T(shirt) Time!

Would you like some T?  Not the beverage but unique artistic T-shirts and just in time for Spring/Summer!  Now that it’s FINALLY warming up it’s time to refresh your wardrobe with these cool shirts featuring original artwork by, who else?…me!

These 100% pre-shrunk cotton shirts come in all sizes, kids and adults!  Available colors are white, gray and black (white only for women’s cut T’s).  And they start at only $20 ea. (INCLUDING s/h)!!  Add +$5 each for XXL.  Add +$5 ea. for gray shirt,  +$7 ea. black shirt.   Add +$6 ea. for women’s cut.  Here’s a sampling of my designs:

T-shirt Designs (c)Lauren Curtis

You can see more samples on:

http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt

http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com

Custom design orders welcome!  Reply to this blog or email me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com with any questions!

PAYPAL accepted to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com  (please use GIFT payment option if possible).  Checks/$ Orders mailed to:

Lauren Curtis

P.O. Box 193

Franklin Park, NJ  08823

Happy T-time!

Shameless art plug

Happy March, everyone…Spring is almost here and people will be coming out of hibernation so I thought it was time for a little shameless self-promo! I’m a full-time freelance artist who creates unique logos, promo/marketing material designs, book & CD covers, illustrations for publications (including children’s books) & more! So if you need to hire an artist for these services, I have reasonable rates, keep in regular communication w/ clients & always meet deadlines! You can see work samples here:
http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com/ (commercial & fine art)
http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com/ (cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)

That’s all for now but I’ll be posting a BIG art announcement next week!

Have a fun weekend.

A few design samples:

Design & Art Samples (c)Lauren Curtis

All paths lead to ART

Happy October, everyone!  It’s still pretty summery here in NJ but definitely getting cooler and some of the leaves are starting to turn…a beautiful time of year (+ there’s Halloween!!).  Hopefully some of you remember my recent post about a new gallery in Metuchen, NJ called Nails in the Wall (located in St. Luke’s Church)and the 1st art opening with the exhibit called One Stream/ Many Wells.  The reception was a huge success with a great turnout of people, delicious food, nice wines, live music and, of course, amazing artwork from artist from across the US & abroad!

I’m thrilled to have my photo, Enlightenment, included in this show!  It’s a 35mm B&W photo I took of a Buddha statue while I was visiting the spiritual Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY.  I digitally colored and enhanced the print and it’s become one of my top selling images and is also reproduced as greeting cards and t-shirts!

“Enlightenment” 35mm, digitally enhanced photo

I was so impressed with this new gallery space and the people who organized it!  If you’re in the Metuchen area, I urge you to check out this show, which runs for 3 months.  The diversity of the artwork is amazing yet it all centers around different forms of spirituality and religion but in an open-minded, universal way.

Here’s a short video shot during the opening reception…enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbr1Shc90Yo&feature=youtu.be

I’m happy to say my Enlightenment photo got a great response at the opening and if you’re interested in purchasing one, here’s the info:

$50 for a signed, matted 8×10   $75 for a signed, matted 11×14  (+s/h)

For greeting cards, they’re just $3 ea. (+s/h).  5 card minimum.

For t-shirts, they’re $25-$35 depending on size & color; S,M,LG,XL,XXL, 100% pre-shrunk cotton in white, gray or black.  Prices of shirts INCLUDE s/h!!

PAYPAL accepted to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com

Checks/$-orders to:

Lauren Curtis, P.O. Box 193, Franklin Park, NJ  08823

For all inquiries or orders feel free to email me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com

Thanks & Happy Autumn (or Spring if you’re on the other side of the globe!)

Menagerie of new stuff; art, jewelry & more

As we ease our way into the next season, I thought it would be a good time to sum up the summer with a general update of what my art-brain has been up to recently.  Being that I have a ton of exhibits and vending events coming up I’ve been working on a bunch of new stuff…new digital photo collages for my “X-RAYted” series,  new jewelry (one–of-a-kind!), new greeting card & t-shirt designs.  Though I hate to fall into it, the time is fast approaching where people start advertising for holiday gift sales so if you’re already getting into that mode, here are some items to consider…art gifts are unique, creative and mine are very affordable too!  Here’s a taste of what I’ve been up to artistically;

New digital photo collage “Brain COGnition”

Available as signed, matted &/or framed print, 8″x10″, 11″x14″, 16″x20″, price ranges; $50 – $200 depending on size and framing. (+s/h)

Brain COGnition digital photo collage (c)2012

Here are three new 1-of-a-kind necklaces I made recently.  Goth/Steampunk style with vintage beads and metal charms.  Necklaces $25 ea., choker $23 (+s/h).

New 1-of-a-kind necklaces by Lauren Curtis featuring vintage beads & metal, gothic charms.

And finally, these original photo pieces are available as prints ($25-$75), greeting cards ($3 each) & t-shirts ($20-$30 each) depending on size & color; 100% pre-shrunk cotton, S,M,L,XL,XXL, white, black, gray), (+s/h).

Photographic art available as shirts, cards & signed prints.

