youwannatalkjive

Eeee WordPress excitement!

2010-08-03T21:08:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone. I'm officially crossing my first "30 before 30" item off my checklist by transferring my Blogger blog to WordPress. Please refresh your Google Reader and bookmarks by heading on over to my new blog home at youwannatalkjive.com.

As always, thanks for reading. I'll be posting more frequently now that I have the power of WordPress on my side.

Hugs and kisses and puppy dog tails,

Shannon

30 Before 30

2010-07-29T18:35:00.005-04:00

photo credit

I like lists. I make lists of things I've already accomplished that day, just to feel the satisfaction of crossing it off. If you were to dump my purse out, Breakfast Club-style, you would discover slips of crumpled paper with crossed out scribbles. I also like deadlines, which is why I jumped on the Bucket List bandwagon and created a 30 before 30 list (see right). I have four years left to accomplish this realistic, yet challenging list (unless the Apocalypse goes and messes up my plans), so I expect you guys to hold me to it! Are any of you making lists of your own (101 in 1001 days, etc.), and what challenges have you faced thus far? Thanks to Susan and Brooke for the inspiration!

A change is gonna come

2010-07-13T08:31:00.005-04:00

Almost home.

It's been a while since I've posted because this year has been nonstop change. I have a ton of hope for the future and even more change coming. This week brings moving into a new place, where I can't wait to capture stray bats and create memories with my favorite person (and Betty White).

In other news, my chipmunk wall art is now on sale at Urban Outfitters. Be sure to check it out online or find it at a store near you.

The airport exhibition has finally taken off (terrible airplane pun intended)!

2010-05-07T17:34:00.009-04:00

I apologize for the chirping crickets around here as of late—I've been busy creating new critters for my show! "Say Hello to my Little Friends" is now on exhibit at the Philadelphia International Airport and will be on display from May through November 2010. Check out some of my newest friends below:

Love at First Shock

When a jellyfish gets stung by a fellow jelly, the only cure is kisses.
Beep, meep, moop!
Zebra finches are boisterous singers and rock at karaoke. Pikachuuuuu!
I want a pet jerboa now, plzthnxbai.Under the Sea
Sebastian the crab knows how to jam and cut a mean rug.The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and memerp.

The unveiling of the show took place today in Terminal B at the Philadelphia International Airport. The show is still not completely installed (the sign on the left will have a poster with information about the show) and these aren't the professional photos yet (the color is a wee bit off-the floor is a bright green), but I figured it couldn't hurt to give you all a sneak peek! The show is on display for ticketed members only, so if you find yourself flying in or out of Philadelphia, be sure to keep an eye out for it.

Thanks to CityPaper for the coverage of my show! This was a wonderful opportunity to have my work on display in front of swarms of people and I can't thank the folks at the airport enough. I am already in the midst of beginning my new series, which will be a year-long process. More details within the month, pinky swear!

What's New: Urban Outfitters & PAWS for charity updates!

2010-03-30T15:12:00.004-04:00

From Canada to California, my friends have been showing me love by sending me photos of themselves with my journals at nationwide Urban Outfitters. I am so lucky to have support from you all, so thank you for being your fantabulous selves.

I am excited to announce that this won't be the last of my work hitting stores at Urban Outfitters. Wall art with my chipmunk illustration printed on wood will soon be offered, hopefully by the summertime, so I'll be sure to keep you in the loop about when to look out for those too!

The Paws for Charity 2010 Art Book Projec t, featuring a dog photo from yours truly, will be available to order beginning April 1st. April is Cancer Awareness Month, so be sure to show your support for breast cancer awareness by ordering your copy soon.

Coming Soon: Paws For Charity Art Book

2010-03-12T13:55:00.004-05:00

I'm excited to announce that one of my pet photographs will be featured in The 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book. The project received over 300 submissions, with 65 artists from around the world selected for the final book. Along with photographs and artwork of dogs and cats, the book contains photos of the artist, information about them and a statement in their own words. All proceeds from the sale of the 2010 Paws for Charity Art Book will be donated to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Sara Harley, who runs Paws for Charity, is an amazing woman who lost her mother, sister and brother to cancer and now works toward raising funds for charities by celebrating our pets. The book should be available to order by April 1st, so be sure to stay updated by visiting the blog at Paws for Charity.

Artist(s) of the day: Illustration

2010-03-01T14:16:00.003-05:00

Artist(s) of the Day: Photography

2010-02-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

Chris McVeigh

Hector Sos

Jim Lind

Michal Rajkovic

Michal Giedrojc

Artist(s) of the Day: Video

2010-02-22T20:24:00.004-05:00

So I know I'm more than a month behind on artist-of-the-day posts, but I don't want to be the girl who clogs your Google Reader with 30 images in a row, so instead I'll slowly make up for it by posting a handful of artists every day this week, with each post having a different theme or medium explored.

Timelapse Painting Two from Pat Perry on Vimeo.

Rethink Scholarship at Langara 2010 Call for Entries from Rory O'Sullivan and Simon Bruyn on Vimeo.

Artist(s) of the day: Stuffs and things

2010-01-21T01:56:00.003-05:00

Artist of the day: Dave Barnes

2010-01-15T17:59:00.000-05:00

Dave Barnes

Artist of the day: Sophie Blackall

2010-01-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

Sophie Blackall

Artist(s) of the day: Six days worth!

2010-01-14T00:49:00.007-05:00

Artist of the day: Boas Kristjansson

2010-01-08T00:04:00.001-05:00

Boas Kristjansson

Artist(s) of the day(s): Making up for lost time.

2010-01-06T21:42:00.005-05:00

Johnny Rodriguez of KMNDZ

Artist(s) of the day: Playing catch up.

