What in the World? Why You Could WIN Inspire Canvas Artwork

ARE YOU INSPIRED TO WIN?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! When you see this picture, do you have the urge to say BE MINE? Already one of the clear favorites of the A La Mode collection, I think I might be able to find someone who would love a FREE 40×36 inch Inspire gallery wrapped canvas.

But first, in true Sugarluxe fashion, the story:

DEDICATED TO THE VISION

Years ago, I gutted my downstairs bathroom.  At the time I first bought my home, I was single, living alone and due to long hours at work, had no time or real reason to do another home improvement project.

Yet, I couldn’t wait for the weekend to arrive when I would rip off the outdated paper, pull out the ugly vanity, and slather the walls with a red faux finish.

In my mind’s eye…I knew the first time I saw this bathroom, exactly what I wanted to do with it.

Unfortunately, never having torn out a sink before, I didn’t anticipate that it would take with it, huge chunks of the wall.  $%&#!  It was a complete disaster.

But large gaping holes, a dangling electrical box and no clue how to fix this mess were not reasons enough to stop me from realizing my vision.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

My weekend job turned into a an entire year’s worth of work.  After the chaos cleared, I put in a sleek white pedestal sink, a beautiful faucet with porcelain knobs, and only then, began to paint.

Layering, rubbing, and glazing for days, I created a dimensional patina of rich velvety red.

Next, I paired vintage black die-cast outdoor lanterns as lighting over an ornate beveled mirror.  It turned out stunning. And finally the moment arrived for me to hang the art:  because after all, it was a beloved framed print that had actually been the inspiration for the entire project in the first place.

The Inspire Artwork from the A La Mode Series, or at least the red, black and white color palette anway, was actually inspired by my remodel of this room years ago.  It hasn’t changed since the day it was completed.  To me, it’s timeless, kind of like your favorite little black dress.

IT’S UP TO YOU

It’s why, when I started to receive feedback on Facebook about which pieces of the collection people liked the most, I was pretty excited to see that so many felt a true affection for Inspire.

My work, especially those emblazoned with a bold message, may never be analyzed by the majority of those who view it.  But perhaps you’ve taken it a step further and pondered. Who is she looking at? Is she seducing someone or is she watching her back?  Is she turning around to say one last goodbye?  That’s up to you to decide.

But whatever the reason people are drawn to Inspire, it makes me happy that it connects with so many.

As such, it turns out, it’s a piece that is in high demand.  From big gallery stretched canvases and small archival paper prints, to daily requests to make this artwork into designer card cases and our crystal compact mirrors…it has struck a chord and that just thrills me to no end.

A SWEET ART TIME OF YEAR

In honor of Black History Month, plus with Valentine’s Day and our 5th Anniversary at Sugarluxe quickly approaching, I’ve been planning a FUN GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner.  What I thought I’d do was make and give away a brand new Inspire Card Case, the very first one of its kind.

Pretty cool, huh?

But then!

Something happened yesterday that changed my whole direction.

A large AP Giclee of my original artwork, with its top quality pine wood stretcher bars and costly high end canvas, takes weeks to complete.

The very last step before we box it up and ship it out is to take a photo to document my signature and the number of the AP as proof of authenticity to file with the purchase order paper work.

However, due to the dreary weather, we could not get enough light in the studio, and our photo lighting rig was in storage.  I always prefer natural light anyway as it brings out the truest colors, so the art scheduled for shipment yesterday needed to be shot outside.

The first one we take out is Inspire.  At almost 10 square feet of material, it is both large and lightweight.  And literally, within moments of stepping outside the studio door, the wind RIPPED the canvas from my hands and went flying across the parking lot.

I felt sick.  Not only was this going to create a delay for my client, I was out money and time.  I was reminded of the day I pulled out the sink in my bathroom and sat dumbfounded as I stared at the unbelievably big hole in my wall.

But nowadays I know there’s a reason for everything.  In fact, I even believe completed DIY projects around the home are great primers for small business owners. That kind of work:

• Teaches you to expect the unexpected.
• Prepares you for the investment of time.
• Helps you to make the most of your budget.
• Gives you the confidence that you CAN fix things.

Because in home improvement projects, as in business, things can and do go wrong.  But if you never mess things up, you never really learn how to make things right.

