Jazmin Personified

AM NOT!!!

2008-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the idea of Widget Wednesday - today I present you with my entry in brickfish.com's Pampered Pet contest. So, yeah, I would love it if you would vote for me...but it would be cool if you participated, too. If you do, please leave let me know and we could be brickfish friends.

In My Dreams I Roam the World

2008-09-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Painting by Laura Milnor Iverson

Yes, it is true, in my dreams I am a world traveler. I go freely and without having to worry about the whole carrier issue. I see the great wonders of the world (and boy, you should have seen me at the Louvre).

Some how, in some odd way, I think artist Laura Milnor Iverson checked in on one of my dreams and used it for her painting inspiration. Her painting description mentions the location is Hakone Japanese Gardens in Saratoga, California, but I would have thought Japan (that's where I go sometimes in my dreams - I have no issues with California, though). Doesn't that cat look like me?

To learn more about the art work of Laurali, visit her Etsy page.

A Return to the Catosphere

2008-09-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

I shant offer apologies for not posting lately...though I have missed you all! It has been nothing but chaos around our cabin, though looks like things are calming down. SHE has been traveling a lot and they just had the art reception for HIM. Me? I am trying to take it all in stride. As long as my grey blankets do not escape into some box, I am reasonably happy. Give me some decent food (yeah, you know I'm talking about that smelly goodness), a few treats, and a warm lap, well, life is good.

I want to continue doing my Questions for Cool Cats on Friday. If you wan to participate and have not, please let me know. My email is jazmin@jazminpersonified.com.

Scattered like Jackson

2008-08-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetasgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Since seeing all the wonderful art work on the various cat blogs (and human ones, as well), I have gained a true appreciation for all the talent out there. So, for today, as I am a little scattered (my human looks like SHE is about to pack her bags and head out...I don't see my carrier...dread...dread...dread), I think it is a Jackson Pollock sort of moment.

Have at it, my friends. Click on the canvas above and move your mouse (shake it). Click again and the color changes. Today you are my artist of choice.

Oliver

2008-08-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

Granted I am more than happy at being a Siamese, but I still want to play in Tuxie Toosday. My human suggested dressing me up in a mini-tuxedo, but I will have no part in that. Daisy is the fashionesta among us. So...I thought and I thought, and I thought some more. Do I know any tuxies? And yes, yes, indeed I do. So, we took this picture of my human's friend - Oliver! He was hanging around this morning.

My Meow X 10,000

2008-08-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it has been a week since I was last able to get my claws on the keyboard. How the heck did that happen? Granted I took a lot of naps, but really...a week? Shame on me!!!

But to be fair (to myself of course), things suddenly accelerated in the cottage last week and the human activity was tiring. I mostly retreated to my spot on the old mattress. That's right, no new mattress yet!!!

In all this, I suspect my human may be off on travels soon and I hope to go with her again - more cell phone diary pages, maybe. But the thing is, I really want one of those soft, styling carriers to travel in. I have had it with the plastic cage things. How would SHE like it if she were locked in a prison for several hours? So basically, I have decided to take the initiative. I am going to buy my own cool travel pad. I am not sure which one, yet, so any suggestions would be helpful.

In paying for this I have thought about going into business for myself. Maybe doing something that involves writing or pay blogging? Maybe I could sell something. I do have services to offer...I am a great muse and I also function as a calming influence when my human does hypnosis here. I climb onto the lap of the person who is being hypnotized, purr and fall asleep. I believe it is as soothing for them as it is for me.

Now the question is - how do I market these services? I am not into spam or telemarketing. I get a little feisty when people hang up on me. But...BUT...what if I did calls another way (I have a pretty voice, you know). It is called voice broadcasting as seen at www.youreceivecalls.com. Basically, I record my meow and it is broadcast to my mailing list (or the 5,000 free leads that come with the program). For those who are not interested, they just politely hang up (avoiding my feline wrath) or for those cool cats who want my services, well, they call me. Plus it can reach 10,000 others in an hour for just a few cents per call. Who would have thought. Oh, and if those 10,000 others do not want me as a muse or to use my special hypnosis abilities, then maybe they will instead decided they would like to sell the broadcasting services themselves (as if someone would not want me to be their muse). For me that would still mean the cat is in the bag - yep, I could buy my travel carrier.

