temps in the 60's and the sky couldn't get more blue-r! This kind of weather always makes me feel so good about life lol! makes me smile for no reason, gives me hope, positive vibes and inspiration! plus " sweet home alabama" is playing on the radio!
I'm in love with my sculpture although it's coming along real slow. the drying times are driving me mad and I keep adding all these elements... it's taking more time than I anticipated.

The skirt part is fabric dipped in wood glue! kind of messy but the result is more than I had hoped for. It made the fabric SO stiff and unbendable. so many possibilities with this technique!! I want to fabric mache everything in my house now!! lol

there she is again! i'm sure she knows i'm abt to take a picture!!

silly stuff

2011-02-08T12:35:00.000+02:00

Just want to post this pic, real quick. I must get serious today and work on my "eternal love.." sculpture. The deadline is not that far away! but I must tell you, this art of silliness class, is getting me up early every morning! lol

the art of silliness

2011-02-06T18:52:00.002+02:00

Be optimistic
don't you be a grumpy
when the road gets bumpy
just smile
smile and be happy

Now that I'm all done with my website and other serious business stuff I really need a break!! I am taking my first on line art course the art of silliness. This session is now closed but Carla will be offering it again in May.

Thank you Carla for the inspiration and for making me laugh so much!!

my website

2011-02-05T11:28:00.000+02:00

I finally did it! I have a website ! yay!! did it all on my own. hope you all take a look and let me know how you like it.

eternal love..part two

2011-02-01T18:56:00.001+02:00

'' eternal love..'' is more complex and challenging than I planned! I don't want to give details yet as not to give away the finished idea! I'm now working on the bottom part of the mannequin. I was planning on using chicken wire to make the body longer, but the store was out so I had to substitute with thin wire. The next step is one I'm really excited about. I will be using fabric instead of newsprint to finish the body. This will also reinforce it. I've been researching on different ways to paper mache and found this to be super exiting!!

I've been working on this little painting as well.

I usually don't like to work on several projects at the same time, but with paper mache you have to wait for each layer to dry completely before continuing. and waiting around is not me! I had bought this two inch deep frame and this is what I made...

I love working on smaller paintings. This one is 8.5'' x 8.5''.

eternal love...

2011-01-18T21:26:00.000+02:00

I've been invited to participate in a most interesting and exiting exhibition this spring. " Homo Sapiens in love" The show will be at Booze Cooperativa, here in Athens. I will post more on this most fascinating space. It's a very old building in the heart of Athens that has been converted into a bar, cafe, theatre, art space! I was in awe when I first walked in there!
''Eternal Love" is my first art creation for 2011. It's going to take several weeks to complete due to its complexity and the fact that each layer of paper mache has to dry, before adding the subsequent layers. I felt like a kid playing in a sandbox, while digging out the hole in the doll's chest! it was hard to stop!

hi daisy! lol

new year, new beginings

2011-01-14T13:39:00.028+02:00

If only that were true..to erase everything and start all over again. Every little thing, every moment in our lives makes our experiences in life. who we are, where we are headed.. 2010 was a very intense year for me, both good, amazing and.. challenging.
I recently bought Kelly Rae's e book and she mentions about a Buddhist belief that when several things start going wrong, it's because something bigger and greater is trying to get itself born!! I started crying when I read this.. It expresses me completely! How we need to find positives when everything goes wrong. Don't take me wrong. I am a most positive person, my friends turn to me to cheer them up, but when one bad thing happens after another.... I start thinking and questioning "what's going on here"? this can't be, how much emotional beating can a person take? It's because something bigger is getting born, that's why, dummy! Don't you get it? Nothing is easy in life!
So this is how I will bring in the New Year.. preparing for this...birth. Allowing myself to feel down, burnt out and depressed but only for a little bit, because it will make way for inspiration and creativity in my world!

These area few of my key words for 2011..create, soar, surprise myself, courage, follow my dream, and most of all, be happy!!
Happy New Year my friend and thank you for being there for me and for your support. It means the world to me!!

happy holidays

2010-12-26T11:32:00.000+02:00

Dear friends, we wish you and your loved ones,a very happy holiday, filled with love, joy, and good health!!

with all our love, Joanna and Daisy xoxo

Tis the season

2010-12-14T15:55:00.001+02:00

This is the Christmas card I'll be sending out, this year and is also my MMM entry. Daisy is once again the star, but by the look of things.. stealing Christmas trees etc.. I doubt her stocking will be full!
Hope you are having a great holiday, my friend!

