Christmassy Goodness in My Studio

Photos by Liz...
I was so freakin' proud of my hair that night...
Tom, the original Downtown Presbyterian Studio artist...


Kali, thanks for the sequins :)

Tender Tennesse Christmas

After taking a bit of a blogging vacay, I'm back. And I 'm back with new gadgets: a Blackberry Curve (thanks Jon!) and a Canon 880 (thanks Mom & Dad!). Just as soon as I learn all the secrets to these tiny wonders prepare for a barrage of photos and blogs from my mobile! Maybe there will even be a video or two. It's been a busy past month, and I 'm kind of relieved that we've moved past the Christmas holiday. It's like the hump day of winter. Maybe that sounds harsh, or bah- humbug, or whatev, but it's just such an intense, pressure-filled time. If you've ever worked in retail or the service industry you know that it's the most hectic work time of year ( and the non- stop Christmas music will make you want to crush the CD player). If you do not have a huge disposable income, buying gifts for everyone you love gets overwhelming. If you have a large family, it can be difficult to meet every one's expectations. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, energy levels are lower than usual and it all just gets so stressful. These things can take the joy out of what should be a celebration, a celebration of the birth of Christ- hopeful, pure, full of love and grace. In light of those specific things, Jon and I decided to have a simple, quiet Christmas by ourselves. As we both have full- time "day jobs" , are a musician and I an artist, there's not much time we actually get to spend together uninterrupted. So... we took off Christmas eve and Christmas day and slipped away to a cabin on Monteagle Mountain. Jon's been sick, so we stayed inside and watched movies, ate, slept, and relaxed. It was beautiful, and so restful. We've never spent a Christmas by ourselves before, and I doubt we'll do that every year, but it sure was nice this time. Love you, miss you, let's get together in the new year, SS

Mouse in the House

Here she is; my tiny mouse. My tiny mouse Christmas card. My first silk screened card! Its a heavy white cardstock with white envelope... the ink is a wonderful wintery blue with specks of sparkle in it. Do you want one? They're only $ 3!

Iris Sketch has Become Iris Tee

I've completed my first run of tee shirts from my Iris design. After deciding to print a floral design, Tennessee's state flower the Iris became my inspiration. These Alternative Apparel tee shirts are super soft! They are available in women's sizes S, M, & L for $17. The pictures show the true colors: a faded navy with soft cappuccino brown ink. If you'd like one, or have a question about them, just send me a message!

Did I Mention?

"Polar Bear In A Chair" by L. Baisden

Did I mention I have a show Saturday evening? Yes, this Saturday, December 6th, from 6- 9 pm. It's an "art trunk show" of sorts, a one- night event featuring work by myself and my fantabulous cohort, Laura Baisden. The image above is one of Baiden's kick- ass prints. You're going to love her work; I'm sure of it. As for me, I'll have new work, AND affordably priced pieces with gifty-type potential. Together we invite you to come check it out; let us serve you tasty snacks and drinks, too! Very important detail: the shindig goes down at Fire Finch's downtown location (305 Church St, Nashville, TN 37201. The First Saturday Gallery Crawl will be happening that night in the very same district, so make a night of it!

Small Works

These tiny bits of loveliness will be available at my show Saturday evening for $99- each. They are 6" x 8" canvases full of vivid blooms, inspired by racks and racks of flowers I saw on an NYC street a little while ago.

More Sketchiness

Here's my sketch for a possible Christmas card. I think it would probably be a bright color- teal maybe. Stay tuned ...

Hmmm. Sketchy.

Iris sketch from last night. For all my fellow Tenneseans: our state flower. Our bird, in case you wonder, is the Mockingbird. I need a break from birds though, so no Mockingbird sketches- for now.

D.I.Y. Fendi?

Yep. A paint your own Fendi for a mere $1300. It's a coated canvas baguette with Pantone markers; will anyone go for this?

Newest Neighbor, Liz

After working in the isolation/ distraction of my house since graduating from college, I feel fortunate to now be part of a community of artists in the Downtown Presbyterian Church studio spaces. I 'm happy to announce: I have a new studio neighbor, Elizabeth Streight. Liz's art is photography, which you can see on her photoblog. It's a documentary of her life, and the many people that are part of it. I enjoy the candid shots, and the celebratory feel they capture. I can't wait to watch as her work develops right next door. Haha. "Develop"- get it- that's a photography joke. Ok, I'll stop. P.S. The photos are ones she took at Monteagle mountain; Seamus, Liz, and I spent a lovely fall weekend hiking in the mountains and realxing at our friend, Tom's, cabin. Click here to see more!

