The Boondocks Go City

Well, if you have been around my social media lately you have probably seen me mention something about Reed and I's trip to New York City, and an art show that is featuring one of my pieces. Basically I am super stoked and want to shout it from roof tops but instead have tried to keep myself some what contained via social media. Tomorrow at this time I will be cruising the streets of the Big Apple with my main man showing him everything that love about art, culture, and so much more!

I am blown away by this opportunity. I've been spoiled by my heavenly father, earthly father, family and friends. This trip is never something I would have planned, at least not on the income we have at the moment. Reed and I love traveling so I alway hoped I would have the chance to take him to NYC and show him what is going on in the art world, but he has never been super interested so I figured we would only do it if we became famous or rich and had extra money laying around. Well, we aren't famous or rich by any means but we are spoiled.

Back in November I was contacted by the Rye Arts Center, in Rye NY (about 30 minutes outside the city). They found my artist site (check it out HERE) and were interested in a few of my pieces for a show all about chairs. After emailing back and forth we landed on the piece "Translucent Memory" which is an antique bankers chair made completely out of packaging tape. My mind is blown that someone could be interested in my work based off of what they have seen online and that they would request it be shipped up for their show "Edge of the Seat".

I never really thought I would pursue Fine Art. I joked about how much I loved it but that I wouldn't "try to become a NY artist", I just don't want that life style. I said this all the time, "I'm not gonna try and put my work in NY but if it makes it there one day, GREAT!" And look what happened?! God took a time in my life that I felt totally alone and like no one wanted what I had to offer. Moving to a small town with no friends was so hard. As I'm sure you can imagine there aren't many artistic jobs close by and so I was feeling pretty worthless. But He used that time I had to myself to teach me that He listens. He knew that I wasn't fulfilled where I was and He took a dream that I never ever thought was attainable and gave it to me. Literally I did nothing, He gave this to me!

Now He has spoiled me even more by providing us with the help we needed to afford our flights, the help we needed to afford a nice hotel to get the real NYC experience. And He has even provided me with new clothes that make me feel beautiful and like I belong some place.

He is a generous God.
I hope that this time in NYC will be rejuvenating and inspiring. I hope that all that I say when I meet people and talk about my work is encouraging and giving all the glory to the Lord!


Be on the look out for an overload of pictures! Sorry I'm not gonna be sorry :)

Wishful Wednesday: Dreaming of NYC!

The last week or so I've been trying to come up with what I want to wear for my art show in New York. I don't usually plan out what I'm gonna wear months in advance or buy new things for a trip/event. But I feel like this one is a big enough deal that I can if I want to (have it in my budget... yesterday I wrote about our new budget system check it out here)

So anyway, I figured I would lay out some of what I was thinking here and see what y'all think! Remember, I'm going to Rye, NY (about 30 minutes outside of NYC) for an art reception that is held from 3pm to 5pm April 5th so nothing too fancy. (and anyone from NY area help me prepare for weather too, what is it usually like up there in April??)

Hoookay! The vision that started this all is actually not on ETSY, I've found a couple look a likes but the one I love and feel the most comfortable with trying out is actually a sewing pattern. Yep, that means I would have to MAKE IT. Which is a bit scary, thats the reason why I haven't purchased yet. But I can't find anything else like it and I just keep coming back so I'm thinking I need some advice from my dear friends!! 1. do you think I could do it?? 2. Do you think a tea length version in either black or a fun pattern is fitting for what I'm doing?? Basically what I'm picturing is this awesome skirt with a simple fitted tee and probably flats. Nothing too fancy! Annnnd basically exactly how she is wearing it, dang. This Infamous Regal Maxi Skirt is just so beautiful and Mimi G has the coolest stuff!
After reading all the reviews, asking a friend who has made this, I'm pretty sure it is exactly what I'm looking for. Beautifully feminine that can be dressed up or down!! Woot woot!

I said I found some look a likes of the skirt above. This isn't one of them but it is something I found while looking for look a likes :) Annnnnd just to be honest this is a BIG contendor! I mean look at this shop (Melange Mode)!! Those prints are stunning, and each piece looks so beautifully crafted and fits each person so well! I called Reed in to show him and of course he just kinda nodded and said "mmm hmm" he never knows how to respond to anything I like. At least he has learned to keep his mouth shut :)  Basically I would love one of everything from this shop. But the one that caught my eye and that I think would be best for the look I'm going for is this African Print Midi Skirt.

I have no clue how I would pick the print but I love them all so I'm pretty sure any of them would be just fine! I mean, those wide leg pants I think I need them too!

And if I ever have a super formal event to go to I found my dress already :)

Annnnnd everyone needs a little black dress right? I mean even if I don't wear this in NY I want it :) Look at the beautiful shoulders! That neck line, uhhhh. Why do I like clothes so much and hate spending money! This lace detail knee length dress is pretty enough to go to any event. I'm ready to have one now :)

To end with another thing that I just want :) I would wear it in NY if I could convince myself to make it by then. Yep another sewing pattern! I mean, why can't I just find these pre made by someone who knows what they are doing?! This maxi cardigan is AWESOME! I love it with the hood and with out. I've shown Reed and he has given me permission to purchase the pattern if I ask for help when making it :) No wasting fabric for me!

So, basically I have no clue what I want. I kinda do but I really need some guidance. I just wanna look good!!! HELP!

PS>> we will be in NYC for the weekend so any one with suggestions on where  to stay, places to eat, things to see would be greatly appreciated! (I've been twice Reed has never been so I need to make sure I don't just show him the art museums :) ).