Confessions of a Right-Brainer

Hello….

 I have been creating tons of new things for Archival Elements.  I have my own little mini sweat shop in the back of the store.  You think I am kiddin’!!??  Well sort of!!!   I am so excited about my new creations that I can’t wait to introduce them, but of course…..you will have to wait…just a little longer.  I will give you a few hints.  The first creation is for the home…..you can rest your tired feet on it…… (look out Martha, I may have one up on you)…….another one of the creations is something you can wear…..around your wrist…..with a Latin flare……….

…..to be continued

Ok people, I gotta tell ya, January and February have been a slow couple months.  I think it is a combo of consumers are now feeling the guilt of holiday spending, Anderson Cooper talking about how bad the economy is and the weather plays a big part.  Just so you get my drift, actual temperature today is -20 degrees.  Burrsville!!!! 

I struggle to stay motivated when business is slow. I know, I know!!! This is the time when I am suppose to be tackling the stack of papers that need to be filed and work on new strategies to improve business (understand…I already have a strategic planning time set in my daily schedule. It happens between 10 PM -2 AM at my home office, AKA my bed). What I am realizing during this slow time is I am passionate about what I am doing.  Without my passion I could easily get discouraged and want to throw in the towel.  BUT…my passion is the arts!  I love surrounding myself with beautiful art, talented Artists and people who have an appreciation for the arts.  I even enjoy the everyday challenges of running a business.  

 I AM in the right place, doing what I am suppose to.  Thank you “slow times” for allowing me to reflect.

Here are a few images from inside our gallery.   Grab a cup of joe at Michelle’s Coffee just 2 doors down and come browse, shop and get your fill of the top local artists at Archival Elements.  

I have been a long time admirer of Cassandra Barney’s work.  I was introduced to her work because I collected her father’s work, James Christensen .  I am so lucky to have several of Cassandra Barney’s pieces hanging in Archival Elements.   I am especially excited about her new works.  Titled; “All That I Have is Yours to Give”,  “Minerva”, “Theodosia” and “Violetta”.  I will be receiving the set of 4 in early February.  You can also view other works by her at Greenwich Workshop.  I am an authorized dealer of her gi’clee prints on canvas so if there is a piece you are interested in, I would be more than happy to order it for you. 

The holidays are here and so is the holiday decorating at our house!!!  My Husband and I were in desperate need to upgrade our “boxed Christmas Tree”.   I really wanted to purchase a real tree this year.  I wanted the whole experience of spotting the perfect tree (the spindliest tree on the Christmas tree farm, A.K.A. Charlie Brown tree) using our own hands to cut it down, ya know, the Clark Griswold experience??!!  But then…….the Menards’ Sunday ad came out and I found the most beautiful white artificial Christmas tree.  I just had to have it!!! 

Rudolph will be the perfect holiday pillow for someone’s couch or chair.  The pillow will be 16” square when complete.  This pillow is made out of recycled materials, old sweaters and fabric scraps.

Meet “Ol’ Woman Winter”,  I created her from; 1 medium size pumpkin, quilt batting, spray paint, glitter, these super rockin’ fake eye lashes…..and my WILD imagination.  Originally Ol’ Woman Winter was going to be a pirate.  HA!!???  I digressed from that idea, to say the least. 

 …………………….. couldn’t be!!???? 

I have been busy runnin’ my biz. and gearing up for the holidays.  The cool mornings have really put me in the mood for Fall/Winter, two of my favorite seasons. 

I started creating my infamous Christmas Stockings.  Here is a peek of last year’s designs. 

This year’s designs…to be continued….

Liz Bashore is a local Artist that inspires.   Archival Elements is oh so lucky to be representing Liz’s original work.  Here are a few of the pieces that are currently for sale at Archival Elements.   Liz typically works in oil.  She has a fabulous new series that was created on vintage chalk board.

 Gallery shot of Liz’s work.

“Twin Bing” approx: 36” by 60”

“The Whites” approx: 36” by 60”

Oil and oil pastel on chalk board.

Interested in more info about Liz Bashore’s work?  Call or email Archival Elements.