I'm Giving Thanks a Little Early

It's the time of year again: gray skies, short days, horrid weather. Typically I get depressed about now, and it's been coming on pretty strong in the past week. However, I have had some great times this fall which arguably is helping me ease into the "blah-est" months with less misery than usual. I carved pumpkins with my two favorite little boys, hiked in the mountains with a girlfriend while the leaves turned gold, painted in my studio alongside a community of other dedicated artists, and spent many mornings outside running or biking with my new workout buddy, and received encouragement and support from my loving husband. All these things made me realize that sure, I may go through some weeks really down (if I won't leave the house to hang out- it's me, not you!), but I have blessings in my life to come back to.
Last Saturday I had a flashback. I drove past Estel Gallery while Artrageous was happening. I didn't participate in Artrageous this year, but last year I did. I remember having a hard time getting dressed for that event, and feeling miserable. I had gotten so down that I'd given up. I hated the dark, cold days so I didn't go outside. I was inactive because I wouldn't go outside, so I started gaining weight. I gained more weight than I ever had before over the winter, and couldn't fit in most of my clothes. I avoided doing anything besides the necessities because I hated the way I looked and felt. And so on. As I drove by Estel, it hit me- what a different place I'm at compared to this time last year. I think in no small part, the people close to me are responsible for this difference. They motivate, encourage, and support my attempts to be a better person- thank you so much!

Whew. That Was Intense... For A Non- HTML Girl.

Basically, I just did a major blog makeover. Googling "blogger layouts" inspired me to update mine. At first it was a bit confusing just trying to understand the directions, since I'm not really familiar with coding lingo. However, after a long morning fueled by coffee and blueberry pancakes I "made it work". Yay!
Alot of the new images were taken by photographer Megan Baugh. Megan has a great eye and knowledge of cameras that far exceeds mine. Thanks for the great shots! Any Nashvillians in need of portraits, band photos, or fashion shots should definatley look her up.

Breathing Room

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. ~Pablo Picasso

A man's dreams are an index to his greatness. ~ Zadok Rabinowitz

WoooHooooo! New Work!

These are the first three paintings completed in my glorious new studio.
I 'm so happy to finally be posting images of my new work. As I may have mentioned before, my camera is on the fritz (where did that expression come from?). Much to my chagrin, I haven't been able to photograph work as easily because of that. I would like a new camera for Christmas. *hint*hint* Any takers?
So, I'm continuing the theme/ series of female portraits. Hmm...how to explain knowing my words will fall short... these are all young women who may be trying to hide or be hidden behind something. Which one is it? Do I know who they are? I can't tell you, but maybe you will know when you see them! Stay tuned for new show announcements!

Cutest Boys EVER...

It's always gonna be Blake and Luke. Cutest. EVER.

the Most Beautiful Woman in the World?

I mean, I don't know her, of course....hopefully she's a great person inside and out. Strictly based on physical appearance -I think Angelina Jolie is the mostly perfectly gorgeous woman I can think of!
The photo above is from the Today Show interview that aired this morning.

I Want A New Camera

Seth,Sarah,Aaron


Yes, I do. I can't seem to get my camera to work- I miss it!!! I love snapshots, and I wish I'd had a camera with me last weekend to capture more of the action. One of my little brothers, Ethan, got married! They are so happy and sweet together; hopefully someone will put pics online soon so I post them on here and you can see for yourself! Till then, here are some pics of me and my other brothers, Seth and Aaron.

It IS October.

Iron Mountain, looking over Watauga Lake in northeast Tennessee

All along the trail, leaves were bursting with color. This is part of the Appalachian Trail that winds along a ridge overlooking Lake Watauga. The air was so clean and cool and the colors were bright; I wish this kind of Fall lasted longer.

Press Release for a Pretty Cool Event

We have an amazing artist visiting Belmont on Wednesday, October 1. Her name is Sheryl Oring and she travels around the country with a manual typewriter that she sets up in public spaces and invites people to sit down across from her and dictate letters to the President. She then has the person sign the letter and she mails them to the White House.

She started this project around Bush's 60th birthday in 2006. People wrote birthday cards to the president. She is now doing a similar project called, "I wish to say to the future President. . ." where you can dictate a letter to the future president to be mailed to the White House.

Her project has been highlighted in many publications and on NPR. She also published a book with some of the birthday cards and will publish a similar book for the future President cards and photos.