Oh, and one final thing to share…here’s a photo from the Facebook Friends Art Exhibit at the ArtPride NJ Gallery…I had 4 paintings in this show which comes down 9/13/12.  Then the pieces will be at the Arts In the Park Juried Art Fest on 9/30 in Highland park, NJ (free outdoor event!)

PAYPAL is accepted for all purchases to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com  (please select “GIFT” payment option).

Checks/$ orders made out to me & sent to P.O. Box, 193, Franklin Park, NJ  08823

Me and my work at the Annual Facebook Friends Exhibit, ArtPride NJ Gallery, Burlington, NJ

Enjoy the final days of summer…

~Lauren

 

Art Auction! Original painting, great price.

Trying something new! I need to make room for the new artwork I’m creating so would love to sell some older pieces. Here’s an original acrylic painting with an actual found buffalo bone attached (no animals harmed to make this piece!). It’s 32″x35″ and is called “Buffalo of Abundance”.  The acrylic is given a stone-like texture because I painted over a coating of pumice first.  The buffalo is a symbol of abundance in  Native American mythology…maybe it will bring prosperity into your life!?

I’m curious to see how bidding would go…the starting price is $500 for this one-of-a-kind, large painting! If you’re interested, post a comment or send a message to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com with your offer. S/H not included but if you’re local we can arrange pick up for free!  Paypal accepted!      ~Lauren

Buffalo of Abundance (c)Lauren Curtis original acrylic painting with found buffalo bone.

To Fest or not to Fest; an artist’s dilemma

Happy Summer (for those of you in my hemisphere…otherwise, happy winter)!  Despite the bizarre weather patterns across the globe, summer is in full force in good ol’ New Jersey and we’ve been getting plenty of hot, steamy, sunny days..but we haven’t been free of rain and when does it seem to hit most??  Well, when I have an outdoor art fest to do, of course!

Now there’s nothing quite like going through the stress and strain of setting up a professional looking both at an art event only to feel those annoying drops of rain begin to fall RIGHT AFTER everything’s ready to go!!  Then it’s “QUICK!  GET THE TARP….PROTECT THE ART!!!”  Don’t get me wrong; I really enjoy doing art fests of all sorts.  They’re an excellent way to sell and get exposure for your work, to network with other artists and potential new clients and collectors, and it’s extremely satisfying to win an award!  (I’m happy to say I won a cash award in the last three juried art fests I’ve done over the last year!  YAY!).  But many people don’t realize the hard work it is to do an art fest, especially outside when you’re constantly worried about the weather…and not just rain…but wind, heat, cold, humidity…it’s a rare and lucky occasion when you stumble upon that perfect day!  And of course, the weather (& weather predictions) dictate the crowd that’ll show up for the event.

But, as a full time artist, I highly recommend giving art fests a try…especially local ones as it’s a great way to get your work seen by your community.  It also builds your mailing list and your resume and can lead not only to sales but to other exhibit opportunities as well!

So, I guess it’s not as much of a dilemma after all…except when you’re watching the news and the weather person says those dreaded words; “Looks like thunderstorms will hit the area by 11am tomorrow…” which is, of course, the time when your event is due to begin!  But, they can be wrong and you can still take the chance and come out on top…although it doesn’t hurt to pray to the weather gods to be on your side that day!

See you at the fest…check http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt  & this blog  for updates on my upcoming art events.

Take care,

Lauren

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P.S. I have no idea why the photo of me & my award shows up sideways…file is saved right-side up..it’s a computer mystery!

Jersey June Art Events; Fun & Free!

It’s hard to believe Summer is almost officially here but feels like Nature has kicked it in already in NJ.  And that also means the fun, free outdoor art fests begin as well as some exciting gallery exhibits and here are the ones I’m involved with this June…hope you can join me!

Two Artist Show at Artisanal Tattoo, Somerville, NJ featuring the travel photography of Lauren Curtis and digital drawings of Ingrid Hansen

TWO ARTIST SHOW AT ARTISANAL TATTOO STUDIO
I hope you’ll join me & Ingrid for our eclectic exhibit featuring my photographs of “cities of the dead” from across the globe (New Orleans, Prague, Pompeii & more!), and Ingrid’s creative digital drawings which capture the imagination.  Snacks & beverages (alcoholic & non) served, feel free to BYOB as well; bring friends to this FREE EVENT, 6/16/12, 8-11:30pm, 26 Davenport St., Somerville, NJ.  This exhibit will be up for a month after the opening party.

I’ll also be showing/selling artwork, original t-shirts & greeting cards & more at these FREE outdoor art fests:

EAST BRUNSWICK NJ’S ANNUAL JURIED OUTDOOR ART FEST
For the last few years I’ve participated in this family friendly art event..& even won a 1st prize last year!  So I hope you’ll join me on SAT. JUNE 9 (raindate the 10th) 10am-4pm at The Municipal Pond on Ryders Ln. in E. Brunswick again this year to see fine arts & crafts from local artists.  Beautiful outdoor setting around the pond…

METUCHEN JUNEBUG ART FESTS
Friday nights in Metuchen, NJ are transformed into a town-wide art fest with original art & fine crafts from local artists, food, music & more!  I’ll be vending on Fri. June 22 & 29, 6-10pm.  I’ll also have photographs exhibited in To Be Continued Bookshop for this event. Just walk down Main Street & it’s side streets for an art-filled night! 

