1 Artist of the Day: Ryan Cashman

Light-Paint Piano Player from Ryan Cashman on Vimeo.

Artist of the Day: Ryan Cashman

0 "Everything is shit. Except you, love."

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.

"Everything is shit. Except you, love."

6 Sit. Stay. Love.

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!

Sit. Stay. Love.

8 Puppy love

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!

Puppy love

0 Christmas in August?

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.

Christmas in August?

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

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!

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

5 Animal tales!

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!

Animal tales!