New StudioooooooOOooo!

Call me corny, but I have the best-i-est boyfriend in the universe! Over the past few months, he's been re-organizing his studio/retail space and clearing out a room for me. After some re-building and painting it's finally ready for my very own studio!! I moved in last week, and I've already experienced some of the most focused art-making of my entire life. I love it! I left my office at home so that when I'm in the studio, there's no marketing or facebooking or laundry or email-checking or *enter name of billionth distraction here* to get me off-track.

Not to mention my tiny apartment is starting to look a lot more like home instead of insane-crazy-space. Yay! *I may even get a COUCH!! Did you hear me, people?! A couch!*

Those of you who know about this move have been asking for photos--here you go!

My Sweetie painting the ceiling

Yikes! My old dining-area studio all packed up.

Here it is! I still have a bit of unpacking & decorating to do.

Aaaa!! Don't look at this corner!! It's not finished yet!!

Mmmm...organized cabinet in it's new home :)

Studio Doors <3

Illustration Friday--Boundaries

"Boundaries," 2011. 9 x 9" Mixed media on paper. By Lea Keohane, All Rights Reserved.

Holy Crap it's my 5 year Etsy-versary this week!

"Waiting", by Lea Keohane, 2006. 2" x 3"

WOW! You guys! This Friday, June 24th, is the 5-year anniversary of when I first set up shop on Etsy. Boy has it changed since then. Boy have I changed since then! That little ACEO (artist card, a tiny, baseball-card-sized piece of art) above is the 1st thing I ever sold on Etsy. Awwwww! I can still remember how thrilled I was to sell it.

Okay, so I know I'm a big mushy dork, but I like it that way. So I want to celebrate this week!!!

First of all, buy anything from my shop and during checkout type in the code, "5YearEtsyversary" and get 20% off your whole order! (Not including shipping). And everyone that buys something will get a free surprise with your order!

Secondly, I made 2 of these "LeaKArts through the Ages" packages:

Both are slightly different, but each has a coloring book, window decal, miniature print, linocut-printed notecards, 4 magnets, a pendant, and a mirror...and both of them are FREE! All you have to do is sign up for my e-newsletter, and then leave a comment here on my blog or on my facebook page to let me know you signed up. At the end of the week, I'll have my trusty sidekick (i.e. Indigo) pull two names from a hat and the winners (YOU! I hope) will get all of this awesome free stuff.

So sign up at the top right-hand column on my bloggy here, or right here (and don't forget to leave me a comment!):

Sign up for LeaK Arts News

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Finally, Thank You, all of you, for being my awesome supporters, followers, customers, and friends. LOVE!!

It's Crafty!

Crafty Wonderland!!! This has been the busiest holiday season of my life so far, and THIS is the show to check out and catch up with what I've been doing! I have new paintings, prints, and magnets. And as if that's not enough, I also have some brand-spankin'-new card sets and pendants! Not to mention the other fantastic crafty goodness that will be there :) TODAY and TOMORROW http://craftywonderland.com

Live too far away to come? I have lots of new stuff in my etsy shop!

Art and Life

"Alice," 2010 by Lea Keohane. All Rights Reserved.

Occasionally I feel like being an artist is Too Hard; I feel anxious wondering if what I'm doing is really worthwhile or just selfish; I fear that I'm not good enough to make it. Those are moments I've struggled with all my life, in between bouts of confidence in Who I Am and What I Do. Moments that rear their ugly heads and pop my daydreamy bubbles of All That Could Possibly Be.

I know those moments of self-doubt are perfectly natural (albeit incredibly annoying). They are little tests, poking me with reality checks. Sure, they make me second guess myself at times, but all of that second guessing can either scare you away from your dreams--if you let it--or bring you even closer by helping to focus your energy on what you REALLY want.

It has been 8 years now since I graduated from college, a soon-to-be single mom bullheadedly determined to find her way to being an Artist. I've come a long, long way in 8 years. I recently found an old portfolio that I brought around to shops to try and sell my work and...wow. My work was immature, the photos were bad and the prints of them were even worse. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined enough to do it anyway. And you know what? It has paid off. I have been working for myself for over 5 years now, my art has seriously improved and I'm selling more of it all the time, and I am moving steadily closer and closer to being a full-time artist every day.

Lately I've been more focused than ever, feeling like I am on the brink of something important. I'm clearing out my life and making room for all of those daydreamy bubbles to come into existence--self-doubt be damned. I don't know what it all is or what it all means, but I want to share it. I owe a debt to everyone who has helped me on my way, and I would like to pay it forward in my own little way by writing about my experiences as I move into the next phase of my art and my life in the hopes that it will help you with yours.