Now I must go nap again and figure out my next step!

An Invitation

2008-08-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

Well, my human is all a buzz with plans. Apparently, at Her office (N*tranced), SHE is going to turn it into an art gallery on Friday, August 29. I knew it would not be long. SHE used to own an art gallery in Charleston, WVA and I know SHE has been itching to do it again (hence my propensity to feature art on this blog).

So with that in mind, all your humans are invited to attend the reception for "The Victorian Actress" featuring the oil paintings of Ken Smith (my human wrote about him for the Tennessee Conservationist). The reception is free (of course) and will be from 5 pm to 9 pm. So, if you live in or are near to East Tennessee, I know SHE would love to meet you!!!

As for us, we can hang out here and be human free for the evening!!!

Here is the press release SHE wrote:

Maryville, Tennessee. Stepping into the office of hypnotist L.S. King, one sees a space that is comfortable, non-sterile, and artistic. On one wall, a dark haired Sarah Bernhardt laments her passions as Lady MacBeth, as does a reposed Helena Modjeska as Marguerite from Camille. Lily Langtry lounges mischievously as Rosalind from As You Like It, while Maud Adams has all the confidence of Peter Pan. Ellen Terry’s Ophelia majestically deals with her Hamlet madness. Mary Anderson chooses to go back on her pedestal as Galatea from Pygmalion and Galatea. These six actresses, as painted by historical artist Ken Smith, have found temporary domicile at N*tranced where they await their adoring public.

On Friday, August 29, 2008, from 5 pm to 9 pm, the public is invited to the unveiling and public showing of this latest series by Ken Smith. The original oil paintings will be displayed and limited edition giclee prints will be available for purchase.

“We are very excited to be able to host this reception for Ken Smith and his new series of paintings. Though N*tranced is a business office, we strive to create a true gallery experience in Maryville, and Mr. Smith’s work is a fine example of the talent located in the heart of East Tennessee,” says L.S. King, owner of N*tranced.

Smith, whose art work for the Fort Loudoun State Historic Area was recently featured in Tennessee Conservationist magazine is a good fit for the hypnotic space. When beginning the Fort Loudoun project, Smith used hypnosis (from N*tranced) to help visualize the first painting in that series (which can be seen at the park visitor center in a gallery area dedicated to his original artwork). Ms. King wished to honor the creative process by premiering this new series of Victorian Actresses at her office in Maryville.

N*tranced Hypnosis and Guided Meditation is located at 305 College Street in downtown Maryville, Tennessee. For more information or directions, please contact L.S. King at 865-406-1135 or visit www.n-tranced.com. To learn more about the art work of Ken Smith, visit www.kensmithhistoricalart.com.

Cool Cats Samantha and Mr. Tigger

2008-08-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

What a long week!!! But it's finally Friday and time for Questions fro Cool Cats. Today our interview is with the very cool Samantha Black and Mr. Tigger who share the blog Samantha & Mr. Tigger: From a Cat's Perspective.

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

Samantha: I was first named Blackie, because my Mom thought I was a boy until our first Vet Visit. Her friend told her I looked like a Samantha so I became Samantha Black.

Mr. Tigger: I was named Tigger, (after Tigger in Pooh) by a friend of Mom’s kids. When I was younger my belly and chin furs were orange looking so I was Tigger. Mom became my Mom when I tried to eat her friend’s bird and she was going to take me to the pound. She calls me Mr. Tigger because there were a lot of Tigger’s when we first started blogging.

What is your life philosophy?

Samantha: Cat’s Rule everything!

Mr. Tigger: Laid back and loving life.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

Samantha: A gentle and kind soul.

