Shop Update!

Below are all of my updated cards. Some were a completely new design, while others are a complete re-design. Others, still, just needed a little tweaking. Take a look below to see what I’ve been up to! Be advised: the below has some slightly mature content (or immature content…depending how you look at it).

 

Artist Profile: dylanmurphy

dylanmurphy creates beautifuly haunting images. His work is the very definition of artistic photography and it explores both emotions and environments. His work takes you on a journey that invites exploration. To see more of his amazing work click on his name, or on the pictures below.

 How long have you been creating art?
Well I used to draw when I was younger and took art classes in high school but was never that great. I started taking photos for fun in 2005 and then started to become "more serious" about it in 2008. I would say I have been creating real art for 2 years or so.

What inspires you the most to create? How do you find inspiration?
After a while I start to feel like a failure if I don't create, I just have an urge to create things, I can't really explain it. I find inspiration in lots of places...music, movies, words, other photographers, other artists, people, things..almost anything has the ability to possibly inspire me... the internet is definitely a minefield of inspiration.

What is the biggest challenge you face with your art?
Creating something that I am happy with is probably the biggest challenge. Other challenges for me are doing certain photo shoots in public and getting new people to model for me.

How would you describe your color palette?
I think it varies. I try to use color to create a mood or evoke a feeling.

How do you work best?
That's hard to answer...I'm not really sure to be completely honest.

Do you have access to a studio?
I have my own traveling light setup which is limited but I think I push it's limits quite well. I also have access to some studio bays and studio equipment at school (Southern Illinois University Carbondale).

What is your favorite subject matter? Least favorite?
Hmm my subjects vary and I tend to get bored easily so my work is kind of all over the place in some aspects. My favorite is probably myself and other people in various ways. My least favorite is probably documentary.

How do you decide what to focus a piece on?
It depends on the project. It's really hard for me to explain my process as it is for me to explain almost anything about myself.

Would you say that your pieces tell a story/have a narrative?
I think most of them do in one way or another. Some are more literal than others. I like to tell stories and pose questions in a lot of my work. Sometimes I know the stories and sometimes I don't. I like the viewer to draw their own conclusions.

 
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I just started my etsy shop not too long ago so there is still A LOT of my work that has yet to be listed, especially my work with models other than myself. You can see much more of my work on my website at http://www.dylanmurphy.net/

Shop Update!!

a-Lou Creations is planning a major overhaul in the coming weeks. I plan on expanding designs and inventory, creating new sections and eliminating old ones, and redoing pictures, descriptions, etc. Every week I’ll be posting an update here with new card designs and info on what’s going on.  Expect to see a lot of changes within the next month.

Because of the major reconstruction I plan on doing with my business, I’ll be looking to all of you for help. I hope you’ll all be kind enough to comment on my updates and let me know what you think. I appreciate your input and I look forward to evolving as a crafter with all of you by my side!

Etsy Finds: Yellowfield7

I have a little-known obsession with hats. Which, considering I can almost never find a hat that fits or looks good on me, is a bit odd. While fueling my obsession for both hand-made goodies and hats one day, I stumbled across this amazing shop: yellowfield7. Not only are her hats some of the most amazing and beautifully hand crafted creations that I have seen thus far on Etsy, they also hearken to an era in which hats saw their most popular years. Her vintage-inspired designs are feminine and bold, classic and modern. In a word, they are wonderful.

In addition to Yellowfield7’s strong designs, her shop as a whole has a definite continuity to it. The stunning photography is reminiscent of 1930’s portraiture photography. The lighting, coupled with the stunning designs (and equally stunning model) are exquisite. Both her shop and her pieces are gorgeous, and I invite you all to take a look.

Please click on a picture to see her listings, or go directly to her shop by clicking: yellowfield7. Thank you for looking!

Emily Balivet: Artist of the Week

Emily Balivet is just one of many wonderful artists on Etsy. Her work is intriguing and provocative. Her use of color and texture create a surreal experience for the viewer in a “down the rabbit hole” sort of way. Check out her shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBalivet

You can also click on the pictures below to get to the direct listings.

Also make sure to read the question and answers below to find out more about this amazing lady!

-Lou

   

How long have you been creating art?

I was 17 when I made the decision to make a living from my art, but I was very creative long before that. I grew up in Alaska where finding something interesting to do indoors for extended periods of time was a necessary survival skill. Painting was my top choice, but I explored many other mediums.

What inspires you the most to create? How do you find inspiration?

