Welcome to Nostalgic Studio's Blog

Cumberland Heritage Festival

2010-06-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Nostalgic Studio Travels
to

The Cumberland Heritage Festival, MD

We placed 2nd for "Best Booth Display"!!!

March 2010: Artist-Made Jewelry

2010-03-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

An Era's Ambiance Jewelry SHOWCASED! Check it out!

March 2010: Artist-Made Jewelry

Busy Bee

2009-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this NEW Collection that I just completed!

All selected pieces have been added to my shoppe for this Holiday Season!

Take a look at "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry at:

www.nostalgicstudio.etsy.com

2009-11-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Terah,

Do you know of a good place where I could go to get good frames, maybe in Hagerstown or Frederick? I have a couple things I want to frame that are about 2 feet long, and one foot wide. I also plan to purchase a print of "Watermarked Indigo." I shopped around for frames a little bit in DC, but they are just too pricey for my budget. Maybe frames are just really expensive anywhere, but I thought I would ask you since I know you know much more about framing than I do.

Hope you are having a beautiful day!

Love,

Marybeth

In response to her question:

Marybeth,

Custom framing is VERY expensive everywhere. When you have odd sized pictures you can use sectional frames. You can find them at Michaels Arts and Crafts or Howards Art Supply store in Hagerstown. I sometimes luck into finding good frames at places like Marshalls or TJ Max in the household goods section. Sometimes you can find a frame that was used for a mirror or print. I always take with me a small measuring tape and look for something that may fit a future project. A few inches around your artwork is okay. You will just need to buy a custom mat and the cost of installation (this includes: glass, mat, backing, and hanger). If you are REALLY lucky, you can find antique frames in flea markets or antique stores. That will save you in the long run. I have found that antique frames can be cheaper than a custom molding in a framing store. (interesting, huh?) Again, you just have to find the right size. Then go to a framing place to install it. It still will add up quickly though. So be aware of each cost. The designer will work with you and give you an estimate before the deed is done.

Working at Howard's Art Supply and Framing Store paid off...and I was able to see many shocked faces after I gave them their custom framing estimate! Yikes!

Good Luck!

Terah

Handcrafted Gifts and Goods

2009-11-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
NostalgicStudio.etsy.com

Art in the Park

2009-10-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Nostalgic Studio Showcased!

I took these pictures during the October - Art in the Park -

I enjoy displaying my art and jewelry.

I always meet new and interesting people during these events!

The Berkeley Springs, WV Art in the Park is held in
May thru October.

Fall Studio Tour 09'

2009-10-06T17:56:00.001-07:00

Join us for Mixed Media and Jewelry Demonstrations!

Original Artwork Exhibited!

Meet the Artist!

Time's Great Morning - From My Personal Poems

2009-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Time's Great Morning

Come to me today
fill your eyes with emerald green
carry with you our secret
of this forbidden lay
that we mask and disguise
to mold and solve on each wicked goodbye
watermark my body
with thy lips
embellish our destiny
with your gaze
secure our misfortunes
by looking away
melt your uncertainty
with my warm honey
take heed on this majestic discovery
a dream, our fate
that soars above the scattered tree's canopy
a belief, our story
that can be met
in the realm of Time's great morning
this is never ending
I will be thy lady for eternity

Terah

Heavy Seas - From My Personal Poems

2009-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm standing in my classroom. A wave crashes around

as the tide draws the needy children at my feet. I am

surrounded by a feeling of being overwhelmed with

salty waters. My chest seems tight and my breath is

but a wind exhaling. The sails of the tiny ships glide

into one another, revealing that they too are being

swept away. I look onward and see a glimpse of light.

A small payne of glass that glimmers in the horizon. A

memory of home...land. The shoreline in my dreams

have always been the anchor and the lighthouse was

merely the lantern to journey with. I am reminded

that this large water is merely my destiny. A time to

learn how to float in heavy seas... Terah

Once Again - From My Personal Poems

2009-09-20T08:16:00.001-07:00

I have sat beside Kings.
Flocked with spirituals alike.

Turned my cheek to the cathedral's fortress.
Mocked the land beneath me.