Mr. Tigger: A love for animals.

What would you change about your life if you could?

Samantha & Mr. Tigger: Nothing life is good and we love our mom and dad!

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food

S: Wet food cause it’s sweet and flavorful like me.

Mr. T: Dry food because it smells good and is noisy like me!

indoor/outdoor

S: More indoor than out. I like my creature comforts of the inside.

Mr. T: More outdoor than in. I like being able to come and go as I please.

lap sitter/computer keyboard

S: Lap sitter

Mr. T: Computer keyboard

affectionate/aloof

S: affectionate. I love to be petted and held and cuddled.

Mr. T: aloof. I like to be in control of when and where I am petted and held.

catnip/milk/ fish/pork

S: Catnip and stinky goodness (canned cat food)

Mr. T: Catnip and steak are my favorites.

animal shelter/pet shop

S: I was born on my Mom’s back porch, by a stray cat that showed up one day!

Mr. T: Somebody dumped me at my Mom’s friends house and she took me in and then my Mom came and saved me from going to the pound!

100th Post

2008-07-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

Today I reached 100!!! That's right, kitties, a way mark on this blogging journey!!! How fast it has gone...and would I do it all again? You betcha!!!

It seems this should be a post of substance then...Well, in looking back, I found a bit of a loose end with our Sez You discussion. Thanks to all of you for participating. And Jitendra from SezWho checked in as well. If you haven't read that comment, here it is:

The point of SezWho really is two fold:

1. Provide context on interactions
2. Provide a community based mechanism so that we can identify most sensible conversations etc. Not the what sensible means changes with context that is why it really helps to hear from the people participating in the conversations.

There is actually no need to get rated. In fact, high reputation users would start with a high default score.

So the idea is that on the internet when anybody can participate anywhere, isn't it good to identify who the good users are and get some context on them so that you can learn some interesting new things from them?

What do you think?

I was really pleased to hear from the good people at SezWho and felt it was worth doing a post just on this and I thought I would respond to Jitendra's question (and give you the same opportunity).

In the world of positive and negative, I always aim for the positive. I do not like to write ill of others or dwell to long on the unpleasant. Sometimes one must bring a little negative to light to deal with it, but the art is in turning it into something positive (like the Cumberland County animal shelter stuff).

What I have found since blogging is that not everyone appreciates Cats. I have read some deplorable things pertaining to cats, our blogging, and even cat art. It upsets me, but I haven't really brought it to light because I don't want to spread the negativity. Instead I ignore it and make a mental note not to visit that blogger again.

So, with that said, I do not necessarily trust the masses and other people to determine what good content is or is not. There are too many popularity contest out there in the blogisphere, and I fear SezWho may be affected by such things. This is why I do not plan to implement it on my blogs. I appreciate other people's opinions, but I unless it is someone I know to be a kindred spirit, I tend to consider the opinion, but not make discussions based on them. I have loved many movies the critics have hated. I have loved books that are never considered for the Best Seller list. I have enjoyed food that other cat's deem inedible...

However, I suspect other's may find the SezWho service valuable and insightful. I am not anti- SezWho. Maybe it will help eliminate the unthoughtful and immature comments and postings...But, I love tripping along the entrecard path and seeing where it will lead. I have read some amazing posts and the talent out there is inspirational. I have made many friends this way and find that I am happy enough, at the moment, with this.

How about you?

More Mo!!!!

2008-07-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Life has been incredibly fast paced as of late (as you may have noticed by my lack of dropping entrecards, comments, and such), but thanks for staying with me. My blue hamster thanks you, too!!!

But today is not another widget Wednesday, but indeed an art one. Perhaps you have seen the above art work? Look familiar? Nope, it wasn't on Etsy - rather, it is our beloved artist Mo (of Not the Momma fame). You might have seen it on Purrchance to Dream. I fell in love with the image as soon as I saw it...

Just had to share!!!

