Wall Art Ideas, Modern Room Decor, Voluptuous Sexy Afro Lady Sugarluxe Art

Pop art perfection!

Purple, lavender, violet – if you like the colors of royalty – this artwork is for you. But don’t worry, this Limited Edition Signed Archival Print comes in two other color ways as well.

Perhaps you like the soothing calm of blue mist aqua with pops of tangerine orange or the lemon-lime combo is more in line with your modern wall art aesthetic.

From the shagadelic carpet, to her sky high platform pumps and super sexy over the shoulder cocktail dress - these bold punches of color are certain to liven up any bedroom, office, or living room, home decor.

You can order a signed, numbered Voluptuous print, and be sure to check out our Facebook Fan Page and see what other’s have to say.

Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted…Well, That, AND to Meet Oprah

BEACH HEAVEN  

Summer is almost over. But I never stop day dreaming about tropical vacations.  Sunshine and swaying palm trees provide me peace of mind.  

But beneath the vibrant surface in this latest piece, lies something so sorrowful.  It was made with ten million tears.  

Coming into creation at a point that I now, only half jokingly, refer to as my Blue Period; this beautiful bikini clad girl sips an ice cold martini along side her favorite one-legged pink flamingo…incredibly saddened by the fact that she’s even ALLOWED to drink that martini.  

Sure, she can still rock a grass skirt as well as girls half her age…but she’d much rather be round in the belly, craving more pickles, avoiding alcohol like the plague, and waiting impatiently to welcome her very first baby.  

But she is not.  

That baby is in beach heaven right now looking down on his mama and waiting excitedly for the day they get to build big sandcastles together in the sky.  

PARADISE LOST  

Despite working like a maniac (my coping mechanism) – I had to take a break from this blog.   

It’s so personal and even still, a bit gut wrenching to actually talk about my miscarriage.  But I’ve worked my way through it.   

As an added bonus, I took my first (albeit mini) vacation since my honeymoon 7 years ago.  With the help of so many wonderful friends and fans (literally from around the world) – I came out of this situation filled with hope and ready to try again.  I am so grateful for you.  For all those who took the time to pray for me, write to me, share your stories, lend an ear, and let me cry – THANK YOU!   

True.  Time helps to heal wounds.  But getting to say THANK YOU to those who helped you through tough times also gives a sense of closure.  I always say that gratitude is the very cornerstone of leading a blessed life. 

The way I see it…it’s not that anyone is free from bad things happening or that some people’s lives are more charmed, it’s really in how we view our lives.  How fortunate we feel for what we have.  How much we make out of what we have left, not how much we’ve had taken away.  

Yet, I still have an old gaping wound.  Plenty of time has passed.  But I never got the chance to show my appreciation to the person who helped me survive another tragic moment in my life.  

And since I had my mini vacay this month, it gave me some time to think.  Think about this person I need to thank.  A man I’ve never met before.   

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT  

Remember when I told you about that time years ago, when I was struck by that hit and run driver?  Well…most people don’t know that in addition to being thrown over a hundred yards into oncoming traffic in the middle of a busy downtown intersection, the driver who hit me also ripped my leg apart.  Have I said ripped apart before?  What I mean by saying ripped APART…is ripped OFF.   

Pulled my leg off of my body.  Not a clean cut, mind you;  torn the way some people tear the wings off a piping hot, roasted chicken.  

And I laid in the street, dying.  Bleeding to death.  Losing so much blood, I can only vaguely remember looking into the driver’s eyes, before he climbed back into his white pick up truck and drove away.  

“STOP!”  I screamed.  Or did I?  Was it only in my head?  Could anyone hear me?   

So much noise and confusion.  I didn’t know what was happening.  The painful burning sensation was exacerbated by this man kneeling over top of me.  He yelled, “We’re losing her!” Who was he?  What was he doing to my leg?   

Later, much later, I learned he was a Capital Metro Bus Driver.  He stopped his city bus.  Rushed to my side, and without a moment of hesitation, took off his tie to use as a tourniquet to stop the blood loss.   

Of course, I didn’t realize any of this until the doctors shared it with me as they were wheeling me into the OR.  The plastic surgeon mentioned in passing that the folks on the scene were also smart and quick enough to find and put my foot on ice.  FOOT – ON – ICE.    

