An award to Inspire from the Inspired

An Award to Inspire
from the Inspired

I have been so graciously gifted with a beautiful blog award called
"Inspirational Artist Award"
from a very talented and wonderful bear artist you probably all know and love,
Joanne, of Desert Mountain Bears.
She has so blessed and encouraged me with this award, her kindness, openness and support of other artists. Her attitude and grace in teaching and speaking to others is something that blesses me and many others as we come together as an artist community.
Thank you Joanne for thinking of me for this award. It truly means so much to me that you would find inspiration from me!

Here are the five inspirational bloggers I would like to award as to where I get some of my inspiration from, or who have had a part in forming and inspiring me in my work and artistry. Not all of them are bear makers, but they have shaped my view and love for art that have become a part of my artistic heart.

1. b.b.flockling I would like to award my mom first, as she has been the most important and strong artistic influence in my life. I grew up watching her many artistic endeavors and was truly amazed at her wide range of abilities. Over those years, she taught me some of those aspects that now help me to evoke the character in my bears today. Thank you mom for your legacy! She now sculpts and paints amazingly life-like babies, fairies, animals and folk-lore that look so real they could almost talk. Please take a moment to visit her corner of the world and meet her darling creations.

2. Patricia Cabrera, at Woolytales has always been a truly personal and artistic inspiration to me since the first day I met her. She has 7 sweet children (just like me ;) and they adore old fashioned times past. Each of them have vast interests and talents in many different artistic areas such as music, sculpting , carving, spinning wool, needle felting, painting, miniatures, marionettes and more! If you have not met this family yet, make of cup of tea and settle in for quite and adventure. Also take a peek at their Magical Marionette Theater creations!

3. Rima Dartmoor, of the United Kingdom from The Hermitage has been such an inspiration to me. If it was not for my discovery of her blog, I would not have my own! I had been playing around with the idea of starting a blog, but struggling with the 'time' it takes to invest into the posts and comments. After finding Rima's most beautiful site (which I read for two days straight through all her adventures), I was totally inspired to do my own. Rima is an exceptional artist, painter and poet. What I really enjoy about Rima is that her home ( I think until recently) consists of a handmade gypsy wagon! The inside houses a stove, sink, bed and is just brimming with artistic activity. She almost reminds me of a beautiful snail, with her home upon her back, she disappears inside for solitude and safely and emerges with her soul shining on paper and paint. I so enjoy following her nomadic wanderings and thoughts and admiring her unusual art. She usually paints her wondrous oddities on wood backgrounds and sells them along the road or in small villages for living money. Please take some time to enjoy a bit of her travels!

4. Sharie, of Sreetzbears. I have never spoken with Sharie, but I just adore her creations. I especially love the kitties she creates. Each of her bears and creatures are so lovely and unique. I have really never seen such unique style with their very large bodies, small limbs and big eyes. I hope you can pop in and visit her blog and say hi ;)

5. Joanne, of Dessert Mountain Bears is a huge inspiration to me. Now, I know she has already received this award, but she is truly an inspiration to me. Her work is so detailed and she is so open to share her brilliant techniques readily and is so quick to offer kind and encouraging words so other artists. I think our community is so blessed by her genuine involvement!

There are so many artist that inspire and encourage me that I could type all day long! Everywhere I look, I see adorable and lovely creations that inspire!

Also, stay tuned for two more work in progress bears. I will be posting pictures very soon of my next green eyed bear in the very beginning of progress!

Bear Hugs and Blessings!