by Percy Cat | Oct 9, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, custom art & design, General optimism, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
In yesterday’s blog, I shared the first pattern based on the Zebra Long Wing Butterflies.
The next step for me (my business side of art) is adapting it for a variety of products and applications.
The Zebra Long Wing pattern would be ideal for textiles: I can imagine a table setting with napkins and runners using a combination of solid colors to accent the pattern. Pillows and chair covers would be a possibility too.
Since I have my own line of bags and a Cafepress shop, I’ve already put together a casual tote bag, a hipster style and a couple of iphone cases. Tomorrow I’ll work on the web pages for these.*
This blog challenge…
is magnifying how time intensive it is to genuinely share my process of observing the delightful creatures, plants, sounds, movements, smells, and changes of light and shadows in nature.
I want to share how what I observe turns into the art and designs that I am compelled to create.
The zebra butterflies are no longer just pretty little winged creatures flying around my garden. They have a story. They have a vibration and I literally feel their colors, the beauty of their patterns, the magnificence of their fluttering flights and their dance of life. My connection to their energy becomes the muse, and once this is engaged, I am in the flow. I become a part of the ever expanding story of the colors, the butterflies, the cocoon, the bamboo, the raindrops and the art. I am in the dance and it is pure joy.
*Suggestions?
What do you think about a special sale on all of these products to celebrate the 30 day Social Media Club of South Florida’s blog challenge? Let me know in the comments. I’m open to suggestions.
Perhaps a giveaway at the end of the 30 days?
by Percy Cat | Oct 8, 2012 | ART, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, eco green, General optimism, interests, Miami, my garden, nature's energy
Raindrops were glimmering through the morning fog and an odd looking creature was hanging from the bamboo leaves next to my driveway. As my family and friends know, I can never resist a closer look at something that moves, makes a sound or has an unusual shadow, shape, or smell.
The “creature” turned out to be three Zebra Long Wing Butterflies. Two males, sexually aroused and not so patiently, waiting for the young female to emerge from her cocoon. I originally thought they were either dining on some other unknown creature or assisting the young lady in unfurling her wings, but further research* suggested that mating with a newly emerged female is part of the dance of life for these butterflies. The female releases a pheromone as she is unfurling her virgin wings and the males have excellent pheromone sensors. This also made sense as to why so many other males were fluttering around the same branch practically knocking the perched males off the bamboo branch.
Of course, since today was the first day of Social Media Club South Florida’s 30 day blog challenge…
this would be my topic – with images and oh yes, even a new design based on the Zebra butterflies. Well, about 7 hours later (I did accomplish other things in this time and realize it is essential to pare this way down for future posts, but as often happens, the project took on a life of its own) I’m finally putting all of the pieces together and getting this on my blog!
I invite you to share the beauty, power and magic of your garden or neighborhood in a comment with a photo on this post, or by email to debra (at) debracortese.com
Enjoy the beauty, power and magic of nature every day!
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*Susan Leach Snyder has provided a great resource on Zebra Long Wing Butterflies (the official Florida state butterfly) on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida website.
by Percy Cat | Feb 11, 2011 | ART, Art events, Coconut Grove, General optimism, Miami, nature's energy
Artist Rosie Brown with her "Nassau Daddy" peacock at unveiling in Coconut Grove's Village West
Very happy I attended ‘Nassau Daddy’s’ unveiling this morning in Coconut Grove! It was so much more than a display of Peacock Art. There was a tangible sense of community, of history and cultural collaboration. Village West certainly knows how to appreciate, and honor, all of the collaborative energy that went into creating this particularly iconic work of art! Welcome to Coconut Grove “Nassau Daddy” Peacock, and congratulations to artist Rosie Brown; Coconut Grove Peacock Tour creator, Heather Bettner; Coconut Grove Collaborative and Pinnacle Housing Group – sponsors of Nassau Daddy.
more photos:
coloful Junkanoo musicians and dancers celebrating Nassau Daddy peacock
fabulous Junkanoo fashions!
Phil Brown, husband of artist, Rosie Brown and number 1 videographer for many Grove art events!
For more info see today’s Coconut Grove Grapevine article and more photos and check out the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour website.
If you stop to see Nassau Daddy, be sure to check out “The Cookie Lady” right across the street at 3701 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. Homemade cookies, cakes and more for very afforadable prices and delightful treats 🙂
by Percy Cat | Oct 1, 2010 | ART, art business, Art events, Coconut Grove, nature's energy, paintings
Just back from hanging my ‘wall’ as featured artist for the month of October at GroveHouse Gallery in Coconut Grove, FL.
