Eda Doreen

:: Acceptance::

~ Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart. ~ Marcus Aelius Aurelius

 

 

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

 

 

I have wanted to feature this photographer for weeks. I just didn’t have the words, or the timing in doing so. Most of my writings, as you may well have read, are based on creativity. I see an image, or think a thought, and with it comes the fruition of a compilation of gathered thoughts.

 

 

So, I have been thinking about fate. I heard a quote in a movie only yesterday, that there is “a fine line between fate and chance”. And, as life would weave its way down this wonderful journey for us all, I am sure we could all somewhat agree. So, that is why I have chosen to feature this young man’s photography today.

 

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Michael Bailey-Gates, has a rawness to his photography that borderlines on mystery and love. Every photo I view represents beauty, life, and wonder. And, for his talent which I believe is so magnificent, I am always in awe of his works. They touch my soul, they take me to the place where he has shown us this vignette of life, and they enable a peaceful feeling  in which to view.

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Which brings me to the point of discussing the anticipation of acceptance. Years ago I had not developed a greater understanding of humanity. Perhaps I was not open to understanding, and for that reason, my heart and soul wasn't ready to change. I think we all come to a place in our lives, where eventually once we realise who we are, who we love, and accepting fate as life would deal us, we can find an inner peace.

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

 

"The first step toward change is acceptance.  Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change.  That's all you have to do.  Change is not something you do, it's something you allow."

Will Garcia
(AIDS patient)

 Mike Bailey Gates

Biography

Mike Bailey-Gates was born in 1993 in Rhode Island, USA. He became interested in photography at the age of thirteen when he began taking photographs of the landscape in his surrounding countryside. Over time the hobby progressed into a passion for portraiture and fashion. Michael is currently living in New England with his family and working as a represented photographer.

Resume

Published interviews, features, and spreads.

Art Gallery Showing at Jesse Smith.

-Interview/ spreads in Maddog Magazine March (2010)
-Interview/ Feature in NAME magazine (2010)
-Interview/ Spread/ Cover shot, Kinki Magazine, December (2009) 
-Photo used in “ Frankie Photo Album” book volume 1 (2009)
-Contributor to The Saccades project ( 2009)
-Spreads in NINJA magazine (August 2009)
-Interviews and Spread in Parasol magazine issue 4 (July 2009)
-Interview/ spread in NEET magazine issue number 15 (June 2009)
-Interview in Cupcake magazine (2009)
-Winner of the United way Contest, 500$, Featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine.(2009)
-BLUR magazine issue 15 (2009) 

-Interview on Coming Upstrong (2009)
-Featured in “ teen INK” (2008)
-Featured in “ teenage life or lack there of” book.

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Life is as real as it gets. It is raw, perfect, and mystical. It can move along slowly, or it can speed as fast as you can keep up. But the greatest thing about life is the willingness to accept all that it has, is, and becomes. Once you accept what life, and fate offers, you are at peace.

 

 

Mike Bailey Gates (c)

 

Today is the day to live. Live life with acceptance, love and compassion. Help those who need you, love without reason, and shine for those who need the light in the darkest of hours. 

 

 

Sam

 

mike bailey gates (C)http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbg_photos/

 

 

 

 

 

:: HOPE ::

“ Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence”- Lin Yutang.

 

My wishes for you

 

 

The days are starting to stretch out. The nights are balmy here in the South. The front porches of the homes of the Southerners, garnish hanging vines, ferns, and petunias. The children play with their friends in the streets, and their grandparents and guardians sip tea in the afternoon setting sun.

Since moving to the South some eight years ago, I have learned much about Southern folklore, food, and life. I have made some of the most memorable friends; friends whom I know would always come to my aid, rain, hail, or shine. Or, perhaps that is the American Spirit in general. Either way, living in America has become my life, or I could never go back to my homeland. Sure, I am a proud Australian, I eat my vegemite, and I often read the on-line newspapers back home, and I know how to stir up some Aussie commotion, even so far away. But it’s the life we choose to lead, the paths we take, and the heart of life we live that ultimately drives us to that special place we call home.

