Save the date!

Getting ready for the next event!

The Shape of Things To Come

Right now our album is being made into little round cd shapes and in 2 weeks we'll have em in our hot little hands! This is just an 11 song debut, a history of all the songs we've written together with our old drummer Chuck Spurlock who is no longer in the band. Putting out this album has taken it's toll to be sure but I think we're ready to move forward up the mountain with our new drummer Guyton and get this record heard. We pressed a small 500 run so if anyones interested in getting this album let me know, we havent even discussed how much we're charging but it won't be expensive.
We had our first practice in 9 months yesterday and it wasn't as catastrophic as I thought it would be. However I did learn two things, one...my fingers ain't what they used to be and two...my guitar needs to go to the hospital finally. Alignment, intonation, the whole 9 yards....poor baby. My gigging amp is blown as well so being in a band ain't cheap! ;-(
Aside from getting this album out I'm juggling the June ART&COFEE show coming up as well as Gingerama in the same weekend. It's a good thing I have vacation next week, I think Im taking 2 solid days to work on record art before pushing it all aside for some R&R. Ok maybe 3 days...I know myself too well.
Remind me to post my hiking adventure here...let's just say it was not my intention to try and kill my boyfriend and there is a magical princess on a dashing steed who makes an appearance as well! Interested in The Shapes? We're linked in the sidebar of my blog!

PUBLISHED!

Just got my copy of the Wichita Falls Literature and Art Review and had a good old fashioned jump for joy. I'm officially PUBLISHED! Such a special moment for an artist! My piece "telescope" was reproduced in wonderful vibrant color alongside a bunch of great art and poetry and writing. Such a thrill! Big thanks to the art editor Richard Carter for finding something in my work he liked.
Prints are available of "telescope" in my etsy shop for $12 and I hand sign each one.
;-) Happy day!

Prime Time

Yesterday I spent the morning priming records and the better part of the afternoon doing two orders. A friend of mine requested her Chinese zodiac animal-A Tiger, to be put on a record and here is the end result
Tiger&Blossom
which I posted on facebook and immediately got a ton of feedback on. Now I have some more orders in the queue for Tiger&Blossom and it also sparked some custom orders. Busy bee over here! I am really gonna need that week of vacation thats coming up in less than 2 weeks!
I have to get ready for the June Art&Coffee that's hosted by ArtLoveMagic and a friend of mine is also talking to me about doing a few vinyl pieces for an impromptu show (more details TBA) in June. June is going to be a happening month. I'm gonna try to crack out a record order every evening until I'm caught up.
(Want to pre-order a Tiger&Blossom? $40 I'll be updating my facebook group with instructions on pre-orders this week!)

Studio Life

Clean sweep! Yesterday I tackled my studio and cleaned, straightened, rearranged and organized and I can't tell you how good it feels to walk into a room and feel inspired to create again. My studio is also my dining room but I have made it work for the purpose of a studio-as we broke starving artists must do.
I have my big window back and lots of light streaming in and it really did make me smile when I walked in there this morning. I can start on some projects today feeling like there is one less thing to tackle on my list.
I have decided I need to make a lightbox. It's been a long time coming. I won't get to it today but maybe next week. It makes your photos so much more professional looking.
Today I pass off all the files for The Shapes album. It's hard to believe at long last this thing is finally going to be released. If I think about all that has to be done in that regard I will drive myself crazy so for today just enjoying a day off, working on some more records and hopefully a long gorgeous walk in the Texas sunshine.

