I remember being 13 and going to the first Lollapalooza and how it was a huge life changing event in my little adolescent existence. I was just beginning to develop into a young little person with music tastes and artistically becoming aware of who I was and what I enjoyed. I remember being in awe with not only the amazing bands performing, people watching, not to mention drooling over an entire stadium of gorgeous skater, industrial and gothic boys (I was 13!!!) but I remember going into the artist tents and perusing all the artists and their wares, thinking to myself “one day I wish I could be as cool as all of these awesome ladies”
Fast forward 15+ years….
Pitchfork is small in comparison to Lolla, but it was another one of those life changing events in my life. 3 stages of bands, people watching, yes boys, and this time I was one of those awesome ladies vending their wares. There were a ton of little things which threw me back to that one little event that changed my life back in 1991, faces, oh the faces. I can’t even stress enough that for such a huge city Chicago is, the music scene is soo small, I always run into old familiars. Always!! I saw little gothic, indie and grunge kids. (yes, I said grunge) I think the 80’s are dead in Chicago and the new trend for the little ones is the 90’s, which makes me feel awfully old at this point. Perhaps, it due to the lineup of Pitchfork, Lolla being held in Chicago, music from the 90’s being played on the classic rock stations, Riot Fest, who knows but the 90’s are alive and kicking with the young teenage kids in this city. I saw Pixies shirts, Meat Puppets, Jesus Lizard, Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, Naked Raygun, RHCP, Nirvana, Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, Love and Rockets and Mudhoney just to name a few of the band shirts donned by little 14 year olds. It was very surreal to feel like those 15 years never happened…
I was nervous going into the fest, mainly due to the initial investment I paid to be a vender. I thought “as long as I make my booth back I’d be a’ok” Well, I surpassed that the first day and was pleasantly surprised on how well the weekend went over. I had many people recognize my art from local stores. A few of my etsy customers came up and introduced themselves and I was thrilled to be able to meet them live in person! I was interviewed for Café Magazine and Love Chicago took a few pics of my booth for their Blog. I gained another Chicago store that will soon be carrying some of my treasures and had a blast talking to people and seeing some great live bands. I owe my soul to Ken and Dianna for helping me out the entire weekend and putting up with my overly stressed and overly tired brain. Those two will forever be in my debt for that weekend. Eventhough it was July, it felt like it was the kick off to Summer.
Here’s a link to Café Magazine’s write up on Pitchfork:
http://www.cafemagazine.com/index.php/component/content/article/214/214
and LoveChicago’s Blog:
http://www.lovechicago.org/Mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=189
Thank you to everyone who made my crazy flashback weekend such a success! I appreciate it more than words can ever express. What a crazy gypsy summer I am having!!
Xoxo’s
Natasha
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Pitchfork is tomorrow
I'm watching the nightmare before christmas and working on last minute prepping details for the pitchfork music festival this weekend. It's been such an honor being accepted as one of the many fine vendors accepted into this event. I hope i have enough wares for the weekend. I worked on some new treasures including matchbox shrines, necklaces, barrettes and more!! Please stop by my table at the Coterie artist tent inside the music fesival if your attending. Wow, what a year makes! I'm so excited!!
My second shipments of paintings arrived in denver this week. They're on display and for sale at benders tavern on 13th street. If you're in denver you should stop by and check them out while having a delicious adult beveridge. make sure to tip the bartender chuck, without him i wouldn't have had the opportunity to display my adorable ladies there. www.benderstavern.com
Sunday i will also be vending at the 1901 galleries summer art faire. It runs from 1pm-6pm and i will have a table of lovely treasures available. The 1901 gallery is located at 1901 W. Belmont in chicago, the entrace is in the back of the building.
Hope to see you out and about this weekend. Please stop by and say hi!!!
xoxo's
natasha
My second shipments of paintings arrived in denver this week. They're on display and for sale at benders tavern on 13th street. If you're in denver you should stop by and check them out while having a delicious adult beveridge. make sure to tip the bartender chuck, without him i wouldn't have had the opportunity to display my adorable ladies there. www.benderstavern.com
Sunday i will also be vending at the 1901 galleries summer art faire. It runs from 1pm-6pm and i will have a table of lovely treasures available. The 1901 gallery is located at 1901 W. Belmont in chicago, the entrace is in the back of the building.