The following is the schedule for her visit. PLEASE come and encourage as many others as you can. You will not be disappointed.

I hope to see many of you!!! Also, feel free to forward this to students, other faculty, friends and family!

10am Massey Performing Arts Center, Belmont University Campus, Sheryl Oring will be speaking about the project

Noon-230--Performance Event in the gazebo next to the School of Music, Belmont University Campus--Anyone is welcome to sit down and write a letter to the president!

430p--Sheryl Oring--Gallery 121, Leu Center for the Visual Arts, Belmont University Campus--Exhibition Opening

Thanks--Teresa

Teresa Van Hatten-Granath

Associate Professor

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee

**** Reposted article ***

Here's Something to Love About Fall

Alexander McQueen' s Fall 08 designs

The 100th Post

To round out my first 1oo bits of blogging, I would like to ask 10 questions.

* What is your unrelenting passion?
* Do you doubt your doubts?
* How will you give something beautiful to the world?
* What are you most grateful for?
* What do you value most in life?
* Where do you draw the line between possible and impossible?
* What will you remember?
* How will you make the world better?
* When was the last time you tried something for the first time?
* If what's in your dreams wasn't already inside of you, how could you even dream it?

Love you forever,
Sarah

Poison in the Rain

Although not the biggest fan ever of Ryan Adams, I do like reading his songs. The songs are like stories, and they seem so visual. This is one I just read...


Poor little rose, beaten by the rain
In the wind in the gale, thunder and the hail
Sometimes I feel like I'm going insane
Without the numbness or the pain so intense to feel
Especially now it added up through the years
And I, I taught myself how to grow
Without any love and there was poison in the rain
I taught myself how to grow
Now I'm crooked on the outside, and the inside's broke

Most of the time I got nothing to say
When I do it's nothing and nobody's there to listen anyway
I know I'm probably better off this way
I just listen to the voices on the TV 'til I'm tired
My eyes grow heavy and I fade away

'Cause I, I taught myself how to grow
Without any love and there was poison in the rain
I taught myself how to grow
'Til I was crooked on the outside
I taught myself how to grow
Without any love and there was poison in the rain
I taught myself how to grow
'Til I was crooked on the outside, inside's caved
Crooked on the outside, inside's caved
Crooked on the outside, inside's caved
I taught myself how to grow old

I've Wondered This Before...

"Why does one blog? What compels those of us who sit down and type out our little vignettes about the things that effect us to do so? I guess the simplest answer would be to tell a story. But that just raises another why: why a blog? Why not a diary? Why record the events and influences on one’s life at all? It reflects a certain degree of navel-gazing tendencies in one’s personality, a more than passing interest in the why of the self. Our experiences change us, little by little, like erosion, each moment wearing us down a little bit more. Only one interested in the development of the self through experience would feel compelled to keep a record of said experiences. The choice of blog as a medium adds yet another layer to the analysis of the blogger. It’s public, usually, which points to a level of exhibitionism. It also suggests a view of the self as important, as having a point of view that should be read by others. The blogger must believe that he or she has something unique to add to the world, or else why bother expressing oneself?

So why does one follow blogs? This, too, I believe says something about the individual who does it. It reflects a curiosity about others, and how their experiences shape them. A desire to understand where someone else is coming from, and why. There must be at least a moderate degree of open-mindedness, to be willing to invest the time and energy to hear what others have to say. It’s a wide world out there."

repost from mittenstategirl.

I Like Jesus but Jesus LOVES Me, So Yeah, It's Kinda Awkward...

Sunday evening lazy time: it's the end of a pretty sweet day. I went to church this morning with a coffee and cinnamon crunch bagel in hand( yum~ Panera) I feel like maybe that's just what needed to happen to start the day out right.
This afternoon my friend, Beth, invited me to the Belcourt Theatre for a special event sponsored by the Contributor, Nashville's only newspaper by, for, and about the homeless. "From Tramp to Vagabond: a History of Homelessness in Film" runs September 14- 29th at the theatre. It's basically an overview of the homeless character in cinema; the films are quite varied, and span a period of 95 years. "Tramp to Vagabond" opened today with a hot dog reception and several Charlie Chaplin shorts- my favorite was "A Dog's Life", of course! What a great concept; it 's obvious that alot of work has gone into this thoughtful collection. This is probably a once in a life time opportunity, so DON'T MISS OUT!
Later in the afternoon, I ran a bunch of errands and am pleased to announce that I got a new canvas at Michael's for 40% off. It's 24" x 48", and by tomorrow it will probably be covered in pink paint. Pink? Yes. I'm in an experimental phase with color, so we'll see...
Since then, the evening has been a random assortment. I spray- painted a beautiful vintage mirror frame white; it'll look sooo good in the bathroom near the little chandelier. I painted a current lighting fixture white, covering the gross brassy- gold that it had going on. I made a quesadilla full of cheesy deliciousness. I wrote to several people that I've been meaning to for days. I wasted probably over an hour piddling around on Myspace. Now I'm ready to call it a day (or I guess that should be night)...take it easy!

