Pretty Things Spotlight: * Tascha *

Update: The winner of Tascha's sweet little "Tea Party" giclee print is SANEH! Congratulations! Thanks to all of you who entered. Be sure to enter this week's give-a-way.

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Tascha is a well-known Canadian Folk artist, known for her whimsical and colourful painting style, which depicts sweet images of people and their faithful companions.

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I hadn't heard of Tascha until recently, when she was sent to me through Fate. I found her wunderful work when I started my search for an artist who could perfectly capture the essence and personality of my dear, recently departed kitty, Kiko. Upon seeing Tascha's work and subject matter, I just knew she was the very one who could perfectly portray Kiko.

You can tell that Tascha's heart and joy goes into her work as much of her paintings depicts rosy-cheeked girls or images of Frida Kahlo enjoying a tea party with friends, swimming with the Mermaids or having a lazy day nap with their furry friends. Her work is delightful, whimsical and fun.

I just know that her work will touch your heart too!

"I'd love to travel to the moon and float around among the stars. I have flying dreams all the time and it would be awesome to actually do it!"

Spotlight: Tascha

★ Tell us a bit about You…
Hi! My name is Tascha and I live in the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Ontario Canada. I moved here to attend art school (Ontario College of Art and Design) and loved it so much that I stayed after I graduated. I make little paintings and prints here in my studio with my 2 Siamese cats by my side.



★ What inspires you?
I get a lot of inspiration from my cats, Lily and Opie. They are such a strong part of my life that I feel the need to often incorporate cats into my paintings. I love storybooks and happy magical lands where there are no worries. I like to create a little world where everything is good.

★ Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun?
Creating things takes most of my time. I love to experiment with new techniques and art supplies. Other than art I enjoy bike riding, cooking, collecting exotic beads and drinking tea with friends.

★ What has been your most memorable moment selling your art?
My most memorable moment was when I was asked to do a commission of a very large 4 by 5 foot canvas painting. I had painted only tiny canvases at this point and it was quite challenging. So much more physical than small paintings. You really have to use a lot more of your arm muscles. I remember carrying this giant painting to UPS to be packed up and shipped. I felt so proud,...like I had arrived.

★ Any advice for fellow artists...
Everyone has a story to tell in their art. Like Mr. Rogers says "There is only one person in the world like you." You are special. As an artist, you bring something unique to the world, so, as long as you are true to yourself, your art will shine. Don't be overly concerned with what other artists are doing...run your own race.

★ This is a silly question, but one I feel tells a lot about you...If you could be any character, who would it be and Why?
I'd be Wilma Flintstone. She's a good friend, can cook a mean brontosaurus dinner and has cute feet.

★ Where would you like to travel and Why?
I'd love to travel to the moon and float among the stars. I have flying dreams all the time and it would be awesome to actually do it.

★ Tell us your future plans for your business...
I have been selling my art on the internet since 2001. I have learned to go with the flow and try new opportunities as they come along. Everything is still so new on the internet as far as arts and crafts go. I'm enjoying the ride and love trying new venues. I also plan on getting into more galleries here in Toronto as I do miss the social aspect of art. You can also expect larger paintings and some art dolls in the future.





★ More about You…
I want people on the Internet to get to know me better. Making videos is the best way I can do this, so come and visit me at my You Tube channel where I let you into my creative processes. You can find me at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=timewithtascha

★ Shoppe: http://Tascha.etsy.com
★ Blog: http://TimeWithTascha.blogspot.com
★ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tascha

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This Give-a-Way has ended...

What a sweet little way to enjoy tea...outside with your best friend and just the cutest little kitty upon your lap!

This week's luckiest give-a-way winner will receive the sweet "Tea Party" giclee print by Tascha! It is an 8 x 10" image printed on an 8.5 x 11" sheet of acid free cardstock.

To Enter...
Pick your most favourite image in Tascha's enchantingly delightful shop. Then, comment here to tell us which it is that you like the most!
★ For an extra entry into this contest...Post a comment on any other post on my blog, not including artist features.

How to Comment... Comment by clicking on "Comments" or the "Post a comment" area at the very bottom of this post and a comment area will come up for you to type in. Then, if you don't have a blog, you may either click name/URL and fill in your name only, leaving the URL area blank or post anonymously. Just be sure to sign your name and leave a way for us to contact you if you win.

Most Important Details...
If your favourite image by Tascha is not part of your comment and/or some sort of viable contact information is not included, your entry will be automatically disqualified. I DO check every single entry. Winner has 3 days to contact me with their mailing address. Give-a-way is shipped out via the artist. The winner's name is drawn out of a most fashionable hat...the old-fashioned way. One entry per person unless you comment on another post on this blog during the week of this feature/contest. All entries must be received by noon on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 PST. There is a clock on the right side of this blog so that you may check Los Angeles {PST} time. This contest is open to everyone, everywhere.

Best of luck to you, my Pretties!