I have kissed thy royal lips.
Climbed your castle's walls.
Bled a son.
Countless sons...

I have broken mirrors of reflections that are endless.
Gave wealth to the centuries.
Made piece with the moments.
Secluded my soul...
between your fading twilight.

I have rendered your aura with my candlelight.
Waxed thy precious memory in water.
Drifted to sleep in your coffin...
to find you here.

Once again.

I love you, T

The Wing Please!

2009-09-18T17:09:00.001-07:00

Yes, this is me laughing at the alter on the Day of my Wedding.

For those of you that have watched the movie, "The Princess Bride", then you will be sure to get this...

The Reverend was asking me to repeat after her. She would say, "...and on the Wings of Love!"

I repeated, "Rings" instead of "Wings" with great persistence.

She whispered to me, "Wings, Wings"

All I could hear was that Bishop in "The Princess Bride" with that irritating voice, "...and the Wing Please!"

Well, you can almost bet that I was NOT going to sound like that and I refused...

Busting out laughing and might I add... saving a few from tears.

The Corridor Shoppe

2009-06-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Corridor Shoppe

Antique Finds for your Jewelry and Mixed Media Ambitions

www.TheCorridor.etsy.com

Antique Victorian Lithograph Booklet

1900 Original Letter & Envelope

Antique Brass Keyhole

Antique Skeleton Keys

...and then I returned.

2009-06-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Bedford Spring Hotel
Bedford, PA

After visiting the "newly" restored Bedford Spring Hotel, I felt a sadness...

They had stripped away the nostalgia, the essence and soul.

All traces were gone of memories.

March is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-03-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

"The Figurehead"

By Terah Ware

March is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! There is NO known cure for
Advanced Breast Cancer.

Early detection can SAVE your life!

I chose the subject matter to be a figurehead because of its' folklore. The crew of a ship believed that the "Angel" or figurehead would guide them safely home. Much like our fellow men and women who are challenged with the fight against Breast Cancer,
they lead our world with courage.

Visit Nostalgic Studio's Shoppe for

Giclee' Prints and Pendants of the inspiring painting, "The Figurehead".

Kaleb Schad

2009-02-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Essay On Man

By Kaleb Schad

Mystery

By Kaleb Schad

Tell us about your artwork.

My artwork does what I try to do with a lot of my life - mash together two seemingly separate ideas. In this case, I love taking my natural media illustration skills (drawing, charcoal, watercolor) and bringing that into the computer and enhancing it with traditional graphic design and visual communications philosophies. I'm an art director by profession, so the use of typography and design has always been with me. And I'm an illustrator by genetics, I guess, as I've always been drawing and probably always will. So bringing those two parts of my life into harmony is a constant goal of mine. I'm not there yet - I see a lot of flaws in my work - but I'm working at it.

Where do you get your inspirations and ideas from?

To be honest - a lot of my inspiration comes from the figures themselves. I'll find a surprisingly powerful image or an idea of the shape of a woman will strike me and I'll illustrate that. Then, as I'm working, music going and really lost in the trance of it all, I'll obviously have feelings about what I'm creating. Those feelings inform my decision on text or quotes, then. For example, there was something about that illustration of the woman's mouth in "Sorrow" that seemed really sad. It isn't the cliché frown or pout, but while I was drawing it I felt really sad. The quote from John Keats, one of my all time favorite poets, seemed just right for it.
The pieces always start with the drawing, though, never the quote or the texture.

How is art apart of your life?

As I said, I'm an art director for an advertising agency, so art literally is my life. I know there is a lot of poo-poo out there about commercial art, but I couldn't disagree with those people more. Art is a tool for communicating. End of story. If that means communicating the latest benefit of a local college or communicating the beauty of sunset painted in oils, it is still communicating.

That said, the rewards, emotionally, of creating a fine art piece that I then offer as prints on Etsy compared to my daily work are dramatically different. Some of that, I'm sure, is the fact that in my fine art, I am the final say on when it's "done." I get to create the art I want to see, not what some committee wants to approve. So my fine art is definitely a release for me. And a bigger challenge. I find it hard to consistently hit the mark with my fine art. That's why I have so few pieces for display. Most of my crap ends up where it belongs - the garbage.