2009-12-28T22:18:00.005-05:00

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre Allyson Mellberg

Nina Braun Jack Teagle

Mike Monteiro

Artist of the day: Matt Furie

2009-12-23T00:32:00.002-05:00

Matt Furie

Artist(s) of the day(s): Oldies but goodies (video artists)

2009-12-22T01:18:00.006-05:00

I know I've been slacking and owe you guys like four artists, so here goes:

Bill Viola

Bruce Nauman

Nam June Paik (first video artist!)

Paul Chan

My artist journals are totes in Urban Outfitters!!

2009-12-22T01:08:00.006-05:00

I am super excited to announce that my artist journals (featuring an alpaca and chipmunk from my "say hello to my little friends" series) are now for sale in Urban Outfitters. They'll be available on the website soon and are trickling in stores all across the country. My lovely BFF Melanie accidentally ran into some while browsing the UO in Santa Barbara, CA this past weekend! Here is the photo her friend snapped (insert me squealing here _________). Urban has been one of my favorite stores since I was in my mid teens, so to have work of my own for sale there (no matter how teensy) makes me a super happy Shannon.

I'm hoping to visit the King of Prussia store soon to see if they're available there yet. Eeeeeeeeep *happy dance* Thanks to Melanie for letting me know they're now out there! You rock the casbah.

Artist of the day: Michael Johansson

2009-12-18T01:34:00.001-05:00

Michael Johansson

Artist of the day: Other

2009-12-16T23:19:00.002-05:00

Other

Artist of the day: Darla Jackson

2009-12-16T00:15:00.001-05:00

Darla Jackson

Artist of the day: Alex Noriega

2009-12-14T23:55:00.001-05:00

Alex Noreiga

Artist of the day: Coral Silverman

2009-12-14T01:08:00.002-05:00

Coral Silverman

Artist of the day (suggested by Pete!): Evan Roth

2009-12-13T02:27:00.002-05:00

Evan Roth

Artist of the day: Melinda Josie

2009-12-11T23:31:00.001-05:00

Melinda Josie

Artist of the day: Martha Rich

2009-12-10T08:02:00.001-05:00

Martha Rich

Artist of the day: Fréya Art & Design

2009-12-09T01:25:00.001-05:00

Fréya Art & Design

You're jumping across mountains.

2009-12-08T01:03:00.002-05:00

"I just want to make sure that a million years from now I can still
see you up close and we'll still have amazing things to say."

Artist(s) of the day: Os Gemeos

2009-12-07T23:28:00.003-05:00

Os Gemeos

Artist of the day: Brandi Kerekes

2009-12-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

Brandi Kerekes

Artist of the day: Rich Gemmell

2009-12-06T01:46:00.001-05:00

Rich Gemmell

Artist of the day: Raquel Aparicio

2009-12-05T01:09:00.003-05:00

Raquel Aparicio

Join me for First Friday at MilkBoy (puh puh puh puhlease?)

2009-12-04T01:36:00.005-05:00

photo credit

If anyone is bored and in the Bryn Mawr area tonight for First Friday, feel free to stop by MilkBoy Coffee, where a ton of my bright ass artwork will be on display through December. I'll be there awkwardly sitting on a couch paralyzed with shyness and most likely consuming some type of cheese from 7-9ish, so please visit me so I don't have to socialize with strangers.

Artist of the day: William Hundley

2009-12-04T01:08:00.002-05:00

William Hundley

Artists of the day: Blu and David Ellis

2009-12-03T01:47:00.001-05:00

Blu and David Ellis

Artist of the day: Kevin Christy

2009-12-01T23:41:00.002-05:00

Kevin Christy

Fromage Photography is here, ohhhhhhhhh snap.

2009-12-01T08:10:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to announce that my new site, Fromage Photography, has officially launched! Be sure to check it out and become a fan on Facebook and follow me on Twitter because that's what all the kids are apparently doing these days. Oh, and add that sheeeyit to your Google Reader now if you want it to load in time for Christmas break since there are so many gosh darn pictures. Thanks in advance for visiting, I really appreciate it.

Artist of the (yester)day: Matt Cipov

2009-12-01T08:06:00.003-05:00

Matt Cipov

Artist(s) of the day: Jen Lobo and Brian Despain

2009-11-29T21:43:00.002-05:00

Jen Lobo

Brian Despain

Artist of the day: Jason Holley

2009-11-28T00:11:00.003-05:00

Jason Holley

RIP Ethel Funk.

2009-11-27T18:46:00.005-05:00

Today Josh and I had to make an incredibly hard decision when our chinchilla, Ethel Funk, was showing signs of being really ill last night. I sat by her cage from midnight to 4am, just waiting for her to perk up and be her normal chinny self. Up until yesterday I hadn't seen any warning signs—she was eating and drinking—the only strange thing I had noticed was that she had lost some hair on the end of her tail, which I thought was just normal shedding during the colder months.

Once we arrived at the vet, she told us how Ethel's cecum was really backed up and her back teeth had also become incredibly overgrown. She told us that we could try to give her a catheter to get fluids back in her system, along with extensive surgeries, but from what she could tell, even if we went through with the $2,000+ procedures, Ethel would only have a small chance (15% if that) to actually make it through.

We sat in the room with Ethel Funk (named after our favorite lunchlady from college) for an hour trying to decide what to do and ended up ultimately deciding to euthanize her because it was apparent how much pain she would have to go through and sadly, we didn't have the funds and would've had to charge a credit card (which makes me feel like an irresponsible pet mama). It broke my heart because she is not even 4-years-old and the average chinchilla lifespan is 15+ years. I feel like a terrible pet owner and like I should have seen signs, but whenever we fed her hay and pellets she would always snarf them down.