oranges and merengue

Finally a day off and the sicky spell I've been under seems to be going away. Woke up today full of creative energy so I think I will tackle my studio today. Sold a L'Orange and have to make another for a customer. I am loving that I now have a working printer to help me with my fonts and designs, the possibilities just grew by leaps and bounds!
Woke up to an email- someone wants to give me a stash of their old records. BY ALL MEANS! Please pawn off your Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Loverboy and Hall and Oates on me..I will turn them into recycled record art and they will be loved once again!
I have also discovered a better way to attach the hangers on the backs of the records. Good ol' glue gun, is there nothing you can't do? So the records are just getting better with time and hopefully I'll have some time to work on a canvas soon. Theres a big juicy blank canvas sitting in my studio and I'm itching for some gallery time.
Speaking of which, I have had the pleasure of meeting up with an Art group in town called ArtLoveMagic that just seems to be doing the most amazing stuff. They throw art, music, live performance shows and they all seem very inclusive and open minded and dedicated to giving opportunities to artists wherever they can. Really?! In Dallas?!
I was fortunate to meet up with one of the founders over a big hunk of Norma's merengue pie and discuss the possibility of collaborating on something. I left with a good feeling in my gut that at long last I have met some people with some common ground after dealing with a lot of negative, pretension and territorialism that seems so rampant in this city. This feels good and I expect some good stuff to arise from this. If anything I definitely left our meeting inspired and hopeful.
Reconnected with an old friend who is helping me get my website back up to speed. So thankful. So thankful for nice friends who pop out of the woodwork with a smile and a helping hand. (Thank you Ryan Simpson!)
Hopefully my next post will find me telling you about The Shapes album thats about to be released. Heres a teaser photo of the cover...I really can't wait to get this thing OUT it's been years working on this thing and it only clocks in at like 31 minutes or something. Just a little heartfelt rock and roll album from a little band in Texas. Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

check the sidebar on the left for a link to The Shapes facebook page!

Quickie

Just wanted to update with a new vinyl record art-now listed in my etsy shop. Inspired by little seed packets and old retro floral prints...I think it would look nice in a kitchen above a spicy spice rack. Working on an orange flavored one and then it's time to get back to a commission I have- a tiger record. Roar!

electriclollipop

My website has been down since January so yesterday while I was home with the crud I called up the support team and got that thing back up. Granted, it's a slow work in progress and I'm having to start from scratch but the most basic of basic info is back up and that makes me feel a little better.
Some friends offered to help get it snazzy so looking forward to teaming up with people with know-how to accomplish that daunting task.
Home with the crud again, breathing and speaking hurt so I'm just gonna shut up and take meds and sleep most likely. I do so hate being sick!
But havent been a complete slog- posted a painting on Ebay because I hear people actually buy art on there, check thelisting and you'll see the painting up for auction.
Updated my flickr with some photos of the records and will try to be better about tagging, posting and updating...all this stuff you gotta do to keep your name and links out there. Promoting yourself is feeling like the hardest job on the planet right now. Looking into google analytics and trying to figure out the ins and outs of increasing traffic. Bored yet? Me too!
The crazy winds in Texas are kicking something sinister into my nasal caves and making it hard to concentrate-so with that I bid my dear readers adieu for the day. Keep creating and finding your inspiration in the most unseemly places!
When I return to blogsville I will update you on something cool on my calendar and a little info about a new arty group I've met up with that give me hope for this town yet!

Spring Cleaning

Down with allergies today but wanted to update the blog with my new banner! I have had the same banner at my etsy shop for a long time. So I have updated it a bit and will make some more to keep the shop looking fresh. I just added two new vinyl art records so if you've been wanting one grab em now!
Patiently waiting on my allergies to get in check so I have the energy to sit and work on stuff but thats what I have for now. Thanks for popping in and check out the new pieces!
http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com
http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com

Commencing Countdown Engines On

Gridwall is here! What is gridwall? Its that cagey looking stuff you see at little craft/art fairs or really anywhere someone is selling stuff. It's used to hang stuff on and soon it's going to be used to hang MY stuff on! It is starting to come together piece by piece, slowly but surely.
This weekend in between working, a friends crawfish boil and Mothers Day I plan to re-do my little working space in my dining room. I share it with my cats and it's in constant upheaval and right now it is just not working. I need the big window to sit by in order to be happy. I need the Spring sunshine coming in but right now that window is blocked with an ugly shelving unit. Time to make my space an inspirational place to work.
Aside from piece-mealing my little soon to be biz together I'm counting down the days until I can leap from the cliff of the workaday world and see if I can sink or swim. It's time to challenge myself and change it up. That and getting ready to release the Shapes album in a few weeks.
I am on day 58 of my countdown.
I have put the prints back in the shop and acquired a new scanner/printer...nothing fancy but should get the job of invoices, basic printing done, etc. Every week from here on out will be chipping away at the mountain little by little. Still scouting out consignment shops and various places to get the records in.