 

 

Tale of the Lost Necklace by Imagine Studio's on etsy

Where is your home? Is it in the sprawling cities, or the stretching suburbs? Or, is it in a log cabin overlooking the Chrystal waters of the lake that you swim in, fish in, and watch the setting sun over every end to the day? Or, is it just with someone you love? Home is where the heart is, and it can be anywhere, both physical and spiritual.

I’m heading home soon, even though I have a home to call my own. Home is …. Where the heart is.

 

Have a great afternoon, cherish those you love, and give your smile to someone who needs it, because you never know when you will need it in return.

 

Sam

:: I heart you ::

I heart you!

When I first came to Etsy, which was back in August of 2009, I found myself wandering around all the tabs, links, blogs, and different shops. It was all so very exciting. It wasn’t however, until I saw the ‘Add to your favorites’ tab did I truly understand or know what a ‘heart’ was on etsy.

 

Twitterpated

 

Silly me thought it had to do with the etsy lingo they talked about, in the forums and in the mini-chats offered, but when I finally saw how many shops had huge amounts of hearts, and some with very little, it was then that I began on my own quest to ‘heart’ shop owners, and shop items, and hope for the same to return to me.

 

Lord help me if I have a faint heart (hypothetically speaking), because to this very day, every morning before I check convo’s after logging in, and orders, do I always see if I obtained any hearts over night!

So what does a heart mean?

 

Rose Print-Somerset Velvet

 

In etsy world, a heart signifies that a buyer, seller, browser ‘favorited’ or ‘loves’ that item, or shop you have been so diligently working on. All that hard work you put on shop banners, renewing, listing, and photography is starting to pay off, as a seller that is. From a buyers point of view, they may have hearted your item to use in a treasury, or on a blog, or because that’s what they want to buy Aunt Gilly for her birthday. There are an endless supply of reasons.

 

Valentine- Love Writer Prints

 

I find I heart items to show the seller they did an awesome job, to possibly buy the item for myself, or to use on my blog as a feature. Sometimes If the artist or Etsian states specifically to contact them first before using their art to ‘advertise’ it is imperative to do this first of course.

 

So that’s it…….. I heart you!

I have a whole bunch of new work to begin this morning, then it’s off to my ‘day/swing shift’ job. Eheee..

 

Have a stupendous day

 

Sam

 

 

::Featured Photographer :: Kell Holley

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. – Frederick Douglass”

 

One of my great, truest, and fun filled friends Kell Holley recently spent the time to take some time out of her time in order to help me, and others with the touchy subject of photography. Photography need not be scary, since discovering its fun within the last six months or so. Kell inspired me to buy a nice camera, and I went and purchased one that perhaps was somewhat out of my price range, however I am so glad I did because every photograph has been well worth it. And, my own photography has spoken the gift of the gab to others, who themselves have gone out and purchased a digital camera in the same direction as Kell and I.

Anyways….. I am thanking Kell for taking her time out to answer a few questions of which helped me in understanding photography through the eyes of  a non-seller. She has an account on flickr, of which is well worth the look if interested, and I would love for all you budding photographers to thank her today too!

 Who is Kell?

I'm an Aussie living in the US with my American husband - a creative genius and possibly the funniest person I know. I come from a well known basketball family and although I liked to write, draw and make collages when I was younger, I never thought of myself as a creative person until I met my husband, Zig. He introduced me to Photoshop, Flash and my other love, Maya 3d. 

I was given my Nikon d40 camera last year for my birthday and my eyes were truly open creatively. Now I'm obsessed with photography!

 

 

What inspires you in your art?
Anything can inspire me to want to take photos - the weather, make-up, cars, good manners, movies, food/cuisine, music.  Everything.  

 

 

Recently you have taken a photography class, what did you learn most about this fine art?
Well, it was more of a bootcamp actually!  I learned so much about myself and came away with the confidence of putting in the time and hard work.  I learned that all apertures have "proper" shutter speeds for exposures, and now I know which combination will affect a specific depth of field. The greatest thing I learned is the camera is a paint brush. And I was surprised at how indicative an image can be of the effort put in to making that image. 