Where can we find your artwork to view and purchase?

If you want to buy prints, I use www.kalebschad.etsy.com as my online presence. If you want to view my commercial work alongside my fine art illustration, I do have a personal portfolio site at www.kalebschad.com.

Are you working on any pieces or projects currently?

I've found a lot of weaknesses in my illustrations that I want to hone in on. Obviously, Michaelangelo is one of the all time masters of drawing and painting, so I've begun copying his work, to be honest. I'm slowly working through his sketches and reproducing them to see where he placed his marks and why. You realize just what a master of proportion and natural posing, he was and why people have been impressed by him for centuries - not weeks.

Would you like to share any thoughts or wisdom for your fellow artists?

Boy, if I had any I would. I guess I just enjoy checking out as much art as I can. Every style has something that can illuminate a problem you see within yourself. I read in the journal Science that it takes 10 years of dedicated, challenging practice to become a master at anything. The key is in the dedication (practice, practice, practice) and challenge. Hard practice leads to better results than just doing over something you can already do. This is so after-school-special to say, but, "if you're not failing, you're not learning."

-Nostalgic Studio is now presenting artists to advocate the adored and talented.

Please take a look at Kaleb Schad, a tremendously talented artist who immediately caught my eye!

An Era's Ambiance Jewelry

2009-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

www.nostalgicstudio.etsy.com

Luminous Cocoon Necklace

2009-01-30T14:48:00.001-08:00

"Luminous Cocoon" Necklace
from the Chandelier Collection

Available at www.nostalgicstudio.etsy.com

The "One and Only" necklace on Etsy.

"Luminous Cocoon" a sensual necklace that will appease your adorned appetite!

This piece was just introduced to my "Chandelier Collection" with a reminisce of an Art Nouveau Style.

The pendant is quite the unique find. A hand crocheted "cocoon" wraps a translucent tear drop glass from Czechoslovakia. The antique pendant is secured to wonderful vintage style brass findings. A lamp work bead is suspended in the brass finding. The assortment of beads are high quality with swarovski and czech glass. The chain is highlighted with tiny seed beads of gold and cream. The necklace is completed with a vintage style toggle clasp for your security.

Chain Length: 18 inches
Pendant Size: 4 1/2 inches

Please keep in mind that all jewelry creations are a combination of vintage and modern findings. Any flaws or wears is the "patina" of the jewelry.

"An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry is a proud creator of tarnished findings and lost jewels that needed tender love and FLARE!

Enjoy!

Cozy

2009-01-28T04:58:00.000-08:00

Koen and Mommy

Uncomfortable Places

2009-01-28T04:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we have to be in uncomfortable places to see the beauty within.

Photos from Annie, Myspace

An Antique Find

2009-01-27T10:31:00.001-08:00

I found this Victorian Photo Album at a local antique store!

I can't wait to revamp this one!

The photo album has beautiful detailed locks that might serve to be some center pieces for my jewelry.

The old leather covers are divine and will eventually be mounted in one of my paintings!

Perhaps a journal...

The pages are exactly what I have been searching for.

My recent series, "Old Souls", will have these arched pages become the "windows to the soul" for each portrait.

Strong Women

2009-01-27T05:49:00.001-08:00

Strong women are those who know the road ahead will be strewn with obstacles, but they still choose to walk it because it's the right one for them.

Strong women are those who make mistakes, who admit to them, learn from those failures, and then use that knowledge.

Strong women are easily hurt, but they still extend their hearts and hands, knowing the risk and accepting the pain when it comes.

Strong women are sometimes beat down by life, but they still stand back up and step forward again.

Strong women are afraid. They face fear and move ahead to the future, as uncertain as it can be.

Strong women are not those who succeed the first time. They're the ones who fail time and again, but still keep trying until they succeed.

Strong women face the daily trials of life, sometimes with a tear, but always with their heads held high as the new day dawns.

- Brenda Hager

A Hidden Gift

2009-01-25T04:47:00.000-08:00

"The Hidden Gift" Necklace

Available at "The Purple Fern" Shop

(540) 678-1006 Winchester, VA

I realize that jewelry making has filled that void that comes with life's transitions.