Natural Motivation

Punchbowl Falls at Eagle Creek

Working for myself, and especially working from home, has a lot of incomparable benefits. A flexible schedule. The ability to listen to my favorite new CD or to watch the X-Files on Netflix while I work. Being able to be home for Indigo when she's done with school, or if she is sick and needs to come home. No one looking over my shoulder, no one to be accountable to except for myself and my clients (who are all so super awesome!). This list goes on and on, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to do what I do!

But working for yourself is also filled with loads of challenges. Like self-discipline, panicky slow months, staying on track, not getting too distracted by the X-Files or the laundry, or the fact that your child is home sick. Staying out of the fridge when it's time to take breaks...

I have found in the past year, as I've been working to lose 50 pounds, (30 to go!), that one of the most important things for my sanity is getting outside. Whether it's a walk around the cemetery, a run through the park (who knew I'd love running?!?), or a hike through the city or in one of the hundreds of nature trails in the area, getting outdoors every day saves me.

It may seem counter-intuitive--getting outside helps you with your work? Are we still on the same subject here? The answer is YES. Every day that I can get outside and move around, even for 30 minutes, is a day that I feel motivated. My creativity is sparked, I feel good about myself because I got my exercise in, I am more focused when I have to sit at my desk to work. I am grounded and inspired all at once. There is something about being in nature that is so rejuvenating, and it's a feeling that lasts even when I have to go back indoors. Luckily, living in Portland, I don't have to go very far to feel like I am close to nature.

20th Annual Buckman Art Show & Sell

Portlanders! Come & see me & my work along with the work of over 100 other local artists plus hundreds of kids' art at the 20th Annual Buckman Show & Sell this weekend! I'll have my newest mixed media work on wood for sale, along with prints & cards. And this year Indigo will have an original painting, 2 cards, and 2 bookmarks for sale along with her peers in the entranceway of the school.

This is truly one of the best art events in Portland--every year I am impressed by the quality of work being shown and honored to be a part of it. And the best part is that 30% of every sale goes to Buckman Elementary--a fantastic Arts magnet school that strives to integrate art into nearly every aspect of the curriculum. I can't wait to see you there!

Original paintings on eBay!!!

Fearlessness and focus. Two things I'm working on in all aspects of my life. This is not a New Year's resolution (I don't believe in those--I think they set you up for failure), but a long-term resolve. Something I've been working on for a long time now. Qualities that I know exist within me, but that I sometimes have a hard time digging out and utilizing. I have inspiration and support, and lots more to talk about on this subject, but for now I want to keep it about my business as an artist.

What does this have to do with selling paintings on eBay? A lot. For a long time, all of my adult life, I can safely say, I have been struggling to make my art my central focus. And no wonder. I had my daughter at 24 years old, while I was still finishing school, left her dad 3 years later, and worked one crappy job after the next for what seemed like ever trying to make ends meet. I was trapped in that void of single-mom-working-raising baby-no-time-for-myself-land. Finally I was able to work for myself, but the ends-meeting part was, and is, still a bit of a mystery to me.

So is the focus. I feel as though I am constantly pulled between 2 equally strong yet opposing forces: making money and making art. In between those two forces are many other competing realities--for example, having control over my own time so that I CAN make art and so that I can spend quality time with my daughter vs. working a "real" job, making (theoretically) better money and (theoretically) getting benefits but having to depend on daycare to raise my daughter and having no energy left for my art. I choose to continue working for myself, but I am constantly fighting the urge to accept every single opportunity at the cost of focusing on my art. When I fall into that trap, I am driven by fear. Namely, fear that I won't be able to pay the rent.

At the same time, somewhere inside I KNOW that making money and making art don't have to be opposing forces! So one of my primary goals for 2010 is to work harder than ever before on merging the two. Next time I'll tell you some of the steps I've already taken in that direction, and I'll keep you updated for the year. Think of this post as a little introduction :) In the meantime, help support my work and score yourself an awesome deal by bidding on my one of a kind, original paintings on eBay. A great big fearless step for little me, putting them there!

Buckman Art Show & Sell

Yay! It's that time of year again! The Buckman Art Show & Sell, this coming weekend at Buckman Elementary. Stop by and check out all of the amazing art by Buckman kids and fabulous local artists, performances, food and more! Proceeds benefit Buckman, which has a special place in my heart as it is Indigo's school. My art will be up both days, but if you come Saturday, be sure to stop and say hi, 'cus I'll be there too. :)

First Thursday @ the Show & Tell Gallery!

"Indulgence," by Lea Keohane 2009. Acrylic on Canvas.

First Thursday: February 5, 2009
"Introspection"
New Paintings by Lea Keohane
Show & Tell Gallery
Everett Station Lofts, 625 NW Everett #231
6-9 pm

With music by Inkre:mentals from 7-9 pm

Itty-bitty teeny-tiny

"Dream," "Hope," "Vision," by Lea Keohane 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Often times I like to paint on pieces of masonite board. Whenever I do this, I have to pull out my hacksaw (some day I will have a bigger studio & electric saws!), and cut up a bunch of 1"x 2" boards to build a frame on the back of the masonite. This way I can add screw eyes and a wire so that it will hang nicely on the wall when it's finished.

