Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Personalized Mother's Day!!

Happy Mothers' Day Card (Dogwood photo card
Happy Mothers' Day Card (Dogwood photo by terrie0321

I shot this photo a few days ago, as the dogwood tree in front of my house was in full bloom. I have applied it to my zazzle store in many unique gift options for Mother's Day. I am delighted to share these with you all.

Make it a Special Mother's Day with unique one of a kind specialty gifts, she definitely deserves it!!!

Do you have a favorite item from my zazzle store? Which pieces do you like best the photography or the abstract painting customizable products? Comments are welcomed...
Andrea

Thursday, April 21, 2011

TidBit Thursday:Okra starts off as a fruit....

Did you know that "Okra" (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench )that green elongated food that  usually has a slimy center with seeds is actually a fruit. Research suggests that it is a fruit because of its edible green seed pods, that are then cooked to be used as a vegetable.

 So you are wondering, Why or how does Okra start of as a fruit ?? Food scientists characterize fruits and vegetables with following guideline, if it has seeds its a fruit , if it does not contain seeds its a vegetable.

Though I don't particuliarly eat Okra , I though this was some interesting tidbit to share.  Throughout my life I always referred to this green food as a vegetable. I 've come to realize that I am probably not alone.
I guess I have to look at some food a little differently when at the produce market, things like tomatoes, peppers and pumpkins and food like potatoes and onions and actually have a better understanding of  what it is that I am eating...

Did you find this information helpful? What foods will you be including in your diet, after checking out these tidbits? Have some other food facts to share??? Love to hear your thoughts and comments...

Andrea
www.andreasartz.com

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okra

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Developing your Identity in Your Artwork

Culture ,Life Experience, Education and Environment all play a key role in who we are. These elements are fundamental to who we are (self).

It's important as creative individuals , that you make your art work that speaks who you are , to others by developing some sort of identity. Identity along with technical skill of course, is an important element that helps your work stand out among others.

For instance, my background culture is multi racial ,so sometimes in my art making I incorporate key traits of my cultures, through symbols,color scheme,subject matter,etc.
  Tresses- Combs and beads are throughout this piece, rich ethnic color scheme of red,gold and black. This depicts the essence of adornment by African Women.
Tresses








    
                                                        Kokopelli                                                               

Kokopelli- Southwestern landscape and warm tones depicts the ritual nature of my Native American Heritage.




So, how are you telling "your story" through your art making? How are you using your culture, life experience, enviornment or education as your identity in your art work? Love to hear your comments.


Andrea
www.andreasartz.com

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Tidbit Thursday: Is it impossible to pay only 5 cents a gallon???

What if you could pay only about 5 cents a gallon for gas?????Think this is impossible, well think again.
 In Venezuela consumers can pay about 5 cents a gallon for gas.

  After hearing this and doing a little research,  I felt compelled to share this with you. Gas prices is something that affects everyone, not only drivers. This is often times reflected in the fluctuated prices we pay for items that depend on gasoline to them to our grocery stores,retail stores,offices and homes. Sometimes this can be a grueling state of affairs, but it is interesting to know that in some countries like Venezuela consumers can pay just under $1 to fill up there vehicle.
 Are you thinking how is this possible???? Their government pays about 90% of the oil's actual cost.
I like to conclude leaving you with these questions:
What if the U.S. government did this for us ? How would it be? What if we produced our own oil or alternative methods to gasoline how would this impact our economy? How would it impact you?

Love to hear your comments,
Andrea
www.andreasartz.com

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2011/0304/Hugo-Chavez-challenges-Venezuelan-birthright-to-cheap-gas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuela

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

"Emerging from Within": Imperative to your Career as an Artist

During the creative process of my newest piece, I was motivated by the concept of " Emerging" and the important role  it plays in the career of an Artist.
Emerge-(Verb) - Move out of or away from something and come into view
                       -Recover from or survive a difficult or demanding situation (google dictionary)

As artisans, it's important for us to exercise this concept in many levels. I like to view art making , as a tool for language , which funnels our creative inspiration into expression, this in itself is an act of "emergence". 
Over the past few weeks I  came up with an abstract painting "Emerging from Within" .
I wanted to use color and design elements that portrayed a lady, with some of her details kind of obscure, and had to be pulled out of the abstract shapes. This would look like she is emerging from within the piece herself. I think this is something everyone experience rather an artist or not, there is a point in your life where you will emerge from within on the path to being your true self.



Want to share your "emerging" story with us, we love to hear, how you are "emerging from within" as an artisan, ( your challenges, how your combat them,etc.)


Andrea
www.andreasartz.com
Hear my story click here

Saturday, April 2, 2011

I love to share my story with you, my interview with Creativity Unmasked!!!

Ever wanted to know a little more, about who is the person behind these Artful Tidbits blogs, who is Andrea, and what sparked her creativity. 
Well here it is, an interview of me ,Terika Andrea with Creativity Unmasked:  I love to share my story with you,simply:



Feel free to share your comments with me,
Andrea


Create Educate Connect

Create Educate Connect
Create Educate Connect