Sonny Rollins

2010-11-29T15:34:00.000+02:00

The greatest living Jazz legend was here in Athens yesterday! He is celebrating his 80th birthday with a series of concerts! I was really fortunate to attend this huge event. I couldn't get any of my friends to join me so...I went alone. Going places on my own is something I'm working on! lol! I think it has to do with confidence and being comfortable with ones self. and I had a fantastic time! This was way too easier, than painting in my journal alone, at the cafe last week!! I kept putting off buying the ticket, just in case I could persuade my rocker friends, and it just happened that I bought the very last ticket! that "alone" was a sign to me!
What's next with my little "alone" exersices? Dunno! Travel to India, alone? no, no not there just yet! lol
Have a very creative week, my friend!

twinkle, twinkle, little star

2010-11-29T00:37:00.000+02:00

Just finished this painting and want to share it with you. It seems like my head is running in all sorts of directions lately! There is so much I want to do and so little time!! I have all these ideas and inspirations that I want to bring to life and at times I can feel my heart racing!! I want to grow as an artist and make my business grow as well, and most of the time I feel like I can accomplish everything I set my mind to and conquer the world lol! that's where the pink cloud comes handy! It helps me dream big, gives me inner strength, persistence, confidence, and most of all inspiration.

Have to run now. Jazz master, Sonny Rollins, is in town and I'm going to see him!! More on that, tomorrow.

Hope you are getting into the holiday spirit, my friend! Christmas is almost here!!

danielle

2010-11-23T16:44:00.000+02:00

This is little cutie is Danielle. She stands 6'' tall and is waiting for me to create her new home. I will be making boxes to place the dollies in. Along with the dolls I am also making paintings and as soon as I have a good body of work, I will submit pics to a gallery I have in mind, here in Athens. Hopefully they will give me an exhibition..
Speaking of exhibitions, I've been invited to participate in a group exhibition, next spring. The title is " Homo Sapiens in love" and plan to show my handwoven and embroidered capes. soooo exited about this!
Hope you're having a creative week, my friend!

new pendants

2010-11-22T10:29:00.000+02:00

Creating these tiny glass pendants has been so much fun! They are available at the Benaki Museum, here in Athens and also in my etsy shop.

my heart belongs to you...

2010-11-20T00:24:00.000+02:00

I carry my journal with me, everywhere I go, and yesterday I discovered this hip cafe in Gazi, one of the most artsy places in Athens, and sat for coffee. It was early in the afternoon so I had the whole place to myself!! ohhh what joy! even the music was inspiring! Jazzzz! yes! This cafe is also an art gallery! so I fit right in! I have to say, its not like me to sit alone for coffee, but I'm working on it and I am finding myself enjoying it immensely!!

Just finished this painting.

Mary ( Boxing clever MMM )

2010-11-17T16:12:00.002+02:00

I am so exited to share my new project with you! I have fallen in love with my fairies and decided to make them into dolls!! I used to make stuffed dolls many years ago, but this is the first time I tried making clay ones.

Mary, is my first doll made out of paper clay. If you haven't tried paper clay..you are missing out! I am obsessing over this stuff! It's so soft and when it dries its super light in weight.

Mary is sitting on a beaded heart with legs. lol... yes the heart has legs! the ant hanging from above is also made out of clay. The title for this box is '' follow your heart..'' and it's also my entry for MMM.

Hope you like it. I am planning on making more and hopefully exhibit these next year.

fairy power

2010-11-16T15:05:00.001+02:00

This is the cover of my journal. I have many plans for my fairies, I am putting them on canvas and... have been working on a special project, which I will show you tomorrow.

Be positive, my friend, good things are coming soon!