Hope to see you out and about this weekend. Please stop by and say hi!!!
xoxo's
natasha
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
kittens, cars, hospitals and fireworks
The last week and a half has seemed like an eternity. It started with a 1000+ mile car ride down to Austin, TX. I helped a dear friend move with her three cats in my little Toyota Yaris hatchback. For the most part the cats were surprisingly well behaved. Within the first 20 minutes one of the cats, named appropriately as Lucifer, tore out of his travel cage and ran amuck in the car the rest of the way to texas. By the time we arrived there was cat fur and cat litter everywhere and I had a brutal case of drivers knee. (my car while adorable as hell, isn't equipped with the luxury of cruise control) When we finally arrived at our final destination in Austin it was a blistering 106 degrees in the mid afternoon, the moving truck (driven by my friends boyfriend and father) had already arrived and to all of our dismay we found out that the airconditioning in the house was not working. I don't know if you have had the pleasure of unloading a moving truck in 106 degree weather into a 100 degree house, but if you haven't it's pure hell. I felt like I was going to die. Day two in Austin was a bit smoother, and the next day was even better than the second.
While in Austin...my bathroom ceiling decided to cave in and FedEx decided to mess up my shipments. Apparantley they pay very little attention to addresses and if one of their employees puts the wrong barcode on the wrong box they deliver it to the address attached to the barcode regardless of what the address marked on the box reads. A package of paintings for Chuck in Denver arrived in to Rachel in Philly and vice wersa. Of course all my paperwork was in Chicago. FedEx ruined day 2 in Austin. Now a week and a half later, the shipments have been rerouted, but still in transit.
My bathroom ceiling is half repaired.
Driving 1000+ miles by yourself is a chore. A beautiful, gorgeous, scary, fun-loving and peaceful chore. I drank a lot of caffiene, smoked a lot of my $2.60 a pack cigarettes from Oklahoma and had many sing a longs while cruising down the highway. Next time I'm going to leave the solo trips to 6 hours or less.
Upon my return there were more shipping mix ups and emails to attend to, some I still have to sort out. Pilsen started their 4th of july about a month ago and they're still going strong. On the 4th itself, I felt like I lived on an army base or that I was in the middle of a war. The street were filled with smoke, children were lighting fireworks and shooting them at eachother from across the street. Fireworks being purposely shot through windows and at moving targets (me included) My alley was one big cemetary of used explosives. Sulfer residue on the steets and sidewalks will last for many weeks to come. After braving through the warzone I live in and a very unsuccessful grilling experience we ended the night on a neighbors rooftop and then sat on another neighbors porch into the wee hours of the night. Pilsen is definitely growing on me.
The Friday before the fourth was spent bringing my best friend, my toothtwin, into the hospital for testing. Then later that day I brought him to get his first pair of prescription glasses. I love him so. Friday was a really rough day.
Now I have 10 days to clear my head and finish prepping for Coterie which is the Art Fair inside The Pitchfork Music Festival. I have quite a good amount of wares prepped already, but I need way more than 10 days to finish all that I have left to do. Then right after Pitchfork wraps up on the 19th of July I have to ship off my wares for The Big Ass Indie Art and Craft Show in St. Louis. Then I have a custom order to fill for a wedding by the first week of August :)
I believe caffeine is once again going to be a dear friend of mine these next few days. You're more than welcomed to come over and help me with all the little painstaking prep work if you'd like!
Hopefully my paintings will arrive in Denver tomorrow and Rachel @ Square Peg Artery will receive her order.
xoxo
natasha
While in Austin...my bathroom ceiling decided to cave in and FedEx decided to mess up my shipments. Apparantley they pay very little attention to addresses and if one of their employees puts the wrong barcode on the wrong box they deliver it to the address attached to the barcode regardless of what the address marked on the box reads. A package of paintings for Chuck in Denver arrived in to Rachel in Philly and vice wersa. Of course all my paperwork was in Chicago. FedEx ruined day 2 in Austin. Now a week and a half later, the shipments have been rerouted, but still in transit.