Today, Monday.

I just moments ago returned from hanging art at Bongo Java on Belmont Blvd. Two new pieces are in the group of work! The show will run through the end of September; if you're in the hood, stop by for a delicious bev and artwork by yours truly.
In two days, Wednesday, Next Big Nashville festivities begin. So, so many talented musicians are featured; the show on Thursday at the Rutledge looks especially awesome. Yes, it's Eastern Block at the Rutledge on September 11. It's an 18 and up show, $10 at the door.

I 'll Have a Glass of Red Please

Surprisingly, there weren't a ton of people out last night for the gallery crawl; being a cool, breezy evening I would've expected otherwise. I took advantage of that though and was able to actually look closely, talk, sit, and even stand without constantly bumping into other gallery goers. So, the first place we went was Davis Art Advisory in the Arcade. At the Davis showroom, I was particularly into the work by Jaclyn Mednovic. Another artist in the Arcade whose work I adore is Danielle Duer. She has a couple new pieces that I could stare at for hours; the intricacy is crazy! Crazy good. Maybe I'm a little jealous:)

Out of the Arcade, the Rymer and Tinney + Cannon were next on the route. The Rymer had 5 (I believe) new pieces of Julia Martin's. They were lovely and dreamy as usual, and I noticed several "sold" stickers...Yay! Tinney + Cannon featured several interesting artists, but the one I was most drawn to was Rachael McCampbell. Her colors are soft and bold, seamlessly side -by- side. Definitely would like to see more of her work.
For me the gallery walk ended at Estel. The two main artists showing this month at Estel are Anna Jaap and Lori Field. Anna Jaap's work was in the same vein as previous pieces I've seen, making me wonder if I actually have seen these before? Lori Field's work was pretty intriguing: the collaged pieces, the layers, the drawn elements, the imagery.They are wild fairy tale dream worlds. I met Lori, and she explained the large pieces in this show are the first large collage pieces she's done- exciting! And she was super nice!

So yeah, I guess that sums up the highlights for me. You should go check out one or all, if you haven't already. The current shows will hang through the end of September.

Perfect Timing

After the sand cast, I tried resuscitation...
Then, in a fit of joy, I frolicked with HW.


and Jon :)





So, here I am back in Nashville, safe and sound. When "Hanna" actually hit the coast last night it was much less damaging then it could've been. It was a tropical storm, and it came in much further north than expected. Thankfully, the beautiful town of Charleston,SC didn't get demolished and everyone there stayed safe! Jon and I had a lovely week of beautiful sunny weather (and awesome huge waves) before driving back last night. One of my best friends, H.W. and her husband L.W., live in Charleston now. So, I got two great things in one: a super fun beach vacation and a visit with friends I love. LUCKY ME! This is what I did with my lucky self for the week: go to beach, eat, sleep, swim, beach, eat beach, sleep,eat, beach... maybe you can see a pattern...ahhh, perfection. By now probably everyone in a 900 mile radius knows I am freaking in LOVE with summer, so I'll spare you from proclaiming my love yet again.
Skipping forward a day, I worked at the boutique then headed downtown for the First Saturday Gallery Crawl. My accomplice, Jesse W, and I perused the scene. We saw alot of work, and the majority of it was quite good. Sometimes I go to openings and leave thinking, "Really!???" Not tonight, though. If you went, what were your favorites? If you didn't, I'm about to tell you mine, so stay tuned!

Labor- less Week!

The waves were pretty big!
Especially at Folly Beach ...
After playing in the waves, I created a sand cast for Jon.

It's been such a fun week in Charleston! It looks like it's time to head out though, because Hurricane Hanna is headed toward SC. They're predicting it to come through Pawley's Island, which is about an hour and a half away. Charleston is now having voluntary evacuation, so I guess it's time to hit the road. I have a couple other pics I'll put up soon; right now it's time to pack!