falling down

I took a walk today after lunch, but I promised myself that I would take photos of some fauna along the walk so I could draw it when I came back home. Everything in my life relates back to making myself make more and more new work... it's kind of great!

Also if you know anyone that wants to hire me to draw them some leaves..... well... let me know.

Since this doesn't seem like a big enough post, here's a little Spotify playlist I've been working on. My charming upstairs neighbor and I are planning a little fall feast for this Saturday, and I'm taking it upon myself to play some melancholy, changing of the season, warm blanket and some hot apple cider tunes. Do you have any good additions to this playlist?

performance anxiety

nude with skeleton / source 

I'm working on a piece for the next Light Grey Art Lab show called Girls: Fact or Fiction. Each artist chose a real or imagined woman and is doing a portrait of her. After thinking for a long time about the many ladies I love, I decided upon a challenge. Marina Abramovic (a-bra-moh-vitch, in case you were wondering) is considered one of the most influential performance artists of all time, and even if you're not a big fan of performance art I can guarantee her work is going to move you.

rest energy / source

A lot of her work deals with the limits of the body and the role of the observer. Some of it gets a little hairy - she wasn't afraid of hurting herself for the sake of art.  If you're really curious about her you should watch this UH-MAZE-ING documentary made about her most recent show at the MOMA: the Artist is Present. Here's a trailer, which is pretty NSFW, by the by.

Trailer - Marina Abramovic The Artist is Present from Show of Force on Vimeo.

Bryan and I were lucky enough to catch this show when we visited New York last year. The featured piece, where Marina sits in front of volunteer audience members without speaking during all open gallery hours, was powerful. There's even a tumblr dedicated to all the people who sat across from Marina and shed a couple tears.

It's going to be a challenge to create a deserving portrait of this amazing and talented woman, that's for sure!!

oh, did I forget to mention that she is totally gorrrrgeous dahling? /  source

open ended

Who says Spring is the only season for fresh starts? I'm claiming Fall as my official season of new beginnings, doors opening, etc. Yesterday was my final day at my office job. Can you believe it? I've had that job for two and half years! I'll miss the lovely company, steady money, and seeing my work out in the world... but it's time for something new.

Starting today I am officially a full-time freelance illustrator and designer. AHHHHHHHhhh!! So... you know... if you have any design or illustration needs... hit me up! etrithart (at) gmail (dot) com! www.emmatrithart.com! Let's work together.

You can also expect posts from me in the coming months about freelance life and redecorating for a home office. Because, you know, it'll be fun.

hair raising

sources: 1 2 3 a b c

Alright folks. You may have already seen this on my facebook page, but I have my sights set on new hair. So what do you think about my color (top row) and cut (bottom row) options? Undercut? grow my bangs out and get some layers? SHORT?

And, in case you forgot what my face looks like, here's an example taken via the very technologically advanced webcam method. My hair is getting SO LONG EEK.

copy pastry

This morning I rolled up my sleeves, found the simplest scone recipe I could and set to work. I've never made scones before, and it was a little messy, but they came out nicely. Surely, they're not perfect triangle shaped wedges, but generally if you throw a little pumpkin pie spice into any baked good I find myself not caring so much about the shape. Apple butter on top, and you're good to go.

This is a big week for me, but the weeks after will be even bigger. More to come.

castle crashers

When Marisa contacted me about doing a piece for the Ten Paces & Draw Miyazaki swap, all I could think was "YAY, how fitting!". After all, I've been doing those little Miyazaki style posts. And boy, was it meant to be. 
The sketch I got from Liz was AWESOME, and I had such a good time drawing the pink haired, granny collar wearin', bad ass pirate queen Dola from Castle in the Sky. Chelsey also did such great things with the sketch I provided.  Seriously guys, go check out this swap NOW.