My bathroom ceiling is half repaired.
Driving 1000+ miles by yourself is a chore. A beautiful, gorgeous, scary, fun-loving and peaceful chore. I drank a lot of caffiene, smoked a lot of my $2.60 a pack cigarettes from Oklahoma and had many sing a longs while cruising down the highway. Next time I'm going to leave the solo trips to 6 hours or less.
Upon my return there were more shipping mix ups and emails to attend to, some I still have to sort out. Pilsen started their 4th of july about a month ago and they're still going strong. On the 4th itself, I felt like I lived on an army base or that I was in the middle of a war. The street were filled with smoke, children were lighting fireworks and shooting them at eachother from across the street. Fireworks being purposely shot through windows and at moving targets (me included) My alley was one big cemetary of used explosives. Sulfer residue on the steets and sidewalks will last for many weeks to come. After braving through the warzone I live in and a very unsuccessful grilling experience we ended the night on a neighbors rooftop and then sat on another neighbors porch into the wee hours of the night. Pilsen is definitely growing on me.
The Friday before the fourth was spent bringing my best friend, my toothtwin, into the hospital for testing. Then later that day I brought him to get his first pair of prescription glasses. I love him so. Friday was a really rough day.
Now I have 10 days to clear my head and finish prepping for Coterie which is the Art Fair inside The Pitchfork Music Festival. I have quite a good amount of wares prepped already, but I need way more than 10 days to finish all that I have left to do. Then right after Pitchfork wraps up on the 19th of July I have to ship off my wares for The Big Ass Indie Art and Craft Show in St. Louis. Then I have a custom order to fill for a wedding by the first week of August :)
I believe caffeine is once again going to be a dear friend of mine these next few days. You're more than welcomed to come over and help me with all the little painstaking prep work if you'd like!
Hopefully my paintings will arrive in Denver tomorrow and Rachel @ Square Peg Artery will receive her order.
xoxo
natasha
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Raven Fest and The Humboldt Park Art Fest was conpromised by the weather. We've had a unseasonably cold and rainy month of June. However, I managed to have fun, make a few sales and meet a slew of interesting people at both events. Even with the occasional thunderstorms both weekends! Thank You to all that came out to support local art & handmade goods.
I just found out that I was accepted to vend in Coterie which is the Art Festival inside the Pitchfork Music Festival. If you are heading out to Pitchfork July 17-19stop by my booth and say hi and see some of my new wares. I love company!!
I've been lucky enough to be asked to participate in The Pilsen Open Studios in the Fall. I'm super excited about this opportunity. There is a Fundraiser and Auction at The Museum of Mexican Art Thursday July 18th from 6-9:30 pm. There will be live music, food and drinks provided. I have 2 pieces that will be up for auction in the museum. For more info please visit pilsenopenstudios.org I have a few tickets available. Let me know if you're interested in purchasing one.
I'll be heading down to Austin on Tuesday June 23rd. If anyone has any tips on artsy fun things to do email me at natashablue@iheartskeletons.com. I'd love to see some local art while i'm down there.
Have a great night.
xoxo's
natasha
I just found out that I was accepted to vend in Coterie which is the Art Festival inside the Pitchfork Music Festival. If you are heading out to Pitchfork July 17-19stop by my booth and say hi and see some of my new wares. I love company!!
I've been lucky enough to be asked to participate in The Pilsen Open Studios in the Fall. I'm super excited about this opportunity. There is a Fundraiser and Auction at The Museum of Mexican Art Thursday July 18th from 6-9:30 pm. There will be live music, food and drinks provided. I have 2 pieces that will be up for auction in the museum. For more info please visit pilsenopenstudios.org I have a few tickets available. Let me know if you're interested in purchasing one.
I'll be heading down to Austin on Tuesday June 23rd. If anyone has any tips on artsy fun things to do email me at natashablue@iheartskeletons.com. I'd love to see some local art while i'm down there.