I believe that we stumble upon our "hidden gifts" when we are not searching for them.

A "hidden gift" that appears when most needed.

Playing Dress Up!

2009-01-19T05:52:00.001-08:00

I love to do Medieval Reenacting!

This Tudor Dress was a birthday gift from my husband. I absolutely love it!

"Le Corsetaire" Mixed Media Painting

2009-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

"Le Corsetaire"
Mixed Media

This painting was the first completed in the series. It paved the way for "Forever Strong Womanhood" with its illustration of control and power. The clown represents "man" during a time of conformity and restriction. He tugs on the laces of the corset worn by an Edwardian woman who clearly is fatigued, yet hopeful. The relationship between the two is of reluctance and strength. A representation of a time period that emerged into today.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

11" x 14" Giclee' Print of the original painting of "Le Corsetaire" - Archival Ultrachrome Ink on 100% Cotton Rag Velvet Fine Art Paper.

Signed and dated, beautifully packaged, and shipped securely flat.

note: The Nostalgic Studio watermark in the sample image does not appear on the actual print.

The original mixed media painting was painted on illustration board. Acrylic paint, pastel, pen and ink, an antique textile, a vintage stamp, and handmade papers were used in the creation of "Le Corsetaire".

Dream Festoon Necklace

2009-01-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

"Dream Festoon" Necklace

Take a look @ http://www.lollishops.com/node/9776

Nostalgic Studio presents...

"Dream Festoon" Necklace in The Edwardian Collection

This creation began with an authentic antique brass finding that displayed a moon and star. The design pursued shades of purple with vintage beads and crystals. A brass chain and toggle clasp unites the purple melody and it was then a "Dream" was born.

Necklace Length: 22 inches

Pendant Size: 2 inches

Note: The mannequin is NOT life size. The jewelry display is a small scale version of a mannequin.

Please keep in mind that all jewelry creations are a combination of vintage and modern findings. Any flaws or wears is the "patina" of the jewelry.

"An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry is a proud creator of tarnished findings and lost jewels that needed tender love and FLARE!

Enjoy!

Art Nouveau

2009-01-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

"Art Nouveau" Necklace

A familiar time...

A passionate era...

A "New Art" for the "Old Soul"

Vulnerable

2008-12-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

I have been told that my greatest asset is my vulnerability.

Although this asset maybe my best, time and pain has buried my forte'.

I don't know when the walls were built or when I created this fortress to protect me. I do know that they were created over time.

I remember "vulnerability" and how I allowed it to be heard or seen. I could speak from the heart and not be considered by the outcome.

I could reveal my true self and know that I was okay.

Vulnerability is terrifying for me. I realize that my paintings are just glimpses into my soul and that they are small steps towards a journey of awareness.

When I reach the point in my life when I can reveal my entirety, my soul.

That is when I will be heard.

Perhaps this is the beginning...

Young "Old Souls"

2008-12-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Little Clown, from Don at myspace.com/donhenderson57

Young "Old Souls"

An "old soul" is a soul that has traveled many past lives.

On my journey, I have met many children that are incredibly wise. They have experienced many challenges and circumstances.
A young "old soul", a child, can be distinguished by their eyes. In their depths you can see the roads that they have traveled and the emotions that pertain to them. A young "old soul" can be detected by their genuine thoughtfulness. A concern that only an experienced soul can convey. They are usually gifted in many areas and could perhaps be a prodigy in one. Young "old souls" love the earth and respect the animals, plants and life. They seek out new adventures and advocate the old ones.

Young "old souls" will be our future healers.

To learn more about young "old souls" please read the book -

Old Souls: Compelling Evidence from Children Who Remember Past Lives by Thomas Shroder

The Key to Nostalgic Studio

2008-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

This Winter Will Be Different

2008-12-08T04:54:00.001-08:00

This winter will be different.

I plan to make all of my presents for this holiday season. Something I have never done before. I usually go to the antique stores and find that vintage favorite. I love giving that perfect gift to someone I care about.

This winter will be different.

