__
There are any number of gifted artists and crafters among the Balloon Juice readership. If you are one of them, this is the place to add a comment linking to your paintings, needlearts, sculpture, photography, music, cooking, house-building, graphic novel/comix, etc. website or contacts. If your highest art form is shopping, here’s your chance to browse for gifts without having to put your shoes on… and you can buy stuff for other people, too!
Pictures here by commentor Tim, who gets pride of place because he demanded it. From his website:
Legendary pop entertainment icons such as Madonna, Bette Midler, Judy Garland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cher, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe, re-imagined in bright acrylic paint, enriched with pastels, charcoal, pencil, and pigmented glazes.
__
I often surround my finished paintings with solid, industrial-inspired frames which I design and embellish with steel spikes, nails, chains, ceramic spheres and hand painted metallic highlights in silver, copper, bronze, gold and pewter over rich black-lacquered wood.
__
My celebrity art has been evolving ever since I began making it just three years ago after leaving a 20- year career in public relations and advertising. In the beginning the portraits were exaggerated, cartoon-inspired caricatures of a sort. Then they took on a more realistic aspect but maintained an illustration/graphic novel feel, at which point I began to refer to them as “Portraicatures.” I felt they were something between a representational portrait and a caricature…
So, readers… What’s in your studio?
Added: If FYWP is skrwing your link, send it to me at [email protected] (or click on the link near the top of the right-hand column). The farce is strong tonight…
constantlurker
I hope the lower painting is of asiangrllinmn
and the upper painting, perhaps makato-chan?
FlipYrWhig
For knitters, spinners, and other crafters:
Recycled Sari Silk Yarn Ribbon and Fiber
Jeannette
I’ve had a small design and manufacturing company, producing cloth dolls and doll patterns, since 1986. Visit it here:
http://ragtimedollshop.com/
I live just over the border in Canada, but I sell primarily to museums, state parks, and historical societies in the States.
My workshop is here:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=173972252628215&set=a.173793575979416.45731.165974330094674
My beloved Canadian house — the site of my business and a very well-crafted object in its own right — is for sale. Click here for details:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-in-New-Brunswick-Canada/165974330094674?v=wall
(couldn’t get the links to work!)
mr. whipple
Gifts for the flyfisher including custom-made bamboo flyrods.
BARRASSO
I do a little art and even less publicity and outreach. Describes most of my life.
http://bradnelsonsculpture.blogspot.com/
Jarem
I’m a long time lurker. Not really one to get into internet discussions about politics but I enjoy browsing the comments.
but I have art, it’s weird video art. I don’t sell anything and it’s, er, conceptual work? Anyway link is below
gogol's wife
@constantlurker:
So you’re going to tell me you don’t know who Greta Garbo is. Last spring I had a student give a report on a story that mentioned her, and he began, “So she was this movie actress . . .” I said, “Wait just a minute. Doesn’t anyone here know who Greta Garbo is?” They didn’t. When I saw the picture here, I thought, no one’s going to know who that is.
Carrie
This is my ex-husband’s art website.
Buy something, he owes me money.
polyorchnid octopunch
My studio? A whole bunch of mics, guitars, and amps.
slag
I create designs like this Geeky Christmas Card.
Richard
My girlfriend writes crocheted hat patterns that are meticulously detailed, for women and men. 24 days left to crochet a hat for that special someone in your life.
Evelyn
I drew all the stuff you like on that Balloon Juice swag. And I have a gallery here: http://www.evelyndehais.com/gallery/
aceckhouse
I read regularly but hardly ever comment, but I figured I’d throw one up plugging my parents’ company since I got here early. They make prosciutto and other artisan salumi (Italian cured meats) in Iowa. They use all humanely raised pork, no nitrates or nitrites, and it’s delicious. And as a friend of my sister says, nothing says love like cured pork. The company is La Quercia; the website is http://www.laquercia.us, where you can find out more about what they do (and what exactly, say, humanely raised means) and see the press clippings.
Mr Sketchy
I’m horribly disorganized… but you can see a few of my drawings at
http://mrsketchy.com.au/drawing-gallery/
And (if this works) my facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26900&id=141194679229810
Sigh. I really need to free up a weekend to do some more drawings. My friends better stop doing things like having birthdays…
stuckinred
My wife is making wedding ring pillows for a wedding arts show here in Athens early next year. She made 35 of them last week while we were at the beach.