The Mattress

2008-07-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

They say the sag
is too much
bad back
bad hips
old humans
They say
the mattress must go
put away
stored
forgotten
and my bed
my beloved bed
soft
instant comfort
will be taken away
and I will
be left
with the smell
of unfamiliar
cushion
and where will
my spot be?

Thrice is Nice - Cool Cats

2008-07-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your thoughts on SezWho...and for feeding my hamster!!!! They are such fun...if you don't have one there is nothing like a cyper pet!!!

So...who is the cool cat for the week? Since I missed last week (doodle, doodle, do), I decided thrice is nice. And therefore, I am entering the dark side of black cats...Actually today's cool cat questions are in two parts (okay - six parts - but we will run half today), so you'll have to wait for next Friday for the other half...The first segment is about the three beauties - Grr, Midnight & Cocoa...P.S. - If anyone say this early, my human was being dingy. It was not your imagination.

First - Cocoa

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

The Lady's mom worked for See's Candies, so the people were trying to think of a chocolate name. They came up with Cocoa, and then the Allergic Girl was being funny and said "Milk Chocolate Butter Easter Egg", so the Lady took the letters MCBEE and used it for a last name. Now my real name is Cocoa McBee. Embarrassing, isn't it?

What is your life philosophy?

It's all about knowing what's yours and making sure others know it too. (the Lady says I'm very territorial)

What is the best trait for a human to have?

A good cuddler, and my Lady is the best!

What would you change about your life if you could?

I want the Lady all to myself.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
Snacks. I like Temptations (but they make me itchy) and I like fishy flakes. I like wet and dry food, but just a little at a time. I'm a snacker.

indoor/outdoor
Indoor. The outdoors is scary. I won't even go near an open door.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. But if I'm not getting petted enough, I have no problem walking over the keyboard and headbutting the mouse onto the floor.

affectionate/aloof
Affectionate. I love to be cuddled, I like my tummy petted, I curl up in laps, I give kisses to the nose and mouth, and I snuggle up against the Lady's chest and face to sleep, and I purrrrrrrrr.

catnip/milk
Nip! Love it! It makes me violent and I attack anycat that gets near, but I love it!

fish/pork
Both. Do I have to pick? Can I pick both?

animal shelter/pet shop
Save the strays! I was a 2 month old feral kitten sitting under a junk car when the Lady drove by and saw me. The teenagers put out a trap to catch me and they got me and my sister Midnight the first day, and Grr two days later. We're very happy we didn't have to grow up on the streets.

Second - Midnight

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

I was named in honor of one of the kitties who came before. A big fluffy Maine Coon boy who belonged to our Lady's mom. I'm a girl, but it's a generic name.

What is your life philosophy?

Love everyone and everycat.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

Good neck scratching abilities (my neck, not their own), and I like them to wear cotton. I love to lick clothing and I prefer cotton.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I think all the other cats should leave my special mousie alone. It's MINE. My one and only favorite toy. No other mousie will do.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
Wet food. I eat with my sister Grr at the end of the hall, far away from those kittens.

indoor/outdoor
I haven't been outdoors since I was 2 months old, but I'd really like to explore out there. It looks and smells very interesting, and I'm pretty adventurous.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. I'm on one right now!

affectionate/aloof
Very affectionate. I'll reach out and tap people with my paw as they walk by, begging them to stop and pet me.

catnip/milk
I'd prefer milk. Sometimes a bit of nip is nice, but it doesn't usually do much for me.

fish/pork
HAM! I love all pork products!

animal shelter/pet shop
Our Lady volunteered at a shelter. It's a very good place to rescue homeless animals. She got several of them out and to good homes.

Third - Grrr

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

When the Lady and the teenagers trapped me, I was a 2 month old feral kitten. They had already trapped my brother Cocoa and my sister Midnight two days before they got me. I was scared and angry and I sat in the trap and said Grrrrrrrrr! When the Allergic Girl got me out of the trap, she asked, "What are we going to call you?" I said, "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". They shortened it to only 2 R's and there you have it.

