Eskimo Kiss- in My Drawers

Day #18 from What's in My Drawers.

Eskimo Kiss
Watercolor with water color pencils
14" x 11"
©NanciHersh
$150.00

                                                              

First there was an Eskimo Kiss. This is a loose watercolor with water color pencils I did for an Eskimo Kiss- two noses rubbing together.

Originally, when my cousin Ellen McVicker wrote the words for me to tell my then two young sons that I had breast cancer the title of her story to share with Griffin and Nate was "My Mommy has Cancer." And in the story, the child learns that cancer is not contagious and he can still give his mommy as Eskimo Kiss.

Ellen and I eventually collaborated to create the children's book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: When someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids now in its fifth printing with a Spanish edition as well.

In the book an Eskimo Kiss is replaced by a Butterfly Kiss and the rest is history.

Butterfly Kiss
available as an Archival art print
8" x 10" matted- $35.00
16" x 20" - $100.00
©McVicker&Hersh, LLC

Click here to see the post about What's in My Drawers and be in the loop for the rest of the art and stories in this blog series.

Give Us Your Best Shot

I am having so much fun getting ready for my Catching UP exhibition with photographer Catherine Hartigan. We're both excited to see so many of our friends, family, neighbors and classmates from home. And, we could use your help.

Stepping Out, detail
Monotype with image transfers
©2013NanciHersh

See, Caryl Felicetta of Think Plan C created a great poster for us. Photographer Judy Weinberg, co-chair of the Transformations Gallery along with glass artist Amy Brooks, put up these posters in store fronts in downtown Metuchen. It's a community thing- only Cathie and I are in our respective homes- two hours and 7 days away.

So I had this idea, what if you could be our "boots on the ground" by taking a picture of a Metuchen storefront and show us who is sporting our Catching UP poster.

photo by Caryl Felicetta

Then:
1. Post it on the Transformations FB Page with the name of the shop generously hosting our poster.
2. LIKE the page. (if you want extra credit, you can LIKE Cathie's page, Caryl's Think Plan C and mine if you haven't already... hey its fun to spread the love!)

And I will donate a signed copy of my Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings Book in your name to benefit a school, library or house of worship in the community.

Books will be available at our Artists Reception- Saturday, September 21, 7-9 pm, and at our Artists Talk and Learn to Transfer Workshop- Sunday, September 22, 12-2 as well)

It's a great way to give a shout out to the local businesses, pay it forward, and get in on the fun.

C'mon, give us your best shot!

Kennett High School Art Festival

Last week I had a lot of fun participating in the Kennett High School Art Festival. Artists from the community were invited to demonstrate their craft and exhibit their work along with student work. I brought in copies of our Butterfly Kisses Book, as well as prints from the book, mixed media works on paper and paintings from my Koi Pond Series. 

A table of Butterfly Kisses books with
Kaleidoscope of Color
Acrylic on canvas on th easels behind

This event was on the heels of the Kennett Middle School Career Day with at least another two concerts in the district, a Choral at the High School and Band and Orchestral at the Middle School in between. It reminds me how fortunate we are to have our children in a school district that values and (still) supports the arts.  (and yes, they do also have a strong athletics program.)

We also put a large roll of paper and had conte and pastels available for students to draw on all day.  It was a big hit.... as were the ice pops for sale form La Michoacana- a favorite local homemade ice cream store in Kennett Square.  (coconut is my all time favorite!)

Local artist Charles Lewis sharing prints of his
scratchboard art with KHS students 

Watercolorist Annie Strack painted all day 

to the awe and appreciation of students and community

A day of Art

Time to Kick off Them Shoes!

Everyone Needs a Break Sometimes
Art Print - 14" x 11"
©2011McVicker&Hersh,LLC

Off to the beach for a weekend of R & R with my hubby.  As the line in our Butterfly Kisses Book says... Everyone needs a break sometimes...