 

Do you have any photography tips for photographers, artists, or etsians when taking their shots of their products?
Read your manual, practice as often as you can, follow your own course. Use natural lighting as much as possible.

One of my favorite quotes is by photographer, CJ Nicolai:
"Never compare your journey with someone else. It’s a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never “arrive”. No one ever does."

When you see something you want to photograph what do you want the viewer to see after the shot has been taken?

I think intimacy with the subject matter.  For example, food photos - I'd like to be able to capture the image in a way that you're suddenly craving it!

 

Coffee or Chocolate?
I'm a little late to the game, but I've just discovered how delicious and effective coffee is!  Plus, it makes chocolate taste even better - who knew?!

 

Favorite Color?
Bright emerald green - LOVE!

Favorite Photograher?
I don't have a favorite yet.  I'm constantly online oogling over incredible photos.  Two photographers I enjoy and am constantly checking for updates are:  Stephan Maloman (www.maloman.com), always artistic, candid and slick.  And Keith Davis Young (www.flickr.com/people/keithdavisyoung/) who shoots effortlessly on film and is consistently original.

Where would you like to see yourself in your art five years from now?
To have a developed style to my photos.  Right now I'm still learning, but I know I like bright colors, crisp images, interesting contrasts and candid shots.  To incorporate my photos into modeling objects in Maya 3d would be incredible, and to one day be paid for doing something that brings me so much satisfaction would be a total dream.

Name the person who inspires you most?
My husband, Zig. Hands down the most ambitious, creative, determined, talented person I know. 

If you had three wishes what would they be?

To have unlimited opportunities to do what I want, when I want. 

To make a living doing something creative. 

To live comfortably by the ocean. 

=======================================================

 

Thanks Kell ! Awesome tips, and fantastic photographs!

Y'all have a great day, Im going to be binding books and living my double life in disguise : )

Sam

 

Tudorly love...

Kings Queens and all that’s in between ….

I have to admit, recently we changed our television viewing from Comcast Cable, to Direct TV, and I am glad we did. I was somewhat worried about storms and satellite coverage, but alas the spring rains have no where been as normal as in recent years. One of the most interesting and entertaining shows I have become addicted to “The Tudors” on the Starz network. Being quite a history buff, I love what my husband coins “sword” movies not for the blood, gore, and sword yielding reign of terror throughout the 1400-1500’s, but for the realism in the way in which society held the laws of the land, civilized or not. And, of course with modern day entertainment, the producers choose attractive actors to play the parts of the Monarchy, the courts, and the law makers. I am almost certain however, based on historical artistic impressions of the kings, and queens, ladies in waiting, and close aides to the monarchy were probably not as charming as television would have us believe. But, humanity is still humanity, and the pride does come before the fall, with the seduction of the human body, soul, mind, and of course the power that goes with monarchical duties.

I am three seasons behind in the series, so I will probably have to catch up on netflix for seasons one, two and three, but thank goodness for netflix and the progression of history over hours, rather than years in Hollywood.

What a charming family!

But of course, I will not deny myself today of featuring some adorable vintage elizabethan wares from etsy, and I bode you well in your afternoon duties!

Spa Day Cuff Bracelet

 

 
 Elizabethan Lace Choker

 

Tudor Rose Renaissance Style Formal gosset gown/wedding gown 

 

archival print "keep calm and carry on"

On that note, have a loverly weekend !

Sam

 

 

 

::Animal Crackers::

Waiter… there’s an animal in my soup!

 

Oh my golly, I do hope you all had a wonderful, fun-filled, sunshine full of cornflake kind of a weekend. Speaking of fun filled, today’s post is all about one of my most favorite passions, that being animals!

Where do I begin with my passion for Mother Nature’s kindest, adoring, and respectful creation… the animal? I do remember my most distant but vivid memory of once trying to save a poor black bird from the jaws of my kitty cat, so many years ago, and begging my mum to take me to the Vet, so I could save this poor dying darling. Needless to say, the vet tried his hardest to help me feel better in knowing, I should take my feathered friend home to rest some, keep him warm, and wait. He died within hours, but I had a burial, a good cry, and I managed to construct a little cross for the head of the mound under the rose bushes in my grandpa’s garden bed. Kitty was not in my favorite books for a week or so after, but the things we do for the love of nature. So, my memorable moments spent with animals over the years, have been many, sad, happy, and loving memories, and up to today, all of them, and my animals still linger in my admiration for animals, and loving and caring for them.