When the vet gave her the vaccine, we were told it would take just about two minutes to take affect. They left us in the room with her, where she finally took her last breath after over 20 minutes. It was torture waiting for her final exhale and I couldn't help but feel guilty, like there was something I could've done and that maybe she would've pulled through it. I know people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I have pet chinchillas, but they are really great pets and have a lot more personality than you'd think. She would always do this little sassy nose grab when she was getting snarky and she did it a few times while we were waiting for her to pass. It totally made me turn into a blubbery mess.

When we got home, I looked at their cage and saw Maude (our other chin) just staring me like, "what the eff did you do with my sistah from another mistah?" Insert me crying big dragon tears here _____. We opted to get Ethel cremated since we don't exactly have a yard to bury her in at our apartment (nor a shovel), so I guess once we have the ashes we will have to find an appropriate container of sorts. Perhaps a tiny teapot since Ethel Funk (the lunchlady, not the chinchilla) worked at the coffee/tea shop at Kutztown, where we were always getting tea. Yeah, that's right, I'm going to be the girl who has her dead chinchilla's ashes in a teapot on her non-existent mantle. If that doesn't make my 20 followers dwindle down to zero, then I suppose nothing will.

Here's Ethel Funk when we first got her. She was a tiny little thing and we were contemplating about what we should name her. The choices were Claire Huxtable or Ethel Funk, and ultimately we chose Ethel. As we were waiting for her to pass a couple of hours ago, I told Josh that we should've gone with Claire Huxtable because if she had passed on Black Friday it would've been more ironic and made me a teensy bit less weepy. I like making inappropriate (at times, borderline racist) jokes when there's a really sad situation going down, which in turn makes me the worst funeral guest ever.

Ethel was always the first of our two chinchillas to get into trouble, whether she was jumping into trash cans or eating Josh's glasses or Xbox cord, and I loved her for that <3

As heartbroken as I am, I think Maude is going to be seriously bummed and listening to Elliot Smith on her tiny chinchilla headphones for the next 15 years. They were always spooning and grooming each other and being ridiculously cute in general. I have never had to euthanize a pet before and I can safely say it can go on my top three list of hardest things I've ever had to do. I hope she had a happy little rodent life, despite it ending so abruptly.

Sorry for the sad chinchilla post, I'm sure you all think I am crazy for mourning a squirrely poop-throwing critter, but she always made me smile and I loved her sassy furry ass like crazy.

Artist of the day: Christopher Davison

2009-11-27T01:52:00.004-05:00

Christopher Davison

Artist of the day: Jeff Soto

2009-11-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Jeff Soto

Artist of the Day: Souther Salazar

2009-11-23T22:57:00.005-05:00

Souther Salazar

Artist of the Day: Scott Listfield

2009-11-21T00:14:00.002-05:00

At the Gallery

Waiting Dangerously in Rio

Men's Room

Scott Listfield

Artist of the Day: Ryan Cashman

2009-11-20T00:13:00.005-05:00

Light-Paint Piano Player from Ryan Cashman on Vimeo.

"Everything is shit. Except you, love."

2009-11-18T22:57:00.008-05:00

I've been neglecting blogging for a few weeks, so apologize to those of you who were biting your nails for a new post (and by "those of you," I mean my mother). I've been trying to juggle everything at once and wish there was more time in the day to devote to working on what I love doing the most, which is usually drawing with colored pencils until I am too sleepy to see straight.

December is quickly approaching and in addition to having to do holiday shopping/crafting for a bazillion people, I have to find time to: paint my parents a 3x4 foot blue heron (I mean really, mom, 4 feet?), hang an art show at MilkBoy Coffee for a slimmed down reappearance of "say hello to my little friends," and go on two engagement shoots per weekend since I would like to ideally start a photography sole proprietorship by January.

Even though I've only had a DSLR since late September, I really love taking photos and it gets me out of the apartment more, which is good since I was growing comfortable being a total hermit. If you know me at all, you know I am ridiculously shy and mask it by talking about the most inappropriate things I can think of, so these engagement shoots are (hopefully) helping me crawl out of my shell a bit and learn how to carry on a conversation without talking about vaginas with strangers. Seriously, if I go without talking about vajayjays for one day I will reward myself with endless chocolate chip cookies from Acme (which are oh-so delicious).

I am booked through February with engagement shoots and have a handful of paid second shooter wedding photography sessions scheduled, which I couldn't be more giddy about because I'm a sucker for romance. I have a few e-shoots scheduled in NYC, which means I get to visit my brother more often and have my travel expenses paid for by the couples. Insert me doing a happy jig here ______.

On the topic of traveling, I flew on a plane for the first time this week (!!!) with Open Air and despite a minor alternator mishap (!!!), it was a pretty darn memorable experience. At first I was really nervous and my hands were visibly shaking, which I blame on my parents because they instilled a fear of flying in me since I was a fetus (don't try to deny that shit, mom). Once we were about a mile up in the air, I stared down at the little houses and hummed "Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky-tacky" in my head and was just grateful for the unique experience of having my first flight be on a private, swankalicious plane.

I realize I'm just rambling to myself at this point, but I think I'd like to start posting an "illustrator/artist of the day" again. I did daily "artist of the day" posts in college when I religiously updated my LiveJournal (haha) and I really miss delving into what's new in contemporary art. So you may be seeing a lot more of me around this neck o' the woods. Or I might get distracted by a cute YouTube video of a sneezing panda and completely forget. Anything's possible.

Until then, here's the artist I'm hearting today (actually for months now, but whatevs):

Steve Powers, who created the project "Love Letters," a love letter painted on the walls facing the Market elevated train in Philadelphia, with the murals of over 40 local and international artists.

