My Temp Studio Space

     As promised you shall take a peak at what I call my studio space. Let me preface this with 2 things . First this is a "temp" studio space since we rent there are obviously limitations and things that I would change if it was ours to do so. Secondly is "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind then what is an empty desk a sign of?" I completely agree with Einstein and as you will be able to see from my desk my mind is not empty! I thought about trying to make it pristine and perfect....but that's SO not me so why the ruse? Nope. Instead you get the creative chaos.

     I do live in a creative chaos. Ideas strike all the time so my sketchbook is always on hand and my mind runs in fifty different directions never staying one task more than a few hours at a time in the studio. This makes it so that I want access to my supplies at any time and hopefully they end up back in their home. Equally important to the accessibility is the inspiration. Even though this is not a show room all the elements represent my interest and style. It's good to surround yourself with the image you wish to create.
     I love my little window to view the mountains in the distance and the window behind me looks upon our garden. Or I can watch the dogs run amuck from either. No I don't have a standard chair... I have a yoga ball. Two reasons: 1) I stand most of the time I work. I know this is probably not best for the longevity of my back and shoulders so I am looking which brings me to 2) I am VERY picky about my chair-to-be. One day I'll find it. Also maybe you've noticed there is no printing press. But how? I'm an illustrator focusing in print making! I hand burnish all of my work so yes do appreciate the care and time that goes into each one. I would like to eventually have a printing press but they are ridiculously expensive so right now hand burnishing works just fine.
    The best part of my studio are my 2 helpers. Bently rarely leaves my side but maybe to check in as to where his brother is. Fredrik's loyalty is to that of the sunspot . Wherever that is that's where he is but he will check in occasionally. I hope you've enjoyed a look into where the work is created. Visit ArdentPrints to see some finished products.

Updates

'Ello all! So I wanted to just briefly provide some quick updates. I finally got  all of the items that did not sell updated and loaded onto Etsy. Which with the newly warm days and the fact that I am now listing my items in English, French, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish for those speakers looking at Etsy in their countries it takes a bit while longer. I've been adamant to promote via Facebook and every page I can muster within there along with Twitter. It's a had a positive results; more like, favorites and followers...now just sales.

     I have worked on some wedding decor items which I really loved . In fact, loved enough to where I plan to come up with some very simple, staple wedding related items to offer with of course custom being a VERY strong option. I'm also looking into business cards in a  simple, blunt, classically minimal straightforward manner. I plan definitively to make postcards and greeting cards as those were phenomenal sellers. The question is whether to hand illustrate all of it or make a stamp. I'm acquiring materials for a variety of magnets as well. Make art practical for the practical people needing to get rid of the coin in their pockets.

     I have been added to the list for the next bazaar in October; October 4 & 5th to be exact. It has already made me start to think of what to make and what will sell. Christmas is a must and I certainly plan to theme many of the cards in that general direction. The idea of a Christmas woodland family is being tossed around my cerebral currently but sketches still need to be worked out.

     Finally my studio space is almost back to where it was. We've been so busy it's taken longer than expected to put things back in order after the bazaar. Though as soon as I do ( a week or 2) there will be photos and a post so keep an eye out. For now though check out new items on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArdentPrints?ref=search_shop_redirect

Yokosuka Bazaar

     This past weekend , (April 12th & April 13th) was the Yokosuka Bazaar. It's essentially a massive flea market on base giving individuals the chance to buy Japanese items and small business items without leaving base. It was a great opportunity to get Ardent Prints out there to the Yokosuka Base public, sell some work and make connections. In the end I am really glad that I did take part in it. Overall it was a success as I made more money than I ever have in the same amount of days at a farmer's market and it was right on par with the sales from a RAW art show. There were of course lessons learned. The booth spot was determined based upon requests and when you signed up. Since I barely squeaked in my spot was fine but there were other spots that definitely had a higher volume of traffic. The next large bazaar I will sign on right away and I know where I want to request as I was scoping out the spaces. I'm looking into making magnets in a huge variety including mini themed series. The Japanese birds, Mt. Fuji pieces, travel images and cherry blossoms went like hot cakes. Obviously I will continue those but I will make more too. Also will make more fox related cards and wolf items as I saw enough interest in that. Cards were a huge seller as were the buttons but I'd like to make more pin-on. It was a great sale and the little guy competing against the knock-off giants of bazaar capitalism made away with a great weekend and will be back. All items not sold will be listed on www.etsy.com/shop/ArdentPrints .