Happiness is a warm bun

I'm trying to be better about updating my blog as I work on getting my little business up and running. Yesterday I got my giant box of record mailing boxes! WOOHOO! Starting to look like a little biz around here. This morning I ordered my first roll of bubble wrap, a couple rolls of packing tape and my shipping supplies will be complete. Now I'm on the quest to research a good printer that will do some nice giclee printing so I can expand my shop into other areas and not just records. Going to learn screen printing this summer and branch out. Yesterday I got my first customer appreciation photo! So excited! That little bunny record was commissioned by a facebook friend who is starting his own little music lab and wanted it to be christened with a bunny art record. He sent me a great photo and it really made my day. The desire to do this for a living and make people happy with little pieces of my heart is in full swing.

Jacob and his bunny record

Fresh Wax!

http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com
In between commission orders I've tried to sneak in a little extra record to put on Etsy, I'm curious how well they will do there. I sold one last week and am experimenting with another. The whole weekend was consumed with record painting and shipping and yesterday I had "one of those days" finally....I was wondering when it would come. One of those days when nothing was coming out right. I was having issue after issue with paint not drying properly, messy bleeding lines...finally I just had to stop and say it wasn't meant to be today. I'll jump on the wagon today. It happens. If you're not in the mood I have found forcing it to not be the best idea. Learning curve, I'm on it!
I'm hoping my gridwall and shipping supplies come in today. That will boost my spirits! Reading a lot of small businesses advice and trying to stay motivated as I hit that last treacherous part of my plan...so close you can taste it but not quite there yet. Have to stay on track and stick to my guns.
Happy creating and reading!

Let the Records Show!

So much to blog so little alertness this morning. I'll start with telling you about these little records I've been painting. I know I've blogged about them before but they have become a big interest of mine of late.
Any time I had my painted records somewhere to show they would immediately get bought up so I figured these records were perfectly fine little canvasses to work on and I would continue on them and see where I could go with them. Of late I've been doing floral designs and coating the records in full vibrant colors....ding, ding, ding-we have a winner! People are loving them and I couldn't be happier. Nothing sparks a boost of confidence in an artist like people snatching up their little works like hotcakes. I have orders upon orders and as soon as I get through the orders I have potential shows. Not enough time in the day! So grateful that my work is appreciated and thankful that I can sit long enough to work on them. I have not forgotten the days when sitting for 5 minutes was a painful endeavor. On that front,still working hard at getting my back strong. It's been a tough trip with this injury but I think these little records pulled my spirits back up. That and the support of all my friends and lots of supportive strangers! I just started a facebook fan page for my art and the support has been amazing.
At any rate when I get caught up on orders you can find my new records and other art pieces at my etsy shop!

Lollipop Shoppe's Rock and Roll Circus!

It's been 6 years doing it up in Dallas with guest dj's, fashion designers, artists, bands, photographers, dancers and a whole host of creatives who have passed through our doors. We'll be hosting our 6 Year Anniversary Party at the beautiful and historic Sons of Hermann Hall!
Join us upstairs for a Rock And Roll Circus~ come as you are or dressed as your favorite star! Prizes for best dressed rockstar/ circus character. Come dance among the stars and check out a hot set by musical guests "Black and Blue"-a Rolling Stones cover band sure to get you dancing. Guest DJ G will be on the decks to help get you in the mood and of course the Lolli Dollies go go troupe will show you how to shimmy!
Come see the Rock and Roll Circus Art Show featuring works by: Frank Campagna, Erik Schuessler, Richard Ross, Tempest Thompson, Sue Keomounghounh, Vanessa Neil, Jonathon Kimbrell, Carlos Canul, Edward Ruiz, Corbett Sparks, Tigerbee and Jim Thompson. Buy a piece and support local art and The Lollipop Shoppe.
Enjoy amazing feats by local performers! JEFF PLUNK, the one wheeled wizard, Logan the juggler will be on hand to wow and amaze! ALABAMA and her hot hula hoops! JET Spectacular Spinner of the Glowing Poi!
Makeup and Photography booth-come have your pics shot with real guitars rockstars, treats and freebies and more, be sure to get there early for one of the signature cd's from Captain Groovy!