The surgeon was a specialist - called in to reattach my foot to the hundreds of dangling ligaments, nerve endings, and tendons.   

Stunned, I had no idea. But certainly the pain was the most excruciating thing I’ve ever experienced.  If you’ve never had a limb severed, let me save you the trouble.  It sucks.  Don’t do it.

I had two transfusions that evening.  But if it weren’t for the nimble, selfless act of that AMAZING bus driver…I would not be here today.  He saved my life!  

And- I am so thankful for it.  So thankful for him.  Who was he?  What was his name?  

O, LET THIS BE THE YEAR  

It’s no secret that meeting Oprah is a DREAM of mine.  

Whether you’ve known me 15+ years or only just met me…you’ve likely heard me talk about my shero, Oprah.  Yeah, yeah – I mingle with celebrities, young and old, dated a few, and worked with many.  

  

Gratuitous pic, I know…but it’s still one of my favs (and surprisingly nowhere on this blog, so there!)  

But none of these experiences will compare to the day I get to meet my girl, O.  (wonder if she hates me calling her O?)  

Plus, you know I’m a positive thinker…so who knows…maybe 2010 won’t be such a bust after all.  

Because here’s the deal:  

I’ve gone completely mad.  Today, I wrote to Oprah.  Like millions have done before me, it may not sound like a big deal.  But for me, it’s huge.   

For years, I’ve had well-meaning friends say I should be on the Oprah show, that I should share my story (I’ve always thought in my head - um, who cares about my story?).   

And then when Sugarluxe arrived on the scene, customers would write me saying that Oprah should feature my work (I’ve always thought in my head - um, why would Oprah care about my work?).    

Then when I went to Washington D.C. and fought to get a bill passed, and as one of three people testifying before the Senate in order to impact millions of people suffering exclusion from appropriate health care coverage, lobbyists on Capitol Hill said I should spread the word on Oprah (and I’ve always been like – um, okay, could you have please have the Senator make a call to Oprah and get me on the show?)  

But the point is, I’ve never proactively made a move to get on the Oprah Show.  When it comes to being in the spotlight, I feel conspicuously nervous.  I’m not a spotlight kind of girl.  

So, when a friend of mine sent me a link this morning telling me that the Oprah Show is looking for people with incredible life saving stories, I suddenly felt a rush of hope, excitement, delight and determination.  

What I realized is this:  

I’ve always imagined meeting Oprah at a shindig, not being a guest on her show.  But when the opportunity presented itself to talk about how my life was SAVED and forever changed because of the selfless act of another human being – our mystery bus driver – I finally knew this was the time to reach out.  I’m the fortunate recipient of the most incredible kind of kindness and that is something I’m VERY comfortable being vocal about.  

So, I wrote in.  Immediately.  

Plus, the contact form is limited to 2000 characters, so I was quick and to the point.  Can you believe it?  Me?  Quick and to the point?   

I have always very much wanted to find this man.  I want to know who he is, I’d love to meet him.  Hug him.  And most importantly THANK HIM for saving my life.  I cry just thinking about it.  I’ve dreamt of that moment my entire adult life.  I need this more than anything.  Well, that.  And a baby.  But that’s not a job for Oprah.  Or is it?  Hmmmm?  

No.  Anyway…  

I must, I tell you, absolutely MUST try to share this story on Oprah and give this man the attention, adulation, and appreciation he so whole-heartedly deserves.  I think the producers could find him, how could they not?  I’ve had no luck, but surely The O Team can do it?!  

And that, my friends, is where you come in.  

LET’S BAND TOGETHER  

I know you’re busy.  You have lives, kids (lucky) or 584 other things happening at once.  Do you really have time to help me out?  Probably not.  But I’m going to ask anyway.  

More importantly, I want to make it worth your while because it will be hard to do it without you.   

Here’s what I think could help:  

Write in and briefly TELL Oprah why you’d like to see this story on her show.  

Maybe my work has inspired you?  Have we been lifelong friends?  Did I give you your first job?  Have I ever made a difference in your life (hopefully)? Do you think my situation is worthy of being shared on national TV?  Whatever the reason, I am reaching out to all my creative, smart friends to ask for your help by writing to Oprah’s producers.  

For this exact casting call, you write here.   

To reach the producers direct, you could write here.  

If we band together, anything is possible.

Are you in?  Will you do it?  What do ya say?