Every time I build a "canvas" in this way, I end up with little wooden blocks, and I just can't seem to part with them. I have been meaning to paint on or do some creative project with them literally for years! They have been sitting there, on the shelf above my drawing table looking very cute and enticing but I somehow resisted their pull. Until a few days ago, when they finally got the sanding and layers of gesso that would turn them into little pieces of affordable art, just like they have always deserved :)

For more information, close-up photos, and purchasing info, just click on the photo above or the title of each painting!

Gift Certificates!

I have been meaning to do this for a long time, but I kept forgetting. Then I saw this Storque article and remembered. Yay!

Just in time for those very last-minute gifts (you KNOW you're not done shopping yet!), a LeaKArts gift certificate. The one I have listed is for $20, but I am happy to make you your very own for any amount you wish.

THANK YOU!

So, yesterday was the great big Crafty Wonderland sale at the Oregon Convention Center! I had to pull over and get a photo of the kiosk before I went inside to set up :)

Of course, as fate will have it, yesterday also held a great big nasty snowstorm and cold snap. Can we all say a great big snarky "Yay"?!? It was already fairly icy when I left my house in the morning, but I was still really exited and optimistic. My optimism was not unfounded--there were over 100 customers already lined up at the door when 11am rolled around and the fair began! I guess the draw of 180 awesome local crafty businesses was just too much to resist :)

It was nasty outside though, and Portlanders are unused to snow. Plus it became icy really fast, which is scary even for the most experienced winter driver. Still, many customers took the bus and the lightrail to see us and go shopping and I just want to say a great big THANK YOU!!! I am certain that my sales would have been much better had the weather been safer, but I am so incredibly grateful for those of you who risked your personal comfort and safety to come and see us. You are truly awesome. Thanks to you, I had a day that I am very happy with :)

For those of you who didn't make it, well, I don't blame you and I still love you anyway :) BUT I am doing one more sale this season next Saturday at PSU.... More details later this week.

FINALLY, for those of you who are too far away, I want to let you know that I have a SALE/CLEARANCE section in my shop! Some of my favorites are in there, but I won't be making them any more and/or I am making room for next year, so get them while you can. Also, all LeaKArts orders over $20 get FREE Priority Shipping (within the U.S.)!

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale!

This year I have brand new coloring books made from my original artwork, mini-paintings priced at $25-30, magnets, stickers, and more! Whether you need stocking stuffers or main gifts, this will be the place to be. I will be there along with 180 other Portland artists and artisans. Buy awesome, unique gifts and support the local economy!

See you there!

October!

As you may remember, I didn't post any specific goals for September other than dealing with some personal issues. Which I did! I cannot say that I am at 100% yet, but I am getting there. I was going through some situational depression, and with the help of my doctor and my acupuncturist (did you know that acupuncture can help with major life transitions?!? It really really can!) I am feeling SO much better. I am also exercising every day, eating better, and going to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep every night, the benefit of which cannot be underestimated. I am so truly and amazingly grateful for my acupuncturist, however, because that has been the most immediately and overwhelmingly helpful thing in getting me through this time. Also for my amazing friends who have been so incredibly helpful and supportive, as they always are :)

My sales in September were fantastic, including some art sales and some unexpected but much needed side jobs! So for October I am looking to more of the same. I am applying for some holiday sales, increasing my inventory, get back to creating art every day, and listing a lot of new artwork that is just sitting here waiting to get into my shop :) I am also posting more flyers for my portraits, applying for a part-time job (about 10 hours a week is what I'm looking for, just for some steady extra income), and getting ready for some holiday action in my supply shop. Sounds like a great month just waiting to happen!

Annual Autumn Post

"Swing" 2008 by Lea Keohane. All Rights Reserved.

Every Fall I seem to find myself writing about my absolute love for this season. This year, however, I think this drawing says it all. Sold yesterday to a lovely friend, but I will certainly be offering prints in the near future. Enjoy!

Oh! Before I go, I must send you over to Indie Parade, where one of my little pendants is being featured today.

First Friday SE Artwalk--come see a great show!

"Antiquated," 2008 by Lea Keohane. All Rights Reserved.

Several months ago I answered a call for artists by Yelp and Adrienne Fritze of Working Artists Network. The idea was to take phone books and create art with them. The artists involved created a wide range of very interesting pieces, from clothing to paintings and more!