The handmade gifts will have my essence, my love. I can't think of a better gift to give.

I guess the circumstances in our economy are just right, because it allows me to see more clearly.

This winter will be different.

"The Journal" Newspaper's Article on Nostalgic Studio

2008-12-06T06:34:00.001-08:00

A nostalgic look at womanhood through art

By Tricia Lynn Strader — Weekeneder Staff Writer

POSTED: October 23, 2008

Email: "A nostalgic look at womanhood through art"
*To:		<--TO Email REQUIRED!
*From:		<--FROM Email REQUIRED!

BERKELEY SPRINGS - Artist Terah Ware of Nostalgic Studios lives for the future through the past.

Having a curiosity for art nouveau and the Edwardian Period as a school student, she found her calling as a mixed media artist showing not only the nostalgia but the strength of the people of the period, especially women. It was the inspiration for her collection called Forever Strong Womanhood. Her work is exhibited at the Ice House during this weekend's Berkeley Springs Studio Tour.

Ware likes to evoke an essence of familiarity, but also of mystery in her paintings of women from the historical time. She finds ideas in antique malls and simple things like art nouveau jewelry.

"I have always been into nostalgia," she says. When a high school art teacher into antiques spurred her interest in art nouveau, she began researching the time period when women were in a kind of transition in society and in their own being.

And, she says about that time "Titanic" came out, a movie she really likes. She felt a strong connection to those women.

"Women had it pretty tough then," Ware says. "Well, they had it tough in many periods; but in this time they had to show they were part of the society, doing what they had to do and still they were rebellious in many ways."

"Women wanted the vote," she says. "They wanted to wear pants. They had to fight for that. I found a book titled 'Women Who Wear Pants.' These women were doing men's jobs by day and wearing pants, but were back to being a woman at night. That was fascinating to me because it was a huge faux pas."

"I love old vintage art works," Ware says. "Art nouveau is a huge inspiration, and I love going to antique stores to get ideas. The craftsmanship was so much better. We were going into a period of mass production at the turn of the century, but we still wanted everything to look beautiful. Even a pair of scissors was beautiful, not plastic as today."

She's come on quite a journey from being a child who loved art class in school. Now she is an art teacher for Morgan County Schools, and creates original prints at Nostalgic Studios. She will also have giclee (pronounced jee-clay) prints of her original works for sale during the Studio Tour.

Her earliest memory of wanting to be an artist was at 4 or 5 years old. "My mom gave me different kinds of noodles, a piece of paper and glue. She said to go to town, to see what I could do with it. I did the same exact project with kindergartners at Paw Paw School. Those kids are incredible with their talent."

Her next major memory was in third grade, when she saw her rabbit drawing on the walls of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. "I'm from Hagerstown," she says. "When I was little, there were shows for the school system and they displayed at the museum. I remember my parents taking me to see it, and I had to stretch my neck up to see it. I thought it was a beautiful place to have it there and knew I wanted to have other work there some day. I've had work exhibited there seven times now."

She went on to work for the Arts Centre in Martinsburg and taught classes at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Children are an inspiration for Ware, and she has worked with kids at the Stonebridge group home as well as Boys and Girls Club as an art director.

During the Studio Tour, she will be demonstrating her technique of layering watercolor, pen and ink, or acrylic into her mixed media paintings. "There are different types of mixed media," Ware says. "Some use found objects. I call it fine art mixed media. I start with acrylic to do the background. I work in layers and choose pastel for the portrait, or main person. I render all my own work, drawing it out. I can go from pastel to pen and ink, or watercolor. Any media is possible. There are no boundaries."

Her work is made to look old, as if it was in the attic a long time. Sometimes she uses handmade papers or finds antique turn of the century newspapers.

Using pastels for the portrait, she says they are very translucent, allowing images from behind to come through. "Layering it brings the entire message out," she says.

Message is important to her. She believes that there is a time and place for everything, and that we are all connected to the past of our collective humanity, on several levels. Perhaps she can relate to the women of the Edwardian period, but she is curious about other periods also. She reenacts the Medieval time.