 

 

 

Baby Giraffe-(c) Sharon Montrose

I wonder how many times you have saved an animal from the jaws of death, or taken in a stray cat, or dog, or bird, or even a worm in the darkest of hours. One of my favorite photographers I have discovered recently is Sharon Montrose. Sharon’s ability to catch the primitive, natural rawness of nature is surpassed only by the animal themselves, and believe me, her photography shows this in every adoring shoot.

 

Baby Raccoon-(c) Sharon Montrose

 

Her love of animal photography started while taking several shots of her family dogs, which grew to a need to photograph other animals, from raccoons, to giraffes, to eagles, to bunnies. All the animals you can think of she has, or will photograph. Her shop on etsy and her website is just gorgeous. On her blog, she relays stories about animals that come across her daily career, and she reveals so many uplifting stories. Do stop by on her blog, and have a read!

 

Prairie Dogs- (c) Sharon Montrose.

 

Have a happy afternoon! Pat a cat, take a doggy for a walk, or just sit and listen to the birds for a while, they are all waiting for your love :)

 

Sam

Saturday !

Just a quick today, the end of the week is completed for the 9-5ers... and Im technically on my hump day, ( middle of the week for those who think I am being naughty ) but I just wanted to post a gorgeous print I spotted on the front page of etsy this morning. It is created by Farouche and by the looks of it, they sell an abundance of other fantasmic looking art prints for the home. I'm thinking of getting a couple soon .

Bright SunShiny Day

 

 Now, to be honest, I do believe that we in the Mid-South will be getting some much needed rain, the air is sweet, and the humidity is rising so a big shoutout for mother nature!! My garden needs you more than ever today sweet lady!

Im going to finish off today with a quote by the lovely Anais Nin, my favorite author. Have a wonderful weekend, start something new, paint something bright, and plant something precious !

Best,

Sam

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born"

Anais Nin quote

 

 

Easter Greetings

“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now is hung with bloom along the bough, and stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide.”
~ A.E. Housman

Tree Stamp 

 

Well it is Good Friday here in the United States, and for my family and friends back home in Australia, your Good Friday is now over, and you are all headed for your long weekends.  Although I cherish Easter as a sacred holiday, I will be working hard as always over a holiday weekend. Which reminds me, where did I hide that egg?

Top Left: Lottie Retro Flutter Apron Dress

Top Right: Egg Gourds Grow in a Gourd Garden

Bottom Left:  Basket of Tulips

Bottom Right: The White Rabbit ( Of wonderland fame)

 

I have had a fun week of composing some extraordinary posts on some great artists in the blogosphere and the big wide world this week, including Leigh Viner, and incredibly talent artist, shopping for Blue items, and enjoying some inflight entertainment.

I always enjoy stumbling across such great talent and to my amazement art is always fresh, new and exiting.

Spare a thought this easter for the hundreds of thousands of military men and women who serve for our countries in overseas wars, and for thier families who miss them so very dearly during the holiday seasons especially. May they all keep safe and well, and know that their work and dedication in keeping our families and country safe does not fall on sullen ears, nor in vain. So, a big big Thank you to all who serve.

Next week, I have a feature seller who has some of the most gorgeous practical items we can all use, and above all has a great work ethic in her crafting and art business. Stay tuned for that.

On that note, I will be off to do some more bookbinding this morning, before heading off to work the holiday weekend, stay safe, eat loads of chocolate, and warden off the calories come next monday morning!

Happy Easter all,

Sam

Leigh Viner

Leigh Viner

The other day, while perusing etsy, I stumbled on some of the most beautiful artistic work I have ever seen. The artist, Leigh Viner, a Colorado native and resident has a natural eye for emotion, rawness of humanity, and above all, talent in every sense of the word.