Annie Pop Fabric Arts
annamissed
Click on my name – side menu categories – paintings, portraits, photos, & more.
donnah
I’ve been an artist all my life, and I’ve spent the past eight years creating hooked wool art rugs. They are original designs, drawn by hand on linen backing and filled in with strips of dyed wool pulled with a hook to form loops.
Here’s a link to a rug hooking site where you can see a collection of my work.
http://thewelcomemat.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=165tatdlj7woi
Peter
My fine art here.
My latest ceramics here. You can search the “ceramics” category for more posts, and email me with inquiries. (Etsy page coming soon, I promise).
And thanks, as always, for these periodic showcases. It’s a great creative bunch of vitriolic jackals you got here.
Jarem
ugh, I guess wordpress ate my link or something.
My video art portfolio is linked in my name, in that case.
Justin
A collection of my art – drawings and paintings
http://picasaweb.google.com/117286527367733720056/Paintings#
Posted at my blog
http://americancrackpot.blogspot.com
P.S. I hope I am not spamming, this is my third attempt at posting links and they keep getting eated.
Uloborus
Hmmm. I write, and the internet’s not friendly to it. The .pdf of the rough draft of the first chapter of the first book I wrote is at http://www.deviantart.com/download/141600725/For_Their_Sins_by_bowlingballhead.pdf if that’s any good. It’s very dark and it’s about kids. And by ‘dark’ I mean I’d switch my pseudonym to Frankenstienbeck if the site would let me. Well, I don’t think it’s that dark, but people tell me it is.
Douglass Truth
I’m a painter and performer… I used to sell a lot of prints, but I guess the digital repros don’t excite folks any more. My originals on the site… I’ve got some books and performances too, but I’d be hard pressed to see how one of my shows would be a good holiday gift… tho for enough dough, I’d bring Death As A Salesman to your living room.
Yara
I make handmade jewelry and sell some of my travel photos at my etsy store.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/YaraNunez
Enjoy!
Restrung
@Justin:
Like, like like. Great stuff!
relink:
http://picasaweb.google.com/117286527367733720056/Paintings#5545845414673029826
woops. http://picasaweb.google.com/117286527367733720056/Paintings#
Karen
I don’t draw or paint but I am a writer.
Jean
@Karen:
what do you write?
PeggyAI
I make iPad cozies, colorful & cute covers to protect your iPad in your purse, briefcase, backpack or portfolio. Two different styles and, depending on how fast you need it, your choice of themes or colors.
I can’t post a picture & I haven’t been able to link to Flick’r, but if you email me I can send you pictures. [email protected]
duck-billed placelot
I have a question for the artists-in-our-midsts:
I work in a bunch of different mediums; drawing, digital painting, photography, writing, music, animation. How do you multi-type artists deal with having different kinds of things? Does anybody have a site that they feel like is both user-friendly and showcases his/her work pretty equally (i.e. not a sculpture site with a little ghetto of songs on one page or something)? Suggestions/links highly appreciated from such a talented bunch.
in medias res
What a thoughtful thing for you to do. I am a long-time lurking reader and make handmade jewelry. My website is Girl Gang Squared Designs
It would be lovely to have other readers take a look and comment and maybe order this holiday season.
Thank you so much for this wonderful gift.
Karen
@Jean:
It hasn’t been published but I write original fiction.
Jamey
Anne (and all BJers):
Amen and right on! This must be kismet! Crafts? Homebrewed goodness? Locally-sourced gift ideas (in the midst of NJ’s valley of the malls)? It’s all here at my wife’s crafting co-op/studio/retail space. http://www.thecraftlounge.com
Artisans/crafters (Tom, PeggyAl, Yara, et al): Please take a look at the site. Feel free to contact the proprietrix about selling your stuff.
That address again is: http://www.thecraftlounge.com in scenic Leonia, “The Athens of New Jersey,” just a five minute drive from NYC’s Upper West Side.
I’m Jamey and I approve this message.
ps: http://www.thecraftlounge.com Stop by this Thursday for the annual Holiday Open House. I figure if I don’t get to eat any of the cookies the missus baked for Thursday’s event, then at least let them go to the Juicers.