"It's fun to play dress up and get to be someone else," she says of going to an event called Pennsic in northeastern Pennsylvania. "The first time I went, I wanted to go so badly that I did not have the clothes. They wear Medieval clothes all weekend. People began saying to me, 'My lady, you are naked.' They fixed me up with the clothes right away. One of the items is the corset. And of course, the corset is a symbol in my art work. Women were restricted, had to conform, and the corset was confining."

She wants people to take something away from her work. "I want to celebrate the strengths of the women and how they overcame obstacles in history. They went through that so we could have better opportunities."

Currently, she is working on a new series on individuals who've had past lives called Old Souls.

- Staff writer Tricia Lynn Strader can be reached at

journal_reporter@juno.com.

Interview with FreshPeaches/Etsy

2008-12-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

Nostalgic Studio's shop showcases prints and originals of mixed media paintings of the "Forever Strong Womanhood" Series by Terah Ware. According to her artist statement... "Because of this turning point in my life as a stronger woman, I wanted to convey messages in my paintings to women by illustrating issues of control, strength and power. I chose the turn of the century, the Edwardian Era, as a backdrop for my paintings because the time period was filled with conformity. Much like my earlier acceptance of average circumstances, Edwardian women based their daily decisions by the influence of their society. In each painting, I incorporated a confident or submissive woman to represent their specific challenge or obstacle. We should appreciate their travels and congratulate the journey they conquered to reach today."

The shop also carries "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry line. All jewelry creations are a combination of vintage and modern findings.

Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
I began mixed media in college. I was working in an art store and had all mediums at my finger tips. I discovered by experimentation that I loved to layer images and textures on to illustration board. Because of my love for antiques, you will find textiles, old newspaper ads and handmade papers collaged in my paintings. The portraits in my paintings are strictly pastel on washes of acrylic. I love to render my own subject matter and leave the details collaged. In my interdisciplinary studio class in 2001, I was given the assignment to begin a series...that was when "Forever Strong Womanhood" was born. I just completed the series this year and archived the paintings by converting the originals to prints. My "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry Line actually began this year by the incorporating antique findings and new designs for necklaces and bracelets. I love to bring the "old" back to life. I find that the turn of the century created quality, detailed and functional art that have aged so wonderfully. Why not use those pieces in modern jewelry?

What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
The first thing that came to my mind...is dancing. I also love to do Medieval Reenacting. Art is great too.

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your shop?
I just started this shoppe, so I would have to say...getting the shoppe out there for the public to view.

What item in your shop would you most like to receive as a gift if someone were shopping for you?
From the "Forever Strong Womanhood" Series, I would choose, "The Figurehead" because of the content. I feel that breast cancer is a notable topic. My Great Grandmother had breast cancer during a time that could not provide the medical attention we have today. I wanted to paint an image that captured breast cancer patients as strong individuals that lead our men and women. I chose "the figurehead", a symbolic figure that was believed by the crew of the ship to sail them safely home.

From the "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry Line..."Autumn" Necklace, only because it is me!

When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
I remember in 2nd grade, I wanted to be a nurse. I know now that I just wanted to heal people... As an Art Teacher, I do that now in my classroom. Art is so therapeutic for children and it is away for them to build their self-esteem. I am fortunate to have the role to influence our youth in art.

What other shops out there do you love?
Gosh, there are so many...as you can see on my favorites. I will have to say that the shop that really influenced me to get started was DuttonArt. Dutton is a wonderful illustrator for kids. His professionalism and quality is apparent in packaging and advertising. Overall, he truly presents himself as genuine and that goes along way!

What does your future hold?
Hmmm...I can't wait to open my NEW shoppe, "The White Wardrobe"! This shoppe will be wonderful for people who love nostalgia. If you find yourself roaming antique stores and intrigued by the turn of the century...then you will love this shoppe. The clothing will be amazing and beautiful. Besides it gives me the opportunity to do what I love...educating people about the past for our future.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the shop will be listing the "Forever Strong Womanhood" Pendant Series that will include a free chain.

Also, 15% off of PRINTS! (Limited time only for the holidays.)

Visit www.nostalgicstudio.com for more from this exciting and empowering artist.

