Today's featured artist is Alisha Vernon

Who are you?

My name is Alisha Vernon. I'm a 24 year old girl who loves to paint. I'm a sister, daughter, wife, and dog owner. I'm also comically proud of the fact that I'm 1/4 Armenian.

Where are you located?

I'm currently living in Klamath Falls, OR. I was raised in Tillamook, OR, and I was born in Fresno, CA.

What do you create?

Paintings. Lately I've really been into abstract paintings and dramatic female faces. I use a high quality acrylic paint sealed with a protective varnish. In my opinion, the end product is just as rich as oils and less harmful to breath. I like a 24" x 36" canvas but I'm running out of room for storage in my small house, so I've started creating smaller pieces on Yupo paper.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not for now. I'm really just starting with the whole aspect of selling, but I would love for that to be true in the future.

Where do you sell your creations?

Currently on the wonderful Etsy.com. Here's a direct link to my store: http://alishavernon.etsy.com/ I'm frequently adding new work to my Etsy store, so check back often.

Where do you create?

Right now, in my kitchen or living room. I can't wait for the day when I'll have a whole room to dedicate to my art making. (and supplies)

What inspires you?

God's beautiful creation. I mean if I really stop to look at the beauty and colors of a flower, the sunset, or even a piece of fruit it can take my breath away. Also, my late father was, and is a big inspiration. He was always enthusiastic and supportive about my art. He was a painter himself and created excellent work. One of his goals was to "make it" as an artist, but life and money often got in the way. I guess I feel like my accomplishments as an artist are for both of us.

What are your goals?

One of my goals is use my art help others in need. Currently I'm donating 50% of my profits to an organization called Project Rescue, which is an organization working against forced prostitution among women and children, throughout India and Nepal. My hope is that I raise awareness for this group, and the issue in general. I also hope to inspire others to do what they can to be involved in a cause greater than themselves.

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They're all very supportive and quick to give lovely compliments.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I cook dinner for my husband and I, almost every night. Last night was an eggplant green curry. I even cook homemade dog food for my dog. I like to work on my blogs http://alishavernon.com/ and http://meetmyawesomedog.com/. I browse the library. I've been known to get really interested in a certain topic and leave the library only when I've got a stack of books up to my chin, that I can barely carry out to my car. I like going out to coffee, talking with friends and family, being a goof, and watching a couple of my favorite TV shows like The Office, Friday Night Lights, Chuck, and Oprah. I just signed up to be a SMART volunteer again, so hopefully I'll be starting that soon.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I would really love for anyone reading this to be a part of my art journey. To stay updated on new listings and to see all the behind the scenes fun, please consider yourself invited to subscribe to my art blog! I especially love comments and feedback! http://www.alishavernon.com/

Today's featured artist is Rebecca Bogan of Adobe Sol

Who are you?

My name is Rebecca Bogan. I am a wife and mother of two daughters, one of which has recently been diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes. I am the artist and owner of Adobe Sol Designs.





Where are you located?
I live in Corrales, New Mexico, USA.


What do you create?
I design and create artisan jewelry. I hand-pick the finest quality materials available and particularly enjoy using sterling silver and copper metals, gemstones, and vintage glass beads. Many of my designs feature magnificent lampwork beads handmade by talented glass artisans. All of the materials are brought together in each unique piece with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.


Are you able to support yourself with your creations?
I support my creative-habit by selling my jewelry. I am a firm believer in investing for cash flow (your money working for you)... That is a whole different interview.


Where do you sell your creations?
I have a personal website and an etsy shop.
Adobe Sol designs:
http://www.adobesol.com/
http://adobesol.etsy.com/


Where do you create?
I do all of my "magic" in my home studio. I am planning to build a little outdoor studio in my backyard this spring. I like the fresh air and sunlight.


What inspires you?
I would love to give you a beautiful story about what inspires me... but... The fact is I am inspired by anything when the mood strikes me. I think of designs when trying to sleep, taking a walk, watching TV,... you name it (not very glamorous).




What are your goals?
For one thing I want to use my jewelry to educate people about Type-1 (juvenile) Diabetes. As I mentioned above, I have a daughter inflicted with that disease. I am very active with the local JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) chapter. I also have a section on my website where the sale prices are donated to JDRF.

I want to continue and build my business to allow for creative outletting. It is my therapy! It definately gives me a rush that people are all over the world wearing my creations... OK there is the ego talking!




What do your friends and family think of your creations?
The people in my life LOVE what I do. My friends buy a lot from me and my family looks forward to Christmas and birthdays. LOL... I have a lot of support from the people in my life.


What do you do when you are not creating?
Being a mother is my most important job. I also ride horses, mountain bike... those are the fun things!


Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I was raised in Southern California and have been fortunate enough to have lived in many US cities and Madrid, Spain. I now live in Corrales, New Mexico. I have been creating artistic "things" since I was a child. In recent years I decided to apply my artistic talents to creating my own beautiful handcrafted jewelry. And so... Adobe Sol Designs began.

On a very personal note... I am a mother of a 14 year old child with Type-1-Diabetes. She is insulin dependent for the rest of her life. I have a Charity section set up on my website. 100% of the sale price of those items will be donated directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF does great work in finding a cure and I am thrilled to be able to contribute.




Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Rebecca.

Today's featured artist is Hannah Nielson

Who are you?

Hannah Nielsen

Where are you located?

Northwest Arkansas, USA

What do you create?

I create scarves and other accessories.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Nope, not yet.

Where do you sell your creations?

Locally and at http://elegantscarf.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I create in my home, I recently transformed a spare bedroom into a fiber studio. :)

What inspires you?

I'm draw inspiration from many places — nature, life, books, the materials' color and texture.

What are your goals?

I would love to support myself with my creations; I'm planning to diversify my shop's offerings more in the next year, as well as focus more on using recycled materials. I also hope to learn how to spin this year.

What do your friends and family think of your creations?

They help promote my items. I guess that means they like them, huh?

What do you do when you are not creating?

I read, cook, blog — http://skarph.com/blog http://wordlily.wordpress.com/ and http://fikafood.wordpress.com/ — and spend time with friends and family.

Thank you for allowing me to feature you.