Jamey
re: 30 (can’t hit reply; it goes to your site).
Spring Retro Bubble earrings are really cool. Where do you sell?
N M
Hi all,
My best friend in the world is a sculptor of dragons. He’s amazing:
http://www.dragonlordstudios.com/Sculptures.htm
Check him out!
Kristine
@gogol’s wife: ::raises hand:: I recognized Garbo. I did *not* recognize Margaret Cho.
There’s a significant gap in my pop culture knowledge.
PaulW
My publication Last of the Grapefruit Wars is now available on ebook formats (Amazon, B&N, Borders) priced at $5.99… ebook ISBN 9781450045315.
I have a Cafe Press page selling “witty librarian” items, so if you got any librarian friends who like coffee mugs and t-shirts…
Suck It Up!
@aceckhouse:
I know this brand. Learned about it from Cooks Illustrated I think. Very cool.
Jane2
Wow, Anne Laurie, thanks for this!
I make nothing, compose nothing, write nothing, weave nothing, paint nothing….but I *do* consume. And now I’m off to look at the 15 links I clicked on before this.
patrick II
My son James is a cartoonist. His work has appeared in various magazines and papers, including the NYT op-ed page.
His blog is here.
PaulW
@Karen:
arguingwithsignposts
Well, I don’t have any wares to offer other than a link to the new AWS and the Somebody Listen to Music blog, with some songs by a band you may not have heard of – Amen Dunes.
And if anyone makes stuff for children (crafts, games, whatever), please link. I’m trying to avoid the grossly commercial crap that they’re selling in most major stores these days, and they’re not old enough to appreciate His Tunchness yet.
Geoduck
I draw a daily fantasy webcomic.
Uloborus
@PaulW:
Hmmm. I’ve been grinding through the long process of looking for a literary agent. Any suggestions on where I could learn more about alternatives so I can make an informed decision?
gogol's wife
@Kristine:
That is a pretty idealized portrait of Margaret Cho. It does look more like my mental image of Asiangrrl.
snowbird42
I have made pottery for 30 years. My website is mostly just pictures as I sell wholesale at wholesale crafts.com.
But here it is… Sukeys Ceramics
http://www.main.nc.us/openstudio/sukeys
jacy
I can do no handicrafts, but I’m a writer. I have a mystery novel currently with an agent, a vampire novel that is in dire need of rewriting (because it’s a gazillion pages long), and two new novels that are partially started, but I have no time to work on because society insists I keep feeding and clothing my children.
So in lieu of buying anything from me, think good thoughts about a publishing contract.
As for the rest of you, wow, that is some great stuff. Being only able to craft inside my head, I’m always stunned by the ability to create visual art and craft.
D.W. Gregory
I write comedic and historical plays for young actors and for general audiences … you can read about my work at http://www.dwgregory.com … and buy my plays from my publisher at http://www.dramaticpublishing.com … my thing is strong roles for young women.
celticdragonchick
Me with my harp at the Bethabara Highland Games. Photobucket link
Uloborus
@jacy: I wish you very MUCH luck. I’m still tryin’ to get an agent for my books. I knew it would be rejection-rejection-rejection until one finally takes to me, but it’s a long and slow and dispiriting process!
annie
Colored Pencil Abstracts for sale:
http://dialager.blogspot.com/2010/11/giraffe-mosaic-by-ann-2010-colored.html
ruemara
I bead jewelry, which I sell & I take pictures which I sometimes sell, but usually give away. Haven’t made any money at it at all, but once in a while, I make someone happy. Plus I sell stuff via Netroots Nations, so I feel like I can make a difference for a more progressive future. Most of my sales were via BJers, so ty BJers! You are very loved.
jacy
@Uloborus:
If you need any advice or tips on looking for an agent, let me know. I used to teach a college course in marketing your writing. I’m swamped this week with work for clients, but if you stop by my blog (linked in my name) and leave a comment somewhere ( don’t worry, it won’t get lost), I’ll get back to you when I get a chance. Writing is a lonely and frustrating road. :)
Uloborus
@jacy:
Why, thank you! I wrote, mostly short fiction, for years. Er… decades, really. All my life. But I didn’t bother to try and publish, ’cause I hadn’t a clue how. When I finished my first novel I realized I could at least *figure out* how that’s done, so I picked up a copy of Writer’s Market and started learning from there. I am duly bookmarking you.