The pink cloud fairy

2010-11-15T16:48:00.002+02:00

Hello my friend!! Sorry I've been away for so long..It's not that I haven't been thinking about you, but I didn't want to burden you with all the personal complications in my life... but, here I am, with so much to tell you about my work and what I have been designing for the last two months!
As you know I have been working on the little girls for some time now and have been inspired by them. I tried many different styles for their faces and wanted to make them original, cute and a bit comic. So I came up with big heads and huge eyes! I am anxious to hear your comments!!
I started painting in this tiny journal 4x7'' which I am enjoying immensely! I have been taking my tiny journal everywhere with me. Sunday mornings is my special journal day. Going out for coffee and journaling at the cafe, while the waiter discretely hovers over me to see what I'm painting. Anyway journaling is not common here in Greece. I must do something about that. teach journaling and show other artists how fullfilling it can be and most of all..healing..art therapy!!

some of my friends have been calling me fairy... I suppose it's because of my positive attitude or maybe because I live on a pink cloud.. don't know. lol but that's how this series started. I am calling it " the pink cloud fairy" This fairy is me, the pink cloud fairy.. I have three more friends, Mary, Danielle and Alexandra. and of course...Daisy will be included as a fairy too!

This one is one is my sister Mary!
More to come tomorrow!!

U2 concert

2010-09-05T22:20:00.000+03:00

This is where I was on Friday!! U2 were here in Athens!!

80.000 people came to see them at the Olympic stadium!!
Hope you are enjoying the long weekend! Of course it doesn't apply here in Greece but it brings back memories... school starts soon and so does....Fall!! yay and yay again!
xoxoxo
I also want to tell you that I have been working on a secret project these last few weeks and will reveal to you hopefully by the end of the month ;)

cool it down!!

2010-08-30T11:34:00.001+03:00

This is my entry for MMM. Hope everyone is having a cool end of summer!! Our heat wave continues here at 102 degrees..and I'm seriously thinking of moving to Alaska!! lol.

Red

2010-08-23T02:26:00.000+03:00

This has been the hottest summer I can remember! For twenty days now the temps have been over 100 degrees! Today was the coolest so far...90! lol ok enough with summer already! I know I was eager for it to arrive but....please... I can't think in this kind of heat, let alone paint! I want to share this painting with you, that I created last year. It's my entry for MMM. Red...the colour of passion!!

the school boy...

2010-08-09T01:55:00.003+03:00

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

The School Boy

I love to rise in a summer morn,

When the birds sing on every tree;

The distant huntsman winds his horn,

And the sky-lark sings with me.

O! what sweet company.

But to go to school in a summer morn,

O! it drives all joy away;

Under a cruel eye outworn.

The little ones spend the day,

In sighing and dismay.

Ah! then at times I drooping sit,

And spend many an anxious hour,

Nor in my book can I take delight,

Nor sit in learnings bower,

Worn thro' with the dreary shower.

How can the bird that is born for joy,

Sit in a cage and sing.

How can a child when fears annoy.

But droop his tender wing.

And forget his youthful spring.

O! father & mother. if buds are nip'd,

And blossoms blown away,

And if the tender plants are strip'd

Of their joy in the springing day,

By sorrow and care's dismay.

How shall the summer arise in joy.

Or the summer fruits appear.

Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy

Or bless the mellowing year.

When the blasts of winter appear.

William Blake

The poet William Blake was very uncomfortable and unexcited with going to school when he wrote this poem. My school boy on the other hand...was too eager to attend! He knew that every morning his sweetheart would save a seat next to her.

This is my entry for MMM .

The verdict is in!!

2010-08-05T22:42:00.000+03:00

While I was out...someone was having a garbage party !!!
Miss Daisy will NOT be appearing in the next five paintings!! and she is on parole! No amount of begging will save you this time Missy!

Past loves...

2010-08-01T13:46:00.001+03:00

Past loves...it sounds a little sad, doesn't it? Looking back, reminiscing.. Well, as an artist, textiles, is one of my past loves. Even though I don't work with fibers anymore, they do pop up from time to time. I get into these moods where I obsess over felting, shibori and embroidery.

I was experimenting with stamps and painting on fabric, when I started my mixed media paintings. About four years ago, I was preparing to teach a class on surface painting and stamping on fabric, and was too lazy to get up and cut fabric from the bolt, so I just stamped on some scrap paper on my desk,...and fell in love..( see, laziness pays off too, sometimes) hehe.

This is one of my new paintings from the circle theme. I'm still in the very begining stages. The large circles are shibori. This painting is called " It always takes two to tango". Hope u like.