Keepers
10" x 10"
acrylic on canvas
©2011NanciHersh

I asked Sharon Tobia, the story behind her favorite pair of green sneaks.  

She told me that she bought a bunch of sneakers from a local clothing store that was closing.  She put them on ebay but decided to keep this pair for herself.... so they are KEEPERS!

Have you every bought somethng to give away or sell and decided that it was worth keeping?

How are you kicking back this almost spring weekend?

Connecting at the Catwalk

Ellen and I donated one of our framed
Butterfly Kiss prints for the Silent Auction

Sunday's Crazy Catwalk for Kidds was an afternoon of high energy inspite of the March winds and rains outside.

People came for fashion, food, and art-  all for Supporting Kidds.  

It also was a great opportunity to see and meet new people.  My passion is creating community through art and it is also the mission of J. Christian and Marcy, owners of J. Christian Studio.  

Committed to giving back to the community, they create 4 events a year where they and their wondeful staff, donate their talents, their services and their vision to local charities.  Talk about Paying it Forward!

My favorite part of the day is having people stop by my table and talk about their shoes and the stories behind them.

I was also there signing copies of our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: When someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids.  I continue to be inspired by the courage of individuals and families who demonstrate grace and resilience in the wake of this disease. 

Add caption

In between the Catwalks there were cuttings on stage, some of which went  for Locks of Love

Social Pie guru, Carla Bobka (left) & artist and designer, Amanda Capitanio who is also the owner of 2mice Creative sitting alongside Amanda's powerful graphic images that comment on the role of media and marketing in how we view ourselves as woman.

Fashionista in Training!

Also on hand for the event were my new groovy new business cards from Aztec Printing and Design. People could choose from one of four images with my Walks thru Life: Shoe Portrait Series on them.  Commissions are welcome.

What's your favorite pair of shoes say about you?

A Curious Trend...Just Wondering

Wondering

Handcolored photo with watercolor pencils

Illustration from book-

Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings:

When someone you love has cancer...

a hopeful, helpful book for kids

AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVAL DIGITAL PRINT

www.butterflykissesbook.com

©2010McVicker&Hersh,LLC

Has someone stuck that sign on MY back? I have noticed a curious trend in my career...

Someone wants to use a piece in a brochure, another wants to include my work in a slideshow in Asia, a third wants me to do a presentation and workshops at an elementary school in her town, and another contacted me today... would I be interested in presenting to art teachers locally for an inservice day this week. The common denominator is that there is no financial

compensation available. Did I file for 501C inadvertently?

In the end I have agreed to them. (and say I need to be paid for one that involves travel) I want to get my work out there and support my community. I have also noticed that in the case of our book, Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: when someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids. when we give without expectations it comes back to us in spades.

Point me in the direction of the magical place where good karma and good business intersect!

Letting Go and Forming Connections

As 2009 is coming to a close this wet gray day I am reminded of my intention in yoga this morning- to Let Go. Let go of anything that no longer serves me - or others. And with that I would like to add Connecting - Forming Connections. Making art is often a solitary act and as I reflect on this past year in our new home I see I have created new work (www.nancihersh.com) In my Inherently Found series I started using tea bags. Tea bags to stain paper, tea bags with encaustic hanging from my utensils and also drawings; a drawing a day to be precise. My morning ritual consists of making a cup of tea for my husband Scott. This connects us and reminds me of the Japanese Tea Ceremony I participated in back in Hawaii in the 80's on the beach of Haleiwa Beach Park. This ritual steeped in tradition and meditation brings us to the moment of awareness and gratitude- something I intend to cultivate in my life.

My days (like everyone else's!) are constant to do lists; filled with taking care of my family, our pets and our home, teaching, volunteering in the community, work around our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, yoga, meditation, journaling and other forms of exercise- and making ART. The pie sliced is so many pieces. Often at the end of the day I would feel frustrated or angry that so little if any time was spent in my studio. I decided to make a regular practice to drawing every day- something simple and present - like a tea bag. Some days I spend up to an hour drawing the tea bag or bags, and others they are quick sketches. I decided I would commit to this practice and see what happens. I spoke to Jay my web guru today and he is going to set it up on my site so I can share them on the web with you. For now here is one from yesterday as well as a sculpture I did over the summer titled 8 Cups of Tea (also referencing the book 3 Cups of Tea that I found so powerful and compelling.)