Is it a Coincidence? The Power of Pantone’s Color of the Year

Do you ever feel like you have a knack for predicting the future? Me, too!

As long as I can remember, I’ve been struck by flashes of inspiration. Or maybe it’s just that I do a lot of wishful thinking.  Either way, I’m not one to chalk things up to coincidence. Whether it’s being in touch with our intuition, the power of prayer or even the self-fulfilling prophecy of positive thinking – I believe it’s possible to envision what you want – and then make it happen.

THE COLOR INSTITUTE

One of the best examples in my recent past is late last year when Pantone, Inc. announced their selection for Color of the Year.

If you’re a designer – fashion, graphic, web, interior – or any other creative professional, you’ve likely worked with Pantones Colors.  In fact, now that programs like Adobe Photoshop are so prevalent and accessible, more people than ever are familiar with Pantone.

In 1963, Lawrence Herbert, Pantone’s founder, developed an innovative system of identifying and matching colors to solve the problems associated with producing accurate color matches in the graphic arts community.

For more than 45 years, Pantone’s Color Institute has been the world-renowned authority on color.

Have you ever wondered why when you walk into a store and see new seasonal merchandise, it all coordinates so well?  Is it a conspiracy?  Do designers really dictate trends in color?

TREND FORECASTS

Designers do play a key role in determining color trends, and the Color Institute relies on this input.

The semiannual Pantone fashion color report surveys top designers. The Pantone team takes the information and utilizes that as a collection for their Trend Forecasts for the coming season.

Hot up and coming colors:  Pink Champagne, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Red Lipstick and Oyster Gray.

But the one I love the most?  Pantone’s 2010 Color of the Year:  TURQUOISE!

Carolyn Kelly, from The Magazine Antiques writes, “Turquoise has been one of the most sought after colors in decorative arts history starting with the turquoise ground, called bleu céleste, developed in 1753 for Louis XV at the porcelain factory at Vincennes.”

Let’s start with one of my favorite kitchens ever.  Created by architectural designer Peter Napolitano and interior designer Thomas Britt, this photo, featured in Architectural Digest and first spotted on a blog I adore – House of Turquoise – serves as a constant source of inspiration.

In fact, if you’ve ever visited the Sugarluxe Studio, you’d think HGTV Designer, Judith Balis, channeled my space when she created this beautiful room below.  From the hot pink chairs and zebra print pillows, to the glossy black accents and turquoise walls, I love her balance of traditional furnishings with a totally modern flair made possible by the smart use of color.  (photo via HGTV Designer Portfolios)

Here’s another gorgeous room that pays homage to the Sugarluxe Life.  Interior Designer, Debbie Sheaf made perfect use of my fav color combo (photo via Southern Hospitality Blog)

Click below on examples from the Sugarluxe Gallery and you’ll see that I’ve been predicting the need for these upbeat, vibrant colors for years.

Pantone says they represent a psychological shift toward the need for optimism and hope.  I say – EXACTLY!

Oh, how I just LOVE color!

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Speaking of love, fashion mavens and modern designers aren’t the only ones coveting my favorite color this year.

Brides to Be are filling our inbox with orders for mirror compacts and keyrings that feature even the faintest hint of turquoise.  These items have always been great gifts for bridesmaids, but now it seems big orders for bridal parties are coming in like never before.

We are even adding more designs to our SMART Cufflinks Collection because the demand is growing. Even the grooms want in on the action.

I think that speaks to the global reach and impact of Pantone Colors which now permeate every industry.

For even more inspiration, be sure to check out some of my favorite blissful blogs:

It’s a Jaime Thing |  Cocktails & Details |   The Wedding Chicks |  Wedding Paper Divas

In addition to my personal preference, the psychology of this color helps to explain its inherently optimistic nature.

IT’S TIME FOR TURQUOISE

Color can help to build confidence.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, adds that by combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being…

She explains that whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors.

With both warm and cool undertones, it pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

I also believe that Turquoise is a color of compassion and inner healing.  It relates to our ability to love ourselves, as well as others.  That’s why, even before it became trendy, Turquoise has always played a dominant role in my art.

I feel so blessed that I get to do what I do.  This week, we celebrated our Anniversary at Sugarluxe. Here’s to 5 FABULOUS YEARS of trying my BEST to make the world a brighter place…

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?