cleek
wife makes jewelry
Journeywoman
I make Fab-Wraps, which are reusable fabric drawstring bags you use instead of wrapping paper. I specialize in cool fabrics: there’s the Premium line which includes velvets, brocades, satins, and sparkling lamés; and the Novelty line of cotton prints including sports themes, Christmas, kids, animals, and cats – lots of cats. :o)
You can give them away with the gift, but I like to encourage people to collect them within their families to be reused year after year. I’ve done this with my own family for Christmas, and we haven’t bought wrapping paper in years.
http://www.fab-wraps.com
A word about the site: It’s not yet quite as polished as I’d like, and I’m working on getting some pictures of the bags themselves. Also, we’re housed on a server with somebody who’s been under a DDOS attack lately, so access has been a little erratic – if you can’t get through, please try again later.
Thanks for looking!
jank_w
Anyone do the nanowrimo this year? This was my second bite at the apple, first time finishing…a metric shit ton of rambling but was able to kill the bad guys and wrap up the first draft in 50,143 words.
I’m as convinced as ever that we should raise a fund to send Cole up to a mountain top cabin for five weeks with a case of whiskey, a jar of no-doz, a suitcase with 10 grand in it, and a typewriter.
annie
http://dialager.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-first-blue-ribbon-from-benton-county.html
http://dialager.blogspot.com/2010/11/giraffe-mosaic-by-ann-2010-colored.html
http://dialager.blogspot.com/2010/03/connxn-by-ann-2009-colored-pencil.html
maybe this will work
Scott
Hope I’m not too late — but my sister makes awesome art glass. Here’s her Etsy store. She specializes in fused and slumped glass, which is a lot different from blown glass. She makes plates, bowls, platters, and more — some of it usable as tableware and all of it very, very, very pretty and easy to display.
She takes some requests and commissions, if she thinks she can cook ’em together, though it may take a bit longer to get completed.
Go! Give her money! Get awesome Christmas presents!
Aaron Fown
I put together IPTV shows on green issues and sustainable food production. Does that count as art?
You can see my stuff at http://www.thetripforlife.com
Finding viewers is always a challenge, there is such a low signal to noise ratio on the internets sometimes.
Hob
I’ve moved my infrequently updated art blog to here. Haven’t put out any comics/chapbooks lately – the most recent one was this.
MaximusNYC
My alter ego is an aspiring dictator and electropop musician, who emerged in reaction to post-9/11 insanity.
My first EP, PARANOID STYLE, was released in 2005. You can buy CDs or MP3s on Amazon and CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maxxklaxon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001R9TBTY?ie=UTF8&tag=voltage-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001R9TBTY
It features what I like to think are very entertaining synth ‘n’ drum machine covers of Leonard Cohen, Iron Maiden, and the Internationale. Really. And there are some originals too.
I’m at work on the followup now, tentatively titled AUTHORITARIAN IDOL.
Hear some tunes on MySpace:
http://myspace.com/maxxklaxon
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/MaxxKlaxon
Friend me on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/maxxklaxon
And visit my site:
http://klaxon.tv
I’m all over your intertubes, bringing you Better Mind Control[tm]!
MaximusNYC
P.S. This is a great thread!
Lysana
While I’m a writer, I can’t post a direct link to my main source of publication because WordPress classes it as a spam source. I suspect someone queered the process for the rest of us. I repeat it to the link on my name as well as the slowly building general conversation sort of blog with a splash of politics.
But. My husband is a T-shirt designer and digital artist.
Digital Art
Polite T-Shirts
Impolite T-Shirts
Angelia
We had a fire in our studio, and trying to get things back together. Fabric and wood art. If you see something convo me for order details. Thanks for the opportunity.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoRed
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8365258@N03/>
asiangrrlMN
Ha! You guys are too kind. I WISH I looked like that. That is, indeed, the fabulous Margaret Cho. It’s actually based on a real photo of her (the one I use as my avatar elsewhere).
I love these threads. We have such talented artists here. And, when I get my fiction website up and running, I will pimp it hard here.