What is your life philosophy?

Eat, sleep and attack anyone that bugs you.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

The ability to play. If it wasn't for my (formerly) Blonde Girl spending hours and hours playing with me, I would have been a scared feral forever.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I'd have all the cats in this house live somewhere where I didn't have to deal with them...except Midnight. I love my sister.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
I like both equally. I scoop up food with my paw and throw it on the floor to eat. Then I wash my paws in the water bowl.

indoor/outdoor
The first two months of my life were outdoors and scary. I prefer to be indoors, but I'd like for some bird and rodents to come in here too.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. And ONLY the lap of my (formerly) Blonde Girl. No one else is allowed to cuddle me.

affectionate/aloof
I'm extremely aloof, until I decide it's time for petting. Then I seek out my purrson and insist that she cuddle and adore me.

catnip/milk
Nip makes me wild and violent - it's great stuff! All dairy products are good, especially whipped cream.

fish/pork
Meat! mmmmmmmmm!

animal shelter/pet shop
Animal shelters are the best places to adopt, but don't forget about the feral kittens living outside. They make very loving pets too. Catch a whole family like our people did!

A Quicky

2008-07-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

I just found this...but it sounds like it would be fun to participate....

CALL FOR ANIMAL THEMED ART - August 5, 2008
Accepting artwork for: PET FANCY, a no-kill shelter fundraiser and animal related art exhibition. September 5 – November 28, 2008. Juror: Laurie Russell of Ruff Art. Cash Awards. All artists working in all mediums are invited to participate in this juried competition. Original work only. Maximum size: 40", ready to hang/present. Judged from slides & cds. Entry fee (portion of proceeds go to fundraiser).

For a prospectus send SASE to:

Director of Exhibitions
Box 6418
Statesville NC 28687

http://www.islandfordart.com

Cerulean

2008-07-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I want a new pet. My humans aren't enough. I was thinking something kind of small...Rattitude inspired me. So why not a blue hamster!!! Everyone can use a blue hamster. I just wish she talked a little more...

I may not be on here long today, would you mind offering Cerulean a strawberry for me?

Sez You?

2008-07-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

My human is running around like crazy, so I have dodged onto the computer while I had the chance.

Okay, I have been thinking about this whole entrecard and sezwho thing. I noticed some of you are participating and was curious as to your thoughts on it. All I really know about it is that there were some technical problems with it and entrecard over the weekend? The other thing I noticed is that it seems to be a rating system?

I have not activated or brought it onto this blog basically because of the later point. I do not know about rating other cat's posts or comments. This begins to feel like competitive blogging. I just want to go along in my fashion, reading what you have to say. Sometimes I comment (if I have something good or thoughtful to say), sometimes I don't. And I am not an everyday blogger 'cause I take the weekends off and occasionally I just can't get past my human to put something up. What drew me to blogging is the idea that it is sort of like a web journal of the everyday, but one in which others are invited along for the ride. Sometimes I have brilliant days, and on others, not so...well, you get the point. I am not sure I need to be reminded that I am having an off day at those times. To me , it seems like it takes the joy out of it.

But, I am open to other points of view...

The Cold Box Meme

2008-07-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Back to basics and the regular stuff on my blog. Huge thank you for all the comments on my doodles last week. It has quite encouraged me!

One thing that I am soooo late with is that the good folks and cats behind Karen & Gerard Zemek's blog tagged me for the Cold Box Meme (yeah, I know, bad kitty and all that for taking this long to post it...)

Here are the directions for the cold box meme:

Show us a photo of the front of your Cold Box and tell us about at least one thing on it and one thing you keep inside of it! Tag your friends and remember to stay COOL! Here is our Cold Box!

So let's see...the above picture is our cold box. My food dish sits beside it as, does the heater, which is in storage for the season. We live in a one room cottage, so storage is at a premium (so my human tells me). When it comes to what is on the front of the cold box...nothing...but on the side of it (my feeding side) are printed out copies of old photos of my Pops (my human's father - we all miss him very much since he passed away), my Pops with my Mim (my human's mother) and a picture of my human, Mim and my human uncle.