Powers' work is currently on exhibit at WhiteWalls SF, where "ESPO (Exterior Surface Painting Outreach)" is on display through December 5th. His dedication to making the world a better place might sound like an impossible task, but Powers has made his mark by bettering the lives of teenagers from troubled housing projects. From teaching art in Ireland to fighting for human rights in Guantanamo Bay, in general, Powers is spreading a whole heck of a lot of love.

Sit. Stay. Love.

2009-10-16T16:45:00.006-04:00

Last week I volunteered to photograph a dog event at Anthropologie in Marlton, NJ. Anthropologie partnered with the Animal Orphanage of Voorhees for "Sit. Stay. Love.," a pet adoption event where a handful of adorable dogs ended up finding homes that day. I also shot photos of pets with their owners, which was a wonderful opportunity because it's not every day you get to photograph dogs with such lovely backdrops. Thanks to Anthropologie for the wonderful opportunity!

Puppy love

2009-10-05T12:19:00.006-04:00

I was lucky enough to spend this past Saturday at the PSPCA photographing shelter dogs, as well as dogs that were previously adopted from the PSPCA and were attending training classes. I'm now comfortably using the manual setting on my camera, thank goodness. I must admit, photographing dogs is much different than roller derby girls or my husband playing video games. I really enjoy the challenge, though, and hope to visit the PSPCA again in the near future

One of my dreams is to pursue pet photography, and I would love to start building up my portfolio by offering complimentary sessions. If you know anyone in the Philadelphia-area who would like a free pet portrait session, please have them contact me! I haven't had the opportunity to shoot any cats yet, so I think that would be a great change of pace (apart from the fact that I'd probably sneeze all over my camera since I am super allergic to kitties). I think the only pet that I'd be a little hesitant about is a snake, because I am a total wuss when it comes to slithery reptiles. As long as the owner can promise me I won't be eaten like Jon Voight in Anaconda, then I think I'd be okay.

On a semi-related note, I will be at the Anthropologie in Marlton, NJ this Friday, October 9th, from 5 to 8pm photographing dogs with their owners. All across the country, Anthropologie stores are holding puppy-related events throughout the month of October, including pet adoptions, food drives and yappy hour parties. Feel free to stop by for wine & refreshments, or to just visit the adorable dogs that will be up for adoption!

Christmas in August?

2009-08-27T15:47:00.004-04:00

I did a bad thing. I ordered a DSLR even though I am as broke as a joke (are jokes really broke? I don't get it...). I really want to teach myself how to use one of these bad boys so I can hopefully delve into pet photography and other future fantabulous endeavors.

I'm going to be raising money to pay the photography equipment off by (hopefully!) doing custom pet portraits and the like. I just recently received two commissioned portrait requests—one for a hilarious & sweet gal who wants a portrait of her pet rat named Hadrian Rodentdoodle (who unfortunately passed away), and another for a Weddingbee-reading bride who wanted some illustrations for her wedding invites of her and her fiance and their two adorable dogs. I am so lucky to have such amazing clients who are helping me pay the bills!

Now, without further ado, here are my new friends:

I wish I had these in time for Miss D'Orsay's wedding tomorrow, but alas, I just ordered this all today. I am super excited to meet a ton of bees at her bridal bash-o-rama, woot! Oh my gosh I just realized it's Project Runway night. My life is now complete.

Join me for the Summer Outdoor Screening Film Series tonight in Philadelphia!

2009-08-12T14:05:00.003-04:00

For those of you who are local, come out and join me, the mister and our dog Betty White tonight at the Summer Outdoor Screenings Film Series at 2nd & Pine under the historic shambles in Philadelphia!

I'll be selling my prints, buttons and pocket mirrors, along with original work, along with Chic Petique and PAWS Animal Welfare Society! Bring the youngsters out to watch Beethoven at 8pm (I so secretly love that movie even though I'm 25). Adoptable retired racing greyhounds will also be prancing around, courtesy of the volunteers from Philadelphia Greyhound Connection! Plus, Betty White will be sporting a ridiculous dress and participating in the pet fashion show, which should be...interesting!

Animal tales!

2009-08-05T16:17:00.004-04:00

I just finished my second shelter dog illustration for my upcoming children's book, "Gimme Shelter." This is Kamica, a dog that was rescued from the PSPCA.

I really like exaggerating certain features when working on pet portraits (thus the huge nearly Anime-esque sad eyes on Kamica). I've been communicating back and forth with the PSPCA about my children's book idea and they have been so supportive and helpful. They've put me in touch with a trainer who will be able to guide me around the facilities to take photos of the dogs and get to meet them to get a sense of their personalities (this way I can reference the photos for upcoming work).

In other doggy news, my friend Rakia invited me to exhibit my work next Wednesday evening (8pm) at 2nd & Pine under the historic shambles, where they will be holding a complimentary showing of the movie "Beethoven." Chic Petique will also be in attendance and giving out prizes to the best-dressed pets. I'm totally bringing Betty White in her lobster attire, so come out and hang with us!

Also, custom pet portraits are available at my Etsy shop, so if you are itchin' to get your favorite four-legged (or two-legged, or no-legged!) critter drawn, don't hesitate to stop by! I'm trying to save up for a refurbished Canon EOS 40d so I can eventually become well-versed in pet photography, so wish me luck!

Makeover-o-matic!

2009-07-22T17:18:00.004-04:00

For those of you were are kind enough to include me in your Google Reader, feel free to hop on over to my blog to check out the fantastic redesign by Kelly at Blush!nk. I realize I haven’t posted in like two months, so I apologize for my rude absence! I was getting tired of how fugly my blog was, so now that it’s all chipper and cute I think I will be more inclined to post, but I can’t promise I’ll be overwhelmingly interesting. As I type I’m wearing a foam crocodile hat (which I named M.C. Hammer), which I will have photographic evidence of later this week. Suspense!