Hope to see you at these events and thanks for reading,
~Lauren
http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com(commercial & fine art)
http://www.laurencurtisart.mosaicglobe.com(fine art, photography, art updates)
http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com(cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)
http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt(Facebook Fan Page)

 

Be original…give art for the holidays!

UNIQUE ART GIFTS: HOLIDAY ART SALE!

HOLIDAY PHOTOGRAPHY SALE!
Hard to believe the holidays are again upon us and with the economy the way it is, it’s tough to find affordable gifts that are also unique and creative…but fear not!  I’m having my annual HOLIDAY ART SALE so you can find someone that special gift without spending a fortune! I have a wide selection of signed photographs (matted or matted & framed) so you can select an image that’s a perfect fit for your friends’ and family’s interests.  Nature, Travel, Wildlife, color, B&W, digital, and more…
PHOTO SIZES:  5×7 matted to 8×10  & 8×10 matted to 11×14  (for framed pieces, email me for details).  Samples of my work on http://www.laurencurtisart.mosaicglobe.com
SALE:  10% OFF on purchases of $10 – $50
20% OFF on purchases of $51+ up!
Checks, $ orders & Paypal accepted. + s/h   To order, just reply to this blog! PLEASE PLACE ORDERS ASAP TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY…THANKS!

HOLIDAY GREETING CARD SALE!
AND OF COURSE YOU’LL NEED UNIQUE GREETING CARDS THIS SEASON…I have a wide selection of Christmas, Hanukkah and Holiday cards available!  Large cards are $3 ea. (Parchment cards) & $4 ea. (glossy cards) & small cards are $3 each!  I also have matching t-shirts for several of these holiday designs!  See more on the cards/shirts page on http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com
SALE:  10% OFF on purchases of $10 – $50
20% OFF on purchases of $51+ up!
Checks, $ orders & Paypal accepted. + s/h   To order, just reply to this blog! PLEASE PLACE ORDERS ASAP TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY…THANKS!

EXCITING NEWS
Stay tuned for info. about my upcoming TV APPEARANCE & RADIO INTERVIEW!!  More about that very soon as well as upcoming art exhibits and events!  Thanks again for reading and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
~Lauren

Meadowlands Field Trip; Nature’s Reclamation!

This past Monday I went on a field trip with a local Central NJ artist group (Highland Park Artist Collective) and we took a guided open boat ride through the Meadowlands.  This area is often considered the “typical” New Jersey…you know, industrial, smoke stacks, highway exit signs, old bridges, pollution…and while all this remains true there is also a lot of natural beauty to be found here!

Our knowledgeable Captain/tour-guide sailed us along the Hackensack River and through the Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management area where we learned about the fast growing native grasses and rushes as well as spotting many NJ species of birds.  Surrounded by industrial buildings and highways, here, Nature is reclaiming what was once Hers…she’s covering over ugly landfills and polluted areas with tough plant life that refuses to take no for an answer!  Herons, ducks, geese and other bird species were seen going about their Autumnal business as we calmly sailed by.  Despite some rain, it was an enjoyable and educational journey and the juxtaposition of man-made metal giants with the natural, organic landscape provided many beautiful photo opportunities.

We glided under old steel bridges like the Pulaski Skyway (which I heard is one of the most dangerous bridges in the area!) and sailed by refineries,  but the birds and other wildlife seemed unfazed and continue to thrive despite what humans have done to thwart their survival.  This tour, hosted by the NJ Meadowlands Commission at DeKorte Park Plaza (www.njmeadowlands.gov) can be taken by anyone who books one and the commission also offers many other nature/wildlife sites and experiences.  I highly recommend that anyone who has a misconception of this area of NJ, or all those interested in local wildlife, should visit and experience it for themselves…it’s truly a welcomed surprise and attests to the fact that New Jersey is still the Garden State…even near the turnpike exits!

Here are some photos I shot during this adventure…

Farewell Summer, Welcome Autumn!

Hard to believe we’re counting down the final hours of Summer and will soon welcome Autumn (Fall, Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox…).  Despite the fact that the weather in the US’s East Coast Tri-State Area is still warm and balmy, we can’t stop Mother Nature from marching on with Fall.  I do love the cooler, crisp air, the changing colors of the leaves, the bright Autumn flowers and gourds but I will miss summer and I do get melancholy when I think about how fast the seasons pass by!

So, in honor of, and in ode to, Summer here are some photos from two NJ excursions I made this year to Keyport’s beach and to the big, annual North Brunswick Carnival.  To me, these are some images that exemplify the colors, sights and sounds of this passing season and I hope you’ll enjoy them and bid farewell to one season and welcome in the next (and after all, Halloween/Samhain is my favorite holiday!!).

Thanks for reading!

~Lauren

P.S. Signed prints available.  Please contact me for info.!