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The Liberate Your Art Blog Hop

Today I’m sharing with you the Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap Blog Hop. What is that you ask? Over the last five weeks works of art created by men and women from around the globe has arrived in mailboxes to brighten the day of its recipient.

This Swap comes with a dual purpose for the sender and recipient. You see not all of us consider ourselves accomplished artists but thanks to the Swap we are summoning the courage to share something we have created with others. Let me tell you that is no easy task if you listen to the inner critic that has helped to diminish your belief in your craft.

On the other hand the recipient is able to hold in their hands a work created with love, creativity and courage.

Below you will find Queen Anne’s Lace by Elizabeth of Michigan and Hunters Moon by Susan. Unfortunately I couldn’t provide the link up to all of the other participants, but if you visit the Kat Eye Studio you’ll find a link.

A work of art entitled “Hunters Moon” by Susan Nystrom.

~Enjoy

Wednesdays @ The Westside Market – Seafood Edition

One of the things that makes the West Side Market such a great place is the variety of foods found under one roof. From fruits and vegetables to all varieties of meat and seafood.

Not only are the varieties vast, but they are unique too. As an example, today we are checking out Wolf Fish. You read that right Wolf! I had never heard of this variety until the spots of the fish caught my eye when passing the counter. I didn’t make a purchase that day, but in the future I’m sure to test it out, and when I do I’ll be sure to share it here with you.

Enjoy~

Liberate Your Art 2013 is underway

This is week two of the Annual Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap started by Kat Sloma of the Kat Eye Studio. This is the third year, and it is an eye opening and inspiring experience for artists. That’s funny, I just called myself an artist! Wow, talk about coming a long way – thanks Kat!

My love and interest in photography dates back so many years that it is scary to say it out loud, but it’s been more than 30 years since I first picked up a camera and became intrigued by the art. It’s been a hobby I left and came back to and one I shied away from when I wanted to get serious about it because I didn’t think of myself as an artist.

So three years ago I jumped off the bridge and joined the Swap and proclaimed myself an artist. Now don’t think I believe I have arrived because I’m far from there, but I’m enjoying it and I’m seeing the world in a different way today.

Back to the swap! I have received two beautiful cards that are definitely works of art and an inspiration to a novice like me. The first is of a beautiful scene from Ireland. It is a dolmen, an ancient burial mound of standing stones. I love this project because not only do you receive such beauty in the mail, but you also learn a thing or two. After the events of Monday, this photo adds peace to my heart as I send prayers to the victims and survivors of the horrific attack in Boston.

A dolmen — An ancient burial mound of standing stones in Ireland.

Week two brought memories of Junior High. This lovely photo which urges us to “let love grow” and has love birds as the center of attention reminds me of an art project I created in the 7th grade. The theme was Scandinavian or Dutch art and this really reminds me of some of the samples we were shown in preparation for our own creations. Thank you Katy for the memories.

Unfortunately neither artist left a website or other location to visit.

Wednesday @ West Side Market

This week’s entry shows the rejuvenation of this beautiful landmark. Week’s after fire devastated portions of the Market crowds of Clevelanders and suburbanites rallied behind this iconic place and came out to show their love.

If you’ve never been to Cleveland’s West Side Market and you live here, do yourself a favor and check it out. If you’re planning to visit, add it to your must see sights!

West Side Market Wednesday — Crowds gather at the West Side Market. Theresa’s seems to be the hot spot at the moment.

Wednesdays @ The West Side Market

Welcome to a new feature – Wednesdays @ The West Side Market! Each week I’ll feature a photo from Cleveland’s iconic public market. The Market celebrated its Centennial last year and is currently experiencing larger than normal crowds following a fire early this year.

Campbell's Cupcakes — Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes are a popular stand at the West Side Market. Pictured. Check out the colorful earthworms.