I have a solo show lined up for December at MilkBoy Coffee in Bryn Mawr, which I am very excited about because, if you haven’t been there, it’s a great spot for artwork and live music (not to mention delicious frothy beverages).

I’m still waiting to hear back from the PSPCA regarding how I can go about taking photos of shelter dogs for my children’s book I’d like to write and illustrate, “Gimme Shelter.” One of the illustrations in the book will be of the adorable Dexter and Noodle, who were adopted by the lovely duo that is behind Philadelphia’s own “Something’s Hiding in Here.” I was able to give them the original at the Art Star Craft Bazaar, which made me happy since I adore them and like making fellow crafty folks smile.

More critter prints are back up on Shana Logic since they sold out, so be sure to grab them while you still can!

Last Saturday I woke up at 2am to take the train with my sleepy-eyed hubs to NYC and audition for Bravo’s upcoming show, “The Untitled Art Project.” I can’t help but desire to be the female artist equivalent of Santino (minus the rockin’ beard). After being abruptly shit on by pigeons not twice, but three times, I was certain that my chances were slim. Who wants to cast a girl with pigeon poo remains in her hair? Turns out my assumptions were correct. I probably shouldn’t have immediately rambled to the gentleman at casting about how I got defecated on during my wait on the line, but I can’t help but say inappropriate things during the so-called “pivotal moments” of my life. I may or may not have went on a tangent about Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. Le sigh.

Anyway, thanks for hanging in there and visiting my neck of the woods. Major props go out to Kelly for giving my blog a much-needed makeover. I pinky swear I’ll write more soon.

You know you want a commissioned portrait of your pet hermit crab....

2009-05-20T15:47:00.011-04:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to make a few announcements about my Etsy shop. Button and mirror packs are now available, featuring my critter illustrations!

Due to the fact that the hubby's transmission just died and is going to cost nearly $2,000 to fix (goodbye honeymoon savings!), I have been inspired to offer custom pet portraits in several sizes.
If you or anyone you know would like a commissioned drawing of their adorable pet, I'm your gal! I am crossing my fingers I'll be able to help raise money to pay for the car repair so we can have the honeymoon we've always dreamed of. Also, the originals from my "say hello to my little friends" series are for sale in my shop, so be sure to check it out! Remember, all PSPCA members will receive 10% off any item!

My next illustration series will focus on rescue/shelter dogs, and I will be posting the first drawing of the bunch sometime next week. I would like to eventually write a children's book that includes my illustrations of dogs from local shelters, to help educate children about the benefits of adopting or fostering a pet. Ideally, proceeds would be donated to the PSPCA and other local shelters if all goes well!

I'm trying to remain positive despite having quite the depressing week so far (starting the week off with a way-too-early gyno appointment, having the hub's car die, the dog peeing in our bed at midnight last night, etc.). My prints seem to be selling like hotcakes on Shana Logic (they have already sold out!), which makes me as happy as a little lamb.

Thank goodness a long weekend is ahead of us and we have a visit to the beach in store for us (my parents just moved close to Rehoboth Beach, yay)! I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

News, Glorious News!

2009-04-23T10:35:00.007-04:00

I have some exciting news to announce! The Director of Exhibitions at the Philadelphia International Airport saw my show at Cafe Estelle last week and immediately offered me the opportunity to show a selection of similar work at Terminal B in the airport from May through November 2010.

Eva Wylie's previous exhibition at Terminal B
Randy Bolton's previous exhibition at Terminal B

The exhibition will basically be an expansion of my "say hello to my little friends" show, with many more new items included and an installation element as well. This will by far be my biggest show to date, so I am definitely looking forward to it.

In other happy critter news, I am officially a partner of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals! All members of the PSPCA will receive a 10% discount on any item in my Etsy shop after presenting a valid 2009 membership card. Pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! I'll get a fancy schmancy "PSPCA Partner" window cling and everything! Once I create a logo, my information will be up at the PSPCA membership page.

I've been trying to get my work in a lot more retail shops, both online and out there in the real world. For those New Yorkers who frequent the Chelsea area, keep an eye out at Nest Interiors NY, where they will soon be selling prints of my entire "say hello to my little friends" series. Also, be sure to stop by Shana Logic by the end of the month, where my fine art prints will be for sale in the company of some incredibly talented artists. Wallets and passport cases featuring my illustrations are now available at the Tinymeat shop, so be sure to check those out as well!

I'd also like to mention that my main squeeze, the lovely Miss Laura Kicey, will be exploring Iceland this summer and is currently accepting sponsors for her trip. In return for donating $30, $50 or $100 toward her trip (or any other amount of their choice), the sponsor will receive a 8x12, 11x17 or 16x20 photo of their choice (depending on the amount spent) from her Icelandic adventures. She is an amazing talent and I can't wait to see the result of her long journey to the land o' not-so-icy-ice. I know what I'll be doing with my birthday money (I'm crossing my fingers that she'll find a field of obnoxiously cute Icelandic horses).

true north, photo by Laura Kicey

Weekend Update!

2009-04-14T15:37:00.009-04:00

Thanks to the lovely Andrea of Fly for the sweet write-up on her blog! It was so nice to finally meet her at my show opening, along with many others who I had never spoken with in person prior to that evening. Also, thank you to Design Milk for featuring my work last week! I was incredibly flattered to see my work gracing their fabulous blog.

Here are a few more shots from my show opening, courtesy of Melanie!