@Uloborus: I’ve been told my writing is dark as well. It’s been called noir, too. I write mostly mysteries, but other things, too.
jank_w, I did NaNoWriMo again this year with the tailored goal of having a publishable novel by the end of the month. Writing is not my problem–editing is. I made the goal of finishing it, but it’s not quite publishable yet.
@jacy: Don’t be surprised if you see an email from me, too. I am about to take the plunge and start the ‘find me a damn agent/publisher’ process.
Classical Music Is Boring
Hey BJers,
I come here every day but don’t comment (much).
A composer friend and I decided that nobody would read a bunch of boring-ass essays about classical music, so we decided to disguise them as a webcomic.
classicalmusicisboring.com
Every panel may (or may not, natch) contain hovertext and/or a hyperlink.
Hope y’all enjoy.
PS: Not selling anything.
Bob K.
Anne Laurie
John Gaedeke Photography
M. Bouffant
@gogol’s wife:
I spotted Garbo right off, but the one large, four smaller gold stars of the Chinese flag (on MC’s hair) threw me off, Ms. Cho being of Korean, not Chinese descent.
Uloborus
@asiangrrlMN:
I write… uh, a big part of my problem has been figuring out what genre I write, since I don’t actually aim at a genre and write whatever I think is a good story. The first book, Wild Children, is *really* hard to label. I’ve been assured that whatever genre Watership Down is, it’s that genre.
It’s all some kind of fantasy so far, but heavy on the literary elements, with varying levels of young adult and dark themes. Seriously, figuring out the genre of anything I write has been driving me crazy. The whole publishing game seems to be based on it.
Jack Canuck
I’ve never tried to sell any, but my photographs are here
asiangrrlMN
@Uloborus: I read the first chunk of it. Very engaging. I don’t think it’s dark, but I’m weird like that. I actually think it’s funny in parts. Yeah, I can see how it would be difficult to peg. I had a piece I was writing that wasn’t fiction, but it wasn’t non-fiction, and everyone in my MA program kept telling me I had to make it fit into some preexisting slot, which I couldn’t do. Why can’t yours just be literature with a fantasy twist?
Uloborus
@asiangrrlMN:
I’m starting to think it is ‘literary fiction’ and the fantasy and young adult elements are the flavorings. And I didn’t think it was all that dark anyway! But I’ve got friends telling me they can’t get past the second chapter because of the nightmares. And I’m like ‘But the second chapter has such an uplifting, happy ending!’
asiangrrlMN
@Uloborus: It’s definitely literary fiction for young adults with fantasy flavorings. I will read the rest and hunt you down at a future time to let you know what I think. However, I’ve had nightmares that make your first chapter look like a walk in the park, so I’m not convinced it’s dark.
jacy
@asiangrrlMN:
Hey, I look forward to it. I write mystery/horror/crime, so it’s all dark, all the time for me. I have lots of publishing type resources, and I’ve been around the block a time or two. Always glad to talk writing.
Oh, I also work as an editor. I’ve lost most of my writing groups (writers are a fickle bunch) so if anybody is interested in a loosely federated reader’s/editors/improv type of thing, let me know. I have some other contacts who are really good.
Yutsano
@M. Bouffant: I actually thought it might be Madame Chaing Kai-Shek, but the China pattern in the hair would be a bit odd. That portrait does look like wifey though, don’t let her fool you.
@asiangrrlMN: Hi hon. Comp crashed. Finally got it running. Might not have a job Monday because Republicans are gits.
Joey Maloney
I do warm glass work, and digital artworks. Some of my digital stuff is available from Imagekind, at http://mrosewerks.imagekind.com.
Shipping glass to North America is always a challenge from the middle east, so I don’t currently have anything on etsy or anywhere. But some pictures of past works are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tooooomuchcoffee/sets/72157625316570370/ and if you want to commission something special I’d be ever so happy to do it for you. (I can do small pieces, like brooches, rings, earrings, pins, etc., as well as larger presentation works.)
asiangrrlMN
@jacy: Totally cool! I’m throwing my hat in the ‘I’m interested ring’. I’m at a stage where some nudging and prodding from others will do me good. Thanks a bunch. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.
@Yutsano: Was wondering where the hell you were. Glad you got the compy back up and running, but are you serious? Those fuckers. That just ain’t right. How are you going to buy me these (on sale!) if you don’t have a job? And, I do NOT look like that. If I were one-fourth that hot, I would be a happy camper.
