Just Mary Designs

The Surtex Show

A while back I had a crazy idea…. what if my art could be used on different products?  Could my paintings look good on a purse, or a tea towel, or a wall hanging?  What about a picture frame, or stationery, or a journal cover?  Would it ever be possible to have my designs leap off of the canvas and onto something sold in a store?  What if…..   And then I heard about Surtex.  Surtex is one of the largest (if not THE largest) expo for art licensing.  Art licensing is the pathway to having your art land on a product manufactured by a company and eventually purchased by someone in a store.  As I began to investigate the world of art licensing, Surtex kept popping up over and over and over.  So I decided to take a closer look.

My Little Seahorse Icon

Now let me tell you, Surtex is a pretty big deal in the art licensing world.  And it is quite expensive to be one of the several hundred artists exhibiting - all vying for the attention of some 7000 buyers who will pass through.  I am not someone easily intimidated by a new adventure, but navigating the world of Surtex was quite overwhelming…. not to mention expensive.  I began to consider the idea of collaborating with other artists who were like me - interested in testing the Surtex waters.  Lo and behold, into my universe popped an incredible group called the Cultivate Art Collective.  This collective started with a lot of like minded talented artists who were interested in the art licensing world.  And 10 of us took the plunge together and registered to exhibit as a collective at the 2014 Surtex show - May 18-20 in New York City!  I found my Surtex tribe - and wowza - these ladies rock! An example of a Surtex Booth[/caption] Amidst the pre show flurry of creating lots of fresh new art for the show, we have been working together to build our brand for the big show.  Together, we are doing a fun blog hop today!  We chose a“Sea” theme to be interpreted, re-imagined

My Crab Icon

and beautifully designed by each artist to showcase their unique vision and creative talents.  Our Blog Hop is a collaboration of these 10 diverse artists from the collective who will be exhibiting together at Surtex May 18- 20, 2014.  So after you have checked out my Sea Themed Art please keep the Blog Hop Hopping and scroll down to the bottom of the post to find links to the other 9 fabulous artists! I hope you enjoy swimming through some lovely designs.  And wish me luck at my Surtex adventure - I hope my art makes a *SPLASH*!!!

My Starfish Icon

Stunningly Strange by Kaitlin Goodey https://stunninglystrange.com/blog/silly-sea-cultivate-art-collective RiztyDesign http://riztydesign.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/under-the-sea/ Diane Hunt Studio http://www.dianehuntstudio.com/sea---blog-hop.html Margaret Applin Designs www.margaretapplin.com/2014/03/cultivate-art-collectives-sea-art-blog-hop.html Tatyana Starikova http://www.tatyana-starikova.com/1/post/2014/03/cultivate-art-collectives-sea-art-blog-hop.html jami darwin http://jamidarwin.tumblr.com/post/78250924378/under-the-sea Robo Roku http://thiscreativelife.net/2014/03/art-scene-under-the-sea-with-cultivate-art-collective Aileen Tu Design http://aileentu.com/cultivate-art-collective-sea-art-blog-hop Rachelle Panagarry http://www.arteyecandy.com/2014/03/undersea-adventures-cultivate-art.html

Ready for a show!

November 1st marked a momentous occasion for me - my first Art Show!  Here is my story….and the amazing lesson I learned from it!   About 6 months ago I took some space in the Benson Building - a fantastic older building in downtown Sioux City.  There are 9 artists with studio space there - and each fall and spring they band together to do a group show, the Benson Burner. The Body Fab-YOU-lous Collection[/caption] I spent lots of time getting ready for the show, even recruiting a friend with gallery experience to help me group and hang the work!  (Thanks Amy R!)   Waiting in the wings to be finished!

The big night finally arrived, and I was ready with some delicious food and lots of good wine! Yum and yum!

I was very excited - over 300 people came thru the studio during the show.  What a thrilling experience for someone who first picked up a paintbrush three short years ago. Some of my early work[/caption] I sold 9 paintings during the show.  I wish their new owners continued beauty and that they bring you joy! One of my wall groupings

Here is what I learned from this show… anything is possible.  I've been a left brained numbers kind of girl for a very, very long time.  3 years ago I listened to the little whispers in my head that would talk to me while looking at art.  They whispers said "You could do that….you just don't know how."  So I learned how.  And I did it.  And if I can do it, anyone can.  It simply takes a willingness to listen, and a fearlessness to take some action.  You all have that in you.  I do - and it led me to an amazing art show and the faith that anything - ANYTHING! - is possible! Part of the Travel Collection

Ever wanted to paint, but just not sure how to do it?  "Wine & Brushes" was just the ticket for these ladies and gentleman! Getting Ready for Class

Held at the fabulous Indigo Palette, we gathered on a Sunday afternoon and painted while drinking wine - what could be better?!?! Believe In Your Beauty

I took these students step by step thru a mixed media painting.  We used this canvas as a guide, and the students all created their own vision using their own special photographs. 

Students hard at work

I showed them how to start with an intention in watercolor crayon underneath the first layer of paint.  We then experimented with laying paint on with a credit card and with a paint brush....playing with the color and seeing how it reacted to the water color crayon.            

Painting away!

The group loved the saran wrap technique that creates fun and crazy texture.  Slowly we built up layers of paint and collage elements.  Everyone's canvas turned out different - and very beautifully!  These three were from a family who just added a new baby to their family!   These gals had a blast with their canvases....and look how lovely they came out!     I finished one up myself - and left the picture slot open so I can customize it for some lucky person.  If you have a photo that would look just perfect on here, click here to see how to set that up! Ready for your own photo!

Wine & Brushes - a great time and super fun creative outlet for a wonderful group of people! A great group!

I learned that I want to paint in amazing places - and explore them for long periods of time!

I learned that the beauty of the female form moves me.

I learned that music deeply resonates with me, and must always be a part of my life.

I learned that the sight of paint on my hands makes my heart thump.

I learned that running wild and free is of vital importance to me.

I learned that self connection is the key to all connection.

I learned that romance in my life is so very fun and energizing.

I learned to take little steps towards my big goals - layer by layer, piece by piece, I am building something amazing.

I learned that avoiding my studio means I am avoiding an emotional issue that I don't want to face.

I learned that creating with my hands is the same as connecting with my heart.

This life has many twists and turns.  It tends to take us in directions that we never imagined or didn't see coming.  Sometimes the destination is a place, sometimes it's a person, sometimes it's a feeling.     I want to visit beautiful places all over the world.  I want to paint again in Paris.  Ride in a red double decker bus in London - on the top level of course!  I want to swim off the Island of Capri.  Eat lunch and drink fine wine on the Spanish Steps in Rome.  Dine in a white washed patio in Greece.  And along the way I want my journey to take me towards freedom, peace and love - and luxuriate in the beauty of it all!