Dresses with pockets=one of my favorite things in the world. Another one of my favorite things in the world? My bald-headed brother

Melanie & I!

In other artsy news, my wallet and passport case designs have been printed and will soon be available at the Tinymeat shop! They're ridiculously bright & perfect for sunshiny Spring weather!

Be sure to keep an eye out for cute new pocket mirrors and buttons at my Etsy shop within the next week or so! Also, prints and buttons are available of all of my critters at my solo show, "say hello to my little friends," which will be on display at Cafe Estelle through April.

the opening of "say hello to my little friends"!!

2009-04-06T15:05:00.005-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and spread the word about my opening reception on Friday at Cafe Estelle! The show was a success, with over 80 people coming out to say hello to my little friends. City Paper, Philadelphia Weekly and Daily Candy showed me some lovin' last week with their kind previews of my show. I am so grateful to have had so many amazing people who were there to support me. I've already come close to running out of buttons and prints, which I so didn't expect! Time to play catch-up this week!

Thanks to the lovely Laura Kicey for taking these photos!

Recent additions to the menagerie!

2009-03-23T14:27:00.008-04:00

Here's the slew of new critters for my upcoming solo show! The chipmunk is the tiniest of the series, measuring 7.5 x 6. I totally want to carry it around in my pocket all day and sing "Wooly Bully" in a chipmunk voice. This further confirms the fact that I need more friends.

ZOMG! It's a Yoda fox!One! Two! Three Figs! AH AH AH AH AH!

AAAAAAAAALLLLL-VVVVVIIIIIIINNNNNN!

PS. Everyone who has seen the bat illustration so far has mentioned that it has same eyes as our neurotic dog, Betty White:

PPS. She loves it when I dress her up in little dog clothes.

PPPS. That was sarcasm.

<3

2009-03-23T13:47:00.005-04:00

I have a lot to be thankful for these past few weeks. First, I'd like to thank DailyCandy Philadelphia for the wonderful article about my animal series, "say hello to my little friends."

Thanks to Jena at Modish for the sweet post about my furry little critters!

Design for Mankind, Badder Homes and Gardens and Supah Cute are among the others who featured my work and made me squeal with their kind words. I also managed to snag a spot on the Etsy homepage twice in one week, which was a first for me!

Lots of other excitement is in the works, including a partnership with the Pennsylvania SPCA, which has me jumping for joy since I have been hoping to get more involved with them for quite some time.

I have ten more days to complete my critter series before I hang my show at Café Estelle. I just need to finish two more exotic pets (an opossum and a kinkajou) in order to reach 20 pieces. I think I could whip out 21 if I really tried, but I like the number 20 more. I'm kind of obsessive compulsive like that.

In other news, I became an aunt on Friday the 13th! I can't wait to get started on her mural :)

Welcome DailyCandy Readers!

2009-03-12T14:10:00.008-04:00

Monkey Trouble

I'd like to thank DailyCandy in advance for giving me some sugahhh on their website tomorrow!! I am so thankful for the amazing opportunity to share the screen with so many other fabulous artists. I have my girl Rakia to thank for introducing me to the lovely Meredith of DailyCandy Philadelphia. I'd also like to give some lovin' to Hana at Supah Cute for the sweet write-up about my critter art!

I have twenty more days to finish five more pieces for my solo show at Cafe Estelle, which should be interesting to try to accomplish considering my weekdays and nights are eaten up by my job. Speaking of eating, the next three weekends will be dedicated to drawing on the couch while eating an abundance of cookies (why did the Girl Scout cookie season have to end!? whyyyyyy!?!).

I've added prints of all of my critters to my Etsy shop in the following sizes: 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, but if anyone has any special requests for different sizes or finishes, let me know!

Chock Full O' Critter News!

2009-03-03T16:28:00.009-05:00

There is nothing I enjoy more than having a lazy snow day with the hubby while drawing fetching, fuzzy pets and sipping hot chocolate. Speaking of cute critters, I'm no longer working from home so I am really starting to miss being surrounded by our apartment full of rambunctious animals. I feel like a guilt stricken mom who has to drop her kids off at day care before work. Seriously, I am going through major adorable animal withdrawal. I suppose that's what Cute Overload is for.

Anywho, here are the most recent critters from my say hello to my little friends series! The last animals of the series will be a monkey, prairie dog, short-tailed opposum, skinny pig and degu. Hopefully I'll have 20 of these suckers by April 3rd when my opening reception at Café Estelle rolls around.

Pepé Le Poo

The Year of the Splinter

I've been mailing my promotional postcards for the past week, but if I've forgotten anyone, feel free to leave a comment and I'll send one your way!

Be on the lookout for my new line of tinymeat artist accessories within the next month! I don't want to spoil anything, but there might be a bunnytastic wallet and squirrely passport case available in the near future. Ok, so maybe I did want to spoil it. I couldn't be more thrilled to be involved with these guys!

For those of you who are local to the Philadelphia area, tonight is Mew Gallery's 3rd annual "Pay the Rent" auction & raffle event, which I have donated a few of my prints to, so be sure to check it out and show your support!

I've also snagged a summer group show at Steel City Coffee House in Phoenixville, where a few of my exotic pets will be on display from May through July. After completing my exotic pet project, I'll be working on a series of birds drawn on wood, which will be unveiled at my next solo show at Philadelphia's Studio 27.28 in February 2010, which seems like forever from now, but I'm sure it will be here before you know it!

As always, thanks for reading & enjoy your week (is anyone else excited as heck for the release of Watchmen?)