***New Sponsors! AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum, MAKE STUDIO and CLIFF NOTES both in beautiful OAK CLIFF, PARKER HAWN VINTAGE and GRATITUDE VINTAGE CLOTHING-thanks for your help, discounts and donations!

Parker Hawn Vintage is offering a $10 discount off any $20 or more purchase if you mention you're "going to the circus"! And Gratitude Vintage Clothing is offering a solid 10% off if you mention Lollipop Shoppe!

Parker Hawn Vintage
AllGood Cafe
Make Studio
Cliff Notes Prolonged Media
Sons Of Hermann Hall
Black and Blue band

Bands, Band Aids and the Art of Breathing

I'm pretty sure I looked a lot like that for the last couple of months but lookee, it's Santa season and it's time to put on a good face now. I've been in recovery mode and let everything fall softly from my tree like little shaken leaves. Drift, drift till there was nothing on my plate. It was nice, but peace can't last forever and in true form I started getting busy just around the time of the holiday season. A quiet kinda busy though, I'm not sending out the press releases and trumpet calls yet!
I have some new works and one in progress but I'm unhappy with my digital camera (hey Santa, are you reading this?) so I'm not even going to shoot them right now. It's just about time to enlist the help of my photographer friend Sam Bortnick, almost all these new pieces need to be shot for the portfolio. And the portfolio needs to be sent to some galleries, and that is my big plan for 2010.
The Shapes are set to rev up practices this week, which is all my fault for slacking on...but I've been real careful about lifting stuff and possibly sending myself back to the house of pain. Stupid back! I really don't know how Keith Richards does it, say what you will about Keith Richards but the dude is old as dust and can still do stuff I am finding it treacherous to do right now. The album is waiting on artwork (also my fault!) but should be done soon.
The Lolli Dollies are in gear working on new tee shirts and getting ready for an upcoming shoot with photographer David Mausey (who did some wonderful stuff with The Shapes)and also have plans for VIDEO. Will update when it hits youtube.
Lollipop Shoppe will POP back on the scene after the Holiday Hooplah- backs still on the mend and standing around djing for hours is still not in the cards, plus it's REALLY hard not to wiggle when James Brown starts playing. Don't tempt me!
Thanks for reading this boring hoohah, a basic update...I'm still alive (this is a recurring theme of my blog hmmmmmm)and hoping everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Rain and Raccoons

Dallas has been totally rainy of late. It's kind of been hell on my back as I'm suddenly a human barometer. I can tell you it's gonna rain before the meteorologist does and of course my physical therapy was a total butt kicking yesterday so I'm non-functional today. Todays word is PAIN, which rhymes with RAIN...but that's ok. I'm dealing.
Rainy days and pain are good for reading in bed with hot herbal tea, sketching out ideas for paintings or planning new adventures. It's too bad the XBOX which doubles as the DVD player is KAPUT...theres lots of nice scary movies I'd like to catch up on before Halloween. Stupid ring of death how I hate thee!
For the longest time I would hear this strange loud purring under the floor of my kitchen (oh by the way this is a total non sequitur) and I was imagining a GIANT cat sleeping under the floor...perhaps too big to get out from under the house. It was that loud. I would only hear it during the day and when I would cook aromatic chicken soup it would get louder and happier. Needless to say I had all kinds of interesting thoughts as to what this could be. I even imagined a snoring bum was living under the house. But one evening I spotted 6 full grown raccoons slinking out from under the house and having a little masked conference in my backyard. I then saw them tear around what used to be my garden (that was short lived thanks to them) and bound over the fence for their nightly food foraging campaign. Mystery solved! Theres a heap of snoring raccoons under my kitchen floor. I was beginning to think my Hydrocodone was a tad too powerful!