The Edwardian Collection

2008-11-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

"The Edwardian Collection"
presents

"Olivia" necklace

I have several collections of my jewelry on consignment at "The Purple Fern", located in Winchester, VA. I will be showcasing the collections on this blog throughout the next few weeks. If you have any questions regarding a piece of jewelry.

Please contact either Terah@NostalgicStudio.com
or
www.ThePurpleFern@yahoo.com

(540) 678-1006

You can find "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry at "The Purple Fern"!

2008-11-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

"The Goddess Collection"
presents

"Flora" necklace

I have several collections of my jewelry on consignment at "The Purple Fern", located in Winchester, VA. I will be showcasing the collections on this blog throughout the next few weeks. If you have any questions regarding a piece of jewelry.

Please contact either Terah@NostalgicStudio.com
or
www.ThePurpleFern@yahoo.com

(540) 678-1006

"An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry

2008-11-13T16:54:00.001-08:00

Introducing my new line of jewelry! "An Era's Ambiance" is a collection of jewelry that incorporates antique findings and beautiful gatherings from another time and era. Please take a look at this extradinary collection where the past meets today.

www.nostalgicstudio.etsy.com

Giclee' Prints and "An Era's Ambiance" Jewelry On Sale!

2008-11-08T02:41:00.000-08:00

The anticipating Giclee' Prints of "Forever Strong Womanhood" are now on sale!

Please take a moment to look at my new jewelry line, "An Era's Ambiance". Thanks Everyone!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
NostalgicStudio.etsy.com

Berkeley Springs WV Studio Tour

2008-10-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

I would like to thank everyone that stopped by the studio tour exhibit at the Ice House. I met many wonderful people that had genuine compliments for the "Forever Strong Womanhood" Series. I am grateful for the articles in the "Morgan Messenger" and "The Journal" newspapers that highlighted Nostalgic Studio. They were simply wonderful... Terah

My Son, Koen.

2008-10-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

For a short time in my life, I was touched. A touch that created a fastening for hope. My spirit no longer pondered on the existence of my challenged daydream.

My questions were answered.
Terah

Antique

2008-10-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Antique, vintage, aged, nostalgic. The smell of old books. The feeling of familiarity. Findings, treasures, lost, found. The photograph that was once remembered. Death, gravestone, marked, forget. Someone was buried there. Forgotten. Toys, belongings, clothes, gloves. No longer have their home but the owner's aura is left. Create with the sun that cascades upon the stained board. Will any one remember the oil that was left on the card from your fingerprints that held it so carefully? Cherished, sought out, found. I was yours to begin with. You were always mine. I love you, time.

Reunited

2008-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

This was a past journal entry on 5/23/01 that I wanted to share.

Today I had one of those days where someone comes into your life briefly and makes a difference. At work, we have a program that has a virtual gallery where customers can search for prints. A man came in with his daughter to use this program. (This man was very ill and was on a respirator.) I immediately started to help him with the computer. He pulled out his wallet and told me that this aged newspaper clipping was the only picture he had of a painting he was searching for. He told me the story of how the painting hung in his father's house and how it had significant value. He went into the service and when he came home his father had passed away and the cherished painting was sold off. The man said that he remembered the picture hanging since he was 10 years old. He sat down at the computer and with determination he went through 250 prints, but no luck. The man decided to leave and I volunteered to search the database for him. If any luck, I told him that I would contact him. About five minutes after he left, I sat down and plugged in "plow". (The painting was of a farmer plowing his field.) Sure enough, the painting was there and I became excited. I later called the man and spoke to his daughter and informed her about the great find. The man and daughter came in shortly with anticipation to see the long lost painting. I sat the man down and as I pulled the print up on the screen, he reached his hand out and said softly, "That's it." I watched his face and the expression seemed to fill with closure and he began to cry. I began to cry and my smile was large. As I got all of the info together to order the print, the man just sat at the computer screen and "remembered". He came over to the counter, and with tears, he grabbed my hand and squeezed it with what I thought to be a tissue. He told me how very happy he was and how much the print meant to him. With a hand on my hand, he placed $10 in my palm. "Oh no, I can't take this.", I said. With a nod, he thanked me again and walked out of the store with his daughter.