My FAVORITE thing inside the Cold Box is my smelly goodness!!! My human refused to photograph it (IT IS NOT GROSS!!!!) and then there is something about free advertising for the pet food company...

Okay - I tag:
Angus Mohr
Rattitude
Lee at tarheelramblings.com
...and anyone else who has not participated in this...

Cat-astrophe - Doodle Evil

2008-07-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

The most evil thing I could think of that affects me is an empty food bowl. Food bowls should never ever be empty. There is truly nothing worse than expecting to find you bowl to be full of crunchy goodness (except in the morning when we get smelly goodness)...and it is empty. I don't care if my human just hasn't gotten around to filling it or if Killer snuck in and ate everything - EVIL, I say!!!

Catalonia - Doodle Vacation

2008-07-17T06:52:00.001-07:00

Well, even if I'm not there (I wish I was - minus the travel issues of getting there), hello Catalonia. That sounds like a great destination for a cat, doesn't it? I actually know nothing about Spain, but I hear the catnip is plentiful there.

My Catnip -Doodle Garden

2008-07-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well...I'm an indoor sort of girl so the only garden I know is the potted plants by the fireplace. They smell so good...heavenly...la...la...la...how I love my catnip!!!

I'm a little discouraged by the lack if Mr. Linky use...so I wonder if it is not working right. If you tried to leave a link yesterday and could not let me know.

Also, if you came for the art feature...the regular postings will resume next week.

Catmos - Doodle Space

2008-07-15T08:19:00.001-07:00

Cosmos - catmos...get it...outer space. Yes, I know that one so pushed the levels of cat decency. And now for the really boring part...why my human thought we should doodle my eye for outer space (I hate it when SHE does this). In the various theories of human development, there is the idea that humans go through an animal or primal stage, where they do not separate themselves from the universe. Therefore all that is, is all that they are. That being the case, if that is an animal state, then, well, there you have it...I am all that is...inner and outers space.

Doodle Bug

2008-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am a Cat-a-pillar....(okay maybe a cat on a pillar). Anyway, I enjoyed doodling last go round, so I though I would take this week to doodle (as time allows). Are you doodling this week?

Cool Cat Vladimer!

2008-07-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

What the heck happened to yesterday? I think I slept right through it. I remember there was food and then soft blankets...

Anyway, I bet you are here for the Questions for Cool Cats today and whom am I to disappointed you? I have awoke just in time! May I now present to you one of my Aussie friends- Vladimir. Sometimes I sort of think he is like the Larry King of our species (I think Larry King is pretty cool). You will find him at www.catgossip.com - Vladimir, not Larry King.

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

The Golden Gate is the unofficial symbol of Vladimir, a thousand year old city in Russia. As a kitten I was abandoned in a cardboard box under a bridge over a creek...The creek was rising and I was almost swept away. The woman found me about to leave this physical world and cross through the Heavenly Golden Gates. She fancies herself as being droll but it could have been worse, I may have been called Bullrushes or something equally inane. Besides, Vladimir suits me. I am a dignified and sober cat. Everyone will tell you..

What is your life philosophy?

No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

Servility.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I would remove all possums from the planet. They are noisy, messy and totally unnecessary. Besides, one of them bit me many years ago and I had to go to the Torture Place to have stitches, bandages and foul tasting capsules, which the woman tried (not always successfully) to force down my throat.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food

Dry food is for the birds.

indoor/outdoor

There's nothing wrong with being outdoors for 10 minutes in the morning sun. I recommend it. Vitamins you realize, and one must ensure nothing untoward has happened overnight, such as rain.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard

The woman has most kindly obtained a fluffy knitted rug which she places over her knees while she plays with the keyboard. This used to make her lap more comfy for me. She says it's to keep us both warm but I know it's really for the drool. She doesn't like my drool.

affectionate/aloof

Aloof of course. A cat of my status just cannot be friendly to all and sundry. Unless I want something.

catnip/milk fish/pork

Steamed chicken breast is my favourite and the occasional coddled egg.

animal shelter/pet shop

Alas. I was an orphan. I have answered this question when explaining my name. It's a deep wound but I have overcome my feelings of rejection.