For my own contribution, I decoupaged pieces of a phone book onto a masonite board, then created a stencil of a 1920's telephone and stenciled it on. I wanted to incorporated one of my female characters, but I wasn't sure at first how to make her an important part of the piece. So, inspired by my friend Cara's brilliant Art Nouveau paintings, I decided to put her in a great flapper costume. The idea behind this painting is that, in the age of computers, phone books are a thing of the past. Which they certainly are in my own household! I get a pang of guilt every time new ones show up at my doorstep, as they go straight to the recycle bin.

The phone book mashup project, in conjunction with rdEVOLUTION, a project in which artists explored inter-species survival, will be on display for two months, with an opening tomorrow, Friday September 5th, at the Olympic Mills Commerce Center, at 107 SE Washington St., from
6-8 pm. If you are in Portland, this is a must-see event with new work from over 20 amazing Portland artists!

September!

Wow, I know it sounds cliche to say this, but the months are flying by. What happened to August?!? Indigo is starting 3rd grade tomorrow! My poor little blog has been seriously neglected. Time for a review of my August goals:

ART
*I managed to stay calm during my show at the Show & Tell Gallery, despite a massive crowd! It was really fun, and I sold a couple of pieces at the closing reception at the end of the month.
*I also had a great attitude about the PDX Etsy show, and actually had better sales than any other fair so far this year!
*I worked on my grant application, but didn't finish it yet. I don't know what my block is--the application is not that complex >:(
*I also have not applied for more fine art shows yet--time to get on it!

SUPPLYRIOT
*Thanks to some of the amazing people in my life, I did find extra funding for supplies, as well as some great ideas on where to buy them!
*I created--and sold out!--shrinky-dink magnet diy kits, and created a bunch of great altered art kits as well!
*I destashed a number of my own supplies, and created a new section in my shop specifically for destash & limited items!


As for September, I am hesitant to post my goals for the month. I have been going through some personal issues that have distracted me from a lot of things, so my primary goal for the month is to deal with those issues. I have 2 shows this month (more to come on that!), so I need to increase my stock for the 2nd one. Beyond that, my goal is to prepare both of my shops for the holidays, increase my inventory in both, and go over my business finances to see where they can be tightened up. Which also means lots of blog posts to come! :)

Now on DaWanda!

After a recent conversation that I had about the current U.S. economy, trying to reach European markets, and selling in multiple venues, I was inspired to open a shop on DaWanda. It is free to list and they only take a small percentage of the final sale, so I thought it was worth a shot! I found the conversion to Euros a bit confusing at first, but then I found this great money exchange website and it was a snap. Now I know how international sellers feel on Etsy, having to convert everything to dollars! Other than that, I must say listing on DaWanda is very intuitive, I didn't have any problems or confusion at all, and I was even able to use the same banner & photos that I use for my Etsy shop. For now, I am just listing prints and other things that I can easily replace, as well as my portraits. I think it would get to confusing trying to keep track of originals in more than one venue. I am also interested in finding another venue to list my supplies (no commercial supplies are allowed on DaWanda), so if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Wish me luck!

What a week!

Wow, I made it through one of the most intense weeks I've had in a looong time, and I am still all in one piece, and pretty happy! I can't believe I just got back from Denver only one week ago.

My show on First Thursday at the Show & Tell Gallery went really well (pardon my shiny face in the picture--it was SO hot!). It turns out all of the craft shows really HAVE helped me relax about talking about my work, plus I spent several hours re-working my artist statement so I had a good idea of what to say when people asked. There was some great spoken word from writers Luke Lefler and Christopher Luna, then during the last hour the band Hellpets played, drawing in a pretty huge crowd. We are going to hold a closing reception for my show at the end of the month, which I am really looking forward to.

Yesterday was the final PDX Etsy show of the year, and that turned out pretty well too. There was some construction on one of the streets leading out of the Park Blocks, which helped to drive a good portion of the Farmer's Market crowd up to our booths. There was also a great dj playing fantastic, upbeat music all day, which helped to lift everybody's mood and draw a bigger crowd. I had only gotten 3 or 4 hours of restless sleep the night before (my neighbors were having a huge party late into the night), so I was pretty wiped out, and started dozing in my chair! So I stood up and danced a little bit to keep myself going through the rest of the day. My sales weren't stunning, but I did manage to make more money than I have at any other craft shows that I've done all year!

The week was intense in other ways, too, some of it too personal to write about here. But getting back into the swing of things from Denver was a bit overwhelming. While I was there, I found out that my old friend Don Becker had passed away recently. On Monday after getting back, I got some coffee with my friend Katie, who moved here with me from Denver over a decade ago, and knew Don really well. Monday also happened to be the 4-year anniversary of the death of our good friend Zaq Rogers, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident. So Katie and I reminisced and shed a few tears at our favorite local coffee house.

But don't get the idea that I'm being a downer, things are good. I think everyone needs weeks like this sometimes, mixed with the intensely good and bad. It is exhausting at the end, but it is also a reminder of our strength, that life is good, and even when it's overwhelming it is certainly good to be here.