Fortunate, We Are...
Thunder Bay is reminiscent of a large artist colony.  Living on the North shore of Lake Superior most of my life, it is not hard to see why it attracts so many creative and artistic souls.  There is something special about the beauty and security of being on the largest body of fresh water in the world.  The Sleeping Giant view from the Thunder Bay harbour is always beautiful and the changing seasons makes it perpetually interesting to try and capture in a piece of artwork.

As For The Talent...
One of my favourite local artists is Cindy Erwin.  It would be nearly impossible for me to try and describe her work and give it any sort of honour or justice, so I'm just going to show you some of her unique recent works:

...Though she works primarily in acrylic and marker, I have been privy to seeing her shine in many multi-media pieces; fimo clay, found art objects (i.e. broken mirror, rocks-as above etc), prints/collage, natural elements and more.  For now, she is a private seller but I know I am hoping to see her in upcoming local shows as often as she is participating. 

More Later...

C.

Bob Ross...
Any artist out there, I'm sure, is aware of the profound influence that Bob Ross has had on them and their fascination with creativity.  And even if they don't, I have.  I didn't paint along (I find oil paints too high maintenance) but I watched his show as a kid and was totally fascinated by his ability to create amazement in very little time.  Man, he is so amazing sauce!

Someone posted this very adorable video of Bob Ross Remixed on YouTube and I am in love with it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLO7tCdBVrA

For more information about his products etc., check out:

http://www.bobross.com/

Soon...

C.

View It Locally....
Currently, Art By: Cat Free is fortunate to have paintings hanging at Do or Dye Salon at Lake St @ Bay St.:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/2344998568/

...And at North Shore Therapeutic Massage on Hebert St. near the Red River turn off:

http://www.northshoretherapeutic.com/

Don't Forget...

...And check out my archives for other listings or events!

Until We Meet Again...

C.

Settling...
Settling into my new studio/office space...there are art supplies, books and paperwork everywhere in here.  Despite the challenges of changing spaces, I am happy to announce that I have started working feverishly on 3 E-Books.  One will be available for preview & purchase on Lakehead Wellness Consulting's website:

www.catherinefree.com

...And the other two, journal-esque in nature, will be making their debut (hopefully) by September 1st on Art By: Cat Free's site (Coming Soon...):

www.artbycatfree.com

As always, regular merchandise such as hats, bags, pillows, hoodies, t-shirts, jewelry and more are all available at:

www.cafepress.ca/artbycatfree

Don't Forget...
DIE ACTIVE Y-ART SALE at 314 Bay St. this upcoming Saturday from 11am until 4pm!  I will be there alongside fellow Artist Erin Stewart of C&F Paper Creations.

More Soon...

C.

Upcoming Event!!!
Next Saturday, Moi of Art By: Cat Free and Artist Erin Stewart of C & F Paper Creations will be sharing a table at DIE ACTIVE Y-ART SALE from 11am until 4pm!!  Come on out and show your local artists your support in the "Mid-Summer Garden" behind the Hoito at 314 Bay St.

 

More Art News Soon...

C.

P.S. Here's an excerpt of Artist Erin Stewart's unique Construction Paper Portraiture...

This is the piece that I commissioned as a Christmas gift for my Mom last year!

Thanks, Erin!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/286464238105235/

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artist/Cat-Free/33406/

New Series And More...
I started working on a small series of four over the weekend:

....And am hoping to hang it at Do or Dye Salon here in town.  In other news, interest is starting to pick up at my Cafepress shop:

http://cafepress.ca/artbycatfree

...as I have been posting new items daily.  There is everything from blankets to IPhone cases to necklaces to clothing.  My central store at:

http://www.artbycatfree.com

...is still under construction but my website guy, Jackson at Post Idol Media, is one of the best in the business.  I am looking very forward to some awesome updates any minute.  Y'all will hear it here first as soon as it's up and running. 

Art By: Cat Free Dot Com...
This new venture will include original journals and sketchbooks from my collection that are up for sale and/or auction and will also feature original works, prints and all sorts of cool original and printed items.  I am available for small or large commissions including paintings, drawings, sets of note cards and invitations (wedding, birthday etc.), tattoo concept drawings, decorations (sets of ornaments for decoration or Christmas etc.) 