(Yes, I'm up at 3:26 A.M. on a weekday)

2009-02-17T03:26:00.005-05:00

Sorry for being so quiet lately, I've been working my critter-loving butt off trying to get some more illustrations under my belt. I'd like to have at least twenty of these by the time my show opens on April 3rd, and as of right now I only have twelve. Prints of all of my exotic pets are now for sale at my Etsy shop in various sizes. I'd be happy to take any exotic pet requests or suggestions! I'm trying to keep the pets furry & cute for now, but I am not opposed to a little Reptilia lovin'.

Chompin' BroccoliAlpacas are Just Llamas With Bangs

Pig Supreme
Putting the Goat in Goatee

In other artsy news, I'm in the middle of designing a wallet and passport cover with Tinymeat for their Etsy shop, which I am really excited about because I love their artist series products. Plus, they've had over 8,000 Etsy sales in three years, which is insanity to me considering I've only had 18 (baby steps, I suppose!). Hopefully there will be more exciting news to come soon, but until then, please bear with my critter-induced silence!

Guinea pigs are so scene it hurtz.

2009-01-16T00:18:00.007-05:00

Guinea Pigs Made the Pompadour Famous way Before Morrissey

Here's the most recent critter in my series, "say hello to my little friends." I've always wanted a guinea pig because they make alien noises and have bedhead just like me, but alas, I already have an apartment filled with pets so I suppose this little guy will have to suffice.
In other critter-related news, I wanted to say thank you to one of my favorite blogs, Fly, for featuring me this week! I'm flattered to be sharing the screen with so many other artists I heart.

Critters and CTU cure congestion!

2009-01-12T00:03:00.012-05:00

During the holidays, I was 95% sure that I had a sinus infection, but hoped it would just get better on its own because I didn't want to have to visit the doctor during our brief break. It turns out, that was not the best idea. I spent the last week in a crazy amount of pain and wasn't sure what the problem was, since my sinus infection had been gone for a week and these symptoms were different. My back was killing me, I couldn't get rid of my fever, my heart was racing and my teeth ached so badly that I couldn't sleep.

I went to the doctor on Friday and he told me that the sinus infection had never really left and my body was basically like, "Stop ignoring me, I need attention and antibiotics. K thanks." He was also concerned that my resting heart rate was at 120 (60-90 beats per minute is the norm). I've been testing my heart rate periodically over the weekend, and the only thing that seems to slow it down and distract me from being stressed is working on my critter illustrations while blazing through five seasons of 24 (oh my god I have no life!!!). Everytime Jack Bauer screamed "DAMN IT!" I drank a sip of water. Needless to say, I am no longer dehydrated. So, without further ado, here are the most recent exotic pets in my "say hello to my little friends" series.

Chinchillin' Like a Villain

Sugar Gliders Need Hugs too

Despite the rumors, ferrets are not face-eating creatures.

2009-01-07T14:31:00.014-05:00

Ferrets Don't get no Respect

I finished another exotic pet for my upcoming series, "say hello to my little friends," which will be on display through April at Cafe Estelle. Ferrets may smell a bit like poo, but I think they are just darling.

There's something else that is non-critter related that I'd like to mention. For all of you NYC folk, I urge you to check out my brother's play, Welcome to Nowhere at P.S. 122 (150 First Avenue) through January 13th. After a sold-out run in February '08, this will be the last performance in NYC before they head off to France, Canada and Austria for upcoming Temporary Distortion projects.

A performance still from Welcome to Nowhere (bullet hole road)...part road movie, part fractured memory, part love story. A meditation on the violence, sexuality and madness found at the heart of the American Road Movie.

It's a new day...

2009-01-05T18:00:00.010-05:00

I hope everyone had an excellent holiday & an even better new year. Check out a Q&A with yours truly at The Little Red Suitcase, where I was interviewed by the super fabulous Patty!

In other news, I finished another critter for my solo show, "say hello to my little friends," coming up in April at Cafe Estelle.

President Coolidge was Cool With a Capital C

Rebecca, the pet raccoon of President Coolidge, was exceptionally cool. True story.

While we're on the subject of Cafe Estelle, I'd like to mention my main squeeze, Laura Kicey, who will be having the opening of her solo show, "Living Rooms" this Friday. Be sure to join us in the celebration of her awesomeness. Plus, there will be snacks. Just sayin'.

"The time has come," the walrus said, "to talk of many things..."

2008-12-18T20:53:00.009-05:00

I must admit, I'm quite partial to the walrustastic treasury on Etsy that includes my "Walruses Can't Skateboard" painting! I especially love the piece with the person that has a walrus on their head. I would definitely wear a walrus as a hair accessory if given the opportunity. I've had my Etsy shop for nearly a year, and today marks the day that over 100 people have added me as a favorite. I know it's not much, but it makes me happy that +100 people have indicated that they like my work by clicking a wee heart icon.

Speaking of "Walruses Can't Skateboard," I've opened up a Zazzle clothing store, thanks to Brooke's awesome suggestion! I haven't had much time to play around with it and create products, but feel free to browse what I have in my shop so far! The American Apparel shirts are especially comfy and have a flattering fit for all figures (infomercial, much?).

Tis the season to be thankful!

2008-12-17T12:46:00.007-05:00

Celestial by Linda Plaisted

I've sold four prints from my Etsy shop this week, which made me do a happy dance all four times, especially since two of those prints were sold to the lovely Linda Plaisted, whose artwork I've admired for quite some time. Her artwork is so magical and always lifts my spirits. It's really nice to know that my bird drawings will be going to such a happy home. Once my wallet is a bit more full, I plan to return the favor and purchase one (or more!) of Linda's gorgeous prints. Hopefully my neon-painted walls will do it justice!

I need help with a bright idea...