Have a great night.
xoxo's
natasha
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hey..Chicago, Austin, Denver & St. Louis!!!
I've been a very busy lady as of late. Ever since i've returned from New Orleans it's been rather insane, in a very very good way. I landed a few new stores one being The Peace and Paper Gallery in Lafayette, LA and one soon to be announced in sunny California (with an additional one in the works in New Orleans). I vended at the 1901 Gallery's Craft Fair and had the pleasure of hanging out and meeting a few other lovely artists from the EtsyDarkTeam! This summer is proving to be pretty incredible!
CHICAGO: I will be vending at The Raven (Ravenswood Festival) at Chase Park this weekend June 5th-7th. I believe the hours are Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm and Sunday from 12-9pm. I will have a table in the Chase Park's Artists Tent. My nephew Alex will be with me helping me sell my wares. It's going to be a great time, with art, music and food vendors. Stop by if you can!
June 13th I'll be vending at The Humboldt Park Art, Film and Music Festival in the boat house in Humboldt Park. Last year was a great time and this year they added the Film festival and a second Music Stage. My nephew is going to be helping me again at this show, hopefully with a few of his crafts to sell along with mine! There will be local food & beverage vendors as well. As of right now i'm slotted in booth 21. If my location changes, i'll be sure to update asap.
Dear Chicago - If you're in the Lakeview or Boystown area and you love cupcakes I would suggest stopping by Phoebe's Cupcakes on Broadway! Support a local business and a great friend. She a lovely gal and her and Kate sure whip up one hellova delicious cupcake. Check out Phoebe's website @ www.phoebescupcakes.com
AUSTIN: It looks like i'll be in your lovely town at the end of June helping my dear Sis return to her Texas homeland. I'll probably stay for about a week or so. If there are any local Austinites out there who know of any craft shows, Street Fairs, etc. or any boutiques or stores that carry Dia de los Muertos Art, please let me know. Any info or links would be greatly appreciated!
Denver: How I love thee!! My first run of paintings at Bender's Tavern pretty much sold out within the first week being displayed. Thank you my lovelies! I'm sending out another shipment of paintings next week and I will spread the word once they are available @ Benders Tavern.
ST. LOUIS: I am honored to announce that my adorable little skulls and treasures were accepted into The Big Ass Indie Art and Craft Show at The Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis! I'm Soooo excited! The Show runs from July 31 - Aug 2nd.
I'm soo looking forward to this summer, it's already been amazing!!
xoxo's
natasha
CHICAGO: I will be vending at The Raven (Ravenswood Festival) at Chase Park this weekend June 5th-7th. I believe the hours are Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm and Sunday from 12-9pm. I will have a table in the Chase Park's Artists Tent. My nephew Alex will be with me helping me sell my wares. It's going to be a great time, with art, music and food vendors. Stop by if you can!
June 13th I'll be vending at The Humboldt Park Art, Film and Music Festival in the boat house in Humboldt Park. Last year was a great time and this year they added the Film festival and a second Music Stage. My nephew is going to be helping me again at this show, hopefully with a few of his crafts to sell along with mine! There will be local food & beverage vendors as well. As of right now i'm slotted in booth 21. If my location changes, i'll be sure to update asap.
Dear Chicago - If you're in the Lakeview or Boystown area and you love cupcakes I would suggest stopping by Phoebe's Cupcakes on Broadway! Support a local business and a great friend. She a lovely gal and her and Kate sure whip up one hellova delicious cupcake. Check out Phoebe's website @ www.phoebescupcakes.com
AUSTIN: It looks like i'll be in your lovely town at the end of June helping my dear Sis return to her Texas homeland. I'll probably stay for about a week or so. If there are any local Austinites out there who know of any craft shows, Street Fairs, etc. or any boutiques or stores that carry Dia de los Muertos Art, please let me know. Any info or links would be greatly appreciated!
Denver: How I love thee!! My first run of paintings at Bender's Tavern pretty much sold out within the first week being displayed. Thank you my lovelies! I'm sending out another shipment of paintings next week and I will spread the word once they are available @ Benders Tavern.