So, I had an idea…

THE WORK AHEAD

The upper left hand corner is obviously damaged. The edge needs repainted on two sides, and one of the support bars on the back cracked in half and poked into, but thankfully not through, the front of the canvas (look near the stenciled letter S on the third pic).

The biggest challenge will be to build up that gouged corner, followed by trying to get an exact match on the paint and the lacquer glaze protective coat.

The first picture is just to give you some detail of the canvas…the next two show you the actual damage and what I will be working feverishly to repair.

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

So during the remainder of the month and somehow in between the mad rush of orders for Valentine’s Day, I’m going to work to fix the canvas.  I want it to go to someone who really cares about the artwork.

I certainly know how to patch and paint.  I think I can do this.  I can make it – almost – like new again.  It will never be perfect, but I’m INSPIRED to give it my best.

And I have a feeling, that even though it has a few scars, someone will adore it more so for it having been saved.

——————————————————–  INCREASE YOUR CHANCES ——————————————————–

2 Entries – Use the Tweet This button below to retweet this blog link.

3 Entries - Comment here on the blog: why you love this art and want to win?

5 Entries - Has Sugarluxe inspired you? Write it on the main Sugarluxe Facebook Page wall.

10 Entries - For any order placed between 2/1/10 and 2/14/10 on www.sugarluxe.com.

——————————————————  INSPIRE CANVAS GIVEAWAY —————————————————

With participation you can earn anywhere from 2 to a maximum of 20 entries into the drawing.  I truly look forward to fixing her up and giving her a loving home!

Over the Rainbow: Dreams You Dare to Dream Really Do Come True

Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
A dark cloud has been looming.  Not only did this month mark the anniversary date of my life-altering accident, but fertility continues to elude me, and a few weeks ago, I discovered a dreadful lump.

To read more about my personal scare with Breast Cancer, you can check out this revealing Facebook post – Sugarluxe Loves Boobs.

Since that time, I’ve had surgery and I’m on the mend.  I am so thankful that we were able to detect this sizable mass early enough to eliminate it before it became unruly.  I feel extremely fortunate.

It’s no use screaming at a time like this! No one will hear you… Help! HELP!
But honestly, even the little stuff adds up.  Like when the unique building that housed my big, fabulous studio was condemned this summer and we were given less than two weeks to completely relocate and try to remain operational. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but unexpected and exhausting.

If you were really great and powerful, you’d keep your promises!
Or the following month, when I realized that the publisher of Rare Magazine, Taylor Perkins, was going to be in willful breach of our contract – essentially stealing money right out of my pocket and making the huge miscalculation that I would sit back and take it.

Little men behind the curtain, bad, mean witches and flying monkeys aside, I try my hardest to stay focused on following my own yellow brick road. 

This is why I love the Wizard of Oz. Like the movie, life itself is an epic journey. And I, like Dorothy, am a dreamer. I believe anything is possible.

Yet, there is no doubt – to overcome your detractors, to survive, to be successful – takes heart, requires brains, and massive amounts of courage.

That’s the beauty of this tale:  You don’t need to be given these traits; you just have to find them within yourself. They’re already there.

—————————————————  70th Anniversary Celebration ————————————————–

And it’s why I so thoroughly enjoyed creating this Sugarluxe interpretation over the last few months.  In the midst of any turmoil, I find refuge in painting a world filled with hope and happy moments.

I’m thrilled to complete and present my piece for the Warner Bros. Anniversary celebration. 2009 marked the 70th Anniversary of this classic movie and as the year draws to a close, I’m excited to unveil my tribute to the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

In fact, over a month ago, while I was still working on the conceptualization of Dorothy and Toto in my signature style, I decided to play a game on Facebook with Sugarluxe Fans.

It was so much fun and Tiffany Bymaster was our big winner.  I’ve since learned more about Tiffany who is an incredible pro-celebrity/movie makeup artist in Los Angeles.  How fitting that she would win the piece dedicated to one of the most beloved movies ever made!

She has also waited patiently to receive the VERY first signed and numbered piece. And now that it’s on the way to her, I finally get to make these giclee artist’s prints available to you, too.