@Joey Maloney: I really like your glasswork. Is the cat included?
asiangrrlMN
Fuckyouwordpresswithanextremelyrustypitchfork.
Part I:
@jacy: Totally cool! I’m throwing my hat in the ‘I’m interested ring’. I’m at a stage where some nudging and prodding from others will do me good. Thanks a bunch. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.
@Yutsano: Was wondering where the hell you were. Glad you got the compy back up and running, but are you serious? Those fuckers. That just ain’t right. How are you going to buy me these (on sale!) if you don’t have a job? And, I do NOT look like that. If I were one-fourth that hot, I would be a happy camper.
asiangrrlMN
FYWP, Part Deux:
@Joey Maloney: I really like this piece. Is the cat included?
Yutsano
@asiangrrlMN: Those boots would be seriously teh hawt on you. And to be honest when I saw that picture I thought it WAS you as interpreted by FH #1 (see what I did there?) but apparently I was 0 for 2 there.
As far as the government shutdown thing: I got some saved up plus my last check was me starting to get ahead. Plus IIRC the government is still on the hook for my health care and my union covers the gap. I think. So I’ll be fine for awhile.
asiangrrlMN
@Yutsano: So you’ll buy them for me? Bat, bat, bat. You really thought that was me? I’m very flattered. I just don’t see myself that way. But, I could see TS doing a pic of me like that, yes.
Work: Good. I want you to be able
to keep me in cloverto keep your head way above water.Yutsano
@asiangrrlMN:
Heh. I’d love to see the reaction if you brought home another furball to the boys. Teh mad jelus would last for decades.
I obviously did, and odds are he may indeed have one sketched up. He may be waiting for the live model however.
PS: You do realize you haz Halloween costume for next year now, amirite?
asiangrrlMN
@Yutsano: Yeah. My boys are so bonded, and we work really well together. I would really hate to mess that up.
TS, I don’t think he has. I’m not as exciting as a fat man, his fat cat, and his two dogs.
Halloween: Me as Margaret? How would anyone tell the difference?
Yutsano
@asiangrrlMN: Margaret as Madame Chaing Kai-Shek. I think it’s quite doable, especially if we can find you a long cigarette holder. Add in the right make-up and I think we got a winner there.
And I think I just created a monster. I’m noshing on pomegranate-blueberry multi-grain snacks (serious nom) and gave a bit to Miss Lexie. She ate it with great enthusiasm.
Tim
@Kristine: @gogol’s wife:
Hey Gogol, thanks for recognizing Greta! Some people don’t. :D
Tim
@Kristine:
haha…it’s my idea of Margaret as a femme fatale with the boobs I think she wishes she had. :)
Tim
@gogol’s wife:
Yes, that’s Margaret as Asian femme fatale with big boobs. :P
Or it can be Asiangrrl if you so choose. :D
Tim
@asiangrrlMN:
So cool that you recognized the pic from which I worked on the Margaret Cho painting, though I doubled her cup size at least. I thought MC would want it that way. :D
Mnemosyne
@jank_w:
This was the first time I tried NaNoWriMo. I got to about 35,000 words before my carpal tunnels rebelled. I feel pretty good about how far I got on my first time, actually, especially since I deliberately started writing with only an opening line and nothing else. No plot, no outline, nothing. I didn’t even know the characters’ names.
I may do Script Frenzy in April because I have a screenplay that’s about 75% hashed out and needs a draft.
Tim
@M. Bouffant: @M. Bouffant:
Wow, you are GOOD. Actually, shortly after I photographed this piece someone told me about MC being Korean, not Chinese, and I altered the hair ornament to reflect that. Guess I should reshoot!
Tim
Wow, I’m kind of freaked to see my art featured here on BJ, but really honored. Thanks, Anne Laurie!
Yutsano
@Tim: I have to be honest: I think the portrait is smashing as it is. It leaves the observer guessing even if they know it’s Margaret. Plus she does both Korean and pan-Asian humor.
