Artist Appreciation: Daisy Giles

The Artist-Daisy Giles

As an artist/illustrator, I have to give it up to someone who I stumbled across in one of my favorite fashion on-line magazines Clutch. Magazine.  Her name is Daisy Giles from the Twin cities (Minnesota) and will be receiving her BFA very soon.   As I was reading the article, I was so intrigued on how she described her artworks and her paintings of beautifying and elegant use of black natural hair. I have never seen something like this before.  For most African American women, having natural hair was considered "bad hair".  Within and outside of the culture we were told to straighten by any means necessary.  Being nappy did not equal happy for many of us.  But, for me in 2003, I had decided to do the Big Chop.  The big chop away from the "white crack" (a.k.a  chemical perm), chemically damaged hair and start fresh.  I had no hair but, my little curl of new growth and I absolutely loved it. I remember rubbing my hand over my head and thinking OMG I really like this.  I also remember my boyfriend  correction ex-boyfriend rubbing his hand over my head and probably thinking OMG why did she do this.  He never said anything about it.  Which was a good and bad thing.  Yes,  I had gotten talked about, criticized and looked at funny but, after awhile people started to ask where did I get my hair done and thinking about following suite.  I really did not care what people thought because having natural hair for me was...just being naturally me.  I have been nappily, pressed out and twisted for over 8 years now.  My hair is probably the healthiest that its ever been.

But, to each its own though.  Hair is just hair whether you rock it curly, straight, relaxed, nappy, dreaded, braided.  But, when I saw Daisy's paintings with the use of black natural hair, I was truly inspired and thought they are absolutely gorgeous.

All about Hair Collection, Daisy Giles

Pomis-Roses, Roses Collection.  Daisy Giles

I found Daisy on tumblr and was excited to see she was following mine  !! Here are some of my favorites by her.

Untitled, Oil on Canvas

Mette, Oil on Canvas

(Applause)

I have to say I am new, true fan of hers and I wish her the very best.  And a congratulations in advance on her BFA! I hope to see her works in exhibitions a little closer to where I live.  Check out her website at http://daisygiles.com/home.html

New Illustrations for Spring!

The seasons changing.  April Showers, gooey worms on the sidewalks, Robins everywhere:  I love this time of year.  Spring has such a freshness in the air I don't know about you guys but, my energy tends to sky rocket around this time.   I just finished an illustration for an online fashion magazine which shall remain nameless until I get the okay.  But, I am beyond excited for it!  I promise to share details later but, for now here's one that I finished up.

Will be in my Etsy Shop soon

What is in my Etsy shop? Spring Stripes! Amongst others...

Spring Stripes

Hope you like.  Leave a comment tell me what you think. :) More to come.

In Heavy Rotation: Marsha Ambrosius-Late Nights, Early Mornings

Marsha Ambrosius

Real R&B.  Love her voice, its so unique and soothing.  I could literally fall asleep to her voice.  I remember seeing her at the House of Blues when my boyfriend . ex-boyfriend took me there to see Floetry. When she was a part of the group.   Don't get me wrong I loved the group but, Marsha's voice is unmistakenly one of the best in the industry.   I know this her debut solo album but, along with Adele I can not stop playing the two albums. This one's a Grammy Winner. Love it.

My favorite track-Lose Myself

  Marsha Ambrosius-Lose Myself (prod. by Canei Finch) by MyMajesticPage

Get it!

Late Nights, Early Mornings

Introducing "Laura" to my shoe collection

As I am steadily working on finishing out my Spring illustrations I decided to treat myself.  Every year I tend to do an assessment of my clothes, shoes, purses etc and give those that I don't want away.  Some say I give out too much but, I like new things and their is always someone else in need.  I noticed that my shoe collections has been looking...well...a bit strange.  I felt a bit out of the loop on the what was the hottest shoes and for some reason, I have way too many peep toes :/  (Peep toe obsession)  So, I had searched high and low, going in and out of Aldo shoe stores, checking in and out of Macy's. 

Nothing.

After stomping around the semi-waxed floors of the malls in my UGG boots I decided I would go on-line.  I have never experience ordering shoes (heels) on-line before and I have such weird shoe size it could vary from an 8 1/2-10 depending on the heel.  So, I took a chance on website called JustFabulous So, many pretty gorgeous heels I was so excited!

Now, if your like me, I know what I am looking for.  For me I was looking for a heel that will not last 15 minutes before my feet start screaming.  So, they give me a questionnaire on my personality style and Tada!

Laura....amongst 5 other gal heels appeared, all in my size.  And surprisingly, I would wear all of them.

Laura-She's so pretty

When she was delivered to me, I didn't realize she was so tall. 5 inches.  Not the website fault, I just did not read all of the content.  It was more like ooo, pretty buy button.  It makes me 5'10" (awesome 2 points)  And she was very comfortable to put on. (3 pointer, Yes!!)  I had wore them around the house breaking them in but, I can not wait for the Spring to turn completely over so, I could wear her out!  She so deserves to be seen.

Platform heels with a rounded toe tend to work for me.  Less pressure on the base of the foot. Toes can relax,  I just remember the horrible trend of the pointed toe boots.  Jesus, my feet I would feel like they were on fire.  I set Laura next to my other shoes and I have to say they seem a bit jealous.  Laura will be joined with others from JustFab     The website not only has shoes but, some very cute bags as well.  All are just 39.95!  Pretty decent compared to what I have paid for heels in the past.  (sigh) Laura, she's gonna need some girlfriends on her level. Lol!

Spring Stripes. Yes Please!

Hey everyone!  This is going to be a short and sweet blog post.  In celebration of warmer weather and bright colors for Spring....Tada!

No name yet. Working on it.

You like?  I could not wait to show you all, the first out of many.  Stay tuned for more and make sure you check out my youtube channel this weekend.  New V-blog soon!  XOXOXO!

Etsy Shop Update, Youtube Update

Hey Everyone!  It's Saturday and amongst the busy schedule, my illustrations has gotten some serious attention.  I have to thank you all, the faithful few that stop and view my blog, youtube posts and my etsy shop.  Lately my Google Analytics and I have been best friends. % of views have been through the roof. 



Etsy Shop

My Youtube channel results: I have picked up 3 new subscribers and 56 views from my latest video I posted about a week ago.  Which means, yes, I will be doing more vids!   I just posted a new one of me sketching some figures for my next project out of my spring collection.



So, there you have it!  Promise to keep you posted!

 

  

Rachel Roy's Spring 2011 Campaign

fHappy March!  March is just the stepping stone to April and then the wonderful month of May!  Which means Spring is right around the corner! YAY!  I am so ready to thaw out from the cold and grey and walk into the warm and color.  So upon finding my inspiration for creating my more of Le Mahogany Illustrations I happen to click my way to Rachel Roy's page and found this:

I absolutely fell in love with this...what an amazing way to campaign for a fashion collection.  Beautiful imagery, great spring pieces.....Bravo Rachel Roy.