Japanese Art

     It's been far too long and thus I apologize... again. I feel like I'm always doing that. Busy busy busy....commissioned pieces, custom works, stationary, hair, culture. So much. Jus the same I wanted to take a moment to write specifically about some Japanese art. Nothing to crazy or modern...we'll get to that later. For now just some crafty and historical creativity.
     Japanese art has always had a bit of a special spot in my heart because Japan was the origin spot for woodblock printmaking. Many know of the wave print but there are so many others. So many clean lined, subtle, crisp prints. These I draw inspiration from and most certainly deserve their due.
      We recently took part in a cultural event and were able to take part in many other arts and crafts. We were able t do Japanese calligraphy. Delicate, flowing writing that is deceivingly difficult.
      There is of course origami, which can also be difficult. It seems simple. You fold paper and it forms an object. A pretty little craft. However you can fumble your fingers and some shapes have an insurmountable quantity of folds, unfolds, folds and final folds. I think it's much easier when you can have someone walk you through it. We stated with the tulip because it's one of the easiest but by the end moved on to a koi fish.

     I may not always think of these activities in the same bubble as Picasso or Warhol, however they do have their place. I can appreciate the tedious detail, time and seemingly effortless appearance. They are beautiful, enjoyable and creatively challenging. It's nice to have participated in this event by such welcoming people.

Say Hello to Hiro Nakamura!

      Beep Beep! Move over! We got our own little Japanese car. Almost all cars in Japan are on the smaller side, (especially compared to America) partially due to the narrow streets and no need for a high powered speedy engine. We were debating about a car and whether we would honestly need it. Some things persuaded us a little but the biggest thing was hiking. When you take dogs on the train they must be in  a carrier. That's fine but I really didn't want to have to lug around a carrier on the hike or rent a locker there. And what if Danny is gone and I want to go hike with the pups? Am I seriously supposed to lug 2 dogs in carriers, and a hiking bag onto a train before the hard work of the trail? I think not! So hiking with the dogs was the biggest persuasion. We purchased a 2000 Honda Capa. It's a periwinkle silver, has lots of storage, good on gas and there's a dvd player. Oh and it has a name. We named our other car too. It was Pepper... as in Pepper Pots because of my love for Tony Stark and Danny wanted it to have a girl name. This car of course needed a Japanese name so I fell back to a favorite of mine from a beloved show. Our car is Hiro Nakamura ! ( From the TV series Heroes.) Danny is insisting to call it Nakamura because he says Hiro sounds like "hero". I'll call it Hiro. Needless to say we are enjoying the drive and we're excited for the adventures this little guy's gona take us to.

My Illustrated Life...in Japan

     My Illustrated Life continues! Even though my posts have been sporadic things are finally getting in order for this massive move. There are abundant updates to be made. We found a rental house and met our lovely neighbors. We've settled into our traditional but updated Japanese home along with learning how to operate all of it's gadgets. We are in the process of getting a cute little Japanese car. It's a periwinkle little cube lookin thing and this is the one place that doesn't stand out as odd. We've been celebrating the New Year like the locals and immersing ourselves in all that we can.
     Ardent Prints has been full force too! It's still fully running on Etsy and the updates are almost fully completed. There's new business cards on the way and "Goodnight Fox" is adorning the cover. I figured why not represent my art with my art. Soon to come as well is full scale choreographed marketing that all matches such as stamps, packaging, etc. Like I said all in an overhaul. I've completed a custom piece of work for the Sharrow's and their little "Rowboat" to decorate their nursery. While in Japan I'm using my talent and education to help the next generation and pay it forward to the art world as I am now offering art lessons. As I am more than qualified with education and experience this is a great opportunity for all involved. I can't wait foster creativity and expand the world's knowledge of Ardent Prints. Thank you for those giving me the opportunity to inspire and encourage.

Printmaking in Japan

     We are safely in Japan and slowly getting settled. Though while we wait on paperwork and wade through the transition art and the demand for art never stops. Since I am still waiting for some supplies and inventory to show up I am grateful that Japan is origin spot of printmaking and therefor supplies can be found. In fact we found a "little" shop only a few blocks from base with a wide variety of reasonably priced items.
     The store is called Kawashima. From base its straight up "Blue Street" next to Mikasa Plaza. I say "little" because even though each section of the store is small or narrow it has 5+ levels. There's everything that  you can imagine from professional grade supplies, scrapbooking, origami, business cards, holiday items and more. I was simply happy to find quality supplies for a good price. Today I walked out with some beautiful handmade recycled paper from natural fibers that includes natural debris and yellow gold flecks. It's perfect for a custom piece I'm in the midst of working on. Also I picked up some things for the visual revamp of Ardent Prints on Etsy.
     For those in the area of Yokosuka interested in going to Kawashima it's open every day EXCEPT Wednesday, (many Japanese stores are closed Wednesday) 10 am - 7:30 pm. We used cash as Japan is a cash economy so I'm not sure if they accept card. Happy shopping!