Joey Maloney
@asiangrrlMN: Sadly, no. I know where the glass is. The cat ran away months ago. I miss him. :-(
Joey Maloney
Also, too: before I worked with warm glass, I worked with hot sugar – here’s some examples of that: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tooooomuchcoffee/sets/72157625512205298/
For glass, “warm” = ~1400F. For sugar, “hot” = ~300F. Go figure.
PaulW
@Uloborus:
Do you know of any local writers’ groups? Look for any that have experience getting published, usually people who have been where you are can be the best source of info around. There’s the Florida Writer’s Association where I am… look for something like that.
Literary agent and going to a major publisher is good for a couple of things: guaranteed marketing and a chance to get in all the bookstores and libraries. Difficulty is very high and the odds are against you: those are the major drawbacks.
Small press is a good option: those that are not on the scale of Penguin or other major publishers, but can still perform marketing for you to get your name out. They will have a filtering process but it won’t be as brutal as the big pubs (some may require an agent to rep you, some won’t). Many small press are niche or genre markets, so if you know which genre your work fits, look in that area… there are references such as Writer’s Market that would help… also this wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_small_presses
Print on Demand and Self-Publishing would guarantee getting something into print: problem is, the publisher will not provide editorial review (you’ll need a friend to edit your book) nor large-scale marketing (you’ll have to pay out of your pocket for that, and you may have to promote yourself). Quality of some printers are questionable as well. But they will provide access to major retailers (Amazon, B&N, Borders, etc). Caveat emptor is the watchword here.
PaulW
I did NaNoWriMo and got to the 50,000 word count. The novel itself is half-finished so I will be spending this month completing it.
Viva BrisVegas
@gogol’s wife:
I know who Greta Garbo is, but I would have sworn it was Tallulah Bankhead.
MyLiteraryCoach
@Uloborus: Writers Market has a search-able database that includes literary agents and publishers; Publishers Marketplace is especially good because it has logged all the agent-publisher deals for the past 10 years. Both services require registration.
If you are submitting to the right agents, but not getting any interest, then you should re-examine your proposal. Agents (because they only earn a commission when they make a sale) rightly focus on authors and proposals that are ready to go. Agents only assist promising authors in minor ways to get a proposal in better shape.
Today authors work with one or another service to get their query letter and proposal into excellent shape, and to sift through the agent options to select the most likely candidates.
Tim
JRon
I love these threads…
my wife makes some beautiful paintings.. here are her blog and website:
helenfergusoncrawford.blogspot.com
helenfergusoncrawford.com
I also have a small comics & bad-advice website that I update several times a week. It’s intended to be a commentary on the absurdity of modern life, using old paintings and historical events:
shallowsage.com
Submit a question! My most recent ones have been a bit strange, but I’ve received some good ones this week.
bloodstar
I have a dear friend who’s going through a really really rough point in her life, she does fantastic photography and deserves much more than she’s gotten … http://a-car-called-home.tumblr.com/
She also has a site where she does sell some of her stuff (via lulu) http://strange-circus.bloodstar.org/
asiangrrlMN
@Tim: Oh, I knew the pic right away. And, yeah, she would appreciate the increase in bust size! I would love to see the altered image. Post it in the next Open Thread! You do wonderful work, by the way. That Margaret Cho one is amazing (and not just because I love her).
@Joey Maloney: Oh, I’m so sorry about the cat. My condolences on the loss of your beautiful boy.
@Yutsano: No. I will have nothing to do with Chiang Kai-shek or his wife. Think some more! And pomegranate-blueberry is yummy!
Marc McKenzie
I create comic-book/anime influenced artwork. I’ve done commissions for small clients and big ones, including the New York Times.
My artwork can be found here–take a gander:
http://redshoulder.deviantart.com/gallery/
…It is more comic book/anime influenced work, but I’ve worked in animation, and I’ve been doing it for, well, most of my life.
Thanks to Balloon Juice for the opportunity to post this!
PaulW
@Marc McKenzie:
I might need to hire you for artwork for the book I’m working on…
patrick
I tried this yesterday and it didn’t work…
I have photographs for sale here and here.
Marc McKenzie
@PaulW: Hey Paul, thanks! Just give a holler when the time is right…
e-mail info is also at the site as well.
Thanks for taking a gander at the work, and…well, we’ll see how things work out!
(And again, thanks to Balloon Juice for this as well…nice change of pace from the regular politics grind.)