For those who may not know of Leigh’s works, having had the opportunity to gaze eerily over her works in the last week or so, I have come to appreciate her talent and I cannot wait to spread the word. Leigh’s natural intrinsic talent is something many of us dream to acquire, and although she admits to taking commercial art and drawing classes, her abilities are “mostly self-taught”.

 

Greenwich Reflections-Leigh Viner (C) 

Her greatest influence, the human body, the femme woman, is of course evident in many of her works, fine arts, and photographic depictions of moments in life. The fashion industry, design, make-up, and photography also streamline her works.

Something About- Leigh Viner (C)  

Leigh’s most recent works are featured in last year include:

Cover spread in the April/March issue of Dujour magazine.

The cover of Skirt Magazine's November issue
http://skirt.com/artists/leigh-viner

Forever 21 's blog the Skinny ~ http://blog.forever21.com/blog/perma.asp?articleid=139

Premier issue of Forever 21's Editorial Magazine out November 2009 www.forever21.com

N.E.E.T. Magazine's December issue (pg 216)
www.neetmagazine.com

This year, her works will be featured on set of "The Roommate" 2010 featuring Leighton Meester.

Untitled Art Print- Leigh Viner (c)

Her blog  Create is also a very informative, and reveals her thoughts on her creative career and life as an artist. She is both professional and inspiring to women artisians around the world.

Beautiful, eye-opening, and intrinsically emotional, her works are to die for. I appreciate the opportunity today to feature her works, but also to expose her raw impressive talent to the rest of the world! I wish Leigh the very best in her career, I know you will go far, especially with your talent Leigh.

Have a wonderous afternoon whereever you may be, rain or shine,

Sam

 

Atmosphere- Leigh Viner (c)

 

 

 

 

Blue for you

“Visualize this thing you want, see it, feel it, and believe in it. Make your mental BLUE print and begin to build. “ Robert Collier.

 

So I was thinking blue. Not feeling blue mind you- just got to thinking about the color, is all. Last night, I ordered some custom earrings of which my kind buddy who is both a jewelry supplier and jewelry maker . Lauri, over at Neatothings managed to find two gorgeous faceted blue Chalcedony beads for me, of which were then carefully wound and bound into an earring that resembled something of which I was fantasizing about. Thanks you and you know who you are! The listing itself was so funny even if I was feeling blue, you wouldn't have known different.

Blue Chalcadony Sterling Silver Custom Earing

A quick conjure of a conversation was all it took for her to ask me if I had blue eyes, simply because of all of the earrings I have had her make me which of course were blue. And, yes ole blue eyes here, does have an infatuation for blue, but needless to say this all started way back when my sister got married, and she picked out a absolutely adorable blue bridesmaid dress, attached with simple blue earrings. At this point in time I was hooked on blue.

 

Will You Please put down that US Magazine and Listen to Me

So, in contemplation, today I have brought together a collection of arts and crafts that are available for sale right now on etsy!

 

BLUE IS THE MEANING OF:

1. of color of sky: having or resembling the color of the sky on a cloudless day Vintage Indigo Child 1950's Cap

2. slightly purple in skin color: with the skin appearing slightly purple because of cold, bruising, or exertion   Vintage Blue Roses Tea Dress

3. biology blue-gray: describes animals and plants that are bluish or blue-gray in color a blue whale a blue spruce Sky Blue Heart Filigree Sea Glass Locket

4. gloomy: gloomy or melancholy ( informal ) feeling blue a blue day Blue Vintage Luggage

5. explicit: depicting or referring to sex in an explicit or offensive way ( informal ) blue jokes Blue Vintage Kimono Fabric Wristlet

6. puritanical: rigidly conservative in moral and social views ( dated )   Royal Hair Clip or Brooch Teal Flower and Peacock Feathers

7. astronomy having blueshift: describes an astronomical object that exhibits a blueshift   Shine Alisa Paints (c)   On that note, I am impressed by so much blue today that I no longer will ever feel that the color blue will ever be understated again. And, for those who have crossed my path, and their favorite color is blue, please know that this post is set after the apples of my eyes, that being the color of my eyes which are blue, and .... I wish this wonderful color is too good to be so true. Have a stupenchable afternoon!  Sam