Product development or play time??

Recently I've had some time to play around with new product ideas and it's been a lot of fun! Several people have asked me about Art Nosherie stationery and I have finally created some and listed it in my Etsy shop. Click here to view the item on Etsy! They are sold in sets of five cards/envelopes of the most popular AN designs. I am also looking into canvas reproductions of my original work, so that you can purchase artwork on canvas at a more affordable price!

I am also working on creating unique one-of-a-kind cards and envelopes that will be available at my next art show, the St. Louis Artists Boutique in Kirkwood March 1&2!

I hope to see you there! :)

Snowy St. Louie!

About a week ago, St. Louie got a foot of snow! I absolutely love when the world is covered in a big white blanket and takes a bit of time to breathe. Something about its peacefulness reminds me of the old days. I love taking the dogs for a walk down the street and snapping pictures of a winter wonderland.

I hope that all of the snow gave you a chance to relax, sit by a fire, and stay warm!

Hello new readers!

Hi there, new readers! I'm sure that many of you have recently found me through a story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I want to say thank you for visiting and for the wonderful response to the story! I wanted to let you know that I will be doing another art giveaway sometime in the next month or so via my artist Facebook page, so if you'd like, follow this link to "like" my page!

facebook.com/KateStierenArt

In case you don't receive the Post and would like to read the story, here is a link to the story on STL Today. 

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/made-in-st-louis-art-teacher-paints-with-treasures/article_898d5725-c720-595c-a484-96731f96fd54.html 

A huge thank you to Karen Deer for such a wonderful story! :)

Oh me oh my!

The only thing I can say is - oh my!!! Where has the year gone? These past few months have been some of the busiest of my life. I was teaching art and English in South Korea right up until the first day of the semester, moved, started my last semester of grad school, Mark left for the Marines :(, and bam - here we are, the first day of 2014. I could not be more pleased with my first year of adventures as an artist - and I am so thankful for all of you and your support in my creative endeavors! I feel so blessed to have been able to pursue my passion and create work as an artist. I thought a great way to reflect on 2013 would be to share some of the things that inspired me as an artist.

1. Nature. Whenever I'm in a creative rut. I'm always inspired by going for a run in the park or around town. It helps me clear my mind and get inspired.

2. Working with fabulous students in the art classroom! I love seeing young students learn about themselves and the world through their artwork. 

3. Exploring new cities. I love all of the architecture, food and culture to be explored in new places.

4. New adventures! This summer we attempted to learn how to sail. It was a blast. However, I can not be trusted to take anyone on a sailing trip any time soon. ;)

5. Traveling. For anyone who knows me, traveling is one of my other passions. It's so exciting to visit places I've never been!

6. Taking time to play! Whenever life gets too crazy - there's nothing better than carving in a little time for play. Especially if you can find a backyard swing!

7. Art shows! I love the environment of art shows - so many creative people in one place! 

8. Fresh peonies from my mama's garden.

9. Trying new types of art. This past semester I took a sculpture class and I can't deny -  it was challenging. I never expected that I would have to sculpt a live figure from clay.

10. Dollhouse furniture and other such treasures. It has been a delight to explore the world of mixed media and all of the objects that can be brought to life through artwork. Old letters, postcards, stamps, charms, you name it.

My New Year's resolution for 2014 is to post to my art blog more. I want to share more about my process and life as an artist. When I first began thinking of myself as an artist, I loved to read the beginning of other artists' blogs - how it all got started. I wish everyone a fabulous 2014 and I hope that you take time to explore your passions, too! :)

-kate