Music, literature, and great works of art are definitely an inspiration to me. My own paintings drive me to create more, too. If I spend a day painting, odds are when I close my eyes at night, I will envision myself painting - and the paintings I see in my mind's eye blow me away! That's what keeps me going probably more than anything else.

What is the biggest challenge you face with your art?

Passing judgment on it. Since I've been marketing my work, one thing I've learned is to understand the separation between my experience with my art and the art as an object itself. Once an idea is made into a physical form it has a life of it's own and a viewer may develop their own relationship with it. I've found it is very important to get my art out there (whether I like it or not) in order to allow that to happen. As it turns out, some of my least favorite paintings have become my most popular works! It's a

constant reminder not to follow through with the desire to paint over or hide art I'm not thrilled about myself.

How would you describe your color palette?

Mainly it's bold and rich, but I've got to have the opposite in there to set it all off.

What is your favorite medium? Least favorite?

I've never met a medium I didn't like. This is a problem because I have a studio full of all sorts of supplies and very little time to explore. My acrylics are always set up, so that's what I wind up using everyday.

How do you work best? Do you have access to a studio?

I have a studio space within my house and it's the first place I go in the morning. I work best in solitude without interruptions, with good music, and coffee. I like to have several paintings going at once, so when I come to a resting point with one I can move on to another.

What is your favorite subject matter? Least favorite?

I love organic shapes, textures, and feminine forms, but I'm not too particular. Just whatever comes to mind. I don't have a lot of interest in modern, man made objects, or anything too cute or fluffy. But who knows what the future holds?

How do you decide what to focus a piece on?

I try not to make too many conscious decisions when painting, because if I do I tend to overwork things. So if I can manage, I try to stay out of my own way and let a painting happen on it's own.

Would you say that your pieces tell a story/have a narrative?

If there is one, I would rather someone else tell it. Though like I said before, a few of my paintings are inspired by the books and poetry.

PROMOTION: Free Shipping on next US Order

Want free shipping? Are you ordering with in the U.S? You should totally check out my shop! You can get any card your want with free shipping w/in the U.S. this week! This even includes up to (3) three cards in one order!

Here is how it works: you complete an Etsy transaction at www.aloucreations.etsy.com and pay for your item (w/ shipping included). Within 10 hours of your purchase I will send you a refund via paypal of the amount of shipping. It is that easy!

 

So, you should totally take advantage of this limited promotion! Remember, only the next order within the US will get free shipping, and you can order up to 3 cards in one purchase to take advantage of this promotion!

Love is in the air!!

With every February comes a new Valentine’s day! Everyone with a sweetheart feel free to rejoice (goodies and gifts will be coming soon! In addition to the extra love around this time of year also comes a little bit of extra stress. What to get for your special someone? Or, the biggest problem of all: your single and you can’t help but think “When will all this lovey-dovey crap be done with!?”

View Full Album

I’ve got a couple of cards lined up to solve all of those problems. For the robot or zombie enthusiast in your life, or for the love of your life, or maybe just a friend! Click on the album to see what I have in store.

Let me know what you think!

Remember too, you can find it all at www.aloucreations.etsy.com

 

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These are my kittens:

On a completely off-topic topic, I’d like to introduce to you the rest of my family!

Olive (not playing)

So this is my second rescue kitten. Her name is Olive. My husband Jake and I found her in the hallway to our apartment after the other tenets were evicted. Not only were they noisy and annoying people, but they also were heartless enough to abandon her and three other cats in the middle of February in New England. We placed the other kittens and kept Olive for ourselves.

I often like to play with my cats, although the feeling is not always reciprocated. Here, Olive ignores my attempts to get her to play.

 

 

 

The first kitten that I rescued is Emma. I don’t have any adorable videos of her ignoring me because she is just too quick and I’m not that good with a camera yet. I call her my “special needs” kitten because (according to the vet) she his an extremely stressed-out cat and needs a lot of attention.

This is her in a paper bag—which is probably her most favorite play-thing. 

 

Finally, I’d like to introduce my hubby…doing what he does best…taking a nap with the kittens.

 

 

 

 

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FaceBook URL: HERE WE COME!!!

So, thanks to all of my super-duper fans I was able to FINALLY register my facebook url address the other day. You can now quickly & easily find me on FaceBook via: http://www.facebook.com/aloucreations.

Again, everyone that has helped support a-Lou has rocked!

Check in soon :)

-Lou 

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