Tomorrow night is the monthly Coconut Grove Art Walk and I can feel it is going to be an exciting one! So many galleries and artists participating, even a ballet performance, magicians, and of course food and wine will be everywhere. Hope to see you at the opening reception at GroveHouse Gallery on the Promenade next to Comedy Club – starts at 7 pm, Sat. Oct 2!
Please do comment on the new mixed media paintings. I don’t paint nearly as often as I’d like to, but I sure did enjoy every minute of creating these 🙂 All paintings are for sale. Visit them at the gallery or contact me: debra@debracortese.com
by Percy Cat | Sep 29, 2010 | ART, art business, Art events, Coconut Grove, Miami, Miami Beach, nature's energy, paintings
MUSIC, DANCE, SCANDALS, MYSTERY & 100 YEARS of HISTORY
Many of you know that in addition to creating art, presenting art business workshops, and designing handbags, I’ve also been working with Arts at St Johns on design and marketing projects. One in particular took on a life of its own, went through several incarnations and a year of intense work by teams of people. That project, “Miami Beach – the MUSICAL”, premieres this weekend at Arts at St Johns’ home theatre (also the sanctuary in St. John’s Methodist Church) at 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL . Performances start at 8 pm on Friday, Oct 1 and Saturday, Oct 2 and there’s a matinee on Sunday, Oct 3 at 3 pm. Tickets are $25 at the door, but I strongly suggest you order in advance to save $5 and to be sure you have a seat!
$20 tickets online at www.miamibeachthemusical.com
Also as I’m writing this, just listened to WLRN’s Under the Sun program as Alicia Zuckerman interiews Miami Beach – the MUSICAL Director, David Kingery, along with Wendy Unger and Leo Casino (both have stories & cameo appearances in the show).
This all original production is directed by David Kingery, who has incorporated historical research by Dr. Carol Hoffman-Guzman, dozens of real stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE – the history of Miami Beach Facebook pages and so much more into an entertaining and poignant story, complete with original music by South Florida composers Andrew Sargent, David Cohen and lyricist,
On October 1, 2 & 3, 2010, the Arts at St Johns presents the World Premiere of this all-original musical production at their theater (also the sanctuary in St. John’s Methodist Church) at 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL .
Performances start at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday night and there is a matinee on Sunday at 3 pm.
Tickets are $25 at the door, and $20 online at www.miamibeachthemusical.com
and of course… the ART!
Time for me to get back to work!
Finishing a new series of mixed media paintings for my ‘wall’ as GroveHouse Artist of the Month. Opening reception is Saturday night at 7pm (so I’ll be in Grove Sat. night to meet you and share the ‘blues’ – sneak peak of art progress posted below) and we also have a new ‘RED & GREEN’ grid show opening that night plus the fabulous art of dozens of GroveHouse Artists!
Hope to see you at GroveHouse Art on Saturday, or at Miami Beach – the MUSICAL on Fri or Sun!
Morning Glory Blues mixed media by Debra Cortese - still working on this!
by Percy Cat | Aug 6, 2010 | ART, art business, Art events, Art Licensing, Art Marketing Salon, Coconut Grove, Miami, Miami Art Marketing Salon, Miami Beach, nature's energy, Press Release
If you’re an artist in the Miami area and would like to know more about the business of licensing your art, you may be interested in a workshop that I’ll be presenting in Coconut Grove and on Miami Beach titled: The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists.
Sweet Sprouts -garden art by Debra Cortese
A bit of background information:
In 2009, I facilitated the highly successful 8 week ‘Art Marketing Salon‘ based on the book, “I’d Rather Be In The Studio.” by art business coach, Alyson B. Stanfield. Over two dozen people (artists, curators, and agents) participated in the Art Salons which culminated with an outstanding Summer Salon Art Exhibit and Fashion Show on June 6, 2009 at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery in Coconut Grove, FL.
As the Art Marketing Salon was coming to an end, we briefly touched on the subject of art licensing and about half of the artists said they would be interested in learning more about this topic. Since this is a subject dear to my heart and work, I made a verbal commitment to the group and myself to develop an art licensing workshop. After months and months of reading, researching, and networking, I realized one workshop would not even come close to covering the subject. So now, 14 months later, I’m putting the final touches on the first three workshops which will begin later this month starting with the introductory session: The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists. I’m offering the introductory session at $15 per person because I want artists to have enough information to decide if art licensing is something they want to pursue. The progressive sessions will explore key topics more thoroughly with specific research and creative assignments to help each artist move forward and create a portfolio of work specifically geared to the business of licensing art on a variety of consumer products.