Out of canvas, working on paper. Trying to work through the pain of a back injury and get my spirits back where they belong.
"Renovation"
acrylic/ink on paper w/ newsprint

The Shape I'm In

Well, I got two gigs with The Shapes...one is tonight at The Lounge on Elm St opening for the Tomorrowpeople and the other is tomorrow night at the Dallas Museum of Art. These should be fun, but I can't help but feel a twinge of apprehension as I am in INJURY mode and will probably have to sit while performing both shows. Blues style!
I know I haven't updated here in awhile but since last I blogged I sustained a back injury that has been very painful and which I'm still suffering through. Physical therapy, meds and the headache of dealing with insurance companies. BLAH! But the show must go on and go on it shall....might be the last shows for awhile though as
a. I need to heal
b. The Shapes need to release this damn album already!
Hopefully see you out and about soon!
9/17- The Lounge on Elm 9:30p we start The Shapes, Stephanies ID, Tomorrowpeople
9/18-Dallas Museum of Art- Late Night at the DMA with the Lolli Dollies, DJ Rid, The Shapes

I SUCK

It's been two years spent in a hot little room with a recording machine, microphones and redoing, redoing, redoing everything we've ever written. A zillion takes later and the cd is getting MASTERED as we speak which left us free to do this thing called PLAYING LIVE SHOWS again. So here we go and I'm totally LAME for not posting this sooner but I think everyone that reads this is in Australia and Timbuktoo anyway so whatever. A little info about the album- it goes to 11. As in it's 11 songs! Pretty much just documented to the best of our ability- all the songs we've written up to this point. We got our friend Mark Ridlen (local badass DJ and musician, read: LITHIUM XMAS, The Klogz, Quad Pi, etc)to help in production and sound layers and we're pleased with the flavor of the album. We've enlisted Reid Robinson (you may know him from the Texotica stuff as well as one of the DJ's for Sonic Assembly Power Hour on KNON)for the fun task of mastering this monster. The album is not out yet but thats not stopping us from our getting our feet wet on the stage again.
Our show is tonight at the Lounge On Elm St. Our first gig in TWO YEARS! And of course we're doing it the night that the DOMA's (big music thing in Dallas)are going on but that's how it rolls. That's how we roll. I'm really curious to see The Flying Eyes who have a bit of a moody Doors-y thing going on....and I'm curious to see who shows up to see us rise from the dead.
Speaking of rising from the dead- HAI! I'm back and I've been busy with art and music, here is the latest piece I've finished

and before that it was this monster

There is word that I'm going to be showing some work at the Capitol One building in Frisco later this month-I'll keep everyone in the loop when I get details. (Really! I will this time!) and aside from all that hooplah just working my 9-5, trying to write some new Shapes songs, dancing with the Lolli Dollies girls and trying not to melt. Hey-it's been like 105 too many times this month. This is Texas summer allright...rather be in Australia! Thanks for reading, I will try to be an active blogger again. Happy Summer to you all!

All Together Now!

Ok, I'm back from the madness of Beatlemania and am happy to report that all my hard work was not in vain. The event was really fun, although it was quite humid in the gallery/soda shop... so it was a good thing I was scoring some free soda pop to quench my thirst. There was an amazing turnout for the art crawl and our event was abuzz with people loving on the Beatles. The go-go girls did a great job hyping up the crowd and we got lots of attention from camera wielding spectators.
I sold both of my pieces in the show quickly and barely got a chance to say goodbye to them. It turns out that one of them was bought by an out of towner and he had to take the piece that night instead of leaving it up to finish out the show. So when the next one sold I just waved it off as well. Bye bye records! The octopus was bought by a fellow who wants to turn it into a tattoo! And the Beatles piece is going in a sweet little girls room. I was honored my stuff went to good homes. Vinyl is hard to paint on but everyone loved it so much I may try my patience with a few more.