A couple of weeks later, he came back into the art store to frame the print of his long lost painting. He handed me a small folded piece of paper with a typed message. I later read it to myself.

Adults should seldom apologize for tears.
#1 There are so many reasons for crying.
#2 Then is possibly the only time OUR TRUE selves surface.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WE ALL wear the mask that grins and lies!

This message later influenced me for the painting, "Bravado", which is a more personal painting about myself. Also, during that time of my life, people that I loved and thought new took off their mask and revealed their dark side. The side that we want to protect and hide.

"Have you sold any?"

2008-09-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

I remember being in college and sitting in front of my peers during a critique. I told the class that I painted for myself. My teacher at that time told me to take my work, go in the closet and shut the door! She yelled, "Do you think that your responsibilities as being an artist is for yourself?!". Well, I was pretty mad and I could not fathom what she was about. Perhaps, a couple of years later, I began to understand what my teacher was implying.

I realized that I had the means to communicate to people by my visual images. That I did not have to speak or shout to get my ideas across.

I also remember to be very protective with my work. (Maybe I still am) I would tell people that they were like my babies and that I could not let them go. So, over time, I began to accumulate paintings under my bed, behind the couch and in the basement. I did not like that. I was hording them for what? I was a selfish artist that realized that there was more to art than painting for therapeutic relief.

Now, I am at a point in my fine art career that I have accepted the fact that selling prints of my work is okay. The "Art Gods or Police" will not shackle me and take me away for thinking of prospering from my artistic talents. Am I "selling out" for venturing into the market field of the art world? Some would think so... I still struggle with it.

Alright, so you know a little bit about my opinions on art. But what you don't know is that it saddens me when the first question a person will ask me is, "Have you sold any of your paintings?". They did not choose to ask about the meaning behind the paintings or the technique. I have come to the conclusion that our society believes that a successful artist sells there work. That perhaps money is the motive. I do not agree with that.

I believe that when my work goes into the hands of another, it was painted for them. I believe that the painting and the person already have a relationship or bond. For example, Dr. Davis purchased the painting, "Insight". Two years later did I have the honor to meet and discuss with her about "Insight". She went into great detail about how each symbolic reference paralleled her life. She also told me that the painting was hanging in her main office where many women pass through. A "Forever Strong Womanhood" painting hanging in a practice for women's health is not a coincidence.

That my friend is what art is all about...not... have you sold any lately?

Painting Naked

2008-09-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the scene from the movie, "The Notebook", when she was sitting nude on the porch painting to her hearts content? She was completely free of societies expectations, loyalty to what others thought she should be. She was being true to herself.

Sometimes the expectations that surround us are created by others. An environment that we perceive to be the only way to live. Could it be that we change with the times? We adapt to survive, sacrificing ourselves to fit in. Perhaps we create the expectations for ourselves? Limiting our full potential, but for what cost? Maybe we don't want to believe how powerful we truly are? The capabilities that we can muster... What would the world be like if we ALL were functioning to our highest potential at the same time. Just one word...divinity.

So...why mixed media?

2008-09-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

Mixed media is like my soul. It has layers upon layers of memories and experiences that solidify who I am today.

I worked in an art store for a couple of years and was introduced to many different mediums. I was in a candy store for artists. I also met a variety of artists that were considered traditionalists. They painted by the conformity of art books and what was safe. I knew that I did not fit that role.

I wanted to paint, to draw, to sketch, to glue, and perhaps fingerpaint. I did not want to limit myself to one medium. I felt that it was restricting my expression. Besides, once you begin to layer the different mediums on top of one another, that is when the beautiful story begins.

I love to see a layer bleed through the next. To entangle two opposite textures that unite in the end. I enjoy playing with color by conducting harmony for an emotion.

Mixed media allows me to be free to express. I cannot make a mistake. It is impossible. What freedom it brings when you do not have to worry about guidelines or rules. You make the rules.

Welcome to Nostalgic Studio's blog!

2008-09-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

I welcome you to visit Nostalgic Studio's blog for personal insight. You will find my thoughts and visions of this lifetime. -Terah