But...because, laughter cures everything and we need more humor in life!! I had to make this second painting too!! I must tell you, the first ting that came to mind, with this MMM " Past loves" challenge was... boyfriends! lol and of course I couldn't help myself!!

Now you tell me.. Does she or doesn't she have an attitude? She doesn't even remember how many they were! Romeo of course was the love of her life (so far) ! lol

I have to share this with you too..I wanna be your dog hahahahha

Have a great week my friend and laugh, laugh, laugh. Life is too short!

xoxo

My favorite things

2010-07-27T01:15:00.000+03:00

The MMM theme for this week is "my favorite things" and since I have been working on little girl paintings I made this one using various stamps, gel transfers and papers for the background. Daisy has been having a real bad attitude this week and for her punishment I replaced her with this little kitty!!!
xoxo

new inspiration

2010-07-22T16:02:00.002+03:00

I love going back to my old journals and looking at the progress I've made. I've noticed that in all my journals the last pages are always different in style and design than from when I began. It's like telling me to move on to something new. I have always wanted to draw little girls and keep experimenting on different styles and faces and can never decide which ones I like the most.. I think this is a Pisces trait..can't make up my mind, plus I get bored easily doing the same stuff. Anyway, I found this one page I really liked back then and when I saw it again this weekend it inspired me to paint a little goth girl on a t-shirt.

I've gotten so many compliments on my t-shirt, I think I'll be making more in the future :)

play things

2010-07-18T20:10:00.001+03:00

Hope you are having a great summer!! After my two trips, I'm back to the canvas again, this time working on two different bodies of work. One will be a new series of paintings inspired by..circles.. Don't know how that happened yet, but I'm sure it will click and reveal its self along the way.. The other, is a series of little girl paintings, for my new account the the cherry on the cake.

The first thing that came to mind for my MMM entry is a a little girl on swing.. remember those days?...carefree, not a worry in the world..

Have a creative week my friend!

Blue

2010-07-11T18:59:00.000+03:00

When I think of the colour blue, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Greek sky and the Aegean sea...and since I was vacationing in Paros recently, my painting is inspired by that. It is also my entry for MMM.

Frankfurt

2010-07-03T23:46:00.000+03:00

This has to be one of the most exiting week ever! First the Greek island Paros and now Frankfurt! Two completely different places to visit. Paros with the whitewashed houses and laid back almost primitive island and then Frankfurt with the most incredible architecture!
It was surreal meeting up with my friend there. We both live in Athens, and she was visiting NYC for the first time and on her way back to Europe stopping in Frankfurt and me meeting her there!!

This is the amazing view from our hotel room. Overlooking the Main river.

On the day we arrived, Germany won against England at the world cup soccer series. I was so lucky to watch the game with the German people and join in the celebration that went in all evening! Thousands of cars were honking and church bells were ringing non stop!! We watched the game by the river with more than one hundred people, where they were selling bratwurst and beer! it was so festive!!

This is Romer square, it was within walking distance from the hotel and had the cutest cafes and stores. My dad used to bring me dolls like these from his trips..

Romer square.

When we used to live in New York City we owned a restaurant called "Oscar's Salt of the sea" so I got exited when I saw this bistro...

I took this pic, because I love strawberries :)

And this one.....the best picture of all!!hahahaha now is that luck or what!!

The icing on the cake

2010-06-24T17:59:00.000+03:00

One of the reasons I went to Paros was to visit "The icicng on the cake". It's the most amazing children's store that now carries my work. Maria Kavvadia, the owner, has two stores, one here in Athens and her flagship store in Paros. Most items in the store are handmade and organic, that she picks out on her trips from all over the world! I was walking by her Athens store one day, and I was mesmerized by the storybook design. It reminded me of a gallery for kids!! I'm so glad I went inside!

Ok, now I have to unpack my suitcase and get ready for my next adventure. Frankfurt..see you on Sunday!!

Paros

2010-06-22T21:03:00.000+03:00

I had the most creative morning today! I discovered this cute cafe bar called "Pebbles" and spent a few hours painting in my journal. It was early in the day and I was the only customer there. Just me, my journal and jazz music playing on the radio!! Sheer heaven!

Isn't this the most beautiful church?!