ST. LOUIS: I am honored to announce that my adorable little skulls and treasures were accepted into The Big Ass Indie Art and Craft Show at The Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis! I'm Soooo excited! The Show runs from July 31 - Aug 2nd.
I'm soo looking forward to this summer, it's already been amazing!!
xoxo's
natasha
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Gothic Craft Fair @ 1901 Gallery May 17
Two of Etsy's Darkside Street Team Members will be exibiting at this show...If you live in or around the city you should come visit us. The Nineteen Hundred & One Presents: The Gothic Beltane Craft Faire Sunday, May 17, 2009 1901 W. Belmont Ave. (entrance on Wolcott), Chicago 1pm-6pm All Ages $1 suggested donation Over 15 of Chicago's Gothic Crafters & Artists including: Lady Helene's Flames, DollFaced Horrors, GiGi Deluxe, Natasha Blue, Gothic Art Chicago, Pink Sprout 13, Erin, Lucy Van Horn of Carpe Noctem Accessories, Land Under Wave Jewelry, Cassandra Kimmel, The Little Toy Shop of Horrors, ~E~ & Many More. Coffee, Baked goods & Surprises. www.myspace.com/1901gothiccraftfair www.myspace.com/thenineteenhundredandone
Into the Mountains...Denver I'm talking to you!!
My wonderful BROTHOR works at a Tavern in Denver and my paintings will be on exhibit there soon!! Here's a sneak peak of some of my new pieces that will be available. Once all they arrive and are up for sale I will post all the info. I will have approx. 10 pieces available from $35-$100!
New Orleans or BUST!!!
In honor of cemeteries, swamps, all thing haunted and filled with bourbon I'm having a sale in my etsy store or through myspace! I'm offering free shipping on all orders over $25 from now until Sunday at midnight! Just email me before you checkout and i'll adjust the invoice. For orders placed through myspace just let me know what you want and I'll invoice you through paypal. Oh sweet sweet new orleans....
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Seattle!!
My adorable little skulls are now available at
Twilight Artist Collective in Seattle!
Go check 'em out if you're in the Seattle area!
Twilight Artist Collective:
1530 Post Alley # 4 Seattle, WA 98101
p 206.382.5520
4306 SW Alaska St. Seattle, WA 98116
p 206.933.2444
xoxo's
Monday, January 5, 2009
Love, Calaveras and Religious Icons
New for 2009!!! I reproduced three more of my paintings into high quality prints and I listed them on Etsy and on Ebay. Even though the originals are not listed as of yet, I will be listing them on my website soon...i promise. If anyone is interested in the original acrylic paintings on canvas, please email me for more info on the pieces.
Mary Magdalene
Amour
The Calaveras
for more information please visit
Mary Magdalene
Amour
The Calaveras
for more information please visit
Happy New Year!!!
Since we're starting off a new year, I decided to actually start blogging in my blog. I always seem to have so much to say, new items to post and I always want to spread the word about artists that make me drool. Starting today, I'm hoping to start the year off right and keep to my set goals and plans this year....and this little blog is one of them.
Here's some of my lovely little skulls...
Another one of my goals is to work on the website. It gets quite a few views on a weekly basis, I really have to get things in order over there. I feel like I've been so overwhelmed the past year and time flew by so quickly. Perhaps this week I will dedicate to updating them interwebs.
If you'd like head on over there, peruse the layout, any fresh ideas or comments would be most appreciated!!
http://www.iheartskeletons.com
I hope you all had a safe & happy holiday season,
xoxo's
natasha
Here's some of my lovely little skulls...
| Etsy Buy Handmade NatashaBlue |
Another one of my goals is to work on the website. It gets quite a few views on a weekly basis, I really have to get things in order over there. I feel like I've been so overwhelmed the past year and time flew by so quickly. Perhaps this week I will dedicate to updating them interwebs.
If you'd like head on over there, peruse the layout, any fresh ideas or comments would be most appreciated!!
http://www.iheartskeletons.com
I hope you all had a safe & happy holiday season,
xoxo's
natasha
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