For the most part, the store will allow for easy shopping.  PayPal is the main route of payment, however, if Customer Service is contacted one could also pay with a Canadian Money Order (order will be shipped once payment is received by mail) or Email Money Transfer.  These routes must be discussed with Customer Service first. 

More Soon...

C.

Check Out These New Items At:

http://www.cafepress.ca/artbycatfree

And you know wherever you see this pretty little flower, Art By: Cat Free is close by:

More Soon, I Promise!

C.

Dying To Have Cool Swag???
But can't wait for the finishing of my online store....?  Great news, you don't have to.  I opened a small Cafepress Shop with cool Art By: Cat Free swag that you won't have to wait for! 

http://www.cafepress.ca/artbycatfree

The merchandise being sold at Cafepress will be completely different from the one-of-a-kind works, unique artwork, artist prints, sewn items and more being sold at:

http://www.artbycatfree.com

Cafepress items, so far, include: sweatshirts, t-shirts, stickers, earrings, necklaces, flip flops and more. 

ArtbyCatFree.com will be carrying hand-crafted items like one-of-a-kind stickers, magnets, pins, dolls, artist kits, paintings, stationary, multi-media pieces, E-books, collaborative projects and more alongside artist prints, custom framing and feature artists!

Here's a sample of one of the items on Cafepress:

It's a Throw Cushion adorning my original artwork!



More Soon!

C.



Mosaic Cards and Stickers....

Hand-Drawn Stickers...

Blank Note Cards - Mosaic-Type Design...

The cards are wrapped for sale....but they all have a white insert to write on.  If you want to see a fuller catalog of my work, go to:

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artist/Cat-Free/33406/

Or join my Facebook Group at:

http://www.facebook.com/editprofile.php?sk=picture#!/groups/290820340956068/

More Soon...
I have a few new works in the making, so I will post them as soon as they are fine tuned.  Thanks for stopping by!

C.

Obsessed With Metallics...
I can't get enough metallic paint and/or sparkles into my work lately.  Is it tacky?  I don't care. LOL  I love it, I love it so much.  I think it grabs the eye wherever a particular piece is hanging.  Lucky me, this beaut is hanging at North Shore Therapeutic Massage on Hebert St. in Thunder Bay, ON along with several other painted works. 

Thanks to Shana Kelly, RMT & Owner for your long time support of my artistic vision!  If any of you are interested in viewing my work or are in need of a massage, call 807-768-3668.

More Soon!

C.

Fabio Napoleoni....
Easily my newest favourite artist.  I discovered him about 5 years ago while I was looking through EBQSArt.com and immediately fell in love with his work.  The heart and emotion behind his work is unmatched; many of his pieces have reduced me to tears.  He paints amazing characters in amazing settings, most often with the themes of love, yearning and wonder.  If you've never seen his work, check out his Fan Club on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/NapoleoniFanClub/

You won't be sorry!

C.

On-Line Store...
Is now UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!  This is exciting news for Art By: Cat Free!  As we, myself and Jackson Presley @ Post Idol Media, work on the design and construction of my store, I am also working diligently to ensure that all the items I will have for sale are quality made (by me) and that I will have a variety of items to suit variegated tastes!  These are exciting times, for sure.  As a brand new entrepreneur (this past December), I realize just how much hard work, determination and focus it takes to work for myself.  This will be a different feat altogether but I am looking forward to the challenge!

Feature Artists...
I already have one Feature Artist lined up.  Jen Metcalfe of Jen's Bent:

www.facebook.com/jenthebentmetcalfe

...will be the resident Custom Framer on www.artbycatfree.com .  Her work in unfinished wood framing is unique, custom to fit each individual piece and looks awesome against nearly any motif. 

This site feature is designed to help other struggling artists find a way to sell some of the products they make and gain more exposure.  I think deriving a sense of community instead of competition out of joining forces, is the kind of entrepreneur that I want to be.  And because I am surrounded by so many talented people, I am blessed with being able to offer my customers a wide variety of interesting, one-of-a-kind items!

More News Soon, M'Loves!...

C.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!
Have a safe, happy and creative Canada Day weekend from Art By: Cat Free!

C.