Happy and Healthy New Year to one and all!

Book Talk Tonight at LBIF in Loveladies, NJ

Off today to the Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore. Summertime. and LBI is beast (as my 9 year old would say!) I spent my summer there between freshman and sophmore years at Pratt, waitressing, partying and decompressing from the rigors of Foundation year at Pratt and dealing with a then, very ungentrified Brooklyn.

Now I will be back to the island for just one night to do a book talk and signing for our book-
Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: when someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids. www.butterflykissesbook.com at The Long Beach Island Foundation for Arts & Sciences in Loveladies. The Foundation is a gem in South Jersey! Great workshops and classes, studios and visiting artist programs- check it out! http://www.lbifoundation.org/

Last time I was on the island I saw a seal on the beach enjoying the winter morning sun!

Which Wolf are you Feeding?

I have a new favorite parable that I got from Bonnie St. John's book- Live Your Joy. It's a story about an Cherokee Grandfather (and forgive me if I get the details wrong, it's the lesson that counts!) Anyway, a grandfather is teaching his grandson that there are two wolves that are at battle within each of us. The Evil wolf is anger, hatred, intolerance, evil, judgement (a.k.a. - yucky stuff) The Good wolf is love, kindness, compassion, humility, joy... After a moment the grandson asks"which wolf wins." Which ever one you feed, replies the grandfather. SO that is the question I ask myself on a daily basis- Which Wolf are You Feeding- whether it is about someone else (don't say it if it is not kind, true or helpful) or myself- and that is MY challenge. Especially in my studio the other day I was working on some new koi pond images and working with reflective light and getting frustrated.

The first quote from DaVinci came to mind (again a little paraphrasing) The supreme misfortune is when theory outstrips performance...or when the idea is better that than ability to convey it.
ug. sigh. bad wolf...

But then Van Gogh's quote came to me (yes, good wolf) When that voice inside me says- you are no artist, I quiet the voice by painting. So work, and that will feed the good wolf and put the evil wolf in its place. where ever that is. NOT IN MY HOUSE!

Last night participated in a art exhibition/ book signing at Kimmel Cancer Center in Philly-
as always met warm, wonderful, courageous people. It is heart warming to share our book
Butterfly Kisses and Wishes and Wings: When someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids. There were two sisters- one, an oncology nurse and her sister, who told me how they wished that they had had our book when they lost their father to cancer.

That is our intention, to get the book to those who need it. Our Gift- it- Forward program encourages people to buy our book and donate it to a local library, hospital, place of worship or school- Wherever there may be a child or family who would benefit from the message of our book.

NOW tonight is 9th Annual Riddle Memorial Hospital Cancer Survivors Day. www.riddlehospital.org I am presenting at the ever. doing my speach/art talk/ slide presentation. I will try and post that once I put it in a format that I can use here. They are all on my website- www.nancihersh.com

Been Meaning to Write...

I have been having SO MUCH FUN since Ellen and I signed up as distributors with SendOutCards.
Many people have told us that they would love to have our images on greetings cards to send to people. There is this fabulous company online called SendOutCards. You can use their images, use other artists images in their Card Catalogue, and the most fun part for me is uploading my own artwork and photos, then adding captions, dialogue bubbles, festive borders- the possibilities go on and on. AND, I am using them to say Thank you, Congratulations, I am thinking of you, etc.

Oh and the best part is that is that you create them online (you can even have your own handwriting on file!) they print them, stamp them and send them!!!!! and it is so affordable- and the quality of the card is professional. No more going to the store, to the post office.