• Title:  Dreamgirl
• Collector’s Edition: Signed, Dated, and Numbered Limited Edition of 70
• Media:  Pigment and Metallic Inks with Watercolor on Archival Museum Grade Fine Art Paper

Can be ordered as ready to frame in black or white mat:
8 ply (very thick) 16 x 20, Beveled Edge, Premium Mat with Acid-Free Mounting Board

If you love the Wizard of Oz like I do, or know someone who does, this vibrant 70th Anniversary Artwork will be sure to please for years to come.  Exclusive to Sugarluxe, you can find out more details at www.sugarluxe.com.

Until next time…I’m off to find some place where there isn’t any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place?

In the words of Will Smith…Ahh hail NO!

Taffeta?  Check.

Baby tee?  Check.

Black tennies with teeny little skulls that look like cherries?  Check.

Flower in hair because I will never stop loving flowers in hair?  Check.

And oh yes…artwork installed?  Check.  Interns on time?  Check.  Interview on TV?  Check.  Art lovers everywhere for big Sugarluxe Show?  Check.

Hail balls the size of sno-cones?  Um…

I checked…the Weather Channel said 96 degrees and sunny all day.  Sugarluxe?  She say bad words under breath at massive hail balls.

Waaaaaaauuuugghhhhhhh!!!

Well, it was supposed to be perfect weather (except maybe for the 100% humidity making the 96 degrees feel like 110) but hey, we were moved inside and we worked our BUTTS off to create this showcase. 

As you know, it was a charity benefit for the Austin Children’s Shelter and the weather wasn’t going to stop us from selling every single painting. 

Or…was it?

We started the show opening early just for mid-day shoppers.  However, the special events director thought it would be better for us to save our energy for the 6-9pm crowd.  I really didn’t mind hanging out and mingling all day…as long as we were ready for the 7 o’clock rush hour later. 

The Sugarluxe girls looked like beautiful little rosebuds despite loading in tons O’ crap that morning…I was ready to sign magazines, hug lots of people, kiss sweet smellin’ babies and sell large scale works of art (most - NEVER before available pieces) in an effort to raise awareness and money for ACS…

And then this…Large Hail and Dangerous Lightning Hits the Austin Metro Area.

But alas, if you thought it was all sweet here in candyland (or if I somehow fooled you into thinking that way) then it’s time to come clean…some days just SUCK!!!!

However, if I can at all help it, we try to make sucky situations better.  I used to get so frustrated with my mom who has ALWAYS pointed out the bright side to EVERYTHING.  Now, I realize that the bright side (thank you MOM!) is a perspective that aids survival. 

Here’s the bright side of Saturday:

My interns are about to graduate, so we can’t help but be excited about that. I did get time with friends who I hadn’t seen in ages (and typically, I never get time to talk to them at our shows). I saw, held and kissed many babies (self-pity alert: a bit harder right now considering I am going on FIVE years of no two pink lines on my pregnancy tests).  And we did sit with jaws dropped when we watched the band disappear and people fleeing the show in droves as they dodged huge chunks of ice falling from the sky (we were seriously concerned about people’s safety and our cars) but when things feel a bit hopeless…you can either laugh, or you can completely lose your mind. 

So, what can a group of really disappointed girls do?

What else? Get a glass of wine and toast to good times.

That’s how it is around here.  Many things never work out as we plan.  But we DO try to make the best of it.  Stuff happens every day making us want to pull our hair out…but I’m trying to learn that some things just can’t be helped.

As a control freak  perfectionist  person who wants everything to be a major success, sometimes, it’s just hard to admit that things like, you know, weather, getting pregnant, and sold out shows are not completely up to me.

Luckily, when we were doing the installation for the show, the fabulouso Central Market asked if I would be willing to have the art in there for 6 weeks!

ABSO(freakin)LUTELY.

Now, after weathering Saturday’s storm, I am even happier that the good people at Central Market responded to the work so well as to ask us to display/SELL (subliminal message to buy) over the next couple of months…giving us WAY more time to help raise money for the abused children who need this shelter and care from the wonderful people who work there. 

So, if you’ve ever wanted Sugarluxe for your walls, won’t you please consider buying now?

The pieces are signed, numbered and many are Artist Proofs with an enclosed Sugarluxe Certificate of Authenticity on the back.  Very cool, very limited and for a very good cause. 

All artwork is currently located at the original Central Market on North Lamar in Austin, Texas and most will be available until June 30, 2008.