A Siamese in Collage

2008-07-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sukie and Luka and Ezri (you are definitely very cool rats) for sending me cool thoughts. I do think it helped, at least enough to get me inspired to look for some cool Siamese art to share with you for this Wednesday.

Well, though I am partial to paintings (Monday's post will tell you why...if you read between the lines), I do like to throw a few curve balls into the mix and center on different mediums. So how about this one, a collage by Tailormade? The collage is made out of a combination of fabric, tissue and papers. The artist even uses quilting stick techniques to define certain ideas. I love the contrast between the dark flowered print for the Siamese and the light background.

Will Somebody Please Turn Off The Heat

2008-07-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

Not literally (this is an old picture). It's hot. I wish my human would turn on the air conditioning. In fact it is so hot, that I am just going to leave you with this old picture and few words. Sorry. Cranky me.

Let the Celebration Begin

2008-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

My human has this ego-centric side - SHE tries to play all humble and modest, but really - enough is enough. Just celebrate already!!! SHE had her first magazine article published - one that she both actually wrote and took the pictures for (SHE has gotten a little lethargic about magazine photo credits). It is an article in the Tennessee Conservationist and it is about HIM! That's right (write), she wrote an article about Ken Smith and a painting series he is doing for Historic Fort Loudoun. Unfortunately, the magazine is a little hard to come by (it is published by the Tennessee government), but hopefully the magazine will grant us the right to include a PDF or something of it on our blogs. By the way, that's HIM in the picture to the left.

Anyway, here is the press release about it and one of the pictures the article is about:

Press Release

Ken Smith’s Fort Loudoun Paintings Featured in Magazine

WHO: Ken Smith, Historical Artist

WHAT: Tennessee Conservationist Includes an Article About Historical Artist Ken Smith and His Fort Loudoun Painting Commission

WHEN: July 2008

WHERE: Tennessee Conservationist Magazine

When flipping through the pages of this month’s Tennessee Conservationist, one cannot help but notice an article about historical artist Ken Smith and his Fort Loudoun Painting series. Looking at the two completed oil paintings, one is taken back in time to the beginnings of the British occupation of the fort site in what is now Vonore, Tennessee. Maybe it is the regal Cherokee chief in “Over the Hills” or the desperation seen in the faces of the provincial solider in “Mud & Blood” that allows one to forget about the modern chaos of society. However, there is more to preserving these moments artistically than putting oil on canvas; planning, coordinating, composing, researching the details, and an amount of sweat that might leave one astonished.

This month’s issue of the Tennessee Conservationist magazine chronicles the process that Smith uses to create his oil paintings. In the article “Oil and Sweat: An Artist’s Perspective of the history of Ft. Loudoun,” Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at these paintings commissioned by the Fort Loudoun Association for the park’s 250th anniversary of its founding. This is a five year project, with each year adding a new depiction of the time when Red Coats and Cherokees roamed the locale. The article discusses the very human aspects of Smith's work including his models and their experience in the artistic process.

“I always find it interesting to see the behind-the-scenes activity that goes into a piece of visual art, and I’m happy that Tennessee Conservationist readers will have a chance to see a little of the artistic process of the Fort Loudoun series” Smith says about the article.

The Tennessee Conservationist is published bi-monthly by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation. For information about the magazine, visit www.tennessee.gov/environment/tn_consv/.

Smith is the Creative Director for Media South, a full-service design and marketing company in Knoxville, Tennessee. He holds a BFA from the University of Tennessee, an MA from Syracuse University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Hartford. He is also available for commissions and portraits. To see more of Smith’s work, visit www.kensmithhistoricalart.com.