It is such a wonderful way to let others know that you appreciate and care about them. I sent one yesterday to someone at my health insurance company because she helped me appeal a claim that had been frustrating the heck out of me!

Life Mirrors Art

4 years ago when my cousin, Ellen McVicker and I were collaborating on the words and images for our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, I "staged" an image for her words "And getting dressed all by myself won't be so hard... so what if my clothes don't match!" Back then, my older son Griffin was 7 and always insisted on dressing himself. I did, however, try and help him keep him room somewhat orderly. Now at age 11, and in Middle School, Griffin is still fiercely independent, has his own room and I try to pick my "battles."

I can't help but notice, not only the constant state of disarray his room is in, but how the image I once drew has come to life! Remember the book- I Will Love You Forever?!

Autumn Inspirations

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the days are still warm. It is Autumn at its finest. The air is also charged with politics and the economy. Trying to stay centered in this time of change and turmoil, I find myself returning to my work and my yoga and meditation practice.
I was out last week by the pond doing some monotypes with pastel. It was good to be outside, working from life and staying present. I also brought the colors, energy and energy of fish flopping about onto a larger piece with the same theme- Autumn Pond. My studio is still a work in progress, but more and more it feels like my space that I can return to.

This is also breast cancer awareness month. Ellen and I speak regularly cross country as we look for ways to continue moving forward with our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings and helping others in a more direct way. What I love is that the book has a life of its own. People are starting to find us and share our message with others, gifting it forward, visiting our website www.butterflykissesbook.com, or some other grace of God. Amazon, as well continues to sell the books on a regular basis through their website. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_16?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=butterfly+kisses+and+wishes+on+wings&sprefix=Butterfly+Kisses

But I am especially excited that our book has been found by a wonderful new website and email newsletter. "StyleSubstanceSoul.com is a unique website whose mission is to inspire women to live a life of passion, compassion and action. Our tag line is \"Look good. Feel Good. Do Good,\" and we provide lots of great ways to accomplish those goals every week."
http://stylesubstancesoul.com/themes/butterflies/have_10_minutes.html
I am inspired that there are so many women whose mission is to inspire, support and celebrate each other. Thank you Amy Krause and Lois Alter Mark. I too, look forward to reading StyleSubstanceSoul for some Soul Food.

Art Studio Sale and helping a special girl

I had another fun day at the Freehold Apple Store with Marisa Maffia, my favorite techie. She helped me put together a flyer for a Moving Art Studio Sale that I am going to have next month. I would much rather see my work in the homes of friends, family and anyone else who wants to live with art, than pay the freight charges to PA and have it sit there. Art is to be shared - which leads me to something else.... my cousin Ellen McVicker, who is also my BFF and partner with Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, introduced me to Cheryl McAllister years ago when Ellen and I first ventured on our path together. Cheryl is a gifted and I mean gifted, Angel Reader is with Ellen in Aurora, CO at the moment, and shared with her that she has someone special in her life who she loves - young girl named Macie,who is blind. Apparently, there is a very expensive procedure in China that has been very successful in restoring sight to others who have had her condition. That all said, I will be donating a portion of the proceeds of sales from my Art Studio Sale to benefit Macie so she can go to China to have her operation. For more information go to: http://www.maciesvisionquest.com/

Pay it forward my friends.....

5 Year Anniversary!

It's all good! Today is my 5 year anniversary since my cancer surgery... and what a journey it has been. The past 5 years have been about the cancer one way or another it seems- the healing, the work- the Art of Survival, and collaborating with my cousin Ellen on our book, Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, and above all the incredible people in my life: family, friends, doctors, artists..... And today it is all about GRATITUDE. 5 years later here I am alive and healthy with my husband and children, surrounded by family and friends AND it was a record setting warm day (how that makes my heart SING!) so off to yoga I went with my friend, neighbor and fellow yogi - Millie. As always, Christian's class is the perfect blend of butt-kicking challenge, heart opening inspiration and humor. As I practiced my asanas I focused on gratitude and will try and continue to hold that in my heart.