2008-12-16T21:56:00.008-05:00

I was just accepted as a member of the Crafting in Color Street Team, which is devoted to keeping Etsy bright and colorful. I just listed some blindingly bright pieces in my shop, so hopefully people will enjoy the new additions.

I'd like to start selling t-shirts with some of my illustrations on them (and not just because Ms. Meatball requested! hehe), but I can't seem to find a decent supplier that offers a variety for an affordable price, rather than just one shirt in bulk for a gazillion dollars. I don't want 100 shirts with a walrus on a skateboard, I want several different types of shirts with a few of each to start with until I can find out which designs are popular and more marketable (I want a golden ticket!!). I've tried doing iron-on transfers in the past, but the quality always deteriorates with washings. I can't afford to tackle silkscreening t-shirts on my own, and my illustrations are too complicated for me to attempt to use my Gocco. Any suggestions, or should I just give up and sell my doodles on fanny packs?

Bunnies are looking for love just like the rest of us.

2008-12-16T17:28:00.010-05:00

This is a handmade card I just made to send off to Kathy Davis Studios, a local greeting card design group (and yes, that's mistletoe headgear he's wearing). If I wasn't already taken, I'd totally smooch this little guy under the mistletoe. Speaking of bunnies, our rabbit Willie Nelson is on antibiotics for a foot injury and I have to give him oral meds twice a day. He lucked out with some kind of fruit-flavored medication and gets so excited to be cradled and have medicine time, it's so redonkulousy cute. Now that I'm married, I think my maternal instincts are supposed to kick in, but I just want to foster bunnies forever and leave the dirty diapered babies for someone else to clean up after hehe. That probably makes me a bad person, but if loving bunnies is bad, I don't want to be good!

Christmas Time Is Here

2008-12-14T19:59:00.005-05:00

I couldn't resist the Mrs. Claws costume at PetSmart, especially since it was half off.

That is one sassy lady.

Betty White hates having her photo taken, but I do it anyway.

Our Martha Stewart Christmas tree, with all of the wrapped goodies underneath.

I'm so excited for Christmas and eating Holiday Oreos nonstop in front of the fireplace. 11 days left & counting!

6 quirky Shannonisms

2008-12-13T01:09:00.009-05:00

Alrighty, so I've been tagged by the lovely Stephanie at This Casita, who I had the pleasure of meeting on Weddingbee.

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Here are my six non-important things/habits/quirks:

1.) When my hubby leaves to go to work in the morning, I still don't have to wake up for a few hours. Even though he always locks the door when he leaves to go to work, I am insanely obsessive compulsive and insist on staying awake until I hear the door close, so I can scurry up and double check that it's locked. I have no idea why I'm so paranoid about the door being unlocked because we live in a fairly safe neighborhood, but I can't fall asleep without knowing for sure that it's locked.

2.) When I'm depressed I Google photos of baby animals and it always cheers me up. When I'm REALLY depressed, I Google photos of depressed animals to make myself feel less alone. You have no idea how reassuring a depressed polar bear can be after a bad day at work.

3.) If I go more than two days without tweezing my eyebrows, an entire rain forest full of creatures grows on my forehead and before I know it, my eyebrows are no longer a plural part of my face. It's absolutely exhausting and I'm not even Italian.

4.) I am completely terrified of merging on the highway and will drive hours out of my way on back roads to avoid having to merge. I don't mind driving on the highway once I'm on it, but having to actually get on scares the bejesus out of me and I am usually sweaty and shaking when I have to do it.

5.) When I start a project or artwork, I will work until I'm going cross-eyed in the wee hours of the morning to try to get it done because if I don't finish something in one sitting I almost always put it aside and never bother finishing it.

6.) After I watch a terrible movie, I always IMDB it and read the discussion posts to make myself feel better because it means I wasn't the only lame ass who wasted an hour and a half on it. My most recent awful movie experience was Untraceable. Colin Hanks, I will never forgive you.

I'm going to be a rebel and ignore the rules about tagging fellow bloggers. Let me know if you post this on your own blog though!

Conde' Nast Publi…

ions

Cute critter series thus far...

2008-11-24T22:24:00.007-05:00

"Bunnies Can't Cluck"
"He's A Rather Squirrely Boy"

"Is That A Hedgehog In Your Pants Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"

I've been working on my critter series for my upcoming solo show at Cafe Estelle in April. I sold the original squirrel piece to Shana of Shanalogic.com, who is a squirrel rescuer and all around super fabulous gal. She was even willing to let me hold onto it until after the show ends. Prints of these pieces are also available in multiple sizes at my Etsy shop. Currently, I'm working on a raspberry-lovin' raccoon.

If it wasn't illegal to own a hedgehog in Pennsylvania, I'd totally be all up in that business (although I'm not sure how keen our landlord would be with us having a total of seven pets in our cramped apartment).

Any animal requests out there?

About

2007-07-21T17:25:00.002-04:00

Hello.

My name is Shannon Collins (although some of you may know me as "Mrs. Candy Corn" from Weddingbee). I'm a 26-year-old illustrator and Editor-in-Chief from Philadelphia living with a menagerie of pets (a rescued Westiepoo named Betty White, a chinchilla named Maude, a loving lop-earred rabbit named Willie Nelson and a sassy Dutch bunny named Cadbury, along with her feisty horndog of a son, Applesauce).

This blog will explore my ongoing fascinations with fine art, illustration, design, style, photography, pop culture, and a never-ending love for furry critters. Wondering where the heck the name "youwannatalkjive" came from? It's inspired by one of my favorite lines from The Royal Tenenbaums by Royal himself: "You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!" So folks, brace yourself for a blog filled with jive talkin' like no other. Be sure to visit my cheese-lovin' alter ego at Fromage Photography!

xoxo,
Shannon

{photo by laura kicey}