The material I’ll be presenting is based on my personal experience and a good portion is based on the work of artist Tara Reed and her Art Licensing Info business. I’ve been following Tara for over 2 years and highly recommend that any artist interested in learning more about licensing your art follow her blog and listen in on her free, Ask Calls where she conducts live interviews with many of the top selling licensed artists in the country.
Tara Reed interview with artist Paul Brent
If you’re an artist in the Miami area and would like to know more about the business of licensing your art, here is the link to full details on “The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists” which will be presented in two locations, one on Miami Beach and another in Coconut Grove, Florida.
If you are not able to attend the workshops and want access to some of the most informative and useful information available on how to get started in art licensing, I highly recommend Tara’s eBook, “How to Get Started in Art Licensing”.
NOTE: I may earn a commission on products that you purchase from following a link that I recommend and I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe in. This is another way for an independent artist/entrepreneur to earn money and continue doing the kinds of work you love. It’s also a good topic for another workshop 😉
by Percy Cat | Jul 19, 2010 | Bag of the Month Giveaway, Bag of the Week SALE, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, Cortese Designs Bag of the Month, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
click for larger view and Trunk Show information
Thanks to Just Ask Boo, I recently connected with Maria Lesseur owner of Market Boutique just in time to participate in this Saturday’s first TRUNK SHOW. I’ll be joining some fabulous area designers: Soy Delicious Candles, Lexi Jewelry, Mary Maalouf, Andrea Guillard Viamonte, Jimmy Vee, Paper Squid, Beauty by Arbonne, and Bead’s by Daisy. We will all be showing our latest fashions, accessories and products so this is a terrific opportunity to see so many designers all in one location.
Not only will you get to sip delicious cocktails and see great new fashions, you will also be helping young women transition from foster care to safe, afforadable, independent living with the services of.Casa Valentina.
Market Boutique is located at 8851 SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33176
click map image for larger view
Sippin’ & Shoppin’ for a Good Cause
Saturday, July 24th from 1 to 4 pm at MARKET BOUTIQUE
SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33176 right across from The FALLS.
For a preview of Cortese Design Bags visit www.cortesedesignbags.com
by Percy Cat | May 27, 2010 | Animals, ART, art business, Art events, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, cortese design handbags, Miami, nature's energy
Peacock Reflections
archival print by Debra Cortese is now on display at GroveHouse Artists.
I mentioned in previous post (see below) that the Peacock Casual Tote and matching Clutch Purse would be ready for the launch party this Saturday. I really lucked out because this is my designated week for the window easel and of course just had to frame a Peacock Reflection design 😉
Here’s the rundown on the Peacock Launch Party: (I ran into Heather Bettner just as I finished placing the art and bags in the gallery and she was delivering the cards for the event. Perfect timing!)
The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour 2010
Saturday, May 29th 5pm to 11 pm
Shoppes at Mayfair Promenade
(along Grand Ave, just before Mary Street)
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
All of the wonderful, painted, 7 foot tall Peacocks by artists Fred Hunt, Andra Ruggeri, Pablo Cano, Ed King, Erika King, Lebo, Eileen Seitz, Romero Britto, Dan Bondroff, Nancy Martini, Meme Ferre, St. Stephen’s, Sauma, Sylvia Modica, Gina Hubler and George Rodez will be on display before they go out on the streets for the summer.
Check Coconut Grove Grapevine , Martini Eco Artist and One Ear Society blogs for peacock painting photos and videos. The Peacock Tour website is: www.coconutgrovepeacocktour.com
and you can call: 305.775.0113 for more info about this (and future) creative community projects.
There will be Live Music by Fire Brigade, Dancing with DJ Boogieman George, Catering by Potions in Motion and Fresh Market.
Hope to see you dancing on the streets in the Grove this Saturday night! Be sure to stop in at GroveHouse Artists and say hello 🙂
Cortese Design Peacock Casual Tote Bags & matching clutch Purse are available online at:
https://www.debracortese.com/peacockbags.html
or call 305.298.2023
by Percy Cat | May 16, 2010 | ART, art business, Art events, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, cortese design handbags, Miami, nature's energy
Just finished “Peacocks” inspired by all of the wonderful Coconut Grove Peacocks (art & live birds) and encouraged by Heather Bettner – thank you for the nudge, and AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt 😉
NEW Cortese Design ‘Peacocks’ Casual Tote Bag
Dimensions: 15″W x 13″H x 6″D
and Matching Clutch with wrist strap
Dimensions: 7″W x 5″H x 1″D
PEACOCKS
Large Casual Tote Bag & Matching Clutch
Visit Cortese Designs to see all bags styles and designs
For more info on this or other Cortese Design Bags, email:
cortesedesigns@debracortese.com
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