Artfire Now Hosts Mysticsilks!!

OK, world, I got on another online band-wagon selling site called Artfire.com

I will say this about the site: (1)It is easy to use, easy to upload photos, offers social networking , has a forum. (2) It is free for listing up to 12 listings. After 12 it will cost $12.00/month with no selling fees commission.

It appears to be a well run site. I really like how they have their category sections set up: When I listed an original painting, it took me to handmade/fine art. I clicked on that, and in the listed sub categories found, paintings, clicked on that, then was able to click on subject of painting: Bing, bang, bung it was done!

Not like another site I use where your original paintings are somehow mixed with jewelry, painted boxes, broom sticks,etc.

So come on over take a look--:)

http://www.artfire.com/users/mysticsilks

Twin Towers 911~No One's Forgotten

Twin Towers`911~A Response To The Silk Painting

I created this silk painting back in 2001, a couple of weeks after the 911 tragedy occurred. I had seen a photo in the " Times Magazine"; One tower on fire, black smoke billowing into the air, the other tower still standing straight and proud while another plane ready to destroy the second tower, approached it from the side: And something in that photo inspired me to paint the scene on silk.
As, I had written on my squidoo site, I felt helpless and vulnerable after the attack on New York City. I could almost feel the desperation, and fear of those in the towers as they tried to escape the horror.
While in the process of creating the painting at times I felt as if I was able to pick up on the feelings of those inside the towers: It was a surreal experience.
A few months later, I was in a juried art show. I gathered my paintings together; the ones I wanted to display. I pondered over the Twin Towers painting; should I take that one, too?
I called my art instructor to get her input, as to whether or not I should include it in the display.
She voiced a resounding , "Yes! It's art isn't it," she replied.
I took the painting.
I had so many people stop, point and whisper to others.
" Look, I can't believe she's showing that painting." Oh my god...."
I finally placed the painting to the back of my tent.
Later, I put the painting for sale on eBay. The nasty comments I received from people was unbelievable. I took it off eBay. Now, it sits in the back of my closet, covered in black plastic.
I've published the story of this painting on my blog sites. Today I received an email from someone who saw the blog on squidoo. This is what he wrote:
Someone was just checking out your Squidoo lens "Art Work of 9/11~ A Controversial Painting" and wrote you the following note..."Even after so many years I still have nightmares about that horrible day when so many lost their lives. In a strange way seeing your silk painting let me put some of the loss I still feel behind me. At the time my girlfriend was in the building (tower 1) when it went down so I thought it would help you to know not everyone finds your painting repulsive. It is still very hard for me to talk on the subject without feeling hate or heartbreak so I often dont respond to websites I come across. I am interested in buying the painting if you still have it after all this time and you are willing to part with it. Thank you for painting it regardless I think I can understand your intent even if I cant put it into words" --Adam Besaw
I am now thinking and feeling that this painting did have a mission.
Mystic Silks

(addendum)
9/9/09
That fella never did purchase this painting, and it still sits in the back of my closet wrapped in black plastic. But in commemoration of that infamous day in history, I will continue to run this post on 911, or close to that date.
http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/

Zycam--Good or Not So Good?

I recently heard about the side affects that some people are reporting from the use of Zycam. And of course the makers of Zycam are denying any side affects.
What is Zycam? It is an OVC cold reducer with the main ingredient of Zinc; the Zycam I used was a nasal swab. I am still not sure how zinc works in the nose to reduce cold germs. But when I first inserted the nasal swab, my upper nasal passages burned like hell, my eyes watered. I withdrew the swab, with murmurings of; oh shi-, ouch, all the while hopping from one foot to another.
Yet,all the while I am telling myself that this curative torture(Zycam) was better than the upper respiratory infection of a c-o-l-d!
And, I added to these thoughts that the FDA would not allow a product to be sold to the GP without being thoroughly tested, right? Part of the loss of the age of innocence, right!

I may have used it one other time, and after experiencing the same nasty side affects, I never used it again. In fact I just threw out the dated box last year.
But I never complained to anybody. Nowadays, I chalk every new hurt, or discomfort up to the aging factor.
The learned medical community has not really taken the time to research what is the normal affects of aging and what is not. And if they have they sure are not publicizing it as much as is needed.
Anyway, I digress. As a result of having used this Zycam, I have noticed that my sense of smell has been greatly reduced most of the time. Then there are times when my dtr-in-law's perfume will make my eyes and nose water for days. The sense of smell is too heightened. Yet when I try to smell the fragrance of a rose, the smell is dulled. I also notice my sense of taste is also diminished. My nose always seems to run.But again I am thinking it's 'old age'--

Now, I know my first thoughts were most correct, it wasn't an aging factor, as much as it was the Zycam. I was only in my early 50's when I first used it.

So, what can we learn from this Zycam experience? Be aware? Cautious?
If it hurts when using it, don't use it? That's not a bad answer. The body's intelligence is a great alert system. If it smells bad don't eat it. If something hurts when sticking it in your nose, don't do it!

Have a better day folks--:)

http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/

Picasso Moon Silk Painting Original Painting

"Picasso's Moon" I'd have to say is the most viewed original painting in my etsy shop. Yet, it has not sold.

It was one of the most relaxing paintings to create as I did not fret and strain myself with intense concentration, as I have done over some of my other paintings.

Maybe it was the subject matter that loosened my shoulder muscles: I've always loved the forest, a body of water, and the wonderful mad moon gazing down on me. Maybe somehow I magically saw myself in that forest. Who knows?

http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/

Can You See What is Different? Mystic Silks

These two silk paintings, are really the same painting, but there is a difference.

Can you see what is changed within this painting?

Please visit: http://mysticsilks.etsy.com

Leave your comments telling me what has changed?

Thank you,

Mystic Silks

Do I miss Smoking?--Mystic Silks

" Einstein's E=Mc2" Silk Paintings

Well to answer this question, I would first need to think of all the reasons to smoke--Is there any?
I'd have to go way back to my original intention for smoking. I was 15 and needed to quit school to help support my family. I thought smoking would give the appearance that I was older than 15 when I went to job interviews.You know, I'm not sure they looked at me smoking and thought, " Hmm, she looks mature enough to handle this job." But, hey in my mind it was a prop.And, I smoked so boys would think I was old enough to date. Must've worked there, I ended up getting married at age 17. :)
OK, then I smoked to fit in. Back then in the late 50's 60's, it was chic to smoke. Women smoking were in fashion mags, on TV, in movies, on bill-boards. That smoke curling seductively from a women's lips , was the next best thing to a kiss--sooo provoacative, sexy--- Men wore cowboy hats and looked like hunks, with that cig in the corner of their mouth.
Men and women were seduced into smoking by the ad makers working for the tobacco companies. And folks, they made it CHEAP to smoke--25cents a pack!!

We used to give cartons of smokes to our parents, grandpareents, uncles and smoking aunts. It was the thing to be, and do,--- Back then.
So back to, do I miss smoking? When I stop to think of what they( the cigs) were doing to me, NO, who would miss being killed a little bit, day by day?
And, what did they( the cigs) ever do for me, really?

All my silk art is smoke free--visit at : http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/

Etsy Challenge Winner~ Mystic Silks

This is "Picasso's Moon", a silk painting that I entered in "etsy 2D art challenge"

I was notified today from Rod, who runs the "etsy challenge blog" , that I was the winner in the last challenge for 2D art:

http://etsychallenge.blogspot.com/

Now, I will be entered in another challenge with this same painting against other artists in the near future, and that one will determine the Grand Champion.

Visit my http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/ store to view silk paintings~silk scarves~silk pillows--and other original art work.

Thank you