The ‘Daily Artisan Spotlight’ is a regular feature on Mindless Pursuits intended to provide insight and exposure to the tons of talented artisans working today. Please comment and give them some encouragement and check out their work! If you would like to be in the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop?
Chichiboulie (http://www.chichiboulie.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft?
I am a designer/illustrator specialising in artwork for children. I do mostly paintings (acrylic and watercolour) but also now offer prints etc.

Describe your style in 2 words:
Happy, colourful

What is your favorite piece and why?
That’s a difficult one! There are so many I love. I would say for today, my I’ve Got a Secret watercolour. I have 2 daughters and I can really picture them in this pose in years to come. They share lots of secrets already and I look forward (dread?) to the days when they will chat about boyfriends, school etc between themselves. Of course, I’ll be easedropping around the corner!

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Another difficult one because once again, there is so much. Probably just to have confidence in what you do and to do what you love. I sometimes feel I should be doing more “serious” artwork to prove myself to be a “serious” artist. But ultimately, I love what I do. I think I’m an overall happy person and it shows in my paintings. My work makes me smile and more importantly makes others smile too.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Don’t give up. If you truly want to be an artist and make a living at it, you have to keep trudging along no matter what. I think we all must have days when we doubt ourselves, our talent, our goals. But if you can get through those days, the rest is worth it!

The ‘Daily Artisan Spotlight’ is a regular feature on Mindless Pursuits intended to provide insight and exposure to the tons of talented artisans working today. Please comment and give them some encouragement and check out their work! If you would like to be in the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop?
Borealis Art (http://norablansett.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft?
Actually, I work in a wide variety of mediums. First and foremost, I am a fantasy artist and work in colour pencil, watercolour and watercolour pencil. I also work in photography, jewelry design, beading, dolls, miniature quilts, stone carving and pyrography.

Describe your style in 2 words:
Unique, varied

What is your favorite piece and why?
I honestly don’t think I could pick a favourite piece! I work in so many mediums that I tend to have favourites in each medium, and the favourites change as I improve on my skills and create new works. My most current favourites are the following:
“Invitation to the Sun” ACEO 
“Drift” (Photography)
“Jasper Bead Embroidered Pendant” 
“Mermaid Pyrography” (Wood burning)
“Miss Darling Blues” (Doll)

I’m sure you can see why I can’t choose just one!

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best advice I ever got was to stop comparing myself to other artists. There’s nothing worse than trying to compare apples to oranges and worrying that you’ve only got prunes. You can never base your talent on that of others.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Probably the usual cliche’ “Never give up!”. It’s a hard road — especially if you are trying to make it your livelihood. I also think it’s important to expand; don’t just work in one medium. It’s nice to have different paths to take according to your mood. Right now, my jewelry is flying off the shelves of local stores, but my dolls are taking a backseat. In another month, my dolls may pick up again as well the photography with the visual change of seasons occurring. I try to keep the artwork moving at a gentle pace, never putting too much out at a time and making every piece special because I keep it so limited.